Dear Members and friends,

Of events that taken place I must pay tribute to two in particular. Firstly to the panel and the audience for u debate “Is there a role for women in Middle East Politics and Business?” We had 9 speakers and 140 in the audience. The Chairman has pointed out that future debates (and I am working on one for the New Year) but be “This House believes that………………..”and with for and against speakers. Plus put this error down to my inexperience. Secondly my thanks to David Wardrop, Chairman of “Friends of the Alexandria Library” for securing the Director, Dr Ismail Serageldin to talk so eloquently at the British Library in September. Dr. Ahmed El Mokadem sponsored the Debate and also the refreshments after the talk at the British Library.

Our next event is the talk by Professor Alan Bowman on 17th November at University College, London on “Egypt under the Romans”. Professor Bowman stepped down at the end of the summer term as Principal of Brasenose College, Oxford and we are so fortunate to secure his services as a speaker. We are indebted also to Professor Stephen Quirke from UCL for agreeing to Chair the evening.

Some future events which I know you will enjoy. The speaker for this year’s Sir Michael Weir Lecture will be HE Mr. Amre Moussa, former Foreign Secretary of Egypt and Secretary General of the Arab League. This is thanks to our Vice Chairman, Professor Magdy Ishak Hanna who, with Dr Assem Allam, will sponsor the Lecture. The likely date is 15th December. On 19th January we will have a Private View of “Faith after the Pharaohs” at the British Museum. Thanks are due to the Keeper of the Ancient Egypt and Sudan Collection, Dr. Neal Spencer, and his colleague and our fellow Board Member, Ms Claire Messenger. In February we plan a Private View of “Beyond Beauty: Transforming the Body in Ancient Egypt”. This will be in the stunning premises of The Bulldog Trust at 2 Temple Place. The building was the former home of William Waldorf Astor, the 1st Viscount Astor and is worth a visit just to see the rooms let alone the exhibition. Details for all of these will follow.

If any of you have ideas about events you would like us to put on, just let me know secretary@britishegyptiansociety.org.uk, or advise our Marketing Exec. Youssef El Shaikh at hello@britishegyptiansociety.org.uk.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Cheers

Noel