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	New Season of Events at Canning House: Plants of Latin America Part I. The natural world possesses an incredible beauty and intelligence, each plant with its own story to tell. Over the next few months our journey will take us through the veins of Latin America, a rich land with more plant diversity than any other continent. On our travels we will discover the stories of edible and dye plants, of useful and seductive flowers, of seed trade and migration - to explore the gifts that the natural world has given humanity.


	The lines between food, medicine and poison are fine ones, yet their boundaries sometimes appear confusingly blurred. For Amazonian peoples, finding the right balance means the difference between life and death. William Milliken explores the apparently contradictory properties of the plants and animals of the Amazon forest, and how the region's inhabitants have learned to harness them in order to survive.


	Two thousand years ago, in pre-Columbian times, rulers of the Middle American and Andean empires, fond of wearing colourful costumes, had propitiated a complex organization for the production, trade, and storing of dyestuffs, as well as the development of dyeing techniques. Although the conquest of their territories put an end to the existing social system, the skilful workers, especially women, who had for centuries created the magnificent paraphernalia for the high classes, kept all their skills and continued to dye and weave for their own domestic use. This talk is about the miraculous survival among indigenous crafts people, of ethno botanical and technical knowledge related with dyes and weaving. Introduction by Jo Kirby, National Gallery.


	Latin America has more plant diversity than any other continent. This talk will show both some of the beauty of the flowers of the Amazon region and show how many crops of worldwide importance have come for the Latin America. For example: cassava, maize, pineapple, potatoes, and tomatoes all originated in Latin America. He will concentrate more on some of the lesser known useful plants and from his studies of ethnobotany the ways in which they are used by indigenous populations especially of Amazonia and the Atlantic forests. Professor Sir Ghillean Prance was Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew from 1988 to 1999. He was McBryde Professor at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii 2001-02 and is now a Senior McBryde fellow there. He is Scientific Director of the Eden Project in Cornwall and a Visiting Professor at Reading University. He is author of nineteen books and has published over 510 scientific and general papers in taxonomy, ethnobotany, economic botany, conservation and ecology. Book launch The Lecture will be followed by the Launch of Mist of the Earth by Ruth Geni Donario and Denise Milan. This is an intimate account of caiçara life in southern Amazonia, recently translated into English by Anne Prance.


	Canning House and Trinity College, in collaboration with Helen Glaisher-Hernandez bring you another enchanting evening of classical and contemporary Latin American music. A range of pieces influenced by, and exploring, food and plants of the region, including work by Ginastera, Ricardo Lorenz, Leo Brouwer and many others. The programme also features the British Premier of Mexican Enrique Gonzalez Medina.


	John Hemming tells about three remarkable young English naturalists who went to the Amazon in the mid-nineteenth century - with no money or education - and became some of the greatest botanists and collectors this country has ever produced: Henry Walter Bates, Alfred Russel Wallace and Richard Spruce. One of their many achievements was to bring back the cinchona tree with its malaria palliative quinine. Soon after their many years of adventures in the Amazon came the amazing rubber boom, hat filled Manaus and Iquitos with flamboyant millionaires but brought misery to seringueiros and Indians - and that was burst by other Englishmen moving rubber to Asian plantations.


	Michael Gonzalez is Professor of Latin American Studies at Glasgow University. He is a specialist in Spanish-American culture, literature and history, film and music; also in Spanish Language, especially for interpreting and other vocational purposes. His interests include the Mexican novel and modern poetry, as well as the role of music in Latin American culture. He edited the OUP Encyclopedia of Latin American Culture.


	A mid-life crisis prompted writer Simon Prichard to try and rekindle his love affair with Spain. For six months he wandered from fiesta to fiesta to get a concentrated dose of the Spanish genius for celebration. Among other oddities, he took part in a smoke procession, witnessed a drunken pole climbing contest, saw young men whip themselves with medieval scourges and was beaten with burning torches by an entire village. A Talk based on the book that Simon really should get around to publishing. Thank you to Camino Restaurant and Wines from Spain for your support.


	A series of black and white photographs by the Italian photographer, Luca Rinaldini, who visited cacao plantations in northeast of Brazil in 2004. Texts from Jorge Amado's novels set around the cocoa farming accompany the images. Through the poetic language of Amado and that of photography, the exhibition entices us to discover the fruit, the harvest, the rituals, the workers and the physical and cultural environment of cocoa production. Rinaldini specialises in monographic photo essays both in colour and black and white, principally on his trips across Asia, Central and South America. The exhibition runs until 6 June.


	In a forgotten Mexico Tita and Pedro fall in love, but are forbidden to marry. Mama Elena sees Tita's role as her caretaker for life - no youngest daughter has ever married and her daughter will not be the first to break tradition. Tita's heart breaks when her mother instead offers to Pedro her other daughter, and he accepts. Now they live in the same house, and Mama Elena cannot forbid their love as she did their marriage. Mexico, 1992, 105 mins (Spanish with English subtitles). Pre-screening talk with Ignacio Duran, Minister of Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in London.


