NATIONAL MEETINGS

The State of Louisiana hosted the Triennial Council Meeting of the 18th National Administration at the Chateau LeMoyne Hotel, from May 1 - 4, 1974.  Honorary Consul, Mr. Eads Pointevent, Jr. and Mrs. Pointevent were guests of honor at the National Banquet given at the Royal Orleans Hotel.

The 22nd National Adminstration, 1983 - 1986 was hosted by the State of Louisiana.  National officers:

Mrs. Geoffrey Roberts                           President

Ms. Dorothy Perkowski                         1st Vice-President

Mrs. Westley J. Cavanagh                     2nd Vice-President

Mrs. W. Scott Allen                               3rd Vice-President

Mrs. Ralph Harmon                                Recording Secretary

Mrs. F.X. Murphy, MBE                          Corresponding Secretary

Mrs. Clarence A. Calzada, CPA              Treasurer

Mrs. C. Roy Mundee, Jr.                        Organizer

In May 1983, the officers of the 22nd Administration were installed at the Triennial Council Meeting of the 21st National Administration held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Annual Council Meeting of the 22nd Adminstration was held in New Orleans at the Hotel Marie Antoinette in the French Quarter, May 9 - 12, 1984.  The Honorable Richard G. Tallboys, CMG, OBE, Her Majesty's Consul General, Houston, and Mrs. Tallboys, and the Honorable Mr. James J. Coleman Jr., OBE were our guests at the National Banquet - dinner at Antoine's.  By chance, entertainer Andy Williams was enjoying a drink at the adjacent bar, and on learning who we were, he came to visit and express his good wishes.  The festivities came to a close with the entire assembly "second lining" to "When the Saints Come Marching In." - only in New Orleans!

The Biennial Meeting of the 22nd Administration was held at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in Houston, Texas, May 1 - 3, 1985.

The Triennial Council Meeting 22nd Administration was held at the Ritz Carlton, Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia, May 28 - 30, 1986.  The guest speaker at the National Banquet was Sir Oliver Wright, GCMG, GCVO, DSC, Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to the United States.

The 22nd Administration was responsible for the Revision of the Constitution and Bylaws that was voted on for adoption at the Triennial Meeting.  The Committee remained in place to bring the existing Handbook in line with the revised Bylaws, and to add a Financial Section to the Handbook.  In September, 1985, three new promotional pamphlets were issued: "A History of the Daughters of the British Empire," "Retirement Homes Under the Auspices of the DBE" and "DBE and the Retirement Homes We Support."

The Annual Council Meeting 26th Administration was held May 23 - 35, 1996, at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans.

HURRICANE KATRINA, AUGUST 29, 2005 - AN UNWELCOME DISRUPTION

Betty Calzada, CPA, Treasurer 22nd Administration, member Committee to Revise the Constitution and Bylaws 1986, author of the Financial Handbook, past 3rd VP Mountbatten House Inc, and Louisiana's webmaster, launched www.dbeinla.org in the year 2000.  It was not surprising therefore that Betty undertook the invaluable role as coordinator during the fearful and stressful weeks and months following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005.

Notwithstanding the fact that Betty and her husband lost the roof of their house and were forced to live in a trailer in their driveway until August 2007, Betty managed to reach out by email to scores of members from the New Orleans area who had evacuated to places far and wide.  Members responded to Betty with news of their safety and whereabouts and thus we were able to keep in touch with one another and offer advice and encouragement.  Betty sent all the news and information to DBE members throughout the US; offers of accommodation were many.  This outreach provided great comfort and support.

Many of our displaced members have not been able to return to the area, having taken up residence, and found employment elsewhere.  Others of us spent many long months in rental accommodations while we rebuilt our damaged homes.  It has been a challenge, and we miss our old friends.

Betty continues to issue a monthly Newsletter, sent not only to DBE members but to a mailing list of folk interested in the DBE and all things British.  This provides input for the website and a way to promote our upcoming events.  Betty has been invited to conduct seminars at various national meetings on the subject of "How to Design a Website."

