Tuesday Topic: Secretary Ruth Loft was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace. This is her diary leading up to the occasion

Invitation arrived. "The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by Her Majesty to invite Mr and Mrs Laurence Loft to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, July 17, from 4pm to 6pm."

No doubt about what to wear. The invitation stated: "Day dress with hat or uniform (no medals)."

Just as well, I've only got some medals for ballroom dancing. The invitation went on: "Gloves are optional but trousers should NOT be worn."

Starting to worry about what to wear. Plan A: got a posh frock from the wardrobe but couldn't get in it. Made a mental note: gym/ toning tables / lose weight - but in four weeks? Plan B: Definitely can't lose weight in time. New frock required.

Toning tables. Weighed in at - oops! Are the scales wrong?

Line-dancing class. Don't think I've lost weight here but it should have improved my stamina.

Two problems revealed in assessment at gym - weight and fat. Watched an aromatherapy massage. Felt better but jealous at slim model. More determined to shed fat.

Letter arrived from Duchy of Lancaster office inviting us to lunch at the Army and Navy Club before walking to Palace at 3pm. List of guests (25) includes High Sheriffs, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, justice clerks, magistrates, a vicar and, of course, wives. Wonder what they will all be wearing? Tour of dress shops. Spent most of afternoon in one shop. Tried on beautiful pink outfit but could not fasten top - arms too fat. Almost decided on a trendy little dress with matching hat but mum shook her head and said: "Not for Buckingham Palace." It was perhaps a bit "mutton dressed as lamb."

Running out of time to find posh outfit! Recommended Designer Only shop in Whalley and found the perfect outfit. I knew it was right straight away. A three-piece turquoise suit with long swirly skirt and matching hat - brilliant! Mum was pleased, too. "That's the one," she said.

Neighbour's party. Couldn't resist the profiteroles. Luckily the posh skirt has an elasticated waistband.

Toning tables - improvement on scales.

Shared a nice low-calorie meal but indulged in small cream cake afterwards.

Had some bad news. My local fish and chip shop is closed until further notice. I couldn't believe it. It's the only treat I'm allowing myself.

Decided my navy bag and gloves will match outfit but need shoes. Hate shoe shopping. Tried one shop and found a pair at Clarks. It's usually Tommy Ball's.

Contemplating whether to take an umbrella or not. Rejected telescopic tartan one. Weather forecast "dry" so will risk it. Improvement on scales.

Hair by Janice. Final touches before the great day (wish I could take Janice with me). Decided against pampering at beauty parlour until after rejuvenation at gym.

Set off for London six pounds lighter, having reached goal. Very excited. Arrived at the hotel in Covent Garden to find it was overbooked. Upgraded to a Leicester Square hotel.

A naughty breakfast is OK on holiday. Got drizzled on watching the Changing Of The Guard. Changed into my finery at noon. The hotel's restaurant manager was very complimentary. The outfit must be right. No hitches today.

Spoke too soon . . . taxi driver got lost en-route to the Army and Navy Club. When we did arrive he didn't charge us. We had a delicious lunch of salmon and lamb. An 87-year-old man had to go to Moss Bros in the middle of the lunch because his trouser zip bust.

The elegant party walked down to Buckingham Palace. The Queen, Prince Philip, Duke of York, Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra delighted the 4,000-strong crowd. Her Majesty looked radiant in a white coat and royal blue hat with white feathers. She looked as though she really enjoyed her garden parties. She was so interested in people and laughing all the time.

There was a sea of military uniforms, national dress and designer outfits. The bands played, people toured the gardens, sipped tea and nibbled on tiny sandwiches, strawberry tarts and crumpets in the marquee. We had tea with the Canadian national commissioner for Scouts and actually saw our neighbours from Blackburn. I really couldn't believe I was there. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Home again, with wonderful memories of a fabulous day. Back down to earth. I wonder if our chippy is back in business?

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.