Spotlight News Bulletin nº 121

SPOTLIGHT NEWS BULLETIN

Peter Phipp/Travelshots.com / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.visitbritain.com

Nยบ 121 JUL & AUG 2018

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EDITORIAL

spotlight news bulletin edition

When you receive this edition, I hope you will have enjoyed one of the annual events of our British community: the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth´s Birthday organized by the British Society and held at the British Centre. Full coverage and photos will be included in our next edition.

We also might know who is the World Cup football champion. As I write before the start of the games in Russia, I am amazed at the lack of interest in the streets. Where are the cars with flags, and the street decorations? I cannot remember a pre-World cup time with such a lack of public expression. Maybe it is a sign of the times. There is one thing I am sure of ,come the first Brazilian game, and we will all be in front of

400 copies A publication directed to members of the Fundação Britânica de Beneficência Editor Derrick Marcus dmarcus@osite.com.br Graphic design project Eólica Graphic design Casamarela Arquitetura e Design Printing Gráfica Ogra Proof Reading Alison Steel British Society São Paulo Fundação Britânica de Beneficência Rua Ferreira de Araújo, 741 1st Floor, Brazilian British Centre, Pinheiros 05428-002 São Paulo SP Tel.: +55 (11) 3813 7080 contact@britishsociety.org.br

NEXT ISSUES OF THE BULLETIN Nº 122 Sep/Oct 2018 Deadline Aug 7th Nº 123 Nov/Dec 2018 Deadline Oct 7th

our TV screens. I know I will be.

I continue with our appeal for those who wish to receive the hard copy of Spotlight.

The survival of the hard copy depends on the contributions we receive. So far our appeal for R$100,00 for a years supply continues disappointing. Remember by supporting Spotlight you will be releasing funds which will be available to help others.

I should like to draw attention that views expressed in articles submitted by contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Spotlight Editorial.

Derrick Marcus

BRITISH SOCIETY

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St. Paul’s students volunteer for our “Extended Program” The British Society, through Fundação Britânica de Beneficência, has developed a project called Extended Program to give support to Elderly Long Permanence Institutions (ELPI). It offers financial, human, and material resources for these organisations that help the elderly who are in a situation of extreme vulnerability.

These institutions are chosen by a discerning trusteeship to ensure their professionalism and responsibility. We also carry out a periodic follow-up in order to guarantee the correct purpose and use of the donated resources as well as to re-evaluate the needs of the ELPIs that are benefitted.

Thanks to the Extended Program, we have already assisted more than 250 elderly people while also improving the situation of the acceptable institutions that shelter them. One such institution is the Casa Madre Teodora dos Idosos, a care home for the elderly.

As part of the Extended Program, we sought to unite organisations that are Fundação Britânica partners to the public (ELPI) that we assist. In this manner our action can offer more humane experiences to the partners and to those who reside in these homes.

Thinking on how to connect people and to promote an inter-generation integration, we joined St. Paul’s School, a long-time partner of ours, with Casa Madre Teodora dos Idosos through a volunteer work program in which about 15 pupils from Elementary School made a morning visit to interact with the elderly for the second time this school year. It was a sunny Wednesday and, outside the home in a green garden with a long table, we could see happiness in the eyes of the elderly and the good and contagious energy of the students.

To begin with, there was interaction among them at a bingo game. Besides organising the game, the girls called out the numbers loud and clear, and helped them with their bingo cards, carrying on conversation and laughing, alternating themselves among them in order to get to know a bit about each resident.

After the game, some of the students went up to the second floor of the home, to the living and TV rooms where they chatted and painted the nails of some of the lady residents. At the end of the morning, there was yet a singular moment: one of the girls, sitting within a circle close to the garden, played her guitar and sang to those who were present.

The British Society tirelessly seeks to better the lives of our community. Through this project we attempt to reach and improve, with everyone’s help, an ever greater number of hearts, be they of those assisted or those of our supporters. With the volunteer work of St. Paul’s pupils we have been able to provide them with some enchanting hours of generosity and benevolence.

As a result, they experience another world, different from their daily realities, enriching their perspectives and values, in accordance with the mission proposed by us and by the school itself.

We have also arranged for the elderly to have a moment of affection and attention, which makes a great difference in their lives. As well, as enjoying as an unusual life experience in their routines, they interact and exchange viewpoints with younger generations.

It is programs such as these that are so essential; that make a difference in people’s lives. Here the relevance of the voluntary work is understood and the virtue of love of one’s neighbour is the motivating principle. In this manner, the Extended Program reaches its objective, offering several benefits to all.

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ST ANDREW SOCIETY PIPES AND DRUMS

The Band has received its major trophy which was awarded at the 7th.Gathering in Santiago for the - “3rd. Overall Pipe Band“. This arose from a recount of our points at the Gathering. – The award was sent to us by our sister Pipe Band - SASRP Pipe Band - St.Andrews Society of the River Plate Pipe Band.

