Spotlight News Bulletin

SPOTLIGHT NEWS BULLETIN

Caernarfon Castle - www.visitbritain.com

Nยบ 110 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2016

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EDITORIAL

spotlight news bulletin edition

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 Forma Certa 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 111 Nov/Dec 2016 Deadline Oct 7th Nº 112 Jan/Feb 2017 Deadline Dec 7th

Since our last issue, BREXIT became a fact, albeit by a very close margin 52% vs 48%. Lots of loose ends to resolve and, in particular, the situations of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Here in Brazil not much change, maybe some improvement in the economy and, as I write, we still await the very final decision on the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff. Once this decision has been made Brasília can start to think about how to get us back on track.

In São Paulo we prepare for another round of local elections with all sorts of alliances being made.

As I write, the Rio Olympics are in full swing, and are a great sporting success with some incredible events and results. Our television coverage has been excellent, and has given us an insight into some of the lesser known sports.

As promised in our last edition, I include the report received from the British Society on the recent Queens´s birthday celebration, together with a selection of photos taken at that event.

Lots of activities are being organized, so if you want us to inform the community, drop us a line to include in the Spotlight calendar.

Once again, dare I say it, please check out our deadline dates which appear in every edition on the left hand side of this article.

Derrick Marcus

SASPD – ST.ANDREW SOCIETY PIPES & DRUMS During the last two months we have been concentrating on the programme received from Germany of all the Music that we will be playing at the BERLIN MILITARY TATTOO. This is quite an extensive group of marches, slow marches reels and jigs, none of which we have ever played before.

We are making good progress and will shortly be quite competent to be able to perform at the BERLIN TATTOO with another ten bands, It will be quite a show.

Should you wish to see last year’s clip on You Tube go VIA GOOGLE to – THE BERLIN MILITARY TATTOO. The recordings are all there.

DATES - SATURDAY 5th.NOVEMBER - SUNDAY 6th NOVEMBER 2016

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PLACE – BERLIN ARENA Next Events are 1) WINTER CEILIDH – Friday 26th.AUGUST at SPAC Town centre – 8 pm.

2) CALEDONIAN BALL – SATURDAY 22nd.October – at CLUBE TRANSATLANTICO – 8pm The Pipe Band continues to give piping and drumming lessons every Sunday morning at CULTURA INGLESA - SAÚDE BRANCH and afterwards we have our regular band practice - 10 .00am until 14.00 ALL ARE WELCOME Colin Pritchard – D/NM Band Facebook PAGE – WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ SASPDPIPEBAND

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BRITISH SOCIETY

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARTY This year, a very special Queen’s Birthday Party, celebrated the monarch’s 90th birthday. The party took place on the 23rd June, which was also the same night that many of us awaited with bated breath for the BREXIT referendum results. Over two hundred and fifty people attended this year´s cocktail party.

The floral decoration was superb thanks to the skilled hands of the São Paulo Garden Club ladies who volunteered their time and expertise. A special thank you to Lissa Codling, Ginny Pimentel and Monica Hirsch who prepared all the centre pieces. Rose Cabral, president of the club together with Priscila Bastos coordinated the flower arrangements made by the team: Regina Maclean, Rose Marie Camargo and Regina Bichuetti Alayde.

The atrium walls were classically decorated with postersize pictures of the royal family (where one observed many a selfie being taken during the party!). A giant projection screen served as a visual backdrop throughout the evening, showing footage of the official party that took place in Windsor Castle to celebrate HM the Queens 90th as well as a beautiful time lapse of the Queen from birth to date. There was also an animation of the genealogical tree of the British & Commonwealth Community members in SP and how many of these members are interconnected. This is a work-in-progress voluntary project thanks to the valuable help of Pamela Ford and Lauren Barretta. (If you did not spot your family name on it and/or would like to make further contributions, please contact the office as all help is very welcome!)

In accordance with the philanthropic philosophy embedded in the Fundação Britânica de Beneficência (FBB), the catering was provided by Projeto Chefe Aprendiz, a project which offers culinary training and employment opportunities to underprivileged youngsters in our city. Congratulations to what was a simple

but well executed menu. A highlight in the evening’s entertainment was the Cultura Inglesa choir, who joined in the singing of the anthems, surprising the crowd as their voices journeyed down from the mezzanine, an aesthetically pleasing and memorable occasion.

Our chairman’s speech this year focused on the importance of member donations and how necessary these are to sustain the longevity of FBB (also known as The Benevolent Fund) which, at the current rate, is projected to last only another 10 years. Mr. M. Govier also mentioned the exciting long-term partnership agreement soon to be signed with Associação Samaritano. This will enrich the current welfare work FBB carries out today.

An excellent video was shown to illustrate the impact of the support given by the FBB on the lives of the assisted members of the Community.

The Economic Counsellor for the British Consulate, Ms. Catherine Barber, also spoke. She was very impressed with the range of organizations that make up the British Community in São Paulo.

Once again this year, we had the valuable support of the Carajás Scout Group, 9 volunteers who helped at reception, assisting the photographer, selling the raffle tickets and more.