Members of the DBE in Louisiana are proud of our half-century of service to the National Society; we are enriched by the camaraderie, and grateful for the many meaningful friendships that we know will endure.

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SPECIAL EVENTS AND ROYAL VISITS - NEW ORLEANS, A PARTY TOWN!

Being a leading port of entry, New Orleans continues to host many Royal Navy and Merchant ships.  DBE members have been privileged to enjoy the hospitality of onboard visits and, in turn have entertained officers and crew in their homes for cocktail parties and meals.  The list of ships is long and includes:  HMS Jupiter, HMS Hermes, HMS Olemeda, HMS Scylla, HMS Gurkha, HMS Avenger, HMS Amazon, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Montrose, HMS Danae, HMS Fox & Fawn, HMS Fearless, HMS Cromwell, HMS Active, HMS Bristol, HMS Alacrity, HMS Apollo, HMS Olympia, HMS Grey Dove, HMS Beagle, HMS Westminster, HMS Cornwall, HMS Devonshire and HMS Blake.  For the latter two ships, a dance was held at the Riverwalk - and this is just a partial list.

Perhaps the most memorable event was the week-long visit in march 1975 of Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, commanded by Rear Admiral Trowbridge.  The 413-foot Britannia was the only ship in the Royal Navy to be commanded by an admiral.  DBE members visited the yacht and hosted various social events including an informal dance at the Audubon Tea Room for its 290 yachtsmen.  A chance to relax in a family atmosphere was very much appreciated by officers Mike Ortmann and David Braybrook, who were driven to the north shore for a picnic at a member's country home.

For Elizabethan member Antoinette Murray Johnson, the visit of HMS Amazon in 1990 was a life-changing happening.  As the ship's escorts welcomed guests on board, "Toni" introduced herself and mentioned that she hailed from Liverpool, and asked whether there were crew members from that part of the country.  Toni was immediately introduced to the leading chef, Mark Norman.  Since the Elizabethan chapter was planning to hold a barbecue for 20 of the ship's company during their 24-day stay in port, the chef was invited.  Not only did he help organize the event, but he provided the sausages! 

The courtship between Toni and Mark bridged time and distance with Mark serving in Bosnia, while correspondence was exchanged.  One year after the Amazon's visit to new Orleans, Toni traveled to the UK for a reunion with Mark in Winsford, Cheshire;  they both knew that their relationship would continue.  Toni and Mark were married in New Orleans in 1995 with their DBE friends on hand to joyously celebrate the nuptials.

It was on March 10, 1966 that New Orleans was honored by the royal visit of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

On December 10, 1975, the DBE was honored to host the British Ambassador to the United States.  The Hon. Sir Peter Ramsbotham, KCMG and Mrs. Ramsbotham to a dinner at the Plimsoll Club.

The dedication of British Place at the foot of Poydras Street at the Mississippi River, took place on Saturday, November 19, 1977 with the unveiling of the statue of Sir. Winston Churchill, KG, sculpted and cast in bronze by Ivor Roberts-Jones, CBE, RA of Suffolk.  The guests of honor were The Honorable Lady Soames, daughter of Sir. Winston, and his granddaughter, Mrs. Richard Hambro.  It was an honor for DBE members to meet Lady Soames and witness the unveiling.

The Honorable Peter Jay, British Ambassador was welcomed to the Plimsoll Club in New Orleans on January 23, 1978.

British Ambassador Sir Oliver Wright spoke at the Plimsoll Club on "The Politics of International Trade from a British Point of View."  Lady Wright, DBE Honorary National President, was entertained at a coffee party at the St. Louis Hotel on April 11, 1983.

