The Roots Club, bringing together second generation Hungarians living in the UK, was launched at a reception at the Hungarian Embassy in London on 10 May 2006. It was the brainchild of Mátyás Sárközi (writer, journalist, son of writer György Sárközi, grandson of writer Ferenc Molnár) and will operate under the aegis of the British Hungarian Fellowship. There were about ninety guests, among them doctors, lawyers, architects, journalists as well as workers, listening to Ambassador Béla Szombati speak about dual identity. The Embassy wholeheartedly supports the idea of the Club to help satisfy the interest of ‘Hungaro-Brits’, born in the UK, in the country of their parents. The interest is real, even if quite a few among those present speak little or no Hungarian. Victor Sebestyén, London journalist and author of a recently completed book about the 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight, also attended the reception. His book, entitled “Twelve Days”, will appear in June, just a few months ahead of the 50th anniversary commemoration.
The Roots Club will meet regularly at the Hungarian Cultural Centre, and will be hosted once a year by the Embassy. The founders look forward to welcoming an ever-increasing number of members.
23rd May 2006