Above: The lighthouse overlooking the Straits of GibraltarView fromGibraltarChairman of Gibraltar DFAS Claus Olesen explains to NADFAS Promotions and Marketing Director Judith Quiney how he got involved in the launch of a new overseas Society The great thing about NADFAS is that the format of high-quality lectures will work in any country or continent. A convivial setting, enthusiastic volunteers and suddenly, after a lot of hard work, another NADFAS Society emerges. Since 1984 a string of European Societies have sprung up in Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, and Spain. The latest addition to the fold is Gibraltar. In common with many of its European counterparts the major challenge has been keeping in touch with a transient audience whose European base is often a holiday home or temporary work place. Claus Olesen, the fi rst Chairman of Gibraltar DFAS, was persuaded to establish this new Society by Founding Chairman of neighbouring DFAS de la Frontera Paul Moody. William Dawson, the Area Chairman, has also been on hand to offer advice. Claus was familiar with NADFAS as the company he worked for, SGPB Hambros Private Banking - (formerly ABN Amro in Gibraltar), had already sponsored lectures at Costa del Sol DFAS and had been a founding sponsor at DFAS de la Frontera. Here he shares the rewarding and challenging process of setting up a successful new society.JQ: You get sponsorship from local businesses. How does that work for Gibraltar DFAS?CO: I realised very early on that we would have to supplement our membership income if we were to offer a full range of activities. Like some Societies we were able to benefi t from sharing a lecturer with our neighbouring Society, but there are still costs involved and like all Societies we have to cover the cost of the venue etc. We put together a very attractive package for our corporate sponsors, including pre-lecture drinks with our members, giving an opportunity for both members and sponsors to meet in relaxed surroundings, sharing their common interest in culture. For a sponsor introducing their services or just increasing peoples' awareness, this informal setting can work very well. For our members coming straight from the offi ce it gives them the opportunity to relax a little before settling down to listen to the evening's lecture. The additional income can be used to help supplement the cost of the lectures, providing volunteering and social activities as well as the Society's promotional material. Whatever each side's objectives, both should be clear from the start what they want to achieve. That delicate balance of sponsorship against the demands and wishes of members can be hard, but get it right and both sides can benefi t. JQ: What skills do you think you have been able to bring to help set up your Society?CO: Having lived and worked in Gibraltar for 20 years, I have a lot of experience dealing with committees and running events. I felt I could also put to good use my business background, organisational skills and local knowledge of the sponsorship world. In the fi rst year, seven of our eight lectures attracted sponsors.JQ: How did you recruit your committee?CO: As NADFAS members know, good people skills are essential - particularly if you need individuals to join your committee. I was very lucky that so many people who had experience of NADFAS were willing to share that with me. A bit of arm twisting also helped! I also called on the support of friends and our co-sponsor, Ian Le Breton, who is the MD of Sovereign Trust. He is not only a confi rmed art lover and sponsor but he is also now our Vice Chairman. JQ: How do you advertise your meetings?CO: We have found the most effi cient way to communicate with our members is by email. We have set up a Gibraltar DFAS page on Facebook and we produce a monthly newsletter which we email to our members as well as our sponsors, regular guests, artists and the Ministries of Culture and Education. We have also been lucky in that our local fi ne arts gallery let us mail their members with information about our taster lecture last March; building local relationships with like-minded audiences is very important. In addition, we work with a local social media company called WorkItGibraltar, who have been fantastic. Gibraltar is a very small 64 NADFAS REVIEW / SPRING 2012 www.nadfas.org.ukOVERSEAS DFAS

Above: Claus Olesen, Chairman Gibraltar (left), with William Dawson, Area Chairman Mainland EuropeLeft: Gibraltar DFAS is active on social media sites such as Facebookcommunity and word of mouth is a very important advertising tool.JQ: How would you describe your membership and why do you think NADFAS works in Gibraltar? CO: Our target audience is very interested in the arts and quite a few artists have joined; they are delighted by the varied lecture programme that is on offer. We also have an incredible number of professional business people including some lawyers and accountants. JQ: You share your lecture programme with neighbouring DFAS de la Frontera. How does that work for both of you? CO: When we fi rst set up, we were too late to put our programme together but we were lucky that the Programme Secretary for DFAS de la Frontera was able to arrange for the lecturers to do both their morning session, and our evening session. This year, our own Programme Secretary, Sarah Beckwith, was able to join Jo Ward at the Annual Directory Meeting, to help select the lecturers and to learn more about the process. By sharing a lecturer with de la Frontera we are able to share some costs, which is really important to us. I am really pleased with our programme. Many people have contributed to the success of Gibraltar DFAS; all those early supporters who offered advice and, of course, the committee who oversee the smooth running of the Society. Thank you to them all. JQ: What do you enjoy most about being part of NADFAS?CO: Having attended lectures in Fuengirola and San Roque Golf Club for years, and now in Gibraltar, I really enjoy how the lecturers bring the topics to life and really put culture, art, history, and politics into context.JQ: What are your tips for prospective new Societies?CO:. Check the fi nances. Can you balance the books in year one? . Analyse your area. Is there a need? Are there similar local Societies?. Talk to people experienced in setting up local Societies.. Stay positive and be realistic.. Identify key people who will remain for at least the full fi rst season, such as a Chairman, Programme Secretary and Treasurer.. Volunteers are important. The small things make a big difference. . Have regular committee meetings and stay in contact by email and by phone.. Stay in close contact with NADFAS House. Find out about all the grants, fi nancial assistance, and non-fi nancial help that is available such as marketing material and training. . Speak to the Chairmen of successful Societies in your area. . Use electronic communications including email, websites and Facebook.. Build a relationship with your local press and supply material that is ready to print.. Price membership and guest entry fee carefully. ?Our European Societies are always delighted to receive visitors from the UK so if you are going on holiday why not try and include a visit. For contact details visit www.nadfas.org.ukwww.nadfas.org.uk NADFAS REVIEW / SPRING 2012 65 OVERSEAS DFAS