"My years of working took me to many interesting and inspiring places, but nowhere more special than, not only one, but two meetings with the Queen herself," said Dorchester man, Richard Crail, 83, as he reflects on his past. 

Richard Crail moved to McCarthy Stone's Casterbridge Court development six weeks ago with his wife Margaret, 82, almost as soon as the new retirement development on London Road first opened its doors.

As the Queen's Platinum Jubilee approaches, Richard has been reminiscing on his life and career in health care, where he worked his way up the ranks to be chief executive at Kings College Hospital in London. It was here, 40 years ago, where Richard was lucky enough to spend the afternoon with Queen Elizabeth II.

He added: "The chairman at Kings College Hospital at the time was very influential and used to arrange for many special guests to visit the hospital, but when he mentioned the Queen was stopping by, I couldn't quite believe it – I just had to meet her.

"I remember it clear as day, the chairman had to leave briefly, so for some time it was just the Queen and I, and her staff, of course. I asked if she wanted to take a tour of the children's ward, and she took me up on the offer. 

"At one point I told her we need to go up in the lift, to which she replied, 'I hope it does not do the same as it did when my father was here' and laughed. I asked, 'what happened Ma'am?' and she said, 'the lift broke down!'

"We laughed together, and I realised just how easy she was to talk to – just like you or me.

"She was so lovely, very gracious, and easy to chat to you. I met her again a few years later at Buckingham Palace's garden party, and she hadn't changed a bit. I am extremely lucky to have met such a wonderful remarkable woman, not just once, but twice. I feel really grateful," says Richard.

Looking forward, Richard and Margaret are excited to celebrate the Queen's jubilee with their fellow others at Casterbridge Court, where the McCarthy Stone team is inviting local retirees to join them in a very special celebration that is truly "fit for the Queen".

Richard said: "For the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Margaret and I are looking forward to what the wonderful McCarthy Stone team has in store for us here at Casterbridge Court." 

Homeowners at Casterbridge Court will welcome local retirees and their friends and families to the development on Thursday, May 26 between 11am and 1pm for a range of traditionally British refreshments. Attendees will also be entertained with live music from Scarlett Swing, who will be performing swing music in the gardens.

Verity McKay, divisional marketing manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, said: "The Queen's Jubilee is truly a momentous occasion, and so we thought it was only fitting that we put on a special celebration so our homeowners, and the local community, can join in the celebrations.

"Like Richard, some of our homeowners remember the Queen's Coronation all those 70 years ago or have memories to share, so our event will be an opportunity for them to get together tell their stories and remember times gone by. We'd like to encourage anyone interested in attending to come to our development and help us celebrate the Queen and our British history – everyone is welcome."