Merry Christmas

Dear All

As those of us here in the UK are in the full throes of winter, we think across the miles of the warm blue skies of Chile’s summer and all of us preparing for Christmas and the holiday season. The warmth of friendship knows no boundaries and that is what the Anglo-Chilean Society is about – promoting warm ties and understanding of Chile in the UK and reaching out with a helping hand to those who need support in Chile.

Those principles have stood since the Anglo Chilean Society was formed in 1944. As we enter our 80th year we will continue to further the objectives of the Society and hope you will join us in our events and activities. This year has also seen celebrations of 200 years of diplomatic and trade ties between UK and Chile and we have been pleased to work with both the Embassy of Chile in London and the UK Embassy in Chile. The Anglo Chilean Society though remains an independent and apolitical and areligious organisation. In the last year our activities have celebrated past, present and future Chile. Events have included a book launch about the writer, historian and politician Benjamin Vicuña MacKenna; a visit to the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) which includes a bust of Chile’s Piloto Pardo, pivotal in the rescue of Shackleton’s men from Antarctica; in partnership with several mining companies, a keynote conference with Aurora Williams, Chile’s Minister of Mining, highlighting the exciting future ahead for Chile with critical minerals and hydrogen energy; the dance excellence and creativity of the Ballet de Santiago; and archeoastronomy on Easter Island.

Through our charitable work projects supported include equipment to build up sewing and handicrafts in the community of Santa Juana, badly hit by Chile’s forest fires; art workshops for the elderly; science and energy workshops for young people; solar panels for the RapaNui Planetarium and Observatory; a biography of the Chilean footballer, George Robledo; a UK tour of Chilean music and musicians; a semi documentary on Concepción celebrating a myth of Pink Floyd; Chilean artists at both the London Design Biennale and the London Art Biennale;  contribution to the launch of the award winning Chilean documentary ‘The Eternal Memory’.

A wide ranging mix of the best of Chile and different angles on Chile. We want to do more – and raising funds is key. Your support is valued and important. Help us do more with ideas for events and fundraising, with your generous donations and by encouraging good grant applications.  Most of all come and join us.

With Best Wishes from All at The Anglo Chilean Society for Christmas and the New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2024.