We give piping, drumming and highland dancing lessons every Sunday at the Cultura Inglesa . Saude branch from 10am to 2pm. All are welome.

Colin Pritchard

ASSOCIAÇÃO DE AMPARO AOS ANI-

We are beginning

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the

Our Administrator Lena is there every day and does all the

preparations for this year´s

receiving and delivering of animals, answers all the phone

Pet Show, to be held at the

calls in the afternoon, does the accounts and all the legal

Church on August 18. Last

procedures with the municipality as they arise. Lena is legally

year it poured with rain but

retired but continues to work full time.

was a huge success!

We have two vets who attend on Monday, Wednesday and The Diretoria hopes that all

Saturday afternoons. However, we now recognize a need to

the wonderful helpers who have helped over the years will

expand our activities in order to take advantage of the large

once again step forward on the day. The Associação is in

property we have .

good financial condition, thanks to our admirable Treasurer, Tommi Alhgrimm.

The land, 8000 sq. mts., was donated to the Associação in perpetuity by Agnes McLaughlin in 1960, for the use and care

The shelter is in good order and, every week, Dra. Chang

of animals. We have a well-maintained base with two surgery

neuters and spays 30 to 40 animals at no cost. This is our

rooms, kennels and a cattery. We would welcome practical

principal activity, which we consider essential to reducing

ideas to use this property, wherby our Association could work

the number of abandoned and unwanted animals.We also

along the line of Battersea Dogs and Cats’ Home!

have cute healthy puppies and young dogs and cats to be adopted, and the shelter is open to the public on weekday,

Please contact Thomas Ahlgrimm or Lula Reed with ideas, if

afternoons.

you are willing to help to implement them. And please come to the PET SHOW on Saturday, August 18. We look forward to seeing you all, with your special four-footed friends.

Lula May Reed

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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – SÃO PAULO BRANCH

Photos taken by Debbie Mackenzie at the recent churrasco held at St Paul’s School, of some of the BCCC raffle winners.

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – SÃO PAULO BRANCH

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April Churrasco - We had our normal fun Churrasco on the 28th April this year. It was a great success with 130 guests attending the event, which was an excellent turnout considering it took place during an extended public holiday weekend.

This year we had a change of venue for this Churrasco and, with the kind permission of St Pauls School, it was held at the school.

We would like to thank the whole team from the school who were involved in the organisation and with the operation on the day. We received many favourable comments and the feedback after the event was again very positive.

The raffle was very successful and was greatly assisted by the Cubs selling the tickets. The raffle prizes such as the basket prizes always attract attention with the Legion Ladies’ Committee offering 2 baskets this year and a third one that was kindly donated by St Nicholas’ School (photos of some of winners are shown on page 6).

I should like to thank all the people behind the scenes who made this event a success with their efforts, donations, support, time, sponsorship and, of course, I really need to especially thank all who joined us on the day, including those who attended this event for the first time.

The reason for this event is to remember VE Day - Victory in Europe Day which was first celebrated on 8th May 1945 marking the official end of the Second World War in Europe. It is remembered every year here in São Paulo by the French community. For those of you who wish to see more photographs from this event or know more about VE Day please see the links below: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8fBre9mkM9y9zfwZA http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/events/ve_day US Memorial Day = We were invited to, and participated in, the Memorial Service at Fellowship Community Church, Rua Carlos Sampaio on Sunday, 27th of May 2018. This was sponsored by the American Society’s Veterans Association and Fellowship Community Church. You can see below a photograph taken at this event showing Derek Barnes BEM representing the Legion (2nd from left), Peter Ford representing the British Community (3rd from left), and Daniel Dupont-Liot representing the French Veterans. (4th from left).

Lycée Pasteur - We were kindly invited by the French Consul General in São Paulo, Mr. Brieuc Pont, to a very moving Ceremony in commemoration of the end of World War II. The event took place on Monday 8th May, 2017, at the French Lycée Pasteur in Rua Vergueiro. We participated as usual in the event and you can see above(right) a photograph of the event with Paul McMahon (far left) representing the Legion in the line-up with the French Consul General in São Paulo, Mr. Brieuc Pont (third from left).

