Simon Ingram-Hill

What great work Barmmy and such well-deserved recognition!

@sierraeyesalone A good friend to the British Council - RIP

Dr. Bernadette Cole, former Chair of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), passed away in Freetown this morning, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and contributions to journalism and education in Sierra Leone. Born and raised in Freetown, Dr. Cole began her educational journey at St. Joseph's Secondary School, where she excelled and obtained a Division 1. She did her sixth form at St. Edwards Secondary School May Park, Kingtom. Driven by her passion for knowledge, Dr. Cole pursued higher education at Fourah Bay College, USL, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, History, and International Relations. Her dedication to journalism led her to pursue a Master of Arts with distinction in Journalism at the University of Wales, Cardiff. During this time, she also served as the Freetown Correspondent for the London-based West Africa magazine, showcasing her commitment to quality reporting. Dr. Bernadette Cole's career spanned across various notable roles within the field of communication and education. She began her professional journey at the Ministry of Information, starting as an Information Officer and eventually rising to the position of Principal Information Officer. Dr. Cole also served as the former Public Relations Officer of the University of Sierra Leone, where she played a crucial role in fostering positive relations between the institution and the public. One of Dr. Cole's significant contributions to academia was the establishment of the Mass Communication Department at Fourah Bay College, aimed at training aspiring journalists. She served as the department's head from 1993 to 2009, dedicating her expertise and passion to shaping the future of journalism in Sierra Leone. From 2009 to 2013, she held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Fourah Bay College, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to academic excellence. In 2014, Dr. Cole was appointed as the Director of Alumni and International Relations of the University of Sierra Leone. Not only was Dr. Bernadette Cole an accomplished academic and administrator, but she was also an author. Her book, "Mass Media, Freedom, and Democracy in Sierra Leone," remains a respected resource in the Mass Communication Department at Fourah Bay College. Through her insightful writings, she contributed to the understanding of the role of media in promoting democratic principles in Sierra Leone. She was married to Mr. Tunde Cole, retired Solicitor General of the Law Officers Department and survived by two children, Avril Tundette Cole and Barton Cole. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Bernadette Cole's dedication to journalism, education, and her country was evident. She will be remembered as a mentor and teacher to many, guiding and inspiring future generations of journalists. Her invaluable contributions to the field of media and her commitment to academic excellence have left an indelible mark on Sierra Leone. Dr. Cole's legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

@UmaruFofana So sad - such a great historic symbol

What’s left of Freetown’s iconic Cotton Tree - hundreds of years old. I just took these photos after a heavy storm brought down the historic giant tree on Wednesday night - 24 May 2023. History! #SierraLeone

@kguthrieglobal Yes I saw this article yesterday - If accurate this is not good news and one hopes will be opposed vigorously.

@Sabrina_Mahtani @STWevents Congratulations Sabrina 👏👏

What an honour to be selected for the #LondonWritersAward2021 Looking forward to working with @STWevents and my fellow writers cohort over the next few months to share vital stories from diverse perspectives.

@Southcottvine1 Beautifully done

Hey @wera_hobhouse 🙋 Protecting British food means protecting our farmers and our families. Uphold our food standards in upcoming trade talks. #HeyMP @BestForBritain hey-mp.uk/hey/wera-hobho…

Stay well, Salone, during this difficult time. You’ve been here before not least 2014-5 so you know how to face a challenge. Good luck to those in the front line and remember you have friends and supporters everywhere #oneworld @UKinSierraLeone @slbritish

@JoBeall1 If BBCs Laura Kuenssberg’s analysis is accepted, we shouldn’t worry too much about the future of Erasmus, despite today’s vote. It will continue in some meaningful form. We can’t be complacent but I am hopeful that she is right.

MPs have voted - Erasmus plus will be no more. Sad loss. Nearly a decade of my working life at British Council intertwined with Erasmus and the European partners involved - proud and happy years building opportunities, engagement and trust with Europe.....

Great to see King Dus going from strength to strength and now working towards its 4th festival. Broadening its Arts base can only be good for Freetown @slbritish

@SLAS_Autism Wonderful - and perfectly directed support from #IWCSL

Official launching of Browne-Penn school bus. Thank you IWC. #supportneededtorunthebus

Good Luck Kelly Ferguson @Nkellyferg as you arrive in Freetown #BritishCouncilSierraLeone new Country Director. Have a great posting and enjoy your time in Salone @slbritish @UKinSierraLeone @yakisawyerr @kguthrieglobal

Huge congratulations Barmmy and to your team. This is richly deserved @WeOwnTV @slbritish @UKinSierraLeone

Great to see #CreativeHustle and #CreativeEnterprise coming together in Sierra Leone with the theme of Film-making so deservedly prominent @WeOwnTV @slbritish

Fabulous Spurs - what a final coming up!

Congratulations on this important initiative

Whatever its general merits the newly published report ‘Global Britain: A Twenty-First Century Vision‘ validates UKs soft power leaders British Council and BBC and advocates increased funding henryjacksonsociety.org/publications/g…

Mind you as we are now being reminded on BBC and in a recent somewhat belated ‘official’ apology, the British Council at the time took a very dim view of Orwell’s marmalade recipe - too watery and lacked the necessary orangey fizz.

@IngTrudyMorgan @ICE_engineers Congratulations Trudy - and for breaking down barriers

Getting ready to go to @ICE_engineers to receive my elevation as a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers! Rain or no rain, off I go!