BWG Bangkok Contact Magazine December 2021

Page 1

C NTACT THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH WOMEN’S GROUP BANGKOK

December 2021


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’s message Page 3

Diary Page 4

News from the Christ Church Border Karen Ministry Pages 10-16

BWG November Trip Pages 18-20

Hua Hin Trip by Madeleine Williams Pages 22-24

Remembrance Sunday in Blaby, UK Pages 26-27

November Coffee at the British Club Page 28

Remembrance Sunday at the British Club Page 30

November Lunch at Trattoria Delina Pages 32-33

Book Club Page 34 'Feeding of the 5,000’ book Page 35

Editor

becky.adderley@btinternet.com

British Women’s Group.

bwgbangkok@gmail.com

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 Well I’ve started my chocolate advent calendar so Christmas must be coming. I know some of your plans have been changed due to the latest panic. Let’s hope it’s just that, a brief panic and we can get back to thinking that we’ll have an approaching normal Christmas. I hope I’ll see some of you at our Christmas lunch on the 9th, hurry up and sign up if you haven’t done so. A great raffle as usual and a lovely meal. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Better than the last one New Year. Liz

Hi Ladies and I hope that you are all well wherever you are in the world. If you have any articles to share for the magazine, maybe related to what you all have been up to over the past few months (holidays, baking, new hobbies etc), then please email your contributions to me at becky.adderley@btinternet.com All contributions will be be very gratefully received and these will really help to preserve and strengthen our links as a BWG community.

www.bwgbangkok.org

info@bwgbangkok.org

British Women’s Group Bangkok

Contact April 2021


December Diary SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1 Mahjong Art Group

2

3

4

Committee Meeting All Stars Lunch Hope Fair

5

6 Mahjong

7 Book Club Bridge Golf

8 Mah-jong Art Group

9 Christmas Lunch

10

11

12

13 Mah-jong Jackie Reynold’s games afternoon at Bistro 33

14 Bridge Golf

15 Mah-jong Art Group

16

17

18

19

20 Mah-jong

21 Bridge Golf

22 Mah-jong Art Group

23

24

25

26

27 Mah-jong

28 Bridge Golf

29

30

31

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) Contact Jane Rogers Tuesday Bridge - Audrie Sill Golf - (morning) Ami 0971851834 Book Club - 1st Tuesday (10am) Lynne Smith 0957024638 Scottish Dancing - 1st Tuesday (7:30pm) Karen Burr Wednesday Mah-jong - (beginners welcome) (10am - 1pm) Contact Elizabeth Bryans Art Group - Bistro 33 Sukhumvit Soi 33 (10am -12:30pm) Julie. juliehedge4@gmail.com


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.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! We would like to wish a really happy birthday to:

Amelia Deely - 5th December

Sara Martin - 12th December

Ailsa Kneath - 19th December

Sheena Gibson - 22nd December

Debbie Thompson - 22nd December

Basia Filzek - 23rd December

Jane Williams - 28th December

Jane Campton - 31st December

Have a wonderful day and we are all thinking of you.




Fast

t

n Convenie

behind a e d i Clinic. t e n h t a t s s i t n I a Th PD d’s new O a r g n u r Bum It is perfect for minor illnesses, prescription refills, preventive care including vaccinations, or a doctor’s note. Instead of waiting for hours on end you can see a doctor, settle the bill, receive your prescription and be on your way in under an hour. Simply scan the QR code to learn more about the new OPD Instant Clinic.

www.bumrungrad.com Contact Center: 0 2066 8888

nsive

e Compreh


Christ Church Bangkok (CCB)

September 2021

BORDER NEWS BORDER NEWS NEWS FROM THE CHRIST CHURCH BORDER KAREN MINISTRY

This Issue: -COVID 19 in Noh Bo - Pastoral care & loss - Sports - Farewell Rev Saw Baw Soe - Australian Aid and Sustainability - How to donate

We Need your help!! We urgently need medical supplies. We have had very little funding this year, so we need your help!! Sadly, the impact of COVID 19 means we have had no overseas visitors venturing to the campus, we hope for a day when the borders will be open, folks will be inspired and called to serve there. The effect of COVID has left us with very few donations coming in. Furthermore, seen a rise in prices and we are desperately short of funds!!!

