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T H e Br i t i sh P o lo Day M ex i c o 20 1 4 presented by
Welcome Note 6
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Dear Guests, Welcome to the 3rd British Polo Day Mexico, presented by Land Rover. The longterm vision and complete support of our generous hosts the de Alba family continues to ensure that BPD Mexico remains a leading British Polo Day event, in what is now an increasingly interconnected 10 country annual cycle that spans all corners of the globe. The UK and Mexico are closer today than they have been for many years, with more and more people choosing to live, study, work in or visit each others’ countries – or indeed to just enjoy the best that our cultures have to offer. To celebrate this exciting new era in UK/Mexico relations, the two governments have agreed to designate 2015 as The Year of the UK in Mexico and The Year of Mexico in the UK. This interlinked Year will leave a legacy that brings British and Mexican societies even closer together in the years ahead. Partly as a result of this exciting news and partly due to the growing eminence and prominence of BPD Mexico year-on-year, British Polo Day is excited to have Mexico as the visiting country for BPD GB 2015. This event on home turf is hosted by the Schwarzenbach family in June at their estate near Henley and Mexico’s position as the visiting country follows on from India accepting a similar invitation in 2013, with Singapore doing likewise this year. Our thanks to all Charity Guests who have contributed to Dona en Vida and Amigas de Querétaro today. I urge all guests to use the donation form on p.78 of the programme to give generously to both Charities in the days and weeks ahead. With the bonds between our two nations set to strengthen even further next year, it is heartening to see this invitation only event flourish as it continues to represent excellence in its celebration and championing of cultural, diplomatic, political, sporting and philanthropic ties. Querétaro is the cradle of Mexican independence and the state is now a success story that attracts international investment to the benefit of the local population and the country as a whole, so it is an entirely fitting focal point as an example for the region. We wish you a splendid and interesting day and - through our global travel partners Abercrombie & Kent - please do join us in other countries, particularly BPD GB on Saturday 20th June 2015*. The British Polo Day Committee *
Details on the full itinerary for this and other legs can be found on the following web-addresses www.britishpoloday.com/Events and www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/british-polo-day.
H AY HISTORIAS QUE MERECEN SER ESCRITAS.
update
Creado en 1931 para jugadores de polo, el Reverso es uno de los excepcionales guarda-tiempos icónicos de la historia relojera. Su reverso puede ser personalizado permitiendo que elija el momento que pretende imortalizar. Nuestros grabadores, esmaltadores y engastadores harán de su historia una leyenda. Ningún Reverso será como el suyo. GRANDE REVERSO ULTRA THIN TRIBUTE TO 1931. Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822.
¡USTED SE MERECE UN AUTÉNTICO RELOJ!
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¡USTED SE MERECE UN AUTÉNTICO RELOJ!
¡USTED SE MERECE UN AUTÉNTICO RELOJ!
