People from across the country have been revealing tales of when they met the Queen following her death last Thursday at the age of 96.
It’s been estimated that nine tenths of the population can remember only the one monarch and many have personal stories to relate.
Neil Marston, the Cumbria RU county chairman, was a paramedic based at Brough for 15 years and in1999 was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the contribution of the Emergency Services in the UK.
He recalls: “I was fortunate to attend the palace following my actions as a paramedic in the Mallerstang train crash and it was a reception for emergency personnel.
“She chatted openly with my colleagues and I and encouraged us to sample the malt whisky was readily available.
“I shook hands and charred for about three to four minutes. She asked where we were from and when we said Cumbria she commented about the narrow country roads and how difficult it must have been driving ambulances down them.
“She said she was familiar with Cumbria through attending horse trials with Prince Philip. I remember as if it was yesterday as it was a day I shall never forget. She was a wonderful lady.”
Did you meet the Queen? We’d love to hear from you and publish your recollections – email nicoler@barrnonmedia.com