April 2020

COVID 19 has reached Noh Bo and Mae la Camp The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world including Thailand. After relatively slow spread of the virus in 2020, Delta variant hit Thailand severely in May 2021. The challenges of the virus have truly been nationwide, even reaching the extremities of Thailand so it was only a matter of time before it reached Noh Bo and the Mae La camp and has had a great impact on the boarding school students, the orphanage and the 3 nurseries run by our Karen Ministry. We are sad to report that we have had an outbreak of Covid. So far 31 students and 3 teachers have tested positive and it´s spreading rapidly. The assembly hall and classrooms have been transformed into makeshift • Child Protection quarantine care with the chairs and desks have been piled together to make • F beds. The local health authority visited Noh Bo to test everyone. Restrictions in movement has complicated the transportation of essentials from Mae Sot to Noh Bo. We are in the process of sending emergency supplies and medical equipment desperately needed to treat the students in our care.

PAGE 1


Christ Church Bangkok (CCB) Thank you for praying for Tamla!!!

Tamla was in hospital with COVID 19 but we are so thankful she is home and recovering well. Tamla is the Karen Anglican Ministry at the border (KAMB) Secretary and coordinator. She oversees the Karen Ministry in the border and is the key liaison between the community leaders and Christ church

September

2021

Impact of COVID 19 in Noh Bo and the nurseries in Mae la camp The country went into semi lockdown in May 2021 and now it´s in total lockdown. The Thai borders are closed, the schools closed in late August early September. Noh Bo Academy boarding school is in lockdown with 63 students learning from and continuing to study with many safety measures. This academic year faced many challenges due to COVID-19 prevention measures especially restricting movements of people from place to place. Communities were strictly advised to stay at home and be safe which forced education leaders to restrict the movement of students and teachers. Student education activities adapt to new routines such as scheduling online/ “small group home learning” as part of social distancing. The Mae refugee camp had an even more trying year, as part of COVID-19 prevention measures left the camp in total lock down. Few NGO`s tried to maintain their support at current level however some NGOs could not maintain their support at all. In the Mae La Karen Ministry looks after three Nurseries and one Orphanage camp and this has had a devastating effect on the orphanage and 3 nurseries in Mae la camp. In addition, the pandemic led to an increase in prices, due to the restriction of movements of goods. The limited job opportunities and reduction in income options, all increased the trials for the Karen community.

CCB KAREN MINISTRY MISSION

“To provide spiritual and practical support working towards a greater degree of self-reliance to the Karen community living in the ThaiMyanmar borders”

PAGE 2


Christ Church Bangkok (CCB)

September

2021

SUPPORTING THE STUDENTS THROUGH LOSS “How Long oh Lord?” (Psalm 13 v 1) I’m sure the words of the Psalmist have been on many peoples lips these past 18 months, through the worldwide pandemic. Noh Bo Academy has had its own cause to ask this question too, facing travel restrictions and lockdown which only allowed part of the community to remain at the school. In addition to this over the last few weeks one member of staff suffered from Covid herself, as well as losing her dear mother to Covid too. A local retired Priest and friend of Noh Bo died and just last week a young member of the staff, Rev Kabaw Soe died suddenly and unexpectedly on site. Any one of these sad losses would have been acutely felt by the community but the compound losses have had a huge impact on all the staff and students. Christ Church felt a duty of care to offer prayer and support however we could, despite being unable to be present just now. As much of my work life and experience has involved counselling bereaved families and in particular young people, Chris asked if I would speak with some of the staff team to assess how we could help. During two extended Zoom calls I was able to hear the details of recent events and the individuals involved and in particular the impact and concerns for students. As with many family deaths during Covid only very few people were allowed to attend the funeral services of the three loved ones who had died, taking away that first ritual for Christians to grieve and commit the loved one to God’s care. The first part of the plan was that local clergy and Bishop Doe would conduct a memorial service on site the following day, Monday, for Rev Kabaw Soe. All the staff and students could attend along with others including Rev Norman and I on Zoom. The students sang some beautiful songs accompanied by other students on keyboard and guitar and Bishop Doe and Norman and I were able to speak, the Bishop in Karen and ourselves through translation by Bishop Doe. Secondly although I would have gladly spent time with both staff and students to listen and counsel, during our Zoom calls it became clear there was a better option and one which has been important to me on other occasions. That was for Doctor Margaret, a Karen medical doctor currently volunteering at Noh Bo, to be the person “on the ground “and who knows the staff and students well and knew Rev Kabaw Soe, to be the one to meet with individuals and assess the needs. Margaret and I went through some of the basic needs as we saw them, the shock, guilt for some, fear of evil spirits on site for others and how best to work and pray with these issues. Dr Margaret will continue to support those on the community, and we will keep in touch over the next few weeks. Please pray that all staff and students will be comforted and feel God’s peace and presence as they continue to grieve and come to terms with their loss. It is my hope that they will be able to move from “How long O Lord” in v 1 of Psalm 13 to “But I have trusted in Your steadfast love, my heart shall rejoice in your salvation” Psalm 13 v 5. By Susan Jones

