Exclusive free tickets for RCS members

In September 2010, the RCS will launch Greenhouse: A Commmonwealth Climate Challenge. This ambitious new project will give 12 households in each of 12 cities across 12 countries one year to reduce their environmental impact. A new Greenhouse website will go live in September, but, in the meantime, you can find out more here: www.commonwealthclimatechallenge.org

We are proud to be working with the Prince of Wales' 'Start' initiative on this project. From 8 to 19 September, the Prince will be hosting 'A Garden Party to Make a Difference' in the gardens of Clarence House, Lancaster House and Marlborough House. This is a rare opportunity to see three of London's most historic gardens with spectacular installations, concerts, fashion, food, debates, music and comedy all with a sustainability theme.

The RCS is delighted to be able to offer five pairs of free tickets to this exciting event. To be entered into the draw for tickets, please email joanna.bennett@thercs.org before Monday 9 August.

Feeling inspired...?

We are considering re-naming some of the rooms in the Club. Why?

Well, because technically our auditorium isn't an auditorium. People have told us that 'vault' rooms sound like burial chambers. And 'conference' and 'seminar' rooms sound...well, uninspiring...

Do you have any ideas for what we could call these rooms? The names could have a Commonwealth theme or why not be creative and think outside the Commonwealth box?

If you suggest a name which we adopt, we will waive the room-hire fee so that you can hold an event of your choice in your newly-named room (subject to availability).

Email your suggestions, plus a short explanation of each, to kerrie.fuller@thercs.org before 16 August. We will let you know whether you have been successful in early September.

Please note that suggestions can only be accepted from RCS members.

Winners of The Young Photographic Awards

The RCS is delighted to announce the winners of the 2010 Young Commonwealth Photographic Awards.The theme of this year's competition was 'Science, Technology and Society' and, with more than 200 entries from around the world, competition was fierce.

India's Madhabi Das Bhattacharyya scooped gold with a striking image of tribal leaders taking photographs on their mobile phones (see right). In the under-18 age category, Kimberly Sue of Trinidad and Tobago was rewarded with the top prize for her image of a girl dancing in a remote island setting.

A distinguished judging panel praised the standard of the entries. Silver and bronze entries were awarded to young photographers from Canada, Australia and Pakistan.

The Photographic Awards are part of the Royal Commonwealth Society's annual Young Commonwealth Competitions which also include writing and film categories. Click here to see the winning images.