A HARDWORKING and popular Berkeley caretaker has been offered the chance to attend a Buckingham Palace garden party.

Brian Webb, aged 87, is a familiar face in the area and has been working at Berkeley Town Council for 16 years since September 2006. 

He is planning to retire later this Spring and has now been nominated by his colleagues to attend the royal event in May this year. 

He will represent the local councils of Gloucestershire after being nominated by Berkeley Town Council and Gloucestershire Association of Parish and Town Councils.

A spokesperson from Berkeley Town Council said: “Brian has been caretaker at Berkeley Town Council since September 2006, and is finally retiring in the Spring.

“He is a truly lovely gentleman and is only retiring because he and his wife are moving back to Bristol to be near their family.  

“Brian works tirelessly to maintain all our council owned open spaces and buildings. 

“He goes beyond his duties to ensure the public areas are well maintained to a very high standard, showing the council's commitment to the community and visitors to our town.  

“Brian can be seen out and about in Berkeley, chatting to the public whilst he goes about his daily jobs and is always happy to chat about any items of concern.

Gazette Series: Berkeley caretaker Brian Webb and his wife Elaine Berkeley caretaker Brian Webb and his wife Elaine (Image: Berkeley Town Council)

“His ability to prioritise workload, work independently and his ‘can do’ attitude to respond to unexpected events has been invaluable to the council.

“We will miss Brian very much and are absolutely delighted to be able to offer him and his wife Elaine the opportunity to attend the Royal Garden Party in May.

“To say that they are delighted is an understatement!”

The spokesperson added: “Brian's early career was in chemical engineering and he later went onto work for aerospace company BAE Systems. 

“Brian enjoys being outdoors and his current hobbies include being a member of the U3A and enjoying holidays with his family.”

Traditionally in the summer, the Sovereign hosts three garden parties at Buckingham Palace, and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.

Over the course of each year, over 30,000 guests are invited to spend a relaxed summer afternoon in the beautiful gardens of Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyroodhouse.