September 2014

September 2014

Newsletter

of the International Women’s Club in Sofia

Month of Bulgaria FIRST STALL-HOLDER MEETING FOR THE 20TH ANNUAL CHARITY BAZAAR Next Monthly Coffee Morning: Tuesday, 7th October at Matti-d

An English wedding in the heart of Sofia 1

2

Letter from the President

Hello!

Well, belatedly, summer finally arrived in Bulgaria I hope that when read this that it is still beautifully warm!

Welcome to our September issue of the IWC Newsletter and to the new season at the women’s club. A particularly special welcome if you are new to Bulgaria or the IWC. We hope you find us friendly and welcoming. Ladies if you see a new or unfamiliar face please go and say hello. Remember, once it was you who knew no-one and had just started the adventure of living away from home!

We have several activities this month to help those new to Sofia (or not!) to acquaint themselves with the history and facilities. We are arranging to join the Free Sofia Walking Tour on Tuesday 23rd when you can join us and get a 2 hour guided tour of the centre of Sofia with stories and anecdotes about the history of the city both ancient and more modern. We will break off the tour at 1pm to have lunch together at Mama Mia behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral. I would encourage everyone to come, whether established members or new, as every time I go on the walking tour I learn some new fascinating or funny fact from a different guide and we can welcome those new to Sofia and get to know one another over lunch afterwards.

This month, as has become traditional at the IWC in September, we are celebrating Bulgarian month to honour and celebrate our host country and to inform and entertain those of us who are new to Bulgaria. As part of these celebrations our Vice President, Maria Nasledikova, will be giving a cooking demonstration of Bulgarian dishes on Friday 12th September and a talk about her collection of national Bulgarian costume on Tuesday 9th. Places are limited in Maria’s apartment so sign up quickly to get on the list. As is our usual practice there is a cost to cover ingredients for our members for the cooking demonstration.

We want to celebrate and learn about other countries represented by members in the club during the year so if you and some friends would like to put your selves forward then please speak to me or any other board member and we’ll help and give you some ideas. Likewise, as ever we are very keen for new interest groups to start and be part of our activities for you and other members to enjoy so talk to us if you have ideas and are willing to be the leader or arranger of a group.

Every September the leaders of our regular activities such as hiking group, book club and the language conversation groups etc need to rewrite their email list to keep them up-to-date. If you plan to attend these activities this year, even if you were on the list last year, please sign up on the relevant list on the activities table.

Finally, we will have the first of our bazaar stall-holders meetings this month. This will be our 20th Annual Charity Bazaar and is being opened by the President of Bulgaria, His Excellency, Rosen Plevneliev. The IWC has an excellent reputation in the charity field now in Bulgaria, built up over those twenty years with more than 315,000 BGN raised and used by Bulgarian charities last year. Let us do even better this year and make the most of the opportunity that this 20th bazaar presents. Put your thinking caps on for new ideas and encourage friends and colleagues to take part in what has become a fantastic celebration of international friendship and collaboration. This is women performing at their best, with compassion, kindness and hard work.

Let’s say hooray to that!

Lynne President Lynne Godding 0879 119 152/ 0887641295 president@iwc-sofia.org lynnegodding@gmail.com First Vice-President Maria Naslednikova 0879 119 150 firstvp@iwc-sofia.org

Treasurer Sibeal Reynolds 0879 506 800/ 0878 741 888 treasurer@iwc-sofia.org Charity Chairperson Maria Ilieva 0878 300 561/ 0879 119 154 charity@iwc-sofia.org Bazaar Coordinator Angela Bird 0879 506 799 iwcbazaar@yahoo.co.uk

Our Board International Women’s Club Business Park Sofia, Building 11A, 3rd floor Elitsa Lingorski, Office Manager/ Newsletter Editor: office@iwc-sofia.org Zdravka Tsvetanova, Office Assistant admin@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117 “Like” IWC on Facebook and check our website www.iwc-sofia.org

Cover photo: Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. Image courtesy of the Tsar Boris III and Tsaritsa Giovanna Fund.

3

We appreciate your support

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

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 Membership 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 organization/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 organization; 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

4

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.

Notable dates and religious festivals bor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

7th September, Father’s Day, Australia

In Australia, Father's Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy. What is noticeable about Father's Day in Australia is its unique time of celebration. Unlike in US and several other countries where Father's Day is celebrated on the Third Sunday of June, Fathers Day in Australia is celebrated on the first Sunday of September. Hence, the date of Father's Day is never fixed.

Fathers Day celebration in Australia takes place in the same way as in several other countries around the world.