Paul McMahon - President Royal British Legion Sao Paulo Branch

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GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

THE SECRETS OF SLEEP In his recent book, “Why We Sleep”, Professor Matthew Walker draws on over twenty years of research to explain how we can harness sleep’s transformative power to change our lives for the better. Compared with other basic human needs, the purpose of sleep had remained elusive until the explosion of scientific discoveries over the past 20 years. Research has now proved the importance of dreaming (always one of my interests) as a means to mollify painful memories and to inspire creativity and wellbeing.

emotions, fine-tunes our metabolism and regulates our appetite. Therefore, sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of emotional instability, memory loss, learning difficulties and obesity. In other words, sleep is free, and often more effective than many expensive medicines which often have negative side-affects. Some of this information might seem self-evident, but Walker also explains how we can harness sleep to regulate the hormones that can help prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

The need for sleep is dictated by the body’s circadian rhythm, which relies on external cues such as light and temperature. This explains why our bedrooms should be cool, quiet and dark (free of all blinking or winking gizmos and gadgets). Humans have three sleep phases: light sleep, deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when dreams occur (whether or not we remember them). Each phase has a unique purpose and is equally important: Deep sleep organizes learning and memories, REM sleep is the creative phase and light sleep connects these phases. Sleep also balances our

In summary, this book highlights the importance of adults getting between 7 and 9 hours sleep every night.

(Children and adolescents need more, which reminds me of the old saying: “Sleep before midnight is golden, sleep after midnight is silver and sleep during the day is lead”). However, Walker would probably disagree as he also recommends an early afternoon siesta!

To discuss your dreams or for information about counselling or coaching please contact PenelopeFreeland@ gmail.com PenelopeFreeland

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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TO SLEEP, PERCHANCE TO DREAM A good night’s sleep is one of the best natural restoratives to most of us. Sleep is as important to your health as a healthy diet or regular physical activity. Some people, however, cannot enjoy the benefits adequately: they suffer from sleep disorders. These are changes in the way people sleep, and they can affect one’s overall health, safety, and quality of life. Some of the common sleep disorders include several types of sleep apnea, in which abnormal patterns of breathing during sleep interfere with sleep quality, restless legs syndrome, where people have an urge to move their legs while trying to fall asleep, and narcolepsy, characterized by extreme sleepiness during the day. But the most common and well known sleep disorder is insomnia. This is a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. Most adults need seven to eight hours a night of sleep, though that may vary from person to person. Some people may experience short-term or acute insomnia, lasting days or weeks, usually the result of stress or a traumatic event. Some people, however, have long-term or chronic insomnia, which lasts for a month or more. Insomnia may be the primary problem, or may be associated with other medical conditions or some medications (secondary insomnia). Conditions such as asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, heartburn or pain can cause insomnia. Medications used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma may interfere with sleep.

Substance abuse, alcohol, for instance, may also cause insomnia. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking up often during the night, and having trouble going back to sleep, waking up too early in the morning, and feeling tired upon waking. Insomnia may also cause

sleepiness during the day, irritability, and problems with concentration and memory. Insomnia becomes more common with age. Older people experience changes in sleep patterns, and typically use more medications to treat other health conditions. They are also less physically active, and are prone to several chronic health disorders that can interfere with sleep. The doctor will evaluate insomnia with a medical history, a physical examination, and also a sleep history. Sometimes special tests may be ordered at a sleep center. Acute insomnia may not require treatment. Mild insomnia can often be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits, such as trying to go to sleep at the same time each night, and getting up at the same time each morning, avoiding naps during the day, avoiding prolonged use of phones or reading devices (“e-books”) before bed, avoiding caffeine, nicotine or alcohol late in the day, and refraining from heavy meals before going to bed.

Getting regular exercise also helps, although exercise should be avoided close to bedtime. Chronic insomnia must be treated by first treating any underlying conditions or heath problems that may be causing the insomnia. Rapid onset, short-acting drugs can help prevent effects such as drowsiness the following day. Over-thecounter sleeping pills should be avoided because they may have undesired side-effects, and tend to lose their effectiveness over time. Behavioral approaches help change behaviors that worsen insomnia, and teach new behaviors to promote sleep. Relaxation exercises, sleep restriction therapy, and reconditioning may also be useful.

MICHAEL ROY SMITH, M.D. MOBILE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY Phone: 99183-2093

E-mail: mrsmith@terra.com.br

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SAO PAULO GARDEN CLUB

I ADVERT

The São Paulo Garden Club presents its 79th Annual Flower Show “Contos do Amor de Todo o Mundo” at the Brazilian British Centre, Rua Ferreira de Araújo, 741, Pinheiros, São Paulo SP. By kind permission of the Cultura Inglesa.

Saturday, 22nd September 10 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.

Sunday, 23rd September

10.a.m.- 5.00 p.m.

Beeby’s Gourmet will be serving afternoon tea on Saturday from 3 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. and on Sunday they will serve lunch from midday onwards.

The Sao Paulo Garden Club 2019 calendar, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, will be available for sale during the Show.

Opening Ceremony on Saturday 22nd September, 2018 at 10.30 a.m.

We look forward to seeing you all!

Exhibition open to the general public (free admission)

Judy Beer

TIME MACHINE – A LOOK AT THE PAST This is what the first page of the BCCC bulletin looked like 76 years ago, in June 1942.

