Dr Caroline Pryer - Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland

The Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Dr. Caroline Pryer, kindly agreed to come to Morpeth Rotary to present cheques to some key local charities on behalf of the club. This 10th anniversary year for the Morpeth Rotary Christmas Tree of Light was the most successful yet. Over £6000 can be given to the nominated charities of Air Ambulance, Wanbeck Foodbank and the Sanderson Arcade charity to provide respite holidays for the needy. Each will receive £2,150. The project was set up and is organised by Rhona Dunn with the support of members.

Richard Anderson of Wansbeck Food Bank was first to be presented, then Bob Bruce of Air Ambulance. Sanderson Arcade will be sent a cheque later. Caroline said that she had worked on many projects with Rhona Dunn and was pleased to support Rotary in its service to the community.

Caroline gave an interesting talk about the office of Lord Lieutenant. She is the personal representative of the sovereign in the county and has the uniform of an Army General. The office began in the reign of Henry VIII and it was only in 1921 that the power was abolished to call upon every able bodied man in Northumberland to raise an army under the command of the king. There is a Vice Lord Lieutenant and 28 Deputies. The uniform costs £3200 and the gold medal of office £6500. On appointment she received an e-mail from the king followed by a large (vegan) parchment of appointment.