Well of course everyone is entitled to their views. Personally I think that this function is a waste of time and public money. I would go no further than my front gate to see royalty.
Look at the cuts taking place with benefits and with the disabled. The royals live in a totally different world from the rest of us. Could they live on £70 per week, perhaps less? No they live in a world of milk and honey.
Melvyn and Stan Rudge have completed a great job of raising money for the British Legion. It's people like this who are a big asset for fund-raising activities.
Finally, when you are involved in charity work, people should be doing it purely for the love of it. You don't need to be a 'goody two shoes' looking for the MBE or any other honour. No, you do it for a good cause. Personally I would never accept any awards, in other words you keep a low profile and just get on with it.
George Jones
Cinderford