PAGE 3


Christ Church Bangkok (CCB)

September

2021

FOOTBALL PROVIDED A LIFELINE DURING SEMI LOCKDOWN STUDENT WERE ABLE TO FIND REFUGE IN FOOTBALL AND VOLLYBALL

Empowering the girls with sports: The girls finally have their own volleyball court and after school they can play a game without watching the boys in the sidelines. The girls have their own football team.

Celebrating Saw Rev Ka Baw Soe´s life ….. With great sadness I write to say Rev Saw Ka Baw Soe tragically passed away suddenly on the 6th of September, Memorial service was held on the 13th of September with the staff and students. They sang beautifully and remembered Rev Ka Baw Soe with love and care. Rev Saw Ka Baw Soe oversaw the sustainability project. He was instrumental in driving the project forward. He did an excellent job in training the students in growing vegetation and farming fish and pigs. He lived and worked in Noh Bo. He was dedicated and cared for the students and he will be greatly missed by the students, staff and the community.

PAGE 4


Christ Church Bangkok (CCB)

September

2021

AUSTRALIAN AID AND SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE!!!

Fish & Pig Farming in Noh Bo

The Australian Anglican Church are funding the sustainability project in Noh Bo. The three pigs also arrived in Noh Bo and are being raised by the students. The students who are boarders are split into 3 groups and they rotate in taking responsibility for animal raising, fresh vegetables and fruit farming or learning to cook. This will enable students to learn new skills and prepare them for the future. The aim of the projects is to promote selfreliance and to educate the students on a potential livelihood. We are delighted to say now have1500 Catfish, The students had an opportunity to help build the pond and treat it and release the fish and now help raise it.

Building Interdependence through Greater Self-Reliance: working towards a better Future Sustainability was the buzz word as CCB sought to respond to requests from stakeholders for Noh Bo Academy to demonstrate increasing levels of self-reliance and participation in sustainable programming. This is also aligned with the CCB Karen Ministry Subcommittee’s 5-10-year strategic plan for our various Karen projects, with a particular aim of supporting greater independence for Noh Bo operations. Our hope was that these projects will take root and be nurtured at Noh Bo

PAGE 5


Christ Church Bangkok (CCB)

September

2021

What your donations can do The work of our Karen Ministry continues, and we have a full budget for 2021. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. Here is a picture of how your donations can help. Mae La Camp Support for a Nursery School student Support for a nursery school teacher Nursery School food supplement Caring for an orphanage child Noh Bo Academy Students and Staff Day Student Boarding Students Teachers (13, including Principal) Staff (1 office – 3 cooks - 2 supervisors)

1,600 baht per year 6,000 baht per year 2,200 baht per month 5,120 baht per year

8,000 baht per term 12,000 baht per year Average salary 3,500 baht ($75) per month Average salary 2,500 baht ($46) per month

Noh Bo Food and Nourishment The largest portion of the budget is food - essential in a boarding school for refugees. We need 65 large bags of rice each month for 10 months, at about 850 baht per bag. The school also spends about 46,000 baht a month on fresh produce, giving an annual food bill of approximately 927,500 baht ($31,000). Education Materials Each year supplies of paper, exercise books, text books, pens, markers, etc. are 40,000 baht ($1,333). Arts, crafts and sewing materials are extras and depends on special donations Uniforms Noh Bo students take great pride in their uniform. Annual cost for students is 18,000 baht ($600) Teachers uniforms per year 9,000 baht ($300) Sport kits per year 10,350 baht ($350) Utilities Electricity approx 4,700 baht ($156) per month Gas bottles at 300 baht ($6) per month. Water at 300 baht ($6) per month Internet provision is expensive – 2,675 baht ($93) per month Health and Wellness Toiletries for students cost about 40,000 baht ($1,333) a year. Medicines, dental and hospital bills average 3,000 baht ($100) per month. Blankets are needed in the cool season – 100 baht each for 100 students – 10,000 baht ($333) PAGE 6


Christ Church Bangkok (CCB)

September

2021

HOW TO MAKE A DONATION: HOW ARE WE MANAGING OUR FUNDS? WE ARE FOCUSING ON THE STUDENTS´ ESSENTIAL NEEDS AND MAKING CUTBACKS WHEREVER POSSIBLE. WE ARE ALSO WORKING ON GROWING VEGETABLES TO REDUCE FOOD COST & HOLDING FUND RAISING EVENTS TO RAISE MONEY….

