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 |