Dear Members and Friends,
Happy new year! Despite the new lockdown, we have every confidence we will see a return to normality this year and we have much to look forward to as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Britain-Australia Society in 2021. We have lots of exciting events planned across the year, including our President's Reception on Wednesday 23 June and a black tie Gala Dinner on Thursday 14 October. More details about both of these events will follow but for now, please save these dates. This year also sees the UK-Australia "Season of Culture" celebrating the theme "Who are we now?". We are delighted to support this wonderful joint initiative between the Australian Government and the British Council. We will be keeping you posted regarding the many events and attractions on offer here in the UK. In December, the Cook Society hosted a fascinating (zoom) lecture by Rupert Allason (aka known as author Nigel West) entitled "The Intelligence Implications of the New US Presidency". The Cook Society has very kindly granted us permission to broadcast this talk which is now available only on the Members' section of our website. As a Cook Society member, I watched this totally enthralling lecture and highly recommend it to Members. A big congratulations to all those lucky Members who won one of our many fabulous prizes in our Christmas draw. Winners are listed below. A big thank you to Deputy High Commissioner, Julie Heckscher, for drawing the winners right here in Australia House. We have many more exciting offers, prizes and benefits for our Members this year so, if you have not already done so, please sign up or renew your membership for 2021! As you know, Australia Day occurs at the end of this month. To celebrate we have some exciting offers for you. As so many of us are currently stuck inside, we have some wonderful treats to keep you entertained. Acorn Media International has offered us some well-known Australian TV drama box sets to give away. Our friends at Aussie-owned Wine Delivered (purveyors of, amongst other things, wines produced in collaboration with Kylie Minogue and Sir Ian Botham) have an exciting Australia Day prize for one lucky Member, as well as a special discount to order wines throughout January. In addition, milkadamia (makers of delicious Australian macadamia milk) have a box of goodies to win in celebration of Australia Day. Finally, don't forget our special BAS offer from Crosstown Doughnuts which is available until 31 January. Please read on for further details... If you are not already a Member, please click here to access our Membership page and sign up now to support the work we do and to take advantage of our "Members Only" offers and events. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Best wishes Damian J. Walsh Chairman