BRITISH
POLO
DAY Global Official Timekeeper
HACKETT.COM
P R O U D PA R T N E R O F B R I T I S H P O L O D AY M E X I C O
Welcome Note - Ambassador 10
timetable 14
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11.00am - 6.00pm : Land Rover Experience 12.00pm - 2.00pm : Taittinger Reception & Authored Brunch by Mateo Salas of Aperi Restaurant 2.00pm : Brompton Bicycle Polo 2.30pm : Opening Ceremony 3.00pm : The Cordillera British Exiles vs. The C&H Mexico Polo Team 4.15pm : Afternoon Tea by Panio & Tequila 4.30pm : The Hackett British Schools Polo Team vs. The Palacio de Hierro Balvanera Polo Team 6.00pm : Prize-Giving & The Royal Salute 6.30pm : Afterparty
BRITISH COUNTRY CLASSICS
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Makers of the world’s finest sporting guns and suppliers of luxury clothing and accessories for country pursuits VIP CONTACT John Stevenson, +44 (0) 777 552 1704 john.stevenson@hollandandholland.com
www.hollandandholland.com
t h e s t o ry o f r oya l s a l u t e 18
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Royal Salute was created in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. An exquisite blend of exceptional whiskies, it has celebrated noble leadership in all walks of life ever since. Continuing the legacy is Colin Scott, the fourth Master Blender of Royal Salute. A supreme craftsman with a lifelong passion for whisky, Colin maintains steadfastly the distinctive, powerful Royal Salute blend of 21 year old, and has developed the range of Royal Salute whiskies with new references in this tradition such as Royal Salute 38 Year Old Stone of Destiny, Royal Salute, The Diamond Tribute, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute as well as the pinnacle of the range Tribute to Honour. Since 2007, Royal Salute has been a proud sponsor in the World of Polo. Royal Salute now supports tournaments across five continents, including leading polo countries like Argentina, India, Spain, UK, China and USA - this global reach is paralleled by the journey of the Royal Salute brand as it expands – celebrating polo, in the most prestigious and luxurious destinations, thereby attracting a distinguished crowd with an appreciation of luxury and heritage. Polo is a game of power and grace, two values that are shared with Royal Salute. The greatest players are masters of their craft whose sublime horsemanship and respect for their mount allows them to play the noble sport according to the purity of its code. The brand’s commitment to polo is unrivalled; with Global Polo Brand Ambassadors such as the World no. 1 Facundo Pieres, England player, Malcolm Borwick and 13th Duke of Argyll – Torquhil Ian Campbell. Royal Salute is proud to be associated with and support British Polo Day – a powerful showcase of British luxury and excellence.
Although the ancient sport of polo began in Persia and China many centuries ago, the British reinvented the modern game in the Nineteenth Century. Sir Winston Churchill, one of the greatest proponents of the game, once famously said “a polo handicap is a passport to the world� and polo is still thriving everywhere it is played, from Argentina to New Zealand. British Polo Day carries on the tradition of the British playing polo against friends in a host of different countries around the world.
www.britishpoloday.com
Balvanera Polo & Country Club It gives us great pleasure to welcome British Polo Day for the third consecutive year. This is a testament to the strength of our shared vision, as well as the growing economic confidence and cultural opportunities within Mexico. This year we welcome Max Charlton, the newest member of The English Polo Team, as well as uprising talents representing The British Schools Polo Team. This illustrates how the well established relationship between Mexico and Britain continues to grow. We look forward to a successful third event which will bring a tighter consolidation to our mutual vision, on behalf of the whole family and Balvanera, I welcome all of our guests to the 3rd British Polo Day Mexico. Imelda de Alba
J a e g e r - L e C o u lt r e a n d P o l o 24
J a e g e r - L e C o u lt r e
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Once again this year, Jaeger-LeCoultre is gearing up for a polo season that looks set to be a thriller. Continuing a long tradition and a long standing affiliation with the world of polo, Jaeger-LeCoultre will be involved in this new Polo Season sponsoring some of the best competitions around the world and being well represented on the finest polo fields by its ambassadors, fired up by sporting ambition. They will proudly sport the Reverso, the iconic polo watch designed over 83 years ago in order to withstand the blows of a polo match while losing none of its elegance. Since 1931, Reverso embodies the elegance, teamwork and passion, the qualities that are intrinsic to the world of polo. This iconic watch was designed following an idea born in the Polo Fields of India from British polo players who had enough of having their watches shattered during their games. The famous reversible case was invented to protect the dial and the glass, exposing the metal back to possible shocks. From more than 80 years, the ties between the legendary swiveling case and polo have remained ingrained in the very fibers of the Reverso. JaegerLeCoultre is more closely linked to polo than ever, through regular sporting partnerships in a number of countries thanks to internationally recognized ambassadors. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre is proud to partner with British Polo Day.
Daniel Riedo CEO Jaeger-LeCoultre
Rules of polo 30
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The green player has the line, and at fair speed the white player would be crossing the line without sufficient safety margin, resulting in a penalty against white.
