I first became associated with the Bath and District Royal Commonwealth Society during my second year of study at Bath Spa University. I undertook an undergraduate degree in (BA) Human Geography and took part in the certificate of Global Citizenship alongside my studies. It was during this programme that I was fortunate enough to be offered an invitation to visit the Mayors Parlour with the Bath and District RCS. Following this, I continued to liaise with Godfrey Hall,(the Chair of the Branch) and subsequently was invited to attend the annual Christmas Lunch in 2017. After every event which I attended, I was left feeling more and more inspired by the people I met and continued to develop my connections with various members of the branch. In March 2018 and 2019, I was asked to read the Commonwealth Affirmations at Bath Abbey and was asked to speak about a current topic I felt passionate about (gender equality). As a result of this, I was extremely lucky to receive an invitation to attend the Commonwealth Day Westminster service, as well as a private invitation from the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset to attend lunch with the Queen. I have recently completed my Master’s degree in (MA) Development and Global Health at Queen Mary University of London, of which I completed six months of research on rethinking COVID-19 from the perspective of the global South. During my time in London I continuously kept in touch with Godfrey and other members of the branch and also attended several events. I was invited to visit the Commonwealth Headquarters in London, followed by a tour of Marlborough House and attended a private dinner with other Commonwealth members, arranged by the Round Table. Since my first association with the RCS, I have been continuously inspired, driven and motivated to continue my work with the society to make a difference across the Commonwealth nations.
Lotte Veale