The Circle and Mango Tree

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE OCTOBER 8TH 2014

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to this wonderful evening of entertainment to raise funds for The Circle projects, which will support and transform the lives of vulnerable women and girls around the world!

I’m deeply grateful to The Mango Tree for their generous and ongoing support in providing such a wonderful venue and I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of our exceptionally gifted performers and speakers for taking part in what will be a truly warm, uplifting and inspiring evening.

The Circle is a community like no other, bringing together influential women from a range of professional and creative sectors to inspire each other, share ideas and find new ways to engage with the desperate needs of our contemporaries in the developing world. We are harnessing the power of women to bring about real change for women across the globe.

Have a terrific evening!

Love, Annie Lennox OBE Founder of The Circle

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

ABOUT THE CIRCLE The Circle was conceived and founded in 2008 by singer-songwriter and campaigner Annie Lennox, as a vehicle to connect resourced and influential women to projects supporting the lives of women and girls in the developing world.

The Circle is a creative, high profile association of influential women who share a passionate interest in the lives, needs and rights of women and girls in all global communities. We campaign against global policies that marginalise women, raise funds to support women’s rights and back women’s groups who are already doing exceptional jobs, taking their local change to a global level and adding political influence to their courage.

We have collectively supported thousands of women and girls in the global south and we work to make positive changes to their lives.

THE PROGRAMME 19.30 Canapés and cocktails 20.00 Bollywood dance performance

Welcome from Meera Syal, Shappi Khorsandi – stand up comedy 20.30 Dinner served 21.15 Auction, raffle and pledge moment 22.15 Laura Mvula 23.00 Carriages

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

ENTERTAINMENT Laura Mvula

Shappi Khorsandi

Meera Syal

This year Laura Mvula has been nominated for two BRIT Awards (British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act), shortlisted for the Mercury prize and received a nomination for the Album Award at the recent Ivor Novello Awards. Inspired by the likes of Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, Laura’s music blends creative orchestral soul with velvety harmonies as well as hints of classic pop and jazz.

According to a BBC Music review: Every song starts, ornates and then strips away to nothing, or starts under the soil and shoots towards the sun.

Born in Tehran, Shappi was brought up in London as her family was forced to flee Iran after the Islamic Revolution. A regular on televison and radio, including Live At The Apollo, Q.I. and Just a Minute, Shappi is also author of the best selling book ‘A Beginners Guide to Acting English’. She is in demand as a social commentator and has written for the New Statesman, The Guardian, and The Independent, and has also appeared on Question Time and Have I Got News For You.

A British-born actress and writer, Meera studied English Literature and Drama at Manchester University. Meera is the recipient of 11 National Awards including 2 British Comedy Awards and 2 International EMMYS for her work in comedy series Goodness Gracious Me and playing Granny Kumar in The Kumars At Number 42, as well as the Women In Film and Television’s Creative Achievement Award. She was awarded an MBE and is currently rehearsing a new David Hare play, Behind The Beautiful Forevers, which opens at the National Theatre in November 2014.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Gemma Cairney

Charlie Thomas

Gemma is an exciting and intelligent award-winning radio DJ and broadcaster whose infectious personality makes her one of a kind. She currently presents a show on a popular radio station and was recently part of the presenting line up for Glastonbury Festival coverage. In July Gemma hosted a live Google hangout for The Queen’s Young Leader project alongside HRH Price William and HRH Prince Harry. Gemma developed, co-produced and co-hosted The Fox Problem, the first live online entertainment show streamed via a Google Hangout, which has now been nominated for three Broadcast Digital Awards.

Director of the House Sale and Private Collections Department, Charlie started at Bonhams in 2002. He has overseen many of the single owner sales at Bonhams including the contents of the Midland Banks Headquarters, The Savoy, Cafe Royal, Chateau Montfort, The Chelsea Collection of Severin Wunderman, The Contents of Lord Glenconner’s St Lucian Property and The Contents of Trelissick House in Cornwall. He also played a key role with the cataloging and selling of The Owston Collection in Australia and initiated Bonhams’ monthly Period Design sales.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

PROJECTS we are supporting tonight

Violence against women is not only the most common form of human rights violation in India it also faces a high social acceptance. This social acceptance of violence against women, coupled with a lack of knowledge of the legal justice system and stigma attached to going to the police station, prevents many women from reporting cases to the police. The demand for support such as safe shelters, medical care and financial assistance remains large.

Oxfam is working with the Institute for Social Development in India to challenge the belief that violence against women is acceptable, working in the tribal Adivasi communities in the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha where some of the most marginalised communities in India live. We will identify and support women in villages to establish vigilance groups to address cases of violence against women in tribal communities.

We will also raise awareness of the issue in villages through posters, songs, folk art and theatre. We shall establish two women support centres at police stations, each with a trained female staff member to provide counselling, legal aid, medical support and shelter.

Oxfam will also provide technical assistance to the government, the police and judiciary to help them apply the laws that protect women.

