C NTACT THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH WOMEN’S GROUP BANGKOK
March 2022
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.
Editor
Contents
Directory Page 2
Chairman’s message Page 3
Diary Page 4
Book Club Page 8
Chinese New Year coffee Pages 11-13
Jane Williams’ Road Trips Pages 16-14
Galentines Day Pages 26-28
Birthdays Page 30
March Coffee Page 31
Varuna Yacht Club Trip Pages 32-34
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 Please come along to our AGM on Thursday 10th March. Starting at 10.30am we will have a short description of how our last year went, election of new committee and a toast to old and new committees followed by a buffet lunch. Cost is B500 which includes the buffet lunch, water, coffee and a glass of bubbles. I have not had anyone contact me about joining the committee so I would like to invite our members to volunteer to organise just one month’s lunch at a favourite spot or an activity that you have enjoyed. No need to come to meetings, we will do the admin; publicise and take bookings, you just arrange venue. Your BWG needs you! I hope to see many of you there. Liz 0818548681 bwgbkktreasurer@gmail.com
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
March Diary SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1 Pancake Day Book Club
2
3
4
5
6
7 Mahjong
8 Bridge Golf
9 Mah-jong Art Group
10 BWG AGM
11
12
13
14 Mah-jong
15 Bridge Golf
16 Mah-jong Art Group
17 St Patrick’s Day coffee morning
18
19
25
26
Jackie Reynold’s games afternoon at Bistro 33 20
21 Mah-jong
22 Bridge Golf
23 Mah-jong Art Group
24 First Aid Course
27 Mother’s Day
28 Mah-jong
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
Our very own Shout Outs! The BWG supports many Thailand based charities and in particular those that are education based – helping youth today to help themselves and their community tomorrow. Thailand Hilltribes Education Project BWG sponsor at least one student (15,000 Baht pa) through high school and university. www.thepthailand.com
Human Development Foundation BWG sponsor 2 students in Klong Toey (8,000 Baht each pa) through high school and university. www.mercycentre.org
Imagine Thailand Foundation BWG sponsor 2 students (12,000 each pa) through High School and University www.imaginethailand.org
Presentation Slums Mission Bangkok Known as the ‘Milk Run’, BWG donates towards the weekly milk runs and cost of baby milk powder and rice in Rung Moo community, Klong Toey.
New Life Centre, Chiang Mai BWG sponsor a child through high school and university (12,000B pa) www.newlifecenterfoundation.org
Steps BWG sponsors a student with additional needs (20,000B pa) to be trained and supported to find employment in the catering trade. Steps run three coffee shops/training centres in Bangkok – please visit and support! www.stepscommunity.com/about-us
Fatima Centre Empowering women and children living in poverty. The Fatima shop (near Villa Sukhumvit 33) sells a wide range of exceptionally well made embroidered goods that are fun, educational and unique. These goods are handmade and give women dignity as well as a fair price for their quality work. BWG offices are here and we pay rental to the centre for rooms and storage as well as supporting with further donations. www.goodshepherdthailand.org
As well as our continued annual support to the above we are constantly making donations to other charities that need help. We recently donated 10,000B to Rejoice in Chiang Mai for milk powder for feeding mothers with HIV and also to Little Birds, helping support young orphans with HIV. Thank you for your support of BWG and our events, enabling us to support all of the above and more.
The House By The Sea – Louise Douglas Five us met at Steps at Thera at The Commons to discuss this book. When Edie’s mother-in-law, Anna DeLuca, dies, she is relieved. Edie blames Anna for the accident that destroyed her family. So, when her will lures Edie to Sicily and the long-abandoned Villa della Madonna del Mare, she sees through Anna’s games. Suspecting Anna is meddling from beyond the grave to try to reunite her and her ex-husband Joe, Edie is determined to leave Italy as soon as possible. But before she can, the villa starts to shed its mysterious secrets. Who are the girls beside Anna in her childhood photos, and why has one of them been scratched out? Why does someone, or something, want them to leave the past untouched? The villa is a place where old ghosts feel at home, but does their legacy need to be laid to rest before Edie and Joe can move on… This story was generally regarded as a good ‘holiday read’ by most. Not too taxing with short chapters making you want to find what happened next. It was a tale of love, loss, mystery, murder with some good plot twists. The description and history of the villa were interesting and there were some tender passages. Everyone likes a happy ending, although most felt this was predictable from the beginning, but heart-warming that she came to terms with her grief at the loss of her child and forgiveness of her Mother-in-law in a story that could have been quite depressing. At least one member felt it was not memorable at all, had little description and was a waste of time, however it’s good to read a little rubbish every now and again! This book was given scores from 5/10 – 7/10 with an average score of 6.5. Next Book – How To Kill Your Family – Bella MacKie to be discussed Tuesday 1st March.
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The Anantara Siam Hotel The Anantara Siam Hotel kindly provide raffle donations to the BWG. We have been there for afternoon tea and highly recommend the ‘tea for two’ for a special occasion!
