UPDATE - Issue 18 - Summer 2004
The golden road to the presidency
Anthony Kilmister recalls a spectacular event
Chief Executive, President, Patron, and Chairman pictured at
the event with Brigadier John Anderson, Anthony Kilmister,
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester and Professor Roger Kirby
Whenever I have visited St. James's Palace I have found it splendid in the best sense of that word and, indeed, have felt that the history of England runs like a golden thread through its corridors.
A Reception to mark the Tenth Anniversary of the founding of Prostate Research Campaign UK was held there last November but on 15th June this year the evening was most especially humbling for my wife Sheila and me. Thanks to our Patron it proved possible for a very special Dinner to be held there when Sheila and I were presented with commemorative gifts that we shall treasure for the rest of our lives.
Her Royal Highness greets Sheila Kilmister
After arriving at the Palace and making our way up The Grand Staircase, through the Armoury and the tapestry room to the Queen Anne Room we found the most enormous floral arrangement which appeared to reach the ceiling. The rich red and gold décor provided a wonderful setting. After Professor Kirby and I had broken away to greet Her Royal Highness at the Sovereign's Entrance and escort her to the waiting assembly of approaching 150 diners - a walk-about began. Large numbers of those attending were able to speak with The Duchess of Gloucester during the pre-dinner Champagne Reception that concluded when a Warrant Officer 1st Class (an RQMS, Welsh Guards) in scarlet tunic and pace stick marched up to me, saluted and sought my permission to signal Dinner Call.
On cue, a bugler from the Welsh Guards (complete with a towering bearskin) blew the necessary notes. The company then made its way into the Picture Gallery for dinner where choristers from Wells Cathedral sang the Grace. Her Royal Highness greets Sheila Kilmister I was reminded of a line from Sir Robert Grant's 19th century hymn which runs 'Pavilioned in splendour and girded with praise' - though that, of course, referred to the Almighty not poor mortals like Sheila and me. It was both important and reassuring to us that the cost of the evening did not fall on the charity but was borne by the diners generally and generous sponsors in particular.
Not long after I had proposed the Loyal Toast, Roger Kirby, in a delightful speech, conveyed very kind tributes to which I endeavoured to reply.
An enthusiasm warmly shared
I wanted to thank Toilers in the vineyard who have helped to make Prostate Research Campaign UK what it is and to thank Her Royal Highness who has been so assiduous in furthering our cause. As I pointed out, Roger Kirby and Neil O'Donoghue knew the problems at the outset. 'They', I said, 'knew what they were talking about. I hadn't a clue what a urethra was, what team Gleason played for - nor his score. If I thought about it at all - then a transition zone was about sportsmen in the process of finding their feet. But, you do get to learn don't you?'
I wanted also to thank most particularly Brigadier Roy Kendrick, Brigadier John Anderson and Mrs Jennifer Sheldon for organising this spectacular event.
On concluding - Roger Kirby and The Duchess, on behalf of all, presented Sheila and me with the most lovely keepsakes - and completely bowled us over with their kindness.
Sir Tom Courtenay, the celebrated actor, in a moving address, warmly received, told us of his then forthcoming brachytherapy in Leeds. (Happily we have subsequently learned of its success. All will join in wishing him well for the future.) As the reader will appreciate we are deeply grateful to everyone. As we lay down day-to-day responsibilities I am happily taking up the role of President with an enthusiasm Sheila warmly shares.
In the lead-up to this memorable and wonderful occasion a certain trepidation had played its part but, as I said in my speech, I remembered a Mayor of Blackpool fifty years ago saying: 'May I leave you with what I have quoted on many occasions and which is perfectly true - that there is more bother about one thing and another than there is over owt else'.
How true and many renewed thanks!
The Trustees wish to thank all those who supported this memorable event by their attendance and/or with donations or gifts in kind.