Dr Gavin Alexander recently talked to the Society about his lifetime work with the British Council, an organisation founded in the 1920s to combat the rising tide of fascist ideas.
However, post-1945, the council really flourished when it changed its remit to improving Britain's image and relationships with other nations through the medium of education, the humanities and science.
Today it operates in 109 countries with a budget of £517 million.
Dr Alexander served twice in Africa and in South America, plus Rome and China. In Uganda, his car was machine gunned down by young soldiers, and rescue came from an officer who was a member of the British Council library.
In China, Mrs Thatcher cat-napped on his shoulder while in a Chinese Government motorcade.
He is convinced that the Council remains highly respected across the world, a simple example is the African love of Shakespeare.
For more details on the group call 486261.
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