C
NTACT
THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH WOMEN’S GROUP BANGKOK
December 2019
Merry Christmas
BRITISH WOMEN’S GROUP The aim of the Group is to enable its members to meet socially, to welcome its new members and associate members to Bangkok and to establish a programme of social, welfare and cultural activities.
Contents
Directory Page 2
Chairman and Editor’s message Page 3
Diary Page 4
Mae Sot Report Pages 6-7
Whale Watching Report Page 11
Gurkha Curry report Page 17
January Activity Page 23
Operation Smile Part 2 Page 24
Remembrance Day write up Page 26
Editor contact@bwgbangkok.org Advertising advertising@bwgbangkok.org Please note that the deadline for advertisements is the 5th of the month prior to issue. Please contact advertising@bwgbangkok for more information. PLEASE NOTE : Contact is published as a service to our members to keep them informed of news and events within BWG. The accuracy of other information cannot be guaranteed and is not an endorsement by the group. This also applies to advertisements that are included in Contact in order to cover some of the production costs. Every effort is made to produce Contact in good time to reach members before the first scheduled meeting, but the editor cannot be held responsible for unavoidable delays caused by circumstance beyond their control. It is the members’ own responsibility to know when meetings are scheduled and to contact someone to check if any changes have been made. Members are also asked to bear in mind when booking actives that most venues are not deemed suitable for children over six months of age and to make appropriate child minding arrangements.
Chairman’s Message Here we are again the festive season in full swing which does not seem possible but the excitement is mounting as time to spend with family and friends races towards us.
However we still have many events to support and attend before we reach Christmas. We are looking forward to seeing you at The Pullman, Asok on the 2nd for our Christmas lunch, always a favourite event. Closely followed on the 11th at The British Club for our Christmas Brunch, a last opportunity for a get together before 2020. You will be able to contribute to our Christmas Appeal at both of these events. This year our Welfare team are asking us to donate 250 Baht to help buy a wash bag full of toiletries which Christchurch will deliver to people in need up country. The smiles that these small gifts elicit make all our hard work worthwhile.
Ailsa Kneath
The absolute last event of this momentous year is the annual carol singing at BNH hospital on Friday 13th at 10 am. Please come along as it is a heartwarming event as we bring smiles to many, you do not have to have an operatic voice, just be willing to have fun. The best bit is the sherry and mince pies after the event!
It just remains for me to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a healthy happy 2020.
‘Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.’
Anon.
Welcome to the December issue of Contact magazine and wishing you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. Some of us will be spending time with friends and family in the suitably cold UK but many of you will be joining in the festivities in Bangkok. It still seems unusual when the Christmas trees and fake snow begin appearing in such hot weather. The Christmas tree on the Chong Nonsi sky bridge was up at the end of October!! I think that was probably a bit too soon. Anyway, I’m ready to start opening the windows of the advent calendar in the countdown to Christmas Day. Happy reading! www.bwgbangkok.org
info@bwgbangkok.org
British Women’s Group Bangkok
Contact November 2019
December Diary SUN
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2 Mah-jong Christmas Lunch
3 Bridge Golf
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9 Mah-jong
10 Bridge Golf
11 Mah-jong Art Group December Coffee
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13 Carol Singing at BNH
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16 Mah-jong
17 Bridge Golf
18 Mah-jong Art Group
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23 Mah-jong
24 Bridge Golf
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Mah-jong Art Group St Davids Christmas Dinner
Weekly/Monthly Activities You are invited to join these groups, but final approval is at the discretion of individual group leaders
Monday Mah-jong - (beginners welcome) (10am - 1pm) Tuesday Bridge - Audrie Sill Beginners/Intermediate Golf - (morning) Ann McKinnon Golf - (morning) Sheona Jackson Bookworms - 1st Tuesday (10am) Jane Upperton Scottish Dancing - 1st Tuesday (7:30pm) Karen Burr Wednesday Mah-jong - (beginners welcome) (1pm - 4pm) Art Group - Bistro 33 Sukhumvit Soi 33 (10am -12:30pm) Karin Worthington
nspiring ndividuals At KIS International School all students can shine. The midsize, caring community allows KIS students to be confident and to be appreciated as an individual, with unique dreams and strengths. The school is a full IB school, offering the International Baccalaureate Programmes for all age groups (IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma), ensuring an academically rigorous curriculum that not only prepares students to be successful at university, but also teaches important life skills. KIS, it’s all about Knowledge, Inspiration and Spirit. Check out the students’ videos to learn more about their passion www.kis.ac.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2274 3444 Email: admissions@kis.ac.th
“With the power of imagination, characters can actually fly off the page” Jun, Grade 11.
