Welcome to the website of the Chigwell Branch of
The Royal Society of St. George. This branch comprises of members
from South Essex, East London and Hertfordshire, but we also have
members from America, France and Gibraltar. We as members are united
in believing that this is the best country in the world.
We would like to to see it returned to the days when English men and women were admired throughout the world for their integrity,
decency, fair play and good manners. We like to promote everything
that is English and to socialise with like-minded members to
celebrate the achievements of famous English men and women past and
present.
We as a branch are patriotic and celebrate England’s past heroes by
promoting Trafalgar Day,
Waterloo, Remembrance Day and primarily St. George’s Day.
We are proud to display the Red Cross of England on our banner and
members of Chigwell branch fly our National flag with pride.
I would like to make one point perfectly clear, in no way do we
support or subscribe to any Political Party.
If you have English red blood flowing through your veins, join the
Royal Society of St. George,
to make England a Country to be proud of and us proud to be English.
‘St. George for England’
Ray Wood OBE
Branch President
Charles Dickens once wrote to a friend
saying;
‘Chigwell, my dear fellow, is the greatest place in the world, name
your day for going, such a delicious old inn opposite the churchyard
– such a lovely ride – such beautiful forest scenery – such an out
of the way rural place….’
The inn referred to is the ‘Kings Head’ – and is at the heart of the
old Chigwell village - along with the aforementioned Churchyard and
400 year old school – which I was privileged and proud to have
attended myself.
Chigwell is no longer the out of the way place Dickens refers to.
The forests have gradually been cleared away - making way for the
ever expanding London. We have a Central Line Station (20 mins to
Liverpool Street), and a large and varied parade of shops. Chigwell
is also home of the Met Police Sports Club – situated in a splendid
former mansion, in 42 acres of the most valuable land in England.
Chigwell was also the setting for the BBC ‘sit com’ Birds of a
Feather – where snooty Doreen was very worried about the reputation
of the area! Alan Sugar is perhaps the best known local resident.
Our relatively new branch (founded 2005) now has over 170 members –
from diverse backgrounds and occupations as one might expect in a
leafy suburb of London.
We have an active programme of events, which I’m sure is the envy of
many. These have included a summer concert by the Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra, evenings in London’s finest and oldest clubs, a visit to
The Tower of London, the Belgium Ambassador’s Private Residence, The
Royal Hospital, Sandhurst Passing Out Parade, and trips to Livery
Halls including our ‘Trafalgar’ dinner at the Royal Armourers.
Social cement is the foundation of our success. Many of our events
are in partnership with the Westminster Branch – with which we have
close connections. Our Special Events Organiser - Cliff Trowse is a real star –
arranging and organising a superb variety of events to suit all the
differing ages and interests of the membership. We all get out what
he puts in! Mention must be made of Ray Wood OBE– our President, who
has provided some real leadership in taking this branch from
virtually nothing to the numbers that we now enjoy.
The appeal of the Society is easy to understand and easy to
communicate. In a world of change the quintessential essence of
‘Englishness’, our countryside, traditions, people, our indomitable
grit and resolve in the face of adversity, are the enviable
qualities of most nations. At the heart of our values, is of course,
freedom.
To debate and meet openly, think freely, and live in a democracy
where ultimate power rests with the people, to hire and fire
governments, we are rightly proud. In our crazy world where
dictatorships thrive, and some countries seem to discern little
distinction between politics and religion, England still prevails.
Enough rambling! Let’s return to the Kings Head; Dickens also wrote
of the pub, that it was ‘an old building, with more gable ends than
a lazy man might care to count on a sunny day’. As a boy or man I’ve
never counted them. So, perhaps next time I’m enjoying a pint,
listening to the sound of willow on cork and leather, – I might make
up for lost time........
