Dear Member,

"Land of Hope and Glory". My wife and I spend approximately five months of the year travelling the world on business and I am also privileged to have the opportunity to speak at over fifty events and functions in different parts of the world all the time promoting friendship between the peoples of the Old English-Speaking Commonwealth. We keep ourselves up to date with what is happening in the UK by television news and through the weekly overseas newspapers. This also gives us an insight into what people in other countries must think of the UK. On the sports side I am amazed at the international interest in English Soccer. In a remote hotel I found a waiter who spoke very little English was a fanatic supporter of Manchester United. The spread seems to be fairly even between Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, although my team, like many others in the UK, is in my roots, Huddersfield Town.

Over recent weeks there has been a lot of discussion overseas about the British Minister of Culture criticising the Proms, saying "This Music Festival upsets people from ethnic minorities, they did not feel comfortable attending". According to the overseas press the Minister said: "The Proms left some isolated and deeply offended". In my speeches I often refer to the last night of the Proms and especially "Land of Hope and Glory" explaining that, in my opinion the land of hope and glory isn't a little piece of land stuck on the end of Europe but is the British heritage spread throughout the world. Whatever our origins we should be extremely proud of the many spin-offs. We were in Malaysia recently speaking to a business leader, and he told me that Malaysia owed a debt of gratitude to Britain for the legacies of education, roads, justice, language and political systems. There are many problems in Britain today, as in many other parts of the world. However, that should not stop us having pride in our country and our achievements.

I was in the elevator the other day with a man who seemed angry and was muttering obscenities under his breath. When I asked him what his problem was he said: "These ***** airlines". I asked him to tell me more. He told me he had booked his return air ticket on the internet. He had had some domestic problem at home and could not get any joy from the airline, could not find anyone to speak to other than a person who told him "The only solution to your problem is to buy a single ticket home" which would actually cost more than the original return ticket. I proudly told him that had he booked his ticket through our Friendship Association he would have had access to a human being who may well have had an answer to his problem. When I checked I found he had paid much more for his ticket than he would have had if he had booked through the Friendship Association. When people book on the internet they may well be booking with an alien from out-space. We were warned by the author, George Orwell, in his book "1984" that we would get sucked into this inanimate system. Next time you wish to book your ticket contact our girls in Staines and you will be surprised at the fares we have available for our members.

Another person I met on the bowling green dashed across from another rink to thank me for the wonderful service our Staff provided when he had a major emergency at short notice. Our Serious Accident Emergency Travel Benefit can be a great comfort to all our members so, please keep your membership subscription up to date that we might help you if you, or your nominated partner overseas, have an accident causing serious injury or worse. We could supply the surviving party with an air tickets to travel to the scene of the tragedy.

You will note that we now have a VIP Limousine to take the First-Prize winners of each lottery to their UK departure airport, provided it is within fifty miles from your home or transfer point. Have a go in the lottery. Someone has to win the free flights and the many consolation prizes. It might well be your turn.

Back in 1968, I founded the Friendship Associations and I am extremely proud of the service we have provided over the last forty years. Over recent times many people in the travel industry have suffered a substantial decline in airline booking levels. We have been affected to a much lesser extent. However, I am delighted to report that in recent months we have had an upturn and I think it is because people have become disenchanted with the impersonal internet bookings and really appreciate our very personal service to our members. This being our fortieth year we have many unique offers in car hire, hotels or tours which our staff are only too pleased to be able to discuss with you to meet your needs. If it is only an air ticket you wish to purchase we will find the best for you.

I wish you all many happy reunions during the coming year.

With very best wishes.

STUART WEAVING, Founder & International President


CLICK HERE TO READ STUART WEAVING'S COMMENTS ON NATIONWIDE AIRLINES