THE COOK SOCIETY
The Cook Society was founded in 1969 on the initiative of the former Prime Ministers
of Britain and Australia, Alec Douglas-Home and Robert Menzies, with the aim of
promoting Anglo-Australian relations at a high level. It has counterparts in all
Australian States, with which it is in constant touch.
The Cook Society in Britain is limited to 100 members and they represent
a wide range of national interests and include high-ranking business
and professional people, academics and representatives of government. Membership is by invitation.
Every year the Society holds 4 or 5 informal private lunches or dinners in London at The Royal Thames Yacht Club which are attended by members and their invited guests. A distinguished person is invited to address the luncheon or dinner and points of interest to both countries are freely discussed.
Every eighteen months or so, week-long Gatherings of members of both Societies are held alternatively in the UK and Australia to discuss with governments and business leaders matters of import affecting the interests of both countries. The formal business activities of the Gathering are augmented with a wide range of social engagements.
The Cook Society Committee 2011
Mr Adam McCarthy
Mr John Allen Deputy Chairman
Sir Stephen Brown
Mr Ray Greenshields
Mrs Pauline Lyle Smith Chairman
Mr Richard Link
The Hon Sarah Joiner
Sir Jay Tidmarsh
Mr Tony Yolland
Alderman Neil Redcliffe Vice Chairman
Kim Hemmingway
Kate Kirby Executive Secretary
Swire House
59 Buckingham Gate
London SW1E 6AJ
Telephone: 020 7630 1075
Facsimile: 020 7828 2260
Email: cooksociety@britain-australia.org.uk
