Sandringham Recipe Contest
Feb
1
to Feb 25

Sandringham Recipe Contest

  • Google Calendar ICS

Sandringham Recipe Contest

February’s recipe is strawberries romanoff

Click here to see this month’s recipe!

We invite viewers to have fun, and help girls go to college. Starting in February, the Florida website will post a new Sandringham Chapter Festival Day recipe on the 1st of every month. It will include a short history of the festival’s origins.

On behalf of viewers who make the recipe and send us a picture of it, by the 25th of each month, Sandringham Chapter will donate $1 to our new Recipe Scholarship Fund. At the end of the year we will add the money in this fund to our own annual donation to the national DBE Scholarship Fund.

We chose sharing these recipes as another way to celebrate and share our Commonwealth and British heritage. Enjoy them, make them, and send your pictures of what you made, and, if you choose, a picture of yourself, to Hilary Leonard for posting at hblwbl32@gmail.com.

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Jane Austen Festival
Feb
13
to Feb 15

Jane Austen Festival

A foot in the 21st Century and a toe in the Regency Era.

This is not an official event of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA), which holds its annual general meeting elsewhere. Mount Dora Jane Austen three-day Festival is an independent event celebrating the Regency era in downtown Mount Dora. 

  • What to expect: Regency-era workshops, teas, and a Regency dinner. Past events include activities like bonnet-making, lawn bowling, and a cruise on the Dora Canal.

  • Registration: Opens November 1, 2025.

  • Website: Visit janeaustenfest.com for official details and the updated schedule as it becomes available.

For more information on the Jane Austen Society, check out their website.

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Virtual Author Event: Paula Byrne
Feb
14
11:00 AM11:00

Virtual Author Event: Paula Byrne

Author Paula Byrne will join us for a special Valentine’s Day event to discuss her latest book, Six Weeks by the Sea, a historical novel that explores whether Jane Austen ever fell in love.

JASNA Virtual Region members will automatically receive the Zoom meeting link at least one week prior to the meeting. JASNA members who are not members of JASNA Virtual Region may request the Zoom link by emailing jasnavirtualregion@gmail.com.

For more information on the Jane Austen Society of North America, check out their website.

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Scottish Highland Festival
Feb
20
to Feb 22

Scottish Highland Festival

Get ready to celebrate Scottish culture like never before in Mount Dora!

Join us for an exhilarating day filled with bagpipes, Highland athletics, Celtic music, dancing, a vibrant tartan parade, and thrilling Pipes and Drums performances. Experience a lively atmosphere with, delicious food and beverage vendors, unique merchandise, and heritage village—all in a family-friendly environment perfect for residents and visitors alike. Don’t miss out on the festivities—grab your tickets now and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Scotland!

For more information or to buy tickets, click here.

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Virtual Author Event: Janine Barchas
Apr
11
11:00 AM11:00

Virtual Author Event: Janine Barchas

Austen scholar Janine Barchas will be present to give a very “graphic” presentation of her latest book, The Novel Life of Jane Austen.

JASNA Virtual Region members will automatically receive the Zoom meeting link at least one week prior to the meeting. JASNA members who are not members of JASNA Virtual Region may request the Zoom link by emailing jasnavirtualregion@gmail.com.

For more information on the Jane Austen Society of North America, check out their website.

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Founder's Day Celebration
Apr
17
12:00 AM00:00

Founder's Day Celebration

A remarkable woman, Sarah Josephine Meredith, as Mrs. John Langstaff, took a leading part in the missionary work of her Episcopal Church of Long Island, and organized charitable events in many philanthropic fields, Her heritage of, and empathy for, British people, resulted in her founding the Daughters of the British Empire in 1909. She and realized that a group of British-born women in a foreign country, united in a common cause, could be a power for good, both for themselves and for the country where they lived. So impressed by the aims and camaraderie of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE), a Canadian organization, that she organized the DBE as a Society along similar lines in the United States. Florida DBE started in 1910 and became one of many chapters throughout the US.

In 1920, the Canadian and the United States created a Garden of Peace on both sides of the border, a living memorial to the long-established friendship between the United States and Canada.

This became the International Peace Garden, Inc., symbolizing the peace and harmony existing along the longest unfortified boundary in the world. The DBE in the USA and the IODE in Canada became Charter Members of this great enterprise and their contributions over the years have helped in the development and maintenance of this unique and noble concept.

