LUNCH with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace could be on the cards for a West Devon resident this spring. To celebrate the Queen?s 80th birthday, the palace is hosting a reception next April for specially chosen citizens who will also be 80 on the same day. Anyone who was born on April 21, 1926 can apply for an invitation to the special lunch. Simply contact the assistant clerk to the Lieutenancy of Devon at County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD, telephone 01392 383204. All applications must be returned to the Lieutenancy Office by Friday December 30, and should include a photocopy of the applicant?s birth certificate, so that eligibility can be verified. Invitations will be distributed on a pro rata basis between Lord Lieutenants? offices and ballots will be held locally, in order to achieve the fairest possible spread of invitations throughout the country.