Delina’s Italian Restaurant Delina’s restaurant provides space for BWG Book Club meet up and cosy coffee’s. They have an excellent lunch time menu which is worth checking out!
Kung Hei Fat Choi! A big thank you to Liz Dobson for once again opening up her lovely home for the Chinese New Year Coffee Morning and to usher in The Year of The Tiger.
As always it was more than just coffee, it was a full-on morning tea of sausage rolls, sandwiches, shortbreads, cakes and more. There was a big turn-out of members, all happy for a welcome chat, meet up, food and drinks.
Liz had also organised a small raffle to help with much needed funds for welfare projects, and once again Rita, who also won first prize last year too, won the star prize! Will it be third time lucky next year we wonder?!
All in all, with donations, raffle, alms bowl and money raised by the event we were able to add a further desperately needed 13,000B to help those less fortunate.
Thank you, Liz, for your generosity and true BWG spirit!
THE ELEPHANT PARADE The Elephant Parade regularly support the BWG with donations to raffles. This Elephant Parade is a social enterprise with each elephant uniquely painted with @0% of profits going to elephant welfare and conservation. Support them if you can as they support us and don’t forget to mention BWG if you visit! www.elephantparade.com/shop/elephants
Shout Out! MedConsult – Dr Donna
Dr Donna always supports BWG with generous donations to raffle appeals. She is herself an active member of BWG and is often in attendance at BWG events – say hello and introduce yourself to her next time! Her company, MedConsult, has been active in Bangkok for over 35 years.
Currently the clinic offers one of the cheapest PCR/fit to fly tests in Bangkok at 1500B and is extremely competitive in pricing, of all services, compared to the major hospitals. www.medconsultasia.com
Road Trips by Jane Williams UDON THANI (21st to 24th January 2022) with Jane and Dai Williams
It was an early start with a Vietjet flight to Udon Thani. We rented a car from Bob at Lek car rental 0066860593028. We ended up with a Hilux, which was fine as the roads were a bit rough in places. We headed north west 71km to Phu Phrabat Historical Park. What a stunning place which we had to ourselves for our 2.5hr, 4 mile walk around another world of amazing rock formations formed millions of years ago when Thailand was under the sea. 2500 to 3000 years ago it was inhabited by prehistoric man hunting and gathering fruits. Archaeological work started in 1972 and is ongoing. Well worth a visit. We stayed at the Hotel Pannarai in Udon Thani. It is close to bars restaurants and a food market. Nice rooms comfortable bed and a swimming pool. The next days adventure was to the Erawan Cave and Wat, 114km West.
We climbed 552 shallow steps to the entrance. It was a huge cave with spectacular rock formations. We walked through the cave and out the other side for an great view and returned to the entrance. Lots of steps but my knees managed them. Again we were alone.
On our way back we stopped at The Sunshine Orchid Farm and the local museum which was very interesting and gave a good insight to the area. Our main reason for going, was to see The Red Lotus lake Han Kumphawa. We had an early start for a sunrise that never happened but I am sure is spectacular. We took the larger boat as it looked a bit more comfortable for 500bt for 1.5hr trip on the lake to see the water lilies. Best time is November to Feb inclusive and before 11am as the flowers close then for the day. There is local food available and a coffee
shop so no need to have breakfast before you go. It was a very peaceful experience when away from other boats. There was also quite a lot of bird life so take your binoculars. Mid week would be quieter. Pictures don’t do it justice.
We went on to Bang Chiang world Heritage National Museum which is a 5600 year old prehistoric burial ground. Fascinating place. Excavations started in 1967 although things started to be found in 1958 when excavating in a back garden. We ended our long weekend with a Sunday Roast at the BrickHouse opposite the hotel. Great value at 295bt for a huge plate full. If you have not been it is well worth a visit.
SUKHATHAI and SI SATCHANALAI Via NAKHON SAWAN A 5.5hr drive to Sukhathai. We stayed at The Scent of Sukathai hotel 600bt a night, near the entrance to the historical park. We hired bikes from the hotel 50bt a day. Dai and I set off on a marathon 5 hour tour of all 3 areas.
Again very few people around. Similar to Ayuttaya but a lot more Buddhas. In the jungle area to the west there was a lot of ruins but we enjoyed the cycling. We had a local dinner at Sivana at the end of the road by the city walls and cycled back with our umbrellas in the rain. In the hotel, the room was nice and had a comfortable bed. There was also a pool. You can have a massage after your day out for 500bt. The next day we went to Si SATCHANALAI.
More renovations have been done here so you get a better prospective of what it was like. We think more interesting than other places. It also had lovely flame trees. We went to the Archeological museum and then crossed the river, had lunch in a roadside restaurant and then went to Suntree 3 weaving centre and shop.
On the way back we found a road full of pottery shops on the other side of the river. We then headed for Chai Ram Bat Cave for a spectacular show of millions of bats leaving their caves at 5.30pm for about half an hour. Just stand in the area near car park to watch them.