With thanks to Derek Barnes.

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SÃO PAULO ATHLETIC CLUB

SPAC, A pioneer in almost everything adapted to Brazil´s sunny spirit. The new Directors are At 130 years old, the British Club innovates its traditions adding a different repertoire of actions to the club´s traditions,as is to be expected in a period marked by When Charles Miller, the father of Brazilian football, the speed generated by technological innovations, the introduced the practice of the British sport here, he Web, social media and involvement. never imagined that it would take off so well. Miller, a visionary, who was in charge of organizing this recreation Now that it is celebrating its 130th anniversary (it was for British expats who worked at the São Paulo Railway founded in 1888, a contemporary of Princess Isabel´s Company, building the Paulista train line, scored a mag- Lei Aurea), SPAC reflects accumulated experience and nificent goal, making history with this sport. His efforts “today`s” spirit of restlessness. were fundamental in forming the São Paulo Athletic Club - SPAC, which became the first Paulista Football Up-to-date Champion, in 1902. From then on, SPAC, which has With a very diverse profile, and approximately 1,100 always been known as the British Club, is top in the shares, its members include many foreigners, intellecranking of many sporting events; though very few are tuals, artists, journalists and business executives. Modaware of this. It holds the honour of having built one of ern people, who prefer the discreet and minimalistic the first football grounds in the country, amongst other style of SPAC, both at the Town Club in the Consolação feats. From its intimacy with the ball, whether by the region, which qualifies as the sports club nearest to the foot or hand of famous players, it has left a legacy be- Centre, and our Country Club, in Santo Amaro, near yond the four corners of the field. the Guarapiranga lake.

Among the list of firsts, the club held the first Lawn Tennis match on the first clay court in this “drizzly land”.

Then rugby arrived, with the most beautiful official ground in the city. SPAC´s teams have many breath-taking titles, having been Brazilian Rugby Champions no less than 13 times, with, internationally renowned players, and four-times Champion of the First Paulista Football League. Next came Bowls, with a green that would make the best in Henry VIII´s reign envious. Furthermore, a team that has won almost all the South American championships in which it played.

The club´s Trophy Memorial glows with trophies, cups and distinctions of all sizes.

Deeply admired by all in the Community, SPAC continues to be an icon of the “British way” of being and living,

In SPAC´s agenda, we must highlight the Happy Hour, in the best British style, every Friday night. Besides fish & chips, the classical hit, a menu with craft beer, whisky, cocktails, appetizers and quick dishes nourish waltzing feet as they spin on the dance floor. Yesterday’s songs and successes are played live. Over 20 big events are held every year in the social areas, such as the Carnaspac, a June Festival and the club´s anniversary ball.

Annete Conradi and John Mills

SPAC RUGBY PATRONS (Continuation)

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Once the project is up and running, many opportunities are

the amount we gather today with patrons in the next two

expected to present themselves to the team. “Next, we in-

months” – declared Randall. “At this moment, having every-

tend to search for partners interested in expanding the pro-

one’s support –SPAC, rugby and British communities – is

ject across town. We hope to become a consultancy for social

crucial for our projects not to fall short. Placing the initial

and sportive initiatives focused on rugby and its immense

donations at R$ 50 was a policy adopted precisely to allow

formative potential. We know very well the difference it can

everyone to pitch in. It doesn’t matter if you can only help

make in people’s lives and in building their character, because

with the smallest share or if you’re capable of purchasing 10

we all are what we are today thanks to rugby and its values.”

shares. The important part is to give your support! With significant participation, we will be able to change many lives!”

As a rugby teaching institution, SPAC has an unquestionable tradition, unparalleled in the country. While other clubs have

Other ways of supporting

recently opted to invest in their high performance squads,

Besides patronage, SPAC Rugby also offers sponsorship deals

the Blue and White goes on firmly believing that the growth

for companies through jersey patches, online advertising and

of rugby in Brazil depends on it becoming popular among

plaques around the game field, among other regular sports

young ones. Its business plan involves a sustainable model

sponsorship benefits. “We reshaped our communications at

that connects grassroot and competitive rugby, as well as

the beginning of the year and, since then, have been grow-

sportive and financial gains.

ing consistently in social media presence and visits to the website” – declared Randall.

“Our objective is to invest a percentage of what we gather through our social consultancy work into the high perfor-

Yet, lately, one of the most interesting methods for support-

mance categories. These centres for sports education and

ing the growth of rugby in Brazil has been through tax incen-

social inclusion will also provide SPAC and the national team

tive laws. It’s how the Brazilian Rugby Confederation gets

with excellent players. As for the businesses that decide to

most of its income, as well as many other sports associations

partner with us, well, they will profit more than anyone, since

in the country.

they will have many examples to show of boys and girls who became Olympic and world-class players because of their

SPAC Rugby currently has two projects approved by the

social work.”

Sports Ministry; one for women’s rugby, and the other for youth rugby. Both allow companies to direct 1% of the amount

Not only the rugby board recognizes such possibilities.

they owe via corporate income tax directly to SPAC’s rugby

Among some of the patrons, these opportunities for expan-

department, afterwards deducting the value from what they

sion are quite clear and an incentive for participating. “We

would pay the government. Individuals are also allowed the

decided to help SPAC Rugby because we know how hard it

benefit, and can redirect up to 6% of tax owed.

is to fund-raise in this country, especially for sports (other than football). Rugby is becoming popular in Brazil, so we

However, even for those who aren’t able to help financially,

decided it was the perfect time to give it a little push. All

there is still one simple way of supporting the team: come

societies that can count on community support have a bigger

over and watch the games! They are guaranteed to have a

chance of succeeding. SPAC is involving the local community

jolly good time, among a special crowd that only a very

in its plans, which, I believe, is in dire need of opportunities

special sport could ever gather.

for practising sports” – declared patron Julie Malzoni.

For more information write to secretaria@spacrugby.com.br.

However, all present and future plans depend on prompt communal engagement. “We are fixed on raising five times

Gabriel Baines

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CARAJAS SCOUTS

On Saturday, May 26th, we held the long awaited Carajás Bingo! We had a delicious afternoon with the presentation of Coral Tom sobre Tom, good food, nice ambiance and a very fun Bingo!

We also had the Rovers raffle draw, who presented the adapted chair developed by the project Montanha Para Todos that allows people with physical limitations to go on trails.

We received a group of 47 elderly people assisted by the FBB (Fundação Britânica de Beneficência) who were very happy to participate and be involved.

It was nice to see the engagement of the parents, helping the elderly, in the CaraPais stand, with the Bingo and especially: having a lot of fun! The Cubs were fantastic helping in the sale of the cards for the Bingo!

Congratulations Cubs!

We thank the entire team at SPYC (São Paulo Yacht Club) who welcomed us with great care and prepared an incredible environment for the Carajás Bingo! Our thanks also to all who made donations, whether in cash or prizes and service vouchers - you made our event possible!

A special thanks to Rachel Govier who organized and made possible the attendance of the group of elderly assisted by the FBB. Finally, we thank all CaraPais, a group of parents and mothers from Carajás, who worked tirelessly in the preparation and execution of this whole event.

Written by Paulo Dal Bó

CULTURAL SYNOPSIS

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The Charm of the oldies returns with a new CD, ‘On Air’ with

the SESC stages in August. There is probably a SESC near

songs from 1963 to 65. All the songs were originally per-

you. It is always an interesting experience to watch Fringe

formed in pubs in 1960 and some of them had never been

Theatre.

recorded. A selection of blues, rock and country, a sample of their twenty albums or more, for fans and newcomers. No

After so much art, try ‘Casa Plana’ in Vila Madalena (R.

need to say who they are!

Fradique Coutinho, 1139 – T.30978304), opens Tue-Fri, 10h to 20h /Sat, 14h to22h. The independent publisher, Bia Bit-

Os Cariocas was founded in 1948 and ended in 2016. Some

tencourt opened this cultural space, a library with 4000 books,

of the group and some others got together again as ‘Quarteto

magazines, a café, a bookshop and a film club, offering ex-

do Rio’, here with Mr. Bossa Nova, Roberto Menescal and

hibitions, talks, readings, courses, workshops in design and

their new recording of songs like ‘O Barquinho’, ‘A Morte de

literature, and disco. All in one place! Pick and Choose.

um Deus de Sal’ and Bye, bye, Brasil’. Menescal recorded another CD, ‘Bossa Nova Meets the Beatles’, a daring venture loved by some, hated by others but very fresh and exciting. The past revisited and presented with a new look.

Worth listening to.

‘Através da Iris’, with the acclaimed actress Nathalia Timberg, interpreting the American interior designer and fashion icon, Iris Apfel (96), will be on in July at Teatro Porto Seguro, Alameda Barão de Piracicaba, 740, Campos Eliseos, T. 32267300, a small theatre with a gourmet café and parking.

Miguel Falabella, actor and director brings the musical ‘Annie’ to Teatro Santander (Vila Olímpia-WT JK) T. 40032051 in August. Falabella has a vast knowledge of theatre in general, a good eye for staging different styles having produced a series of outstanding plays. Wait for early comments by critics then mark it in your agenda.

The 25th edition of the São Paulo Book Biennale (Anhembi) will also take place in August. One says people, and mainly young people, don’t read any more but surprisingly, trendy bookshops are full of people sitting around leafing through or devouring books.

There was a time when people said that television would put an end to cinemas. On the contrary. Cinemas, although hideously expensive, have become an important outing and a must for most people in town.