	An exclusive performance with two Bossa Nova greats, Carlos Lyra and Marcos Valle, at Canning House. Carlos Lyra is one of the creators of the Bossa Nova movement and composer of many classics of Brazilian Popular Music. Marcos Valle is a composer from the "second wave" of bossa nova musicians. His swingy, dance-driven style created a new bossa: the drum'n'boss. Through voice, piano, guitar and a little conversation, we retrace Bossa Nova from its emerging years in the late 50s to its present fusion of the 21st century. Sponsored by the Meliá White House Hotel, Regent's Park. Part of Sol Meliá international group.


	A month of great shows presenting the best in Latin music in venues across central London and Liverpool. Shows include Paco Pena, The Ipanemas, Café Tacuba and Bajofondo Tango Club among others. Info & updates: www.comono.co.uk/lalinea


	A new production of the classic Brazilian play Pobre Menina Rica which features twelve songs composed by two of the founders of the Bossa Nova movement, Carlos Lyra and Vinicius de Moraes. This production is part of the celebrations of 50 years of Bossa Nova in 2008. After a successful run in December 2007, the play is coming back to the London stage. Don't miss it! www.etceteratheatre.com


	New works from several generations of Brazilian artists from the 'New Brazilian Figuration' artists of the 1960s to emerging artists of the 21st century. The exhibition will question whether there is a national artistic identity, especially timely as Brazil is receiving increased international exposure. Curated by Maria do Mar Guinle. email@allsoppcontemporary.com www.allsoppcontemporary.com


	'Ainadamar' revolves around Federico Garcia Lorca and his play Mariana Pineda. An actress Margarita, passes on to her young student, Nuria, her memories of Lorca, murdered in 1936. There will also be a pre-concert talk at 6:30 with Osvaldo Golijov in conversation with Maria Delgado, Professor of Theatre and Screen Arts at Queen Mary, University of London. www.barbican.org.uk/music/series.asp?ID=460


	Join photographer Sue Cunningham in support of a very noble cause for a talk with stunning photographs of the Indians of the Xingu river who are under threat. www.guanabara.co.uk Read more: www.ipcst.org


	Otumpa Gallery hosts an exhibition and photographic selection by Monica Nyrar of stunning Mapuche textiles. There will also be workshops and demostrations during this time. info@otumpa.com www.otumpa.com


	Pedro Costa's latest film was one of the most fascinating competition entries at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. Set in Libson's dilapidated Cape Verdean ghetto as it undergoes urban renewal, its episodic narrative, developed by the director with his non-professional cast and shot in digital video, unfolds as a series of seemingly disconnected encounters. www.institut-francais.org.uk


	Mexican novelist and short story writer, Ignacio Padilla, will talk about recent developments in the novel in Latin America.


	Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca returns to London with his mesmerising quintet following his sold-out show at this year's London Jazz Festival which was met with two standing ovations. Joining him as his special guest is Omara Portuondo, one of the great singers from Buena Vista Social Club and an exciting young jazz artist, Esperanza. www.bargican.org.uk


	Performed by staff and students of Trinity College of Music, with special guests Peña. Composers include Mompou, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, D'Rivera, Piazzolla, Ponce, Witter-Johnson. Proceeds to Help Argentina www.helpargentina.org


	Caveat emptor - this book is more about "the heritage" than it is about "Chilean wine" specifically; it is, in short, a world history of wine rather than a winebibber's guide to Chilean wines. Rodrigo Alvarado is a leading Chilean wine writer and historian; this particular book was first published in Chile (Origo Ediciones, 2004), and has been translated for this English edition by Margaret Snook. Alvarado really does go back to the beginning here, starting with the first appearance of Vitis, the grapevine, in the Tertiary period. His account is clear and interesting, a pleasantly easy read as he takes us through the production and imbibing of wine from the Old World and Middle Ages into early modern times. Alvarado begins his chapter 'Modern Times' in 1492, and it is here that Latin America makes its first appearance in the story of wine. Thereafter he divides the account to cover the 'Contemporary Era' (1789-1950) in the Old and New Worlds, rounding things off with the story of 'Chilean Vitiviniculture' between 1950 and 2004. His account is further enlivened by numerous colourful, cheerful (and in one case rather cheeky) illustrations and maps by the Chilean artist Raquel Echenique. So all in all a charming history studded - as these things should be - with nuggets of intriguing information: did you know, for example, that it's thought "the first wine bottle was fabricated in 1657 for the King's Head Tavern in Oxford, England"? Text provided by Alan Biggins, Librarian at Canning House