‘Same but Different’ - Mae Sot report By Ailsa Kneath
On Sunday 26th October ‘Project Tour’ to Mae Sot began, a little late in leaving due to my handbag being left behind, and the fact that the entrance to The Gift of Happiness Foundation was blocked with huge machines digging up the road. An ‘only in Thailand’ moment!
We had a clear run and arrived as the sun was setting behind the mountains. We quickly decamped for dinner, beginning with the prerequisite french fries and garlic bread (neat crushed garlic on warm bread). A beer or two was followed by a deep sleep until morning, when we woke to a blue blue sky.
A short journey to the first school, the Nya Li Ah Hta Learning Centre, which is to be found deep in amongst the sugar cane plantations, surrounded by stunning mountains; this, however, does not hide the real poverty and deprivation in which these cheerful and respectful people live. It was wonderful to see the same teacher who has been there for the last 3 years, and all the amazingly well-behaved children. The 94 children were so grateful for all the clothes, toys, educational equipment, soap and, best of all, the sets of new underwear that were given. Needless to say, Eckie the Clown’s show went down a storm.
Day two dawned with the same blue sky, and we were off to visit Parahita Learning Centre, set in the mountains with a small monastery at its core. Yet again these children were so poor that not each child had some lunch to eat, having to wander amongst their friends hoping for a small gift. Even living like this does not seem to quash their innate happiness and ability to be extremely responsive to the show, squeals of delight were heard throughout, and eager to volunteer to help Clown Eckie. We were delighted to deliver 150 plus uniforms for the whole school along with the 15 bags of clothes for all ages, educational equipment, soap and the coveted sets of new underwear. To round-off the day, a wonderful elderly gentleman was so concerned for Clown Eckie’s skin, that he brought him an avocado to rub all over we are still wondering what difference it will make!
Day three and we were off to drop one of the volunteers at the bus station to return to Chiang Mai. We continued to NamTok learning centre. This school has been supported for many years by The Gift of Happiness
Foundation and it is a fabulously self supporting establishment as they grow their own vegetables and the head master has won awards for spearheading this sustainability. However, on this visit it was very noticeable that Mae Sot seems to have lost many of its NGO supporters, and the children at this school appear to be very much more needy than they were on previous visits. It is very diďŹƒcult to describe the poverty that is so visible, but what is always evident is the never ending cheerfulness of the children, always charming and ready with a smile. Again we were able to deliver new underwear to all, many clothes, soap and educational equipment. If we were in any doubt about how our delivery was enjoyed, you just had to watch the children as they left clutching their new underwear and clothes close to their chests. The sight melted all our hearts.
I recommend travelling with the Gift of Happiness Foundation if you wish to see first hand how 100% of donations that people give, can make a real dierence and bring such simple happiness to so many children. A week of fantastic experiences and a great leveller, thank you Eddie.
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The BWG Whale Trip in the Gulf of Siam by Kiera Fisken A rather unforgettable day spent with a wonderful group of 18 people boating around the Gulf of Siam. Our early rise was well worth it as we set of into the Gulf, our wonderful guide was incredibly informative, and his passion for the care and conservation of the Bryde’s Whales and other marine life was reassuring to see. After cruising for around three hours we spotted our much anticipated whale, and better yet it was with its newborn calf. The spectacle of seeing the tail slapping to stun the anchovies and see the large mouth open to enjoy its meal was truly a captivating moment. Better yet was seeing the wee head of its calf popping to the surface to learn and feast too. We were lucky to follow the mother and calf Bryde’s whale for around 20 minutes, albeit the next event was rather unexpected. Tragically we came across a floating body which brought the whale watching to a halt, after waiting around for quite some time for the coast guards to come and handle the situation we had to begin our journey back to land. Whilst we may not have seen as many whales as anticipated it was a lovely day spent out on the water with fresh sea air. I would like to thank all those on the whale trip for being understanding and making the most of the rather peculiar day. A note that I would feel guilty for not mentioning would be the presence of rubbish and plastic in the water. We were informed by our guide that this is a sad tragedy affecting waters all over the world, so please do make a conscious effort to minimise the use of plastic bags, bottles, straws and the like, and when necessary to recycle them properly so they don’t end up in the water and becoming part of the diet of our marine and wildlife. Thank you again to all those who were part of the day, one for the memory bank I am sure!
