FEATURE REPORT | THE ANGLO-PORTUGUESE SOCIETY
THE ANGLO-PORTUGUESE SOCIETY
The Society’ s 2011 Dinner Dance. Left to right: Mr Dominic Gallard, Mrs Mary Millington Buck, Mr Ben Millington Buck, HE Mrs Jill Gallard, HE Sen João de Vallera, Mrs João de Vallera
lively programme of events in central
A London brings together people with an interest in Portugal regularly throughout the year. Talks, port and madeira wine tastings, art exhibitions and parties are all part of the calendar for the Anglo-Portuguese Society and its 300 members with the events usually taking place in Canning House, 2 Belgrave Square, London, where the Society also has its office.
The Society is a charitable organisation which promotes knowledge of Portugal in the UK – Portuguese history, its culture and traditions – and advances the long-standing friendship between our two countries. It also raises funds to directly support causes in Portugal.
HISTORY OF THE ANGLO-PORTUGUESE SOCIETY( with thanks to Carol Mason( nee Rankin))
In 1938 a group of businessmen in London with interests in Portugal planned a dinner in honour of the newly-arrived Portuguese Ambassador, Dr Armindo Monteiro. It was held at the Dorchester Hotel and was attended by over 300 people, with the Rt Hon Sir Francis Linley presiding. Lord Harlech was amongst those who made speeches and everyone agreed that something more tangible and long lasting should be established to reflect the unique relationship between Britain and Portugal.
Thus on 20th July 1938, with the help of a generous grant from the Portuguese Government, the Anglo-Portuguese Society was formally constituted as a charitable body at the Casa de Portugal in London. Dr Armindo Monteiro agreed to be its President, as has every Portuguese Ambassador appointed to London since then.
The aims of the Society were laid down: to foster the historic alliance between Britain and Portugal( dating back to the Treaty of Windsor between England and Portugal in 1386); to establish and support a library in London of Portuguese and British books, newspapers and to promote language classes and to hold exhibitions, talks, conferences etc on the intellectual, artistic and economic life of Portugal. Later, the support of educational endeavours and the relief of poverty and
deserving charities in Portugal was added. The first lecture took place on 26th January 1939, but the the outbreak of World War II meant that activities were then curtailed. The end of hostilities saw the first Annual Dinner in November 1946, with the British Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Clement Attlee, as Guest of Honour. This event has taken place almost every year since then.
In 1974 two new sub-committees were formed: the Ladies Committee and the Younger Members Committee, a joint organisation with the Anglo-Brazilian Society, now known as“ The Brasilusans”, the idea being to encourage more social events for younger members ie Caipirinha parties, Carnival Balls etc.
To become a member of the Society, contact:
The Secretary, The Anglo-Portuguese Society 2 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PJ
Email: angloportuguese @ talktalk. net Tel: 020 7245 9738 www. angloportuguesesociety. org. uk
62 | Summer 2012 | www. portugal-life. net |