July/August 2015

Newsletter

July/August 2015

of the International Women’s Club in Sofia

A Day in the Life of Bulgaria’s Roses

‘Let Freedom Ring’ Helping ‘Cedar’ grow A Swedish chef in Sofia

Next Monthly Coffee Mornings 10.30am: Tuesday, 4th August, Osteria Barbarossa Tuesday, 8th September at Matti-d

17, Patriarh Evtimiy blvd., Sofia 1142 +359 2 819 20 20; +359 882 600 600 www.UES.bg

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Letter from the President Dear Ladies, Welcome to our summer edition of the IWC newsletter where you will find details of events for July and August. For those of you that are leaving or have left for your summer vacation, you are already on the way to recharging your batteries with friends and families and we wish you a peaceful summer break.

Some of our members are now packing to leave Bulgaria to take on new challenges elsewhere and I would like to wish them well on their journey. Several of those members leaving have been especially active in their time with the IWC and we shall miss there energy, enthusiasm and most especially their friendship. Wherever they go they will not only be our loss but a huge gain in their new community. Hopefully it will work both ways and we will be welcoming ladies new to Bulgaria to join the IWC where they can share their experiences and also gain an insight into their new home.

Be assured that the the IWC board and the office will be busy throughout the summer, we will be making preparations for this year’s bazaar, we continue to make improvements to the website and are working on organising interesting events to suit all our members. Last month we had one member attend our open day and we were delighted to welcome Liliana Padilla to the office and listen to her suggestions and ideas. I hope that if you are still here in Sofia on the 3 July that you will be able to attend our next open day to discuss the constitution as we value all members comments. The constitution is in urgent need of reform and if you feel you have some time and experience to help us prepare this important document please contact anyone on the board or the office.

Of course, like me, if you are spending most of the summer in Sofia, there are lots of things planned to keep the whole family entertained. Be sure to check out the events we have planned for July and August in the newsletter or on the website.

I would also like to remind you about our ‘Wish you were here’ summer photo competition. We have a Magnum of Champagne to be won! Snap that fantastic view, party, or special moment and upload to the IWC website, there is no restriction on the subject. There is more information here in the newsletter and on the website, take a look and let us have a little glimpse of your summer!

If you are travelling back to your home country and you have room in your suitcases for your return to Sofia, you may want to fill them up with souvenirs, artwork and food that can be sold at the annual Charity bazaar. I know many of you help in this way and it is very much appreciated by the the stall holders and the bazaar team.

What ever you are doing this summer, we will be here looking forward to seeing your relaxed smiling faces in September!

Best wishes,

Angela Bird

President Angela Bird 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org

Vice-President Becky Faber 0879 119 150 firstvp@iwc-sofia.org

IWC Executive Board 2015-2016 Treasurer Sibeal Reynolds 0879 506 800/ 0878 741 888 treasurer@iwc-sofia.org

International Women’s Club Business Park Sofia, Building 11A, 3rd floor

Charity Chairperson Maria Ilieva 0878 300 561/ 0879 119 154 charity@iwc-sofia.org

Office Manager/Newsletter Editor: office@iwc-sofia.org admin@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117

Bazaar Coordinator Toi Castelló 0879 506 799 charitybazaar@iwc-sofia.org

“Like” IWC on Facebook and check our website www.iwc-sofia.org

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Cover image courtesy of:

http://www.bgnow.eu

We appreciate your support

We are grateful to Lyuba Tours for continuously organising tours for club members.

Thank you Wonder Group for looking regularly after our children during coffee mornings!

Thank you Mats Wilhelmsson and Electrolux for organising such a great Swedish event.

Permanent and Waterproof PRINT on LIVE ROSES

Club policy Smoking Please note that all IWC Coffee Mornings are non-smoking.

Bulgarian Applicants Unfortunately, due to a lack of available spaces, new Bulgarian applicants will be added to the waiting list, until further notice Language Don’t let a lack of fluency in English keep you from attending the monthly coffee mornings and other club activities. Many of our members speak other languages. Remember, we are an international club, and we are here to support you. You’re welcome at any time.

Suggestion Box The suggestion box is always available at the members’ sign-in table. Feel free to write your ideas, concerns, complaints, and suggestions to the IWC Board and drop them in the box.

Because you’re important to us, we want to hear from you.

IWC Visitors Policy The IWC doors are open to visitors throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to attend up to

two coffee mornings and two activities prior to applying for membership. A 15 BGN fee is payable upon registration at the sign-in table during the coffee morning. For more information, please contact the Member-ship Coordinator at office@iwc-sofia.org.

Use of IWC Logo The Board has established the following policy for the use of the IWC logo and brand name. In order to prevent any misuse.

1.Written Permission must be requested from the Board a minimum of 2 weeks prior to event; 2. The partnering organisation/company should be in good standing in the community; 3. The event should seek to pursue the goals of the IWC; 4. No third-party usage will be permitted. An agreement will be signed between IWC and partner organisation; 5. The Logo may be used only for the agreed event and for specified time period.

Guidelines for Paid Advertisement 1. Priority for any vacant advertising spaces will be given first to IWC members, then to outside advertisers.

2. Advertisers are welcome to run or extend their advertisements for a period of six months. After that time, if there is a waiting list for advertisements of that size, the situation will be reviewed, and priority for available spaces will be given to (a) IWC members; (b) new advertisers; (c) existing advertisers. The same order of priority will apply to smaller ad space that may become available.

3. There is no waiting list for advertisements of a given size, the current advertiser may extend their advertisement for the contract period of their choice.

4. These guidelines may be revised at any time with the agreement of the IWC Board.

5. Paid advertisers are not endorsed by the IWC.

Rules For Announcements From Members 1. Advertisements will be run in two consecutive issues.

If the member sends a request to run the advertisement again, it will be extended for a further two issues. After that, the advertisement will be removed.

If the member still wishes to include the advertisement after that time, the request will be considered, but placement is not guaranteed.

2. Advertisements must be submitted by members.

Members may not submit ads for non-members (e.g., for a friend who is selling a car, etc.).

3.Members may not submit rec-

ommendations for businesses.

These recommendations may be submitted to the IWC Go To Guide.

Businesses are also welcome to purchase advertising in the newsletter.

4.Recommendations for individuals engaged in business (e.g., dentists, hairdressers, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Board.

5. Final discretion as to whether to include an announcement rests with the Newsletter Editor.

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We ask members to send all announcements for the newsletter via e-mail. The size of ads should not exceed a single paragraph of five lines. The IWC board is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided in these announcements.

Please send your contributions to office@iwc-sofia.org not later than the 15th of the month.

Let Freedom Ring July is the month of the United States of America’s top celebration, the 4th of July. This day is a memorial to the nation’s successful bid to become independent. It’s a day to talk about freedom.

What is real freedom? Is it right to rebel and go out on one’s own or is it remembering where we came from and what we owe? What happened at the“Boston Tea Party.” Isn’t that when (United States) Americans refused to pay taxes anymore?

Freedom. Americans love it. There’s even a Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania.

Americans believe in freedom and a quest for it is embedded in our psyche – yet we are not just disreputable revolutionaries or recalcitrant kids. As a people group, yes, we may be quick to question or rebel against the status quo and, no, we are not afraid to go against the stream/ have the ability to see things from a unique point of view. However, in 1776 serious underlying causes existed that led us in the 18th century to fight that government. It wasn’t about paying taxes. It was about how those taxes would be collected. We were willing to pay England. The problem was how.

At that time, young America wanted to escape the mercantile system (economic dominance by England) and Benjamin Franklin was sent to London to offer a proposal and to discuss representation. The colony (all 13 parts) did not wish to be ruled by British monarchs and aristocrats far away in England without having a say. A majority of Americans came from England and were British so many would have preferred to stay connected to the homeland; going to war was very difficult! Many even felt it was treason. The price of becoming a colony took up the responsibility of self-rule, using principles and ideals from ancient Greek philosophers and modern French ones, marshalling the potency of self-determination, searching for a broad justice with freedom to speak.

Stars and Stripes

www.history.com

Independence …..and other ideals

The flag of America is called, “stars and stripes,” Stand Alone. Americans prize the ability to “go it as a short name, and is a symbol or sign of loyalty to alone,” to be a pioneer and survive by using one’s the United States of America. own ingenuity and independent skills.

The national anthem’s text is also named, ‘Stars and Stripes,’ taken from a poem written while Francis Scott Keyes in 1812 was on a boat in the water near the shore, watching the battle.

He feared for the flag’s survival. More importantly, he wondered if the nascent country would survive the French/ American fight against the British (again.)

After Americans were no longer members of England / British life, a mechanism was needed to transfer loyalty to the new country. Children were (and are) taught to say, “The pledge of allegiance“ to the flag, setting a direction for loyalty. Rather than the previous focus on king or aristocrats/ royals far away, loyalty is to America. It closes with this phrase: “One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

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Equality “All men created equal.” Democracy did not begin with the United States, of course, but was discussed in ancient Greece. The principle that “black, yellow, tan,” people, men or women, are of exactly the same value and worth, however is modern. Equality is worth fighting for.

Justice and Civil Rights “It’s not fair.” Americans will become angry quickly if an action or law does not seem fair. Justice is not far away, or impossible but can be figured out; to allow inequality is unfair, wrong. To be fair, things have to be the same. Same education, same opportunities, same chances.

Baseball and Hot Dogs: America’s Fourth of July Celebration Just like other nations, particular menu’s and feasts are attached to particular seasons. Most of our July celebration includes a type of barbeque and outdoor sports.

Almost always there are hot dogs, summer salads and apple (or fruit) pies, watermelon or ice cream for dessert.

As “American” as Apple Pie What makes a perfect 4th of July day? We love a brass band, the local city parade, enjoy huge stretch of green lawn, picnic tables, red and white checked table clothes, balloons, all joining into “Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and….summer.” Baseball, however much it is a current icon of USA, evolved out of a British game, ‘rounders,’ just as basketball came from ‘netball.’ And do hot dogs really come from the United States or bratwurst?

Are they German? And isn’t Apple pie from Europe, too?

Yes but pie is American, too. The United States is a land of immigrants and those who come to America make it a rich “melting pot,” of people groups, cultures and languages. It’s common to say, I’m a Heinz 57, meaning many of us have a diverse and wide ethnic mix (there’s 57 types of tomato in that Heinz catsup) in our family backCurrently more than sixty percent of the ethnic mix in the USA is German, Hispanic is the second largest (Latino) and third place of origin, genetically, is African American in the average American ‘family tree.’ During the 1700 - mid 1800 the nation saw a huge immigration from Germany because of the farming/ economic dynamics back in Europe. Hispanic and Latino immigration occurs because of the borders shared with Central/ Latin America, as well as proximity to South America. So the United States’ culture blends of German, Irish, African-American, English & Mexican.

“In America, they haven’t spoken English for years!”

Henry Higgins, in the film, “My Fair Lady,” says this, mourning the adjustments colonial speakers make to the language. The use of the English language isn’t the same in England as it is in the United States, in vocabulary, of course, but most obviously in pronunciation. But is the British way of speaking older? Is there a “right/ wrong” way to speak English? At universities, linguists discuss the “immigrant effect” – scholars talk about where a language is found in its ‘purist’ i.e. oldest or least tampered with form. It turns out a language will freeze into its earliest state in small pockets of immigrant groups – thus the oldest version of some dialects or languages of the UK actually may exist in the back hills of Kentucky or Tennessee where language has had the least contact with outsiders.

So the answer to the puzzle of the “Oldest English,” may be a bit ironic and unexpected. If you go on a search to find Shakespeare’s English, you may travel to the rivers & mountains of the USA…to hear/ listen to the….Northern-Midland dialect of the Ohio River Valley!

Now that’s really American! Ohio (KY), where Daniel Boone comes from, rivers that lead to the Mississippi, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn’s home? In a sense, the United States owes the most to the UK. If an old form of the UK’s language is kept in us, maybe we do remember a bit of what we owe England.

Becky Faber 6

Bastille Day

Bastille Day, in France and its overseas départements and territories, holiday marking the anniversary of the fall on July 14, 1789, of the Bastille, in Paris. Originally built as a medieval fortress, the Bastille eventually came to be used as a state prison.

Political prisoners were often held there, as were citizens detained by the authorities for trial. Some prisoners were held on the direct order of the king, from which there was no appeal. Although by the late 18th century it was little used and was scheduled to be demolished, the Bastille had come to symbolise the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy. During the unrest of 1789, on July 14 a mob approached the Bastille to demand the arms and ammunition stored there, and, when the forces guarding the structure resisted, the attackers captured the prison, releasing the seven prisoners held there. The taking of the Bastille signaled the beginning of the French Revolution, and it thus became a symbol of the end of the ancien régime.

July 14, often called la fête nationale in France, became an official holiday in 1880. From the beginning, speeches, military parades, and fireworks, along with public revelry, were part of the celebration.

Episode of the Belgian Revolution of 1830, Egide Charles Gustave Wappers (1834), in the Musée d'Art Ancien, Brussels

Belgium Independence

The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica

The Independence Day of Belgium is celebrated on 21 July, the day the nation attained its freedom from the domination of Netherland in the year 1931.

The independence of Belgium received the approval of the European powers at the London Conference of 1830-31. The Independence Day of Belgium commemorates the formal establishment of the independent kingdom and the crowning of Leopold I of SaxeCoburg. Prince Leopold I of Saxe-Coburg was appointed king of the Belgians on his willingness to support the constitution drawn up by the National Congress.

After attaining its independence and neutrality by the leading European powers, Belgium was the first country in Europe to enjoy rapid economic growth through industrialization. The country further led the continent in the expansion of railways, engineering and coal mining.

In the last half century, independent Belgium prospered as a modern, technologically advanced state and also a member of NATO and the EU.

Paris, Claude Monet, 1878, Art, Rue Montorgueil,

http://www.fleurishing.com

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Charity update Dear Ladies, This month I would like to start with a beautiful sentence of Mother Teresa: It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

The reason to begin with this is the great result we made together during the regular coffee morning tombola. I was so impressed to see how many people bought tickets. Thanks to all of you we raised more than BGN 230 which were donated to the single mother with health problems. And I do believe that that all of you put love while you are buying the tombola tickets!

The Charity team is launching a new initiative - from this edition of the newsletter each month we will publish brief information about the two charity projects supported by the Foundation.

This month I will start with the following projects of the "Teach for Bulgaria” Foundation and the IWC project in Chuprene Municipality (North West Bulgaria).

I encourage you to take the opportunity to contact us – me and Asia and ask your questions for the projects and everything related to the work of the charity team.

I also would like to invite you to join us and Tabitha Foundation to a BBQ in the town of Roman, where we will visit the social home for youths and all together with the kids we will enjoy nice meals and good atmosphere. The date of the BBQ will be confirmed by Tabitha Foundation in advance.

The charity team during the last visit in Chuprene – June 13th-14th, 2015

Thank you for all of you who join us on “Around the World in a Day” event, organised by Hilton Hotel Sofia. Please find a thank you letter that Angela Bird and I received from Mr. Stephan Reiter, General Manager of Hilton Hotel.

Best regards,

Maria Ilieva

Charity Chairperson

Charity projects 2015

IWC Sofia is supporting “Canis Therapy for children with disabilities” In the beginning of 2015 IWC Charity team received a request from “Usardie” Association for BGN 2 000.00 of funding for or a project called “Canis Therapy for children with disabilities”.

The purpose of the therapy provided here in Sofia covers the following: ✓ development of adaptive behaviour skills; ✓ change of the perceptions; ✓ development of interpersonal relationships.

What is Canis Therapy?

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Canis – Dog(Latin) Terapeo – treatment (Greek)

The main beneficiaries of the project are children with autism and other mental deficiencies.

At present, the concept and practical implementation of different forms of Animal Assisted Therapy are used in different countries worldwide. Canis therapy is using a rehabilitation method working with dogs - an interactive method that uses the positive relationship of the child with the dog and its interest in communicating with the animal. This type of therapy started being practiced in the Czech Republic in the nineties.

Event: The Charity team and “Usardie” Association would like to invite the IWC members to join a morning event on July 4th at “St. Troitsa” Park from 11.00 to 13.00. In case of bad weather, the location will be changed and message with the new venue will be send.

For more info, please, speak with Maria Ilieva.

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“Teach for Bulgaria” Foundation Project supported by IWC since 2014

“With the generous support of IWC, we continue working for a quality education to every child in Bulgaria. For a second consecutive year our partnership gives tangible results in the faces of the students in 15 High School in Sofia.” - Anelia Todorova, Development Director at ‘Zaedno v chas’/ Teach for Bulgaria.

The project’s goal is for every child in Bulgaria to have access to a quality education, regardless of region, type of school, or socio-economic situation. Every child in the country should learn from teachers who support their students and help them unleash their full potential. One day the teaching profession in Bulgaria will enjoy the prestige and respect that it deserves.

and characteristics that will allow them to become inspiring, transformational teachers with an innovative approach to teaching. This approach is working successfully in 14 countries on five continents, where it is applied by their partner organisations in the Teach for All network.

In order to receive a quality education, children must be taught by the most talented and motivated people who can lead their students to success. The money received from IWC Charity foundation will be used by “Teach for Bulgaria” to support the teachers financially for one school year.

Teach for Bulgaria adapts a specific, internationally successful approach that engages outstanding graduates in facilitating the access to quality education for every Bulgarian child. They attract and select talented, ambitious young people from diverse fields who have the attitudes

“The Refugee Project” together with Caritas https://www.facebook.com/refugeeproject “What an exciting day! We were guests at the American College of Sofia! We listened to some nice music, learned a new song in English and played football, feather ball and frisbee. Of course there were presents. A big thank you to our kind hosts and to the IWC!”

IWC Project in Chuprene Municipality (North West Bulgaria) North West Bulgaria is officially announced for the poorest region in the entire European Union. This is very sad, because the area is very beautiful, but locals don’t have regular jobs and often whole families leave the region and even the country in search of livelihood.

The importance of this project is that on one hand adults with dementia will have the opportunity to live in good conditions, and on the other hand with the opening of the home locals will get the opportunity for jobs that will be funded by the municipality.

During a visit to another project in 2013 we had the opportunity to visit Chuprene village and to meet with employees of social homes for people with mental problems. The needs of clothes and food were on first place. For a year and a half the charity team managed to deliver a number of donations of food from Bulgarian food bank and clothing, some of which donated by IWC club members.

At the end of 2014 the IWC board has decided to continue the support as furnishing with furniture and home appliances the new home for people with dementia which will be officially opened soon. The total amount of support was BGN 10,000.

As you can see on the photo the home is ready to welcome its first occupants.

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‘Around the World in a Day’ with Hilton, supporting Cedar Foundation

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Charity Bazaar update - Volunteers’ Coordinator wanted Dear members, I am pleased to inform you that preparations are underway for the 21st Annual Charity Bazaar, scheduled to take place on Sunday 6th December2015 at the Inter Expo Centre (IEC) Sofia (147 Tsarigradsko Shausee Blvd).

Every year the Annual Charity Bazaar provides an opportunity for countries to proudly showcase their handmade crafts, music, souvenirs, folklore, national cuisine, clothing, literature, culture and tradition. At last year's bazaar there were 66 stalls, 44 of which were representing 49 countries, 11 charities and 18 IWC Stalls. 1500 volunteers worked to make this happen and more than 7000 people visited the bazaar.

The IWC is extremely proud that now in its 21st year, the annual charity bazaar is a long standing favorite with the people of Sofia.

The bazaar serves as the principal source of funding for the IWC's charity projects and is the single biggest charity event in Bulgaria and the Balkans. Thanks to the generous support of embassies, donor communities, as well as local and foreign businesses, the money raised through last years' bazaar was over 300,000 BGN. We the IWC bazaar team are nine committed ladies, who work hard together to make things happen. We all have one common goal, we all volunteer to raise money for charity and have fun at the same time. That’s what makes the job so exciting.

We would like to announce a vacant team member position - Volunteer Coordinator. She will coordinate the volunteers work during the full 3 days required – the 2 set up days prior to the bazaar (Friday and Saturday) and the actual day of the bazaar - Sunday. Ideally someone who speaks English and Bulgarian which will aid communication and she is not volunteering on any other stall at the same time.

If you are interested in the position and want to become an active part of this great, multicultural project, please don´t hesitate to contact me at any time. My email is charitybazaar@iwc-sofia.org and my telephone number +359 879 506 799.

Toi Castelló I Reñé, IWC Bazaar Coordinator 2015

“A Day in the Life of Bulgaria’s Roses” – May’s Rose Valley Trip

Leaving Sofia a little after 5 am, we started early to drive the three hours or so to the Rose Valley. As we passed the Stara Planina, the sun rose, and when dim light turned to bright we saw workers already out in the fields, filling large blue plastic bags with hundreds and hundreds of fragrant pink blooms.

At the rose fields, surrounded by the Balkan range and beautiful country vistas, we had the chance to become flower pickers. The ground was soft and muddy; early morning dew made the bushes wet and moist. It was fun to go down a row and pick from a lane of roses, although we discovered it is not as easy as it seems – we were very slow! In fact, all ten of us would have earned only a few leva for that half an hour we spent working! With our tiny but fragrant harvest of flowers, happily we sewed and twisted rose blossoms into crowns and garlands, to the amusement of the professional rose pickers.

Next came a visit to the distillery, where each day the morning’s roses are delivered, weighed and processed into rose water. The giant steel machines almost reach the ceiling, and the heat and steam felt intense. To our inexperienced eyes it looked a lot like the process of whiskey or wine-making. From the moment we entered the rooms, the Sedó drowsy, Sara heavy flowery scent permeated the air. The guide was informative and welcomed our surprise and questions.

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It was fascinating to examine three types of roses, ones most commonly used in Bulgaria’s rose processing: the top of the line is the famous pale, pink Damascus rose, second is the tiny white Alba rose and finally the aptly named Mille Fleur Rose with the highest number of petals. After walking around the distillery, listening to the steps which culminate in the rose harvest and hearing how the owners began to produce oil in the early 1900’s, we were given the chance to buy rose water, rose oil and lavender oil. What a lot there is to know about the history of roses in Bulgaria!

Back on the bus, we ate a picnic lunch while the minibus carried us to the final stage of our Rose Valley adventure. En route to Koprivshtitsa, we compared impressions of the rose pickers, the amazing rose harvest we witnessed, and the century-long success of that old (now modernised) distillery. In Koprivshtitsa we wandered up and down narrow cobblestoned lanes, admiring several museum houses of the Revolutionary leaders. Finally, we drank coffee in outdoor cafes, before returning to Sofia in the late afternoon, our heads full of interesting new facts and our hands full of beautiful roses.

Gayle Cliord

Bulgarian Rose Oil Rose oil is one of national treasures of Bulgaria.

Persia is considered to be the first place where rose oil was extracted many centuries ago, now Bulgaria is a leading producer with 70% of rose oil in the world. Our rose is called Rosa Damascena and was brought here from the Ottoman Empire in the XVI century. It's been grown in the Rose Valley (near Kazanlak, south of the Balkan) since the middle of the XIX c.

glands, removes sclerous disorders in organs and revives cells. Attar of roses is good for digestive tract as it heals mucous membranes, fights disbacteriosis and fermentative deficiency in stomach and intestine.

Rose petals contain vitamin C, carotene, B group vitamins and vitamin K that is essential for haemopoesis.

Almost all mineral substances of Mendeleyev's periodic table can be found in rose petals. Bacteria die within five minutes when contacted with fresh rose petals which makes rose a perfect medicine for fighting skin diseases.

Fresh rose petals will help cure festering wounds and burns; they may also alleviate allergic itching.

Rosa Damascena blooms in the end of May. The traditional way of collecting the petals is by hand. They are gathered in baskets and as soon as a basket is full other workers prepare them for transportation in sacks.

It's important to quickly transport them to the distilleries because the oil begins to evaporate. For one still 15 kg of petals and 60 l pure water are needed. During distillation the water absorbs a lot of oil and it's re-distilled to extract additional 75% of the produce. One kilogram of rose oil is extracted from 3000 to sometimes 6000 kg of blossoms!

Bulgarian rose oil is believed to be the best in the world. It has no competition as a raw material for perfumes like "Nina Ricci", "Chanel", "Christian Dior", "Kenzo", etc.

Headaches, sickness and weakness can be cured with inhalation of roses and attar of roses. Rose inhalations are also recommended to people with poor nervous system, liable to neurosis and depressions. Put a bowl with hot water and rose petals in the room in case you suffer from nervous diseases, cold in the head, cough and flu. Tea made of rose petals (a tea-spoon of dried rose petals per a glass of boiling water) is good against cold, pharyngitis, bronchitis and various neuroses.

Attar of roses is the basic medical component of roses; it stimulates and harmonises people's immune and nervous systems. It also improves activity of endocrine

Boris Vasilyev, Doctor of Medical Science

Rose water is added to provide flavour to various dishes. When used in various desserts like rice pudding, cakes and scones it gives a unique flavour to all these dishes. It is used in the preparation of different types of beverages. In some recipes, it is used as a substitute of vanilla because of its sweet smell.

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Rosewater Lemonade 5 1/3 cups water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/3 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 to 7 lemons); 2½ to 3½ teaspoons rose water.

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring just until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. Stir in lemon juice and rose water to taste. Chill well before serving.

Rosewater Chicken Salad 3 tablespoons 100 percent rosewater extract; Salt; 8-ounces spaghetti; 2 chicken breasts; Cooking spray; Pepper; Juice of 2 oranges; 1 Romaine heart, sliced; 1/4 rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 olive oil.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a pot of water to boil and add the rosewater and salt to taste; cook the spaghetti according to package directions; set aside to cool. While the pasta is cooking, put the chicken breasts onto a greased cooking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cover with the orange juice; bake for 22 minutes, or until cooked all the way through.

When the chicken is ready, mix the pasta with the sliced Romaine heart. In a separate bowl, mix the rice wine vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt; quickly whisk in the olive oil to make a vinaigrette and pour that over the noodles and Romaine. Top the salad with chicken and serve.

Peaches in Rosewater Syrup 4 cups water; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cinnamon sticks; ¼ teaspoon green cardamom pods; Optional: 1 tablespoon dried rose buds (see note); 1 teaspoon rose water; 4 ripe but firm peaches Crisp cookies.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to the boil. Remove from heat and add peaches. Time about 30 seconds or just until skins begin to loosen. Remove peaches and rinse gently with cool water. When cool enough to handle, slip off the skins. Cut peaches into quarters, discarding the pits, and put into a bowl.

Pour hot syrup over the peaches. Cool about 15 minutes, then place a piece of wax paper on top and weight with a small plate. Refrigerate several hours until peaches are chilled and have absorbed the flavours of the syrup. (These peaches should be served the same day they are made.) Remove rose buds, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods from syrup. Spoon peaches with some of the syrup in glass bowls and serve with cookies.

Material kindly supplied by Lyuba Tours: lyubatours.com; +359 2 963 33 43; lyuba.tours@gmail.com.

In a 3 ½-quart pan combine water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and cardamom. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat and simmer gently 10 minutes. Stir in dried rose buds and rose water. Simmer 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.

Swedish Cooking demo

As part of a buzzing June events calendar, members of the IWC had the honour of participating in a Swedish cooking demonstration presented by professional cook Mats Wilhelmsson.

Mats comes from Goteborg and is currently living in Sofia. He is working on a culinary book which will be featuring Bulgarian and Swedish recipes. During the demonstration we learned how to make crispy flatbread, Gubbrora, a traditional pickled herrings starter, delicious herb baked salmon with potatoes and spring vegetables, shrimps sauce to go with it, and scrumptious white chocolate mousse with lime, strawberries and dark chocolate shavings.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Mats for sharing with us his insights on Swedish food preparation, to Zlaty Mihailoff for organising this fine tasting event, and to Vesselina Stanilova and her team from Electrolux for their truly great hospitality!

Elitsa Lingorski

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White chocolate mousse with lime and dark chocolateрserved with strawberries

Herb baked salmon with potatoes and spring vegetables Salmon fillets -150g per person Salt and pepper 1tbsp. chopped onion 1tbsp. chopped parsley 1tbsp. chopped dill 1tsp. finely grated lemon peel 50ml. sour cream (for each fillet)

100g whipping cream 100g yogurt 100g white chocolate (melted) Melt the chocolate in a water bath. Mix it with the yoghurt and the whipped cream. Stir all three until homogenous and put in preliminary prepared dishes. Grind some lime zest and dark chocolate on top.

Optional: Mix raspberries and sugar and let it boil for a couple of minutes. Add it on top of the chocolate mousse.

Salt and pepper the fillets and put them in an ovenware. Mix the herbs and cream and put them on top of the salmon pieces. Bake for about 15min. at 120 degrees. Serve with this: (per person) 150g boiled fresh potatoes, 1 carrot, 1 spring onion, 50 g spinach, 50 g fennel, Oil or butter, salt and pepper according to your own taste

‘Pot luck’ at Maria Barmina

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Italian ‘Intermezzo’ at Luisa’s

Felt workshop

A group of lovely very artistic ladies joined the “Felt Ladies” from Rojdestvo Hristovo Foundation last Tuesday 16th of June to learn about the basics of needle felting in their new social centre in Lyulin.

where they can work according to their interests and abilities. In this friendly environment, the mothers experience work therapy, as well as earn a modest income.

Over the past 16 years, Rojdestvo Hristovo’s social centre has helped more than 500 mothers, over 70 of whom have achieved good material and social status. 6 mothers became members of the staff at the Rojdestvo Hristovo centre.

Vania Sigridova, the artistic brain of the Foundation was an amazing teacher, we are now all set with the knowledge, materials and needles to further practice at home and start producing more felt items!! We noticed how much work and love goes into producing the beautiful handicrafts (especially the nativity scenes and Christmas decorations) we can buy at the IWC Charity Bazaar each year!

Recently, the social centre began to offer teaching and work at home for women who would like to learn to make souvenirs out of felt. They also take clothes donations (mother and children). If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to volunteer with this Charity in any way, please contact IWC member Sara Sedo or Lucy Balikova, the Director of the Rojdestvo Hristovo Foundation.

Rojdestvo Hristovo Foundation is a charity with the mission of providing moral and material support for single mothers who raise their children alone in the city of Sofia. Their aim is to empower women by helping them to develop life management skills. A personalised programme is developed to address each individual’s needs. In addition, mothers are given the opportunity to participate in the craft workshop at their social centre,

sara.sedo@gmail.com; liudmila_balikova@yahoo.com

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Sara Sedó

BBQ with the Jones’

A Word about the Aloe Vera plant As previously promised in this issue I will reveal my second secret helper – the ancient Aloe Vera plant, I use it’s leaves at least once a week to help me look younger and healthier.

Excellent for digestion It's worth trying for anyone who suffers with digestion problems like IBS. Its healing and soothing properties can help with the painful symptoms.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is an incredible ancient medicinal plant full of nutritional benefits. It’s a succulent plant, part of the lily family – LILIACEAE. The different parts of the plant are used for different purposes and the Aloe has both internal and external applications. Similar to the Kefir it also aids relieve and is used for treatment of many medical conditions, it promotes beautiful and young looking skin.

It’s an easy way to boost your vitamin and mineral intake

The plant leaves contains numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and other bioactive compounds with anti inflammatory, anti-oxidant, aphrodisiac, antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic values for health care. This plant has potential to cure sunburns, burns and minor cuts, and even skin cancer. The external use in cosmetic primarily acts as skin healer and prevents injury of epithelial tissues, cures acne and gives a youthful glow to skin.

Full of natural vitamins and enzymes that can directly promote healthy hair. What I normally do is to cut up a few leaves into small pieces, soak them in water over night then pour on my hair after using my regular shampoo and conditioner. It strengthens my hair and makes it shiny.

Aloe vera juice is packed with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folic acid. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and potassium. Sounds pretty good, right?

Hair growth

Good for burns, sunburn, cuts and acne When used directly Aloe Vera can soothe inflamed skin and enhance collagen and hyaluronic acid to help rejuvenate the skin. The most amazing reaction can be seen when you apply/ rub some juice of an Aloe leaf on to a cut on one’s finger or wound, the bleeding stops immediately.

What are the main benefits of this miracle plant?

Detoxifying The amino acids, vitamins and minerals of the Aloe Vera make it one of nature’s most effective cleansers. It can help strengthen digestion and rid the body of any waste, through detoxifying the body naturally. But please be careful as Aloe Vera is also a powerful laxative which can cause diarrhoea if too much is used.

It’s the best FIRST AID plant to have nearby in your home.

Especially if you have children, this the first aid I reach for when they fall or get an insect bite.

In general there are hundreds of ways to use the Aloe Vera plant in all its forms, I personally prefer to use the fresh raw leaves, and however there are various gels and extracts that can be purchased. Researchers are continuing to discover new ways to put this natural superpower plant to use.

Supports the immune system Aloe vera is packed full of immune-boosting polysaccharides which help the immune system to behave properly. Any kind of inflammation in the body can cause problems within the immune system and can cause conditions like asthma or eczema. Soothing herbs like Aloe Vera juice can slow the inflammation and help the immune systems response to prevent these conditions.

How can I get an Aloe Vera plant?

It lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

If you are looking for an effective remedy at the same time just a new houseplant, consider an Aloe Vera plant, contact me or see the advert at the announcements page of the magazine. It will be an excellent addition to your lifestyle in whatever way you decide to use it.

There is some evidence to suggest that Aloe Vera lowers cholesterol and has a positive effect on blood sugar levels, meaning it can be useful for treating diabetes and obesity.

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Albena Jones

Membership news

Birthdays in August

Birthdays in July

Natalia Evtimova-Sotirova, 2nd August

Sara Sedó, 5th July

Franziska Bieri, 4th August

Dusica Trkulja, 9th July

Petya Videnov, 6th August

Svetlana Yanakieva, 10th July

Diana Kolarova, 8th August

Toi Castelló Reñé, 18th July

Marianna Maclaren 20th August

Sory Jan, 23rd July

Angela Assed Sharaf, 27th August

Maya Alexandrova, 23rd July

Maria Piguleva, 28th August

Penka Baltova, 24th July

Asya Alexandrova, 28th August

Preslava Fentham-Fletcher, 25th July

Keacher Gould, 29th August

Sevdalina Rankova, 25th July

We say good-bye

Denislava Ruskova, 25th July Ekaterina Vatashki, 26th July

We say good-bye to Lynne, who was our president for the last couple of years. Thank you, Lynne, for working so diligently for the benefit of the IWC and its humanitarian goals. We will miss your bright personality and your cheerful smile. Please don’t forget the IWC and certainly don’t forget Bulgaria! We wish you and your family – Roy, Nathan and Hannah – tremendous success in whatever you will be involved in the future! We also bid fair well to Dorothy Tomalin and to Diane Tromans-Berg, who were both very memorable and active members, helping the IWC to raise funds for its important projects!

Iliana Zlatareva, 26th July Maria Naslednikova, 28th July Tatiana Nedielcheva, 31st July

The IWC in partnership with Matrix Relocations present the IWC ‘Wish you were here’ Holiday Photo Competition!

We would like you to share a little piece of your summer with the rest of us this year, so as you travel the globe to visit friends and family, we would like to be there, regardless of whether you are on an adventure in the mountains or relaxing on the beach!

We all take lots and lots of photo’s when we are on holiday and we would like to see yours!

Please send us that one (up to three) photo that makes you think ‘wish you here’. It is very quick and easy to enter and you get the chance to win a Magnum Bottle of Champagne Louis Roederer Brut, thanks to our partner, Matrix Relocations, www.matrixrelo.com.

To enter the competition is easy: Go to the IWC website www.iwc-sofia.org and you will find instructions on how to upload your photo. You will be required to enter your name, the name of the photograph and a brief description.

Competition Rules: If you are a current member of IWC, you can participate! Please send us your entries before 31 August 2015.

Your entries will appear on the IWC website in the members’ area. IWC members will be able to vote between 5 September and 30 September 2015. The online voting will influence but not decide the winner of the competition. A maximum of 3 photos per member will apply. All photographic rights stay with the owner of the photograph. The winner will be notified by email and must be present for the award ceremony to be held at the November coffee morning, 3 November 2015. The judges of the competition will be the IWC Board members together with two representatives of Matrix Relocations.

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Membership news

IWC OPEN DAYS The Open Day in July is on Friday, the 3rd!

Don’t miss your chance to become involved on the important issue of how to update our Constitution.

We need your input. Come to the office and tell us your ideas.

Dear IWC members, The IWC board is currently searching for contacts of companies and individuals who might be in the position to donate a replacement van to serve the charity team in the numerous collections and distributions of in-kind donations to various parts of Bulgaria. The current van has been in use by the IWC for more than ten years and is itself almost 20 years old. It has no air-conditioning and the rows of windows behind the driver’s seat do not open. It feels like a dusty and rusty sauna on wheels, especially during the summer months.

If you have any ideas, please could you write to: charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Thank you!

The IWC Board

Dear Ladies, Can you, help us create a section with advice and information on favourite places you would recommend to newcomers for our new "Help for Newbies" section of the newsletter in September? Please tell us your favourite places for hairdresser, colourist, movie place for family, reliable car mechanic, handyman, babysitters, picnic site, best plumber, place for a romantic date, kids park for sport and bike, kids party location?

Or you may have some other ideas you want to suggest for new people.

If you have any information to share, could you write a quick e-mail during the summer months to the office, please? We will then gather all the info and publish it in the September issue of the newsletter.

Ongoing activities ana coffee group, please contact Sandra Guilder at sandrasbulgaria@aol.com. Anyone interested in starting/joining other local groups, please contact Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg.

Charity Action Group The group meets once a quarter to discuss new charity projects, the progress of ongoing projects, and the finances of the Charity Foundation. Part of the follow-up is frequent visits to these projects. If you want to make a difference and contribute something please join us! The date and place of the next meeting is published in the monthly newsletter & on the website. Contact Maria Ilieva on 0878 300 561 or at charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Book Club Members read one book a month, and then get together to discuss the book (discussions are in English and are usually very fun and lively). We read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books from writers of all nationalities (voted on by the members) and usually meet on the last Thursday of the month at 10:30am. For more information contact: Lisa Freij on her email: lisa.freij@gmail.com.

Newcomers’ Coffee Morning Newcomers get togethers are usually organised once a month or as required. They are smaller gatherings, often in members homes, where it is easier to talk to others and to find out what the club is all about and what it can offer you. The date of the next such meeting is in the calendar at the back of this newsletter. For more information, contact the Vice President Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg or call her on 0879 119 150.

Lots of fun reading, come and join us next month!

