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Special Reception to mark 160 years
At a Special Reception to mark the 160th anniversary of the 1851 Royal Commission, Sir Alan Rudge, Chairman of Commissioners, welcomed guests to the Science Museum to celebrate the Commission’s continuing work supporting the legacy of the Great Exhibition. Guests included current Fellows and students and representatives of legacy institutions in South Kensington and learned societies.
Celebrating the Commission’s past achievements and looking to the future, Sir Alan outlined the development of our fellowships and studentships emphasising our ongoing search for the brightest and best young scientists and engineers to take forward Prince Albert’s prescient vision that education in science, design and industry is the key to a country’s economic success – as true today as in 1851.
Drawing attention to the active and supportive role of our President of 44 years, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, who has influenced our policy and attended every one of our Presidential dinners, Sir Alan said he was honoured to be able to read out the following message he had received from Prince Philip.
“I very much regret that I am unable to be with you for the Special Reception at the Science Museum. Unfortunately it clashes with our annual residence at Holyroodhouse.
I would be grateful if you would pass on my greetings and best wishes to all the award holders and guests on the 160th anniversary of the establishment of the Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. The Commission has an outstanding record of achievement in the encouragement of British industry, and I am confident that this will continue long into the future.”
Finally, Sir Alan paid tribute to the Commission’s Secretary, Malcolm Shirley, who stepped down that day. During his eight years in post he had taken the work of the Commission forward across a very broad front and had served us outstandingly well. He wished the new Secretary, Nigel Williams, every success in his new role.
Chairman calls for return to sustainable balanced economy
At the Commission’s biennial Presidential Dinner on 31 March Sir Alan Rudge, Chairman of Commissioners, delivered a powerful speech highlighting the deteriorating balance of trade, the over dependence upon financial services and the essential role of manufacturing industry in closing the gap and restoring a sustainable balanced economy.
See President’s Dinner for full text of speech [pdf]
References for the Chairman’s speech were drawn from recent reports commissioned by the ERA Foundation. A summary of these reports can be obtained from the foundation via www.erafoundation.org
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