Wednesday, 8th May, saw Stone Food & Drink Festival Chairman Richard Stevens and his wife Janet head to London – by Royal appointment!
Earlier this year – and much to his surprise -Richard found himself one of a select group invited to attend one of the famous summer Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace by His Majesty The King.
He had been nominated in recognition of the tireless work he puts into supporting Stone and its local businesses – not only in heading up the festival volunteer team for almost 20 years but for his roles in helping organise the monthly Farmers’ Market; heading up the former committee for the popular Stone Town Bonfire event and working alongside Stone Traders’ Group and other local organisations to arrange countless events to help bring visitors into Stone and promote it and Staffordshire as a foodie destination to be proud of. Richard says:
“The invitation really was the last thing I expected when opening my mail one February morning, but I am truly humbled and would like to say a huge thank you to whoever it was who nominated me.
We had a magical afternoon, and it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now time to get back to the serious business of organising this year’s festival, which is closer than you’d think, as well as the first of this year’s Stone Sunday Series and Street Food events!”
