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The Abbey Gardens were resplendent with herbaceous borders as we strolled through the historic grounds, guided by Katie and Charles Robson.  We learned about the Abbey’s turbulent pre-dissolution relationship with the people of the town who had suffered greatly under the abbey’s oppression. They had attacked it several times, which led to the fortification of it’s defensive wall. The impressive Norman Gate and Abbey Gate, now the visitor’s entrance, were built to keep the local population out.  The Appleby Rose Garden which was in full bloom with 400 beautiful rose bushes, is dedicated to the US servicemen and women who were stationed in Suffolk during WW2. Lunch was served to 16 members in the spacious Pilgrims Kitchen. This was followed by a visit to Moyes Hall Museum, a medieval building in the heart of Bury with collections documenting the foundation of the early town, from creation and dissolution of the Abbey of St Edmund to fascinating insights into local superstitions and folklore. Nicky Rodgers

The CPP event was organized in the context of the Political Careers Week at UCL. BAFUNCS’ principal collaborators were the UCL Political Science Department and the Careers Service, which meant that most of the 80 students attending the event were Political Science students. The event was fully subscribed, reflecting an encouraging level of interest in working in the UN. The BAFUNCS panelists were Peter Kessler, Nicholas Rosellini, and Alison Tilbe, who had a variety of UN experiences across development, humanitarian and peacebuilding programming.  The panel was moderated by a post-graduate student from UCL, Varun Butaney. It was conducted in-person only, with no possibility of connecting online. The event started with a presentation showing the structure of the UN and the breadth of the its work, and all the career possibilities beyond the better known inter-governmental aspects. The presentation was followed by a conversation between the moderator and the panelists on three pre-set questions: Why, how, and where did you first join the UN – and what stage in your career did that occur? What are the pros and cons of working for the UN? What advice would you give to anyone wishing to join the UN? In the following Q&A session, the students were very engaged and asked many questions. Much of the conversation revolved around contract work, what type of work experience is required, etc. The panellists explained the current realities of UN reform and budget reductions, but encouraged students to seek employment with the UN. With a very varied and complex system with so many UN entities and no central recruitment facility, it was difficult to point to a single route to access employment, and instead students were directed to target a few specific organisations. Overall, the session went very well and the students showed great appreciation.  

In the middle of Twickenham’s residential area is a historical gem worth seeing. This is what members of BAFUNCS Surrey did on 2 July as our Summer outing.  The House was originally built by Horace Walpole in 1749, and since he felt his family had a long and glorious history, his house should reflect this. Consequently he built a house in Gothic style with turrets and other gothic features, being the house that inspired the later Gothic Revival style of architecture. It was elaborately decorated in the latest fashion of the mid-1700, and while all the belongings were later sold off, much has now been bought back or donated to the House. We enjoyed learning of the history of the house, seeing the splendid rooms, and having lunch in the lovely garden. Karen Jorgensen

All members welcome! The OVS Geneva area Summer lunch will take place on Tuesday, 11 August at 12h15 at one of our favourite places – La Table du Lac, 2981 Rue Tour du Lac, 01220 Divonne-les-Bains. There is a fixed menu with a choice of starters, main courses and desserts (two courses for €25, three courses for €28) and also à la carte. This message is being sent to all OVS members in case any of you are in the Geneva area at this time and of course members from other regions are also welcome to join us. Could you please let me know by Thursday, 6 August if you plan to attend.  Best wishes, Mary Hamouda Regional Representative OVS

The Oxford Region Summer lunch was held on 17th June at the King William IV pub in the small village of Ipsden in the Chiltern Hills. A total of 18 people attended, included one from the LON region. The group had a pleasant time, and enjoyed excellent food and service. Stephen Rudgard (Regional Representative) made a few announcements at the end of the meal, including promoting the upcoming Annual Reunion in Cardiff in September.

It is still not too late to book your place at the Cardiff Annual Reunion on 13 to 15 September 2026 at the Majestic Hotel. The hotel still has rooms available, and the BAFUNCS concessional price on rooms has been extended until 31st July.  A list of participants who have already registered can be found here. We hope you will join us to meet friends old and new. There are spaces left on all three excursions on 14 June, so those who haven’t yet done so can sign up and add another dimension to the Reunion! Cardiff Castle is a medieval fortress with lavish Victorian gothic interiors which stands in the heart of the City and just a short walk from the Hotel. A private guided tour has been organised for us which should be fascinating. National Trust Tredegar House (photo below right) set in a 90 acre park and is one of the most significant late 17th Century houses in the British Isles. Transport is provided. A guided walking tour of Cardiff Bay with a blue badge guide. Formerly the biggest coal exporting dockland, there is lots to find out about the history, the multicultural roots, the decline and subsequent regeneration of this area sitting on the edge of the river Taff and Ely. We will make the short journey via local transport. AR 2026 Cardiff Invitation AR 2026 Cardiff Registration Form

We are pleased to provide below the final report of the 2026 Annual General Meeting, including the certified tally of votes, the new Executive Committee and the draft minutes of the Zoom meeting: AGM 2026 FINAL REPORT

All members Welcome! Enjoy a day with us at Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham where we will meet at 11.30. Ticket prices with advance purchase: £14.50 for the over-65s. £16.50 standard entrance £14.50 for English Heritage members. Free for National Art Pass members You can buy your ticket here here:  Strawberry Hill House .  If you prefer, Karen can buy the ticket for you and can send you details of how to pay.  Please bear in mind the ticket will be non-refundable. Refreshments/Lunch: we will have refreshments or lunch in The Garden Café.  Full menu here:  Strawberry Hill House Menu. The Café is wheelchair accessible via a smooth path without steps.  A space will be reserved  for all of us at the Café, either inside or outside, depending on the weather. Please register with Keren by Thursday 18 June. We very much look forward to seeing you! With best wishes, Karen karenkabul@yahoo.com