The Britain-Australia Society was established in 1971 as a friendship society to promote historic links between Britain and Australia. It has headquarters in Buckingham Gate in London and branches throughout the UK.
Contents |
Britons and Australians share a rich heritage of family ties, history, culture, language, sport and business. In 1971 Sir Robert Menzies and Sir Alec Douglas-Home, former Prime Ministers of Australia and Great Britain, re-founded the pre-existing Australia Club to form two sister societies based in the United Kingdom and Australia in order to recognise the value of a continuing cultural exchange between the two countries. Despite being founded by two former politicians, the societies are apolitical and non-commercial.
The aims of the Britain-Australia Society are to:
Branches are maintained in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Leicestershire, Lincoln, Portsmouth the West Country and Wales. Regional functions are held by these branches in addition to centrally-organised activities.
Annual events normally include a Summer Reception at the House of Lords and a Garden Party at the residence of His Excellency the High Commissioner as well as tutored wine tastings, theatre evenings and cocktail parties.
In order to attract more younger members a sub-committee was formed with the task of organising informal and accessible events, for example a Routemaster bus tour of the Monopoly board, after-hours visit to the Tower of London, and monthly members' drinks.
The Patron of the Society is HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh KG KT OM GBE AC QSO.
The President is The Rt Hon The Lord Carrington KG GCMG CH MC PC
The Chairman is The Rt Hon (George) Miles Hobart-Hampden, Earl of Buckinghamshire
The Vice-Chairman is Sir Christopher Benson FRICS DL
Vice Presidents:
Honorary Vice-Presidents:
The Honorary Chaplain of the Society is The Revd George Bush, Rector of St Mary le Bow church.
As a non-profit society, administration and events are funded by subscriptions and corporate sponsors, including Australian Government agencies and businesses and organisations with an Australian interest in Britain.