Dear Members and Friends,
What a fabulous few months we have had to round off 2021! After coming out of lockdown in the summer, we have held a wide range of exciting and interesting events, all of which have been over-subscribed - the President's Reception at Stoke Lodge, our Summer Soiree at the Royal Over-Seas League, an "in conversation" with Paul Madden CMG, our 50th anniversary drinks reception in the Exhibition Hall, a theatre trip to "Get Up, Stand Up!" and our Victorian Wine Showcase (kindly supported by Tim Dillon and the Office of the Agent-General for Victoria). Thanks to B-AS Corporate Members, Insignis Media, we have uploaded photos from these magnificent occasions to our website which you can access here.
We have also run a series of fabulous offers and giveaways for our Members this year - the chance to see each of Julia Gillard AC, Lord Patten and Tom Tugendhat MP in conversation, tickets to a very special performance from a quartet from the Australian Chamber Orchestra (led by Richard Tognetti) on 17 December, tours of the beautiful state rooms and gardens of Buckingham Palace and tickets to the sold out members' day at the Chelsea Flower Show - to name but a few...
Capping this all off is our ever-popular Christmas Carols and festive drinks on 9 December at iconic St Mary-le-Bow with readings from HE, the Hon. George Brandis QC and many other well-known people in the B-AS community. This event is now booked out. Demand is very strong for all our events so early booking is always advised. However, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the B-AS Office team as we run a waitlist for all events. We try to accommodate all who wish to come to our events but of course priority is always given to our Members.
To become a Member of the B-AS and take advantage of all our special offers and events, please click here. And spread the word. We have much to look forward to!
On 7 December our National Director, Louise Mulley, will attend the launch of the "FANZA Fringe" with the irrepressible British/Australian cabaret performer, Dolly Diamond. Our Charity Member, FANZA, is supporting a programme of cultural and artistic events to run alongside the UK/Australia Season of Culture in 2022. To find out what's on, please go to www.fanza.org and follow FANZA on Instagram (@fanzarts).
On 9 February 2022 we will host a breakfast seminar in conjunction with Corporate Member, bdhSterling, entitled "The Best of Both Worlds" - focusing on tax and pension planning considerations for those contemplating a life lived between both Australia and the UK or even for those considering a more permanent move at some future point. 23 February sees our fabulous "Meet the Agents-General" drinks party in the Exhibition Hall. And, as you know, we are holding our black tie gala dinner at the Savoy on 26 May. Booking details will be released in the new year for all of these events so do keep an eye on your inboxes. We also have lots of other exciting things in planning for 2022 so watch this space.
As we head into the festive period, don't forget the special Christmas offer for all our supporters from Australian Wines Online (www.auswinesonline.co.uk) for your Christmas purchasing! Please see below.
We also have another lovely offer for you this month. The Australia House Ensemble would like to invite you to "Reconnection" in the Exhibition Hall on Monday 10 January 2022. With a welcome drink from 6.15pm, this wonderful concert, part of the Australian/UK Season of Culture, showcases many extraordinary talents. Further details and booking link are below. The AHE has kindly offered complimentary tickets for two lucky B-AS Members to attend this exceptional event. To enter, please scroll down. Entries close at 5pm on Friday 10 December.
And, as the year draws to a close, Advance (whose UK Ambassador is B-AS Member, Jeannie Lopes) has invited all our supporters to take part in their 2021 Advance Global Survey. Whether you are an Australian living in the UK or a person connected to Australia (through work, study or relationships), Advance would love you to share your experiences with them. Details below.
I know many of you are hoping to travel this Christmas to see much missed family and friends. Jacqui and I are thrilled that our daughter, husband and recently arrived first grandchild will be travelling from Australia to have Christmas with us in London. We will be joined by my London-based son as well as my son who will be arriving from Tokyo. It will be the first time we have all been together for a very long time. On behalf of my family and the team here at the B-AS Offices, we all wish you all a very happy, festive and safe Christmas and look forward to catching up with you in 2022!
Best wishes
Damian J. Walsh
Chairman
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