From The Chair Although a few months will have passed by the time this goes to publication, the Dhow Tragedy of March 2006 will still be central in the minds of many of our members. I am sure there was not one BBBF member who was not personally impacted by this sad event, through the loss of a friend, a colleague or even a family member. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who perished and with those who were left behind to pick up the pieces of their lives and try to carry on. We were honoured to be a part of the coordinated fund raising efforts of the British Societies in Bahrain and were deeply touched by the response of the community as a whole which enabled us to raise over BD25,000. We are confident that these funds will be put to good use amongst not just the British community but will also provide some assistance for
the families of other nationalities who were also deeply impacted. As we move into Summer its tempting to look beyond the impending heat and dream of cooler days. Many of us will be looking forward to a few weeks away but others will undoubtedly have their nose to the grindstone throughout. The good news is that the BBBF will be with you all the way. While we do have a few events planned for the back end of the year (the Ramadan Golf Competition and the Poppy/Trafalgar Ball, for example), our monthly lunch meetings will continue throughout the Summer. The venue of the Golden Tulip hotel will remain constant throughout. On another note, it is with mixed feelings that we must announce the departure of our Administration Manager, Clare
Contents Crawley. Although she has only been with us for a relatively short time, Clare has made a huge impact on the smooth running of the BBBF office and our events. She will be sorely missed. At the same time, however, the circumstances of Clare’s departure could hardly be more positive. She is leaving to get married and is then relocating to New York with her fiancé, Jonathan. We wish them both the very best of luck in their new life together. In the meantime, if anyone would be interested in taking on the role of Administration Manager, or knows of someone who might be qualified for the role, please get in touch. All that remains is for me to wish all members and their families a happy and safe Summer. We look forward to seeing you all again very soon.
Letter from H.M. Chargé d’Affairs ...... p3 Diary Dates ....................... p4 Welcome new members .. p5 Member Benefits .............. p6 Application Form ............. p7 Red Arrows in Bahrain .... p8 What can we learn from a Tragedy? ............. p10 Airline News ................... p12 Airport News .................. p14 UK leads changes in Food sector ................ p16 Bahrain Construction Update ..... p18 New Jaguar launched in Bahrain ...... p20 2006 FIFA Football Fever World Cup Feature ......... p23 Photo Gallery ................. p29 British Motoring innovations .... p31 New from Britain ............ p35 International News ......... p36 Holistic Corner ............... p38 Bahrain News ................. p39 And Finally ..................... p40 Registration number SBBB 492
The 2006-7 BBBF Executive Committee
Chairman Steve Ritchie Mob: 3967-3145
Deputy Chairman Linda Jennings Mob: 3962-5004
Treasurer Austin Rudman Mob: 3969-9475
Hon. Secretary Julie Lomas Mob: 3960-6712
Membership Secretary Rob Grey Mob: 3966-3452
Member Terri Harwood Mob: 3964-8419
Media Coordinator Peter Lyall Mob: 3933-5003
Embassy Representative Rebecca Eriksson Mob: 3953-6989
BBBF Tel: +973 1781 3488, Fax: +973 1781 3489, Email: bbbforum@batelco.com.bh Bahrain British Business Forum, P. O. Box 10051, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
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From Her Majesty’s Chargé d’Affairs and his deputy Steve Harrison is standing in ad interim.
Some of you will notice that the Ambassador seems to have lost his hair, and put on weight, since his last photograph in the spring issue of the BBBF magazine. Fear not – Robin Lamb is currently out of Bahrain on a temporary assignment,
The BBBF continues to go from strength to strength, with many visitors to Bahrain now timing their visits to the Kingdom to coincide with BBBF events. The Forum has built an impressive reputation under Steve Ritchie’s leadership, based on a well-focused set of speakers at its events, good networking opportunities before the lunches and a welcome for newcomers keen to participate in the Bahraini market. The Embassy’s Trade & Investment section, led by
Rebecca Eriksson, coordinates its actions with the BBBF to support British companies active in Bahrain, or considering the plunge into the Gulf marketplace. We work increasingly closely with the British Trade Office in Al Khobar - on the Saudi side of the King Fahd Causeway - to show that Bahrain represents the best gateway for those wishing to do business in the Saudi Eastern Province. This activity includes hosting British trade missions jointly, and promoting Bahrain in London as the best financial and services hub to a Saudi-focused audience.
Bahrain’s economy is growing by some 7.5% per annum currently. We aim to help British companies to gain an increasing share of that growth, both in terms of visible and invisible trade. There are already clear British success stories in the infrastructure sector on which to base an optimistic view of the future, as Bahrain and its neighbours go through what some have called “a golden age of the Gulf”. The BBBF and the British Embassy will continue to work in tandem to assist British-Bahraini business to grow further in the coming months.
British Embassy Services The Warden System is still running at the Embassy. A warden is a member of the British (or unrepresented Commonwealth) expatriate community who volunteers to be the contact point between the British Embassy and the community. You will be allocated a warden when you register at the Embassy. This can be done either on the web site at www.ukembassy.gov.bh or by visiting the Consular section which opens from 9am - 2pm. For those already registered, please remember to update your details as necessary and re-register each year.
HSBC Supports British Chevening Scholarship Scheme HSBC has offered to sponsor the British Chevening Scholarship Scheme for 2006, enabling some of Bahrain’s most talented graduates to attend post-graduate courses in the United Kingdom.
Passports are processed in 5 working days. Application forms can be picked up at the Embassy between 9am - 2pm or downloaded from the web site www.ukembassy.gov.bh
The Chief Executive Officer of HSBC, Mr. Saleh Al Kuwari presented a cheque for BD 2,435 to British Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Stephen Harrison at a ceremony held at the British Embassy.
Visa Fees. The following fees will apply 1 Commonwealth Countries/Overseas Territories/ Transit BD23 2 Single/Double and Multiple visit visa up to 6 months BD38 3 Longer term visit visa OR visa for any other purpose including Student/domestic worker certificate of entitlement/work permit / Working holiday BD64 4 Settlement, Finance BD195
Mr Harrison expressed his deep appreciation to HSBC for their support, noting: “The British Chevening Scholarship Scheme is the British Government’s premier scholarship scheme for international students. We are extremely grateful to HSBC for their generous support and welcome them alongside our other sponsors for 2006. Their backing will make a significant contribution to the academic and professional development of able young Bahrainis, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies in the UK.’’
Information of any Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advisories currently in effect for Bahrain may be obtained on the web site www.fco.gov.uk/travel Forum
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BBBF Internal News
Diary Dates
BBBF Members might like to know that one of our sponsored students, Mohamed Alfarden received the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence 2005 from the Griffith University in Queensland, Australia for studies in the Master of Information Systems.
Tuesday 18 July 2006 Speaker: Students from the Crown Princes’ Scholarship Programme Venue: Gilgamesh Ballroom, Golden Tulip Hotel Time: 12 noon for 1 pm Cost: BD 8 for members / BD 10 for guests NB: numbers limited to 100, so please book early to avoid disappointment
The Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Ian O’Connor describes the award as a significant achievement. The BBBF Committee would like to add their congratulations to Mohamed for this outstanding attainment.
Members may know that our Administration Manager, Clare Crawley will be leaving Bahrain shortly and relocating to New York. If anyone would like to apply to take on the role, please send your CV and a covering letter to the Chairman at bbbforum@batelco.com.bh or fax: 1781-3489.
ALUMINIUM SERVICES W.L.L. Designer, Fabricator and Installer of Best Quality Architectural Aluminium Products and Glass such as: CURTAIN WALLING SKYLIGHTS STRUCTURAL GLAZING SHOP FRONTS FRAMELESS DOORS AUTOMATIC DOOR SYSTEMS REVOLVING DOORS
FULL RANGE OF DOORS AND WINDOWS FIRE RATED DOORS AND WINDOWS STAIR CASE & BALCONY RAILINGS CLADDING
Authorised Builder of Technal, France Authorised Agent for Boon Edam Revolving Doors Tel: 1729 0987 Fax: 1729 1643 Email: aluser@batelco.com.bh P.O.BOX 26586, MANAMA, KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
Tuesday 25th August 2006 Speaker: TBC Venue: Gilgamesh Ballroom, Golden Tulip Hotel Time: 12 noon for 1 pm Cost: BD 8 for members / BD 10 for guests NB: numbers limited to 100, so please book early to avoid disappointment Tuesday 19th September 2006 Speaker: TBC Venue: Gilgamesh Ballroom, Golden Tulip Hotel Time: 12 noon for 1 pm Cost: BD 8 for members / BD 10 for guests NB: numbers limited to 100, so please book early to avoid disappointment Tuesday 17th October 2006 - Ramadan Golf Day Speaker: Mr Michael Braidwood, General Manager of Riffa Golf Club Venue: Riffa Golf Club Time: Tee times TBC and dinner in the evening Cost: TBC Also to come: New Members Reception The BBBF are planning to hold an evening reception for new members at the British Club. Details to follow.
Corporate Sponsors
We offer free Consultation Service to Architects, Contractors and Clients
Our thanks to all the advertisers. Without their support this issue would not have been possible. Please give them yours. Al Faris Auto Centre ........................................... p28 Al Ghalia Group - Mezzaluna ............................. p37 Aluminium Services WLL ..................................... p4 AXA Insurance ...................................... Back Cover Bahrain Airport Services .................................... p15 Bahrain International Circuit .............................. p30 BMMI .................................................................... p11 British Airways ................................................... p13 British Club ......................................................... p22 4
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Budget Rent-a-Car .............................................. p26 Diplomat Radisson Hotel .......... Inside Back Cover Euromotors ......................................................... p34 HSBC ......................................... Inside Front Cover Mansouri Group - Henry’s Bar ........................... p39 Mohammed Jalal & Sons ................................... p21 National Motor Company ................................... p32 Oryx Insurance Services .................................... p10 Royal & SunAlliance ............................................. p2
Welcome to New Members Christos Poullaides Managing Director Poullaides Construction Co. WLL PO Box 33411 Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1782-6660 Fax: 1782-7008 Mob: 3947-9009 capoull@batelco.com.bh
Gordon Boyle Chief Executive BMMI PO Box 828 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1773-9555 Fax: 1773-0294 Mob: 3940-8785 gboyle@bmmi.com.bh
David Hadfield Executive Managing Director Hidd Power Company BSC (Closed) PO Box 50710 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1767-9400 Fax: 1746-5336 Mob: 3633-7736 david.hadfield@ipplc.com
Jeremy Marks Project Manager Tala Property Development PO Box 18286 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1753-6526 Fax: 1754-0590 Mob: 3910-2286 jmarks@tameer.com
Samy Hanna Middle East Regional Manager Morgan Price PO Box 18695 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1753-3151 Fax: 1753-3152 Mob: 3940-4160 samyaziz@morgan-price.com
John Hawkyard Regional Manager Techno Arabia International Co. PO Box 54082 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1729-1388 Fax: 1729-1389 Mob: 3977-0114 cathodic@technoarabia.com.sa
Michael North Dir., Life and Medical Reinsurance Arab Insurance Group PO Box 26992 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1754-4222 Fax: 1791-8222 Mob: 3963-3103 north.m@arig.com.bh
Paul Gorman M.E Area Security Manager DHL Express PO Box 5741 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1732-8412 Fax: 1733-9146 Mob: 3606-1157 paul.gorman@dhl.com
Dan Whysall General Manager Inchcape Shipping Services PO Box 828 Sitra, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1773-9061 Fax: 1773-2069 Mob: 3960-3951 dan.whysall@iss-shipping.com
Toby Leyland Director Wasserstein Middle East / GVP PO Box 10282 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1721-3316 Fax: 1721-3317 Mob: 3967-7241 leyland@batelco.com.bh
David Crisp Managing Director Memac Ogilvy & Mather W.L.L. PO Box 2140, Manama Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1757-8757 Fax: 1722-3266 Mob: 3994-0105 david.crisp@ogilvy.com
Warwick Price Dir. of Info. and Library Services RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, PO Box 15503 Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 1758-3500 ext. 250 Fax: 1758-3600 Mob: 3980-6751 warwick.price@gmail.com Forum
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Benefits for BBBF Members Benefits for all our members may be obtained on production of their Membership card at the concerned outlet. We would like to hear your feedback concerning these discounts. Please do not hesitate to offer your services to our members by contacting the BBBF office. If any member has any difficulty obtaining a discount, please contact the BBBF office so we can rectify the situation.
