Descendants of the Magna Charta

Further to my post made yesterday about the "other" societies of descendants of the Knights of the Garter, it has now been brought to my attention that the same signatory's appear on the certificate for another descendants organisation. Clearly someone has hit upon a way to part the gullible from their hard earned cash. Caveat Emptor.

Perhaps, if they are charitable organisations it would be possible to view their accounts and charitable status? I know that it is quite easy to view the goings on of charities in England simply by searching the Charities Commission website however, I'm not familiar with how things work in the US (perhaps each state has different rules and requirements). Either way, if these really are charities, they ought not be afraid of questions as to their activities. In fact, I would go so far as to say that, if they are charities, then any questioning of their activities should be not only encouraged but welcomed.

Proper

I am not a fan of Proper in blazon but when it comes to chameleons one has little option since many of the species have the ability to change colours to blend into their surroundings. They are tricky little beasts rarely seen on coats of arms simply because it would be rather pointless emblazoning them as (for example) Gules a chameleon Argent when, after going for a cup of coffee, upon ones return to the page they had changed to match their background colour and all the viewer could see was a shield Gules charged with a sort of vague chameleon looking shadow of the same tincture. ;)

[Incidentally, I claim to have used supporters for many, many years; they are simply blazoned as two chameleons Proper. I always display them.]

:oops:

Happy Birthday Ma'am

Cheshire Heraldry would like to wish Her Majesty Many Happy Returns on her 89th birthday today.

Lancashire Heraldry Group - Study Day

Annual General Meeting Cheshire Heraldry Society

We had an excellent Annual General Meeting (The Cheshire Heraldry Society) on Saturday last with twelve Members in attendance.

I gave a power point show illustrating over 50 Scottish Letters patent, Derek Richbell brought along some interesting heraldic artifacts and Mike Thompson brought a selection from his vast collection of Manchester heraldry.

Rescued piece from a piano lid - Derek Richbell

L to R: Mike Thompson, Harold Storey and Alan Fennely

On the business side, the Committee were re-elected as is (your's truly remains Chairman) and the accounts for the year were approved.

It was agreed that, subject to the receipt of the outstanding grant from The Heraldry Society , we would continue for another year and that we would pay a membership fee of £10.

I was asked by the meeting to write to the Heraldry Gazette expressing our disappointment over the time and effort it took to finally receive the grant – I’m going to have to give some thought as to how I put such a request diplomatically in writing!

Thanks were given to the  Committee with especial thanks to me (Chairman), John Titterton (Events Secretary)  for arranging the speakers and best wishes were sent to Rutha Titterton (Secretary) who had been unwell.

I was asked if I would give the Ashton Court Leet talk (which I had to postpone due to lack of venue) so I’m happy to be one of the speakers for next year.

Burke's Peerage Limited under proposal to be struck off!

A little bit of gossip.

When the rights to the Burke's name were sold by the then Burke's Peerage & Gentry (UK) Limited to William Bortrick, William created a brand new company called Burke's Peerage (1826) Limited and Burke's Peerage & Gentry (UK) Limited then fulfilled its agreement and changed its name to disassociates itself with the brand it no longer owned (and became Jacks Hill Limited).

There have been a number of Companies over the years which have used the Burke's name, one of which, Burke's Peerage Limited incorporated in 2007, is now under consideration to be struck off by Companies House. Sometimes. it is hard to keep up!

https://www.freecompanyaccounts.co.uk/accounts/burkes-peerage/AnnualAccounts/2013-12-31

What a lot of Burkes !

Talk at Ashton-Under-Lyne

Tomorrow I will be giving a talk on the Ashton Court Leet Regalia at 2:00 p.m. at the Gallery Ashton Library Old St Ashton Under Lyne.

I look forward to seeing you there.