Me and my daughters

It seems only yesterday that I received notification of my Honour but the day has arrived. As I previously mentioned I commissioned a 3 piece morning suit as I thought this would be most appropriate. It's not since my wedding day that I've had an opportunity to indulge myself this way - cobblers children!

Getting dressed was a real pleasure as I laid each item out in order - morning coat, check waistcoat, check etc...and was a very relaxing way to prepare for such an important occasion. As I got ready to leave I decide not to wear my fresh flower in my button hole as although the florist had done a great job it was probably more appropriate for a Vegas wedding!

My family arrived in our Mini to be ushered in by the security staff to the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace, where we were greeted by the household staff. Stepping up the stairs we were separated by a red rope, family to the left and recipients to the right.

I joined the other 92 recipients in one of the galleries that had a most splendid wall of art. Amongst the crowd I spoke with a garden designer, furniture restorer, soldier, priest and some guys known as Status Quo - a nice bunch of people. We were coached on etiquette (very "Carry On") in advance of receiving the investiture and led in groups of a dozen to meet our Queen.

Standing in line, a nice chap beside me said what we all felt... "Doesn't it make you proud to be British?". My name was called and I proceeded to the Dais where the queen and I engaged in polite conversation. She enquired about my business while presenting my MBE and congratulated me as I left to join my family. We left to sounds of the orchestra playing Somewhere Over The Rainbow to congregate in the quadrangle for photographs. As you will see we were all very proud to be British!

The MBE is a great honour, not only for me but my business and all who have been involved.

Thank you.

Email Tim: timsblog@timothyeverest.co.uk