The British Association of Monaco (BAM) celebrated its 90th anniversary on October 30th, with a special event held at the offices of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), the very same venue where the Association’s first official meeting was held back in 1935.
The evening was hosted by Yvonne Bernhardt, President and Community Support Chair of BAM, who led guests through a re-enactment of the Association’s very first committee meeting. Past presidents and former committee members attended as she read extracts from the original 1935 minutes that discussed welfare support, membership, and the newly formed association’s name.
“We wanted to celebrate this milestone in the place where it all began,” said Bernhardt. “Ninety years ago, a group of British residents met here with the idea of creating a community for English speakers in Monaco, and that same spirit still guides us today.”
After the re-enactment, guests enjoyed champagne, gourmet canapés, and a special celebration cake decorated with the Union Flag and the number 90.
Among those attending was Dr Mathias Jonas, Secretary General of the International Hydrographic Organisation, who spoke about the IHO’s long history and its close connection with Monaco.
Today, BAM has around 250 members and remains active in welcoming the Anglophone community in Monaco and the surrounding area. The Association organises monthly events and special celebrations, giving members opportunities to meet, connect, and celebrate together.
“The British Association of Monaco continues to go from strength to strength,” said Bernhardt. “We’re proud of our history… and we look forward to carrying that spirit into the future. Our Community Support Team continues the same standards of confidentiality and care that were set out in 1935. That tradition of helping others is what makes BAM so special.”
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Main photo by Monaco Life.