March 2009 Secretary's Blog.

Secretary’s Blog 6th March 2009
I feel rather ashamed that March has arrived and only now am I writing my first blog of the year and we are extremely grateful to National Bank of Egypt (UK) Ltd for sponsoring our site. I do hope that the New Year (and the Chinese New Year of the Ox) has been good to you.
The society is still working hard on a programme for 2009. Last night we had our 1st event, a private tour of the Petrie Museum. Attendance was extremely disappointing but the “happy few” were given an excellent introduction by Dr. Stephen Quirke, the Curator, followed by separate little tours of the 6,000 objects on view (with another 12,000 not on display) by Dr. Quirke and our own Cathie Bryan who we thank for organising the evening. The BES made a donation of £240 towards conservation projects. The Petrie Museum is held in part of University College London. Dr. Quirke told us that it is in an old stable block and they “enjoy” 13 different leaks in the roof which fortunately they can identify. The museum is the result of the sponsorship in the 19th Centurary of Amelia Edwards and Flinders Petrie’s devotion to archaeology over almost 50 years until 1942. Some of you may remember the excellent talk by Professor Fekri Hassan, the then Petrie Professor of Archaeology at UCL, after our AGM in 2007.
The reception to welcome the Egyptian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Hatem Seif El Nasr, and Mrs Seif El Nasr is due to be held in the Library of the Reform Club, 104 Pall Mall, on 12th March at 6pm. I was privileged to be invited to the Embassy to celebrate His Excellency presenting his credentials to H.M. the Queen. It really was a stunning occasion with the Ambassador being accompanied in a horse drawn carriage by the Marshall of the Diplomatic Corps in Court Dress. It was a very happy event and we do hope that the Ambassador and his family enjoy their tour of duty in London.
At the moment the Executive Committee is working hard on future events, including our Annual Dinner which we hope will be in excellent surroundings and with a very distinguished speaker. We are working on a Photographic Competition, “Makes me think of Egypt” which we hope will be launched in April/May. It is targeted at students but there is not an age limit.
Finally, may I mention the Memorial Service for Hilary, Lady Weir at St. James’s Church, Piccadilly in February? She achieved such a lot in her lifetime, was so respected and her departure us mourned by all who knew her. The service was a combination of tributes and music. Sad as the circumstances were it was a happy event.


Noel Rands
6th March 2009.