USA Branches
Atlanta - Currently in formation.
Contacts for more information:-
Robert Soderstrom - email: grandprior@stgeorgeamericas.org
Randy Potts - Provisional Secretary - email: rssgatlsecretary@gmail.com
California Branch
The Royal Society of St. George
1775 East Palm Canyon Drive
Suite 110-146
Palm Springs
California 92264
Telephone: +760-481-9773
Email: info@RSSGCA.org
OFFICERS | stgeorge (royalsocietysaintgeorge.com)
Honorable Chairman
Ratu Muda Princess Karen Cantrell
Honorable Deputy Chairman
Sandro Monetti
President
Ahmed Fathi
Vice President
Temukung Baroness Miranda Kramer
Secretary, Treasurer, and Advisory Council Member
Sir Joseph Gilbert Luna
Advisor to the Chairman
Roccie Hill
Head of Protocol
Anton Lutter
Advisory Council Director
Dr. Craig Paterson
Genealogist
Tina Sansone and Rocci Hill
Events Director
Vacant
Membership Director
Vacant
Historian
Zackery Hopkins
Chaplain
Ralph Jarrells
Liaison to The United Nations and the New York Society of St. George
Baroness Olga Papkovitch
Honorary Board of Trustees
His Imperial Highness Prince Ermais Sahle - Selassie Haile Selassie
Mr. Matt Goss
Mr. Sandro Monetti
Mr. Chaker Khazaal
Mr. Ahmed Fathi
Dr John F Mueller
Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram
Aide de Camp to the President
Christopher Loverro
Aide de Camp to the Chairman
Christopher Hulbert
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF SAINT GEORGE CALIFORNIA BRANCH
General Guidelines and Code of Conduct
Please Contribute Actively in Discussions:
All members are expected to participate in actively promoting the values of The Royal Society of Saint George and to attend key events throughout each year in support of our organization. We have several Social Media outreaches and we would like to see our membership body actively participating and this noble organization.
Respect all members, officers, trustee's of RSSG-CA.
You may not unduly argue with any Officers, Board of Directors, and/or Trustees either publicly or privately. Belittling, berating, and otherwise hostile treatment or disrespect of any of our reputable and stellar members.
Those who show a pattern of misconduct on other groups and Societies will not be met kindly here. All members of Royal Society of Saint George- California Branch are expected to be mature and responsible outside of our membership Society. We are a well-respected and deferential organization. We have an upstanding reputation both amongst our peers worldwide and on State of California communities in general. Any actions outside of our network that degrade the integrity of this Society Chapter will not be accepted, nor tolerated.
All membership levels, including honorary and lifetime membership to The Royal Society of Saint George - California Branch are subject to same code of Ethics that guides the Royal Society of Saint George Foundation in England. Members who are suspended or banned due to guideline violations will be expelled without legal right, recourse, ramification, or refund when such violations have been founded.
The Royal Society of Saint George- California Branch also reserves the right to suspend, ban or expel any membership level individual at its discretion for violations by either themselves, a spouse, family member or other direct associate they have brought into contact with The Royal Society of Saint George when such individuals show clear intent to cause disruption, harm or other ill will to the organization as a whole.
Uphold your position of a member in good standing at all times: A member in good standing refers to an individual who has fulfilled all obligations required by the organization. This includes paying all debts on time and when due. These obligations include dues, fee's, assessments or other financial commitments such as verbal or written pledges, verbal or signed agreements for repayment of monies owed, payment for silent auction items, sponsorships and other responsibilities.
Being in good standing is a prerequisite for enjoying the benefits of membership which may include the ability to participate in exclusive events, having access to exclusive content such as private social boards, groups, meetings, voting on important decisions and the ability to receive discounts and other promotions reserved for active members in good standing.
Essential Communication: Maintaining contact and communication with superior officers is a must. As an active member you are required to respond to all inquiries in a timely manner. In our modern day society, we all have the convenience of smart devices for phone calls, emails and texting thus prohibiting any reason to not be in contact with your membership leaders. Failure to communicate may lead to further review of your standing.