DBE Chapters all over the US celebrate this day in their open way. To join in, contact the chapter nearest you by clicking on the US map at dbenational.org.

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DBE National Council Meeting
May
3
to May 6

DBE National Council Meeting

  • Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Meeting to be held at the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center, Branson, Missouri — theme is, “Be a Brit Different. ”

Details abut the hotel, Registration and Agenda to come on the national website dbenational.org.

Information to date :

Monday: Our meeting and dinner dance will be held at the hotel

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, we will host an unforgettable offsite meeting at the distinguished Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. Transportation will be provided, so you can relax and enjoy the scenic ride to this one-of-a-kind venue.

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Jane Austen's 250th Birthday Celebration
Dec
17
3:00 PM15:00

Jane Austen's 250th Birthday Celebration

  • Alachua County Library District, Millhopper Branch (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Jane Austen's Birthday!

We will be watching the 2020 movie Emma. We will also have coloring and crafts. We are partnering with the Jane Austen Society North Florida Chapter for this event, and they will be providing tea and light refreshments.

For more information on the Jane Austen Society, check out their website.

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Southern District Meeting
Oct
17
to Oct 19

Southern District Meeting

Hampton Inn and Suites, 3450 Bobby Brown Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344. The room rates are $119 per night plus taxes and a $5 per night hotel fee. Total cost per night $142.74. This is for a room with two queen beds. Breakfast is included.

The actual meeting will take place across the road at: Home 2 Suites, 3433 Bobby Brown Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344. Saturday, October 18th, 2025. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, OCT. 17th, 2025

  • 3:00–5:00 Registration

  • 3:00 Hotel check in time

  • 6:30 Meet & Greet at hotel

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18th, 2025

Breakfast in hotel

Across the street at Homes 2 Suites:

  • 8:30 Late registration

  • 9:00 – 1:00 Southern District Meeting

  • Tea Break mid-morning – coffee available in hotel lobby

  • 1:00 Lunch on own

  • 7.00 Meet at hotel for games and fun

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19th, 2025

  • Breakfast in hotel

  • Checkout 11:00 am

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Holiday Fundraiser - Wreaths, Door Sprays, Centerpieces, Table Top Trees
Sep
22
to Dec 8

Holiday Fundraiser - Wreaths, Door Sprays, Centerpieces, Table Top Trees

Join the Spirit of the Holidays & Help to Support our Cause

The festive season approaches, and Queen Mary 2 Chapter, Florida, is holding a holiday fundraiser through Mickman Brothers.  For each product sold, we will receive an $8 donation to the DBE.

Mickman Brothers are widely recognized for their amazing quality products and conservation efforts; for each Holiday Gift purchased, you get a Personalized Message, Hanger, and Tree planted in honor of your gift recipient.

3 Easy steps:

  1. SHOP — Go to GiftItForward.com and choose gifts for Family, Friends, Business Associates. Use our FUNDRASING CODE: DAUGHTFL003

  2. SHARE SHOPPING — Tell everyone about our fundraiser and share the fundraising code by Email, on Facebook, and with co-workers, friends, and family!

  3. GIFTS SHIPPED DIRECT — Manufacturer ships direct to our recipients by FedEx to the continential US.

For more information, contact Heather Dhondt.

 

Many Thanks!
Your donation goes to help our local 501(c)(3) charities.

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Nov
10
6:00 PM18:00

AN EVENING WITH JEREMY CLYDE

On November 10, the Queen Mary 2 chapter in Mount Dora, Florida, hosted a successful fundraising event for Forward Paths, a local charity dedicated to providing housing and support for youth transitioning out of the foster care system.

The evening featured a concert by Jeremy Clyde, best known as one half of the iconic British folk duo Chad & Jeremy, famous for hits like “Yesterday’s Gone” and “A Summer Song.” Clyde, whose career spans television, theater, and film, has recently toured with Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon and award-winning musician Albert Lee.

Special guest Valerie Neale also performed, showcasing her own music and joining Jeremy for beautiful harmonies.

The event took place at The Magical Meat Boutique, Mount Dora’s British Pub, where guests enjoyed two hours of captivating live music—all in support of this important cause.

See pictures of this event on our NEWS page.

