On Wednesday 6th May, five Abbeyfield representatives attended a special Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
The event had been arranged to celebrate the commitment of frontline workers whose contributions often go unseen.
The King has been a patron of Abbeyfield since 1979 and has long supported the work of the organisation and its founder, Richard Carr-Gomm OBE.
As Abbeyfield celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, they continue to champion Carr-Gomm’s founding values of care, compassion and community.
Attending the event from Abbeyfield were: Fiona Downs, Registered Manager at Grove House care home in Ilkley; Carole Rodwell, Chair of the Abbeyfield Yarmouth Society; Wendy Stallwood, Registered Manager of Bradbury House care home in Beaconsfield; Dhanif Paramban, Sheltered Housing Manager at Riverhill sheltered housing scheme in Corbridge, Northumberland; and Lesley Costello, Care Home Manager at Phil Mead House in Coventry.
The attendees gave enthusiastic accounts of their time at the event and it seems a good time was had by all.
Carole Rodwell from Abbeyfield Yarmouth Society recounted,
"The Royal party left the main guests, walked through the cordoned-off area, and made their way to the tea tent. The King entered with a wave and a hello [saying] 'Everybody, excuse me while I get a cup of tea.' With a cup of tea in hand, he then came over in my direction. reached out his hand and said, 'Welcome, nice to meet you' I dipped a curtsy and shook hands with the King; he was so natural. He spotted the Abbeyfield badge on my lapel, and said 'Oh, a wonderful organisation. I have been with them for 45 years, as you know, as the Patron. They do some amazing work'...It was a day certainly to be remembered"
Read more news and articles from Abbeyfield
09/10/2026
Going the distance for our residents
Staff members Bobbie, Iris, Pam and Shirley at the Abbeyfield Canvey Island Society have completed a half marathon (13.1 miles) to raise funds for their Residents' social fund, on the 6th of October 2026. Dressed in tutus and bunny ears, these dedicated staff members took on this challenge to advocate against the issue of loneliness among older people.
Read More
01/10/2026
Celebrating the International Day of Older People!
Celebrating the United Nations' International Day of Older Persons, this 1st of October and exploring what this day means to Abbeyfield England.
Read More
22/09/2026
Super Sarah goes the distance
Sarah Hutchinson, Regional Operations Manager at Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), took on The Wall on 13-14 June, running an incredible 70 miles along Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle to Newcastle.
Read More