By Raymond Hainey A beefed-up Bermuda Society will boost the Island's profile in London, Society chairman and ex-Bank of Bermuda chief Charles Vaughan-Johnson has predicted.

And he backed an increased presence from the Bermuda Government in Britain to influence opinion at the highest levels.

Mr. Vaughan-Johnson said the London-based Society already boasted movers and shakers from business, politics and the diplomatic service.

But he added: "An effort now needs to be made, however, to increase the Society's reach beyond the current resources.

"These, at present, are only a very small fraction of what a modern country should be prepared to devote to such promotional activities.'' Mr. Vaughan-Johnson said: "The Bermuda Government has it in mind to increase its own presence and activities in London also, which will help the main objective of fostering close friendship, contacts and business between the people of Bermuda and those in Britain who have an interest in Bermuda.'' But he added the Society was also planning to increase its role in promoting the Island -- and the aims and objectives of the group had been reviewed last month.

He said: "As presently constituted, the Society has been a surprisingly cost-effective asset which reinforces Bermuda's representation in Britain.'' But Mr. Vaughan-Johnson added: "The Society, its activities and links, can benefit from a wider audience.

"Furthermore, the Bermuda Society intends to expand and broaden its membership substantially over the next year or so.

"This will help to build the best possible future connections between Bermuda, the United Kingdom and the EU and, in turn, will ensure that the momentum generated by the energetic friends of Bermuda since the Society began 12 years ago is built upon.'' And he said: "We plan also to expand the lectures or talks in London from visitors from Bermuda and possibly other events to attract members and bring along and encourage their friends who are considering the use of Bermuda as a base for their international activities or as a place to work or visit.'' Mr. Vaughan-Johnson was speaking at the Society's annual dinner, held last week at the House of Lords in London, a venue arranged by former Governor Lord Waddington, former chairman of the Society.

The Society's commitment to expansion comes despite a decision by Government in June this year to axe the less-than-$50,000 a year funding for the Society's work in Britain -- which threatened the future of the influential group.

It is understood that a letter from Premier Jennifer Smith -- now a patron of the Society -- said Government itself would now be "undertaking the various activities undertaken by the Society on behalf of Government''.

A letter from former Bermuda Governor and ex-Society chairman Lord Dunrossil pointing out that the organisation did not exist solely to work on behalf of Government failed to force a change of heart.

Charles Vaughan-Johnson