Author Archives: Richard Morris

Richard Morris

About Richard Morris

Richard is British Consul-General and Director-General Trade and Investment, Australasia, based in Sydney. Prior to this he held positions as Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul-General at the British Embassy in Mexico City and Head of Assistance Group in Consular Directorate in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Toughen up!

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Richard Morris

I hadn’t heard the response, when someone grumbles about something being difficult, “Well take two teaspoons of concrete – and toughen up!” until I came to Australia. Unfortunately for me I have to tell it to myself most days when … Continue reading →

Snail slime

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Richard Morris

What is nearly 800 years old, written in snail slime and soot and a connection between Britain and Australia? If you said the Magna Carta, you’re right. And I’m surprised and impressed you got it…   I’m standing in front … Continue reading →

Keeper of Time and a Wimbledon Champion

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Richard Morris

“Keeper of Time”. A great job title, like something out of Star Wars, and somehow particularly appropriate to hear at the turn of the year. As I learned from my National Trust guide at Government House in Parramatta at the weekend, … Continue reading →

My kingdom for a what?

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Richard Morris

Which Shakespeare play features the line “A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse?” Did you say Richard III? If not, you might well still recognise the line. A production of Richard III opened last week in Sydney at … Continue reading →

Courting for Britain

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Richard Morris

Sunshine on the court. A glimpse of the sea in the distance, through a blur of jacaranda flowers. The net at the municipal court sagging a bit, but fine for us. I have very much enjoyed playing tennis in Australia; … Continue reading →

Life (as) science

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Richard Morris

Fascinating to read at the weekend that  every primary school class in Australia is now more likely than not to have a child conceived through IVF. The article in the Sydney Morning Herald explains that Australia ranks third in the … Continue reading →

Commonwealth, Computers, Chocolate

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Richard Morris

The last few weeks have been very busy, with many of us working on the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth, and associated ministerial visits. I spent some of last week with Lord Green during a visit to Sydney. … Continue reading →

Penny dropped

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Richard Morris

And we’re on our feet! Wales have done it! They’re in the finals. Halfpenny has kicked it over! And then the horrible realisation that the kick didn’t go over the bar…the shocked looks on everyone’s faces in the Millennium Stadium … Continue reading →

The $25,000 question…

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Richard Morris

I finished last week with a television interview with Sky Business promoting our new Go UK competition.  The encouraging words of my kids didn’t put me off (“TV interview? But you’ve a face better suited to radio Dad…”). The competition … Continue reading →

Rugby and the Brit who invented Dinosaurs

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Richard Morris

The thud and groan of the players smacking into each other. Flags from across the world flapping wildly in the Auckland wind. Upturned faces of hundreds of fans lit by the action on big screens in the cold evening. Every … Continue reading →