Speaking on Saturday, December 20, 2025, we have :
1st: Shafik Meghji – Small Earthquakes: A Journey Through Lost British History in South America
In his new book Small Earthquakes, award-winning travel writer and author Shafik Meghji uncovers the fascinating story of Britain’s forgotten connections with South America, from the Atacama Desert to Tierra del Fuego, Easter Island to South Georgia.
Focusing on Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, the book tells a tale of footballers and pirates, nitrate kings and wool barons, polar explorers and cowboys, missionaries and radical MPs.
From a ghost town in one of the world’s driest deserts to a far-flung ranch in the sub-polar tundra; rusting whaling stations in the South Atlantic to an isolated railway built by convicts; the southernmost city on the planet to a crumbling port known as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, Small Earthquakes brings to life the past, present and future of this remarkable continent.
‘Meghji has the true travel writer’s eye for the comic, pathetic and tragic, and for the places where they collide… This is writing full of rust, wind and sadness. It captures splendidly the air of South America and the long, withdrawing roar of an empire whose influence once reached far beyond its political borders.’ – The Times
‘Rekindles a sense of wonder and expands our idea of what travel can be… Combining the immediacy of a travel memoir with the depth of a scholarly history lesson.’ – BBC Travel
Shafik will be happy to sign copies of the book after his talk.
2nd: Justyna Hellebrand – Three trips to Paraguay.
Justyna will present her journey to Paraguay, a country often overlooked, this captivating nation is a hidden gem, offering a truly unique experience for those fascinated by rich biodiversity, or natural wonders such as the Monday Falls and Cerro Koi.
A country with the remarkable story of a Catholic bishop who ascended to the presidency, a traditional “sopa paraguaya” that’s actually not a soup but corn bread and the origin of mate drinking,(not a beer with your mates 😉 a practice first discovered by the indigenous Guaraní people.
She’ll tell the story of a sticky situation (for not having an entry stamp in her passport!) and talk about 2 Christian communities – Mennonites, who, originated from a region of Poland occupied by Prussia, have played a pivotal role in flourishing Paraguayan agriculture and the Bruderhof community, with whom Justyna has maintained a personal connection for over 40 years.
Expect the unexpected as we weave in a surprising mention of origami and the intriguing tale of how she met the “German Super Papa” – a man who adopted many children in Paraguay and faced a 30-month prison sentence. She’ll also talk about ñandutí lace and the enchanting melodies of the Paraguayan harp.
This talk will be an unforgettable adventure into the soul of Paraguay – a country waiting to be discovered!
Date & Time: Saturday 20th December 2025
Doors open at 14:15 in London and on Zoom with the talks starting around 14:45 (London see Event Time Announcer for local times), please arrive before 14:45 and switch your phone to “do not disturb” or silent.
We would ask that anyone with respiratory symptoms participate via Zoom.
Admission costs:
- £7 for members. (Members can access a ticket code below or from the members area.)
- £10 for non-members. (save £3 if you join at this meeting)
- a recording to watch later will be available to members and non-member ticket holders.
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Tickets go on sale just before the meetings.