Hasan Mansouri 10% discount to members at Mansouri Mansions Hotel and Country Club. Effective until 31st Dec 2006. Contact: Karim Mansouri Tel: 1772 8144 Email: mansouri@batelco.com.bh Effective until 31st Dec 2006.
Al Faris Auto Centre Special discounts on parts and services Contact: Yousif Eid Tel: 1787 7222 Email: yesadadi@batelco.com.bh Effective until 31st Dec 2006.
Hertz Hertz now offers BBBF members an exclusive 10% discount on all prepaid rentals processed through their call centre in Bahrain. Simply show your membership card and benefit from the discount on all car rentals in 7,000 locations in 150 countries. Contact: Ali Ebrahim Kashef Alghata Tel: 1729 9147 Email: alihasan@hcc.com.bh
Azrek Search Associates 20% discount on search and headhunting services Contact: Rory Adamson Tel: 1771 4709 Email: rory@azrek.com Effective until 31st Dec 2006. AXA Insurance Some benefits/discounts to members on personal and corporate insurances. Contact: Richard Morrison Tel: 1758 8222 Email: richard.morrison@axa-gulf.com Effective until 31st Dec 2006. British Airways BA offer 10% off lowest published fare in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus cabins to UK destinations of London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Aberdeen. Contact: Tracy Cole Tel: 1758 9624 email: tracy.cole@ba.com Various conditions apply, please check with BA for details. Tickets may be purchased at the BA travel shop on production of BBBF ID Card. This deal is valid until 31 December 2006 Betsy’s Day Spa 25% Discount on all Spa, Beauty and Hairdressing Treatments and 15% Discount on all Spa Shop Purchases. The Spa Treatments are for ladies only but male members can visit and make purchases from the Spa Shop.( Skin Care, Hair Care, Cosmetics, Sun Care, Aromatherapy Oils, etc and Skin and Hair Consultations) They can also purchase Gift Vouchers at 25% off discounted rate. Conditions are: Discount on full price treatments and products only; Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offers. Effective until 31st Dec 2006. Contact: Betsy Mathieson Appointments can be booked on Tel 1774 2222. Conscious Connections 5% discount on Crystal Therapy and Awareness, 10% discount for group bookings and group workshops Contact: Julie Lomas Mobile: 3960 6712 Email: julie@batelco.com.bh Effective until 31st Dec 2006.
Morgan Price International Healthcare 15% discount on GlobalHealth Individual Insurance Plans on published rates. Contact: Samy Ebrahim Tel: 1753 3151 or 3940 4160 Email: samyaziz@morgan-price.com Effective until 31st Dec 2006 NHSC 5% on beers, 15% on wines and spirits with the exception of products already on special offer Contact: Bill Beddall Tel: 1753 3764 Email: nhsc1234@batelco.com.bh Effective until 31st Dec 2006. Riffa Golf Club Exclusive Membership Offer to BBBF Members only Join Riffa Golf Club by the 31st December 2006 and receive, 1 x Complimentary Golf Lesson, 5 x Complimentary Cart Seat Vouchers & 1 x Complimentary Golf Shirt - Please contact BBBF member Anita Ghavami directly on 3943-1310 or anita@riffagolfclub.com.bh Royal Over-Seas League The Royal Over-Seas League has clubhouses in London and Edinburgh which include hotel-style accommodation. A quarterly journal issued to members free of charge. Reduced rates for BBBF members Application forms for membership are obtainable from the Membership Secretary at Royal Over-Seas League, Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR Tel: 0044 20 7408 0214 Fax: 0044 20 7499 6738 Email: fvanicek@rosl.org.uk Effective until 31st Dec 2006. The MakeOver Experience Discounts to corporate members for training courses. Contact: Leila Edwards Tel: 1759 2019 Email: leila@themakeoverexperience.com
This edition of the BBBF Forum magazine was compiled by Andrew Mead at Mead Management Services Ltd. email: andrew@sbtd.co.uk UK Mob: 0044 7940 559 925 KSA Mob: 00966 506 271 151 Bahrain Mobile: 00973 3910 0113 and produced in cooperation with Krishnan Surendran at Jumana House, Riyadh, KSA Tel 009661 402 4785 Fax: 00966 10 405 9861 If you would like to contribute to a future edition please telephone or send an email to info@sbtd.co.uk A full page advert is charged at BD300. A half page advert at BD180, A quarter page advert at BD100 A small panel at BD50 Please note: The BBBF nor it’s agents do not warrant the services of any of the individual or corporate members of the BBBF. The views and opinions expressed by independent contributors must not be regarded as those of the BBBF or it’s agents. Publication of any article or advertisement does not imply any endorsement of the views, products or services described therein.
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Why Join The BBBF? BAHRAIN The Pearl of the Gulf has had a long standing relationship with Britain and is still a major trading partner. BRITISH Trade with Bahrain is now subject to significant competition in this era of globalization particularly from countries in Europe and from the USA.
Membership directories are distributed to members of visiting Trade Missions and are available to businessmen visiting Bahrain through the Embassy and business centres in five star hotels. Simply click on “Sign Up” on our website www.bbbforum.org complete the application form and click submit. Sounds simple, it is, it must be worth it.
BUSINESS between Bahrain and Britain must be promoted in order for Britain to maintain its dominant position. The BBBF has been formed to help in whatever way it can to do this and through its close cooperation with the British Embassy seeks to promote exchange of trade and good relations between Bahrain and Britain.
Cost of membership Individual Membership: BD 50 per annum, with an additional BD20 once-only registration fee.
FORUM Is defined in the Collins English Dictionary as, “an assembly or meeting to discuss topics of public concern”. The BBBF provides through its monthly meetings a platform for networking amongst its members and the exchange and dissemination of useful business leads and opportunities. In addition, in return for a modest subscription, members receive the benefit of inclusion in an annual directory describing the products and services they have to offer and a listing on the BBBF website again with a description of activities, contact numbers and useful links.
Corporate Sponsorships Three levels of sponsorship are available:
BBBF Membership Application
Corporate Membership: BD150 per annum (up to 5 individuals) plus BD 40 for each applicant up to a maximum of 10, with an additional BD 50 once-only registration fee.
Platinum: BD 5000 Gold: BD 2500 Silver: BD 1000 Sponsor packages include a variety of advertisement opportunities in the Membership Directory, the Forum magazine, the BBBF website and at the regular lunch meetings. Full details are available on request.
Corporate Membership please complete separate form for each applicant
Please complete the membership form and send it to: Individual Membership BBBF Administration Manager, Fax: (00973) 1781 3489, or Email: bbbforum@batelco.com.bh. For further information call (00973) 1781 3488, Web site: www.bbbforum.org Company Name
Website address of business (if applicable)
Title and full name (Surname first)
Describe how you / your company contribute to substantial business interests in Bahrain (Maximum 150 words)
Position in business
Nationality
Date of Birth
CPR Number
Address of business (P.O.Box & Town)
Business telephone
Facsimile
Home telephone
Mobile
E-mail address
I agree to abide by the BBBF Constitution & Internal regulations.
Applicants Signature
Please note that the granting of individual or corporate membership is subject to BBBF Committee approval.
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Excitement in the sky over Bahrain and on this first tour of 2006, the team will be accompanied by the latest version of the UK MOD’s Hawk advanced jet trainer. The Red Arrows’ Team Leader, Squadron Leader Dicky Patounas said: “We are very honoured to have been invited to display in Bahrain, The Red Arrows are ambassadors of the Royal Air Force and Great Britain and we aim to demonstrate UK excellence wherever we display. Our display is the product of highly skilled people in the air and on the ground and a reliable, easy to manoeuvre aircraft in the shape of the BAE Systems Hawk. Acknowledged as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, the Red Arrows painted the sky red, white and blue, over Bahrain as part of the BAE Systems sponsored Eastern Arrow tour of India, the Middle East and Europe. Flying the BAE Systems Hawk, the world’s best selling advanced jet trainer, highly skilled front line Royal Air Force pilots carry out a demanding series of spectacular flying displays every year, but each year they must receive their Public Display Authority (PDA) in order to be deemed safe to perform to global audiences. During May, Air Marshal Barry Thornton CinC (Commander in Chief) of Personnel and Training Command had to assess whether the Red Arrows new display proved to him 8
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that the team was both safe to fly and that the team was to the right standard. In authorising the PDA, Air Marshal Thornton said: “What has really impressed me is the team work, not just the nine in terms of those flying the formation but the whole team that supports the Red Arrows. This is an absolute classic in terms of leadership and teamwork, which is essential for all military not just the Royal Air Force. I am delighted to say that the team continue to maintain the absolute safety that we would expect from such a professional team. And the standard of performance was exceptional for this stage of the programme and an excellent performance all the way round.”