Festival Palco Giratório brings plays from all over Brasil to

Christina Thornton

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THE REAL STORY OF KING ARTHUR

John H. Griffith-Davies Continuing the saga by Mr. Griffith –Davis of his version of the real story of King Arthur.

To resume the history of Caerleon: Aurelius continued to abuse his authority as governor relentlessly until the vassal king Athrwys decided to ‘stop the rot’ and end the widespread civil unrest by marching into Caerleon with his own troops during the following year (527 A.D.), where he defeated and killed Aurelius on the spot. It was Athrwys’ 9th of his 12 battles and all of them were victorious according to the Welsh historian Nennius.

Saint Gildas did not loose any more time tramping around Ireland on his dubious mission. He returned to Caerleon immediately, where he stayed for many years until moving to the Cornish province on the western coast of Brittany (itself a Romano-British colony which Marcus Magnus had founded in Roman Armorica) and it is still called Cornualia, with the intention to become a religious hermit (as Saint Dubricius did himself in 545 A.D. when he ceded his arch-bishopric to Saint David at the Synod of Brefi, sometimes spelt Brevi). But his followers persuaded him to teach them instead, so he founded a monastery on the Rhuys Peninsula in a place that is still named after him as ‘St. Gildas de Rhuys’, where he died on 29th January, 570 A.D., leaving a son called Cenydd (Kenneth), who was also a priest and monk. Gildas’ tremendous knowledge and literary prowess had already earned him the Latin nickname of Gildas Sapiens (Gildas the Wise). His feast day is still celebrated in Cornualia every year. Incidentally, it was common for priests to marry and have children until a daft papal edict that was issued in the 12th century forbade this normal human activity!

Athrwys was immediately proclaimed king by Saint Dubricius after his victory, who crowned him in Saint Aaron’s Cathedral in 527 A.D. Athrwys’ attendant and sword-bearer at his coronation was his best friend, King

Cadwys, of Din Dagelin Cornwall, who was probably a close cousin too. Athrwys ruled Caerleon and Wales (including Herefordshire and Shropshire) as well as Britania Prima (the West Country) effectively and benevolently for exactly 10 years. He was greatly admired by his people and the remembrance of him endured among the Welshpeople.

The priests (pagan Druids and Christians) and the knights (soldiers on horseback) were part and parcel of the Romano-British social structure in Wales. Gildas, Dubricius and Illtyd were among Athrwys’ knights and all of them were priests as well as nobles. (Romano-British society only permitted nobles or royalty to become priests). Illtyd was one of the King of Brittany’s sons and actually a soldier already before he migrated to Wales around 500 A.D. as a young man with the intention of joining Caerleon’s legion. He became an influential priest later on.

The Saxons returned to attack Cadbury Hill for the second time in 537 A.D. The combined armies of Athrwys and Cadwys marched there to relieve the siege: this was Athrwys’ 12th and last victorious battle against the barbaric enemy. It was called the Battle of Cad Camlan (which means ‘On the bank of the River Cam’) and it was fought in exactly the same place as the Battle of Mons Badonicus, only 1 mile north of Cadbury Hill. King Cadwys lost his life in the battle and Athrwys’ faithful nephew Mordred - who was also one of his knights - was killed in it too; no doubt defending Athrwys as his bodyguard. One must remember that Athrwys was then about 57 years old and therefore he was not as strong as he had been in his youth. The original Welsh text states that “Athrwys and Mordred fought at the Battle of Cad Camlan”, which later mediaeval historians misinterpreted to mean that they fought against each other.

Nevertheless, Athrwys was seriously wounded in the battle.He was quickly transported back to Caerleon for treatment and - hopefully - recovery. A Welsh text con-

THE REAL STORY OF KING ARTHUR firms that “Athrwys was taken up the river to be cured”.

That is to say, he was transferred to a boat as soon as his naval galley arrived back in Caerleon’s large harbour (probably from Portisheadon the northern coast of Somerset) to the nearby Welsh pagan religious centre on the main island in the Afon Lwyd tributory, i.e., the Isle of Avalon. His elder half-sister Morgana was the High Priestess cum physician there. She must have tried desperately to save his life but to no avail: he died shortly afterwards and possibly from an infection rather than the wound itself. He was buried on the same holy site according to Druid custom. His sword called Caledfwlch (Excalibur in English) with its elaborately engraved hilt was interred with him (it was probably a short ‘stabbing’ sword of the so-called Pompeian type).One can imagine that a mass was also held for Athrwys in Caerleon Cathedral on the 7th day after his death, although Athrwys never converted to the Christian faith: that is easily proved by the fact that his birth name remained unchanged.

Athrwys’ only surviving son by his first marriage inherited the throne. His name was Llacheu (Lacholt in English) and he continued the struggle - one might call it a very long-term ‘rearguard action’ - against the Saxons until

17

he himself was killed several decades later: the precise date is unknown and it could have been as late as 575 A.D. when Llacheu was about 73 years of age, while marching to, yes, Cadbury Hill once again in order to relieve the third Saxon siege. However, I believe that the date when Llacheu died was around 560 A.D., when he was about the same age as Athrwys had been. Llacheu’s army combined with the army of Geraint, Prince of Dumnonia (Devon) and this force was intercepted by the Saxons only 10 miles west of Cadbury Hill at a place called Llangborth (which means ‘ferry boat’ in Welsh), now known as Longport. The Romano-British forces lost the struggle after a ferocious fight and the Saxons returned to besieging Cadbury Hill, which eventually fell to them, following which they massacred ALL of the inhabitants (the Saxons practised ‘ethnic cleansing’ par excellence), burnt it down (the fortress was mainly built of timber, except for the stone walls on the northern ramparts that still protrude from the undergrowth) and then they abandoned it for ever. Recent excavations have uncovered the skeletons of the murdered inhabitants - men, women and children - still scattered across the site where they lay after being killed, with the peck marks of carrion crows visible on their bones.

To be continued…

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DOCTOR ALBERT SCHWEITZER

Doctor Albert Schweitzer: A very clever and busy doctor and philosopher - PART 10 In his Philosophy of Civilization Doctor Schweitzer summarized by saying: “A man is ethical when life, as such, is sacred to him; that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help”. Further on he says: “Reverence for Life does not allow the scholar to live for science alone, even if he is very useful to the community in so doing”. Then he continues: “It demands from all that they should sacrifice a portion of their own lives for others”. “You must give some time to your fellow men, even if it is a little thing; do something for those who have need of a man’s help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it”.

At the Syracuse, NY, University Libraries, visitors may see the main collection of Schweitzer’s books, notes, manuscripts, poems, hundreds of personal letters to his wife, their daughter Rhena, editors, friends, patients and visitors. In his one hundred and twenty three notebooks (1918 to 1965), carefully conserved there, Schweitzer also documented daily life at Lambarènè, commented on the diseases and stories of his patients and kept a close register of his accounts and visitors to the place. Two bags were always tied firmly to his waist, one for letters coming in and not yet answered along with half a dozen more recent newspapers, and the other for letters already answered onto which he clipped copies of his replies.

The money they needed to pay for the things ordered abroad, mostly from the United States, Holland, Austria, France, England and Germany, came from donors in these countries most of them wealthy and devoted Lutherans. Most of these people did the buying themselves as well as dispatching the goods to the mission.

Schweitzer himself raised funds by travelling very often to Germany, England and Scotland, Holland, Austria and France mainly, where he taught music, gave lec-

tures, preached, fixed and played old church organs, clavichords, spinets, pianos, harpsichords, harmoniums and the like. At some localities only he was allowed to meddle with antique instruments which were out of tune. Besides fund-raising public concerts, many rich families held private recitals whereby he received generous help for his hospital. His sixteen books also brought in plenty of money as they sold well and were translated into many European languages especially after the Second World War. On March 22, 1932 Schweitzer in Frankfurt, at the exact time of Goethe’s death, the most cherished son of the town, started his oration on the world’s situation and the coming dangers of the dictatorship that was being built up in Germany. During those sixty-five minutes before a dumbfounded and silent audience, he correctly prophesied what was to come and the causes of the catastrophe the world would witness. He kept on repeating the word grausig (gruesome, frightful) in his presentation, as related by Everett Skillings in the Postscript to Schweitzer’s book, Out of my Life and Thought. “...Man’s ultimate redemption through beneficent activity…” the words of Goethe’s Faust, threads through this extraordinary man’s long, complex and sometimes curious life. With Faust himself he would say: “… I feel new strength for bolder toil… The Deed is everything, the Glory naught”.

As the New York Times puts it: “He drew deeply from music and philosophy of the 18th Century, especially Bach, Goethe and Kant. He was a child of the 19th Century accepting its creative comforts but rejecting its complacent attitudes towards progress. … He was a foe of materialism and of the Century’s criteria for personal success.

William Moffitt Harris

ADVERTS

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20

BRITISH COLLEGE OF BRAZIL

What is Education Insight?

Despite being an educator for almost 20 years, when asked to write this piece for the newsletter, I must admit I had no idea where to start. What is it that will interest the school community the most? Should I talk about where education will be a few years from now or do people want to hear about the latest trends?

In the end, I decided a good place to start would be what education actually is. The Oxford English Dictionary describes education as, “the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university”. This definition really surprised me and seems so far removed from what we do at BCB that I just couldn’t see how it could be right.

