'Veterans should be supported everyday, not just once a year' - Salopians who have 'gone above and beyond' celebrated at garden party

The last garden party was last held in 2022 to celebrate those unsung heroes who made a difference to their communities throughout the pandemic.

In November last year, town and parish councils were invited by the Lord-Lieutenant to nominate someone who has "truly gone above and beyond" for their local area.

Over the next few months, nominations were lodged and letters dispatched, cordially inviting guests to the grounds of the Grade II-listed country home for a garden party in the style of Buckingham Palace.

And on Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of valued volunteers, business owners and community figures donned their finest dresses, suits and hats so they could be honoured for their contribution to their communities.

"You make such a difference to our community," said Mrs Turner, welcoming the guests in the spring sunshine.

"My deputies and the local councils have been looking for people like you. And you are those special, chosen people.

"This is just a smidgen of recognition for all that you do."

Most of the guests expressed great surprise at receiving their invite, having had no idea that they'd been nominated.

Attendees included members of local history and in-bloom societies, school governors, organisers of events to support the elderly or disabled, fundraisers and all-round community stalwarts.

One of the youngest guests in attendance was 11-year-old Ruby Sheffield from Shrewsbury.

Just that morning, Ruby had been in school but by 2.30pm, she was rubbing shoulders with the great and good of Shropshire.

Inspired by her father’s eight-year service in the British Army’s Royal Logistics Corps, Ruby began making cards and crafts to fundraise for the Royal British Legion at just four years old.

In the last two years, the youngster has raised over £11,121 for the charity and was last year among the youngest attendees to join military veterans and service personnel to launch the Poppy Appeal in London. 

"Veterans should be supported every day, not just once a year," the 11-year-old proudly said, sporting her special silver Blue Peter badge to the prestigious event. 

Like most of the others in attendance, Ruby said the invite was "a complete shock".

Joining Ruby were her parents, Daniel and Ellie Sheffield, who said they were "immensely" proud of their daughter.

Among the esteemed guests were pub landlords, Denzil and Gina Martin. The pair have run the Unicorn in Little Dawley since August 2023.

In the last 20 months, fundraising at the pub has raised around £28,000 for local and national charities.

Winners of the monthly pub quiz get to select a charity that that month's events will raise money for.

In the last two years, causes have included Mind, Samaritans and Wellington-based sexual abuse charity, Axis.

"It's the community that's raised it, not us," said Denzil. "People say we made it happen, but it's the community that has done amazingly."