The lucky raffle winners were: • Dinner for 2 Terraço Itália - Nathalia Moreira, Bursar´s assistant at St. Pauls´ School • Introductory wine course by Eno Cultura - member Andrea Pfeiffer • 1 night´s stay at SP Hotel Renaissance – member Luciane Jenner We are ever so grateful for the support of our sponsors: Cultura Inglesa; St. Francis College; Lar Elite; Carajás Scout Group; São Paulo Garden Club; Cultura Inglesa Choir; Camden House Pub; British Consulate; British Chamber of Commerce; Forma Certa; Sabre; Tecnoserve; Projeto Chefe Aprendiz; Confeitaria Christina; Editora Contexto.

BRITISH SOCIETY

And last but certainly not least, as these results reflect the community spirit and also tie in nicely with our Chairman’s appeal for fundraising, we should like to share the total amount raised that evening: R$ 11,281.74 is the sum of those who help us maintain this traditional

event in the British Society´s social calendar and those who specifically support the Fundação Britânica de Beneficiencia social cause.

British Society

Photos taken at the Queen’s Birthday Party

BSSP office staff: Francisca Freitas, Lauren Barretta, Sandra Pavani, Charlotte Cowell, Beatriz Dantas and Fernanda Gonçalves.

RAFFLE DESK: Fernando Santos, James Wheatley, James Anthony Wheatley, Sandra Pavani

Matthew Govier, Chairman giving his speech.

Stacey Wing residents of Lar Elite: David Davies and Norah Zieminska with BSSP carers: Francisca Freitas, Vanusa and Neide Araujo.

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Robert Filshill, Board councillor as MC, announcing the Catherine Barber, Economic Counsellor, Raffle winners, with assistance of Comms. Coord. CharUK Consulate , giving her speech. lotte Cowell Jancsó.

Raffle winners Andrea Pfeiffer and Luciane Jenner (with husband Ashley).

Overview of the evening cocktail party.

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ASSOCIAÇÃO DE AMPARO AOS ANIMAIS

When you read this, our yearly fund-raiser, the Pet Show, will have been held on the grounds of the Anglican Cathedral as usual (by kind permission), on August 20, with various stands, a raffle, and the Pet Parade, where owners and pets took a bow before the public.

We will also have shown a display of trained dogs put on by the Bruno Agility Show. This event is always a success, as we have several generations of animal lovers and their four-footed friends for a family afternoon.

The Scouts and Girl Scouts were present and most helpful, with an ecumenical Blessing of the Animals by Bishop Roger Bird. At the shelter, we try to find homes for dogs and cats where they will be loved and welltreated. We offer spacious kennels with shelter from heat, cold and rain, with food and water. The cattery has a heater so the cats will not feel cold in winter. There is room to run and play, to bask in the sun or take shelter when needed. We maintain a high level of cleanliness and the animals can see the visitors as they come in, they can run and play and offer themselves for adoption.

We try to have only two animals in each kennel, and keep not more than 30 in the cattery.

This is very different from so-called shelters where too many animals are kept in big areas all together, where they fight and breed and bully the weaker ones. If they are too crowded, it is very difficult to maintain hygienic conditions, or to feed them all adequately. They harbor contagious diseases, bad smells, and terror. These shelters believe that life, as long as it endures, is the most important right. I do not agree. I believe that the realistic assessment of how to provide food, shelter and hygiene with (usually) limited resources has to prevail.

I believe shelters should not impose situations where the animal suffers longer than necessary. If there is medication or surgery to help the animal, it should be provided, with the intention of offering a better quality of life after the disagreeable necessary measures. But, if there is not a reasonable expectation of improving the lot of the animal or of finding a home where it could be cared for, sometimes it is preferable to have a quick termination. Dogs and cats simply don´t live as long as people.

We depend upon donations and contributions to cover the monthly short fall in our accounts. We are a nonprofit organization but do have to cover expenses, which continue to grow. In case someone would like to help us with a donation, we have an account at Banco Santander, Agência 4783, current account nº 13.0000084, in the name of Associação de Amparo aos Animais, CNPJ 62.139.308/0001-70.

Please feel free to contact me whenever you wish: lulareed@gmail.com.

I assure you we at the Associação continue to do the best we can to help animals here – and everywhere.

Lula May Reed

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A MELHOR

de SÃO PAULO

O segredo para estar entre os melhores pela segunda vez consecutiva?

Acreditar que sempre da para fazer melhor.

Obrigada, alunos, equipe e parceiros.

