Anglo Indian Concern

The Anglo Indian Concern is the charity we are supporting for 2011/12 from the end of One World Week, October.

Do you remember the film “Bhowani Junction”?

It was made in 1956 and was based on novel by John Masters. The setting is amidst the turbulence of the British withdrawal from India. It is notable for its portrayal of the Eurasian (Anglo-Indian) community, who were closely involved with the Indian railway system.

In the years since independence in 1948  many of the Anglo-Indian community left India. Others, particularly those with good English language skills, found good jobs. Unfortunately many of the community and its descendants have been shunned as they are not “pure” Indian. There is an older generation who are poor and get no state or other support, and a younger generation who get no education.

Tom Thurley was brought up in India and moved to England where he worked as a vet. When he retired he revisited India with his wife Rachel. They were concerned about the poverty and lack of opportunity available to those of anglo-indian descent. They felt God’s call to work there and set up this Christian charity to help. It has a small office in Chennai (Madras), supervised by the charity’s trustees.

Our friend Revd Geoff Larcombe is chair of the charity’s trustees and we are delighted to support its work as our Overseas Charity for 2011-2012. Please look at the posters in the vestibule or ask members of the mission committee about its work.

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