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne paid New Orleans a visit on January 28, 1984, to raise money for the British Olympic Association, of which she was President.  In 1976 she was a member of Britain's Olympic equestrian team, riding a horse named Mardi Gras!  Honorary British Consul James J. Coleman, Jr. hosted a lavish reception at Gallier Hall for 600 people who paid $50 apiece to get a glimpse of the 33 year old princess.  Among the dignitaries were Consul General Richard Tallboys and Louisiana Governor David Treen and his wife, Dodie.  A dozen members of The Navy Band were prominently placed in front of the illuminated Gallier Hall.  Both National President Wendy Roberts and State President Eunice Allison were presented to Her Royal Highness.

This occasion also set the stage for a pre-opening gala of the Windsor Court Hotel, scheduled to welcome guests in February.  The Windsor Court Hotel Collection includes tapestries and paintings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.  Featured is Windsor Castle and the life of the Royal Family at Windsor.  Mr. Coleman was the managing partner of the elegant, new luxury hotel which has since gained the reputation of being among the world's finest. 

In November 1986, Princess Margaret Rose came to New Orleans for British Week, and in 1987 Princess Michael also visited New Orleans.

The English National Opera Company performed in New Orleans in June 1985 and we were honored by the visit of Princess Alexandria as patron of the ENO.  During the intermission two members of the National Board were honored to be introduced to Princess Alexandria by Consul General Richard Tallboys who was attending the performance with his wife, Margaret.

Also in 1985, Dame Mary Donaldson, GBE, Lord Mayor of London paid a diplomatic and social visit to the city. Dame Donaldson returned to New Orleans in 1993 when a Tea was held in her honor at the Windsor Court Hotel on March 19th.

In the 1986 Birthday Honors List, HM Queen Elizabeth II announced that Honorary National Vice-President Wendy Roberts had been awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.  The honor was bestowed in the summer of 1987 by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York also paid us a visit when several members met with her at Dillard's department store where she was lending her name to a famous maker of fine bone china bring promoted at the store.

In 1994 we were honored by the visit to New Orleans of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.  Press photographs were taken of the Prime Minister with DBE members in front of the bronze statue of Sir Winston Churchill at British Place in New Orleans.  Wendy Roberts, MBE was delighted to be invited by Lady Thatcher to her hotel suite for a private visit.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of D-Day in 1995, DBE members held a memorial service at the foot of the statue of Sir Winston Churchill.  Major Gabrielle Brasse, a long-time and much-loved member was invited to speak about her World War II experiences as a Nursing Major.  She began, "On behalf of the Daughters of the British Empire in the United States, I am today honored to pay tribute to other daughters, the nurses of the armed forces who laid down their lives in the Second World War."  Gabrielle was featured in an article in the Times-Picayune in 1994, and was invited to address the English Speaking Union luncheon in the year 2000.

Royal biographer and author, Robert Lacey, attended our 1988 fundraiser at the Hellenic Cultural Center and brought with him copies of his newly published book "Princess" for sale.  He generously donated a percentage of the proceeds to our cause.

On September 7, 1997 the DBE coordinated a Memorial Service for Diana, Princess of Wales at Christ Church Cathedral on St. Charles Avenue.  Mayor Marc Morial gave a moving tribute and the public was invited to sign the memorial book, which was later presented to the royal family.

Members attended a luncheon at the Plimsoll Club for Ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer and Lady Meyer in 2000.  We enjoyed his address and were charmed by his graciousness.  On May 18, 1997 Godolphin chapter celebrated their Silver Jubilee with Afternoon Tea in The Salon at the Windsor Court Hotel.  Members past and present gathered to renew old friendships and enjoy the latest fashions presented by Jaeger of London.

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HISTORY

DAUGHTERS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA

Incorporated in 1959

For over two years, a local group of British ladies in New Orleans, known as The Elizabethans, had been interested in becoming affiliated with the National Society Daughters of the British Empire in the United States.  Their interest came to fruition when Mrs. J.K. Stirton arrived from Houston to brief them on the work of the DBE.  A meeting was held at the Prytania Street home of Mrs. Alistair G. Maitland, wife of the British Consul General, and on March 20, 1959 the Elizabethan Chapter of the DBE received its charter.

