A husband and wife duo made MBEs for their services to charity and to the community in Norwich have looked back on a 'magical and lovely' day at Buckingham Palace with the Princess Royal.

David and Ruth Southgate of Reepham Road, Hellesdon, were nominated for the honour in March 2019 after a member of their orchestra suggested it to two of their four sons.

David and Ruth have dedicated more than 50 years of their lives to voluntary work, including founding Meadow Way Chapel in May 1971 and a 35-member orchestra.

Norwich Evening News: David and Ruth Southgate of Reepham Road, Hellesdon have been made MBEs for their services to charity and the community in NorwichDavid and Ruth Southgate of Reepham Road, Hellesdon have been made MBEs for their services to charity and the community in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

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They are known for their shop Cards n Things, also in Reepham Road, which is now run by their youngest son Paul and his wife Helen.

Ruth, 79, said the day she and her husband, who has just turned 82, received their medals from Princess Anne on March 3 is "a day we'll never forget".

Norwich Evening News: David and Ruth Southgate of Reepham Road, Hellesdon, are both made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace, and recognises services to charity and to the community in NorwichDavid and Ruth Southgate of Reepham Road, Hellesdon, are both made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace, and recognises services to charity and to the community in Norwich (Image: PA)

"We drove slowly down the Mall and waited outside the palace. We felt honoured as we went through the palace gates," she remembers.

"It was magical waiting in the palace rooms before we went in to see Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.

"Everyone was so kind to us.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich North MP Chloe Smith with the winner of the ‘Great Local Shop of the Year 2014’ competition Cards ‘n’ Things shop owner Paul Southgate who runs the business that his parents David and Ruth started over 25 years agoNorwich North MP Chloe Smith with the winner of the ‘Great Local Shop of the Year 2014’ competition Cards ‘n’ Things shop owner Paul Southgate who runs the business that his parents David and Ruth started over 25 years ago (Image: Simon Finlay)

"Our family was taken to the throne room before we were called in.

"We walked toward Her Royal Highness and she put our medals on.

"She remembered Norwich and was very interested in what we had achieved.

Norwich Evening News: David and Ruth Southgate have been pillars of the community for more than 50 yearsDavid and Ruth Southgate have been pillars of the community for more than 50 years (Image: Denise Bradley)

"She was just so friendly and relaxed. I couldn't speak more highly of her.

"We chatted a long while, she was really in no hurry.

"We thanked her for a lovely day and then she said 'we are here to thank you for all you have done'."

Norwich Evening News: David and Ruth Southgate of Reepham Road, Hellesdon, are both made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace, and recognises services to charity and to the community in NorwichDavid and Ruth Southgate of Reepham Road, Hellesdon, are both made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace, and recognises services to charity and to the community in Norwich (Image: PA)

The couple then moved out to the Quadrangle for portraits and an interview on their MBEs.

"Driving out, we felt like celebrities. We felt really welcomed. It was a surreal experience. 

"It's lovely to reminisce."

After the event the couple were surprised with an afternoon tea in London with four generations of their family.