Ambassador Aron's letter

The BBCA has a long and fascinating history, spanning over 60 years, representing the British Community in Brussels and the south of Belgium. It has many purposes and functions but it seems to me that one of the most vital - and successful - ones is providing a networking opportunities for member groups and individual members. There is so much fantastic voluntary work going on among the British community both helping with enormously important charitable causes, but also and, just as important, offering opportunities to be creative and have fun. But all those organisations rely on people's spare time and without support form a wider community, sharing problems and ideas, helping with publicity and visibility, the running of any sort of voluntary organisation can be a dispiriting exercise. The BBCA gives a sense of community for us British living in Brussels and for many that is a lifeline, not only when they arrive in Brussels but later when they start up or pursue an activity here.

I am therefore both honoured and delighted to continue the long association the British Embassy has enjoyed with the Brussels British Community Association (BBCA) in my role as patron.

Dr. Rachel Aron
October 2008