The Spanish Circle began in 1981 (see History, below).

History of the Spanish Circle

Until a few years ago, the Spanish Circle met at the University of Hertfordshire.  Over the years many members of the Spanish Circle have been, and many still are, staff and students of the University.  We now meet either at the function room of the Red Lion, Hatfield, or at a theatre, restaurant, cinema or other venue where a Spanish event is taking place.

Alan and Jenny Jones were original members and leaders of the Circle.  When asked how it began, Alan had this to say:

‘As far as we can recall, the start of the Circulo was in 1981, when teachers from Spanish evening classes in WGC, Broxbourne and Potters Bar decided (on Jenny's suggestion) to get their students together from time to time for a social group and to learn a bit about Spain. The formal start was the following year, when a committee and officers were elected.

Early highlights included:-

Very early on, a Christmas bring-and-share supper where numbers were reduced by heavy snowfall. But some made it, and a chap from Broxbourne brought some delicious hot calamares.

Visit by Spanish journalist Carlos Riera, whose face was familiar from the BBC television course ¡Digame!. He spoke about making the programmes, and also interviewed some members for his programme on Spanish radio.

Talk by Cora Portillo (Michael's mother) about her work with the Spanish refugee children who came to Britain during the Civil War. Some of the former children had got wind of her talk and came out from North London to meet her again.

Performance by South American folk group Amaru III, who got us all dancing to their vivacious renderings of Guantanamera etc.

 

Hertfordshire

Spanish Circle