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When travelling in the same direction the white player may draw level with green and then force him across the line and take possession of the ball without committing a dangerous foul.
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Two players riding for a ball from opposite directions in the open must both give way to the left and take the ball on their right or offside.
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Even at a far lesser angle the white player would still be crossing the line if he continues in that direction, and committing a dangerous foul.
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The white player may move in parallel with the line and play a shot providing he can do so without interfering with the green’s mount or causing him to check back. If white would cross the line to the dotted position it would be a foul.
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When two players are approaching a ball in the open from different directions, the player (white), with the line of the ball on his offside, right hand side, has right of way.
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The Hackett Cup The Cordillera British Exiles vs The C&H Mexico Polo Team
Trophies & prizes
Presented By Carlos Hernandez The Holland & Holland “Shot of The Day” Presented By Chepo de Alba
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The Land Rover Trophy The Hackett British Schools Polo Team vs The Palacio de Hierro Balvanera Polo Team Presented By Joseph Chamasour The Royal Salute - Most Valuable Player Presented by Teresa Rigley Palacio de Hierro - Best Playing Pony Presented by Gael Deboise Mendez
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The British Exiles
Mexico Polo Team
Cordillera
C&H
1. Brook Bishop
(2)
1. Valerio Aguilar
(5)
2. George Meyrick
(6)
2. Pancho Aguilar
(3)
3. Max Charlton
(7)
3. Juan JosĂŠ de Alba
(3)
Bk. John Kent
(2)
Bk. Carlos Hernandez
(3)
TOTAL
17
TOTAL 14
British Schools Polo Team
Balvanera Polo Team
Hackett
Palacio de Hierro
1. The Marquess of Blandford
(0)
1.Miguel Gomez de Parada
(3)
2. Alex Rose
(1)
2. Imelda de Alba
(1)
3. David Ashby
(4)
3. Luis Perez
(2)
Bk. Max Kirchhoff
(0)
Bk. Carlos Astudillo
(0)
TOTAL
5
TOTAL 6
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THe Brompton Bicycle polo exhibition match 44
The Brompton Cycle Polo Exhibition Match
This year at the British Polo Day Mexico we are pleased to showcase Bicycle Polo in partnership with Brompton bicycles. All Bromptons are designed and built in their factory in West London, England. Brompton is one of only two major frame manufacturers still based in the UK, and have been in full production since 1988. The company remains in private hands and is now led by Will Butler-Adams, though the Brompton’s inventor, Andrew Ritchie, continues to act as Technical Director. Today, Bromptons are sold in 42 export markets. Bicycle Polo was invented in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1891 by retired cyclist, Richard J. Mecredy. That same year the first Bicycle Polo match was played between The Scalp and the Ohne Hast C.C.. Towards the end of the 19th century the game reached Great Britain, France, and the United States where the American Star Bicycle was a popular mount. The first international match was played between Ireland and England in 1901. Bicycle polo was a demonstration sport at the 1908 London Olympics with Ireland winning the gold, beating Germany. The sport reached its peak of popularity in Great Britain during the 1930s with the introduction of the regional leagues. Bicycle Polo also flourished in France during this period with the establishment of the French league. Internationals between France and Great Britain were held regularly. However the Second World War marked the beginning of the demise of Bicycle Polo in Britain. The sport managed to hang on in France though, with league championships held regularly still today. The 1980s saw the rise of two new powers in bicycle polo, India and USA. The Bicycle Polo Association of India was officially created in 1966 and the Bicycle Polo Association of America was created in 1994. International Bicycle polo matches staged a comeback in the 1990s with the first world championship organised in 1996 in the USA. Today there is organised bicycle polo being played in Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland and USA. Biycle Polo was officially recognised by the International Cycling Union in 2001.
