The Wyedean uniform fitting was my first made to measure experience and it was a very special one. As a Caribbean migrant, my father always wore tailored suits and my mum made many of our clothes as children. But this was the first time I have been on the receiving end of professional tailoring expertise and the results are outstanding.
Yvonne Stocks DL
Yvonne Stocks has spent her professional lifetime transforming lives. As a qualified midwife with 25 years of experience in social care, Yvonne is today an inspirational founder of the Palm Cove Society, an organisation which supports vulnerable adults including survivors of trafficking and slavery, individuals fleeing domestic abuse and forced marriage.
In 17 years, the Palm Cove Society has grown to a team of 81 full time staff supporting up to 450 vulnerable individuals daily. In February 2024, Yvonne and team opened a 34-bedroomed facility in Huddersfield, giving the organisation additional capacity to accommodate and support those in need.
Invited to be a Deputy Lieutenant in August 2023 by Ed Anderson, HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Yvonne says she was shocked, delighted, honoured and very proud.
“I heavily researched the role after being asked to join West Yorkshire’s team of Deputy Lieutenants and I realised the responsibility of supporting the Lord Lieutenant’s role as The King’s representative supporting faith, voluntary, social and business activities across the area.
“The option is there for all DLs to invest in a uniform to represent their role in the community and from the outset, it was something I knew I wanted. From the very first visit to Wyedean it was a truly enjoyable experience. Having a fitting was a first for me and the wealth of experience of both Melanie and Graeme was very clear – and fantastic to be on the receiving end of.”
Yvonne added: “By the end of the process, it felt wonderful to put something on which fit straight away and looked absolutely incredible!”
A Deputy Lieutenant undertakes a variety of duties including attending events, suggesting nominations for national honours, promoting the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, and encouraging businesses to apply for the King’s Award for Enterprise.
Yvonne continued: “When my father lived in Jamaica, he and many of the men had their suits made and this was a tradition he continued when moving to the UK in 1956. My mum’s dressmaking skills were something I grew up with, so it’s been a process I’ve long been around – but this was the first time I have been on the receiving end of professional tailoring expertise and the results are outstanding.”
Yvonne’s uniform comprises tunic, trousers or skirt, cap, sash, slings, sword and gloves and includes epaulettes, gorgets, sword belt & blouse. She has also recently invested in a greatcoat which is produced by the Wyedean team for warmth and protection against wind and weather for outdoor Lieutenancy appointments in the winter months.
Yvonne added: “I love the ceremonial appearance of the Deputy Lieutenant uniform and having the choice of wearing it for our more formal occasions. I’m also aware that female DL uniforms are a recent addition to the Lieutenancy protocol, and I am delighted to be a part of the wave of female DLs who are embracing and adopting the uniform which represents equality of standing, irrespective of gender.”