Your continued prayers and financial support are needed more than ever! We send a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for the past efforts and We need your help!!! hopefully, for your future support, as we struggle to reach the levels of funds we had pre virus.

Cheques made out in foreign currency attract very high transfer fees in Thailand ($60). Cheques in Thai Baht are no problem. Electronic transfer is best! Please email us on accounts@christchurchbangkok.org to let us know when you make a payment, so that we can ensure that it arrives and issue a receipt. Bank Account for Karen (New) A/C: Siam Commercial Bank A/C Name: Christ Church English Branch: CP Tower A/C No: 168-225-876-6 A/C Tape: Saving A/C SWIFT code:

SICOTHBK

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT SUSUPPORT!!

PAGE 7


It’s easy to subscribe to EXPAT LIFE print magazine

“Subscribers are the true supporters of any independent magazine.”

Are you one of these human beings who relish in rare moments, where you find time to touch, feel, and smell a beautifully printed magazine?

W

e believe that there are still people on this planet who like to have a print magazine in their hands and turn single pages as you curl up with a cup of coffee or tea. Print magazines help us to calm down and give us a break from our busy life and electronic devices. If you are one of these peoples who like to slow down, subscribe for an entire year to EXPAT LIFE IN THAILAND delivered directly to your door.

For just 1200B – less than a lunch with a friend, you will get positive community content focusing on lifestyle, talents, empowerment, schools and education, health and beauty, travel and leisure and share experiences with other expats in Thailand. :

A GIFT TO

It takes just 2 steps to become a subscriber and supporter of our community:

N BSCRIPTIO 1 YEAR'S SU IN FE LI TO EXPAT D THAILAN

First simply make your payment through one of the two options below. Second send us an email to subscribe@elbkk.com with a copy of your payment slip and give us your postal address, email and telephone number in case of problems. A one year subscription (6 x issues) for 1200B or a two year subscription (12 x issues) for 2000B.

lifestyle . travel

. education . nutritio

Inside we interview

Transfer money via bank transfer

Account name: Pareto Communications Co., Ltd. Account number: 001-9-46370-4 Bank of Ayudhya

English teachers and bean sprou ts

– the unlikely

ships

First on the scene of an accident

connection

prudence

Christmas and New Year salutations

PayPal account name: subscribe@elbkk.com

from all at Expat Life

April / May 2019 lifestyle . travel . education

Inside we interview:

Send us an email to: subscribe@elbkk.com with the recipient’s address, name and choose the date you'd like us to start sending your gift recipient magazine.

. retirement . relation

Khun Chodchoy Sophonpanich

Cha-Ching

– teaching financial

Transfer via PayPal

Gift a one year subscription to a friend? We will add a special gift card to the magazine.

n . health . tourism

:

The Dutch, Peru vian, Swedish, Kaza khstan and New Zeala nd Ambassadors

. nutrition . health .

The Italian and Iranian Ambassadors Alliance Française Bangkok

tourism . retirement

GET CONNE

CTED WITH

US:

Facebook: expatlife inthailand Instagram: @expatl ife_th Web: www.expatlifein thailand.com

. relationships

Goethe Institut

Thai celebration of silk Miss Universe contestants

WITH US: GET CONNECTED ailand om Facebook: expatlifeinth Web: www.expatlifeinthailand.c @ExpatLifeThai @expatlife_th Twitter: bkk.com Instagram: Email: subscribe@el

facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

APRIL / MAY

7


BWG Trip to Mana Outlet & Eastern Glass By Lynne Smith

On Thursday 25th November, eight of us went to do a little pre-Christmas shopping at a couple of local outlet stores and we weren’t disappointed. The first stop was at ‘Mana Outlet’ at Bang Khae which was an Aladdin’s Cave of ceramics, kitchen goods, pots and pans and glasses. There were some fantastic bargains to be had and we each came away with array of goods from ‘fish dish burners’ to delightful little dishes at 40B each. Next stop was at ‘Eastern Glass’, in the same area, which was a riot of colour and another treasure trove. All types of glass products from drinking glasses, fruit bowls, jugs, vases, cheese boards with glass domes and so on, all in every imaginable colour. Again, a few purchases were made before heading for the obligatory coffee and then returning on the minibus to central Bangkok. A most enjoyable morning out and thank you, Justine and Sally for organising; definitely one to go on the list for next year.