Another chapter, later named "Camelot," was being formed in the lakefront area of New Orleans and received its charter on November 3, 1959.  Mrs. Karl Tidemann, an active DBE member in Houston, Texas, came to New Orleans to assist her daughter, June Grissom, organize the new Camelot Chapter, with the help of Margot McNeely.

Over the years, twelve more chapters were formed in the greater New Orleans area, including Covington, Slidell and Houma/Thibodaux.  Most recently Petticoat Lane Chapter was organized in Lafayette, La.  Six chapters remain active and, as of year end 2008, members totaled 80. (A listing of the 14 Louisiana chapters is at the end.)

SOUTHERN DISTRICT HOME CORPORATION

From its inception in 1959, the DBE in Louisiana has always maintained a 100% membership in the Southern District Home Corporation, and has been loyal and generous in its support, initially with donations and visits to Bramfilles House, Jacksonville, Florida, and since 1981 to Mountbatten House in Highlands, Texas, which was officially opened on May 19, 1983.  The two remaining residents in Jacksonville, Mrs. Kerry and Mrs. Grosjean, were remembered with cards and many kindnesses.  Over the years, including 1981, 1992 and 2004, several Annual General Meetings have been hosted in New Orleans at various venues downtown and in the French Quarter, as well as at Longue Vue House and Gardens.

STATE FUNDRAISERS

In the early days, Silver Teas were held at the Audubon Boulevard home of the Consul General.  The British Consulate in New Orleans was the oldest in the United States and was active for 150 years.  When the British Foreign Office closed the New Orleans offices in 1969 and moved the Consulate to Houston the DBE was left without a "home base."  June Grissom, founding regent of Camelot Chapter, and later of Godolphin Chapter, suggested staging a fundraiser at Audubon Park Tearoom, thus started the annual state fundraiser.  In September 1976, the Audubon Park Tearoom burned down and we were forced to seek an alternate venue.

Mr. James J. Coleman, Jr. OBE was appointed Honorary British Consul for Louisiana in 1975.  Mr. Coleman has been a great friend of the DBE and we very much appreciate his continued support of our fundraising efforts.

The Afternoon Tea and Bazaar became a popular event and continued to be held during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, usually at an Episcopal Church or the Hellenic Cultural Center.  During the 90s we decided to try our hand at a Pub Night and this quickly caught on with our regular supporters and especially the anglophiles in the community.  Thanks to great publicity in the media we accomodated as many as 500 folk, and on that occasion we ran out of fish and chips in no time, much to the disappointment and consternation of our patrons!

Each of our Teas and Pub Nights featured a different theme until 1999 when The Bard of Avon Pub was born.  This featured elaborate costuming by members and patrons alike, as well as splendid decorations. The Shakespearean theme was furthered by the rash of films that were released that year.  "Shakespeare in Love," "Elizabeth," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," all producing beautiful posters and banners to help up create the right atmosphere. With all these props at our disposal, The Bard of Avon Pub was repeated for five more years and would have continued in 2005 had Hurricane Katrina not forced cancellation.  The Hellenic Cultural Center suffered colossal damage and our membership was scattered far and wide.

Not to be defeated, we regrouped in 2006 and presented "The Way We Were," an elegant cocktail and dinner party in 1920s costume with live auction.  This was so successful that we repeated the event the following year, enabled by the fact that a member resides in this handsome, downtown condominium building on St. Charles Avenue.

Once again, in 2008, it was the generosity of a Plimsoll Chapter member that enabled us to present a "Pub Extravaganza" at her Palm Court Cafe in the French Quarter, replete with jazz band.  A percentage of our profit from this fundraiser is being donated to the local Firefighters Association, our heroes and first responders during Hurricane Katrina.

Since the establishment of our annual State fundraisers, supported by all chapters in Louisiana, we have held 37 events and many of our members are proud to say that they have worked at each one!  For the record, a detailed listing is at the end.