As part of the tour, the team also demonstrated British excellence to millions of people in; Jordan, India, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Spain. They were supported throughout by a ground support team consisting of 40 Royal Air Force personnel. Since the Team’s creation in 1965, The Red Arrows have flown over 3,900 displays in 52 countries
We are pleased to be accompanying this latest version of the Hawk on this tour and feel that the latest export standard is well placed to continue the worldwide Hawk success story” This will the last tour for squadron leader Patounas who has been promoted to wing commander and will be leaving the team in October to go to a staff college in Australia with the hopes of
future advanced jet training requirements.” Today’s new generation Hawk, also selected by the Royal Australian Air Force, the Indian Air Force and Bahrain forms the heart of the world’s most advanced military pilot training systems. Graduates from Hawk move effortlessly onto flying the very latest front line fighters such as Typhoon, F-16 and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
becoming Commander.
Squadron
On behalf of BAE Systems, Mark Simpkins, general manager BAE Systems Bahrain, said: “The BAE Systems Hawk
and the Red Arrows are inextricably linked and synonymous with excellence. It is totally appropriate therefore that the Red Arrows are accompanying the latest version of the Hawk on this tour as the aircraft is ideally placed to meet all current and
Hawk’s outstanding performance, high reliability, ease of maintenance and through- life support have all been proven in-service resulting in low life-cycle costs and have been key factors in generating repeat orders from existing operators. Winner of the last five major competitions for advanced jet training aircraft, the BAE Systems’ Hawk attracts a high level of interest from prospective customers worldwide, ensuring that the
world’s best selling advanced jet trainer will continue to fly high for years to come. During their 22-minute display, The Red Arrows were flying at distances of only 6 feet apart, with aircraft closing speeds of up to 800 miles per hour. An apt description of the experience was provided by Geoffrey Bew, reporting for the Gulf Daily News, who said that one of the pilots compared the experience to driving on a motorway in thick fog at 100mph one foot behind a car in front that is swerving all over the road. The Team’s 2006 overseas tour is sponsored by BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and the UK ‘s Defence Export Services Organisation. The Team will perform their first 2006 UK display at the Isle of Man TT races on 10 June 2006, followed by over 80 displays across the UK and Europe until the end of September 2006.
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What can we learn from a Tragedy?
then contact the Lawyer who made it and update it. If you don’t have one then contact a Lawyer or a specialist Will writer. • List all your investments – Shares, Unit Trusts, Bonds, Deposits, etc with full details amount, addresses, telephone numbers. Make sure all of them have your correct address.
The Dhow disaster off Manama affected all of us in a number of different ways. A tragedy is usually described as a ‘Disastrous event involving injury or loss of life’ This was a terrible tragedy. Every disaster provokes many different reactions. Initially there will be shock, denial and disbelief and the desire to blame someone. A little later different reactions set in, such as
the need to know why it happened at all, the need to investigate followed by the reaction to any commission report that may be published after the investigation or enquiry. Then at some point in the future there will be recognition and the desire and the need to re-build as best one can. I do not propose to discuss the cause of this tragedy. That is the role of the
relevant authorities. What this article will do is to set out some practical things that we can all do. Then if there is a tragedy in the future we have at least done something to help ourselves and others. We tend to think of sudden death as a tragedy but that is the most extreme example. It could be the onset of a physical disability or a fire. All tragedies do prompt others to look at their personal circumstances and to ask what would happen to my family if something happened to me or my spouse? Other questions then come up such as, “Did we make a Will, what did it say and where is it and do we have medical cover?” and many more questions. Put your Affairs in order (make them easier to understand.) What should you do? • Make a Will and then make sure it is kept up to date. If you have made a will then make sure you know where it is and
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• Make sure you put your next of Kin on your Passport. • Prepare a list of your Life Insurance Policies and again make sure all the companies have your correct address. Once you have done this then pass this information to two other family members or friends, The Executors of your Will would be an obvious choice. Check your Financial Position Basically once you have put your affairs in order then you will have a better understanding of your financial position. You want to make sure that if something happens to you your family will be able to carry on with the plans you have made. Obviously insurance has a part to play as its role is to attempt to allow people to carry on their lives as best they can. • So check your life insurance, make sure that any mortgages or loans are covered in full. • Check your contract of employment to see
what life insurance your employer provides – it will usually be 3 or 4 times your basic annual salary. • If you, or your employer pay for your children’s education you will need to ensure that will be paid. • If you have young children you should aim at 10 times your salary as life insurance. • Remember the cheapest life insurance for the maximum amount of cover is pure term assurance without any investment return. Personal Accident Cover is even cheaper but as the name
suggests it only pays out in the event of an accident. A Life policy can also include the option of cover against Permanent or Temporary Disability,
usually covered under a medical plan but it is as well to check as there may be what are known as sub – limits within the policy. With specialist treatment it is easy to exceed these limits.
• If you have House Contents Insurance or Annual Travel Insurance you can sometimes add a Personal Accident option to one of these.
In addition there can sometimes be long term effects such as a permanent disability. Accidents and illnesses can cause disabilities that require long term medical care. Another cover to check is emergency treatment abroad, for example if you are on a skiing holiday will your policy cover you and fly you back home if necessary?
Medical Insurance Cover There will be short term effects of a disaster as far as medical treatment is concerned and you may need not just immediate treatment but consultations with specialists. These are
Check the terms of your policy and if you have
queries contact insurer or Broker.
your
My conclusion is short please remember it is always easy to be wise after an event but you can be aware and prepared. The BBBF cannot recommend any particular person or company but we can give you a list of institutions who can help should you require it. Article by: Robert Grey MA FCII Membership Secretary BBBF
Editors Note: The BBBF has made donations to the Dhow Fund organised by the British Societies in Bahrain.
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Airline News British Airways Introduces Online Check-In for Bahraini Travellers moment is valuable and it is fundamental to us that our customers enjoy their travelling experience. Online check-in not only reduces queuing time, but it helps customers to maximize their time so that they can have a chance to relax before their journey,” said Paul Starrs, British Airways Area Commercial Manager, Middle East. British Airways operates a daily service from Bahrain to London with flight connections to more than 94 UK, European and 21 North Atlantic destinations. Customers are able to check-in online to most of these destinations. As part of its’ ongoing commitment to enhance services and improve the travel experience for customers, British Airways has an online check-in facility available from Bahrain International Airport. Time is of the essence for British Airways’ customers who are now able to benefit from the service. This online facility offers speed and convenience, and proves popular with
busy travellers heading to the UK, Europe, and North America from Bahrain. To experience this new facility, British Airways’ customers simply need to log onto ba.com. Customers may then check-in online whether at work or home, given that they arrive at the airport a minimum of 75 minutes before departure time. On arrival at the airport, customers can advance directly to the British
Airways ‘Fast Bag Drop’ desk to collect their boarding pass. This facility is available to both customers with hand luggage only and those with luggage for the hold. Once customers have their boarding pass they can proceed to the departure lounge. “The benefits of using online check-in and the Fast Bag Drop counter at the airport are enormous. In this day and age every
Passengers can make connecting flights from London Heathrow to the rest of the world through British Airways’ worldwide route network covering some 153 destinations in 74 countries, or the oneworld network that covers a total of over 555 destinations in more than 132 countries. This extensive network offers great advantages for travellers flying out of Bahrain to the rest of the world.
Lufthansa Promotion
Etihad to increase Bahrain flights
Lufthansa announced changes to their Miles & Miles loyalty scheme in June which mean that from now until 31 August 2006 members receive double the miles every time they fly to Europe from Bahrain on flight LH 623.
Abu Dhabi national carrier Etihad Airways is to expand its Bahrain operations by launching two flights daily to Bahrain later in the year.
The double mileage claim works on both the outward 12 Forum
and return journey when you come back to Bahrain on Lufthansa Flight LH 622. Example of miles from Bahrain to Frankfurt if you avail of this offer: Economy - 5,518 Miles Business - 11,036 Miles First - 16,554 Miles
The airline’s coverage of all the GCC states was completed on June 18, when it launched additional operations to Doha and Kuwait.
Eithad, which started operations to Bahrain in August 2004, currently operates 11 flights a week from Abu Dhabi. It includes three morning departures and eight evening departures. Etihad has just launched a $7billion fleet expansion programme.
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Airport News New Control Tower declared officially open latest technology which has provided the airport with its own unique signature. Shaikh Ali said the innovative design is said to be Bahrain’s expression of the future with its combination of modern and traditional lines.
The new BD2.9 million air traffic control tower, opened at Bahrain International Airport during May, is a “symbol of the kingdom’s continuing progress into the 21st century”, declared Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who opened the distinctive architectural landmark. The project is part of a multi-
million dinar airport expansion programme. Bahrain International Airport is set on course for change, having initiated a series of enhancements that will set it apart from other international airports in the region. The new control tower is set to be amongst the most eyecatching in the world, making an impressive statement about the Kingdom of Bahrain and the part it plays in world aviation. It is equipped with the
“The 49.5 metre high 12storey structure, built in an area of 580 square metres, provides a bird’s eye-view of the airport and its surroundings,” he noted.
”This is impressive for an airport that began back in 1932 as a little strip on the sands of Muharraq island.”
Editors Note: The first scheduled commercial flight arrived to Bahrain was in October 1932 en-route from London to Delhi with an airplane named the Handley Page “Hannibal”. The flight from the UK for the 24 passengers had taken several days, chugging along at a leisurely speed of 100 mph.
New store at Airport A new store for productive families was opened at the Bahrain International Airport in May 2006. The store exhibits various products made by the families and will be promoted for airport visitors as part of the Social Development Ministry’s BD1 Million plan to boost productive families projects. “The airport provided us with a good-sized place in the departures hall and offered it rent-free. The store currently offers products of 25 productive families, including wood products, incense, gifts, and baskets. Next month, another 25 productive families will exhibit their products so that 14 Forum
everyone benefits from the new store.” said Badriya Al Jeeb, Ministry Local Community Development Director. Ms Badriya said even while setting up the store, before the opening, a number of people showed interest in buying products. “I am sure that this store will be a great success and the families will benefit from it greatly,” she said. “It is currently being run by the Ministry, but will be run by the productive families themselves after three months,” she said. “The ministry is now getting ready to open another productive families store in the Seef district.”
The Ministry promotes the productive families’ products by holding exhibitions on national occasions and events at malls and hotels. More than 100 families benefit from the scheme and the ministry is hoping to raise the number of families in five years to 500. It recently issued a special productive families booklet promoting a
number of products.
handmade
The opening ceremony was attended by Social Development Ministry Finance and Administration Under-Secretary Ibrahim Hassan and Acting Director Mohammed Al Kaabi from Transportation Ministry Airport Management .
