New Year's reception with Commonwealth scholars

Commonwealth scholars studying in the Southwest of England from Africa, India and the Caribbean welcomed in the New Year with a networking lunch reception at the Bristol Commonwealth Society.  Their interests ranged from education and aerospace engineering to climate change and communications.  Bristol Commonwealth Society Treasurer Mr Nicholas Ball opened the reception by telling the students that the Commonwealth Society raises awareness of the 52 Commonwealth countries, supports young people that want to know about what the Commonwealth has to offer in the present and future and promotes trade between countries in the Commonwealth.  Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol, emphasised that the scholars were selected on the basis of their talent, skills and innovation and that the Bristol Commonwealth Society would enable them to make global networks that would benefit them, their home countries and the world.  Given the fast-paced, global nature of the today’s society, she encouraged them to make the best use of this opportunity to establish life-long connections, whether for work or pleasure.  The scholars present are attending university in Bristol, Bath and Bournemouth and come from India, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa and Jamaica.