In addition to the annual State fundraisers, each chapter has conducted many and varied individual fundraising events over the years including garage sales, baked goods sales in conjunction with other civic events such as the British Car Show, etc.  In researching the early years, it is fascinating to read that in April 1959 the newly formed DBE membership participated in British Week by recreating Petticoat Lane in the French Quarter.  It is interesting to note that 50 years later our newest chapter formed in Lafayette chose the name Petticoat Lane.

Worthy of note, is the unique fundraiser held by Petticoat Lane this summer - Etiquette Teas for young ladies, 6 - 11 years old.  They were a huge success, and parents are begging for more. (Details and photographs)

Elizabethan and Godolphin chapters have joined forces to hold an annual Spring Tea at Longue Vue House & Gardens, an historic museum home.  The Jane Austen theme lends itself to delightful costuming, authentic to the period.

BENEVOLENT OUTREACH

There have been so many occasions over the years when our members have reached out to help, support or just befriend British men and women in need who were residents or visitors to Louisiana.  In 1960 DBE members helped raise funds for British engineer Peter Martin who was shot when he went to the wrong motel room door.  At a later date, in August 1980, Mark Bird was struck by a vehicle while walking along a country road and was critically injured.  Great support was given to his parents Nancy and Harry who came from London to be by Mark's side.  With the help of the consulate, he was airlifted back to the U.K. where, sadly, he survived only a short time.

There have been other incidents of this type but DBE members have been able to make a positive difference.  Honorary National Vice-President Wendy Roberts, MBE could recount a litany of cases where British tourists and drunken sailors found themselves involved with the law.  During the 9 years that Wendy served as Honorary Vice Consul to Mr. James J. Coleman Jr., OBE in New Orleans, she made many a visit to the jailhouse and many a phone call to the powers that be in an effort to assist the incarcerated offender.

Following the tragic deaths on March 13th, 1996 of 16 school children and one teacher who were killed by gunfire in Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland, a memorial service was held at St. Paul's Church in New Orleans.  DBE organizers of the service were active in a campaign to solicit donations for the bereaved families.  A fund was set up at the Hibernia Bank.  Witness to this horrible massacre was tennis player Andy Murray who saw his classmates and best friends killed before his eyes.  Andy ran to the headmaster's study and hid under the desk.  Andy Murray has since progressed in the tennis world to become 4th in the world rankings.

On June 25th 1990, DBE members provided refreshments at a reception for the Wheelchair Athletes.

In November 1995 we were presented with a certificate of appreciation by WYES Channel 12, Public TV Station for the several times that DBE in Louisiana manned the phones for the annual membership drives.

The Elizabethan Chapter received the Eleanor McMain Group Citizenship award in recognition of their service at Kingsley House over a ten year period.  Members visited the seniors three times a year, bringing cakes, fruit and knitted slippers as well as craft materials.  In addition, this same chapter decorated the huge Christmas tree at the Plimsoll Club, located in the World Trade Center, with all hand made ornaments.  This tradition continued for twenty years.

Godolphin Chapter's annual St. Patrick's Day party for the elderly residents of St. Anna's also continued for over twenty years.

The Royal British Legion is a major voice for service men and women, as well as the ex-service community.  For many years, DBE members in Louisiana have given individual support to the Annual Poppy Appeal.

Louisiana members continue to contribute toward The British Memorial Garden in New York City.  An English garden near the site of Ground Zero will commemorate the British victims of 9/11/2001, with a bollard to mark the DBE donation.

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Membership, by invitation, is extended to women residing in the US who are:

• of British or British Commonwealth birth

• naturalized British or British Commonwealth subjects

• women with proven British or British Commonwealth ancestry

• the wives and partners of men of British or Commonwealth birth or proven British or Commonwealth ancestry.

• Junior membership is available for eligible girls aged 13 to 18 years.

E-mail me, Louisiana State Organizer with membership questions, or for more information about DBE in Louisiana at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For membership information if you live in one of the other Southern States (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virgin Islands), you may e-mail Trish, the Southern District Organizer at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For membership information if you live in any other state:
e-mail Eunice at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .