BWG Bangkok Contact Magazine 50th Anniversary Special July 2019

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NTACT

THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH WOMEN’S GROUP BANGKOK

SPECIAL 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION JULY 2019

freeimages.com/Justine FG

Message from the Chairman The British Women’s Group History Bangkok

Prior to 29th May 1969, British women in Bangkok had no organised way of meeting one another. They saw each other only at social functions, or shared the rather dubious thrills of coping with children and shopping in a city that might have been quieter than today, but which was certainly not as convenient and much more of a challenge. As usually happens, groups would gather for informal coffee mornings at each other’s homes.

It was suggested that a meeting should be held to discuss the possibility of establishing a permanent group along more formal lines, which would present opportunities for British women to meet on a more regular basis.

This meeting took place at The British Club on May 29th 1969, when the Chairman of the temporary committee, Mrs. Lily Milne , introduced her fellow temporary committee members. They presented a constitution to the assembled ladies who were then invited to vote. The constitution was accepted unanimously, the temporary committee was elected en bloc and by the end of the meeting all 57 ladies had signed on as members.

The British Women’s Group was born! Thus the reason that the 29th May 2019 was chosen for our Anniversary Lunch.

Lady Pritchard, The Ambassador’s wIfe , graciously accepted the role of Honorary President and today , the Ambassador‘s partner continues that tradition as our Patron.

Our range of activities and services has altered and expanded over the years to meet the requirements of our membership, and are continually being revised to keep abreast with the times.

Although we are primarily a social group through our activities we are able to accrue surplus funds , which enables us to support many Educational sponsorships and Thai charities. These have expanded, as BWG fund-raising has broadened in scope to meet the changing demands placed upon it.

Today the British Women’s Group is a continuing success story - thanks to the support, commitment and effort of its members both past and present.

It was wonderful to be able to share our 50th Anniversary with the Combined Women’s Groups of Bangkok, at the golden Kempinski Hotel.

As you can see from the photos a great time was had by everyone, whether it was shopping, dancing, watching the table magician, enjoying the delicious meal or winning a raffle prize.

A huge thank our to all our Sponsors, to the ladies who turned grey organising the event and a special thank you to all who joined in with the fun of the day, adding golden sparkles to complete the event.

Chairmen of the British Women’s Group in Bangkok from 1969 to the present day.

2018 - present

Ailsa

Kneath

2015 -2018

Gina

Christie

2013 -2015

Sara

Martin

2012 -2013

Pauline

Spiers

2011 -2012

Victoria

Le Bourhis

2010 - 2011

Jean

Kraus

2008 - 2010

Louise

Blackwood

2005 - 2008

Julie

Shaw

2002 - 2005

Gale

Bailey

2001 - 2002

Vicky

Smith

2000 -2001

Ann

Wreford

1999 - 2000

Steph

Woodward

1998 -1999

Joan

Udall

1997 -1998

Ann

Bradbury

1996 -1997

Elaine

Kelly

1995 -1996

Susan

Edwards (Davies)

1994 - 1995

Susanne

Gracie

1993 -1994

Suzie

Ratcliffe

1993 -1994

Melanie

Pomfret

1992 -1993

Mae

Barr

1991 - 1992

Wendy

Neate

1990 -1991

Shirley

Kennedy

1989 -1990

Angela

Poustie

1988 -1989

Liz

Bruce

Jean

Parrott

Carolyn

Tarrant

Sally

Voravarn

1976 approx.

1969 Lily

Milner

The last 10 chairmen of the British Women’s Group in Bangkok Ailsa Kneath 2018 - present

Gina Christie

I would like to wish you all a happy BWG 50th Birthday.

I have been a member of the group for seven years and I had the privilege of being a chairman for three. In that time I have made many new friends and have met some amazing people.

Over the years that the group has been running they have organised some fantastic events and I am sure the celebration of the 50 years in Bangkok will be one of those. I hope you all have a fantastic day and look forward to seeing some great photographs. Love to you all – Gina x The BWG is a unique group of ladies! All thrown together by finding themselves in Bangkok mostly with a spouse who has been posted here, the mixture of backgrounds, personalities and age brings together the most colourful collection of dynamic ladies, all keen to make friends, have fun and help those less fortunate than themselves.

I was privileged to be a Chairman of the BWG during the first 50 years and wish it the utmost success and above all fun for the next 50!

Sara Martin

Pauline Spiers

My time on the BWG committee as lunch lady, Vice Chairman and then Chairman was an amazing experience which was very hard to replace when we left. It gave me the opportunity to meet so many people and make a wonderful group of friends, something which I am very grateful for. The BWG is a great association, the perfect way to enrich your life when you are far from home. Congratulations on turning 50, I am sure it has been a lifeline for many people and will continue to be so in typical BWG fashion. Best wishes to you all and enjoy the golden celebrations!

Victoria Le Bourhis

The last 10 chairmen of the British Women’s Group in Bangkok

Jean Kraus

After 3 months in Bangkok I eventually joined the BWG and never looked back. It was a perfect way to make lifelong friends and give back to the local community we lived in whilst having great fun in the process. Wishing the British Women’s Group a very special 50th Anniversary and I am sure it will last another 50.

Louise Blackwood

I moved to Bangkok in Summer 2002 and immediately joined the BWG, where I was made to feel very welcome. So welcome that they persuaded me to join the committee. During my time with the BWG I had many opportunities to meet very interesting people and support some amazing charities. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the BWG Ruby Anniversary celebrations in 2009 and can’t quite believe that’s it’s already your Golden Anniversary. Wishing you all the best.

Julie Shaw

On arrival in Bangkok in May 1997 on a 3 year contract (yes I know – still here after 22 years!), I was advised to join the BWG as I would need like-minded friends especially as this was our first time as expats. Although I worked, I attended coffees and lunches whenever possible where I made forever friends. I was extremely honoured to become Chairman of BWG in 2002 especially as it was H.M. The Queen’s Golden Jubilee when we held a fabulous Buckingham Palace Garden party themed Combined Women’s lunch with 515 guests – it was a WOW! I really appreciate being part of a great group of ladies from all walks of life and I definitely think that you can take a girl out of Bangkok but you cannot take Bangkok out the girl. This is mainly due to BWG – long may it continue to thrive and flourish!

Gale Bailey

Vicky Smith

Sponsors for the British Women’s Group 50th Anniversary

Sponsors for the British Women’s Group 50th Anniversary

Raffle Prize Winners

Raffle Prize Winners

Table Groups

Vendors

London Display