Message from the Chair - Paul Madden CMG

November 2025

I wanted to remind you that the Cook Society Christmas Reception will be taking place on Tuesday 9 December, at the RAF Club. Our speaker will be Vivien Life CMG. Vivien is a former British diplomat, ambassador and senior trade official. She was the lead UK negotiator for the recent UK/Australia Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in 2023. She will talk about the challenges of negotiating an international agreement during COVID, the objectives of both countries and the benefits which are flowing from the agreement. 

There are still a few spaces left and it would be great to get a full house for this exciting event. To book tickets via our website, please click here

Yours sincerely

Paul Madden CMG

Subscription renewal 

As we are approaching the end of the year. It is also time to think about renewing your membership subscription. Your committee have decided to keep the fee at the same level as the current year, £440, despite the increases in a number of our costs. 

To renew your membership online, please click here

Gathering 2026 

Next year will be a bumper year for Cook Society activities, as we will be hosting our Australian counterparts from Cook Societies in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA and WA for the Annual Gathering from 19-27 July. It is the first time we have welcomed our Australian guests since COVID, and we have put together a fascinating programme of events (draft programme below). There will be lots of opportunitities for you to take part and to engage with our Australian opposite numbers.