Registration is now open for the 2026 BAFUNCS Annual Reunion, to be held from 13 to 15 September 2026 at the centrally-located Majestic Hotel Cardiff (formerly known as the Radisson Blu).  Our Spring Newsletter contains details of the Reunion, including information on an exciting selection of excursions (pages 4 to 5) and on our three eminent speakers (page 12). AR 2026 Cardiff Invitation AR 2026 Cardiff Registration Form Some members may be aware that after the venue was selected by BAFUNCS, the hotel has been undergoing a rebranding from Radisson Blu to the Majestic.  Unfortunately, this transition is taking longer than anticipated and is expected to continue for a while, with a number of consequences. The telephones are still being answered as Radisson Blu, and a new Majestic Hotel Cardiff website has yet to be created.  Members wishing to take a look at the hotel and its rooms and facilities, including the Azzurro Ballroom where we will be holding the speaker sessions and the dinners, can still do so by accessing https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-cardiff As a result of the transition, and rather than telephone the hotel, members should initially contact the hotel through the email address provided on the Registration Form: reservations.cardiff@majestichotels.co.uk ; and preferably title their email BAFUNCS Annual Reunion.  Members should inform the hotel of the dates of stay and category of accommodation desired (single or double occupancy), and of any accessibility requirements.  Credit card details are not needed at this time, and of course should not be provided in an email; the hotel has indicated that it will contact members at a later stage, or possibly even on arrival at the hotel, to obtain this information.  Members should however ensure that they receive emailed confirmation of their booking at the hotel. The Annual Reunion Committee apologizes for the inconvenience and uncertainty caused by the rebranding of the hotel, which is beyond our control.  The Committee would however like to reassure members that we are still dealing with the same staff at the hotel, and that all the contractual and logistical arrangements made previously with the hotel remain unchanged.  A number of members have already signed up and we look forward to hearing from more of you.  

SOUTH CENTRAL SPRING LUNCH La Parisienne, 21 Bell Street, Romsey SO51 8GY On Tuesday 21 April 2026.  As usual, let’s meet from 12 noon with lunch being served at 12h 30, earlier if everyone has arrived. The DEADLINE FOR ORDER  is Monday 13 April 2026. Payment will be made on the day. Please contact Claudine Pichon at  sclbafuncs@gmail.com PARKING 3 Newton Lane, SO51 8GZ – behind the restaurant, 70 spaces OR Alma Road, SO51 8ED – large parking area with  203 spaces and five minutes’ walk to La Parisienne: MENU STARTER [1] Soup of the Day [2] Warm Goat Cheese Salad [3] Leek Gruyère Tart with Salad MAIN COURSE [4] Pan Fried Filet of Sea Bream with Lemon, Lime and Olive Oil Sauce served with New Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrots [5] Chicken Breast with Thyme Sauce served with New Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrots [6] Pork Chop with Roquefort Butter served with New Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrots PUDDING [7] Chocolate Mousse [8] Crème Caramel [9] Sorbet or Ice Cream (choice on the day) Two Course = £23.- Three Course = £31. ADD Expresso, Americano, Cappuccino or Tea = £3.50      

DON’T FORGET TO BOOK FOR CARDIFF! Booking is now open for the Cardiff Annual Reunion, which will feature a packed programme of outstanding speakers and interesting excursions. Book early to guarantee your room at the hotel. AR 2026 Cardiff Invitation AR 2026 Cardiff Registration Form       Important Note: You should be aware that the name of hotel in Cardiff has been changed from the Radisson Blu to the Majestic.  The ownership of the hotel and conditions of our contract remain the same – it is just the franchise that has changed.  The staff are busy with the transition at the moment and the re-branding, including the initial telephone message you hear, has not yet been completed.  Our contact at the hotel has suggested that reservations should be made by email, rather than by phone, and everything should be sorted by mid-March.  The AR committee is sorry for this disruption which is due to circumstances beyond our control.

Members may be interested to read the latest communication we have received from FAFICS about the Pension Review.  There is also information about the Federation’s internal processes to ensure that we are well represented in all such UN System discussions, not only on  pensions but also on After Service Health Insurance (ASHI). FAFICS President’s Update on Pension Matters, March 2026 FAFICS President’s Letter on Succession Planning, February 2026 FAFICS Working Group on Succession Planning, Interim Report, February 2026 FAFICS Survey of Social Media Use, November 2025