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Experts share latest thinking on food processing British companies lead the market Food and Drink is one of the most important sectors for UK companies wishing to enter the Bahrain market place and with consumers wanting to spend less time shopping for and preparing food, innovation in processing, tracking and packaging is driving market growth in the United Kingdom food sector. Generating sales of 70 billion Pounds Sterling and employing close to 500,000 people, the food and drink sector is one of the largest in UK industry, accounting for about 17 per cent of manufacturing’s gross domestic product. Work and lifestyle changes have created even more demand for convenience shopping of all kinds, providing an opportunity for innovative packaging manufacturers to create exciting products. Food experts shared their latest thinking on traceability, automation and food packaging at the Process, Pack & Track Food shows, held in the north and south of England during May & June. There is no doubt that packaging is recognised as the best method to differentiate a product from its competitors and it is becoming even more important for brands to make their products stand out on crowded retail shelves. “Quality”, “healthy life” and “convenience” are the overriding trends in the packaged food industry, with “grab-and-go” soups, seasoned tuna salads in 16 Forum
pouches, vacuum-packed steaks and chicken breasts, and ready-to-brew coffee in “pods” all changing the way that consumers eat and cook. Controlled packaging (including aseptic and retort packages), modified atmosphere packaging and biodegradable packaging are the most popular choice for food companies at present, although “active” and “intelligent” packaging are gaining momentum as the innovations that will dominate in the future. Packaging machines are becoming faster as food processors speed their processing lines to maximise profits. This means that companies are looking for machines such as the new Fastfill 100, a high-speed filling, potsealing and over-capping machine that allows processors to make quick changeovers to different food products. Innovative UK company Packaging Automation, which produces Fastfill, said it can achieve a maximum throughput of up to 100 pots per minute, filled and sealed, depending on the nature and thickness of the product. A touch screen stores up to 50 programs for different recipes that can be recalled for product changes.
Another company that is always at the forefront of packaging development and design is Tetra Pak, founded by Swedish entrepreneur Dr Ruben Rausing. The company has offices worldwide including one in Wrexham in the UK; it develops, manufactures and supplies a range of services for the processing and packaging of liquid food and drinks such as milk, yoghurts, ice-cream and soup.
The packaging machine can handle drinks, yoghurts, cream, sauces, dips, dressings, liquid desserts, soup, delicatessen and salad products. It can also handle dry products, such as cereals, nuts and confectionery, as well as liquids.
Tetra Pak recently launched what it claims is the world’s first aseptic carton bottle, a container with a plastic transparent top. The company says the bottle, called Aptiva, combines the advantages of plastic with the filling qualities of aseptic carton packaging.
It has a carton-based sleeve with a plastic top and screw cap. The company has designed the carton as an alternative to plastic bottles, said company president and chief executive officer Dennis Jönsson. The plastic top allows customers to see the product’s contents. The Aptiva Aseptic is targeted at manufacturers looking to catch the growing market for “on-the-go” drinks distributed through vending machines, convenience stores and supermarkets. The package has a wide opening with a resealable screw cap applied on to a plastic top. During the initial rollout, Aptiva will be available to customers in Europe only, having already been launched successfully
Fo in Sweden. Entry to the UK market is planned for 2006. A new Combisafe carton for ready-made chunky products allows foods to be sterilised so that they can be stored for up to two years without loss of quality, without refrigeration and without the use of preservatives. The Combisafe packs makes it possible to fill chunky products such as vegetables, fruit, ready-cooked meals, stews into carton packs and subsequently sterilise them in an autoclave. Produced by leading UK packaging company SIG Combibloc (www.sig-group.com), based in Tyne and Wear, the firm is marketing the carton as an alternative to the glass and tin cans normally used to package vegetables and fruit products. The Combisafe carton pack is made of cardboard, polypropylene and aluminium. The combination creates the prerequisite for thermal treatment in an autoclave. Each layer functions to protect the product during the heat treatment. German company Jutro Konservenfabrik, a subsidiary of Hamburgbased I. Schroeder, is SIG’s first customer for the new packaging system. The company intends to launch a chunky sauce range later in 2006. According to food analysts at the recent Anuga FoodTech exhibition in Cologne, the future of food processing is robotics, as seen at the show in a working sausage processing and packing line set up by robot manufacturers K-Robotix.
Meat goes into the machine at one end and comes out the other palleted and wrapped for transport, all with minimal human intervention.
involving more than one carrier and multiple transport modes - there is a much higher demand for an acrossthe-board system.
Robotics could reduce costs by helping to speed lines, making production more efficient and reducing labour requirements. K-Robotix is based in Bremen, Germany, but through its European distributors, TM Robotics based in Hertfordshire, southern England - there are plans to enter the UK market.
“ParcelCall focuses on interoperability, open interfaces, and standardisation in order to allow seamless tracking and tracing across the entire logistics and transportation chain. Sensitive and perishable goods such as fresh food, whose temperature needs to be monitored without interruption, can be equipped with ‘thinking tags’. These compact reusable devices are equipped with sensors, processing power, memory and are capable of active two-way radio communication. This means they can monitor their environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity or shock - record a history of status information, including location, and measurement data, and actively send alerts or messages,” added Professor Williams.
A novel system that provides real-time, intelligent, end-toend tracking and tracing for globally transported goods including food items has been developed. Known as ParcelCall the project has brought together a consortium of leading European industrial and academic partners from Germany, the Netherlands and the UK to create a system that operates across all borders and carriers, whatever mode of transport is being used. The system uses RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, a mobile logistic server with GPS (global positioning system) and “thinking tags” that measure and monitor environmental conditions - a major benefit when transporting perishable goods. “Although many carriers in transport and logistics have had tracking and tracing systems in place, these only cover the individual carrier,” said Professor Robin Williams, at the University of Edinburgh, who led part of ParcelCall’s research process. “Now, with supply chains becoming more and more complex - often
Contacts: Tetra Pak Bedwell Road, Cross Lanes, Wrexham, LL13 0UT Phone: +44 870 442 6000 www.tetrapak.com/uk Packaging Automation Parkgate Industrial Park, Knutsford WA16 8XW Phone: +44 1565 755000 www.pal.co.uk TM Robotics (Europe) Unit 15, The Weltech Centre, Ridgeway, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 2AA Phone: +44 1707 871535 www.tmrobotics.co.uk
Food prices in Bahrain under scrutiny Bahrain and other GCC countries are planning to pool their resources and import food in bulk as part of efforts to save the public money and combat rising costs of consumer goods. “Bahrain is planning to join hands with other GCC countries to buy together foodstuff, which will certainly lead to a drop in prices,” Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Hassan Fakhro, told members of the Shura Council in early June. The Minister was responding to a question by the Shura Council’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee Vice-Chairman Abduljalil Al Tareef on price controls. Dr Fakhro also mentioned that Bahrain was studying ways of reducing the cost of building materials to ensure that high prices do not obstruct development projects. “We have already signed an agreement with the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research,” said Dr Fakhro. “The study aims to analyse prices in the past, the reason behind the rise and possible rises in future. It also aims to slam the brakes on unreasonable price increases to protect consumers and their ability to acquire services.We, alongside the Social Development and Finance ministries, have been instructed to prepare a study to ensure that people are getting services in the best way possible.” Forum
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Bahrain Construction Update Abraj Al Lulu ahead of schedule
The Pearl Development and Real Estate Company (PDREC) said it had crossed a series of milestones in the construction and sale of its maiden development, the landmark Abraj Al Lulu in Bahrain, ahead of schedule. Construction on the three towers had crossed the fourth level with completion of one million man-hours. The project is now 17% complete, PDREC officials said. Conceived, with the active support of the government, the BD95 million Abraj Al Lulu is Bahrain’s largest private sector freehold residential development and is aimed at bridging the large demand-supply gap in Bahrain for world-class residential infrastructure. The project is scheduled for completion in 2008. Abraj Al Lulu, in the short span since its launch, has received huge response from both Bahrain based and regional investors. It has recently installed an on-site camera linked to the Live Video section of the project website. 18 Forum
Future plans of Pearl Real Estate Development include, expansion across the region with new projects, targeting to further contribute towards the socio-economic development of the respective countries of investment. Spread over an area of 200,000 square feet (construction site), in a prime location in Bahrain, the BD95 Million Abraj Al Lulu project will comprise three multistorey residential towers offering superior amenities fit for a luxurious life. The towers will house over 860 state-of-the-art apartments that will be complemented by a fourstorey car park that will be able to accommodate over 1,100 cars. Further, strategically located in the heart of Manama, Bahrain’s capital, across the highway from the Bahrain Financial Harbour and opposite the Al Futtaim City Centre, ‘Abraj Al Lulu’ is a 20-minute drive from the Saudi causeway and less than 10 minutes away from the Bahrain International Airport.
Maternity Hospital gets go-ahead. The Gulf Daily News reported early in June that work on a new maternity hospital in A’ali, which will serve thousands of people across three Governorates, is going ahead despite objections by a municipal council.
year. ‘The hospital is a reality now and whether the Southern municipal councillors fight over who has the right to prepare the report on the hospital, the project has been long approved,’ he said.
Work on the state-of-the-art facility was halted in May by the Southern Municipal Council because of an argument over who should oversee the project.
Last week, Southern Municipal Council services and public utlities committeee chairman Khalid Al Buainain claimed a report on the project should have been handled by his committee.
Representatives from the Southern, Northern and Central Municipal Councils at the Joint Municipal Councils Health Committee have already agreed between them to allow the maternity hospital to go ahead and Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadhhas now given the project the green light. Committee chairman Abbas Mahfoodh said the project has been included in the Ministry’s budget for next
He said the current report, which dealt with issues such as the location, costs, benefits, advantages and disadvantages, was done by the council’s technical committee. The Royal Court had agreed to give the Councils land measuring 1.3 hectares in A’ali and the Health Ministry had been instructed to work on the project as soon as possible.
BFH site progressing Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), the $1.3 Billion development aiming to create a complete financial city in the centre of Manama, covers a prime seafront property of 380,000m 2
where reclamation and infrastructure development are well underway. The image shows the state of Financial Centre construction as at 30th April.
Bahrain World Trade Center The world’s first high-rise building designed to generate power from renewable wind energy is currently under construction in Bahrain. The landmark BWTC towers are the first of their kind in the world to use wind energy to provide approximately 11 – 15% of the electricity needs of the two office towers.Wind power will be harnessed by three massive turbines, supported by bridges spanning between the two towers. The two 50-storey iconic towers, currently in their final stages of development, will not only provide local and international companies with a landmark business address but are further set to create office space that achieves new standards in technological advancement.
Technology at the BWTC will also be state-of-the-art and capable of providing businesses speed, connectivity and scaleability. The buildings have been designed according to the highest calibre information communications and technology frameworks and will be offering the latest in Internet Protocol Telephony capabilities. Wireless unified messaging in hotspot areas will provide for access to voicemail, fax and email – all from a single point – and tenants will also benefit from the ability to install WiFi and high-speed broadband Internet enabled hardware as suits their operational requirements. In addition, further cost benefits will also be gained from other important aspects of the buildings’ design.