Celebrating 60 Years A proud tradition of learning excellence
We oer a British-style education for an international community, from Nursery through to Graduation. Find out how our approach to learning and outstanding teaching sta develop global citizens who shape their world through independence, empathy, creativity and critical thinking. Contact us at admissions@patana.ac.th www.patana.ac.th | +66 (0) 2785 2200 | 643 Lasalle Road, Bangkok 10260
Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit, IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC
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November lunch report by Jackie Reynolds
Ailsa "asked" (Ha! Ha!) if I would write a review on November’s luncheon at "Wine Connection" so here we go. Today there was a really good turn out and if you were not amongst the 19/20 people who showed up I'm afraid you missed out on a very good, well-priced and fun lunch. It was great to spend time with such a good group of people and I am enjoying the new found freedom of my retirement that allows me to get to know more of the BWG ladies better. I have to give credit to a core group of BWG women (you know who you are) who are devoting a lot of their time and efforts to making this group a success and were even at the lunch still working hard to ensure all the pieces are in place for the many Christmas festivities on the horizon. I for one would like to thank them all and I look forward to joining in more events in 2020.
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December Coffee Date : Wednesday 11th December Time : 11am - 2:30pm Venue : Surawongse Room at the British Club Cost : Cost to BWG : THB 550 per person to include the usual buffet, including mince pies, and a glass of sparkling wine. Corkage : 100 TB RSVP : to coffee@bwgbangkok.org by Monday 9th December Glad Rags sale and Raffle
GURKHA CURRY – BISTRO 33 By Gale Bailey MBE During my time in Bangkok, I have been involved with many groups and so it was decided to combine a couple of those - St. George’s Society with Royal British Legion – and hold a Gurkha Curry afternoon at Bistro 33. John Hocking also wears a few hats so he took Sgt Major Harilal Pun MBE to visit the kitchens to make sure all would be OK! This was way back in June but due to folk being away, 28 September was decided. This was such an easy event to organise with the help of the Gurkhas and the great staff at Bistro – many thanks to Barry Shea, Susan and the lovely female staff at Bistro. Thanks also to sponsors – Bistro 33, Royal Oak, Amari Watergate, Duncan Diaper and ME who donated a bottle of Baileys (what else?) to the raffle! Thanks also to Liz Dobson and her lovely niece for selling raffle tickets and to Jane Rodgers for ensuring everyone paid!
DIARY DATE – there will be another Gurkha Curry event on Saturday, 11 January organised by the Bangkok St. George’s Society and RBL - ALL WELCOME! More details to follow!
BWG Christmas Lunch Menu At Pullmann Grande Sukhumvit 2nd December 2019
APPETIZER Marinated Salmon with quinoa and roasted beetroot salad MAIN COURSE Traditional Raost Breast & Leg of Turkey with chipolata, chestnut stuffing, roast potato, roast carrot, brussel sprouts with almonds, gravy, cranberry sauce and bread sauce DESSERT Traditional Christmas Pudding with creme Anglaise, Cheese cake with berry coulis, Chocolate mousse Freshly brewed coffee and selection of fine teas Christmas Biscuits and mini minced pies
VEGETARIAN MENU APPETIZER Quinoa & roasted vegetable salad MAIN COURSE Spinach & ricotta ravioli in a cream sauce, parmesan shavings, rocket, pear and asparagus salad DESSERT Traditional Christmas Pudding with creme Anglaise, Cheese cake with berry coulis Chocolate Mousse Freshly brewed coffee and selection of fine teas Christmas Biscuits and mini minced pies add FREE FLOW WINE, PROSECCO, BEER FOR JUST 1.000 Baht net
PAULINE SPIERS 20 February 1958 – 13 November 2019 Tribute by Jane Rodgers
Just over two years ago, Pauline was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour and despite bravely fighting with great dignity, she sadly passed away on Wednesday 13th November. Pauline and I met in the early 90’s through our membership of the BWG. We served on the committee together over several years and when we both found ourselves back here in Bangkok more recently, this continued to be the case. She was always a loyal and extremely passionate member of our group and I was particularly proud to become her vice chairman when she became Chairman in 2012. Our thoughts and prayers go to Andy, Fiona, Katie and all the family. Note from Andy regarding Pauline’s memorial. Please note flowers have been arranged for the church, there is no need to bring flowers with you. As some have asked, any donations to The Brain Tumour Charity, www.thebraintumourcharity.org. BWG will be making a donation.
