Henley Society Talk: Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod

The Henley Society will welcome Sir Michael Willcocks for their Autumn talk on Thursday 1 October.

Lieutenant General Sir Michael Willcocks had a distinguished military career during which he served in Malaya, Borneo, Germany, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, the Balkans, and  Belgium. He saw active service in Malaya, Borneo, Northern Ireland, the First Gulf War, Iraq, and commanded operations in Bosnia for a year. He commanded 1^st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.  His last post in the Army was as the UK’s Military Representative to NATO and the EU. Retiring from there in 2001, he was appointed Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, a post he held for an unusual nine years.

Chair of the The Henley Society said, “Sir Michael had a distinguished military career and from 2002-2009 was Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. He is an excellent raconteur and we are assured of an entertaining evening.”

The talk will be held at the Eyot Centre, Wargrave Road, RG9 3JD. Tickets are available, price £12, by calling 07860 145982 or emailing thehenleysociety@btinternet.com.

There is ample parking, and after the talk and questions to the speaker, attendees are invited to complimentary drinks and nibbles with the Committee.