Vice Chancellor appointed Deputy Lieutenant
18 January 2006
A voluntary sector personality from Wye and the Vice Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University have been honoured for their positive contributions to the County and the Nation by being appointed as Deputy Lieutenants of Kent.
Professor Michael Wright, a new Deputy Lieutenant of Kent
Professor Michael Wright lives in Sandwich and since 1997 has been Principal, now Vice Chancellor, of Canterbury Christ Church University.
His earlier academic career included teaching law at universities in Bristol and Glasgow, and before coming to Canterbury he was Dean of the Business School and then Deputy Vice Chancellor at Napier University, Edinburgh. He is a non-executive Director of the Strategic Health Authority, a Governor of the Duke of York’s Royal Military School and Thanet College and a Lay Canon of Canterbury Cathedral. He is married to Pamela and they have three adult children. His interests include choral singing and golf.
Mrs Jane Gavina Loudon, of Wye, near Ashford, was brought up in Malaysia, Thailand, Ghana, Dorset and East Sussex, and moved to Kent in 1979 with her husband James, who was High Sheriff of Kent last year. They have a daughter and two sons.
Her voluntary work has included the Imperial Cancer Research Campaign, Ashford Young NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies), Ashford Citizens’ Advice Bureau Management Committee, and The Prince’s Trust. She is currently Chairman of Ashford School Governors, a Council Member of the United Church Schools Trust, a Trustee of Huggens’ College and Stour Music Company, Chairman of the Women of Kent Luncheon 2006 Committee, Governor of Wellesley House Preparatory School, and Trustee of Kent Community Housing Trust.
Announcing the new appointments, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett CMG, The Queen’s representative in the County, said: “We welcome Jane Loudon and Professor Wright whose great depth of experience will be an asset to the Lieutenancy.
“They are joining a network of fine men and women whose role it is to support the Monarchy and celebrate Kent, its unique history and culture, serve its communities – and contribute positively to its future.”
He added: “These appointments are important because the modernised Lieutenancy plays a major role as a potent independent force for good in Kent. As the Monarchy does nationally, our aim is to provide a focus for County identity, unity and pride, give a sense of stability, recognise achievements, success and excellence, and promote service to others.”
Notes to Editor
· The Lieutenancy of Kent consists of the Lord Lieutenant, the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Viscount De L’Isle, and a maximum of 64 other Deputy Lieutenants, approximately one per 25,000 people.
· The office dates back to 1558 and was originally responsible for the County’s local defence and maintenance of order. The role of the Lieutenancy is entirely non-political and unpaid.
· Deputy Lieutenants come from all walks of life and all parts of the County. Their local and specialist knowledge and experience is used to positive effect in key sectors ranging from education to youth services, and from business to the rural economy.
· Duties include greeting and accompanying Royalty and Heads of State during official visits to the County and the presentation of honours and awards on behalf of the Crown.
· They advise on events potentially warranting Royal visits, on how local people can put forward others suitable for honours or for invitations to Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, and on anniversaries warranting a message from The Queen. They also advise on how community organisations can gain recognition in The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Scheme.
· When attending official events, Deputy Lieutenants wear a diamond-shaped pendant badge of office, unique to Kent, featuring the County’s rearing white horse emblem above the motto: Invicta. They are entitled to use the post-nominal letters: DL.
Contact Details:
Claire Robinson
01227 782391
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