Published in the December 2025 edition of the St. George for England Journal
By: Zachary J. Dixon, President of St. George’s Society of Baltimore, Ltd.

Commemorating Eighty Years of Peace

The St. George’s Society of Baltimore began its summer season with the annual St. George’s Polo Cup, led by Chairman J. Scott Watkins and his committee.  This year’s gathering carried a profound theme, commemorating the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Days and the conclusion of the Second World War.

Held beneath a grand tent at the Maryland Polo Club, the Polo Cup delivered a day that was both spirited and solemn.  Guests enjoyed an unforgettable blend of polo matches, vintage cars, pony carriages, military ceremony, millinery and fascinators, and an exciting auction.  Among the highlights was the donation of a cheeky and charming signed print, “Guards at Ease,” by acclaimed British artist Jeremy Houghton, formerly Artist in Residence at both Windsor Castle and Highgrove, once described as “the late Queen’s favorite young artist at Windsor.”  The print was won during the auction by Mr. James T. Young, past-president and early founder of the Polo Cup, with proceeds benefiting the charities of the Society’s Foundation.

The occasion was further distinguished by the presence of the 3rd United States Army Infantry Continental Honor Guard, better known as The Old Guard, joined by the Royal Marines Historical Re-enactment Group and the Ship’s Company.  Together, they lent weight and dignity to the presentation of colors and the national anthems.  As part of this year’s commemorative program, relatives of current Society members who served in the Second World War were recognized and honored through special tribute donations, with proceeds benefiting the Society’s Foundation. This meaningful gesture connected the memory of their service to the charitable purpose of the event.  It reinforced the day’s theme of remembrance.  A spirited hat contest, featuring 14 participants, was judged by Mrs. Alana E. Dixon and won by Ms. Leslie Mansfield, adding a dash of British pageantry.  The Society was also honored to welcome Commander Lyndsey Netherwood, Royal Navy, Assistant Naval Attaché at the British Embassy, and Colonel Stephen Brooks, MBE British Army, The Ranger Regiment.  Their presence underscored the enduring bonds between the United Kingdom and the United States.

In recognition of his leadership and tireless efforts in growing the Polo Cup over the past several years, Chairman Watkins was presented with the Society’s plaque in front of the tent following the day’s polo matches and trophy presentations, a fitting tribute to the vision and dedication that have made the event such a success.

Every area of support grew in 2025: subscriptions rose by 66%, donations by 61%, and sponsorships by 11%.  This year also marked the introduction of a lively auction, which added to the day’s success.  Together, these efforts drove gross revenue to a more than 50% increase over 2024, a new milestone for the event.

The “$80 for 80” Campaign

To further honor the wartime legacy of British and American families who laid down their burdens and began the long road of remembrance and rebuilding, the Society’s Foundation launched the “$80 for 80” campaign. This charitable initiative supports four causes that reflect the Society’s values and heritage: the American Memorial Chapel at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal British Legion, the Royal Oak Foundation, and the Trussell Trust.

Outside of the Polo Cup, donations nearly doubled in 2025, rising by 103% compared to the previous year.

Together, these efforts marked a record-setting year for the Society, with fundraising revenue growing by more than 50 percent and total donations across all campaigns increasing by nearly 244 percent.  This momentum reflects not only the generosity of our members and friends but also the strength of our mission to preserve heritage while supporting causes that unite Britain and America.

A Night at the Senator Theatre

In September, the Society gathered for a private box screening of Downton Abbey 3: The Grand Finale at Baltimore’s beloved Senator Theatre.  The setting could not have been more fitting.  The theatre’s Art Deco rotunda glowed under its signature chandelier, with gilded railings, curved balconies, and hand-painted murals depicting classical figures overlooking the polished wood doors below.  The terrazzo floor and pastel friezes recalled the elegance of 1939, when the Senator first opened its doors.

Members paused to admire the historic space, taking in its architectural details before settling into the theatre’s domed auditorium.  As the lights dimmed, the film opened with a drive through 1930s London, passing glittering marquees and arriving at the Richmond Theatre in West London.  Watching this scene unfold from the private box of Baltimore’s own 1939 landmark created a remarkable sense of continuity, a moment in which the Society’s members shared an experience not unlike that of London audiences nearly a century ago.

MGs on the Rocks

Later that month, members of the Society gathered at MG’s on the Rocks, the world’s longest continuously running British car show, set against the wooded backdrop of Rocks State Park. More than 200 MGs, Austin-Healeys, Morgans, Sprites, Jaguars, Lotuses, and other marques gleamed in neat rows across the grassy field, their polished chrome and bright paintwork catching the soft autumn light.