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Apr
19
to Apr 20

FLORIDA ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING 2024

The Lakeside inn in Mount Dora has been confirmed for April, Friday 19th arrival & Saturday 20th the ACM meeting. President Claire Fairclough will host the Friday night pot-luck event at her house on 19 April. ACM Registration fee of $20 includes the cost of a light breakfast. Lunch choices are Chicken Pot Pie: Tender pieces of chicken white meat and garden vegetables in a savory cream sauce topped with a crown of puff pastry. Served with a side salad

Lemon Pepper Salmon: Tender Atlantic salmon rubbed with lemon and peppercorns, pan seared and finished with a light white wine drizzle. Accompanied by basmati rice and fresh seasonal vegetables.

Lakeside Tomato Pie: Locally grown vine ripened tomatoes and cheddar cheese are layered with a basil flecked custard and baked in a pastry shell. Topped with toasted tomato drizzle. Served with a side salad

 All attendees staying at the Lakeside Inn have confirmed bookings of their choice.

 We are now planning the raffle baskets and favors, and looking forward to meeting all our friends at Claire’s Potluck Pleasures on Friday evening, and, of course, our Annual Meeting, once again to be graced by our National President Susan Gerrity. 


 

  


LAKESIDE INN

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Queen Mary 2 Chapter Candle Fundraiser
Apr
19
to May 10

Queen Mary 2 Chapter Candle Fundraiser

  • Google Calendar ICS

We have teamed up with Mallory Candles to raise money for DBE. Their beautiful, scented soy candles will give us 40% of sales to support our charities.

  1. Go to Mallory Candles website (https://malloryscandles.com)

  2. Click on 'candles' and choose Jar size, travel size, or sample size candles. Select as many candles as your heart desires and click 'add to cart.'Once you are finished shopping, click 'check out' and it will go to the payment page. Be sure to add DBE (in capitals) in the box that says “Discount Code” and “apply.” DBE will appear beneath the “Discount Code” box.

  3. For DBE to receive credit for each sale, the code must be entered during the checkout process. Organization Promotion Code: DBE

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION WITH A CANDLE!

Here are some of the useful and special days in April and May we can all relate to in some way or other. So, when you to buy a candle for someone, remind them you are thinking of them on their special day.

Some Days to consider... Love our Children Day, Student Athlete Day, Siblings Day, Law Day, Prayer Day, Self-employed Day, Nurses Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, Mothers Day, Bring Flowers to Someone Day, Do Something Good for your Neighbors Day, Packrat Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and, of course, the whole of May is Senior Month.

Questions? Please contact Louise O'Leary:
Email: lgoleary@yahoo.com
Cell: 407 715 8129

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Oct
20
to Oct 21

DBE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICERS MEETING

Meeting held at Homewood Suites Hotel, Turkey Creek, 10935 Turkey Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922 SDOM hospitality Friday in the hotel lobby at 6 pm, with wine, beer, soft drinks, and some snacks.

SDOM meeting starts Saturday morning. Dinner and entertainment at the Tennessee Valley Winery, 15606 Hotchkiss Valley Rd., East Loudon, TN 37774

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Annual Council Meeting
Mar
11
9:30 AM09:30

Annual Council Meeting

  • Magical Meat Boutique British Pub (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Florida’s Annual Council Meeting was held on 11 March 2023 at The Magical Meat Boutique in Mount Dora. Registered Members stayed at the nearby Lakeside Hotel, Mount Dora. It was such a great success, members voted to have our 2024 Annual Council Meeting in Mount Dora again.

National President Susan Gerrity and our newest member

National President Susan Gerrity pinning a new DBE member.

Getting ready to host all our members for our 2023 ACM

DBE members helping set out tablefavours.

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Queen Mary 2 Chapter Festive Fundraiser
Oct
23
to Dec 23

Queen Mary 2 Chapter Festive Fundraiser

  • Google Calendar ICS

As the festive season approaches, the Queen Mary 2 Chapter of Florida is holding a holiday fundraiser. We have organized this with Mickman Brothers who offer a great range of wreaths, and other seasonal products. Mickman Brothers are widely recognized for their amazing quality products and conservation efforts. Delivery across the USA.

Every Holiday Gift purchased comes with a personalized message, a hanger, and a tree planted in honor of the recipient. Each product sold, using the code below, will raise an $8 donation to the DBE.

You can order and pay directly at:

Please pass this information on to members and friends, thank you for your support. If you have any questions contact Heather at dhondt.heather@gmail.com.

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