Consequences of losing your Good Standing Status: Not maintaining membership in good standing can have serious consequences. You may lose your ability to participate in functions, networking opportunities, programs, activities, committee's, chairs or boards and even risk suspension or complete expulsion. It is essential to understand what could be at risk if your status is compromised.
No Individual or member may act independently as an official spokesperson: Representation of The Royal Society of Saint George will always be provided by our leadership team as a whole and with full knowledge of our Board of Directors. Some Official members and officers may occasionally be directed or appointed in writing at the express request of the Higher Officers and Trustees exclusively, but only for the task at hand. Most public relations activities will be handled exclusively by the Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Anyone caught misrepresenting themselves, or their association with Royal Society of Saint George- California Branch is subject to immediate removal, and possible legal action, with absolutely no possibility of returning to the Society.
Self promotion is not allowed: Members of The Royal Society of Saint George- California Branch may not act independently either within our organization or outside of our organization to contact other Groups, Society's, Houses, Kingdoms of Chiefdom's for the purpose of obtaining self recognition's, accolades or any other document for position or hierarchy.
Public events related to the Royal Society Of Saint George:
If any member is found in violation of these guidelines (This includes honorary members) at an event related to our Royal Society Chapter, they are subject to review, possible suspension, or removal. If an event is held without our knowledge or permission, and we are misrepresented in any way, the person responsible is subject to possible removal from the Society followed by legal action. Policy in the event of an Event Termination - No Refunds - As The Royal Society of Saint George California Chapter operates under the auspices of The Saint Lazarus Relief Fund (a Legal and Registered 501-c3)
We do not tolerate Spam of any Kind: Members of The Royal Society of Saint George are prohibited from personally using or providing access of our memberships databases, emails, telephone numbers for phone calls or texting, addresses and or other personal information to any person including friends, family members or other organization under any circumstances for the purpose of self promotion or gain, solicitation or to attempt any acts of malfeasance.
Royal Society of Saint George Logos and graphics are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without express written permission from both the California Chapter Chairman and by the Saint George Official Office in England.
Officers and other directors are available by appointment only: To request an appointment, please submit your request by direct email to Karen Cantrell: ratumudaprincess (at) gmail.com and we will respond as soon as possible.
Unforeseeable venue changes, event cancellations or delays: The Royal Society of Saint George- California Branch is not responsible for any circumstance arising from any situation beyond our control which may also be described as an Act of God. Such situations could include but are not limited to event postponements, rescheduling or cancellations. An act of God describes an event outside of human control or activity, such as a natural disaster like a flood, fire, pandemic, or earthquake. In business, the phrase “Act of God” is not associated with any particular religion or belief system. Contractual language referring to acts of God is known as force majeure clauses, which are often used by insurance companies. These clauses typically limit or remove liability for injuries, damages, and losses caused by acts of God. What is considered to be an act of God varies across the country. It includes, "any other event beyond the reasonable control of a party.”
PLEASE CONDUCT YOURSELF WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF HONOR, Integrity, and Dignity within the Royal Society of Saint George- California Branch. The following behaviors are examples of what may be considered inappropriate:
- WHINING: We are here to help and support each other. However, excessive pity-seeking is unhealthy and distracting to others. Respect members of the Community, and yourself, by keeping this kind of behavior in check.
- BOASTING: Making statements in order make yourself look important, unique, or exceptionally qualified is considered boasting, whether regarding your person or earthly credentials. When interacting on a serious topic, please do so respectfully and soberly.
- TROLLING: Any member suspected of having joined the Royal Society of Saint George- California Branch with the purpose of directing our members to other societies, orders and groups will be suspended pending an investigation. If trolling is proven, that member will be removed.
- HOSTILITY TOWARD OTHERS: Everyone has the divine right to believe what they wish. When you share ideas, please do so kindly, and with respect for others.
- FLIRTING, PROFANITY, OR PORNOGRAPHY: We believe in and encourage, artistic license, but please keep your language and content clean and courteous to others. You will receive a request to stop immediately if you’re going too far. Indecency will not be tolerated
- GRILLING OR MOCKERY: Each’s ideas and beliefs are subjective. Everyone has the divine right to believe what they wish. When you share ideas, please do so kindly, and with respect for others.