Showhomes now being built at Riffa Views The construction of 16 individual show houses is underway at Riffa Views. With the first available for public viewing by September 2006, it will be the first time a property development in Bahrain provides show homes, enabling potential customers to have an early
first hand opportunity to see, feel and experience the quality of build, room spaces, lighting and finishes available. Located on a plot adjacent to the Riffa Golf Club House, six different styles will be on display, including two town
houses. The villas have been tastefully designed by top Bahrain architects Gulf House Engineering and MSCEB, with designs by Horizon Interiors creating an individual interior for each home. The Riffa Views project is master planned by international architects EDAW who will oversee the construction of the show homes.
available that will enable them to add individual character to their home. The showhomes will demonstrate the excellent build standards and the craftmanship essential in creating elegant homes with modern functionality.
A spokesperson for the development said:
Our sales staff will help guide and explain the variations in the design and sizes of different homes and will advise on the additional details that each home buyer may wish to explore.
“We believe it is important to give our customers the opportunity to see examples of what they are buying at the earliest opportunity, and to demonstrate the choices
The show homes enable us at Riffa Views to provide a customer service that brings us close to our home buyers, allowing them to be confident in their purchase.” Forum
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Faster, Lighter, Stronger, Better and More Beautiful… Simply Gorgeous!!!
When the current generation XK appeared on the sports car scene nearly a decade ago, it marked a return of a Jaguar sports car full of feline grace. Ten years down the line, we are again teased with a new Jaguar sports model, one that Jaguar has put to market with some of the most impressive technological advancements. The upcoming model replacement, once again dubbed ‘XK’, comes complete with grand-touring dimensions. The new car weighs in at 1595 kg, about 100 kg lighter than the previous generation. Much of the weight reduction is to do with an aluminumintensive construction, made possible by new technologies founded by Jaguar and its suppliers. The car has an aluminium monocoque structure, similar to the one established for the latest XJ full-size saloon. Not only is 20 Forum
the car lighter, the XK is more rigid by 31%, thus making it stronger and safer. As we’ve seen with the XJ, the transition to aluminum has made a crucial step forward for class-leading handling and road manners. Adding to the standard crumple zones, and side impact protection, this latest Jaguar also is the first fullsize sports coupe to focus on pedestrian protection. EuroNCAP crash testing marks a cars performance for both occupant and pedestrian safety. Its impact on the industry is so great, it’s forced manufacturers to re-style their cars. Jaguar’s solution was to introduce the world’s first active pedestrian protection, a system that deploys the upper half of the hood within milliseconds of an impact to soften and reduce head injuries to a pedestrian. It can save lives, all while keeping the XKs lines beautiful.
At launch, the XK coupe and convertible were introduced with the V8 featured in the XJ8 saloon. The naturally aspirated 4.2-litre engine is a traditional Jaguar engine, both smooth and quiet. What’s new with this engine, in comparison to the old XKs motor is that it features new fuel injection technology allowing it to produce over 300-horsepower and 303 lbft of torque and to meet global emissions standards.
The key to the XKs silky performance has always been plenty of torque, and with the new XK, in excess of 85% of maximum twist is available between 2000 rpm and 6000 rpm. This broad flexibility gives it potential beyond its 0-100 kph acceleration time of under 6.0 seconds, and if it weren’t for its electronically limited top speed of 250 kph, it would probably exceed 280 kph. According to Jaguar’s General Manager, Mark Gravener, “for those who enjoy an adrenaline rush, the new XK takes just 14 seconds to run through the quarter mile - only a half second off the previous XK-R’s time. No doubt that with an extra 100 horsepower under its hood, and with the lighter aluminum body, the XK-R will be super fast when it joins the pack later this year”. The all-new aluminum Jaguar XK was formally launched in Bahrain on the 23 rd May at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This stunning and technologically advanced sports car allows Jaguar to emerge as a world leader in lightweight vehicle technology while retaining its reputation for beautifully designed and crafted cars.
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The Globe Cocktail Lounge Enjoy a relaxing drink before ordering from our extensive Concorde Restaurant menu or try one of our famous cocktails in a comfortable setting. This refurbished lounge is located opposite the Coffee Shop.
Belgrave Arms Decorated in a traditional pub style this bar is open from 12 noon until 11pm.
Sports Bar
The John Clarke Lounge Comfortably furnished and decorated in cool pastel shades, it’s the ideal place to meet friends or just relax. Situated adjacent to the Coffee Shop, refreshments and snacks are easily available.
The John Clarke Bar A quiet, smoke free environment with a pleasant atmosphere, situated off the above lounge.
The Sports Bar is adjacent to the poolside area and is open from 12 noon on SaturdayThursday and from 11am onwards on Fridays and on public holidays.
Coffee Shop Adjacent to the Lounge, the Coffee Shop is open seven days per week from 10am until 10.30pm.
Concorde Restaurant The Restaurant seats 85 persons and is open for lunch from noon until 3.30pm and for dinner from 6.30pm until last orders at 10pm daily except Fridays when the Restaurant closes at 3pm.
Poolside There is a swimming pool, children’s pool and poolside kitchen. Waiter service is available with a varied menu. Surrounding the pool are sun-loungers, chairs, tables and adjacent there is a lawn where one can relax and sunbathe, eat or drink and at the same time watch the children on the sanded area which has children’s play equipment.
Library Situated above the changing rooms, access may be gained by the adjacent stairs. It has approximately 7,000 volumes in the adult library and 2,500 in the junior library, with regular additions.
Gallery Bar Situated along from the Library, this room is used for private parties, seminars, small functions etc. Members may book this room for private functions.
Windsor Room A large hall used for entertainment and indoor games such as badminton, aerobics and social functions. An excellent stage and dressing rooms add a professional touch to shows and productions. A function bar services the hall and buffet lunch is provided on Fridays from noon until 3pm.
Health Club – “Velocity Fitness Studio” Here we have state of the art facilities – all you need to keep fit. Our highly trained, dedicated fitness instructors will be only too pleased to help and advise you on your personal fitness needs. Our Mission Statement “To meet and exceed members’ expectations through quality service and instruction and to provide a safe and motivating environment”.
Sports & Leisure Activities For raqueteers, we have two flood-lit tennis courts and an active tennis league for those who enjoy the competitive edge. For the very fit and would-be very fit, our squash courts have excellent facilities. Other sports activities include Cricket, Darts, Cycling, Football, and Aqua Aerobics. Other activities of interest available are Drama, Line Dancing, Badminton and Tae Kwon Do.
Football Fever As the press start to roll to produce this magazine, World Cup fever is gripping communities the world over. Parties in the host nation, Germany, started weeks ago and the arrival of many of the world’s most colourful teams has woken up the normally reserved Germans. The sleepy north German town of Rotenburg, halfway between Hanover and Hamburg, is now swaying to the non-stop sultry rhythms of the Caribbean following Trinidad and Tobago’s arrival. Thousands of local residents lined the streets of Rotenburg to give T&T a rousing welcome to their FIFA World Cup base camp when they arrived in early June. Among the throngs of local German well-wishers, even a few ‘Trinis’ were spotted in the crowd, swaying to the rhythm of the pumping Soca sounds – the traditional steel drum-driven music born in the dual-island nation. In Baden-Baden, the base for Engand’s world cup team, the entire community held it’s collective breath waiting to discover if and when that man Rooney might be allowed to play. So, in case you wanted to know where the teams will be based we’ve compiled the shortlist below: Angola - Ringhotel Celler Tor, Celle Argentina - Hotel Herzogs Park, Herzogenaurach Australia - Wald Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe, Öhringen Brazil (Group stage) - Kempinski Hotel, Falkenstein Brazil (Knockout stage) - Lerbach, Bergisch Gladbach Costa Rica - Holiday Inn Walldorf, Heidelberg Croatia - Dorint Resort & Spa, Bad Brückenau Czech Republic - Lindner & Club Wiesensee, Westerburg Ecuador - Bristol Hotel, Bad Kissingen England - Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, Baden-Baden France - Schlosshotel Münchhausen, Aerzen Germany - Schlosshotel Grunewald, Berlin Ghana - Maritim Hotel, Würzburg Iran - Hotel Krone, Friedrichshafen Italy - Landhaus Milser, Duisburg Ivory Coast - Hotel Clostermanns Hof, Niederkassel Japan - Hilton Bonn, Bonn Mexico - Hotel Freizeit In, Göttingen Netherlands - Parkhotel Adler, Hinterzarten Paraguay - Sport Academy Oberhaching, Baden-Baden Poland - Sport Academy Barsinghausen, Hanover Portugal - Sport Academy Klosterpforte, Marienfeld Saudi Arabia - Hotel Dolce, Bad Nauheim Serbia & Montenegro - Hotel Weissenburg, Billerbeck South Korea - Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, Cologne Spain - Sport Academy Kaiserau, Kamen Sweden - Park Hotel, Bremen But what of the match venues, herewith a brief profile of the host cities to help prepare you for those inevitable questions in the pub-quiz that are bound to appear. Berlin, a city of 3.39 million people, dates back to a settlement on the River Spree in 1237 called Cölin. Since its foundation it has been Berlin’s fate to be divided and re-
unified. Within the confines of the Spree valley, between Koepenick and Spandau, Coelln was founded on the Spree Island and Berlin on the north bank. Coelln was first mentioned in a document in 1237. Coelln and Berlin were unified in 1307, the unification being annulled in 1442. This separation lasted until 1709. The city became the political centre of Brandenburg, Prussia and the German Reich. After the foundation of the German Reich in 1871, the city progressed quickly to become Germany’s largest industrial and cultural centre. The Second World War (1939-1945) triggered by the National Socialists, the Nazis, had a devastating effect on Berlin and led to the destruction of large parts of the city. Subsequent political developments divided the country and its capital: the building of the Wall in 1961 drastically and brutally completed this separation. Forum
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2006 FIFA WORLD CUP The Wall did not come down again until 1989, when the people from West and East Berlin were finally reunited. Berlin, the country’s largest city, has once again become the capital of a united Germany, the Brandenburg Gate symbolising this reunification.
popular among the population of Dortmund: more than 135,000 sports activists are organised in 600 sports clubs. The outstanding club in the football sector is 1997 UEFA Champions League winner and 1997 Cup winner Borussia Dortmund.
Frankfurt Frankfurt, the former Free City of the Empire on the river Main has been a crossroads for European trade for centuries. The city has been the seat of the European Central Bank since 1998.