Photos: Oxfam India

Ending violence against women in India

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Sahrulnissa’s story: Overcoming male chauvinism and arrogance.

Photos: Oxfam

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Women during a meeting in Nasapir village, Uganda.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Ending violence against women in Uganda Despite the government’s commitment to equality, women across Uganda still face widespread discrimination, abuse, violence and even rape. Domestic violence affects a staggering 60% of Ugandan women, and they are still prevented from owning land and other assets.

Oxfam is improving women’s lives by challenging the cultural practices that discriminate against women, and influencing the laws to support women’s rights. In particular, Oxfam will boost

women’s confidence to speak out by raising awareness of their rights; work with women and men to challenge inequalities; as well as changing community attitudes towards women and reducing domestic violence by backing the reform of pro-women laws. With your support, Oxfam can work towards ending violence against women in Uganda for good, while helping to create a more equal and fair society for all.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

PRESENTATION of Auction Prizes Lot 1 Handwritten Lyrics to Sweet Dreams by Annie Lennox

Founder of The Circle, Annie is also one of the most successful and internationally acclaimed female singer/ songwriters of our time. For this auction, Annie has kindly donated the handwritten lyrics to one of her greatest hits, Sweet Dreams.

The song was first released in 1983 by Eurythmics, Sweet Dreams was one of their biggest hits and provided the group with their breakthrough to success.

It is a timeless song that continues to be played and remixed by younger generations of musicians today and sung in every car, sitting room and club.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Lot 2 Exclusive Mango Tree Dinner Experience Be the envy of your friends and host the dinner party of the year without having to lift a finger - relax as one of the Mango Tree’s talented chefs cooks a decadent multi-course evening meal for you and seven friends in the comfort of your own home. Exquisite Thai cuisine cooked by an expert chef.

Mango Tree has been serving fresh Thai cuisine for 13 years in Belgravia, and has recently opened a restaurant

in Harrods Food Halls, providing top quality dim sum and other Chinese and Thai specialities to discerning shoppers.

Dishes can be arranged according to taste but will include the very best of Thai cuisine, created using the same high quality ingredients used at Mango Tree.

Guests will experience a delicious meal as well as get to spend informative time with the chef. Dinner must take place within London or the surrounding area.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Lot 3 A Buddha in revolutionary Fluid Art,

by Ganesh Bhat The Atria Gallery has kindly donated this beautiful pensive Buddha by the famous sculptor Ganesh Bhat, specialist in Indian traditional style stone carvings, one of the richest traditions in India coming from the 7th century BC. Sculpted in three pieces, the serene face of this grey-black granite Buddha, a universal symbol of peace is presented as revolutionary Fluid Art. It can be combined with two meditative hands entwined – a meditative stance; or a hand raised in blessing, the other humbly pointing downward; or both hands raised in an urge for calm. The sculpture can be mounted on a wall or casing to suit the art lovers’ tastes.

Atria. Traditional values, modern context We bring investment art, artefacts and collectibles from across the Indian Sub-continent under one canopy from an array of artists and craft-persons.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or looking to make your first purchase there is truly something for everyone.

The vision for a globally collaborative network which is Atria today was seeded when the founders Amita Shankar and Neetika Garg began to bring affordable art from India several years ago- building on their passion for Indian heritage and contemporary art and wanting to see its popularity in the modern day.

“The Fluidity of Art and its relevance to the beholder is my singular mission,” says Shri Ganesh Bhat “Art should be adaptable to the beholder’s palate!”

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Lot 4 VIP evening at Once the Musical followed by a night at the Rosewood Hotel A fantastic gift for friends that live outside London or for a small escape from day to day life in your own city, enjoy a VIP evening at the awardwinning musical Once followed by a night at the exclusive Rosewood Hotel near Covent Garden in London.

Once is a musical stage adaptation based on the 2006 film. This is a VIP package kindly donated by Barbara Broccoli and Eon productions. It’s a heart-warming, hilarious and bittersweet love story that celebrates the power of music, performed live on stage by an extraordinary cast of actor-musicians. Enjoy a fabulous night of entertainment before taking a lovely stroll back to the splendid Rosewood Hotel.

Donated by Colin and Livia Firth, enjoy the night in the 1914 Belle Époque building, just steps away from Covent Garden. Offering quirky and curious interior design, conversational cuisine ranging from social all-day dining in the Mirror Room to British brasserie fare at Holborn Dining Room & Delicatessen, cocktails and live jazz at the artfully social Scarfes Bar and a unique arrival experience through wrought-iron gates, Rosewood London combines British heritage and contemporary sophistication in the heart of London. This sought-after prize includes a one-night stay in a Grand Premier Suite - a stylish residence more akin to a British manor home than a hotel.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Lot 5 Bespoke Ayurveda Package for 2 persons at Rajah Island, Kerala, South India Immerse yourself in an Ayurvedic journey for relaxation of mind, body and soul at Rajah Island. Here we combine the goodness of Ayurveda with yoga and meditation to give a perfect balance to the body. Various massage therapies applied with skill and care work on both physical and psychological levels to invigorate, relax and ease pain or tension, boost circulation and alleviate mental stress, soothing the soul and fostering balance and serenity. Rajah Ayurveda welcomes you to the world of traditional Ayurveda providing authentic treatments for over 20 years.

