The Popular Oxford Dictionary defines a consort as 'a Spouse (such as a Prince or Queen Consort)' or 'a Ship sailing with another'. I prefer the first definition, although they are both correct in a way.
Not being of Royal birth, you may well ask why I should adopt such a grand title, rather than 'Husband' or 'Partner'. Well you see my dear wife Vivian is shortly to become District Governor of the Rotary District 1140. This is a notable position to hold, and will no doubt require her attendance at various high level functions, where VIPs may be in attendance, such as Mayors, Company Directors, or, er, people who might know someone who met the Queen. There could even be other District Governors present. I felt that to accompany her to such prestigious events she needed more than just a Spouse, so I will henceforth describe myself as her Consort for the duration of her term of office.
Vivian ascends to the role of District Governor (DG) on July 1st 2014, a post that she will hold for exactly a year, but the journey towards this momentous occasion began 3 years ago, when she put her name forward, and was accepted as the DG of her District for 2014/15. I have therefore been a consort for 3 years already, starting as the Consort to the DG Nominee Nominee during 2011/12. I was then promoted to Consort to the DG Nominee for 2012/13 and further promoted to the Consort to the District Governor Elect for 2013/14. So I have been quite busy already in the long run up to taking office.
Training for the role has been ongoing since we started this journey. There have been a number of events organised for all the incoming District Governors of Britain and Ireland (27 of them) over the last couple of years, including 2 weekends away at Scalford Hall near Melton Mowbray. At these events I was able to get to know many of my fellow consorts (most of whom prefer to be called 'Spouses' or 'partners' or 'Wives'). The majority of the 27 DGs to-be are male, which meant that I was able to spend time with a number of beautiful women, all with Vivian's agreement. From a purely selfish point of view, one of the highlights of both trips to Scalford Hall, was when local Rotarians took a few of us Consorts on a tour of the sights of Melton Mowbray, which naturally included a visit to the famous Dickinson & Morris pork pie shop.
More serious training took place in January this year, in San Diego, USA, which will be the subject of a future blog.