Brandenburg Gate Dortmund with a population of just under 600,000 has a 1200 year history but is probably remembered by footie fans as one of the venues for the 1974 World Cup. The stadium was planned back in 1960 but bomb disposal teams had to defuse no fewer than 34 World War II bombs when excavating the site. Sports are enormously
Dortmund 24 Forum
Dortmund has hosted outstanding sporting events (1989 world table tennis championship, 1989 German swimming championship, 1990 DJK national sports festival, and the 28th German Gymnastics Meeting in 1990), and is the location of major annual international events such as the Dortmund Six Day Race, the International Riding and Jumping Competition and the DJV Track and Field Meeting.
In 855 Frankfurt staged its first Royal election. No less than thirty-six kings were elected and ten German Emperors crowned here between 855 and 1792. Since the high Middle Ages Frankfurt has developed to become a powerful trade and congress city of European rank. In 1749 Frankfurt’s most famous citizen was born: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the key figures of German literature.
Gelsenkirchen
The picture above shows Frankfurt’s City Hall square, Römerberg and heart of the old town. Gelsenkirchen – a lush green city with a colourful history was first officially documented circa 1150. Even before the economic boom generated by the coal industry, buildings were constructed in the region which still attract visitors to Gelsenkirchen today: the Lüttinghof mansion (1308), the city’s oldest historical building, the Schloss Berge, a palace boasting 73 hectares of parkland, the Berger Reservoir or the Schloss Horst, an expensively restored palace which also serves as a registry office, attracting countless young couples each year.
2006 FIFA WORLD CUP The city is ideally located for a FIFA World Cup Host City. Fellow Host City Dortmund is just 30 minutes away by motorway, while the stadium in Cologne can be reached in an hour. Some 6.4 million people live within a 50 kilometre radius of Gelsenkirchen. Hamburg was founded under the name “Hammaburg “ in 811, during the lifetime of Charlemagne. Today it is a city of 1.7 million people.
Hamburg’s seaport, pictured above, is one of the world’s seven largest container ports, and, in terms of surface area, it is the largest seaport in Europe. The port, and the 80,000 people who work there, are a distinguishing feature of Hamburg. The city is also internationally renowned as Germany’s foremost centre for musical productions, especially for musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber such as “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera”. Hamburg is the location of the International Maritime Law Court, and of more consulates than any other city in the world, representing 100 countries.
The city of Hannover originated in the Middle Ages as a small village settlement on an elevated terrace above the river Leine. Today with a population of about half a million the city boasts a unique Sports park as one of the cities outstanding features. In addition to the “Niedersachsenstadion” and the State Lower Saxony Sports College, where sporting skills are taught by the state’s official sports associations, the Sports
Park also contains an indoor stadium for all indoor sports, a combined event facility, hard courts and a stadium swimming pool. Maschsee Lake is a training site for rowing, canoeing and sailing clubs.
The Hannover University, pictured below centre, was founded in 1831. It currently houses 24,000 registered students. Kaiserslautern is a “city in the woods” in the midst of the Palatinate Forest, one of Germany’s largest forest areas. Kaiserslautern is also a city with a long history. Traces of the city’s past can be found all over the historic town centre. Count Palatinate Johan Casimir erected a renaissance castle here in 1571. Construction of the foundation church commenced in the second half of the 13th century. St. Martin’s Church was built by the Franciscans at the beginning of the 14th century. But the cultural history of the city extends back to the fifth millennium B.C. The historical origin of today’s city is assumed to have been in the 4th century AD. The earliest available documented indication of the city’s existence is from around 830, and the first document mentioning it dates from 882 A particular favourite is the largest dinosaur exhibition in Europe with 76 life-size models
Visitors to Cologne are greeted by more than 2,000 years of culture, significant antique treasures, economic power, creativity, ideas, diversity, and above all the local folk with their cosmopolitan, international and joyful take on life. A million citizens are proud of their city and thoroughly looking forward to welcoming countless visiting fans to the FIFA World Cup. Köln is the oldest major city in Germany. The name Köln goes back to the Roman Empress Agrippina. The wife of Claudius Caesar was born on the Rhine and elevated her “Colonia” to the status of a city in the year 50 AD. Architecture lovers will find outstanding examples of a wide variety of styles within the city walls, ranging from classic Romanesque churches to modern creations by international star architects including Manchester born Lord Norman Foster. The undisputed crowning glory is the cathedral, a World Heritage site, a landmark symbol for the city, and arguably the most famous building in Germany. Ninety percent of the central district lay in ruins after the Second World War, but the monumental cathedral Forum
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2006 FIFA WORLD CUP spires towered practically undamaged over the devastation, a symbol for the citizens’ hopes and will to live. The reconstruction which followed pursued two objectives; a desire to preserve the best of two richly diverse millennia, but also the courage to innovate. Leipzig is a bourgeois city and its citizens have always felt obligated to the arts. The “Gewandhaus Orchestra”, founded in 1743 by Leipzig citizens, the opera house and the famous “Thomaner Choir” have their roots in this tradition. Although numerous wars and the separation of Germany have left deep marks, Leipzig’s citizens have always retained their pioneering spirit and their courage to tackle problems. This attitude became particularly evident in the events in autumn 1989.
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At the height of the “Monday Demonstrations” on 9 October, 70,000 people marched around the Leipzig Ring. With their slogan of “We Are The People”. Informed by television and friends about the events, people in other German cities begun repeating the Leipzig demonstration, meeting at city squares on Monday evenings. By October 1989, more than 250,000 people had joined the demonstrations which triggered the end of the German Democratic Republic in a peaceful revolution and cleared the way for the reunification of Germany.
Cologne Cathedral
The Bavarian capital, Munich, founded in the year 1158 by Henry the Lion, celebrates its birthday on 14 June. The first documented evidence of München as a city dates back to 1214.
2006 FIFA WORLD CUP Bavaria. A symbol of this new ascent was the opening in 1835 of Germany’s first railway line, between Nuremberg and Fuerth. Today, Nuremberg is in the process of transforming itself from an industrial city to a technology-based service centre. Nuremberg, an important trade fair location, lies at the heart of a conurbation with a total of 2.5 million inhabitants.
Leipzig Allied air bombardments caused widespread destruction in Munich in 1944. Today the Bavarian capital on the river Isar is an economic and media metropolis with an international reputation. Munich enjoys a special place of honour in the world of sports as venue of the 1972 Olympic Summer Games. Since then innumerable events of national and international importance have been staged in the Olympiastadion in the middle of a beautiful park. These included the 1974 World Cup final, the final of EURO ’88 and the UEFA Championships. The Nuremberg merchants, the so-called “moneybags “, and the city’s immensely
Munich
skilled artisans secured Nuremberg’s outstanding position in the Middle Ages. Major works of art were created here - most famously, the woodcarvings of Veit Stoss and the works of Albrecht Dürer. Wars and the resulting shifts in trade routes gradually diminished Nuremberg’s importance. In 1649, at the end of the Thirty Years War, the funds of the once prosperous city were exhausted.
In the 14th Century Stuttgart is elevated to the seat of power in Wuerttemberg; the industrialisation in the mid19th Century is the beginning of Stuttgart’s rise to one of the largest conurbations in Germany. Today the capital of BadenWuerttemberg is one of the largest major industrial cities in Europe housing the headquarters of the global concern DaimlerChrysler at its centre.
Christmas market in Nuremberg
The Napoleonic invasion accelerated this decline. In 1806, Nuremberg lost its charter as a Free Imperial City and was incorporated in the Kingdom of Bavaria. This, however, soon proved to be a blessing in disguise, as the city rapidly developed, becoming the largest industrial centre in
The Romans appreciated the idyllic and central location of the valley basin of the settlement Cannstatt, when they built a citadel there around 85/90 AD. By founding the stud farm “Stuotgarten” in 950 AD, Duke Luidolf of Swabia laid the foundation stone for the city to be created 33 years later and gave it today’s name, Stuttgart.
The administrative centres of the Daimler Chrysler company are in Stuttgart and the museum and premises can be visited on a tour. The landmark complex, pictured above, is famous for its architectural integration into the landscape. See overleaf for details on which match is to be played where and when. Forum
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Photo Gallery Just a few shots taken at the April lunch meeting at the Bahrain International Airport. Drinks and Canapes were served at the Dilmun Lounge with lunch in the new Sky Restaurant. The speaker on the day was Mr Ahmed Janahi, Acting Director of Civil Aviation who gave a presentation on the new airport extension and future plans for the airport.
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Motoring Foresight Is Proving Invaluable Foresight is an invaluable asset is all walks of life – and in the United Kingdom the Government has made sure that as far as the automotive industry is concerned the nation has the best foresight possible. The Foresight Vehicle Initiative, now administered by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), is a prime mover in the automotive industry, and is the UK’s response to the worldwide crisis in transport. It was initially set up by the Transport Panel and the Department of Trade & Industry to define the detailed objectives of a programme designed to develop, demonstrate and exploit technology “... to stimulate the UK automotive supplier base to develop products and systems which satisfy increasingly stringent e n v i r o n m e n t a l requirements while meeting mass expectations for safety, performance, cost and desirability”.
the world live their lives. Closer to home, the UK industry plays a pivotal role in the health of the UK economy. The list of businesses contributing to its success is long and diverse and includes vehicle manufacturers, importers, suppliers of components, parts and accessories, and consultancies. They all share one common link, through membership of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT). The
SMMT exists to provide services and support for the whole industry and, since 1902, has provided a focus to reflect its ever-changing needs and interests. Representation to government at home and abroad on key industry issues, national and international events, exhibitions and promotion, reliable data, information and practical advice are available to any company whose business development relies on the success of the automotive industry.