Giving or receiving systematic instruction seems so boring and is certainly not what I observe when I walk around school. I see students playing musical instruments, learning languages, singing, building, running, collaborating, debating, acting… I could go on but I think you get the picture. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to watch BCB’s Little Shop of Horrors and then only two days later watch the Year 7s, 8s and 9s participate in a sailing regatta. I don’t doubt the students were being educated on these occasions but it seemed a lot more exciting than simply receiving systematic instruction!

Global Education is a phrase often mentioned and one that is particularly pertinent in our international setting.

The aim of global education is to help young people

gain a greater understanding of how their actions can have an impact on the entire world. Learning about climate change and global warming is a way to facilitate this but, to have the biggest impact, we must make students curious. Curiosity cannot be taught; it must be developed through lively debates, research, discussions, and by encouraging students to be independent thinkers. This is not something that happens through systematic instruction.

Classrooms used to begin and end within the four walls of a school but this is no longer the case. Technology has opened up an endless world of possibility for teachers and students alike. Notes can be recorded, uploaded and shared on the spot giving us even more opportunity for communication. There are now modern educational toys, such as interactive building blocks and drawing pads making learning accessible to everyone. Nowadays learning can be personalised to suit individual needs, interests and abilities. If someone had said to me 20 years ago, this is where we would be in education, then I would not have believed them.

This brings me back to the previously mentioned definition of education and how to me it is so archaic. Education is about interaction, fun, excitement, being open-minded and taking risks. In short, education should be an enlightening experience’, which is exactly how the Oxford English dictionary defines ‘an education’.

Iain McGowan Head of Secondary The British College of Brazil – Nord Anglia School. www.britishcollegebrazil.org

HUMOUR I ADVERT

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A little boy greeted his grandma with a big hug A mother went into a barbers shop and asked the and said: “I am so happy to see you Grandma.

Now maybe Daddy will do the trick he has promised us. “What trick is that ?” she asked.

owner “when would be the best time to bring in my two year old son?”

The barber replied “When he is four”

“Well”, said the little boy excitedly,”I heard Daddy tell Mummy that he would climb the walls if you came to visit again”

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ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL

The Instituto Anglicano (Anglican Institute) is the philanthropic

Often, this is the only food they get. The Cathedral is in the

arm of the Cathedral which runs crèches to take care of un-

process of setting up an orphanage to support children who

derprivileged children while their mothers go out to work.

have been abandoned by their parents.

There are four crèches in the city of São Paulo and, more recently, another four have been opened in the interior of the

Although the crèches receive some support from the munic-

state, associated with the Anglican Churches in Botucatu and

ipalities, money is raised by spontaneous donations to the

São Manoel.

Instituto and through fund raising events such as the Clothing Sale, Christmas Bazaar and the Festa Junina. It is impor-

These crèches have 126 people working to take care of the

tant to note that good clothes not sold at the clothing sale

1240 children entrusted to them. As most of the children

at the Cathedral are sent to Botucatu and São Manoel where

arrive early in the morning and only leave in the late after-

they also organise clothing sales.

noon, they are given 5 meals or snacks while they are there.

This year nearly 10 thousand people came to the Festa Junina which was held on 31st May.

GENERAL COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Event

Date

Time

Place

Sponsor

Scottish Dancing

July 02

20.15

Brazilian British Centre

St. Andrew Socoety

National Jamboree

Jul15-21

Barretos SP

Carajás Scout Group

Holiday Sailing Course

Jul24-27

SPYC

São Paulo Yacht Club

Winter Ceildh

Aug 10

SPAC (Town)

St Andrew Society

Pet Show

Aug 18

St Paul´s Anglican Cathedral

Amparo dos Animais

Going Up

Aug 19

to be confirmed

Carajás Scout Group

Scottish Dancing

Sep 06

Brazilian British Centre

St. Andrew Socoety

Sabios e Inteligentes

Sep 15

to be confirmed

Carajás Scout Group

Annual Flower Show

Sep22-23

Brazilian British Centre

São Paulo Garden Club

Scouting Games

Sep 23

to be confirmed

Carajás Scout Group

Caledonian Ball

Sept 29

Clube Transatlântico Brooklin

St Andrew Society

White Elephant Bazaar

Oct 20

St Paul´s Anglican Cathedral

St Paul´s Anglican Cathedral

SPAC 130 years

Oct 27

SPAC

SPAC ( Town club)

Carajás Bazaar

´Nov 23

SPYC

Carajás Scout Group

Christmas Bazaar

Dec 01

St Paul´s Anglican Cathedral

St Paul´s Anglican Cathedral

AGM

Dec 06

Brazilian British Centre

British Society

Carajás Camp Fire

Dec 08

to be confirmed

Carajás Scout Group

Christmas Day Service

Dec 25

St Paul´s Anglican Cathedral

St Paul´s Anglican Cathedral

12.00

20.15

10.00

11.00

11.00

10.00

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