Event celebrates 100 years of history and unity within the British community in São Paulo

Representatives from the main institutions of the British community in São Paulo gathered on Monday 18 May at the Brazilian-British Centre for the event ‘British Society SP – a conversation about 100 years of history’.

As the name suggests, it was an event to reflect on and celebrate the great achievements of British institutions in Brazil — many of which are over a century old — and also to discuss plans for the future. Sarah Clegg, Deputy Consul for the British Government in São Paulo, and Germana Cruz, President of Britcham in São Paulo, opened the discussions by speaking about the close relationship between Brazil and the UK in the fields of politics and trade, respectively.

Next, Andrew Greenlees, President of the FBB and the British Society SP, chaired a debate in which the following took part: Titus Edge, from St Paul’s School; Liliane Rebello, from Cultura Inglesa; Rev. Johny, from the Anglican Church / Anglican Institute; Ian Cook, from the St Andrew Society SP; Isabella Stevens, from Carajás; and Andre Schierz, from SPYC.

The first to speak was Titus, who recalled that St Paul’s was founded 100 years ago as a school for British families living in São Paulo, and that it continues to be guided by that aim. He pointed out that the choice of Sala São Paulo for the dinner The institution’s centenary celebrations were no coincidence; after all, the venue is situated next to Luz Station, a symbol of the British contribution to São Paulo’s architecture.

Liliane Rebello spoke about this significant moment in the rebuilding of Cultura Inglesa at the post-pandemic and recalled the institution’s mission to democratise English-language education, enabling more and more people to gain access to culture on a global scale.

Reverend Johny pointed out that the Anglican Church, which holds Sunday services in English, It is a space where the community can practise its traditions and culture, whilst also playing an important social role through the Anglican Institute’s nurseries, which cater for around 1,800 children in vulnerable areas of the city.

Representing the new generation of the Speaking to the community, Isabella Stevens drew on her experience with the Carajás Group and spoke about how she believes Scouting helps to shape better citizens. Andre Schierz, from the São Paulo Yacht Club, celebrated the partnership with Carajás, which has its headquarters and a museum at the club, and emphasised the SPYC’s legacy as the first to establish itself in Guarapiranga, highlighting the importance of events such as the Opening Regatta and the sailing school.

To round off the debate, Andrew Greenlees presented the results of the FBB’s social programmes over the past year and emphasised that the Foundation’s work has only gone from strength to strength over the course of nearly 80 years thanks to the support of the British community.

It was a memorable evening! We are incredibly grateful to all our guests and to the representatives from the American Society, the São Paulo Garden Club and La Bienfaisance who were present. Above all, we would like to thank the members of the British community who joined us to support the event.

May we continue together, growing stronger, over the coming decades. Below are some photos from the event.