Summer 2025

I hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer and making the most of the (mostly) nice weather.

Since my last report in the Spring, we’ve held our annual Cadet Parade and Wreath Laying ceremony. As in previous years it was a very special and poignant occasion. Whilst we remembered all those from England and around the Commonwealth who made the ultimate sacrifice, so we could enjoy the freedoms we do today, it was also fantastic to see so many cadet units representing the Armed Forces and for the first time the Police Cadets, who all march so proudly past the Cenotaph. I then had the honour to once again lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. It’s always a very special occasion. We are very grateful to all those who helped in the organisation of the event and on the day to make it such a special occasion.

At the recent Council Meeting of the Society, held in the Houses of Parliament, with the kind help of Mr Andrew Rosindell MP and his team, I was honoured to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, along with Cdr James Nisbet VR to reaffirm our commitment to the Armed Forces. The meeting itself was very constructive, and the Council continues to work very hard to improve and build the Society to make it stronger and keep it relevant, whilst keeping to our founding principles as well as aligned to the objectives set out in the Royal Charter. We also agreed a clear strategy and new Council structure, to help us focus on our key priorities, so that we have clear continuity as we move forward.

Whilst I know that some of our branches have been struggling to find people to step-up and keep them going, which is disappointing, it is good to see others thriving and even some potential new ones around the world looking to start-up.

We have a number of branches in Canada and as such and in-line with our Royal Charter objectives, I should also say to our friends there that we stand full-square behind you in your demands to be remain a free and independent nation, within the Commonwealth family of nations. Our shared Head of State certainly believes this.

The 12^th July marked the 1,098^th anniversary of the recognition of England, more or less in its present form, when King Athelstan was proclaimed the King of the English in 927. The Society, through the Birth of England Project, are planning a series of events to commemorate the 1,100^th anniversary in 2027. Watch out for more details.

We will be holding our annual Battle of Britain Lunch on Friday 12^th September at the RAF Club. Our guest speaker is our own Vice President, ACM Sir Stephen Dalton GCB. The next day (Saturday 13^th September) we will hold our AGM at the Honourable Artillery Company from 11:00am. More information and booking details are included in the Summer edition of the Journal and on the web site. If you need any more information on any of these, please contact Liz in the office.

At the AGM, I will be stepping down as Chairman, having served my three years in the post and I look forward to supporting the new Chairman, Dr. Chris Houghton (subject to election!) as he takes on this very special and significant role. It has certainly been a great honour to have been your Chairman, and I have enjoyed the opportunities and experiences that have come with the role and meeting many of you.

Over the last three years I have tried to stand up for and wherever possible advance the Society’s agenda to remember and celebrate our great history, traditions, ideals and values. For such a small nation to have - and to continue to have - the positive impact we have had on the world, is certainly something to celebrate, and never forget. We are challenged on many fronts, from extreme nationalists who misuse our flag and shame our reputation, to the other extremes who want to marginalise England, our place in the world and all we stand for. If we don’t remember and celebrate our achievements the ideas, inventions, advances and sacrifices of past generations will be lost. 

One of my key messages has been to remind people that we are a Patriotic Society, where patriotism is an inclusive and positive force for good and not the narrow-minded exclusive nationalist view. I hope that is having and will continue to have some resonance.

Certainly one of the highlights of my time as Chairman was His Majesty’s agreement to take on the role of Patron of the Society. Every monarch since Queen Victoria has been our patron - something we all immensely proud of and something we need to ensure continues. Royal patronage certainly helps us as a Society as a serious force for the common good and common sense - in the same way that the monarchy is a force of overwhelming good and stability in this world.

Finally, I would most sincerely like to thank Liz and Chantzi in the office, the Council members, all the branch officers and particularly you, the members, for what you all do for the Society and the support you have given me over the last three years. I wish Chris every success in the role, when the time comes.

Cry God for Harry (and Charles), England and St George.

God save the King!

Nick

Nick Dutt

Chairman