Reunion of Former Bapco Employees and “Awali Teenagers” Held in Manchester, Attended by Bahrain’s London Embassy and Bapco

Ashen Tharaka

business September 17, 2024

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

A reunion for former Bapco employees and Awali residents was held in Manchester, United Kingdom, attended by over 130 guests from around the world, including diplomats from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, representatives from Bapco, and Bahraini postgraduate students studying in the UK.

This event, which marks the fifth reunion for the “Awali Teenagers” group since its inception in 2008, brought together Awali residents from across the globe, rekindling fond memories for individuals who previously lived and grew up in Awali, and who remain closely tied to the history of Bapco. It reflects their deep sense of belonging and enduring affection for the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people.

Bahrain’s Deputy Chief of Mission to the UK, Mr. Hussain Alam, highlighted the many close and enduring personal friendships between former Awali residents and their Bahraini neighbours, and praising the ceremony, which carries the spirit of friendship, coexistence, and true affection that binds the peoples of the two friendly kingdoms

Speaking on the event, IISS Senior Advisor Sir Tom Beckett, who was born in Bahrain, remarked: “Awali must be unique in that its former residents – in this case the so-called ‘Awali Teenagers’ – hold such fond memories of growing up, living and working in and from it…. This could only be the case because of the welcoming nature of Bahrain and all Bahrainis.”

While Mark Burton said: “The reunion is so important to us all, as after 60 years we are still a family and many of us are still in contact with each other. Our childhood in Awali, Bahrain was like no other, we were so blessed with everything that we had, and it will never be forgotten.”

Finally, Charles Peter commented: “What a fabulous time we had in Manchester for the Awali Teenagers reunion… I feel it an honour to be part of such a reunion group, and cherish the bonds that go all the way back to our time in Bahrain. A special thanks to the Deputy Ambassador and the Bapco representatives, who added a special touch to the evening.”

Awali, established in the early 20th century to serve Bapco employees, stands as an important symbol of the deep and longstanding ties between residents, the company, and the Kingdom.