Introduction by Mme Laurence Auer, Cultural Counsellor, Director of the Institut français du Royaume-Uni

Résidence de France, 12 January 2010

Monsieur l’Ambassadeur, Ladies and Gentlemen,

A hundred years ago, Marie d’Orliac, our founder, gathered around her intellectual networks, economists, French and Francophile circles and banks to help her create a school, set-up a company under the auspices of her Ambassador, refurbish the buildings. It was a surprise to me to discover that her methodology and key to success had changed so little. Tonight we are deeply pleased to see all our partners here. I am very proud to further Marie d’Orliac’s legacy and be able to look towards the future with confidence and renewed energy. Now, some members of the Honorary Committee have accepted to say a few words on their vision about which they feel about France, French culture and French language.