About Bahrain Society

Our Story

Founding and Early Years

The Bahrain Society was founded in 1965, six years before the State of Bahrain, as it was once known, became independent. This independence was guided by the Treaty of Friendship signed with the United Kingdom on June 16, 1971, which replaced the Treaty of Protection that had defined relations between the two nations since the mid-nineteenth century.

Mission and Activities

This mission is achieved through regular events in both countries, with many key events held in London, serving as a catalyst for connection.

We have remained committed to this promise for almost 60 years, hosting over 300 events that have brought together thousands of people who have lived and worked in the Kingdom. Over the years, many British people have come to regard Bahrain as their ‘second home,’ and many Bahrainis feel the same about the United Kingdom.

Chairmanship

From the early days, the Society Chair has been held by those who served in Bahrain, principally from the Foreign Service. Our current Chairman is Heather Harper MBE. Heather succeeded Brigadier Peter Sincock MBE, who served as Chairman from 2008 to 2022 when he handed the reins to Heather.

In the '80s in Bahrain, Heather was instrumental in the early days of Bahrain TV’s Channel 55, working for Bahrain’s Ministry of Information as a broadcaster and hosting a popular weekly magazine show, ‘It’s 55’. For many years, Heather has worked to champion British citizens overseas.

Leadership and Patronage

The first Patron of the Society was the Ruler of Bahrain at the time of its foundation, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Sulman Al Khalifa. His Highness assumed the title of Amir after Independence. Today, our Patron is Shaikh Isa’s son, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain.

In 1965, the Society’s first founding President was His Excellency Shaikh Sulman bin Daij Al Khalifa. Since Independence, the Bahrain Ambassador of the day has always served as the Society’s President. The first President after the Bahrain Embassy opened in London in 1971 was His Excellency Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. Presently, the Bahrain Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, is the Bahrain Society’s President.

In 2011, Brigadier Sincock succeeded Michael Rice CMG, who became the Society’s Chairman in 1999, bringing many years of connection with Bahrain in political and information fields. Michael also promoted the Kingdom’s archaeology, always ready and able to offer valuable insight into the Island’s history.

In fact, he was part of the planning of the first museum in Bahrain and others throughout the Arabian Peninsula. He is also a notable author, co-editing the book ‘Bahrain Through The Ages: The History,’ which provides a comprehensive look at Bahrain’s history. For his services to Bahrain, he was awarded the Order of Bahrain (First Class) in 2003.

Looking back to 1971, the Society’s first Chairman was Charles Gault. Charles served as a Political Agent when Bahrain was still technically a Protectorate. Other Chairmen include Sir George Middleton KCMG, E.W. (Jock) Given, and Sir Harold Walker KCMG. Both Jock and Sir Harold served as British Ambassadors to Bahrain.

Here’s a list of the Bahrain Society Chairmen, from 1965 to date:

• Charles Gault (1971 – 1974)
• Sir George Middleton KCMG (1974 – 1977)
• E.W. (Jock) Given (1977 – 1980)
• Sir Harold Walker KCMG (1980 – 1999)
• Michael Rice CMG (1999 – 2011)
• Brigadier Peter Sincock MBE (2008 – 2022)
• Heather Harper MBE (Current Chairman)

Events and Activities

Each year, the Society manages an active event calendar, including early-evening meetings held in London during the winter and spring. Distinguished guests are invited to speak on subjects generally related to Bahrain and to the Members’ interests. These meetings have always been very popular and provide a regular opportunity for friends to meet and socialise.

An eagerly awaited annual event is the Reception held in London for Members of the Society and hosted by the Society President. In addition, an Annual Dinner takes place, usually in the winter months, and is also one of the major highlights of the year. It has become customary for a notable British guest speaker to be matched by an equally distinguished counterpart from Bahrain.