Autumn/Winter 2024

Welcome to the Autumn/Winter update report.

It’s certainly been a busy few months, with the wonderful 130^th Anniversary Banquet at Stationers’ Hall in July, then the AGM and the Battle of Britian commemorations in September. Many of the branches also held Trafalgar Lunches and Dinners and are now in the throes of holding their Christmas events.  There does seem to be a strong desire to hold another Society summer event next year, so we’ll start looking at the options shortly. 

There have been a number of commemorations over the last few months. D-Day 80 and the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Next year will be the 80th anniversary of both VE-Day and VJ-Day. These all exemplify our great history - when we stood alone at times, facing the might of the German and Axis forces, in which so many brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice, and delivered a great victory - one that must not be cancelled, hidden, or forgotten. One that should be celebrated and remembered. A history that has been instrumental in stopping trans-Atlantic slavery, defeating fascism, challenging communism and standing up to tyrants.

As always, we do need to differentiate between patriotism vs nationalism. The inclusiveness of patriotism vs the exclusiveness of extreme nationalism. We are a proud nation that have had a major impact on the modern world, still punching well above our weight. We need to remember and maintain that and continue to make a positive impact on world as well as the freedoms that we enjoy today … and not be afraid to challenge those that try to dismiss everything we stand for.

Our Royal Charter clearly states that we should “combat all activities likely to undermine the strength of England or the Commonwealth” therefore it is our duty to stand up against the thugs on the one hand who seek to disrespect our flag and the other hand, those who are embarrassed by everything we stand for - our history, traditions, ideals and values. Our sense of fair play, tolerance, honesty, integrity and a pride in our nation, democracy and the monarchy. 

How can we build a positive future, when so many undermine our very foundations.

GB News has supported us recently with filming the cenotaph parade, interviews and articles on the Society, which has been great and led to a small boost in membership.

The St George’s Cross has, in one form or another, been our flag for nearly 1,000 years - we shall not let a few thugs steal it from us.

 Let me be very clear we have and we will continue to stand up for what we believe and do the right thing by challenging wherever we can, those that seek to undermine what we stand for.

I was very honoured to be re-elected Chairman of the Society for another year at the AGM in September. I was also really pleased that the Council has been joined by two overseas members, Mark Lanyon who coordinates with our US and a Canadian branch and other associated groups, and Andrew Simpkin, from our Paris branch. It will be good to have international input into our discussions.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and healthy and prosperous New Year.

Thank you. 

God save the King!

Nick

Nick Dutt

Chairman