The Launch of the Memnosyne UK Chapter at the House of Lords

On 9th October 2025, the House of Lords hosted the official launch of the Memnosyne UK Chapter, marking the beginning of a new chapter in bringing the vision of the Memnosyne Institute to the United Kingdom.

The evening was held in honour and memory of Lawrence Bloom visionary thinker, humanitarian, author and co-founder of the Memnosyne Institute. Lawrence believed deeply in humanity’s capacity to evolve through collaboration, systems thinking and a recognition of our shared interconnectedness. His ideas, wisdom and unwavering commitment to positive change inspired Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk to establish the Memnosyne UK Chapter, ensuring that his vision would continue to inspire and grow within the United Kingdom.

The event also celebrated the publication of Lawrence Bloom’s memoir, giving guests the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable life, his pioneering ideas and the legacy he leaves for future generations.

Following a welcome from Lord Stone, Baroness Sandip Verma introduced Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk and Joshua Frenk, who shared the story of the Memnosyne Institute and its mission to bring together leaders, innovators, artists, entrepreneurs and changemakers committed to creating a more conscious, compassionate and regenerative world.

Presented by the Memnosyne Institute and hosted by the Memnosyne UK Chapter, the event will bring together thinkers, artists, environmentalists and changemakers for an evening of reflection and conversation about how we can cultivate a more compassionate and sustainable future.

One of the central themes of the evening was the power of collaboration to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. Rev. Dr. Todd Collier, founder of FoodSource USA, joined David Solomons, Chair of the Memnosyne UK Chapter and founder of FoodSource UK, together with Sky Andrews, to introduce the vision for FoodSource UK. Inspired by the pioneering work of FoodSource USA, the initiative aims to build a nationwide network that rescues surplus food, supports local communities and creates practical partnerships between charities, businesses, local authorities and volunteers.

The evening also featured an inspiring panel discussion with Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk, internationally renowned peace ambassador and musician Emmanuel Jal, Baroness Sandip Verma and Lord Stone, exploring humanitarian collaboration through Bread Basket Africa and the importance of working together to create lasting change.Guests were deeply moved by Emmanuel Jal’s personal reflections and live performance, reminding everyone present that even the most difficult experiences can become catalysts for hope, reconciliation and peace.

The programme also included a fireside conversation between Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk and Matthew Critchlow, followed by an introduction from Dana Amma Day to the forthcoming Memnosyne UK Chapter RSA Talks Series—a programme created to continue the spirit of dialogue, systems thinking and collaborative action that defined the evening.

As the evening drew to a close, one of its most poignant moments came with a reading from Lawrence Bloom’s memoir. Steve Eggleston, who co-authored the book with Lawrence and lovingly completed the manuscript following Lawrence’s death, joined David Solomons to read selected passages. Their words served as a moving tribute to Lawrence’s extraordinary vision and ensured that his voice, wisdom and hope for humanity remained at the heart of the evening that celebrated his legacy.

More than a launch event, the gathering marked the birth of a growing UK community dedicated to bringing people together across sectors, disciplines and generations. It laid the foundations for a programme of public conversations, collaborative projects and practical initiatives that continue to grow today, including the Memnosyne UK Chapter RSA Talks Series, the development of FoodSource UK, and a growing programme of partnerships inspired by the principles of systems thinking, collaboration and regenerative change.

As the Memnosyne UK Chapter continues to evolve, we remain guided by Lawrence Bloom’s belief that humanity’s greatest challenges can only be solved by recognising our interconnectedness and working together with wisdom, compassion and courage. His legacy lives on through the people, partnerships and projects that continue to emerge from the community he helped inspire.We invite you to join us as we continue this journey—bringing together diverse voices, inspiring meaningful dialogue and supporting initiatives that help create a more conscious, compassionate and flourishing future for all.