President:  The Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate OBE LL.B (Hons)

NEWSLETTER
(Photographs courtesy of Mike Wedge)

24th April 2008

Our Foundation Meeting & Festival Dinner was held on Wednesday, 23rd April 2008 (St George’s Day), at 7.00 pm (Sherry Reception) for 7.30 pm (Dinner), in the Senate Suite, Durham Castle (University College), Palace Green, Durham City DH1 3RW. Dress was formal (black tie & miniatures). The Branch Foundation Certificate was presented by Mr R A Peedle MBE TD, Vice-Chairman of the Royal Society of St George.

A total of 36 guests attended including Branch members, their wives/husbands/friends, and non-members.  The principal guests of honour were our Patron HM Queen's representative, Sir Paul Nicholson, Lord Lieutenant for County Durham, and Lady Sarah Nicholson, also Mr R A Peedle MBE TD, Vice-chairman of The Royal Society of St George, and Mrs Maureen Peedle.  Our Branch President, Lord Brian Mackenzie OBE LL.B (Hons) was also in attendance.

The evening began with 'Grace' said by the Rev. John Lund, Vicar of St. Mary Magdalene Church, Hart, Co Durham.

After a superb 5 course dinner had been served, Lord Mackenzie proposed the 'Loyal Toast' to our Patron. 

Following a short break, Mr K W Jobson, Chairman, Northumbria Branch, The Royal Society of St George, addressed the distinguished gathering and welcomed them to the foundation meeting and festival dinner.  After reading a congratulatory letter on our Foundation received from HM Queen, Mr Jobson proposed a toast to 'The Royal Society of St George'. (Photograph top right)

Eight members of the drama and singing group 'Youth Connection', under the direction of Mrs Linda Watson, performed an excellent rendition of a medley of songs, to the enjoyment and applause of those present. (Photograph above left)

Mr Richard Turner, Branch Vice-Chairman, followed with a fine Reading of English Verse,

The Vice-Chairman of the Society, Mr R A Peedle, gave a very interesting presentation about the history of The Royal Society of St George and its function today.  Mr Peedle closed by presenting our Foundation Certificate to the Branch President, Lord Mackenzie (Photograph right). 

In response Mr Jobson thanked Mr Peedle for visiting us and presenting the foundation certificate.  Mr Jobson gave Mr Peedle a copy of the legendary tale of the 'Lambton Worm', a dragon slain in the Northumbria region by Lord John Lambton on his return home from the Crusades.

Mr Mike Wedge, Secretary, Northumbria Branch, in a short address reminded the assembled guests of those of our forebears who had 'fallen' in defence of our country.  He then proposed a Toast to 'Those Who had Died In Defence Of England'.

The Toast to 'England', this blessed plot, this realm, this England, this dear, dear land, was proposed by Lord Mackenzie, after saying a few words in his usual inimitable style (Photograph left).

Mr Turner then addressed the assembled guests and asked the members of the Royal Society of St George to be upstanding and toast 'The Guests'.  All members present rose and raised their glasses in honour of their distinguished guests.

The final address of the evening was made by Mr Alex Nelson, Branch Events Coordinator, who tendered the apologies of various members and non-members who were unable to attend, and proposed the toast to 'Absent Friends' (Photograph right).

Later Mr K W Jobson, Hon. Chairman, Northumbria Branch RSStG, Lord Mackenzie (seated), and Mr R A Peedle, Vice-Chairman RSStG, were snapped admiring the Foundation Certificate
(Photograph left).

A fine rendering of the national anthem 'God Save The Queen', led by Mr Alex Nelson and sang by all present, brought about the conclusion to an excellent evening considered by all to have been a resounding success.

Mr Jobson thanks Mr Peedle and all Officers and members of Northumbria Branch RSStG for their time and dedicated hard work in the planning and formation of Northumbria Branch RSStG, culminating in the presentation of our Foundation Certificate.  Our grateful thanks also go to the catering staff at University College, Durham Castle, for an excellent dinner and service throughout the evening.