Sutton Coldfield  Circle  had possibly the most interesting and informative  after circle event for many years at their May meeting when they heard all about the work of the West Midlands Lieutenancy . Kate Canty , Clerk to the West Midlands ‘s Lord Lieutenant’s Office and Simon Topman M.B.E  a  Deputy Lieutenant  gave a joint presentation on the origins ,role, functions and  experiences of the Lord Lieutenant’s Office.  Lord Lieutenants originated  in the time of  King Henry VIII with  each county having a Lord Lieutenant being a representative  of the Monarchy. However over the years and by 1900 it had become just an honorary position, a militia and not very useful. That situation has now changed today with the Lieutenancy’s main purpose of upholding the dignity of the crown and uniting  communities  in our particular  area being  the West Midlands. The present Lord Lieutenant Sir John Crabtree O.B.E  has  68 deputies serving the 3 million people of the West Midlands , one of which is our own Brother Chris Loughran of Solihull Circle .  Deputies are appointed  for their standing  and playing  some part in local communities and who can get things  done. Also during the presentation there were  examples  outlined of  the arranging and undertaking  of Royal visits some of which didn’t go quite according to plan.  In all a very informative and intensely interesting  evening with those present now knowing the important role of the Lieutenancy in the West Midlands. Pictured  are  from left to right – Simon Topman  M.B.E.  D.L   Brother President Peter Westbrook and Kate Canty.

 

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