Se a Cultura Inglesa foi eleita a melhor escola de idiomas pela segunda vez consecutiva, o mérito é todo de vocês.

culturainglesasp.com.br

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

Albert Einstein

We empower pupils . to be passionate lifelong learners . to achieve academic and personal excellence . to be committed to impact the world positively Jardins Rua Bélgica, 399 Phone: 55 11 3905-6200 Fax: 55 11 3905-6211 Pinheiros Rua Joaquim Antunes, 678 Phone: 55 11 3728-8050 Fax: 55 11 3728-8051 www.stfrancis.com.br

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CULTURAL SYNOPSIS

Trees: Like the old ‘Ent’ Treebeard (Tolkien-The Two Towers) said, trees take a long time to say anything because they have to decide whether it’s worth saying and listen to. Wouldn’t it be nice if people thought the same way?! São Paulo was once covered by forests but nowadays you can count the forest leftovers called “trees”. The oldest tree known to us in the city is the Figueira das Lágrimas on the Estrada das Lágrimas in the Sacomã district, south of São Paulo. It is 200 years old. It got its name at a time when travellers used to meet there to say good bye. It is recorded in the diary of a Portuguese traveller, Emílio Zaluar, in 1861. Another one is the Chichá in the Largo do Arouche, the Jatobá in the Parque da Luz, the Jequitibá –Branco in the Parque Trianon, the Figueira in the Parque do Carmo, and another Figueira, downtown, in the Largo da Memória, next to the Obelisco do Piques, the oldest public monument in São Paulo. There is a peculiarity about trees in the Parque do Carmo, and I hope many of you remembered to go there in July this year, to marvel at the beauty of the thousand pink cherry trees, planted and looked after by the Japanese community.

No need to go to Japan in Spring, any more! If you visit the Parque do Pico do Jaraguá in August/September you will be able to eat the jabuticabas from trees that are more than a hundred years old. To know more about trees there is the Brazilian site: www.veteranasdeguerra. org.br and the British site: thewoodlandtrust@woodlandtrust.org.uk There is one more reference to trees: The Bergamota or tangerine by the name Clemenulis appeared in 1953 in the region of Nules in Spain. It is a genetic mutation Parque do Carmo

of the Clementine. It is very firm, sweet and has no pips. In the Florianópolis region (Sta Catarina) in the town of Alfredo Wagner there is the small farm ‘Sítio das Pedras Rolantes’ (Estrada Geral das Águas Frias , 2.5km from the town and 112km from Florianópolis).

The farm is open to visitors from the end of May through June to eat and pick tangerines ( R$1,00 per fruit you eat and R$8,00 per kilo you pick). It is a very careful way of picking and visitors learn how to clip the short stem off the tree with scissors. On the farm there are 800 trees, but this year they farmed only 10% of the usual amount due to excessive rain during the maturation period. The farmers also offer ‘Café Colonial’ (R$35,00).

You have to make your reservation for the latter. T. (48)32761467 / 91899982 /www.cafenositio.com.br .

Come Spring, the white Ipê will be in flower and the sabiá bird will have started nesting waking up all of you who have trees in your gardens as of 4 o’clock in the morning. Research has it that this typical Brazilian bird has had to start his mating song earlier by the year because of the traffic noise. He cannot reach other sabiás with his song with so much city noise around!

Yet, I promised you the story of Pickles the dog. So, here it goes: The Jules Rimet football trophy was on display in a stamp exhibition in Westminster’s Central Hall when it was stolen on March 20th, 1966, as security guards were on a break. How it was taken, remains a mystery. On the eve of March 27th, Dave Corbett took his dog Pickles for a walk. It was running round a parked car when he put the lead on the dog and noticed a package lying on the pavement. It was the missing Cup. He took it to the Police station and became Number 1 suspect. Eventually he was cleared and the Pickles the collie became a TV star!

Christina Thornton

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CULTURA INGLESA

BEATLEMANIA EXPERIENCE -THE BEATLES BIOGRAPHY Much more than a simple exhibition, a true immersion in the life of “The Boys From Liverpool” August 27th to November 8th Do accept the invitation for an incredible immersion in the biggest phenomenon in the history of world culture.

Come and visit the Beatlemania Experience, a unique experience that will lead people into diving head first

in to Paul´s, John´s, George´s and Ringo´s universe.

Videos, photographs, interactivity, technology and a lot more, in a world´s brand new exhibition which will debut in São Paulo from August 27th to November 8th, 2016. A magical and mysterious trip in time and space.

For more information access beatlesmaniaexperience.com.br

Shopping Eldorado Av. Rebouças, 3970 Pinheiros

HISTORY: THE PORTUGUESE AND BRITISH NAVIES, 1750 - 1815

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With Europe and Brexit in our minds, let us look back at some every interesting historic data on the Portuguese and British navies, written by Kenneth Light, honorary member of the Brazilian Historic and Geographic Institute and the British Historical Society of Portugal.

Kenneth H. Light The period covered is one in which important events had a significant and permanent impact on history; the Napoleonic war (1793-1815), the Independence of America and, especially for Portugal and Brazil, the journey of the Royal Family in 1807/08. The two Navies had, during this period, an active and very often fundamental part to play. This paper discusses their principal activities, then describes and comments on the ships and the men, the ships and the men aboard the ships. It will not come as a surprise to learn that the responsibilities of the two Navies were very similar: 1. Actions deriving from war – the capture or destruction of enemy vessels, the transportation of troops, blockade of ports, interception and inspection of merchant vessels and amphibious operations. During the period of conflicts, activities were so intense that, during the 27 years of the Napoleonic War, Britain lost 166 vessels, including 5 line-of-battle ships. However, she captured 1,201 vessels, including 159 line-of-battle ships and 330 frigates. Portugal, in turn, lost the frigate Minerva, near Sri Lanka in 1809.