The SMMT plays a central role in the working life of the industry. Whether the industry is your business or it impacts on your organisation in any way, the SMMT states it can deliver real business benefits to help a company meet the challenges of the future. Affluent societies demand increasing personal mobility and a range of goods that depend on an extensive distribution network. Modern industry must operate in a global market and have an efficient transport system to
The initiative consists of representatives of vehicle builders and their suppliers, independent research consultancies and university departments, government departments and user representatives such as motoring organisations. The automotive industry faces a time of change. Increasing competition, globalisation and newly developing markets are challenges to all businesses involved in the industry. How they respond may determine the way future generations around
Light work: Scientists have already produced trial parts for this Lotus Elise sports car that are 57% lighter than conventional ones. And engineers from the UK’s Foresight Vehicle Initiative programme have perfected techniques that will allow car makers and others to mass-produce parts that can be recycled. Forum
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provide its raw materials and distribute its products. At the same time there is serious concern about the effects of pollution, the use of energy, the increasing amounts of space that are needed for the transport infrastructure and the injuries that result from road accidents. Worldwide, the search is on for vehicle technologies that meet modern expectations for mobility, satisfy strict environmental and safety requirements, and help sustain the competitiveness of manufacturing industry. The challenge to develop technology options that can form the basis of a sustainable transport policy is a formidable one. Foresight Vehicle is the
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UK’s prime knowledgetransfer network for the automotive business involving collaboration between industry, academia and government. The R&D programme aims to promote technology and stimulate suppliers to develop market-driven enabling technologies for vehicles. Future products and technologies must meet social, economic and environmental goals, satisfying requirements for mobility, safety, performance, cost and desirability, with the objective of improving the quality of life and wealth creation in the UK. The Foresight Vehicle Technology Roadmap has been developed to identify
technology and research themes for road transport, aiming to support UK industry in the globally competitive market for transport products and to provide sustainable mobility for UK citizens. Version 1.0 of the roadmap was published in 2002 and brought together more than 130 experts from across the road transport sector, from more than 60 organisations. The roadmap structure was used to capture and share the rich set of views about how automotive markets, products, systems and technologies will (and could) evolve in the future. A substantial review took place in 2004, and a new version, 2.0, is now available. This version has considered in more detail
the major priorities associated with the trends and drivers, to give more focus to the technology development needs over a 20-year period. A recent example of Foresight’s work was its involvement in research that found that exhaust gases could help cars become cleaner. UK engineers developed a simple but revolutionary way of recovering energy that would normally be lost down the exhaust pipe. The exciting “free power” breakthrough has three key green benefits – it makes engines more efficient, reduces emissions and creates enough electricity to run all of a car’s power systems. And,
because
the
technology is fairly simple, it could be fitted on all car, van, bus and truck engines within a few years. In other research under the SMMT Foresight Vehicle Initiative, UK scientists have invented a radical way of making cars greener – by making parts from plastics that have been given the stretch treatment. During a two-year research programme they have cracked the problem of how to use special new plastics that are six times as strong as normal, yet are light and, vitally, 100% recyclable. Now it opens the door to a vast range of car and truck parts that can be made more simply and cheaply than conventionally m a n u f a c t u r e d components. And the ultrastrong, ultra-light parts will help lower exhaust emission levels and increase fuel economy. But the biggest advantage of all - as stringent new laws require manufacturers to build vehicles that can be recycled - is that the new plastics can quickly, easily and cheaply be reduced to crumbs and then re-used. Contact: Foresight Vehicle Research Initiative (care of Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) 2410 Regents Court, The Crescent Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham B37 7YE Tel: 0044 845 009 3838 Fax: 0044 845 009 3939 www.foresightvehicle.org.uk
How Tigers Can Tame Engine Exhaust
Scientists Unlock Door To “Greener Cars”
Green car: this Lotus Elise uses parts made with the new self-reinforced polypropylene plastics (SrPP) that are stronger, lighter, cheaper to make and 100 per cent recyclable. SrPP can be used to make body armour, helmets, suitcases and more - all products that need strong, lightweight plastics but that do not harm the environment.
How Tigers Can Tame Engine Exhaust Dirty exhaust gases could actually help vehicles become cleaner in the near future - thanks to the success of United Kingdom engineers in harnessing them to provide an extra power source that looks set to cut fuel consumption, increase engine efficiency and reduce pollution. Researchers involved in an initiative of the UK Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders have revealed their work in developing a simple but revolutionary way of recovering significant amounts of energy that would normally be lost through engine exhausts. “The exciting ‘free power’ breakthrough has three key benefits,” said a spokesman. “It makes engines more
efficient, reduces emissions and creates enough electricity to run all of a car’s power systems … and it could be fully developed for all car, van, bus and truck engines within a few years.” The advance of what is known as the Turbogenerator Integrated Gas Energy Recovery System
(Tigers, for short) is the work of a group drawn from Visteon UK based at Coventry in the English Midlands; the Switched Reluctance Drives (SRD) company from Harrogate, northern England; and Sheffield University’s Electrical Machines & Drives Research Group, also in northern England. Forum
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New from Britain Major move for cold water spa therapy for horses ECB Spa from ECB Equine uses cold salt hydrotherapy to treat injured horses for a wide range of injuries and conditions, including tendonitis, arthritis, sore shins, open wounds, infections, and skin complaints. The salt solution has a natural healing effect on wounds by acting as a poultice. Water aeration not only has a massaging effect on the leg but further speeds healing by increasing the dissolved oxygen content in the water.
“The cold salt water, which is maintained at 35°F, deters the progressive deterioration of injuries through swelling reduction,” says the company. “Surface bone density is also improved, reducing the opportunity for stress-related injuries of the bones. Because the treatment has become commonplace, most people have begun to use the Spa for preventative treatment.” Company: ECB Equine Ltd www.equinespa.com
Improved Laboratory materials for quality dental work With Anutex HS hightemperature stability modelling wax from Kemdent, dental technicians can create a preliminary denture base that offers accurate “try-ins” in the patient’s mouth with less risk of distortion. The company’s Acron Hi is a heatcure denture-base acrylic claimed to be 50% stronger than conventional materials,
so that dentures are more resistant to damage. The high-temperature stability of Anutex HS prevents any thermal distortion during transit but the material remains easy to work and fabricate and shows a smooth, glossy surface after gentle flaming. It will not irritate oral tissues,
has no unpleasant odour or flavour, and the colouring agent for its aesthetic pink shade will not separate from the wax or impregnate plaster. Anutex HS softens easily at a primary softening temperature of 41°C to 45oC, without becoming flaky or crumbly or sticking to the fingers. It will also leave no residue after boiling out.
Company: Kemdent Dental www.kemdent.co.uk
Cool way to handle heat of fastmoving industries Air-temperature control units from Thermal Solutions (UK) Ltd are designed to meet the exacting demands of the surface mount technology, printing and electronics industries. The Directair TCU is a single, self-contained unit and can either pre-heat air as a machine starts up, or supply cool air. Under production conditions, a temperature control unit (TCU) can maintain an air-temperature variance of as little as ±1°C. Applications include temporary emergency cooling, personnel cooling, product cooling, electronic/telecoms enclosure cooling, and general “spot” cooling. Company: Thermal Solutions (UK) Ltd www.thermal-solutions.co.uk Forum
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International News New UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
New CEO at UKTI
in that position until 1979.
Margaret Beckett was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in May 2006. Her responsibilities include: overall responsibility for the work of the Office; Communications; Parliamentary Relations; Directorate for Strategy and Information; Legal Advisers; Information Management Department; Research Analysts; Honours; Whitehall Liaison Department. Before entering Parliament, Mrs Beckett completed an engineering apprenticeship, specialising in metallurgy, at AEI Manchester. She went on to work as a Metallurgist at Manchester University. She became a Research Assistant for the Labour Party in 1970 and served as a Political Advisor to the Ministry for Overseas Development in 1974. She was PPS to the then Minister of Overseas Development (Mrs Judith Hart) between 1974-75. She served as a Government Whip in 1975 and was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Education and Science in 1976, serving 36 Forum
Between 1979 and 1983, Mrs Beckett worked as Principal Researcher for Granada Television. Mrs Beckett was appointed shadow Minister for Social Security from 1984-1989, shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 19891992, and shadow Leader of the House from 1992-1994. She was elected as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party between 1992-1994 and became Leader between May and July 1994 after the death of the Rt Hon John Smith MP. She then served as shadow Secretary of State for Health from 1994-1995, and shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry from 1995-1997. She was appointed President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Labour Party was elected to Government in May 1997, and served in that post until July 1998 when she was appointed President of the Privy Council and Leader of the House of Commons. She was appointed Secretary of State for the newly formed Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in June 2001. Mrs Beckett was born 15 January 1943 in AshtonUnder-Lyne Lancashire and has been Member of Parliament for Derby South, since 1983. She was previously MP for Lincoln from 1974 until 1979. She is Honorary President of Labour Friends of India. She is married to Leo.
the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). After graduating from Cambridge University, Andrew Cahn joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in 1973. In 1976 he transferred to the FCO to work at the UK Permanent Representation to the EC in Brussels before returning to MAFF as Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary.
UK Trade & Investment is the government organization that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade, and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment location. It brings together the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). UKTI has an operating budget of some £280m and deploys around 2,300 people to achieve global reach for its services. It has a presence in the 9 English regions and, via the FCO’s overseas network, in more than 100 countries. Andrew Cahn, 54, was appointed Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment in January; starting in the position on 27 March 2006. Andrew has been Director of Government and Industry Affairs, British Airways since May 2000. Prior to working with BA, he worked for the European Commission where he was Chef de Cabinet for Neil Kinnock (Vice President for Administrative Reform and formerly European Commissioner for Transport). In 2001 Andrew was made a Companion of
In 1984 Cahn joined the cabinet of Lord Cockfield, Vice President of the European Commission and author of the EU Single Market. He specialised in the Single Market, budget, agriculture, fisheries and personnel issues. In 1992 he became Principal Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, William Waldegrave, contributing to policy and White Papers on Science, the Civil Service Reform, and the Citizen’s Charter. Between 1994 and 1997, Cahn was Deputy Head of the European Secretariat of the Cabinet Office where he was responsible for cocoordinating Government policy towards the European Union, as well as an advisor to Britain’s Prime Minister and other ministers on EU issues. In accepting the appointment, Andrew Cahn said: “I am excited by the opportunity to take over at UKTI at a moment when our response to the many challenges of globalization is critical. I am delighted to be returning to Whitehall to lead an organization which is central to the UK’s prosperity.”
Bahraini woman to head UN General Assembly
The Legal Counsel to the Royal Family of Bahrain, pioneering lawyer Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa, has been elected President of the 61st General Assembly session, becoming only the third woman who will hold that post and the first one elected since 1969. Al-Khalifa was one of the first two women admitted to the practice of law in Bahrain and has previously served her country as Ambassador to France. “What inspires me is a deep feeling of pain caused by the tragedies all over the world, on both the human and environmental levels,” Ms. Al-Khalifa told the Assembly after her election for the session which will begin in September. “On the human level, much suffering has been due to political disputes, wars, terrorism, poverty and malnutrition. On the environmental level, it has been due to pollution, global warming, the depletion of natural resources and the
extinction of living species,” she said.
She thanked the outgoing president, Jan Eliasson of Sweden, for the great effort he had made towards achieving UN reform and improving international peace and security and human rights. She said she would continue on that path. Sheikha Haya obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Kuwait in 1974. She has also obtained an Diploma in Civil Rights Private Law from the University of Alexandria, Egypt in 1986 and a Diploma in Comparative Law from the University of Ain Shams, Egypt in 1988. She was admitted as a lawyer in Bahrain in 1979. She has been admitted to both the
Court of Cassation and the Constitutional Court of Bahrain and is a member of the Bahrain Bar Association. Welcoming the election, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was “particularly pleased” that a woman would occupy the post. “I met her yesterday and I found her quite impressive,” he told reporters. “All the Member States are determined to work with her and to support her, and I think she’s going to bring a new dimension to the work here.” In her speech, Khalifa also praised her country’s achievements in various fields despite its small size.
