Royal Oak Chapter is in Bellingham, Washington State and serves the area from Mount Vernon to the Canadian Border. The Royal Oak chapter is currently serving members in the Blaine, Lynden, Ferndale, Bellingham, Sedro Woolley, Stanwood, Mt. Vernon, and Anacortes areas. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 11:00 a.m., usually in Bellingham, but other venues are often used. The April, May, September, and October meetings are run concurrently both in-person and on Zoom. The November, January, February, and March meetings are on Zoom only. In June, July, and August, we have no official meetings, but often members meet socially and to make crafts for our fundraising table at the annual bazaar. December's meeting is a social lunch at a local restaurant.

Royal Oak chapter was established in 1977 in Bellingham. The name “Royal Oak” was chosen because of the significance of the oak tree, not only in its importance to the development of the British navy but also because King Charles II hid in an oak tree at Boscobel Hall while being pursued by Oliver Cromwell in 1650. As a result, the tree became famous but by the early 1700s, it had been killed by souvenir hunters. Yet, a younger tree grew up beside it from one of its acorns, and this became the second “Royal Oak” which can still be seen today. It is known as the “Son of Royal Oak.” The original Royal Oak now has a grandson. In 2001, Prince Charles planted a sapling nearby, grown from one of the second tree’s acorns, to mark the 350th anniversary of his famous namesake’s escape.

Our motto, “great oaks from little acorns grow,” reflects the aim that with a little effort, great things are possible.  This is reflected in our philanthropic activities. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and our website!

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Regent: Jane Gordon-Ball