Join the british polo day around the world As British Cavalry Officers travelled the four corners of the earth, they learnt to play and love polo, spreading the game from Argentina to Australia. Polo is thriving everywhere it is played. British Polo Day celebrates the heritage of the game in each country, reviving some of the old rivalries whilst bridging cultures in a quintessentially British Day. www.britishpoloday.com British Polo Day India, 12th, 13th & 14th December 2014 British Polo Day Abu Dhabi, 21st March 2015 British Polo Day Dubai, 27th March 2015 British Polo Day Morocco, 25th April 2015 British Polo Day USA, 30th May 2015 British Polo Day Great Britain, 20th June 2015 British Polo Day Russia, 25th July 2015 British Polo Day China, 13th September 2015 British Polo Day Australia, 1st November 2015 British Polo Day Mexico, 21st November 2015 Brazil, South Africa and South Korea to be added in 2016/17 If you would like to attend a British Polo Day, please email: britishpoloday@abercrombiekent.co.uk
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TEAMS - The Cordillera British Exiles 52
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The British Exiles Team is comprised of some of Britain’s top young players and a wide range of other polo enthusiasts, who play predominantly outside Britain at British Polo Days around the world – hence the “Exiles” After a narrow defeat to their Mexican adversaries in 2013, The British Exiles return with an increased handicap thirsty for a victory. George Meyrick (The Hackett Player of the Year) and Max Charlton, 6 & 7 handicaps respectively, make the short trip from Argentina. Earning their first British Polo Day caps here today in Mexico, John Kent (2) and Brook Bishop (2), have been recently recruited by The British Exiles Team in their quest to reclaim the coveted Hackett Trophy.
1. Brook Bishop
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2. George Meyrick
(6)
3. Max Charlton
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Bk. John Kent
(2)
TOTAL
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TEAMS - The C&H Mexico POLO team 54 1
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The two most significant polo areas in Mexico are Distrito Federal (based around Tecamac Polo Club just outside Mexico City) and Querétaro (shared between the two polo Clubs Balvanera and El Marques). There is no Pony Club system in Mexico, so these three Clubs produce the majority of players that go on to represent the national team. After a lull in recent years, Mexican polo is once again growing strongly as a result of a new crop emerging from long established polo families. The next generation of players are exposed to an increasingly competitive domestic circuit as well as developing their skills in England, the U.S. and Argentina. This year’s Mexico team combines the best of the established guard with the fresh talent in the ascendancy and will be seeking their second victory against The British Exiles in as any years.
1. Valerio Aguilar
(5)
2. Pancho Aguilar
(3)
3. Juan José de Alba
(3)
Bk. Carlos Hernandez
(3)
TOTAL
14
TEAMS - The Hackett British Schools Polo Team 56 1
The Hackett British Schools polo team
The British Schools Polo Team has been introduced as a nod not only to the best amateur traditions of the sport but also to institutions that are renowned and respected around the world. The transition to a sporting era of ever increasing professionalism inevitably displaces some of the spirit and charm of a bygone age. Since the assembly of The British Schools Polo Team, who in their inaugural match were victorious in obtaining the converted Charity Cup in Great Britain, they have since competed in Russia, China and now Australia. On the back of two losses the team will be determined to get back to winning ways against a vigorous Commonwealth Team. Today’s British Schools Team sees The Marquess of Blandford (0) at 1 and David Ashby (4) at 3, earn thier first BPD caps. The team is completed with Alex Rose (3) at 2 and Max Kirchhoff (0) at back.
1. The Marquess of Blandford
(0)
2. Alex Rose
(1)
3. David Ashby
(4)
Bk. Max Kirchhoff
(0)
TOTAL
5
TEAMS - The palacio de hierro Balvanera Polo Team 58
The Palacio de hierro Balvanera polo team
Since Chepo de Alba – owner of Balvanera Polo & Country Club and host of BPD Mexico – discovered his lifelong love of horses and the game itself, Balvanera has attracted the most talented polo players from the region. The most iconic names from the sport – the Gracida brothers, Antonio Herrera, Ernesto Trotz and Gonzalo Pieres Sr. among others – have all spent time with the family as players and friends. Its renown within the global polo community and great infrastructure has led to the development of what is now the most important equestrian center in the country. For the past 20 years Balvanera has hosted the principle show jumping events in Mexico. The combination of both polo and show jumping has given Balvanera a special position within Mexico’s equine community.
