Introducing Chris Rostron, Honorary Consul of Finland in Manchester
Fourth up in our article series introducing the Honorary Consuls of Finland in the United Kingdom is Chris Rostron. He was appointed as the Honorary Consul of Finland for Manchester in August 2003. His area covers the city of Manchester and the surrounding areas.
Rostron retired after spending his 42-year-career in the Computer Industry, working for Fujitsu (formerly ICL). He is currently the President of the Manchester Consular Association and on the committee, helping organise their events. Rostron is also very active in the Local Orienteering club, organising and planning orienteering events, especially night events. Previously he was a successful rally co-driver, which gave him his interest in maps. It is a pure coincidence that he married a Finn and enjoys two of the sports that Finns particularly excel at.
1. How did you end up as Honorary Consul for Finland?
I married a Finnish woman in 1974 and was one of the husbands helping set up the Finnish School of Manchester in 1977.
After several attempts at learning Finnish, I decided that we needed a non-London centric voice on the Finn Guild committee in London, so I was elected to represent Manchester. I helped set up Guild Travel in the early 90’s to provide cheap flights for Finns and their families travelling to and from Finland, and generate funds for the Finn Guild work. In 2001 I was honored with the decoration of Knight, First Class, of the order of the Lion of Finland, for my voluntary work at Finn Guild.
When my predecessor died, I was already well known in the UK Anglo-Finnish community and I was appointed in 2003 as Honorary Consul. I believe I am the first Finnish Honorary Consul to be appointed from the Anglo-Finnish Community.
2. What do you enjoy most in your role as an Honorary Consul of Finland?
Mixing and dealing with the queries from Finns and keeping the local Finnish community informed about Finnish matters. Informing my fellow Consuls in the Manchester Consular Association about Finland.
3. What is Finland known for in your area?
Finland is known for its education system and appearing high up in all sorts of other polls. It is cold.
4. What do you wish people in your area would know more about Finland?
I am trying to educate everyone on how many Finnish companies are involved in everyday life in the UK and to promote Finland as a travel destination. It has hot summers as well as cold winters.
5. What does your area have to offer Finns or Finnish Companies?
Manchester is a city of firsts. We have a huge university complex with world-beating research facilities. We have a whole range of skilled workforce to attract investors in financial services, digital and health innovation. It is much cheaper to invest in Manchester than London and the South East.
6. What is your favourite Finnish word of expression? Why?
Jukola (orienteering relay event from Lahti to Hollola)! It is the most amazing event that I have ever been to. I am trying to get it on everyone’s ‘bucket list’. The previous year I saw the President of Finland and his wife on TV, crouching behind a bush at 11.30 at nighttime, waiting for the first competitor to arrive at a control point. It is painted on my memory.
Finland has about 400 honorary consulates around the world, 20 of which in the United Kingdom. Honorary Consuls promote economic, political, academic and cultural relations between Finland and the UK, and monitor the rights of Finnish citizens in their sphere of operation. They can for example guide and assist in contacts with the local authorities or the embassy. However, their possibilities to provide assistance are limited, nor for instance can they grant a passport.
Read more:
Honorary Consulate of Finland, Manchester
Introducing Tina McKenzie, Honorary Consul of Finland in Belfast
Introducing James Ryeland, Honorary Consul of Finland in Dover
Introducing Christina Tolvas-Vincent, Honorary Consul of Finland in Southampton
Introducing Jill Sanders, Honorary Consul of Finland in Plymouth
Introducing Geoffrey Berriman, Honorary Consul of Finland in Newcastle upon Tyne
Introducing John Gibson, Honorary Consul of Finland in Liverpool