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The
Origins of the British and International Group of Caracas |
|
From
‘British War Charities’ to ‘British Ladies Society’ to British & International
Group, the group known locally as B.I.G. has evolved with the times. Read
on to find out how. (From
the reminiscences of Clara Worth, long-term resident of Caracas)
At the beginning of WWII (1939-1945) B.L.S. was founded in Caracas
as the "British War Charities",
helping the Red Cross, leper colonies, orphanages,
etc. etc. After 1946 its name changed to "British Ladies Charities"
and their activities constituted the sale of
marmalade, puddings, raffles, Xmas cakes at different bazaars and parties
held throughout the year.
By the year 1974 the group was in decline but Mrs. Molly Taylor,
wife of the British Ambassador reactivated
the group, renaming it the "British
Ladies Society" and the gatherings, meetings and so on were
strictly social. Later a branch of British Ladies was formed which called
itself the "Action Group". The Action Group brought in speakers
for the monthly meetings, made Christmas fare, held Bazaars, Bridge Teas
and Lunches, Fashion Shows, Outings, Visits to Museums & Art Galleries,
Concerts, Craft and so on, with all the proceeds going to charity. The
name "British Ladies" continued until 2002, when it changed
once again to the name "British & International Group"
we know today, but the group remains, in essence, much the same as ever,
promoting friendship through the provision of diverse activities, whilst
at the same time making a worthwhile contribution towards charities in
the community. |
During
1968 Clara Worth and other Shell wives, joined together with those of
various British companies, to prepare Xmas cakes and puddings, being