The year 2018 is almost over, and what a year it has been. As I write we are not quite sure (but almost !) who will be our new President and the same goes for Govenors. I guess we will all be glad when the politicians get down to running the country.

I should like to draw your attention to the Annual General Meeting of the Fundação Britânica de Beneficiença which will be held on December 6th 2018 at the Brazilian British Centre (see below for details)

This is an important meeting, and, for those who have doubts and queries about all the activities organized under the umbrella of the British Society, this is your opportunity to clarify and also offer your comments. It is also where the officers who look after our community affairs are elected, the activities of the year are examined and discussed and future plans presented.

Good communication between the Society and the members is vital for the survival of our community. We consider the written version of Spotlight an important instrument . I should like to thank all those who contributed, many generously donating additional funds. This meant that all those contributions released funds which were then able to be used for our Welfare programme. Sadly, nearly half our readers have still not subscribed.

The Society has been active on many fronts during the year, and the community celebrated various activites: the Queen’s Birthday celebration, churrascos, dances, bazaars and other charitable events put together by members of the Community.

Sadly , as in every year we said farewell to loved ones, whom we remember at this time, but we also welcomed new ones into our fold.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal contributors for their regular and continued support. As I have said in previous editions, we would not have a Spotlight without you.

On behalf of of all of us at Spotlight I should like to wish our readers a very happy Christmas and a healthy and successful 2019.

Derrick Marcus

Also on this issue:

Conviviality Centre for the Elderly

New Head of Welfare at the British Society

Remembrance Day Service

Caledonian Ball

St. Andrew Society Pipes & Drums News

Loneliness

The battle of the carbs

Dr. Schweitzer’s dream almost destroyed but a good part of his treasury saved

To cut a long tail short