A READING BUSES driver who has played an important role in the pandemic, says he is honoured to have met the royal family.
Peter Ashford, 59, of Colnbrook was one of 20 key workers invited to Windsor Castle for the thank you in the presence of the Queen last week.
During the hour-long stay he talked to Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Anne, in what he described as a “moment I will never forget”.
He was the only bus driver in the group and has worked throughout the pandemic — which particularly interested Prince Charles.
“He was very knowledgeable,” says Peter. “He knew of the buses through Windsor and had heard of Thames Valley as well as Reading Buses.
“The Royal Family were very praiseworthy of key workers and it was a fantastic afternoon. They put you at ease very quickly.”
He says the Queen was on the steps of Windsor Castle while the Salvation Army played carols.
“I am so proud to have been nominated as the person to represent Thames Valley and Reading Buses at the ceremony,” adds Peter. “It was a real honour.”
He drives for Thames Valley Buses, part of the Reading Buses family and works on the Green Line 703 route from Bracknell to Heathrow; the no.2 from Dedworth to Slough; 10 and 10a Slough, Dedworth, Heathrow; the no.5 from Cippenham to Slough.
His role during the lockdown was to transport key workers between the hospitals and Heathrow.
