International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers: Wreath-laying Ceremony The Cenotaph, Whitehall, London BAFUNCS was represented by Carole Harris, Bella Evidente and Kamran Mashhadi A Tribute video  is available below.  The Event – The ceremony at the Cenotaph on 21 May 2026 was a solemn and dignified commemoration of United Nations peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of international peace and security. The presence of BAFUNCS at the ceremony underscored the organisation’s ongoing commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of United Nations personnel. Our overall impression was one of deep respect, quiet unity, and a shared commitment to honouring sacrifice. The event blended symbolism, protocol, and emotion in a way that underscored the global significance of peacekeeping. Ceremonial Atmosphere The atmosphere was marked by a profound sense of reverence. Whitehall, usually busy and loud, felt transformed into a space of collective reflection. The stillness of the crowd, the measured pace of the proceedings, and the presence of uniformed personnel created a powerful emotional backdrop. The silence before the wreath‑laying was particularly striking, amplifying the gravity of the moment. The sound of the bugle and the lowering of heads during the act of remembrance reinforced the solemnity of the occasion. 2. Participants and BAFUNCS Representation  The ceremony brought together a diverse group of attendees, reflecting the international nature of UN peacekeeping. Representatives from diplomatic missions, UK government officials, military personnel, veterans, members of the UN community and BAFUNCS team were present. Their presence conveyed solidarity across nations and institutions, emphasising that peacekeeping is a shared global responsibility. Symbolism of the Wreath‑Laying The act of laying wreaths by BAFUNCS Representatives Carole Harris and Bella Evidente at the Cenotaph carried significant symbolic weight. Each wreath represented remembrance, gratitude, and the enduring commitment to peace. The Cenotaph itself, as a national memorial, provided a fitting and historically resonant setting. The visual contrast of the wreaths against the stone monument served as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the value of peacekeeping missions. Reflections on Peacekeeping The ceremony prompted reflection on the broader role of UN peacekeepers. It highlighted the courage and professionalism of individuals who serve in complex, often dangerous environments. It underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in preventing conflict, protecting civilians, and supporting stability. The event reinforced the idea that peacekeeping is not only operational but also moral-rooted in the belief that global peace is achievable through collective actio Impressions of BAFUNCS Representative Impressions of the BAFUNCS team reflected that the ceremony successfully balanced formality with emotional resonance. The dignity of the proceedings honoured the fallen without spectacle. The presence of diverse participants created a sense of shared humanity. The event served as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of peacekeeping in a world still marked by conflict and instability.     Conclusion The wreath‑laying ceremony at the Cenotaph was a meaningful and well‑executed commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. It provided a space for reflection, gratitude, and reaffirmation of the values that underpin peacekeeping efforts worldwide. The impressions formed during the event reinforce the importance of remembering those who have served and recognising the continued need for global cooperation in pursuit of peace and calls for strengthening the role of UN for the betterment of the humanity. Bella Evidente. Carole Harris, Kamran Mashhadi

An Appreciation by Sheila Macrae Eugenia was a neighbour of mine in Highgate, London.  On finding my name in the 2005 address list of BAFUNCS members, she kindly wrote a welcome note to me, and we met soon thereafter.  I continued to socialise with her on a regular basis.  She was well-informed about global affairs, and we had “spirited” discussions putting the world to rights over many a G&T!  These also included much reminiscing on her part; with such a long and active life, there was much to remember. Eugenia was Italian, having been born and brought up in Milan.  She was an excellent linguist – even trying to learn Hungarian and then Mandarin in her last few years!  With her first husband, she moved to the USA and worked as an interpreter for the United Nations.   She also, I believe, served in WHO, working with education and student scholarships. Joining BAFUNCS in 1979 (member 179) Eugenia was one of our earliest members.  She was active from the outset, joining the Greater London Regional committee in 1979, becoming “Vice-Chair” in 1981 (with the post of “Chair” vacant) – though it is not clear for how long.  She always told me stories of how active the Region was, and of the large numbers she took out for lunch and to the Royal Institution etc.  This must have been in the period before 1986, but I can find no record of these activities in the early Newsletters.  Eugenia was appointed Treasurer in 2003 and held that post one year. Eugenia was a woman of many talents: in her youth, she was a champion ice skater and throughout her life was an excellent swimmer and scuba diver and also played the harp.  She developed many interests, some as unusual as being a member of the Cloud Appreciation Society, to which she enrolled me! Above all, Eugenia loved socialising and bringing people together. She also loved her dogs, mostly Scottie dogs, which she kept for most of her life. Those who knew her can probably all agree that she was totally unique: a strong character with strong opinions, vibrant and at times dramatic, creative and artistic.  She, with her wonderful, deep and expressive voice, will be much missed.

Cardiff Annual Reunion 13-15 September 2026 List of Participants as of 7 August

We welcome Jane Nicholson! I took on the roles of representative and member support for the WMW region in May 2026, following retirement from nearly 30 years in publishing, documentation and language services in WHO. After spending more than half a life away from the UK, I initially returned to my home county of Derbyshire before moving to Gloucestershire last year, for a change. I seem to be well situated therefore for this wide ranging ‘region’. To date I have avoided getting a car but have made regular forays along the Wales, GWR, Crosscountry and EMR lines and am happy for any excuse to explore further.   I take this opportunity to thank Edith Davis, who served as the previous regional rep for several years, and regional coordinator Nichola Rodgers, who have both kindly filled me in on the role. I look forward to meeting members from WMW and other regions at the Annual Reunion in Cardiff in September and gaining the benefit of others’ knowledge.