Taking opportunity of the occasion, people express gratitude for father and thank them for all their care and support. Most often children gift flowers, neckties, chocolates or other gift to honor their dearest dad. Though the occasion is celebrated privately in households, several clubs and societies take initiative to organize special programmes to encourage and entertain people. Breakfast meeting for families is a common feature of Father Day celebration in Australia. Various types of games and activities are organized in such Father's Day get-togethers to strengthen the bond of love between father and a child.

25th September, Navaratri, Hindu

"Nava-ratri" literally means "nine nights." This festival is observed twice a year, once in the beginning of summer and again at the onset of winter, two very important junctures of climatic change and solar influence.

1st September, Labor Day, USA & Canada

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement in the USA and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and wellbeing of their country.

During Navaratri, the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal mother is invoked, commonly referred to as Durga which literally means the remover of miseries of life. She is also referred to as "Devi" (goddess) or Shakti (energy or power). It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, preservation and destruction. In other words, you can say that God is motionless, absolutely changeless, and the Divine Mother Durga, does everything. Hindus believe that God's glory, his cosmic energy, his greatness and supremacy can best be depicted as the motherhood aspect of God. Just as a child finds all these qualities in his or her mother, similarly, they look upon God as mother.

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of la-

5

Notable dates and religious festivals holiest days in the Jewish year, and the Western, secular interpretation of New Years.

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the secular one: many people use New Years as a time to make "resolution" and plan to lead a better life. Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. This period of introspection does not end at the conclusion of Rosh HaShanah but actually stretches for ten days, known commonly as the Days of Awe, until Yom Kippur. The holiday is instituted in the Bible in Leviticus 23:24-25.

No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. A popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of the wish for a sweet new year. Also bread is dipped in honey (instead of the usual practice of sprinkling salt on it) at this time of year for the same reason. In addition to dipping an apple in honey, round challah bread is eaten to symbolize the circle of life and the cycle of a new year.

25th September, Rosh Hashanah, Jewish

Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish autumnal festival celebrating the start of the Jewish New Year. It occurs on the first and second days of the Jewish month Tishri (SeptemberOctober). In Hebrew, the phrase Rosh Hashanah literally means "head of the year" and thus the holiday is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive to those unaffiliated with Jewish practices, however, as there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the

Bulgaria’s notable dates 1885 supported by the Bulgarian Knyaz Alexander I. The BSCRC, formed by Zahari Stoyanov, began actively popularizing the idea of unification by means of the press and public demonstrations in the spring of 1885.

The 10th Russo-Turkish War had ended with the signing of the preliminary Treaty of San Stefano on 3th March 1878, which cut large territories off the Ottoman Empire. Bulgaria had been resurrected after almost 500 years of oblivion as a Tributary Principality within the former European Boundaries of Ottoman Turkey.

After the "preliminary" San Stefano peace a new treaty was drawn-up at the Berlin Congress of 1878 that limited the newly established Principality to the territories between the river Danube and the Balkan range as vassal to the Sultan. For the territories to the south, an autonomous region was established called Eastern Roumelia and Macedonia, or Western Roumelia, was returned to the Ottoman Empire but was promised administrative reforms. The separation of southern Bulgaria into a different administrative region was a guarantee against the fears expressed by Great Britain and Austria-Hungary that Bulgaria would gain access to the

6th September 1885, UniďŹ cation of Bulgaria

The Unification of Bulgaria was the act of unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Roumelia in the autumn of 1885. It was co-ordinated by the Bulgarian Secret Central Revolutionary Committee (BSCRC). The Unification was accomplished after revolts in Eastern Roumelian towns, followed by a coup on 18th September

6

Aegean Sea, which logically meant that Russia, with her influence would be getting closer to the Mediterranean.

Unification to be announced on 15 September 1885, but on 2nd September 1885 a riot began in Panagyurishte (then in Eastern Roumelia) that was brought under control the same day by the police. The demonstration demanded unification with Bulgaria. A little later this example was followed in the village of Goliamo Konare. An armed squad was formed there, under the leadership of Prodan Tishkov (mostly known as Chardafon) — the local leader of the BSCRC. BSCRC representatives were sent to different towns in the province, where they had to gather groups of rebels and send them to Plovdiv, the capital of Eastern Roumelia,

It was natural that Bulgarians in Bulgaria, Eastern Roumelia and Macedonia all strived for unity. The first attempt was made in 1880. The Union activists from Eastern Roumelia sent Stefan Panaretov, a lecturer in Robert College, to consult the British opinion on the planned unification.

Gladstone's government though, did not accept these plans.