2. Escort merchant vessels, defending them from the enemy and from pirates. The North African coast as far as Tripoli was a haven of Barbary pirates. A Portuguese squadron, using Gibraltar as their temporary base, permanently patrolled this region. Every year the convoy of merchant vessels (80 or more in number), heading for India and Brazil, would be escorted as far as the Atlantic Isles, beyond which it was highly unlikely that pirates, would be encountered until reaching the Brazilian coast. On a previously agreed date, a squadron would be sent to cruise off Madeira and, after picking up the convoy, escort it to the safety of the Tagus. In the East, Britain was fully occupied defending vessels belonging to the East India Company. The region was so dangerous that, in addition to an escort, the vessels had to be armed.

3. Transport dignitaries to their posts and deportees to their place of banishment. The unique example, during this period, was the journey of the Royal Family of Portugal to Brazil.

4. Transport valuables for the Crown. The Portuguese line-of-battle ships that escorted the convoy of merchant vessels, when necessary, continued their journey all the way to Brazil. In 1769, for exarnple, the line-of-battle ship N.S. dos Prazeres sailed from the Tagus on the 25th April, escorting two vessels to India and a number of merchantmen going to different ports in Brazil. In July, she put into Salvador taking water, due to the rough passage. On the 29th May 1770 she arrived back in the Tagus, having made the journey from Rio de Janeiro in 94 days. She brought bullion, credit notes and coin for the Crown totalling 908 million réis, also eleven safes filled with diamonds. She brought an even greater sum for private individuaIs. Another influencing factor, that brought the two Navies together, carne from the officers. In Britain, during the years of conflict, the Navy employed some 120,000 men (600/800 ships on active service); 18,000 in peace time. As a result of this policy, sailors lost their jobs, marines went back to their barracks and officers, without a ship but willing to serve, had their pay reduced by half. Perhaps this was the principal reason that made so many look to the Portuguese Navy for employment.

During the last 40 years of the XVIIIth century the names are known of 35 officers who made this transfer (a substantial number in view of the size of the Portuguese Navy, a fleet of some 25/35 vessels). A few were still active in 1807; the fleet that brought the Portuguese Royal Family to Brazil included two brigantines, Lebre and Vingança, under the command of Daniel Thompson and James Nicholas Keating.

To be continued…

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ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL AND OF HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II

On Friday 13th May, the whole St. Paul’s School community came together for a very special 90th birthday celebration. Weeks before, we invited our pupils to design an invitation for Her Majesty to attend our joint celebrations. The 90 best invitations were then shipped off to Buckingham Palace. We are sure she enjoyed opening them all while tucking into her breakfast!

Very sadly, Her Majesty was unable to join us, but even so our British celebratory spirit could not be dampened, and even the sunshine came to join us on what had been a rainy autumn week in São Paulo. It was truly wonderful to have the whole school, from 3 to 18 year olds, on picnic blankets, playing silly games and enjoying great British food and entertainment. We tried to emulate a British ‘street party’ feel, but I think, in the end, it was a little more like a festival; with everyone in party mood, enjoying the warm weather and the opportunity to relax and reflect on our 90 years of history. We played pass the parcel, were treated to Monty Python sketches by Form 4, a new twist on the British anthem by our ACER drummer guests, and a range of music provided by our Prep and Senior School pupils.

Even our teachers took to the stage to support our rock

show, and the music department had everyone dancing with their memorable, surprise tribute to Abba!

Mrs Isabella Suplicy had very generously made us a delicious and incredibly beautiful cake (complete with crown and candles on the top) and we enjoyed singing happy birthday to us as well as to Her Majesty. Seeing our youngest, middle and most senior pupil cutting the cake together was a truly special moment.

Continuing with the celebrations, on Monday 30th May, we enjoyed a special concert in celebration of Her Majesty’s 90th birthday, and in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Soloists Camila Taylor, Gabriel Newton and Marcella Nahas gave courageous performances with songs inspired by the words of Shakespeare, and visiting Director of Music from the London Oratory School, David Terry, had composed a piece especially for the occasion, entitled Orpheus. The end result, with our Prep and Chamber choir performing together with our Choral Society, was nothing short of spine-tingling. How wonderful, also, to hear our young pupils singing Her Majesty’s coronation anthems together with staff and Old Pauleans! The perfect way to celebrate an exceptional year for St. Paul’s School.

Louise Simpson - Head - St. Paul’s School

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GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

REVIVING THE ART OF CONVERSATION “We had talk enough, but no conversation” (Samuel Johnson

listened to the individuals involved, maybe some lives could

1752)

have been saved.

