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 BREAKING NEWS....

24th Commonwealth Agricultural Conference will be held on 28 - 30 June 2010 in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Click here to download the full programme and registration booklet.

Next Generation - Understanding and Assistance Mission to Papua New Guinea, November 2009
Click here to download the full report
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The 23rd Commomwealth Agricultural Conference held in New Zealand 2008 was deemed a huge success. The full Conference Report is now available to view and download, simply click here to download a copy.

Commonwealth Day, 9th March 2009 - Uniting People in 53 Countries
As the sun moves round the globe turning night into day, people in 53 independent countries wake up to celebrate Commonwealth Day which takes a variety of forms but all are conscious of its unifying force.

Privileged to be in 900 year old Westminster Abbey with some 2500 others, a large proportion of them children, for that unique service, I witnessed a kaleidescope of colour from the parade of 53 national flags held aloft by their young bearers in national costume only matched by the colourful floral displays both tropical and temperate

Amid her message Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth said—
“We can rightly celebrate the fact that the founding members’ vision of the future has become a reality. The Commonwealth has evolved out of all recognition from its beginning. It has helped to give birth to modern nations, and the eight original countries have become fifty three. We are now home to a third of the world’s population. Across continents and oceans, we have come to represent all the rich diversity of mankind.

Yet despite its size and scale, the Commonwealth to me has been sustained through all this change by the continuity of our mutual values and goals. Our beliefs in democracy, freedom and human rights; development and prosperity mean as much today as they did more than half a century ago.

But as we reflect upon our long association, we should recognise the challenges that lie ahead. Nearly one billion people in today’s Commonwealth are under 25 years of age. These are the people that this association must continue to serve in the future. It is they who can help to shape the Commonwealth of today and whose children will inherit the Commonwealth of tomorrow. To help them make the best of their opportunities, our young men and women therefore need the opportunity to become active and responsible members of the communities in which they live. I am pleased that the Commonwealth recognises this and is determined to continue to put young people at the centre “.                                                                          

The Service itself has variety skilfully blended together with fifteen people, in groups of three giving personal testimony to events in their lives, representatives of the main religions in the Commonwealth taking part, the congregation making collective affirmations and enjoying the hymns, interspersed with choirs with international experience, a dance routine and of course the parade of flags.

The organisers are to be congratulated, A complex operation, bringing together many people from many countries to contribute to one service; a great demonstration to the outside world of the strength and diversity of the Commonwealth.
                                                   
Following the Service a reception was held, hosted by the Secretary General in Marlborough House, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Hon Secretary and I were privileged to be invited. 

Akshaya Patra - Unlimited Food for Education
Click here to find out more

NEWS...

The RASC’s Honorary Press Officer, Philip Bolam, reports…

“The RASC has enjoyed a year of undoubted progress despite its structural change. With modern electronics, RASC Secretariat functions are now expertly handled by Adele Thomson, Society Secretary of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.  After years of communicating across the Commonwealth and lots of understanding, the change was not difficult."

RASC PRESS

We aim to issue four Newsletters per year, which provide short pieces of society news, information and opinion for a wide variety of Member Societies. Members are generally interested in what others are doing and picking up ideas. The introduction of new colour and layout format by Adele Thomson has given it a “face lift” bringing constructive comment. Thank you to those who have contributed.

Calling all Member Societies – Have we dropped off your mailing list?
The number of Annual Reports have declined, however, they are of great interest and a significant source of comment for the newsletter. Please keep them coming!!

SHOWS

RASC has had an attendance at many Society events in the period and representatives are very grateful for the kind hospitality received.

For Societies with fairly similar shows, why not arrange an exchange? You’re missing out - so much to learn from each other - trading ideas, especially with Societies constantly looking for more effective use of resources.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

The Royal Commonwealth Society
An excellent programme of discussions and lectures where the agricultural voice is sometimes heard! Its recently extended facilities allow space for more activities, very much a Commonwealth meeting place.

The Britain/Australia Society
Includes 10 active groups and a keen interest in RASC activities.

EVENTS & PROJECTS

Members may be interested to know that RASC has been able to channel pump-priming money from a small Trust to the following projects.

Zimbabwe Agricultural College
Helping to finance the top student to make a brief visit outside their country to study agricultural developments. In addition the Royal Bath & West Society is providing a perpetual Challenge Trophy for the top student.

Northern Cape
Small holders in a remote area keeping geese for down production to make duvets. They are also involved in extracting essential oils from native heath plants. Sharp learning curve! Both projects providing much needed income. Overseen by Elgin Community College.

Malawi
A small team organising the local communities to grow  vegetables for the aged and infirm,  harvesting and storing maize against food shortage, bringing water supplies nearer the communities  Hopefully linking into a Commonwealth Secretariat project, involving two Malawian post graduates returning from UK.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Amid all the developments in which RASC has played some part in, the Next Generation’s project in Papua New Guinea in November 2009 is of major importance. Christened by Morobe Show “ The PNGUnderstanding/Assisting Mission” this has undoubtedly broken new ground with emphasis on grass roots development. Initiated by the Next Generation delegates, it made an immediate practical impact on the back of much detailed planning.

Click here to view the full PNG Diaries

Interesting story?
If you have any articles of stories of interest you would like to be considered for inclusion within our Newsletter or website, please email Philip Bolam

Click on the links below to view or download recent RASC Newsletters.

May 2010 Newsletter, Sponsored by Populous

February 2010 Newsletter, Sponsored by Populous

September 2009 Newsletter, Sponsored by Populous

May 2009 Newsletter, Sponsored by Populous

February 2009 Newsletter