1. Miguel Gomez de Parada
(3)
2. Imelda de Alba
(1)
3. Luis Perez
(2)
Bk. Carlos Astudillo
(0)
TOTAL
6
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Polo is perhaps the oldest game in the world – having been played over 2500 years ago - and is truly international. The name polo is said to have been derived from the Tibetan word “pulu”, meaning ball.
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n 600 BC the first recorded game of polo took place between the Turkomans and Persians. The Turkomans won. Polo began as a training game for cavalry units, usually the King’s Guard or other elite troops. To the warlike tribesmen, who played it with as many as 100 to a side, it was a miniature battle. Persian literature and art give us the richest accounts of polo in antiquity. Ferdowsi, the famed poet-historian, gives a number of accounts of royal polo tournaments in his 9th century epic, Shahnameh (the Epic of Kings). In the earliest account, Ferdowsi romanticises an international match between Turanian force and the followers of Siyâvash, a legendary prince from the earliest centuries of the Empire. The game spread into North India. In fact Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim Emperor of North India, actually died accidentally in 1210 playing polo.
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From Persia, in medieval times polo spread after the Muslim conquests to the Ayyubid and Mameluke dynasties of Egypt and the Levant, whose elites favored it above all other sports. Notable sultans such as Saladin and Baybars were known to play it and encourage it in their court. Polo sticks were features on the Mameluke precursor to modern day playing cards. Polo was passed from Persia to other parts of Asia including the Indian subcontinent and China, where it was very popular during the Tang Dynasty and frequently depicted in paintings and statues. The Moguls were largely responsible for taking the game from Persia to the east and by the 16th century the Emperor Babur had established it in India. Polo was revived in Japan by the 8th Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune (1684-1751) and was played until early 20th century. It was the favourite sport of the last Shogun who surrendered power to the Emperor in 1868.
Sir Winston Churchill Old Harrovian
The Prince of Wales in Jodhpur 1922
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The modern game of polo, though formalised and popularised by the British, is derived from Manipur (now a state in India) when British tea planters discovered the game in Manipur (Munipoor) on the Burmese border with India and established the first polo club in the world at Silchar, west of Manipur in 1862. In 1869, Edward “Chicken” Hartopp, 10th Hussars, read an account of the game in The Field, while stationed at Aldershot, and, with brother officers, organised the first game known then as “hockey on horseback”- on a hastily-rolled Hounslow Heath against The 9th Lancers. The 1st Life Guards and the Royal Horse Guards were quick to follow suit on grounds at Hounslow and in Richmond Park; and then on a small ground near Earl’s Court known as Lillie Bridge. The first polo club in England was Monmouthshire, founded by Capt. Francis “Tip” Herbert, 7th Lancers, at his brother’s seat, Clytha Park, near Abergavenny in 1872.
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In 1875, the first official match in Argentina took place on 3rd September, where the game took place between English and Irish engineers and ranchers.
Prince Philip playing polo
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Edward Craig Partner - Charles Russell Speechlys Edward is a partner at Charles Russell Speechlys - a leading law firm formed in 2014 following the merger of two well established legal firms, which specialise in advising businesses and privately wealthy individuals. Edward heads the Retail & Leisure group at the firm acting for some of the firm’s best known clients including major retailers, restaurants, auction houses and luxury brands. Edward lives in rural North Oxfordshire with his family where he spends much of his free time either on a horse, planning a house renovation, or training a young Labrador.