Face-to-face conversation is the most human—and human-

The art of conversation has been remarkably constant over

izing—thing we do. The better we develop our conversation

time. In 44 BC. Cicero set down these rules: ‘Speak easily

skills, the more deeply we can connect with others. Being

but not too much, especially when others want their turn; do

fully present to one another, we learn to listen and develop

not interrupt; be courteous; deal seriously with serious mat-

the capacity for empathy. The joys of being heard and of

ters, and linger with lighter ones.’ To this list Plato added

being understood are the cornerstones of self-awareness,

‘remember people’s names, and be a good listener’. If these

emotional intelligence and mental health.

great men were alive today, they would probably add one more rule: ‘during conversations, switch off all electronic gad-

There is no doubt that technology provides efficient, fast and

gets!’ We’ve all seen people sitting at dining tables, or at

cheap communication, essential in today’s fast-paced world;

restaurants, or in cars, fiddling with their phones rather than

but good conversation is about more than the exchange of

making an effort to speak to one another. And when they do

information. I have discussed this subject before, but it seems

speak, it’s usually just to share Facebook messages. Uninter-

even more relevant now that WhatsApp so often replaces

rupted conversations—whether about politics, history or

even a friendly telephone chat! We type and text and send

personal problems—especially between the generations, are

voice messages and often convince ourselves that we don’t

beginning to disappear.

need more—that we’re comfortable with what technology provides. Yet these “machine conversations” seldom go deep

It requires discipline to create device-free times and spaces,

enough to provide real companionship. The time we spend

but everyone who has tried it agrees that it is well worth the

on our gadgets is time we are not spending with each other

effort.

and, in my opinion, this might partly explain the epidemic of mental illness that has led to so many “lone wolves” com-

Penny Freeland is a qualified counsellor and coach. For further

mitting murder and suicide. Children and adolescents learn

information please contact PenelopeFreeland@gmail.com

attachment and trust by means of conversation and there is a serious danger of this important skill is being lost as our

All communication will remain confidential.

gadgets become more sophisticated. Had someone really

HOME-COOKED MEALS FOR A WEEK Valéria (tel. 96754-7855) is an outstanding cook. She cooks delicious meals, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. She is available to come to your house to prepare and freeze meals for a week.

For references, ring Alison Steel, 5548-4924.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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UNCONNECTEDNESS In the previous article, Penny Freeland will tell us how the modern world gadgets and gizmos may keep people apart, eyes firmly set on their smartphones. So what the so-called social networks really do is to keep people apart in the real world. But there is a medical condition where people are simply unable to connect with others.

Previously classified as separate conditions, they are now grouped in a new classification: autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. This encompasses what was formerly known as Asperger’s syndrome, now considered a mild form of ASD to other forms of autism, such as childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive disorder. The term “spectrum” refers to a wide range of symptoms and severity. In common, there are some traits in social communication and interaction, such as failing to respond to one’s name or appearing not to hear, resisting cuddling, and preferring to play alone, keeping poor eye contact and lacking in facial expression, speaking with an abnormal tone or rhythm, appearing not to understand simple questions or directions, inability to express emotions or feelings, and appearing unaware of others’ feelings. Some patterns of behavior are also common, such as repetitive movements (rocking, spinning and hand-flapping), developing rituals and routines, moving constantly, being fascinated by details of an object, unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch, yet oblivious to pain, odd food preferences, and fixation on an object or activity with abnormal intensity or focus.

Some children have signs of lower than normal intelligence, others have normal to high intelligence, but have trouble communicating and applying what they know

in everyday life. A small number are savants, with exceptional skills in some areas, such as music, art or math.

ASD has no single known cause. There are probably many causes involved. Both genetics and environment may play a role .An important factor to note, however, is that no reliable study has shown a link between vaccines, and in particular the MMR vaccine, and ASD. Boys are four times more likely to develop ASD than girls.

Families who have one child with ASD have an increased risk of having another one with the disorder. There is also an increased risk for the condition in extremely preterm babies, and in children born to older parents.

There are no blood tests or neuroimaging studies specific for diagnosis of ASD, although some may be ordered to evaluate associated abnormalities. Treatment for the condition is mainly nonpharmacologic, and involves mainly intensive individual special education, and speech, behavioral, occupational, and physical therapies. Drugs, however, may be employed to treat associated behavioral problems and other disorders, but the benefits must be balanced against likely adverse effects on a case-by-case basis. Prognosis is highly correlated with IQ, high-functioning individuals may live independently; hold jobs successfully, and even marry and have children. Low-functioning individuals may never live independently, they may need residential care for the rest of their lives.