	Wendy Emmett is the co-ordinator of the Cuba Organic Support Group (COSG), which, since 1998, has supported urban farmers and gardeners in Cuba, and publicised the Cuban agricultural initiatives in the UK. Wendy is an enthusiastic amateur organic gardener who lives in Cumbria. She has visited Cuba on several occasions, and worked on a citrus farm there. She has also organised and led study tours to Cuba, looking at other environmental issues, as well as horticulture. CLICK HERE to read her article. COSG website: www.cosg.org.uk Photos by Eduardo Martino Brazilian photojournalist based in London. He is mainly interested in social, political and cultural subjects. In particular, effects of immigration within communities, as well as identity issues in areas of religious, cultural or economical tension. Eduardo's website: www.eduardomartino.com/index.html


	On Thursday 13th March 2008, Mr. Zac Goldsmith, Director of The Ecologist presented the prizes for the Canning House Essay Competition for excellence in Spanish and Portuguese. This year's subject title was 'The Environment in Latin America: An asset to the rest of the world' and two of the five finalists were awarded the superb prize of return flights to the Latin American country of their choice and a cheque for £250 generously donated by Iberia. The five finalists from schools in Durham, Cheshire, London and Swindon wrote on a broad scope of environmental issues from the importance of the Amazon rainforest, the debate on energy and biofuels to discussions on ethnobotany and even medicine, poetry and art. Mr. Zac Goldsmith congratulated all students who entered the competition and added that "the essay competition has promoted not only language skills, research and analysis to some of the most pivotal themes on the environment, but has also encouraged the students to discover how complex issues related to the environment are". Within this same thread of thought, Professor Tim Connell, who chaired the Assessment Panel, commented on the overall high quality of the essays presented. He said, "We hear so much bad news about languages in schools that it is refreshing to see the standard of work that was sent in, from every part of the country and every kind of school. This is so important for the future health of Spanish. It would be good if we could see a new emphasis on Portuguese, not least because it is also a major world language". The Portuguese essay winner was given a cheque for £250 by Banco Itaú. The prize-giving ceremony was hosted by Baroness Hooper OBE, Vice-President of Canning House, who is keen to establish the essay competition as a core initiative in the educational work of Canning House as a means of encouraging students to learn more about the Spanish and Portuguese speaking worlds and also as a means of stimulating critical analysis and research on core global issues such as climate change and the environment. For more information on the competition and results and other education initiatives please go to: www.canninghouse.com


	The Canning House library is a hidden treasure. Open Mon-Fri from 2pm-6pm, it has a wealth of books, journals and films to nourish your continuous curiosity - in Spanish, Portuguese & English. CLICK HERE for updates


	Canning House Latin American Literature Book Group Love reading? Read & discuss Latin American literature in English. The group meets once a month at Canning House. CLICK HERE for more info


	This recipe is one of our national dishes, it is very special since it can only be made in September which is the time when tender walnuts are in season. This is a good dish to make at weddings, and if you happen to be in Mexico during September, try eating these at a good restaurant, they are truly memorable. This recipe is an adaptation from a recipe that comes from my mother's beloved godmother Carmen. Makes 12 chillies Preparation time: 1 hour Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes For the chillies: 12 medium sized poblano chillies 4 eggs, yolks and whites separated 90 g / 1 cup of plain flour 250 g / 1 cup vegetable or corn oil For the walnut sauce: 100 walnuts 500 ml / 2 cups single cream 1 clove of garlic 2 teaspoons breadcrumbs 100 g / 4 oz fetta cheese For the filling: 300 g / 11 oz lean pork mince 500 ml / 2 cups pork stock or vegetable stock 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely minced 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon almond flakes 1 tablespoon raisins 1 tablespoon chopped green olives 1 boiled egg. The seeds of two pomegranates. Grill the chillies until black and put inside a plastic bag, wrap the bag and leave the chillies to sweat for 5 minutes, take the charred skins off. Make a slit sideways and wearing rubber gloves, take the seeds and veins out. Make the filling by sautéing the onion with the garlic, add the meat and the rest of the spices. Add some of the stock and a pinch of sugar. Cook for 15 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked Add the rest of the ingredients and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Fill the chillies with the meat mixture. Beat the egg whites with an electric blender until stiff peaks appear, add 2 of the egg yolks and beat until incorporated. Put the flour on a wide plate and roll the chillies in the flour, dip in the batter and fry in a hot frying pan with some of the oil until golden. Place on absorbent kitchen paper. Make the walnut sauce by mixing all the ingredients in a food processor, until pureed. If it is too thick add a bit of milk and mix again. Serve the poblanos on a nice dish and pour the sauce on top. Top with pomegranate seeds. Eat cold. Sofia has a degree in Chemistry and Food Science from Mexico City University, has written cookery books, appeared on Radio 4 programmes on cooking and runs her own catering/teaching company: Fiesta Sofia. She will be giving a talk & tasting at Canning House on 10 July where you will have the chance to try 'traditional' and 'modern' Mexican cuisine.


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