NOVEMBER COFFEE REPORT By Gale Bailey MBE Almost 20 ladies gathered for a coffee and chat in the Living Room at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and were very well served with good coffee and small cakes by the friendly staff. John Robinson from Place of Grace came to tell us about his work in the slums and a little bit about his interesting life. He is a great example for surviving an unhappy and under privileged childhood and blossoming despite everything. He runs a food bank and told us just how poor some of the people in the slums really are and thanked us for our contributions. There is also a youth club for all ages and BWG donated 5000 Baht towards the Christmas parties which mean such a lot to bring some joy into their lives. John is very appreciative of our donations and continued support to Place of Grace. If you need a personal driver for journeys around Bangkok, to the airport or for day trips / tours for yourself, family or visitors, I can recommend Khun Chawit. He is reliable, polite and friendly. His English is excellent and he doesn’t smoke or drink. His new Toyota saloon car is well maintained and immaculate. You can contact him on - TEL: 061-8075262 Line ID: 0620679567 (RobusTER), Email: chawitbangkok@gmail.com Car rental rates. Bkk - Ayutthaya =1,500 bts Bkk - Pattaya =2,200 bts Bkk - Hua Hin =2,600 bts Bkk - Cha-am =2,300 bts Bkk - Kanchanaburi (River Kwai bridge) =2,000 bts Bkk - Floating market(Amphawa)=1,500 bts Bkk - Donmuang airport =700 bts Bkk - Suwannaphumi airport = 800 bts Bangkok all day tour (10 hrs)= 2,000 bts Expressway fees included. These prices are for a private car hire service with a professional driver - the one way price is higher than a taxi meter because the taxi meter can pick up passengers for the return journey to Bangkok. The car can seat 4 passengers comfortably.
This is a poem I wrote for Christmas 2011 to family and friends. Sending with good wishes to all the BWG members this Christmas, (obviously judging by the 1st line I was a bit behind that year) By Jackie Reynolds
Sorry to make you wait but it takes a while to create. Never fear, jump into gear, Christmas is here. Let's see how it goes, can you dance on your toes. A time of good cheer, go bring out the beer, This season is festive but not necessarily restive.
Want to improve your mood, go eat all that food. Enjoy all the lights, and forget all your plights. All those Christmas trees, I hope they don't make you sneeze. Presents abound, try to keep your feet on the ground. Enjoy all that is new, hope your wishes come true. 2012 is on it's way, bringing peace we all pray. Wishing health to you all, be sure not to fall! Good fortune be yours, then go help a good cause. Awake every morning not just yawning
Value all you have every day & hope it will stay. Resolve to keep in touch with family & friends. As years fly on by, need to make time & try. Embrace the changes you face & make your home a safe place. 365 days in a year, enjoy each one in good cheer.
