Holiday message from British Consul-General New York Sir Alan Collins:
2010 has been a busy, challenging and rewarding year at the Consulate. There are many ways to reflect on the year that was. In the spirit of the holiday season, and with apologies to the English carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, it strikes me that there are “12 Highlights of the NY-UK relationship”…
12 – US Olympic Athletes … and hopefuls attend a reception celebrating 2 years to London 2012;
11 – November The British Garden at Hanover Square in Lower Manhattan holds a Remembrance Day ceremony;
10 – Off-Broadway British plays …featured by the Brits Off Broadway and First Irish theatre festivals;
91,900 …people employed by British companies in New York;
8,442 student visas …issued by the UK Border Agency in New York 2010;
7 new cabinet ministers and the PM …visit New York to share best practice and explain that Britain is open for business;
6 Gumpathon athletes …starting at the USS Intrepid, run cross-country for UK and US veterans;
5000 runners …participate in the Achilles Hope and Possibility Run with Prince Harry;
4.5 billion U.S. Dollars of merchandise is exported from New York to the UK;
3 British vessels …Yorkshire Clipper, HMS Albion and HMS Daring visit NYC;
2 British singers …Susan Boyle and Katherine Jenkins perform at the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree;