Local Coffee Groups Local coffee gatherings take place in different homes (on a rotating basis) for people who live in the same neighbourhood. These get-togethers, at which coffee and snacks are served, enable people to become better acquainted in an intimate atmosphere. The Lozenets Coffee Group is organised by Emilia Slavova (emilia@audioartebg.com). Please contact her for more information. For more information about the Dragolevtsi/Simeonovo/Boy18

one interested in playing email Sandra Guilder on sandrasbulgaria@aol.com or call 0879866790.

Bridge Interested members are invited to play bridge. An intermediate/advanced group plays on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am in the “King of Clubs” club, just behind Matti-d.

Fee is 5 BGN for the session. There is an English-speaking group and a French-speaking group. For more information, contact Diana Kolarova at dianakolarova@ yahoo.com or 0888 423 150. We also welcome visitors!

Cricket Devam Women's Cricket Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM at the National Sports Academy in Student City. If you are interested, contact Mona Kaushik at devamibsac@gmail.com. Age is no barrier! No fee!!!

Let’s play cricket!!!

Bulgarian Language Group

Tennis

Elina Kirova is a professional teacher and translator. The Bulgarian conversation or language group meets every Friday from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at the IWC Office. For further details, please contact Elina Kirova at elinakirova@yahoo.com, or sign up at the monthly coffee morning.

A group of members are starting to regularly play tennis together. We are of mixed ability and if you wish to join us or get on the regular email list then please contact Lynne at lynnegodding@gmail.com.

French Conversation Group

Hiking Club

For more information, contact Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg or call her on 0879 119 150.

The hiking group is an energetic group of dedicated hikers who head up to Vitosha and the surrounding mountains every Friday. We usually meet at 9 am at Fantastico in Dragelevtsi.

An email is sent to all hikers every Wednesday with more specific plans and this often includes different meeting points. A typical hike will bring us back to our meeting point at 2 or 3. For more information or to join the mailing list, please contact Diane Tromans-Berg dianetromansberg@yahoo.co.uk or 0885 721 841.

English Conversation Group We are five native English speakers who take it in turns to lead a weekly conversation group every Thursday from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM. Different venues and topics are chosen every week. All members and all levels are welcome. If you would like to join the sessions, please e-mail Albena Jones at albenajones@yahoo.co.uk.

Henna Indian Body Art Avantica Shinde Nielsen would like to offer classes to our members to share this wonderful traditional Indian art style. Each beginner’s course is 4 weeks, once per week.

Day and timings will be decided according to the convenience of the group members. All materials will be provided. For more information and costs, please contact Avantica on her e-mail: avantica@gmail.com.

Spanish Conversation Group Everybody who wants to practice and improve her Spanish is welcome to or weekly meetings. Also, if you are already fluent in Spanish or if you are a native speaker and you would like to participate, please contact Toi Castelló on 0882 008 518 or write her an e-mail: iotcas@gmail.com.

Patchwork Group

Dance

The group meets every Monday from 10:00 AM-–12:00 PM at Dusica Trkulja’s apartment. The address is Evlogy Georgiev 99, floor 6, apartment 27. Interested ladies are welcome to bring ideas, patterns, and materials. For more information, please contact Dusica Trkulja on her landline: 02 980 0948.

We are now offering ballet and hip hop dance classes for the children of IWC members. The instructors for the hip hop class are an award-winning and popular team. Every Saturday from 11:00 AM–12:00 noon. And while your kids are enjoying themselves, you can join the Bulgarian folk dance classes! The venue is the Dance Studio, which is centrally located. The address is ul. Skobelev 58. The price is 120 BGN for 4 classes for a group of 4 (about 7.5 BGN per class). The price goes down to 7 BGN per class if we have more than 4 kids enrolled. For further information, please contact Avantica Shinde on her mobiles at 0889 490 646 or e-mail avanticashinde@hotmail.com.

Choir Sofia Ladies International Choir (SLIC) is a ladies four part harmony choir here in Sofia. We sing everything from ancient to modern, sacred to secular and songs from different cultures . Our rehearsals are conducted in English but we have sung in Latin, French, Spanish, Bulgarian and even Korean! Our practices take place in a music studio in Borovo district from 19.30 on a Wednesday evening. We are small but make a good sound and have already performed several short concerts at the Catholic Cathedral and the US Embassy. Our choir director is a Bulgarian/ Canadian who is great fun. We are looking for some more good singers. The ability to read music would be an advantage but is not essential. For more info: Daniela Videv at danielavidev@hotmail.com.

Mum and baby play group It meets most Tuesdays at 10am and people take it in turns to host. Please, contact Amy Dincuff at adincuff22@ gmail.com.

Golf We meet every Wednesday and tee off at 10 o'clock, any

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July events Wednesday, 1st July

Tuesday, 21st July

10.30am-12.30pm: Monthly Coffee Morning July Coffee Morning will be held at the British Residence. We thank the newly appointed British Ambassador Emma Hopkins for her generous hospitality.

5.00pm: Find out what ‘Mirror’ is Wine and cocktail night with Toi, Angela and others. Venue to be arranged. Contact Angela on 0879 119 152.

Thursday, 23rd July

Thursday, 2nd July

11.00am: Stress Relief Exercises Go to the home of Maria Naslednikova, where you can have Liliana test and measure a person's stress level and give advice on how to stretch and move to relieve it. Sign up at coffee morning to keep your place. Contact Liliana/ Toi for address closer to the date: lilianapadilla@gmail.com.

10.30am: “Your Best Summer” Meet the English Conversation Group at Costa Coffee. Talk of travel & discuss our favourite summer; host Becky Faber. Contact her on 08 99 88 1710.

Friday, 3rd July

Thursday, 23rd July (T.B.C!)

10.00am: Open Day at IWC office Bring suggestions and ideas to the IWC Board members about how to improve Membership Policy.

T.b.c. ‘Green Pancake’ Day Colourful Indonesian Food Demo - the Embassy of Indonesia has graciously offered to show us a little of their national food.

Enjoy a refreshing glass of tropical drink, eat a green pancake, listen to island songs, watch glittering clothes of the Islands.

Please sign up at coffee morning; leave 5 leva deposit to confirm your place. Contact Angela on 0879 119 152 or Toi Castello on 0879 506 799 to confirm date and time.

Thursday, 9th July 6.00pm: “Last Man Standing” Do you know where to find the best Beer in Sofia? Well, wonder no more. Come to a Summer fun debut of "Last Man Standing”.

Bring your partner, or come solo and meet up with Angela and Toi to check out Sofia's best refreshments; stay in one pub or go to different ones. It’s up to you and it’s a “win-win”! Contact Angela on 0879 119 152.

