Spring 2025

I know we are all looking forward to some warmer weather after such a cold and wet start to the year. I also know many of the branches have got exciting programmes of events lined up for this year.

As a Society, we have one of our main events planned for 26th April - our annual Wreath Laying and Cadet Parade at the Cenotaph, followed by a wreath laying at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. This is a really special event for the Society and one I hope to see many of you at. Last year the event was covered by GB News, which certainly helped raise our profile. A full list of our events is shown elsewhere in this magazine and on the web site.

Of course, just prior to this we will be celebrating St. George’s Day. Don’t let the nay sayers get you down with their regular comments about him not being English and never setting foot in this country. Yes, he was born in Cappadocia (modern day Turkey) and was martyred on April 23rd 303, and he’s also the patron saint of a number of other countries as well as several other regions, cities, universities, professions, and organisations, but that should never detract us from celebrating his memory and what he represents to us: courage, valour and chivalry. In circa 1350, Edward III made him the Patron Saint of England and formed the Order of the Garter which used the St George Cross on its badge, for those very values. Ones that are just as important now as they were then.

England’s legacy is unique, and uniquely important in the world. English ideas about the arts, culture, economics, law, the natural world, politics, religion, science and society effectively made the modern world – and changed human history for the better. So wave those flags and celebrate this St. George’s Day with pride.

There are a number of key dates to be remembered and celebrated this year, including the 80th anniversaries of both VE Day and VJ Day, the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and the 200th anniversary of British Railways.

We are clearly living in challenging times, with many threats to our way of life - both from external players as well as internal extremist groups, who seem to want to do everything to diminish our history, who we are and what we represent. Governments of all colours have over many years diminished our Armed Forces, failing in my mind in their prime duty to defend our country, it’s people and our way of life. We live in hope that they will see sense before it’s too late and we will do our best to keep reminding them of what is right!

As a Society we are looking at our future strategy so that we can have a voice and make a real difference.

• Most importantly, we must protect the Society that we have built over 130 years. We have a Royal Charter; a new Patron and we have a great deal to be proud of. We must value it and build in robustness for the future, both in the Central Office and in each of the branches. 
• Key to this is the requirement to refresh our membership, keep the Society relevant and grow.
• Perhaps the greatest impact that the Society can have, both in our branches and as individuals, is the influence that we can have by spreading our values and sense of common good in our Society.

We will provide more detail on what this means and how we plan to address these challenges in due course, but what is clear is that we need to evolve with the times, but without losing sight of our core values and purpose.

The Society has prepared a presentation about who we are and what we do for branches and members to use if they are asked to talk to any external parties about the Society. Please contact Liz in the Central Office if you want a copy.

England is a great country, with much to be proud of. Let’s all remember that and celebrate it….and spread the word amongst your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to join our Society to help strengthen our influence to be able to make a difference. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members, branch officers, Council members and staff of the Society who help make this the premier English Patriotic Society!

I wish you all a very Happy St. George’s Day, and paraphrasing Shakespeare slightly, “Cry God for Charles, England and St. George!”

Nick

Nick Dutt

Chairman