Secretary’s Blog 7th September 2011

I am more than ashamed at neglecting the site. I had problems with it and got lazy, leaving it to Dina to post messages on our new Facebook page. Do have a look at it.
We have done rather a lot since my last blog (Oh, the last one I attempted to post the site wouldn’t let me due to a confusion of e.mail addresses!)
Anyway, two of our Trustees, the Vice Chairman Professor Magdy Ishak-Hanna and Dr. Assem Allam sponsored a concert at Cadogan Hall on 22nd July in aid of the Children of Egypt. It featured our good friend, Amira Fouad, who gave the World Premiere performance of David Heath’s Piano Concerto, El Hedeiya. I have to say I thought the evening would be “challenging” but in fact I enjoyed it very much. There was a skilful blend of Egyptian and Western composers.
Before that, of course, there was the talk in the House of Lords on the Democratic Future of Egypt on 13th June by Mr. Amr Hamzawi, Dr. Abdul Moneim Aboul Fotooh and Mr. Ziad Aly. Chaired by Baroness Symons it was well attended and after the talks there was a fascinating Question and Answer session. We have to thank Professor Magdy Ishak Hanna for bringing the three of them to London.
Again, since my last blog Egypt has changed out of recognition and we await developments with interest. In a year’s time we are planning a Conference in London on Education in Egypt on the lines of the 2006 Conference at SOAS. We are expecting support at a high level and will keep you posted. A sub-committee is visiting Cairo in mid October to talk to the AUC and Cairo University who we hope will be working with us on the conference.
Reverting to this year, May I record a really interesting talk after our AGM on 23rd June on the Yemen by Dr. Noel Brehony. It was held at the Arab British Chamber of Commerce and the attendance was very disappointing. Better was the visit to Highclere on 31st July (the day before Ramadan started!) Over 50 attended and enjoyed the tour of the castle, the Tutankhamen exhibition and the lunch afterwards at the Carnarvon Arms. Dina Soliman, of course, celebrated Ramadan with an Iftar Dinner on 20th August, again very well attended (and extremely well organised)
Our next event will be the “Jack the Ripper” tour followed by Dinner at the 18th C Simpson’s Tavern. I have e.mailed to everyone on my members and ftiends list as well as posting flyers. PLEASE come!
Future events include a discussion between the writer Anthony Sattin and Karima Khalil (who is flying in from Cairo) at Leighton House on 22nd November. They will discuss her book “Picture from Tahrir” as part of the “Nour Festival” and the evening will include a white wine and soft drinks reception as well as a tour of the recently restored Leighton House including the magnificent Arab Hall.
We have to come the annual Sir Michael Weir Lecture (we have contacted the proposed Egyptian speaker and await his response) in early December and in March next year we have a Private View of the British Museum’s new “Hajj” exhibition.
Finally, I promise not to be so neglectful in future.
Noel Rands