Hua Hin Trip by Madeleine Williams During the half-term holidays, myself, my husband Tony and my 3 year old daughter Heidi spent seven nights in Hua-Hin. Well actually, it was Cha-Am… I didn’t realise that they were two separate areas when I booked the hotel let alone in two different provinces! We stayed at the Centra by Centara (Cha-am!) and it was great for families. If you are looking for a luxury, quiet retreat, then I would not recommend it! However, it was perfect for us with water slides, kids splash zones and a private beach with pony rides which were a big hit! The weather was hit and miss which is expected for this time of year and as a result, the sea was no good for swimming. We visited a couple of farms which were 10 minutes from the hotel (Swiss Sheep Farm and Malai Farm) both were a bit sad and run down with Malai being the better of the two. Nevertheless, we were able to feed milk to baby goats and piglets as well as carrots for rabbits, guinea pigs and horses. Another day was spent at Black Mountain Water Park which again was a little tired in places. However, we had great fun in the pool, riding body boards in the wave pool and going on the slides. There was a children’s splash area and the food inside was ‘cheap and cheerful’ enough to satisfy hungry tummies. There is also the Vana Nava waterpark attached to the Holiday Inn which looks very impressive however, we chose this one as it seemed more age appropriate for Heidi. Restaurants to note in Cha-Am include Didine, which is set in a lovely garden with a European chef. They have daily specials and the food on both occasions was superb. They also have a children’s menu and high chairs and the staff are very kind. Seafood is obviously very popular in the area and we had a delicious seafood dinner at Medsai. It is on the beach and also has a nice coffee shop which is open in the day with plenty of Instagram opportunities! Lastly, with branches in Cha-am and Hua Hin, The Baguette is essential for a great lunch. The baguettes are crisp and soft and the prices are very reasonable for ‘western’ style bakery products. You won’t be paying B150 for a croissant here like you do in Bangkok. The highlight of the trip however, was a visit to two national parks. Both are less than a 1hr drive from Hua Hin and a car is essential. The first, is Khao Sam Roy Yot which is also home to the Phraya Nakhon cave and Kuha Kharuehat pavilion. If you are adventurous then I would highly recommend this trip. It requires a 10 minute boat ride (you need to wade out to the boat) to Laem Sala beach and then a strenuous 30 minute (ish!) hike up to the cave. But the result is very rewarding! The temple in the cave was built at the end of the 19th century for the visit of Rama V. The private boat cost B450 and national park entrance was B200 each for adults. Dual pricing unfortunately exists, even after showing Tony’s Thai driving license. Afterwards, we drove to the Bueng Bua boardwalk which is in the same national park so you can use your ticket. It is a serene wetland covered in reeds and waterlilies with a steep mountain range as the backdrop. It is very peaceful walking along the boardwalks and you can take some nice pictures. There is a small local restaurant on site for thai food and much needed cold drinks and ice creams.


The following day, we visited Kui Buri national park which is a prime area for elephant spotting. The tours only start from 2pm and they recommend arriving from 2.30pm as its better for viewing the wildlife. The drive up to park is really nice and again, its B200 per foreign adult. Private vehicles are not allowed in the park, you must go on an organised safari. It was B850 for our own truck with guide and driver. The ride through the park is bumpy but great fun! We were lucky enough to spot a lone, male elephant up close, gaur (like bison), a python, a heard of elephants in the distance and two hornbills. Overall we had a great week with the highlights being the national parks. Hua Hin centre was practically deserted with more activity south of the centre. We ate at Odin restaurant one night which is middle eastern cuisine and it was very good! Tamarind night market was also a highlight with live music and food vendors. It is on Fridays – Sundays and was quite busy. The original Hua Hin night market was also on however, very quiet with fewer stalls than I remember.

Bueng Bua Boardwalk

Phraya Nakhon Cave and temple


The hike might be easier without a 20kg child on your back! % $ # "

Elephants in the distance at Kui Buri national park.


Celebrating 60 Years A proud tradition of learning excellence

We offer a British-style education for an international community, from Nursery through to Graduation. Find out how our approach to learning and outstanding teaching staff 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


Remembrance Sunday in Blaby, England By Gale Bailey MBE

Parade marching off

Ratby Brass led the parade of scouts, cubs, brownies and guides, local dignitaries and representatives from the armed forces

Standard Bearers


Local bobby laying a wreath

Blaby War Memorial displaying the many wreaths laid and the crosses of all those fallen in combat.

