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| Issue 30 | March 2010 | View as a webpage |
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Dear , With Commonwealth week fast approaching, this is always a busy and exciting time at the RCS. We will be organising the Commonwealth Day Observance at Westminster Abbey - think 1,000 schoolchildren, music, flags, faith leaders, scientists and The Queen - as well as welcoming the leader of the Commonwealth's newest member, President Paul Kagame to the RCS. March will also bring a Nobel Prize winner, a Kenyan Minister and a debate on maternal mortality. There really is something for everyone... Danny Sriskandarajah | Director |
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News |
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Commonwealth Day CelebrationsCommonwealth Day is celebrated annually on the second Monday in March. In London, the RCS organises the Commonwealth Day Observance at Westminster Abbey on behalf of the Council of Commonwealth Societies. The largest inter-faith gathering of its kind in the UK, the Observance is attended by HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. This year, they will be joined by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, as well as more than 1,000 school children. Prime Minister Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will also attend. The Commonwealth theme for 2010 is 'Science, Technology and Society'. Young scientists from India, Kenya and Malawi are flying in to take part in the Observance with the generous support of the Wellcome Trust and musical performances from around the world will add to a vibrant, colourful celebration. To find out more, click here. |
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A new partnership brings new benefitsThe RCS has formed a new partnership with the English-Speaking Union and we are delighed to be able to offer our members tickets to ESU events at member prices. The English-Speaking Union is an international charity founded in 1918 to promote "international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language". It is headquartered at Dartmouth House, an elegant mansion in the heart of London's Mayfair. From here, it runs an interesting programme of events and conferences, ranging from political seminars to literary and cultural worshops. When booking tickets for an ESU event, please simply quote your RCS membership number to guarantee a reduced rate. For more details of events at the ESU please visit: www.esu.org/events |
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events |
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Tuesday 2 March, 1pm - 2.30pmLunchtime Discussion on KenyaWe will be hosting Hon. Dr Kilemi Mwiria MP, Assistant Minister for Higher Education, Science & Technology for a discussion on how Kenya is placed to achieve economic and social development in the 21st century. This event will begin with a short presentation from the Minister and will then be followed by an open discussion over lunch. Bookings for this event are now closed. |
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Friday 5 and Saturday 6 MarchEast Commonwealth GamesWe are working in partnership with the 2010 East Festival to hold a two-day East Commonwealth Games at Spitalfields Market. Commonwealth Day falls during East Festival on 8 March and this is a chance to celebrate and preview the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October 2010. Games from across the Commonwealth will be played, from bicycle polo to Kabbadi. Entry is free. Click here to find out more... |
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Thursday 4 March, 6pm - 8pmThe Role of the Media in the Zimbabwe TransitionThis event, held in partnership with the Commonwealth Media Group, will begin with a screening of Sue Lloyd Roberts' film on Zimbabwe. A panel discussion on 'The Role of the Media in the Zimbabwe Transition' will follow. Chaired by the Economist's Middle East and Africa Editor, Xan Smiley, speakers will include Tabani Moyo, Advocacy Officer of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). Email ritapayne@hotmail.com or call 07834-845240 to book... |
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Monday 8 March, 4.15pm - 6pmCommonwealth Day Tea PartyThe Commonwealth Day celebrations continue after the Observance with a Tea-Party hosted by the RCS at the Commonwealth Club. After the exhilarating live music of the Observance and the excitement of seeing Her Majesty The Queen, why not join us and wind-down with a drink? Even if you didn't get to attend the Observance, we would still love to see you. Click here to book... |
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Tuesday 9 March, 12 - 1pmSpeech by President Paul Kagame of RwandaDon't miss this opportunity to hear from the President of the Commonwealth's newest member. Paul Kagame will speak about what joining the Commonwealth means to Rwanda and the importance of youth to his country's future. For any interested members and guests, a discussion over a lunch of Rwandan-inspired food will take place after the speech. Click here to book... |
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Thursday 25 March, 6.15pmThe Worldwide Maternal Health Crisis: 42 women of Sierra LeoneWe are delighted to be partnering with Amnesty International UK to bring you this event. Focusing on the 'Manifesto for Motherhood', a report co-written and endorsed by more than 15 NGOs worldwide, this event will explore the worldwide crisis in maternal health. It will also formally open Lee Karen Stow's exhibition (see below for more details). Click here to book... |
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Monday 29 March, 11.45 - 1pmSpeech by Dr Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize WinnerIn the Commonwealth year of 'Science, Technology and Society', we are delighted to host this keynote speech by Dr Venki Ramakrishnan. An Indian-born US citizen, last autumn, Dr Ramakrishnan won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. This event is being run in partnership with the Indian Journalists Association. Click here to book... |
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Wednesday 2 June, 6.30pmSouth African Wine TastingJoin us for a wine tasting with senior winemaker and cellarmaster, Francois van Zyl of Laibach in South Africa. He will guide us through a four course meal and wines in association with Ellis of Richmond. Tickets cost £60 for members and £70 for non-members. Tables for 10 people can be booked for £500. Click here to book... |
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exhibitions |
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Gallery - February 3 to March 12"The Continuum of Art"This innovative exhibition from South African artist, Johan Lamprecht, analyses the underlying technologies of art, ranging from those which are commonplace in the public arena, to art forms of the underground. From photography to code-based work, this exhibition shows us art as we've never seen it before. |
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Gallery - March 17 to April 30"42 Women of Sierra Leone"Following a long and brutal civil war, peace has returned to Sierra Leone. But the country remains shattered by trauma and abject poverty. Photographer Lee Karen Stow captures the images of 42 Sierra Leonean women in a stark reminder that their life expectancy remains just 42. The Opening Event for this exhibition is taking place on 25 March. See above for details. |
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Partners |
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New OpportunitiesThe RCS offers attractive partnership and advertising opportunities through our printed publications, online presence, projects, events and influential networks. For more information please visit the Supporting Us section of the website or contact Zoe Ware on 020 7766 9240. |
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All feedback welcomePlease let us know if you have found this information helpful. Is there anything else you would like to see included? Did you have any issues opening the email? All feedback is welcome. Email Communications Manager, Joanna Bennett at joanna.bennett@thercs.org or call on 020 7766 9230. If you have an issue or query regarding membership, please contact Member Services Assistant, Geyson Relaut at geyson.relaut@thercs.org or by calling 020 7766 9231. If you would prefer not to receive this communication again, please reply with the word unsubscribe in the title.
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