Wishing you all a New Year full of good times & The strength to face the tough times should they come your way. Love Jackie XXXX
January Activity - Saturday 18th January
We are now taking reservations for the Thai Polo Open on Saturday 18th January 2020 This is a fabulous day full of polo, horse jumping, and of course people watching! The cost for the polo is 1,500TB per person which includes the polo, horse jumping, lunch, afternoon tea and a BBQ in the evening (wine and champagne can be purchased there). We will organise mini buses to and from Pattaya if needed (the cost of which will be calculated, when we know numbers). We will be aiming to leave Bangkok (Emporium Suites) at 9.30am and leaving Pattaya at approximately 8pm after the fireworks Husbands, partners and children are more than welcome to join us on this very special trip. If you are interested in joining us, would you please email activities@bwgbangkok.org stating numbers and whether you would like to come in the minibus. We hope you can join us Sue and Sally
MISSION OPERATION SMILE THAILAND Part 2 by Jackie Reynolds As I mentioned in last month’s “Contact” my little red Operation Smile Thailand collection box proved to result in more than I could ever have possibly imagined. It really goes all the way back to 2009 when a patient who I will call Khun G (for good hearted and generous) started helping with donations to the collection box I had set up at that time. This was to raise funds to feed, spay, neuter & try to re-home some of the cats in the Jusmag compound where I worked. It was getting totally out of control (approx 50+!) and without their financial support, arranging operations and re-homing of some of the cats it couldn’t have been achieved. Also not forgetting Liz Dobson who kindly took some of the cats over the years. In 2013 when I felt the cat problem had been fully resolved I was able to start collecting for Operation Smile Thailand. Once a year around Christmas/New Year I would deposit the collection box money into O.S’s bank account (Khun G contributed to the box for the first 2 years at each dental appointment.) Then in 2015 she totally shocked me by bringing in a cheque for B30, 000 and asked me to deposit it with them, which was wonderful. She did the same thing the following year. However, in 2017 I nearly fell off my chair when the cheque handed to me this time was in the amount of “B500, 000”. I was totally gob smacked and I even asked if they were sure about this as couldn’t get my head around the generosity. The following year the same thing happened!! Then this year it came time for the clinic to close and Khun G’s final appointment. OK that’s it for now. Part 3 “The grand finale” will be in the January issue.
"AGEING GRACEFULLY” by Jackie Reynolds (2007) HERE I AM IN MY FIFTIES IS IT TIME TO DO SOME MAJOR LIFTIES? WOKE UP THIS MORNING FEELING FINE, OH DON'T TELL ME THAT'S ANOTHER LINE! IF YOU WANT TO STAY IN THE RACE IT'S TIME TO PICK UP THE PACE AND BUY A NEW FACE. WITH ALL THAT SAGGING SKIN WHERE DOES ONE BEGIN? THEY NIP YOU HERE, THEY TUCK YOU THERE, WHAT'S THAT I SEE BENEATH YOUR HAIR!!! LETS TURN BACK THE CLOCKS I'M OFF TO DO BOTOX YOU'RE GOING TO LOOK FANTASTIC WITH YOUR RHINOPLASTIC FEEL YOU ARE IN A RUT, WHY NOT TRY OUR BRAZILIAN BUTT. REMOVE 10 POUNDS OF SKIN JUST THROW IT IN THE BIN IF WE SUCTION OUT THAT FAT YOU'LL BE AS SLEEK AS A CAT. OVER THERE ISN'T THAT YOUNG ANNIE? WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY IT'S HER OLD GRANNY!!!
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2019 By Gale Bailey MBE
The war memorial had been relocated from the British Embassy to the British Club where is has been tastefully and respectfully installed and the memorial service was excellent, brought together by the British Embassy, British Club and the Royal British Legion – well done to all concerned! Wreaths were laid on behalf of many embassies, groups, schools and establishments which were announced individually which made it more meaningful. Ailsa Kneath laid one for BWG, Sally Voravarn for St. Patrick’s Society and Gale Bailey for St. George’s Society – a solemn and poignant occasion. Ceremonial music was supplied by the British Club pipe and drums bands and hymns were sung accompanied by Shrewsbury School choir. The buglers playing the Last Post were magnificent. Drinks and snacks were served on the back lawn of the British Club which were very well received and a delicious curry was available later in the Surawongse Room. New venue, new format but a beautiful service of remembrance – LEST WE FORGET.
Calling All Carollers! Once again the BWG choir of angels will be singing at BNH Hospital! The date is Friday, 13 December at 10 am – everyone is welcome as the ability to sing is secondary to the primary reason of enjoyment and taking part in this joyous occasion. Many of our ladies go every year but it could be the lure of mince-pies and sherry which are served after the first session! Friday 13 might be considered unlucky but let’s make it lucky this December for the patients especially the children who love seeing us singing in our festive attire. If you want to join the happy throng, please email welfare@bwgbangkok.org so we know numbers.