A full service was held with hymns and prayers and a 2 minute silence.


Coffee Morning at The British Club by Liz Dobson

On the 11th November we had a coffee morning at The British Club. It was lovely to get back there as the club had only just opened up to non-members again. We were 22, including a few of our recently joined members and the club put on a delicious spread. A number of us stayed on for lunch in their recently renovated Verandah restaurant, a great improvement. I’m sorry, I forgot to take any photographs, but you can take my word for it.



Remembrance Sunday 14th November by Liz Dobson On the 14th I laid a wreath at the cenotaph at the British Club on behalf of The British Women’s Group as part of the annual Remembrance Sunday Ceremony. As the government had only very recently eased restrictions, the Defence Section of the British Embassy deserve high praise for putting on such a moving and well attended event at short notice.



Lunch at Trattoria Delina by Liz Dobson On the 18th November we had a lunch at Trattoria Delina. Giuseppe another old friend who was there for us when meetups were a rare thing. We were 20 and quite a lively gathering or was that just the low ceiling making it seem livelier. Again we had a number of our newer members which is very encouraging. This time photographs were taken.



Book Club by Liz Dobson Last month we read two books which covered difficult subjects and were not easy, comfortable reads. I thought I would find something much lighter in contrast and so I Googled the 2021 Everyman Bollinger Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction and picked something from the shortlist which was available locally and not too expensive on kindle. “Destination Wedding by Diksha Basu”. To quote Amazon “Tina wants to feel Indian. Not Indian in the sense of yoga in Brooklyn. Really Indian. She heads for Delhi for her glamorous cousin’s great, big Indian wedding extravaganza with her divorced parents who left for a better future in America thirty years before. Navigating a world of Delhi playboys, models and wedding guests with personal bodyguards, she is determined to have an authentic Indian experience.” The problem is that none of us cared what she did. I think most people couldn’t be bothered or tempted to finish the book. Comments were, “boring”, “can’t connect” or “reminds me a bit of Crazy, Rich Asians, but not as good”. A couple of us could relate to the feeling of not fitting in or being fully accepted in either your home country or country of residence and one even recognised her friends. Marks ranged from 1/10 to 6/10. I apologise for such a dreadful pick and I cannot believe that this is now shortlisted for the 2021 Comedy Women in Print Prize. Or that it was named one of the best books of the year by Marie Claire and The New York Post. Only confirming my distrust of them as sources of what to read tips. We are currently reading “Exit by Belinda Bauer” for our meeting on Tuesday 7th December and that will be followed by “A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles” for January.


“Feeding of the 5000” – A Cookbook In 2019/20 I came with my husband Norman to Christ Church Bangkok where Norman was the Interim Vicar for about 15 months. During that time, I really enjoyed being a part of the British Women’s Group, following a recommendation from a past member Sue Moore’s. Little did I know that we would return again in July this year to cover a further Interim period until around the end of February next year. During these two visits I finally compiled a cookbook I have had planned for a good few years, bringing together 100 recipes and stories of the people who have shared them from over 45 years in different parishes and travels. I reckoned in that time I have “fed” around 5000 people in our various homes. Hence the title of the book, borrowed from another famous story told some years ago! As the book is about food and hospitality it seemed appropriate that all funds raised will be divided to two local projects helping to support food programs. Over the years I know that BWG have also supported these two projects, Noh Bo Academy on the Myanmar Border where a Food Sustainability Program is in place, and a program we run at Christ Church funding a monthly Food Distribution to local asylum and refugee families, around 85 people. In a section about our time in Bangkok BWG gets a mention, as does Gale Bailey who was a great help when I was first visiting at Bang Kwang Prison and also invited me to join the Welfare Committee at BWG for a short time. I hope to be able to meet with both old and new members during December and January now meetings are happening again but thought some of you may like to see the book before then in preparation for possible Christmas gifts, so Liz Dobson has ten initially and we can supply more if needed. We are asking for minimum donation of 500 Baht per book and as all printing costs have kindly been covered by donors, the full amount from all book sales will be divided between both the projects mentioned. The first print run is 500 and so we hope to raise a good amount for these two great causes. Thank you for all BWG has done and continues to do for those in and around Bangkok who need support and encouragement. Sue Jones



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.