New Royal Patron For Lions District MD105 - May 04
The Lions of Multiple District 105 are delighted to announce the appointment of HRH The Countess of Wessex as their Royal Patron.
More than half a century, 54 years to be precise, after Lions Clubs International was introduced to our shores at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, we have a Royal Patron.
Why so long? Well, no one really knows, but, as Past Chairman of Council Lion Philip Goodier reports, owing to the good offices and contacts generated by PDG Len Aldridge, Past International President Kay Fukushima had an audience at Buckingham Palace with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in March last year. The question was asked 'Why no Royal Patron?' Discussions and investigations led to a recommendation to Council that patronage should be sought from a member of the Royal Family.
PDG Len Aldridge was asked to make the necessary enquiries and approaches. Matters such as these move slowly, and, as Chairman Philip says, there is an understandable need for patience, confidentiality and the observance of protocol.
PDG Len recently received news that the Countess had extended an invitation for a meeting, which was held at her home and involved Past Chairman of Council Philip, PCC David Firth and a young Lion from 105A, Maria Azcona, the District Public Relations Officer. PDG Len, regrettably could not attend as he was recovering from major surgery (it is a measure of the character of our new Patron that immediately she heard of Len's illness she rushed off and penned him a personal 'get well' card...).
The visitors made a presentation to the Countess, and Chairman Philip formally invited Her Royal Highness to accept the role of Patron, an invitation which, to the great pleasure of all has been accepted.
The Countess also accpeted an invitation to become a Lion, received her badge from Chairman Philip, and will become a member of Wokingham Lions Club. The patronage is for an initial period of five years, after which, as is the system with all such Royal appointments, it will be reviewed.
At this stage the future interaction between Her Royal Highness and our Multiple District remains to be developed, but the groundwork for a happy and fulfilling relationship has been established.
It should be noted that, at the request of Her Royal Highness' Office, all contacts with he Countess of Wessex MUST be directed through a Lions Liaison Officer. PDG David Firth has agreed to take on this role, and all enquiries should be directed to him.
More than half a century, 54 years to be precise, after Lions Clubs International was introduced to our shores at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, we have a Royal Patron.
Why so long? Well, no one really knows, but, as Past Chairman of Council Lion Philip Goodier reports, owing to the good offices and contacts generated by PDG Len Aldridge, Past International President Kay Fukushima had an audience at Buckingham Palace with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in March last year. The question was asked 'Why no Royal Patron?' Discussions and investigations led to a recommendation to Council that patronage should be sought from a member of the Royal Family.
PDG Len Aldridge was asked to make the necessary enquiries and approaches. Matters such as these move slowly, and, as Chairman Philip says, there is an understandable need for patience, confidentiality and the observance of protocol.
PDG Len recently received news that the Countess had extended an invitation for a meeting, which was held at her home and involved Past Chairman of Council Philip, PCC David Firth and a young Lion from 105A, Maria Azcona, the District Public Relations Officer. PDG Len, regrettably could not attend as he was recovering from major surgery (it is a measure of the character of our new Patron that immediately she heard of Len's illness she rushed off and penned him a personal 'get well' card...).
The visitors made a presentation to the Countess, and Chairman Philip formally invited Her Royal Highness to accept the role of Patron, an invitation which, to the great pleasure of all has been accepted.
The Countess also accpeted an invitation to become a Lion, received her badge from Chairman Philip, and will become a member of Wokingham Lions Club. The patronage is for an initial period of five years, after which, as is the system with all such Royal appointments, it will be reviewed.
At this stage the future interaction between Her Royal Highness and our Multiple District remains to be developed, but the groundwork for a happy and fulfilling relationship has been established.
It should be noted that, at the request of Her Royal Highness' Office, all contacts with he Countess of Wessex MUST be directed through a Lions Liaison Officer. PDG David Firth has agreed to take on this role, and all enquiries should be directed to him.