On a sunny Sunday morning in June, 24 members (12 buddy pairs) of the Kingston Buddy Scheme gathered for our summer day out at Hampton Court Palace.
With thanks to the Community Access Scheme at Historic Royal Palaces who supplied tickets and a lunchroom, our group enjoyed a lovely day exploring the Palace and gardens.
Highlights included the King’s kitchens, the Real Tennis court, rides on the carriage pulled by the beautiful horses and the Whit Sunday service in the Chapel Royal, which Dan described as “a wonderful, unique experience made all the better by support and encouragement from those organising the service”.
Liza and Robert explored the Rose Garden and discovered that the rose is, at 35 million years old, the oldest living flower on earth. “You learn something new every day”, said Robert.
Sarah, who was on her first Buddy Scheme outing, said: “I enjoyed today so much, hanging out with my bud Karen, she is awesome, and I am so grateful. Also, we found the staff in King’s apartments just so helpful, kind and friendly to us, helping usher us through various corridors and special doors, really appreciated that”.
We look forward to our next group get together in the autumn.
The Kingston Buddy Scheme is a befriending service for adults with learning disabilities or autism. If you are interested in the service either as a user or volunteer (for whom training and expenses are provided), please click below.