- BEING OVERLY SUGGESTIVE OR CRUDE: Casual flirting and clean jokes may be tolerated by some however at times there may be others who find these things offensive. Please keep it clean. Anything else will warrant a warning notification, and you will be asked to discontinue the offensive behavior immediately.
- HARASSMENT, threats of bullying, and discriminatory behaviors will not be tolerated. In all areas, we expect you to be courteous and respectful. Name calling, finger-pointing, belittling, threats, and anything else that disrupts the harmony of the Chapter will be swiftly dealt with by the Board of Directors and immediate officers. Anyone conducting themselves in this manner is subject to immediate suspension, and possible removal.
These Guidelines are Born of Necessity:
We fully realize that some of these guidelines may, at first glance, be considered rather harsh to some people. We wish it to be known that it is not our intention to be militant or overbearing in our approach to operating this Membership Society.
Our first defense has been that we now do our level best to screen new members thoroughly, both for our protection, and yours. We have also updated these guidelines and make them readily available here for all the Royal Society of Saint George- California Branch members to keep the peace, and to inform all would-be troublemakers that we do not tolerate dishonest, insensitive, or disruptive behavior. Considering this, we feel that it is our right, and our responsibility to guard our Good name, our reputation and our membership against such actions, perpetrated by people of questionable integrity. These guidelines are subject to change at any time.
Carolinian Branch
Hon. Recording Secretary
Mr. John Shannon
500 Linger Longer Drive
1206 Johns Island
South Carolina
29455-3188
U.S.A.
Email: secretary@rssgcarolinian.org
President
Mr. David J. Matthews
Email: Davidmatthews49@gmail.com
Vice President
Mr. John Witty
Email: jwitty76@gmail.com
Membership Secretary
Mr. Sean W. Holleran
Email: RoyalSocietyCHS@gmail.com
Treasurer
Mr. A. Calhoun Witham
Email: calhounw2@gmail.com
Board of Directors
Joy Smith
C. Jennings Frazier Smith
Neita A. Wiese
William Stafford
BRANCH NEWS AND EVENTS
CHARLESTON ROYAL SOCIETY ELECTS OFFICERS AND BOARD AT ANNUAL MEETING
David J. Matthews was elected to serve as president of the Royal Society of St George Carolinian Branch at a meeting of the membership held on March 23rd at the People’s Building in downtown Charleston. Other officers elected were John Witty, Vice President; John Shannon, Secretary; Sean W. Holleran, Membership Secretary; and A. Calhoun Witham, Treasurer. Mr. Matthews succeeds Peter J. Wild, who retired after three four as president. In addition, Joy Smith, C. Jennings Frazier Smith; Neita A. Wiese; and William Stafford were elected to serve on the Society’s board of directors.
The Carolinian Branch was founded over 20 years ago by Charlestonians who subscribed to the values and ideals of the Royal Society of St George, an English patriotic society established in 1894 to encourage interest in the English way of life, and English history, ideals, customs and traditions. Membership is open to men and women.
At the meeting, Mr. Matthews outlined to the members present his objectives for the next 12 months. He hopes to organize formal quarterly events and more frequent informal social events. As an example of the former, the Society is planning a formal reception at the Carolina Yacht Club to mark St. George’s Day on 23 April. Other plans include a British a movie night featuring a film and a tasting of British cheeses, a croquet match with Pimm’s drinks, and a traditional Christmas dinner. More informal gatherings will take place in new or interesting establishments around the city.
The members at the meeting passed a motion thanking Peter J. Wild, outgoing branch president, for his service.
The branch invites those who have an interest in British history and culture to apply for membership. If interested, please contact Sean W. Holleran at RoyalSocietyCHS@gmail.com.
Photo caption: Shown in photo are the new officers and directors of the Carolinian branch: Sean W. Holleran, Membership Secretary; John Shannon, Secretary; John Witty, Vice President; Joy Smith, Board Member; David J. Matthews, President; and William Stafford, Board Member.