Meanwhile, military manoeuvres were being carried out in the outskirts of the capital Plovdiv. Major Danail Nikolaev, who was in charge of the manoeuvres, was aware of and supported the unionists. On 6th September 1885, Roumelian militia and armed unionist groups entered Plovdiv and took over the Governor's residence. The Governor was Gavril Krastevich, a Bulgarian patriot who, naturally, did not resist the unionists. A temporary government was formed immediately, with Georgi Stranski at its head. Major Danail Nikolaev was appointed commander of armed forces. With help from Russian officers, he created the strategical plan for defense against the expected Ottoman intervention. Mobilisation was declared in Eastern Roumelia.

As soon as it took power on 2nd September 1885, the temporary government sent a telegram, asking the Knyaz to accept the Unification. On 8 September 1885 Alexander I answered with a special manifest. On the next day, accompanied by the prime minister Petko Karavelov and the head of Parliament Stefan Stambolov, Knyaz Alexander I entered the capital of the former Eastern Roumelia. This gesture confirmed the unionists' actions as a fait accompli. But the difficulties of the diplomatic and military defense of the Union lay ahead. The Serbo-Bulgarian War ensued after the Serbian King Milan saw a threat in the changed status-quo on the Balkans. After a gradually worsened relation between Knyaz Alexander I and the Russian Emperor Alexander III, the Knyaz left Bulgaria, after setting up a regency to govern the country until the election of a new head of state.

Disagreement came from Imperial Russia as well, which was strictly following the decisions taken during the Berlin Congress. By mid-1885 most of the active unionists in Eastern Roumelia agreed that the preparation of a revolution in Macedonia should be postponed and all efforts should be concentrated on the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Roumelia. The Bulgarian Knyaz Alexander I was also drawn to this cause. His relations with Russia had worsened after the assassination of his uncle, the Russian Emperor Alexander II, one of the most successful Russian liberal reformers. His successor to the Imperial throne Alexander III made sure that all internal reforms were directed towards reversing the liberalisation that had occurred under his father's reign.The efforts of Knyaz Alexander and afterwards of Prime minister Stambolov to destroy Russian influence in the Principality resulted in the autocrat’s indignation.

22nd September 1908, Bulgarian Declaration of Independence

The de jure independence of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire was proclaimed 23 years later, on 22nd September 1908 in the old capital of Turnovo by Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria, who had been elected head of state on 25th July 1887 by the Bulgarian National Assembly. After the proclamation of independence, Ferdinand I, based on the traditions of his crown predecessors, took the title "Tsar".

The historic conditions in the Ottoman Empire following the Young Turk Revolution of 1908 had provided a suitable moment for the Bulgarian proclamation of independence. Many of the Great Powers had also abandoned

The Unification was initially scheduled for the middle of September, while the Roumelian militia was mobilised for performing manoeuvres. The plan called for the

7

Bulgaria’s notable dates Back in Bulgaria, Prince Ferdinand called a meeting of the Council of Ministers, at which he declared that he had decided to proclaim the Independence of Bulgaria. On the 22nd September 1908 in the old Bulgarian capital Turnovo, in the ancient basilica The Holy Forty Martyrs, in which the medieval Bulgarian Kings had been crowned, Ferdinand I read out the Manifesto to the Bulgarian People, whereby he proclaimed Bulgaria an Independent Kingdom and himself King of the Bulgarians.

Bulgaria's declaration of independence was followed by Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia the following day and Greece's union with the Cretan State (unrecognised until 1913). With the two countries' joint violation of the Treaty of Berlin and the dominant support among European countries, the independence of Bulgaria Ferdinand I at the proclamation of the Independence of Bulgaria

their support for the Ottomans, looking for territorial gains instead: Austria-Hungary was hoping to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Kingdom was looking to seize the empire's Arab territories in the east, and the Russian Empire's main target was control over the Turkish Straits.

At the end of September 1908 Prince Ferdinand arrived in Vienna. Despite the rift with Emperor Franz Joseph, after Prince Boris’ anointment to Orthodoxy, gradually he was again accepted in the court circles of the Danube monarchy. Although no accurate diplomatic information has been preserved from that time, it may be assumed that concrete steps were discussed during the visit that would lead to the annulment of two further provisions in the doomed Berlin Treaty. In September 1908 at a meeting in Buchlov (German: Buchlau, contemporary Czech Republic), envoys of Austria-Hungary and Russia supported each other's plans and also agreed not to hinder Bulgaria's proclamation of independence which was likely to take place.

