Changing of Guard takes place at DBE

FALLBROOK — A new slate of officers, headed by Regent Margaret-Ann Ashton, will lead the Excalibur Chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) in its philanthropic endeavors for the next two years. Sarah Dungworth, under whose leadership from 2003-2006 the chapter went from strength to strength, will continue in the role of vice regent. Pat Mison and Patricia Thompson will serve as treasurer and recording secretary, respectively.

With a record-breaking roster of 51 members (and still growing), Excalibur is the largest DBE chapter in Southern California and one of the largest in the National Society, which includes some 200 chapters in four districts from coast to coast. The primary purpose of the nonprofit organization for women of British or Commonwealth birth or ancestry is to help support British Homes for retired men and women in each of the four districts.

At the Southern California Inc. Annual Council Meeting held at Stoneridge Country Club on March 3, Excalibur received the much-coveted award for recruiting the most new members within a year for the third year in succession. The Fallbrook Chapter has grown by leaps and bounds since 1983, when seven British residents received a charter under the auspices of the DBE in San Diego and Imperial Counties, Inc.

“We’re proud to have four Excalibur members serving on the State Board,” notes Ashton. “Kelly Pack is the current president of DBE in Southern California, Sarah Dungworth is first vice president, Sheila Moss is recording secretary and Nancy Zybach is historian.”

Excalibur members meet on the last Thursday of each month (except in July and August). Social events and fundraisers are held throughout the year. “We conduct business, but the emphasis is on fun, camaraderie and lots of chat about our common British roots,” Ashton adds.

For more information about the chapter, contact Margaret-Ann Ashton at (760) 728-8509 or Sue Thorne, publicity, at (760) 728-5286.