PAST EVENTS
Dear Members and Friends of The Royal Society of St. George,
We would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you a belated Happy New Year. We have started to plan events for this year for the revival of the Carolinian Branch of The Royal Society of St. George.
We would ask you to take part in this revival by printing and completing an Application for Membership. You can either mail it or bring it with you to our General Assembly.
You are cordially invited to our first meeting in 2024 which is the General Assembly at 6pm on 5th March at the American College of the Building Arts at 649 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29403.
We need this meeting to put us on an official standing with England, so the Agenda will include:
- Approve our Bye Laws
- Elect our Officers:
- President Peter D. Wild
- Secretary John M. Shannon
- Membership Secretary David J. Matthews
- Treasurer A. Calhoun Witham
- Approve our charity.
- Review Notices from England
- Any Other Business
More details of the meeting will be sent in the near future. You may bring your membership application to the meeting and payment may be in the form of a check, cash or credit card.
We are planning some exciting events, emphasizing things English, for 2024, which will include:
Whilst April 23rd is the official Saint George’s Day this year, we will be celebrating it with a black tie dinner at the Carolina Yacht Club on April 25th. This is also the birthday of William Shakespeare and close to the birthday of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 21st April. A special guest speaker is planned (yes! he will be brief!) and more details will follow. But please, mark April 25th in your calendars as it is definite.
We have arranged with the Charleston Library Society (CLS) for our members to attend some of their events. For example, the following CLS events are of interest and details can be found on the CLS website:
February 29th @ 6:00 - 8:00, Guerilla Shakespeare: Pop-Up Theatre, Soliloquies and Sonnets. Details at:
April 3rd @ 12:00 - 1:00 P.M., a Lite Lunch and discussion of Edwardian Britain by authors and historians Jane Marguerite Tippett and Martin Williams. Details at:
We are also working with our friends at The English-Speaking Union and more details will follow.
In keeping with the RSSG’s mission of fostering all things English, we are hoping to plan the following events:
Working with the charming ladies at Goat, Sheep Cow, a tasting and wine pairing featuring English cheeses.
- A tasting of English gins at a local hostelry
- A celebration of some of the historic events in English history such as the battles of Agincourt, Trafalgar, Waterloo and historic figures such as Churchill and Nelson.
- Talks on English heraldry and a history of the relationship between Charleston and England.
- Screening of an iconic English film.
- A Croquet afternoon with copious PIMM’s
- On 28 June, the RSSG will once again be marching in the Carolina Day parade down Meeting Street to White Point Gardens. We hope many of you will join us in what is one of the oldest traditions in Charleston.
We would welcome your ideas for events and your help with organizing them.
We look forward to you helping us ensure that the Society is once again a lively and fun group providing an array of activities and events that foster “all things English.”
Please do not hesitate to forward this email to any of your friends who you feel would be interested in joining us.
We hope you will decide to join us as a member and we look forward to seeing you at our events – particularly at our General Assembly at 6pm on 5th March.
With Kindest Regards,
Peter, John, David & Calhoun
New Orleans Branch
Mr Paul J. Masinter
909 Poydras Street
Suite 3150
New Orleans
Louisiana 70112-4041
U.S.A.
President
Paul J. Masinter
Email: PMasinter@stonepigman.com
Vice-President
Bryant S. York
Email: byork@stonepigman.com
2nd Vice-President
Anna-Ruth Douglas
Email: adouglass@stonepigman.com
Secretary/Treasurer
John C. Overby
Email: joverby@stonepigman.com
Palm Beaches Branch, Florida - currently in formation
Contact for more information:-
James Williford II
Email: jwford551@gmail.com
South Florida Branch
Vice Patrons
H.M. Consul General, Nicolette Brent
Geoffrey Sadler MBE (Emeritus)
President
Roy Yates
Email: president@baccbroward.org
Vice President
John Arthur
Treasurer
James Andrews
Chairman
Vacant
Secretary
Gloria Mooser
Email: Floridagem@aol.com
Helping Hands Co-ordinator
Vacant
Committee Members
Anna Beach
Patricia Hyde
Monique Sadler-Thomson
Office: 954-942-7330
Cell: 954-592-7728