There is a tower but better on the ground. Get there by 5, you don’t want to miss them. If it is busy it could take a while to drive the 4km in to the park. There is a 200bt charge that you pay at the park entrance. Has to be seen to appreciate the spectacle.
On our way back to Bangkok we stayed at B2 Nakhon Sawan premier hotel. The following morning we rose early to get a boat at Nam Nok Park on the lake to see the Lilies (not nearly as good as Undo Thani) but the bird life was brilliant a twitchers paradise.
Both our trips have shown us a very different side to Thailand, if you have not been then go, be adventurous like us. There is a lot to see outside the city of Bangkok.
Shout Out! Bistro 33 Bistro 33 is a long-term supporter of BWG. They give us space for mahjong and art groups and always contribute to our raffles. Please support them! They have space and catering for special events or parties and do an excellent Sunday lunch. www. thebistro33.com
Shout Out! Varuna Sailing Club The Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) sponsor our raffles and donate prizes. RVYC is situated in Chonburi, only 2 hours away. If you want to get away from the air of Bangkok why not take a trip here? It is a family friendly place with accommodation, club house, private beach and more. www.varuna.org
Galentine’s Day at the Anantara Siam! Why should Valentine’s Day lovers have all the fun? Petra introduced us to the concept of Galentine’s Day, a phrase coined from an American comedy show, ‘Parks and Recreation’, and celebrated on Valentine Day Eve. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), is the leading lady who is very pro, strong women leaders, and despite working in Parks and Rec has strong political aspirations, and is doing an incredible job of inspiring many.
It is a day to celebrate friendship and the people who stick by your side and always have your back. In reflection of BWG being one large Galentine’s group, lending support and
friendship to all members, 18 of us met at the beautiful Anantara Hotel in Siam to celebrate in style.
We were also all were gifted with a delightful bag of chocolates with individualised slogans, some of which made for interesting reading! Thank you Petra, for this further boost to our day!
The setting at the Anantara Lobby is exquisite and decadent, with beautifully laid tables and attention to detail. Typically Thai themed serviettes, plates, cushions and décor complimented the lovely displays and murals.
As well as picking from the menu of tea, mocktails, juice and coffees, many chose to ‘upgrade’ to ‘sparkling’, in true celebratory style!
The ‘tea’ goes from 2-00 – 6-00 if needed and is attractively served as a ‘high tea’ of scones, sweets and savouries. Tea for Two at the Anantara is 2300B for two people and this is somewhere to bring visitors for ‘something special’ if you have people in town or celebrating that special occasion.
A big thank you to Petra for organizing an amazing afternoon with some amazing Galentine’s.
Shout Out! Jimmy’s Kitchen Jimmy’s Kitchen supports the BWG by providing raffle prizes. This is an excellent place to take visitors, or for anyone, to learn Thai cooking and carving. Please support him if you can. www.jimmys-kitchen.com Phone 0819096729
Shout Out! The Royal Oak Pub The Royal Oak is a long-term sponsor of the BWG, allowing us meeting space as well as supporting raffles, and book sales. Bookshelves on the first floor are well stocked with up to date and popular titles and worth a look at 100B for 3 books. (Feel free to leave your own book donations too). The Oak does an excellent Sunday Roast and if you’re looking for an ‘English Pub’ with quizzes and sports events in the week, then this your pub!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! We would like to wish a really happy birthday to: Karen Burr - 6th March Jenny Littlewood - 8th March Joan Bartlett - 9th March Sue O’Hare - 9th March Maoliosa Denye - 10th March Carol-Ann Eastgate - 13th March Cathy Lynch - 15th March Pauline Phillips - 23rd March
Have a wonderful day and we are all thinking of you.
St Patrick’s Day Irish coffee Morning ☘☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘☘ ☘☘ ☘☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘☘ ☘☘ Date: March 17 starting at 10:30. Venue: Petra Gordon’s Apartment Prasanmitr Thani Tower, 41 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Apartment 2904. It comes up easily in Grab if you search for the building name. There are twin towers, Petra’s is on the right as you approach the lobby. Price: 250 TB and will include a hot drink (coffee, tea or hot chocolate) with an Irish kick and a nibble. Feel free to dress festively in something green! There will be a competition to see who wears the most green. RSVP: by March 11th to rsvpbwg@gmail.com ☘☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘☘ ☘☘ ☘☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘☘ ☘☘
Photos from the trip to the Varuna Yacht Club
Shout Out! Tou Stainless Steel K Pan supports the BWG by giving raffle prizes. Please support him if you can. He has an excellent show room at Palladium Mall on the ground floor, Room 1B, 238, Zone Bit’s right towards the back! Mention BWG if you visit.
Tonpo Shop – Amarin Plaza K Porn supports BWG with donations to raffles. Please support her if you can. Her shop is on the 3rd Floor. She often has 50% discounts! Please mention BWG if you visit.