Bruce James B r i t i s h P o l o D ay P e r s o n a l i t i e s
General Manager - Matilda Hotel Originally from Toronto, Bruce James has guided some of the most iconic and trend-setting luxury hotels and hotel companies in Mexico. Since 2011 Mr. James has been General Manager at Hotel Matilda. Under Mr. James’ leadership, Hotel Matilda quickly evolved into an international brand recognized as a pacesetter and creator of today’s lifestyle. With the Matilda brand firmly established, in 2013 he launched Cornerstone, a hotel management and development company that is creating a Hotel Matilda-themed collection of lifestyle-focused boutique hotels. To further position the Hotel Matilda brand, , Mr. James launched the Culture Club, a lifestyle blog (www.cultureclub.mx) about all that is cool and happening today, which has become one of Mexico’a most popular blogs.
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Max Charlton Player - The Cordillera British Exiles Max Charlton is one of Britain’s top players and remains a talent very much in the ascendancy. His recent hard work and persistence has seen his handicap increase to 7 goals. His life in polo began at 12 and at 13 he played on ground one at Palermo, in the final of the under 13s against Nico Pieres. Max’s career has included notable silverware at every level and he has represented England at home and abroad. 2013 alone included representing the winning England team against the USA in Palm Springs, Snow Polo success in St.Moritz with Team Cartier, winning the 18-goal The Indian Empire Shield with Dell Park as well as representing England. In 2014 he was named the Most Outstanding British Professional at the Polo Awards.
The Marquess of Blandford Player - The Hackett British Schools Polo Team Having started playing at school at the age of 14, George went on to Captain the schools team playing in national schools tournaments and the Jack Wills varsity polo. After finishing school at Harrow, George went on to play at Kirtlington Park and represented SUPA Young England. Progressing from Kirtlington, George has been playing at Cirencester Park for the last 3 years, with highlights including winning the 15 goal County Cup the past two seasons with Blenheim Palace.
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Úmete Dona en Vida - Helping is in our blood Únete Dona en Vida is a non-profit organisation made up of young people dedicated to the promotion of altruistic blood donation all over the country by encouraging Mexicans to do it in a voluntary and recurring way in order to support thousands of patients who require transfusions every day.
B r i t i s h P o l o D ay C h a r i t i e s
There is a great need for blood in Mexico as only 2% of blood donations are made because of altruism, making it one of the countries with the lowest rate of its kind in Latin America.
Únete Dona en Vida Bank Details : Account Name: Unete por la sangre AC Account Number: 4645116 Sucursal: 7003 Clabe: 002180700345461166 Bank Name: Banamex Please put BPD Mexico and your name as the reference.
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Amigas de Querétaro A.C. Amigas de Querétaro A.C. was established twenty one years ago by a group of ladies with the aim to help Mexican families, focused in kids and women. Our mission is to help attend the needs of our community trough the design of projects and activate specific campaigns and programs that impact on growth, development and sustainability of the community in terms of education, health, culture, sports and environment. Our commitment is to establish a family park, in the land that welcomes you, in an environment where wellbeing and get togetherness will help future generations grow with the sense of friendship and gratitude.
Amigas de Querétaro Bank Details: Account Name:Anya Ruiz Castro Account Number: 00446098835 Bank Name: Bancomer
Please put BPD Mexico and your name as the reference.
“Westonbirt changes your view about the world and different cultures - I am learning so much.” Year 10 from Mexico City.
• Top 5% of UK Schools for Value Added. • 37% A*-A grades at A-level. • 90% A*-B grades in Science subjects at GCSE. • All girls Boarding School set in 210 acre grounds with outstanding facilities. • Small classes and excellent teaching in a friendly and supportive environment.
Westonbirt Schools • Tetbury • Gloucestershire • GL8 8QG • UK @westonbirtsch • www.westonbirt.org Director of Admissions: Mrs Patricia Stevenson +44 (0) 1666 881301 pstevenson@westonbirt.org
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MÉXICO
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FMP
MADE IN ENGLAND
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