The air carried the mingled scent of fresh grass and petrol, punctuated by the occasional rev of an engine, while a soundtrack of The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Petula Clark played in the background.  Families wandered between the cars, children darted ahead to peek under open bonnets, and enthusiasts paused to swap stories and admire the workmanship of lovingly restored classics.  Several Society members proudly displayed their own cars, adding a personal touch to the occasion and drawing fellow members together in conversation.  Union Jacks lined the hillside, and conversation drifted warmly across the field.

The result was a scene that felt less like an exhibition and more like a festive gathering, a celebration of British motoring heritage and a perfect day of fellowship for our members.

Trafalgar Night Dinner

In October, the Society’s signature Trafalgar Night Dinner was once again sold out, filling the storied halls of the Maryland Club with pageantry, fellowship, and reflection.  Among the evening’s guests were fifteen first-time attendees, prospective members who joined in the commemoration of Admiral Lord Nelson and the heroism of Trafalgar.  By the time of this writing, ten of them have already been invited to join and accepted membership, a testament to the Society’s growing strength and enduring appeal.

The evening began with dinner chairman Captain James S. Hanna, USN (Ret.) delivering the opening remarks, followed by an invocation from chaplain Father Christopher Pyles.  Guests enjoyed a blue crab bisque, Madeira-glazed beef tenderloin, and triple chocolate mousse parfait, accompanied by fine wines and Warre’s Heritage Port, courtesy of the Estate of Curtis Carroll Davis.

The highlight of the night was the keynote address by Commander Lyndsey Netherwood, Royal Navy, Assistant Naval Attaché at the British Embassy.  In a stirring and often humorous reflection, she honored Admiral Lord Nelson’s daring leadership and the enduring lessons of Trafalgar.  Commander Netherwood drew parallels between Nelson’s innovation, his “Nelson’s Touch” of trust, clarity of intent, and decentralized command, and the modern spirit of adaptability guiding both the Royal and United States Navies today.  She reminded guests that, as Nelson once said, “I have always been a quarter of an hour before my time,” and urged that same readiness in meeting the challenges of the present age

As the port was poured, Mr. James Harp, Artistic Director at Maryland Opera, took to the piano, joined by soloist Mr. Joseph Richwine. Their performance brought the room to life, beginning with On the Road to Mandalay and leading guests in rousing choruses of Rule, Britannia!, What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor, Heart of Oak, Land of Hope and Glory, and Spanish Ladies. Voices rose in harmony, filling the Maryland Club’s oak-paneled dining room with music and pride.

After the performance members and guests retired to the porch for port, champagne, and cigars, where conversation lingered late into the night.  It was a fitting conclusion to an evening that balanced reverence and revelry, an enduring expression of the Society’s spirit of camaraderie, tradition, and transatlantic friendship.

Commander Netherwood closed her remarks by recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, paying tribute to the shared courage, cooperation, and kinship that have long bound the Royal and U.S. Navies together.

Embracing the Digital Age

The Society has also devoted considerable effort to digital engagement, ensuring our heritage resonates not only in person but also online.  Over the course of the year, social media engagement rose by 570% and views by 382%, providing valuable insights into follower behavior and campaign timing.  Among our most popular features is the monthly Member Spotlight, which celebrates the diverse stories and experiences of our members while strengthening the bonds of community.

In addition, the Society led by Treasurer Daniel B. Fisher introduced PayPal as a secure and convenient option for paying dues, making donations, and subscribing to events, a change that has simplified participation and encouraged more timely giving.

Looking Ahead

The Society is reimagining its Remembrance Sunday observance.  While a group of Board members will continue to tend the veteran tombstones in our care, we are partnering with Grace & St. Peter’s Church for a special service.  The musical program highlights include, Requiem by Gabriel Fauré.  The Anthems of the Allies: La Marseillaise, God Save the King, and The Star-Spangled Banner.  Beloved English hymns including Jerusalem and Thaxted led by our own Dr. Jordan Prescott, organist, and choir.  A brunch will follow the service at the Engineer’s Club.  In December, we will host a holiday mixer designed to engage prospective members and share in festive merriment.

With a year marked by remembrance, record-breaking generosity, and renewed fellowship, the St. George’s Society of Baltimore enters 2026 with confidence and purpose, committed to preserving British heritage, deepening transatlantic friendship, and advancing its charitable mission with energy and vision.