Friday, 24th - Sunday, 26th July A weekend outing on Self Discovery and Self Care Spend time with a California instructor and hakomi therapist, Krassi Harwell. Practice relaxation, breathing. yoga and guided sessions of self discovery. Before 5 July cost: 370 leva/ after: 399. Bring a friend: 350. Contact Zlaty Mihailov on 0895 474572 or zlaty.mihailoff@gmail.com. Venue: SPA Hotel Vitalis, Pchelin village, next to Kostenets /Trakia Hgwy, 70 km.

Monday, 13th July 5.30pm: Easy Summer Outing Drop in at 5.30 PM for an easy summer outing of coffee, tea and relaxing hour at ‘By Shelley’ wine bar on Rakovski’s,… Becky and a few others will be there; Contact Becky on 08 99 88 1710.

July calendar

10.30am: Coffee morning

10.30am: “Your Best Summer”

10.00am: Open Day at IWC office

6.00pm: “Last Man Standing” 5.30pm: Easy Summer Outing 11.00am: Stress Relief T.b.c.: Indonesian event

5.00pm: Cocktail Night

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Yoga weekend

August events Tuesday, 4th August

Wednesday, 26th August

10.30am-12.30pm: Monthly Coffee Morning Coffee Morning at Osteria Barbarossa in 32 Christo Belchev St. - thirst-quenching juices and coffee for the IWC’s monthly meeting. Bring your kids & stay for lunch with Angela and Toi. Contact Angela on 0879 119 152.

11.00am: Ibero-Latin Food Demonstration Come to Toi’s country house to enjoy with Liliana and Toi, tiny bits of delicious Spanish style tapas & cocktails/drinks from the lands that gave us siesta, frittata, “Don Quixote” & tortilla’s and more. Contact Toi Castello on 0879 506 799.

Several cars will go out from Sofia to her village near Elin Pelin.

Thursday, 6th August 10.30am: Fun Hour in the Park Invite a friend, bring your kids and spend a fun hour in the upper part of Borisova Gradina at Kokolandia Adventure Park.

Contact Angela on 0879 119 152.

Thursday, 27th August 10.30am: Thursday ECG Meet at Costa Coffee in ‘City Centre Sofia’. Return to the usual conversation group; take time to improve your English skills. Contact Albena Jones on 0988 935 985.

Sunday, 16th August

Friday, 28th August

10.30am: Bike Ride all family outing Bring a bike to City Center Sofia – Meet Becky and Angela at the back, near Costa Coffee terrace. Come & show us your wheelie’s!! Contact Becky on 08 99 88 1710.

12.30pm: ‘Welcome Back’ Lunch For anyone back in town; tell us about your vacation. Meet at Soul Kitchen in Ulitsa Kokiche in Lozenets for a reunion with friends and get to know new people. Contact Becky on 08 99 88 1710..

Friday, 21st August 4.00pm: ‘Sirene’ Tasting ‘Dobrev Cheese and Wine’ in Journalist Square. What is the best Bulgarian cheese for your salad, entre, dessert or other food dishes? Taste four different types and learn from the experts at Dobrev. Contact Becky on 08 99 88 1710.

August calendar

10.30am: Coffee Morning

10.30am: Fun Hour in the Park

10.30am: Bike Ride all family outing

4.00pm: ‘Sirene’

11.00am: Ibero-Latin Food

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10.30am: Thursday ECG

12.30pm: ‘Welcome Back’ Lunch

Announcements Opera, Jazz and Ballet in the Park For the sixth consecutive year the Sofia Opera and Ballet will perform in the park during the summer, from 12 June to 18 July you can see performances in the park of the National Defence College G. S. Rakovski (near corner of Oborishte and Evlogi Georgiev) Carmen/ Rhapsody In Blue 10 July (Friday), 20:00 11 July (Saturday), 20:00 Hunters of pearls 16 July (Thursday), 20:00 17 July (Friday), 20:00 The Magic Flute 4 July (Saturday), 11:00

Get ready for the summer, get in your bikini shape!

Small group classes and new spring sessions starting now: Pilates, Brazilian Butt Lift, Balettone, Core Barre

The Red Hat 12 July (Sunday), 11:00 Winnie the Pooh 5 July (Sunday), 11:00 11 July (Saturday), 11:00 Zorba the Greek 4 July (Saturday), 20:00 12 July (Sunday), 20:00

Bikini Butt Camp

A to JazZ Festival

Tuesdays and Fridays at 10am with Stela Hyde – Pironkova at F.D. Fitness at Kempinski Hotel

The fifth edition of A to JazZ Festival will take place in South Park behind Spartacus swimming pool, between 3 and 5 July.

Come to enjoy performances by popular contemporary jazz musicians.

Roy Hargrove 3 July 2015, 21:00

stelapilates@gmail.com

Kenny Garrett 4 July 2015, 21:00

José James 5 July 2015, 21:00

Chevrolet Captiva for sale

BG Roza special offer for IWC members

Order four bouquets of roses, get the fifth one free delivered with a personalised message! http://www.bgroza.com

For sale: 2010, black, top of the range Chevrolet Captiva, LT 3.2l petrol engine, 24V, automatic, 4x4, 5 doors, 7 seats (169 kW/230 h.p.) 70,000km.

Only one owner from new. 6 months of a 5 year manufacturers warranty still to run.

Minimum order of five roses in a box or one rose bundled up with a box of chocolates applies.

Call Maya Alexandrova on 0896 895 230

Mercedes Sprinter 311 CDI LWB

Equipment includes: rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, built in satellite navigation. Tinted windows, leather seats, automatic gear box with ‘tiptronic’ for manual control when required. Full winter driving .

Comes with a set of summer and winter tyres.

Excellent condition. £14,000 o.n.o. Available mid to late July.

Please contact: lynnegodding@gmail.com

Aloe Vera plants for sale

Date of manufacture: March 2009 Engine type: Disel, manual Passenger seats: 3 Colour: Metallic silver Revenue weight: 3500KG Gross Cylinder capacity: 2148 CC Wheelplan: 2-Axel-ridge body Millage: 212000 miles Specifications: Right hand drive (British), long wheel base

Medicinal aloe vera plants - to use as a remedy and first aid at home or simply to beautify and add a tropical feel to your surroundings.

Extras: Parktronic, central locking, electrical mirrors, electrical windows, alarm, stereo The van is in perfect condition, has full service history.

Price: 16, 800 Leva/ 8, 400 EUR / 6, 700 GBP For more information: Albena Jones: 0988 935 985 albenajones@yahoo.co.uk

Baby plants - 5lv. each Medium size plants - 10lv. each Big 2 year's old plants - 20lv. each

Contact Albena Jones on 0988 935 985 albenajones@yahoo.co.uk

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