LONDON REGION’S FESTIVE LUNCH AT THE WATERWAY RESTAURANT 9 DECEMBER 2025 A huge success with over 30 London members attending. We were fully booked! This time our lunch was held at the Waterway on the canal in Little Venice, a few doors down from last year’s celebration at the Summerhouse. Carole Harris went to great lengths to organize with attention to every detail. Guests were greeted to a complementary glass of bubbly in the bar area, moving into the restaurant beautifully laid out with all the decorations including the traditional crackers. The food was delicious and the atmosphere great – everybody seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. We were honoured with the visit of our new Chair Stephen Rudgard who gave a speech on the work of BAFUNCS. Once again, Shahnaz Lockwood made her legendary truffles beautifully packed in gold boxes for each member, greatly helping also to organize an appropriate venue. A wonderful way to end BAFUNCS London’s activities with great expectations for 2026. Hannah Shabathai, BAFUNCS Regional Representative for London. 24 December 2025

Letter from FAFICS President, Jerry Barton December 2025

    Kent and Sussex Region (KSX) celebrated the Christmas Season for lunch at the Hummingbird Restaurant at Shoreham (Brighton) Airport, which is a favourite venue for many of our members and which offers a very good seasonal menu at a convenient and interesting Art Deco location. 14 members and guests enjoyed good food in a convivial atmosphere to round out the year. Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year to all our members. Terri, Heather and Richard

On 11th November 2025, the IDS Alumni Office and BAFUNCS organised a panel on United Nations careers. This event provided an opportunity for students and alumni to learn about the realities of a UN career, and the opportunity to connect with and gain insights from current and former UN employees. The event was attended by over 100 IDS students and webcast to over 300 IDS alumni. Stephen Rudgard (Chair) and Nicholas Rosellini (Vice Chair) represented BAFUNCS on the panel. You can read about the event and watch a recording on the IDS website.