Secretary’s Blog 11th January 2010

First of all may I wish all my readers (both of them?) a really Happy New Year?
We finished 2009 on a really high note. On 3rd December Professor Sir Magdy Yacoub FRS gave the 2nd Sir Michael Weir Annual Lecture at the Institution of Civil Engineers. His lecture, before an audience of well over 100, was entitled “In pursuit of Truth” and it was both inspiring and incredibly moving. Sir Magdy has carried out 20,000 heart operations including 2,000 heart transplants and 450 heart/lung transplants. For a man who has had the difference between life and death in his hands he was unbelievably modest. Without doubt the audience felt that they were in the presence of greatness and we felt privileged to be there, especially as Sir Magdy accepted Honorary Life Membership of the British Egyptian Society. The Sir Michael Weir Lecture, with 1st Lord Patten and then Sir Magdy, is becoming an important event and it behoves us to find a lecturer this year who is similarly distinguished.

Then there was a complete contrast. On 8th December we hosted, jointly with the publishers Heritage World Press, a reception for 450 in the Egyptian Sculpture Galley of the British Museum for Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Cairo and Deputy Culture Minister. Speakers included our Vice Chairman, Professor Magdy Ishak-Hanna, and H.E. the Egyptian Ambassador. This was followed by a lecture. Dr. Hawass presented Mr. Neil Macgregor, Director of the British Museum a copy of his impressive book, A Secret Voyage. After the lecture he signed copies of his new book “Inside the Egyptian Museum” whose photographs by Sandro Vannini are incredible.

Dr. Hawass is one of the world’s great showmen. As usual he spoke without notes, aided by a slide presentation from his laptop and he was enthralling. We had arranged for him to appear on BBC 4’s “The Today Programme” where he discussed the return to Egypt of the Rosetta Stone and also the head of Nefertiti from Berlin. If it does get returned I do hope the British Public will not blame the British Egyptian Society!

2010 marks our 20th Anniversary and we are hoping that the events we organise will reflect this. Our Annual Dinner is likely to be a Black Tie fund raising event with very famous speakers and entertainment and an auctioneer. At the moment it is very much in the planning stage. Other events will include a reception for our members in the Cholmondley Room of the House of Lords (and drinks on the Terrace) plus an illustrated talk by Sandro Vannini on his new book on Arabic jewellery in the English Speaking Union followed by drinks and snacks in their wonderful courtyard. This latter event will be hosted jointly with the Egypt Exploration Society. The BES is more than happy to host events jointly with other societies and thus attract the largest possible audience.

Within the next 4 weeks we hope to get final approval from the Charity Commissioners for Charity Status. The new Memorandum and Articles of Association were approved unanimously by our membership at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 3rd December, immediately before the Sir Michael Weir Lecture. This will help us raise sponsorship funds and enable us to fund projects which presently we are unable to do. It will mean also a slight change in the Annual Subscription procedure so that we can claim tax from payers of United Kingdom Income Tax. Naturally you will receive plenty of notice.

Please note that we are always happy to receive new ideas and suggestion. My e.mail is noelrands@hotmail.com.

Finally, I am awaiting photographs from the 8th December reception and these will appear on our website soon. If you would like a copy of Dr. Hawass’ book on the Egyptian Museum (£35) then please let me know.

Noel Rands