College manager savours day at the palace

A manager at Derby College Group, who is playing a key role in a tree-planting scheme launched by the Queen, has spoken of his delight after attending the first Royal Garden Party staged by King Charles III.

Jon Collins, head of land-based studies at the college, was among a select number of people who were invited to Buckingham Palace for the event, which was attended by the King and Queen, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Mr Collins was nominated for the invitation by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill, in recognition of his services to the local community.

Mr Collins has been instrumental in the development of Little Park Wood, situated in the grounds of the college’s Broomfield Hall campus in Morley.

Mr Collins said: “It was such a lovely event, and I am so very proud to have been a guest of honour at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

“This was a wonderful and unique opportunity, and I especially enjoyed the Palace Gardens.”