“The future of coming generations depends on the way we address contemporary problems,” she said. “We should work towards preserving humanitarianism and ensuring that our planet is a safer and more suitable place to live in. In that regard, it was critical to reach a comprehensive and practical strategy to combat terrorism, one of the greatest contemporary evils.” She questioned, however, whether that strategy would be possible without addressing the problems of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and extremism. Al-Khalifa called for a focus on the importance of education in nurturing future generations and on fostering educational curricula that promoted openness, critical thinking and creativity.
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Moving Forward From the Holistic Therapy Couch of Julie Lomas Times are changing-many of us are being called on to make major changes in our lives to align with our higher purposes. If we ignore the calling and many of us do, it will seem as if the universe then facilitates the change for us. If you’re anxious or feeling overwhelmed by making a big change, that’s just a sign the change is imminent and you should prepare for it now. Our answers lie within ourselves, in our intuition and subconscious and when we don’t listen to these feelings they become more intense. We therefore, should go within, step back and listen to our inner truth once we let go of the anxiety. We have to awaken from our apathy and sleep and behold the wonder of the times. Expect changes and go along with them. Try not to be afraid of the new, or the unknown, but step out fearlessly into it, knowing that the Angels are with you always and will never leave you. It is said (and I do believe) that it is the Golden Age we are moving into, so try not to struggle against the changes which are taking place at this time, for everything comes in perfect rhythm, and nothing can stop it coming about. The whole of the universe functions in that perfect rhythm and so should we. Many of you have great ideas, big dreams, and exciting goals for the future, but it also seems that many of you feel stuck and unable to motivate yourselves into action. As I listen and observe these things and from personal experience and circumstances, I’ve noticed a few themes that 38 Forum
seem to hold a clue as to what prevents us from moving forward. So, based on this, I thought I’d share a few strategies for getting unstuck that seem to work. We need to remember that the thing we need to do most in preparation for getting unstuck is the opposite of what most of us do - stop beating yourself up and instead, give yourself a break. Does that sound familiar to you? How many of you, me included, beat yourselves up when we just can’t seem to get on or sort things out? So yes, it means you need to be kind to yourself in spite of your frustration at yourself. It means accepting your feelings of hopelessness so you can stop using so much precious energy trying to push these feelings away. Getting unstuck means embracing the whole you, the ‘you’ with the good intentions, the one who takes action now and then, and the one who keeps tripping you up. The message is simple, don’t beat yourself up as it only keeps you stuck! The trick to getting unstuck then lies in the following three behavioural changes. 1. Take back your power. One of the biggest mistakes we make when feeling stuck is telling ourselves that our inability to move forward is due to outside circumstances, that is, a lack of money, too many problems, or the influence of other people. All of us at some point in our lives are faced with real-life challenges and this is a
www.conscious-connections.com natural part of life. Our place For one week, why not make of power however is in yourself your own mantra and recognising that we have repeat the phrase: choices. They may be tough choices like selling a home “I CAN DO ANYTHING!” or a business to relieve financial pressure or walking Say it with real belief and away from an abusive conviction throughout the relationship to reclaim our day. self-esteem. Do not mistake tough choices with having no So whether or not you believe choice at all. You always it or whether it seems rational, have choices. do it anyway. Say it to yourself when you first wake up, repeat We often find comfort in a it in your mind while brushing place of helplessness your teeth, sing it to yourself because it provides an while driving to work or getting excuse for why things are the the kids ready for school. Say way they are, almost like a it all day to yourself at work , comfort zone. However, keep at it through lunch and holding this position or mental dinner, all the way up to when attitude will ultimately be what you go to sleep. Just keep takes you down. To turn this telling yourself that you can do habit or tendency around, anything and notice how your stop and consider one area mood and perspective shifts. you really want to change. Take note and see what Then ask yourself the happens and see how your following question: “What mind set changes. choices do I have in this situation?” Then pick one Remember that “When you and do something about it. always do what you have always done you will always 2. Manage your mind set. get what you always got!” Feeling stuck is always fuelled by our state of mind, which means the thoughts we think from moment to moment. When we feel unmotivated, it’s because we’re thinking unmotivated and usually negative thoughts.When we feel trapped, it’s because we constantly tell ourselves that there are no options. When we feel hopeless, there’s a good chance that the mantra running through our mind is something like: ‘Why bother?’ or ‘It’s not possible’ The key to turning this selfdefeating habit around is to take control of your thoughts. Of course this is much easier said than done, I know that well, so rather than me offer you a complicated process for doing so try this simple technique.
So make the change and start right now, become unstuck and move forward! 3. Keep good company. Every successful person I’ve ever met or spent time with or read about has emphasized the importance of having highly motivated people around them. So “Surround yourself with motivated people who are just as committed as you.” Don’t surround yourself with people who are negative, self destructive, jealous of anyone who is successful, or just plain boring or lazy people. Find the motivated ones and stick with them, learn from them and move forward. Good Luck Julie
Bahrain News New Security device on ATMs Bahraini Saudi Bank has completed a major upgrade of its ATM security by installing a new “Fraudulent Device Inhibitor” (FDI) system on all its ATMs. The FDI prevents the introduction of card trapping devices that retain the card in the machine, with the intention of retrieving it once the customer leaves the ATM. The FDI is placed in front of the entrance to the ATM card reader and is specifically designed so that it is virtually impossible for an ATM
customer to enter his or her card into the machine if a trapping device has been installed to the card reader. The head of operations at BSB said:
Offering: “While the ATMs are now secure, customers may still be the target of many criminal schemes leading to the theft of their cards and pin numbers. The rule is firstly to never show or give the pin number to anyone, and secondly if the card is captured to immediately report it.”
Bangers & Mash Fisherman’s Pie and more with a cool drink!
Email: sizzlers@batelco.com.bh Website: www.mansourimansionshotel.com
BMA issues new licences The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) has granted two licences for banking activities. A licence has been issued to American Express Bank Limited to open its first representative office for Private Banking in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region.
The bank, which incorporated in London, wholly owned subsidiary American Express Bank New York.
is is to in
This licence will bring the number of AMEX entities in Bahrain to three since AMEX use Bahrain as centre for its operation in the region since 1976.
The BMA also granted a second licence to Dexia Group to open a Representative Office for Dexia Asset Management Luxembourg S A (Dexia AM) in Bahrain. Dexia is already present in Bahrain with a representative office of Dexia Private Bank
Switzerland. Dexia AM believes that it will use the Bahrain office for its institutional sales and distribution activity as first entrance in to the Middle East region. The total assets of the Group stood at Euro 509 billion last year.
Spotlight on insurance
HSBC to expand in Bahrain
The Finance Committee of Bahrain Insurance Association (BIA) held a workshop during May which was attended by over 40 finance and compliance professionals drawn from BIA’s member firms.
other well-established financial services environments.
HSBC Bahrain plans to open three new branches in Bahrain.
The workshop had interactive sessions where participants discussed specific issues in the areas of certification, solvency and capital adequacy as well as general insurance business forms.
‘We are looking at Saar, Sanad and Hamad Town at the moment, although we haven’t finished the study,’ said HSBC Bahrain CEO Saleh Al Kowary.
The recently introduced Insurance Rulebook of the BMA requires all licensees to provide it with comprehensive information on their financial and operating condition. These are designed to ensure proper regulatory supervision and are in line with practices adopted in
Insurance Supervision adviser Johanne Prevost and other representatives from the BMA as well as delegates from various external audit firms also contributed to the discussions.
His remarks came as HSBC inaugurated its new $20 million headquarters in the Seef District. The new main office replaces its previous headquarters in Manama, although that will still remain open as a branch.
It includes a full branch offering personal, commercial and corporate banking products and services, including financial planning, offshore, investment and wealth management services. HSBC Bank Middle East deputy chairman and chief executive officer David Hodgkinson said “The new branch allows the bank to offer better facilities and improves the working environment for its staff with the emphasis very much on improving the customer experience.” Forum
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There’s a performer in everyone...
And Finally A professional scientist with a PhD in Nuclear Physics and FreeDocency in PhysicalChemistry, the author has dedicated himself intensely to the study of the Atlantis problem, for about 30 years now.
For the past 6 years children in Bahrain have enjoyed a series of very successful intensive theatre workshops at The Children’s House, Montessori Nursery School. Produced by Dina Shaheen and facilitated by a team of highly skilled and qualified British drama, music and movement practitioners, this year’s courses are to run from 8th to 20th July 2006. The courses are for young people between the ages of 8 -11 and 12 -16 years who will have the opportunity to learn different acting techniques and build up confidence in a fun and supportive environment. The participants will also explore: personal development themes through drama, such as bullying & self esteem building; experimental theatre; music & movement and be part of an ‘end-ofcourse sharing/
performance’ to which parents will, of course, be invited. Darren Cheek, a professional actor, will be heading the team again this summer. Over the past five years Darren has worked as an education development officer and performer for the Krazy Kat Theatre Company, one of Britain’s leading Children’s Theatre Companies. His work has included designing and facilitating a diverse range of workshops (and often educational support material) for almost every age group from 3-93, in various traditional and non traditional teaching environments. The workshops are an ideal choice for drama students, young people interested in performing &/or public speaking and also those who would like to build their self-confidence, social skills and creative talents.
For more information please contact Dina Shaheen: Tel: 1769-9844 Mobile: 3946-4354 ashaheen@batelco.com.bh 40 Forum
Thousands of books have already been written on Atlantis since its reality was first disclosed by the great philosopher Plato, some two and a half millennia ago. Hence, one may well wonder whether a new book on the subject is really needed. Can anything new actually be said about Atlantis? Atlantis, The Lost Continent Finally Found, is Prof. Arysio Santos’ latest work. Following the same line of thought that made his website popular, having received more than 2.5 million visits within the past few years, he explains in this book his theory on Atlantis, using an infinitude of arguments, which range from the strictly scientific (such as Geology, Linguistics, and Anthropology) to the more arcane and occult ones.
Being the first one to ever link the catastrophic events of the end of the last Ice Age (11.600 years ago) with the world-wide traditions of the universal Flood and the destruction of Atlantis, Prof. Santos managed to find a perfect site for the location of the Lost Continent. “The reader will be confronted with strongly based evidence of all sorts to the existence of Atlantis, written by a reputed scientist, enough to shake the beliefs of the most hardcore skeptic.” says the promotional blurb. This book should also please the fans of the occult and symbolic disciplines, as the author frequently interconnects them with Atlantis and explains their meaning. The book is illustrated with over 30 line-art figures and printed in high quality white paper and is a must for everyone interested in the subject of Atlantis and lost civilizations. ISBN: 0976955008