MICHAEL ROY SMITH, M.D. MOBILE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY Phone 99183-2093 E-mail mrsmith@terra.com.br

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MULTICULTURALISM

MULTICULTURALISM, DIVERSITY AND OTHER QUINTESSENTIALLY BRITISH WORDS. PART 4. THE AXE HAS FALLEN We are living through fascinating times. Brexit is now to be

July/August edition of Spotlight on “Identity” (though I have

a reality and whether you were in favour of remaining in the

not yet changed my name from Richard to Michael!). I agree

EU or in favour of leaving, the decision has been made. The

that most of us always feel a little bit foreign wherever we

voice of democracy has spoken. After attending the beauti-

live. However, the strength of our own individual identity pulls

fully organized Queen’s Birthday Party, I walked back home

most of us through. The UK is at a crossroads and while

(yes I conveniently live around the corner from our fantastic

turning its back on the European Union as an organization,

British Brazilian Centre building), turned on BBC World,

has not turned its back on European countries as individual

opened a bottle of wine and sat down to watch. What a night.

states. Our fellow countrymen will continue to jet off to main-

What emotion. Election nights or Referendum nights on the

land Europe for meetings, holidays, weekends. However, we

BBC of course, are very special. Governments come in, gov-

have turned our backs on the idea and spirit of closer

ernments go out. The winners congratulate each other. The

European political integration. We have become rather more

losers commiserate with each other and the “Blame Game”

sure of our own national identity and the “difference” com-

begins …At exactly 6 am (British Summer Time), 2 am in the

pared to other Europeans.

morning here in Brazil, the official confirmation came that the UK had voted to leave the EU. Approximately one hour

At the same time, it is not quite as clear cut as some would

previously, the BBC pundits had already pointed out the vot-

make out. The great divide between Scotland and Northern

ing patterns and the fact that the majority of our compatriots

Ireland on one hand, England and Wales on the other was

had voted to leave. The end result: 51,9% of the participat-

more than apparent in the Referendum results. Another divide

ing voters (exactly 17 410 742 people) had voted for change,

was between large urban centres and rural areas. The astute

while 48,1% (exactly 16 141 241 people) had voted for the

readers will remember the statistics I mentioned in my pre-

status quo. A difference of 1 269 501 people, or a metropol-

vious article on minority ethnic groups in large urban areas.

itan area the size of Greater Glasgow had just voted for the

The very fabric of the UK as a country has been pulled apart

entire country to leave the European Union.

at the seams and I suspect that a second Scottish referendum on independence will not be far away. In these fascinating,

The shockwaves were immediate and were felt across the

yet troubling times, we should not forget that diversity in

world. Commentators, pundits, politicians, foreign “experts”

terms of identity, multiculturalism and religion in the UK is

all queued up to offer their opinion as to why the UK voted

here to stay. While Brexit is now to be a reality we cannot

the way it did. Brussels, that boringly staid city, was in uproar.

turn our back on decades of multiculturalism that has been

Brussels in uproar? Well that was a first. One image that will

the backbone of British society since the end of World War

stay in my mind forever was that of Nigel Farage in the

2. The waves of immigrants from the old Empire and colon-

European Parliament giving his “I told you so” speech to his

ies changed the faces of our towns and cities in the 1960s

fellow MEPs. It is said that if you were alive when President

and they brought with them, a shining enrichment of the very

Kennedy was shot in Dallas in 1963 you will always remember

fabric of what makes us British today. I suspect that the UK

where you were when you first heard the news. The same is

will once again seek to renew its ties with the old Common-

said of Princess Diana when it was announced she had been

wealth in years to come, as well as look to expand its relations

killed in a tragic accident in Paris in 1997. I am certain that

with growing economies, such as Brazil, China and, of course,

we will all remember the 23rd June 2016. So what exactly

India, as an independent yet culturally diverse island nation.

does this have to do with Multiculturalism and Diversity? I

Only the future will show us the way. Only the future will judge

very much appreciated Penelope Freedman’s words in the

what happened on the 23rd June 2016.

Richard Lawrence

HUMOUR

17

SUDOKU

HUMOUR The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will not be the official language of the European Union. German is the other possibility. As part of the negotiations, the British Government with their Brexit conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known as “Euro-English”.

In the first year, “s” will replace the sibilant “c”. Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard “c” will be dropped in favour of “k”. This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome “ph” will be replaced with “f”. This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter. In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where more

komplikated changes are possible. Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.

Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent “e” in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away. By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing “th”with “z” and “w” with “v”. During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary “o” kan be dropd from vords kontaining “ou” and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensibl riten styl.

Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi TU understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru. Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas. If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl.

And Congratulations you have learnt German in minutes.

SUDOKU Puzzle Number 62 | Level: Hard The rules of Sudoku are simple. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit.So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing.

Solution on page 23

7 8 1 3 2 4 8 2 6 3 4 7 5 2 6 6 5 1 3 9 4

6 3 7 2 3 6 1 7

18

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DOCTOR ALBERT SCHWEITZER A doctor who offered hope – by William Moffitt Harris

19

the man, with the help of a passerby, shoved the cart forwards with his shoulders. He then caressed the horse and made

From my teen years through college, the idea of being able

sure no bones were broken. His love for animals and all living

somehow to go out to Africa and learn practical community

beings was a highlight throughout his whole life. The owner

medicine with Dr. Schweitzer and his multi-professional crew

of the cart stood by and watched dumbfounded not quite

fascinated me. His whole life was devoted to God and to

understanding what was going on, as beating mules and

mankind. He kept repeating in his sermons: ”... devotion to

horses was quite natural to the inhabitants in that area in

Truth, Beauty and Justice is the way one can carry out the

those days. He told Schweitzer that he most certainly would

religious desire... not my will, but Yours be done”. His com-

not shoe the horse with the money the doctor gave him. Only

passion and dedication to the poor stood out right from the

dgrfvery rich people did that. He would go downtown to buy

beginning as the correct Christian outlook in an ever growing

bread, a chicken and fruit for his family. He even asked Sch-

mercantile world after both World Wars. One of his written

weitzer whether he would not like to keep the horse and cart

legacies is the Legacy of Service: “Everyone must work to

for himself. He also would not have to pay for the logs. More

live, but the purpose of life is to serve and show compassion

as a joke, the doctor examined the horse’s teeth and told the

and the will to help others”.

chap to go to blazes as the horse was at least twenty years old!

Dr. Thomas Russel Warren from the Samaritano Hospital, in São Paulo, a good friend of my family, who had helped me

On arriving at their destination they were honouzrrably wel-

considerably, both financially and as a councillor during my

comed by a choir lined up in front of the building that was

undergraduate years, talked me out of it and told me that a

to be their first house. Quite loud as possible, those fifty or

better choice for me would be to go upcountry where most

more voices, both adults and kids from five upwards did their

of the population was in need of doctors. Thus, it was a way

best to sing three or four congregational hymns and songs

to give back to the Brazilians the free professional course I

in their own language to traditional French, German and

had received at the university. I took his advice and, with my

Flemish tunes they had learnt from the Dutch Lutheran

wife, went to Osvaldo Cruz, upcountry, eleven hours away

preacher who went by every now and then. Whilst the boys

by train from São Paulo in those days. We stayed there for a

and girls went to their bedroom quarters separated by the

couple of years. But that is another story.

main building where the Saturday Assemblies and Services

W.M.H.

were held, the couple, tired with the long and tedious journey, On Good Friday 1913 the couple travelled to the Lutheran

still had to patiently put up with a festive dinner where they

Mission at Lambarènè in French Equatorial Africa (today Re-

ate all sorts of local unidentifiable table delicacies. By eleven,

public of Gabon – 950,000 total population in 1970), on the

hardly getting a wash, after shooing off cockroaches, spiders,

Alembe steamboat upstream the Ogooué River from the

scorpions and bedbugs, they crawled into bed under the

Cape Lopez seaport near Port Gentile a hundred and fifty

mosquito netting as quickly as possible as they were already

kilometres against a strong current to their destiny. Gabon

being vigorously bitten. It was a rustic house built on wooden

sits astride the Equator from which Lambarènè is about fifty

piles accessed by a few irregular steps where Mrs. Schweitzer

kilometres away. It took them over a month to get there from

tripped and slightly twisted her ankle. Were it not for her

where they departed in France. An episode that occurred on

precious family relic, an ivory handled, steel walking stick,

this first trip of Schweitzer’s to Africa illustrates a facet of his

the accident would have had more serious consequences.

character. On stepping ashore at Dakar he saw a man beat-

Her devoted husband bandaged her foot and ankle and for

ing his horse because the cart, overloaded with tree logs,

a few days his first patient there at Lambarènè went limping

was stuck in the mud and wouldn’t budge.The doctor with

around. At Lambarènè, Schweitzer started to construct a hos-

his strong physical build at thirty eight took off his boots,

pital immediately, later known as the Forest Hospital.

rolled up his trousers and after shouting a short sermon at

20

SÃO PAULO GARDEN CLUB International Affiliate of National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC) USA.

NAFAS and the Royal Horticultural Society, UK) presents their 77th ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW ``CLIMATE CHANGE`` at the Brazilian British Centre - Rua Ferreira de Araújo, 741 Pinheiros, São Paulo, SP by kind permission of the Cultura Inglesa

Beeby’s Gourmet will be serving afternoon tea on Saturday starting at 3.00 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. on The Deck by the garden downstairs and on Sunday they will be serving lunch from midday onwards

Opening Ceremony on Saturday 1st October, 2016 at 10.30 a .m.

The Calendar is a guide to home gardening for the amateur gardener. Our 2017 edition covers the importance of the active participation of us all in preserving green areas and protecting natural resources. You will also find tips on gardening techniques, recipes tested and approved by our members and a list of the scientific names of plants mentioned in the text.

Exhibition open to general public (Free Admission) Saturday 1st October 10.00 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.

Sunday 2nd October 10.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

For more information on how to place your order, go to our site – www.calendariodojardim.com.br or by telephone (11) 5541 8750

The São Paulo Garden Club calendar 2017 will be available during the show.

CARAJAS SCOUT GROUP JULY CAMP IN ITARARÉ – BOY SCOUTS & GIRL SCOUTS

Kim Govier From the 9th to the 17th July, the Carajás Scout Group held the long-awaited July Camp in Itararé, close to the border with Paraná. We had nine days full of learning, overcoming challenges and forminng new friendships.

The July Camp in Itararé is a tradition for the Carajás; the last one happened in 2009. Some of those who were Scouts back then are now Leaders, able to pass on years of experience to today’s teenagers. Besides being a longer camp than usual, this July Camp was for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, in which they camped together. The 27 participants were divided into three new patrols: Tarsius, Wolves and Leviathan.

The camp’s theme was International Maritime Trade.

Over the course of nine days the patrols competed and earned money to buy ships, goods, ports and to produce manufactured artefacts. The patrols positioned their boats on a board in the form of a World Map and created several routes, buying and selling products in different countries. They needed to analyse many charts before each round in order to find the best prices and most efficient routes. On the fifth day of the camp Pirate Ships were introduced, plundering ships that crossed their path. The competition was fierce and in the end Leviathan was the winning patrol.

21

The first few days of camp were used to build tents, kitchens, and for pioneering. The other days were filled with games and other activities focused on learning and perfecting new scout techniques. There were Base Games, in which the patrols rotated between different activities developing skills in each one, such as: Morse Code, fire techniques, orienteering, first aid, abseiling, etc. There were also big games such as Life Games, Stalking and our famous Running Man. Throughout the camp there were also Inspections, in which the leaders scored the patrols on organization, quality and hygiene in their tents and kitchens. We took daily baths in a freezing river; after all, “A Scout is clean”.

Over the nine days we also had meal contests: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Competitions. They all cooked very well, taking into consideration the difficulty of having enough food for nine days in the middle of the forest.

On the sixth day we went on a hike, walking for two hours to a canyon and having a picnic at the top of a rock. The view was breathtaking and it was a fresh, sunny day, allowing us to make the most of it.

On Sunday we headed back to São Paulo and everybody slept in the bus. However, more than the tiredness, aches and pains, what lasts forever are our memories and experiences over the nine days of camping along with our scouting brothers and sisters.

22

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL

THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND OUR FAITH St. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, says, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” (Chapter 9 verse 25) As we have seen over the past few weeks, this is certainly true of those competing in Rio-2016. We have seen the heroic way that so many athletes have overcome terrific physical and financial barriers to be able to compete in the Olympics. Pain and hardships were often a constant companion in their lives. Although many tried only a few are now in Rio basking in the glory of competing in an Olympic Games and even fewer will be honoured with a medal.

However, St. Paul continues this verse with the sombre words, “They do it to get a crown that will not last.”

And how true this is. They establish new records that were considered impossible and yet, one by one, those records are broken and a new one established. Their moment of glory does not last forever.

But St. Paul concludes the verse with these words, “But we do it to get a crown that will last for ever.”

Are you training to perfect your faith so that you will be fit to receive the eternal promises of God? Are you prepared to face hardships, difficulties and even doubts to strain towards the crown that God is offering you?

Maybe during these Olympic Games we should increase our training not only for our glory, but for God’s glory as well.

Bishop Roger D. Bird.

Dean Rev. Aldo B Quintão Bishop Roger D. Bird Bishop Glauco S. de Lima Rua Com Elias Zarzur, 1239 Alto da Boa Vista, São Paulo 04736-000 Tel/Fax (11) 5686.2180 www.catedralanglicana.tv.br

GENERAL COMMUNITY CALENDAR I SUDOKU SOLUTION

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Check out for more details. Visit www.britishsociety.org.br Event

Date

Time

Place

Sponsor

23rd Alpha Course

Sep 3

16.00

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

24rd Alpha Course

Sep 4

19.45

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

Quiz Night

Sep 14

Brazilian British Centre

St Andrew Society

Carajás Super Party

Sep 24

To be decided

Carajás Scouts

Legion Churrasco

Sep 25

SPAC

Royal British Legion

Annual Flower Show

Oct 1/2

Brazilian British Centre

S˜åo Paulo Garden Club

Berlin Tattoo

Nov 3/6

Berlin

St Andrew Society

Caledonian Ball

Nov 22

Clube Transatlântica

St Andrew Society

School Play

Nov 24/26

St. Paul’s School

St. Paul’s School

12.00

Senior School Instrumental Nov 30 Concert

19.00

St. Paul’s School

St. Paul’s School

Christmas Bazaar

Dec 3

11.00

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

Advent Carol Service

Dec 5

18.30

St. Paul’s School

St. Paul’s School

AGM

Dec 8

Brazilian British Centre

British Society

Camp Fire

Dec 3

To be decided

Carajás Scouts

Christingle Service

Dec 21

19.45

St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

Christmas Day Service

Dec 25

10.00

St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

Jamboree Panamericano

Dec 27 - Jan 2

Ecuador

Carajás Scouts

SUDOKU SOLUTION Puzzle Number 62 | Level: Hard

7 3 5 8 4 1 6 2 9

8 9 4 6 5 2 7 1 3

1 2 6 3 9 7 4 8 5

6 4 8 5 3 9 1 7 2

3 5 1 2 7 6 9 4 8

9 7 2 4 1 8 5 3 6

2 8 7 1 6 5 3 9 4

4 6 9 7 8 3 2 5 1

5 1 3 9 2 4 8 6 7

23

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