A sense of post-pandemic normality returned with our annual dinner in Tewkesbury Abbey in September, but making it a very special occasion was the attendance of our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Vice-Adm Sir Tim Laurence. It was made all the more so by HRH’s presentation to our Emeritus Warden, Sir Henry Elwes of a picture to mark his seminal contribution to the Company as he steps down as Chair of the Charitable Trust. See below for pictorial proof.
This newsletter also reports on the celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the Gloucester Regiment’s contribution at the Battle of Imjin River, where the HCG was well represented.
The David Vaisey Prize awards were a great success again this year (see below); the innovation in the county’s libraries remains remarkable, and it is a source of pride that the HCG has been a catalyst for this. The presentation of the HCG’s Cadet Awards also took place very recently, and there will be a fuller report of those in the December newsletter.
And an update on the HCG ‘platinum trees’ plan initiated and run by Sir Henry Elwes referred to in this newsletter; applications have now been received from over 100 parishes. It might be worth members checking that they are not missing out locally!
A reminder of the Company’s AGM on the 9th of November at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester. I hope many of you will be able to join us, if not attracted by the Warden’s annual report then by our speaker Deborah Lee, Chief Executive of the Gloucestershire NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust will talk about the wider NHS in the county, its current situation and its plans for the future. One cannot argue with the topicality; there will be plenty of time for questions and it will be good to see many members there.
The Honourable Company Dinner
at Tewkesbury Abbey on 16th September 2021
The Company’s Annual dinner took place in Tewkesbury Abbey in September, graced by the presence of our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. The Abbey looked magnificent (and was warm[ish]!), the weather was kind, and the occasion was marked by the presentation by HRH to Sir Henry Elwes, Emeritus Warden, of a picture to mark the gratitude of the Company for his vison and work in establishing the HCG. Our speaker, Loyd Grossman, as a newcomer to Gloucestershire and new member of the HCG, conveyed eloquently his admiration for the county and the HCG. The Company was very grateful to the Vicar and staff of the Abbey for their help in staging the dinner, and for allowing the Company to be part of their 900th anniversary celebrations. It was a thoroughly convivial evening to make up for some of what we have lost over the last 18 months or so, and one that will live long in the memory. Pictures of the evening can be found by clicking the link here. https://1drv.ms/u/s!AtBoYYUbpNDt5Bdgiwr0wXPs43mY?e=tJZwrQOther
Once again the HCG's David Vaisey Prize was presented at the Cheltenham Literary Festival. Sir Michael McWilliams (pictured) spoke on behalf of the Company and the Arts and Heritage Group, before asking the authoress, Bernadine Evaristo, to make the award to the Matson library.
The annual competition has been running for a number of years, a very successful partnership between the HCG, the county library service and the Cheltenham Festival. It has proved an invaluable means of identifying and sharing best practice in innovative ways to increase reading and use of libraries in the county. As ever, long term funding is a challenge; ideas on a postcard please to the Arts and Heritage Group.
PLEASE NOTE
For further details or queries please contact
Sir Henry Elwes at 01242 870264
The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire www.honcoglos.org
or Click on the link below Applications now open until October 31st
In the presence of HRH The Duke of Gloucester and the South Korean Government’s Minister for Veterans and Patriots His Excellency Hwang Ki-chu, numerous members and their guests enjoyed a convivial evening at Imjin Barracks. Richard Graham, the MP for Gloucester, gave an uplifting speech that looked to the future of positive relationships between the two countries and this county in particular. The Minister's considered reply echoed these thoughts and once again paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the “Glorious Glosters”.
A service of thanksgiving for those involved in the battle was held the next day in Gloucester Cathedral
The Royal Agricultural University: recruitment of Independent Governors
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is seeking to recruit new Independent Governors from any background, although the following skills/experience have been specifically highlighted as being of particular interest:-
• Experience of any of: land/estate management; agricultural technology; food production/processing; farming and sustainable land use
• International business experience
• Legal knowledge and experience in relation to higher education and/or not for profit sectors
• Expertise in digital/data strategy or cyber security
• Marketing and communication skills
• Fundraising or philanthropy experience
Further information can be found by contacting the COO at the RAU, Graham Pollard Graham.Pollard@rau.ac.uk .