Visit: www.ayurvedichospital.com./rajah-islands Additional option to visit Oxfam projects in India at winner’s discretion

Rajah Island The twenty acre Rajah Island is surrounded by the famed back waters of Kerala. A myriad of birds and fishes welcome you in the midst of Mangroves to this Island of peace. This uniqueness has been captured in folklore, literature, memories and pictures from time immemorial. It supports a diverse eco-system where numerous species of plants and animals live. Hire a boat, explore the panoramic water stretches of Chettuva. When nature is all you need to recuperate, Rajah Island is undoubtedly one of the most invigorating and fascinating places to unwind.

Package for 2 Includes • Economy Flight (option to upgrade) • Pick up and drop at Cochin (COK) airport, • 7 days accommodation on Rajah Island in a deluxe room (to be arranged at mutually convenient time) • Initial Consultation followed by a bespoke therapeutic package based on consultation including diet and therapy • Daily visits and advice by specialist Ayurvedic consultants • Yoga and meditation sessions

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Lot 6 Oxfam women’s projects in Uganda and India Help Oxfam support women in the tribal Adivasi communities in India by raising awareness and establishing support centres.

£20 could provide vital legal aid to one women £100 could provide a monthly counseling

session for 6 women facing violence

£500 could pay for 50 police officials to be educated about issues surrounding gender-based violence

£1000 could train 165 village women to form vigilance groups to support women facing violence.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

RAFFLE PRIZES A Luxury Shopping Experience at Bicester Village

Experience a day of luxury shopping for you and a friend at Bicester Village, in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside.

Discover more than 130 boutiques of the world’s leading luxury brands, including Alexander McQueen, Anya Hindmarch, Anne Fontaine, Armani, Coach, Diane von Furstenberg, La Perla, Missoni, Smythson, Temperley London, Tory Burch, Vivienne Westwood and many more, all with savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price.

Pashmina The successful entrant will receive a £1,000 Bicester Village Gift Card.

The winner and their guest will both receive a VIP Card offering further savings, hands-free shopping, the services of our personal stylist, the use of the VIP Lounge, a champagne breakfast, a complimentary luncheon and a chauffeur transfer from London to and from the Village.

Rubina Kapoor’s designed pashmina carries a traditional paisley print and is made from a mix of pashmina and silk, exquisitely edged with lace. This balance of pashmina and silk keeps you warm in winter and cool in the summer and is a timeless elegant addition to any wardrobe.

Rubina announced her arrival in the fashion industry recently launching her label on the global market. Her small ensemble of creativity and endowment began out of her home and has been included in several fashion shows and exhibitions as at Fortnum and Mason. rubinakapoor.com

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

Jewellery by Wright & Teague Gary Wright and Sheila Teague, from Wright & Teague, are pleased to donate two of their iconic jewellery pieces for the raffle. These particular styles were chosen to reflect The Circle and the commitment of its members to support projects in India and Uganda.

CYBELE PENDANT SILVER Named for Cybele, the Greek goddess of nature and fertility, a bold pendant with a ‘moonscape’ texture. Hand made in London.

MNEME DROP EARRINGS SILVER The delicate, concave forms of the Mneme earrings, named for the Greek muse of memory are designed to light the face and create full on glamour. Hand made in London.

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

THANK YOU

Eddie and Joyce Lim

Claudia Codsi

Kalyani Gandhi-Rhodes

Vanessa Emilien

Emma Simpson

Hilary Waters

Rajah Ayurveda, India

Gemma Cairney

Anne Isger

Tara Goldsmid Paterson

Maxine Message

Meera Syal

Laura Stockley

Stacey Linstead

Anne-Marie Scichili

Laura Mvula

Chloe Fletcher

Esme Peach

Emma Bracken

Shappi Khorsandi Annie Lennox Colin and Livia Firth Kim Chappell

Sara Tholozan Carolina Campanholi Sarah Farquhar

Emma Stone The Atria Gallery The Music Circle

Dr Sreeraj CEO

Caroline Stephenson Hannah Collett Catherine Hooper

Sandra Kamen

The Fashion Circle The Asian Circle

Mandeep Nandra

Sheila Teague of Wright & Teague

Swathi Vankayalapati

Christina Hamilton

Mala Rastogi

Rebbecah Goddard

Rubina Kapoor

Sammy Andrews

Santosh Bhanot

Please don’t forget to mention us on social media #CirclePresentsMangoTree Twitter: @Circleorg Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecircleofwomen

Teresa Raeburn

THE CIRCLE PRESENTS AT THE MANGO TREE

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THE CIRCLE PRESENTS Please don’tTREE forget to mention us on social media #CirclePresentsMangoTree AT THE MANGO