We apologize for the late appearance of the Annual Report. It is now in production and should be ready for distribution shortly after Easter. Meanwhile we are circulating the notice about the AGM now so that members have time to make any necessary arrangements and to inform us of their intentions before the deadline of 10 May.

The notice for this event is enclosed. Please note the earlier start this year, and subsequent adjustments to the programme, made necessary by our decision to show the film Bridge to the East as a tribute to our late President, Sir Steven Runciman. The film describes the contribution that Sir Steven made to Byzantine historiography and features him on location at various points in the Byzantine world. It lasts approximately 60 minutes.

As usual, we have two contrasting talks to provide the framework for the day. In the morning Sister Magdalen will speak about St Silouan the Athonite (1866-1938), the great Russian staretz who joined the monastery of St Panteleimonos in 1892. His most famous disciple and biographer was Fr Sophrony who in turn founded the monastery in Essex of which Sister Magdalen is a member. In the afternoon Petros Koufopoulos, a Greek-Australian architect from Athens who is architect to many of the monasteries on Athos, will speak about his most recent project - the restoration and refurbishment of the Protaton Tower in Karyes, the cost of which was almost entirely borne by the generous donation of our late President.

The society’s AGM will take place at 1.45 pm, and as usual there will be elections. The Secretary (Graham Speake) and the Events Secretary (Anthony Hazledine) have both reached the end of their term of office and will tender their resignation. Both have indicated their willingness to stand for re-election. In addition there are two vacant places on the Executive Committee created by the death of Derek Hill. Nominations have already been received for Bishop Basil of Sergievo and Professor David Cadman (both already co-opted). Any further nominations for any of these positions should reach the Secretary in writing at least one week before the meeting.

To date we have always held the AGM on a weekday, but a number of members have asked if we would consider holding it on a Saturday. In order to gauge the views of members, we invite you to express your opinion about this when completing the return slip about this year’s event.

At the instigation of HRH the Prince of Wales we are about to embark on a major new project to attempt to preserve what remains of the ancient network of mule-tracks and footpaths and associated wayside shrines and fountains across the Holy Mountain. A preliminary survey is to be conducted this spring by a team of volunteers assembled by our member John Arnell and led by experienced members of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Based at the monastery of Vatopedi, they will attempt to assess the size of the task, undertake a modest amount of path clearance, and plan a programme of future action. Apart from its historical significance, the project is seen as a spiritual initiative to assist pilgrimage. We shall no doubt have occasion to appeal for volunteers to support this project in the future. Meanwhile we eagerly await the results of the preliminary survey.

We are proposing to make a return visit to the monastery at Tolleshunt Knights in the autumn of 2001. Anyone who is interested in joining this group is invited to write to the Events Secretary, Anthony Hazledine, Antique Oriental Carpets, High Street, Fairford, Glos GL7 4AD.

Certificates of membership will shortly be available and will be supplied to joining members from now on. Any existing member who would like to have one is invited to write to the Secretary, and in the case of North American members to the North American Membership Secretary.

GRAHAM SPEAKE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

This year's AGM will be held on Tuesday 22 May 2001 at St Anne's College, Oxford.

10.30	Coffee and registration in the Mry Ogilvie Foyer (NB earlier start!)
11:00	Sister Magdalen of the Community of St John the Baptist, Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, will speak on the subject SAINT SILOUAN, MONK OF MOUNT ATHOS
12.30	Buffet lunch
13.45	AGM (guests are welcome but may not vote)
14:15	Petros Koufopoulos of Athens, architect of the restoration of the Protaton Tower in Karyes, will give an illustrated presentation about RESTORING THE PROTATON TOWER
15.30	Tea
16.00	There will be a showing of the award-winning film made by Lydia Carras in the 1980s about the work of our late President, Sir Steven Runciman BRIDGE TO THE EAST (about 60 minutes)

There is no charge for attending the AGM but for the rest of the programme (including coffee and tea) the charge is £5 (students £2.50). The charge for lunch (a full buffet) is £12.50. Members responding from this on-line announcement are asked to please indicate your intentions by a letter replicating the form below and send it as soon as possible (to arrive no later than 10 May) with your cheque to Anthony Hazledine, Antique Oriental Carpets, High Street, Fairford, Glos GL4 7AD. Cheques should be made payable to The Friends of Mount Athos.

I can/cannot attend the AGM on 22 May. I shall be bringing …… guest(s)

[I would have been more/less likely to attend if it had been on a Saturday]

Please reserve …… entrance ticket(s) (£5 each; students £2.50)

Please reserve …… lunch ticket(s) (£12.50 each)

I enclose a cheque for £…… payable to The Friends of Mount Athos

Name ………………………………… Signature ……………………………………

Name(s) of guest(s) …………………………………………………………………….

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