Speaker - Rotarian Isobel Jenkins, Deputy Lieutenant of South Glamorgan

Mrs Isobel Jenkins, a Deputy Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, was the guest speaker on Monday 9th August at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Llantwit Major in the West House Hotel.  Rotary Club President, Mrs Christine James, had previously asked Mrs Jenkins to speak about her role as deputy Lieutenant even though she is herself a member of that club.

Last year Mrs Jenkins had a letter from the Lord Lieutenant, Dr Peter Beck, saying that her name had been suggested as a possible Deputy.  Later Dr Beck forwarded Isobel Jenkins name to the Queen and, in the traditional way, received the reply that ‘Her Majesty does not object to the appointment’.  Mrs Jenkins explained that the role of Lord Lieutenants had existed for hundreds of years with the holder of the office being the monarch’s representative within the county or shire and the person responsible for raising an army should it be required for the defence of the realm.  During the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first it was also the duty of the Lieutenant to entertain the royal court as they visited various parts of the country.  In those days this could be so expensive that some people declined to accept the position.  These days the Lord Lieutenant still welcomes members of the Royal family to Cardiff and the Vale as well as attending numerous official functions and visits.  It is because it would be physically impossible to attend every function that Deputy Lieutenants are appointed to help.  Thirty  years ago there were only a few female deputies in the UK but this has now risen to twenty-three per cent.  Mrs Jenkins said that she chooses not to wear an official uniform but added that when attending official military events, such as ceremonial march pasts, she is accorded the courtesy rank of Brigadier. She had been happy to represent the Lord Lieutenant at events in the Llantwit Major and Barry areas including civic services, welcoming official visitors and attending military events connected with MOD St Athan.  Mrs Jenkins husband, Colin, is also a member of Llantwit Major Rotary Club and when he is not in Armenia - currently as founder principal establishing a new United World College - he supports his wife in her official duties.  Club Secretary, Richard Vidler, thanked Mrs Jenkins for the fascinating talk and for answering the many questions that followed.