Introducing Geoffrey Berriman, Honorary Consul of Finland in Newcastle upon Tyne

This is the second article of a series introducing the Honorary Consuls of Finland in the United Kingdom. We had the privilege of talking to Mr Geoffrey Berriman, who was appointed as Honorary Consul of Finland in Newcastle upon Tyne on 1st January 2010. He covers Newcastle and surrounding areas.


 

Mr Berriman practices as a solicitor and has held senior voluntary positions in the North East with British Red Cross and the YMCA. He is the author of a number of books on local and military history, and is currently compiling a series about English islands. His other interests include walking and the Arts.

1. How did you end up as an Honorary Consul for Finland?

Twenty five or so years ago I invited John Walton, the then Finnish Vice-Consul in Newcastle, and his wife, Kate, to a Nordic related event. When they arrived Kate handed me a thank you letter I had written to her about thirty years before that when she was leaving the school where she worked and where I was a boy. I didn’t recognise her until she handed me the letter to read. I then became very friendly with John and Kate. John subsequently became the Consul, and before he was due to retire he asked me if I would like to succeed him, and I said yes.

2. What do you enjoy most in your role as an Honorary Consul?

Meeting Finns and my fellow Honorary Consuls, and also trying to promote Finland whenever I can.

3. What is Finland known for in your area?

It needs to be far better known, but people who do know something about the country seem to be very aware of its high environmental and welfare standards.

4. What do you wish people in your area knew more about Finland?

Every aspect.

5. What does your area have to offer for Finns or Finnish companies?

A good number of Finns are taking both undergraduate and graduate studies at the universities in the North East. Finns also hold important staff positions at the universities. There is a good labour force which has become increasingly aware of the importance of an international presence in the region

6. What is your favourite Finnish word or expression? Why?

My favourite Finnish word has become ‘Palokärki’ which, in English, means ‘Black Woodpecker’. The bird is not known in the UK, though there have been some unsubstantiated sightings. With its black body and red crest it is quite enchanting and very determined and effective in its pecking. ‘Palokärki’ is the name I have given to the occasional newsletter I send out to Finns and Friends of Finland in the area.
 

Finland has about 400 honorary consulates around the world, of which 20 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, Newcastle

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 Chris Rostron, Honorary Consul of Finland in Manchester

Introducing Jill Sanders, Honorary Consul of Finland in Plymouth

Introducing John Gibson, Honorary Consul of Finland in Liverpool