The basilica The Holy Forty Martyrs in Turnovo.

was internationally recognised by the spring of 1909. The Ottoman Empire did not demand any financial compensation from Bulgaria, which took over the railways run by the Oriental Railway Company and the taxes in Eastern Roumelia. Russia cancelled forty years of payments the Ottomans owed on the indemnity for the war of 1877–78.

This amounted to 125,000,000 francs (out of a total indemnity of 802,000,000 francs). In turn Bulgaria agreed to transfer its tribute payments—85,000,000 francs over 85 years—to Russia.

The following sources were used: Czar Ferdinand of Bulgaria – Fideliter et Constanter, Ivaylo Schalafoff; The Penguin History of Europe; Puritans in the Balkans, the American Board Mission in Bulgaria 1978-1918, William Webster Hall; Wikipedia. Images of Tsar Ferdinand I kindly supplied by the Tsar Boris III and Tsaritsa Giovanna Fund.

September 22, 1909 - 1st anniversary of Bulgarian independence

8

Charity update Dear all, I hope you had a wonderful time with your family during the summer months! July was again another busy month for the Charity team. Here you can find the update about what we have done.

On July 4th, the Charity team – Asiya, Svetla and myself, together with our lovely members Angela Bird and Nara Vasconselos, went on a day trip for our charity visit to Velingrad. The aim of the visit was to supervise one of the projects, funded by IWC – Sofia, the Rakitovo Self Sufficiency Fund, currently funding a cooking class for 15 unemployed people from the region, who are struggling to find jobs. After graduating successfully, they are hoping to be able to find a better future for themselves through finding a job in the field. We were all pleasantly surprised by the cooking skills of the attendants and their desire to find a job after they finish the class.

I would like to express our gratitude to PinaDe, a factory for confectionery located in the village of Dulgo Pole, near Plovdiv. The factory has donated 90 large boxes of ‘medenki’ to IWC. The donation was immediately passed on to several organisations such as Light for Life Foundation, Hospice Milosardie, the Food bank and Child and Space day care center for children with disabilities.

We have also received a large amount of goods from an expat family, leaving Bulgaria. As the IWC van is now full, the items will be sorted and distributed shortly.

Furthermore, I am very glad of the two photos received from Pink Foundation. Earlier this year they have applied for a small grant to help them renovate the bathroom inside their day care centre in the town of Trun. You can see how big the difference is comparing the ‘before’ and ‘after’!

Last but not least, numerous ‘thank you’ letters have been received from many organisations supported by the IWC. Some of these letters, of Star of Hope, Smile Bulgaria and Light for Life, we publish in this issue.

Maria Ilieva

Charity Chairperson, IWC

9

Charity update Dear Ladies from the IWC, With this letter, I would like to thank you once again for your donation in the beginning of 2014 for Star of Hope. Through it, we have been able to pay the salary of our social worker in Star of Hope's Halfway House for girls.

Ljubka Ivanova, our social worker of the girls, is a very committed worker. She devotes her time in helping the girls in many areas of their lives. Maya, one of our residents in 2013/2014, initially could not keep a job for more than a month. Our social worker worked hard with her on overcoming this problem, and the results are now obvious.

Maya's work discipline has considerably improved and this has helped her not only get a good job, but also to keep it.

We are proud with Vyara, a former resident of our halfway house, whom Star of Hope helped 3 years ago to enroll at Filaretova Medical College.

This year, Vyara successfully finished her studies there to become a laboratory analyst. This week, she was accepted to continue her education and to study Health Management. Out of around 70 candidates for this specialty, Vyara was one of the 20 students accepted! Seeing these encouraging results brings the confidence that all the effort of Star of Hope, devoted to help the underprivileged people without parental care, are worth it! Our successes are your successes too!

The main areas in which Ljubka works with the girls at our Halfway House are: Professional Orientation and Choosing the Right Job Job Seeking Budgeting and Management of Finances Planning the Future After Leaving the Halfway House as well as holding discussions on topis like: Friendship Dealing with Conflicts Safe Internet Dealing with Anger Hygiene, Outer Appearance Healthy Food, etc.

THANK YOU! With deep appreaciation for your support,

Emilia Manolova Founder and Director Star of Hope Foundation Some of the names in this text have been changed deliberately.

10

Dear Leaders and Members of the International Women’s Club of Sofia, We want to thank you deeply for your generous support of our 2014 summer camp for children without parental care! We can honestly say that this is the best camp we’ve had to date. While much of this is due to the deep foundation of trust we’ve build over the years in the Dupnitsa orphanage, and the wonderful volunteers who work with us, an important part of this is because of your gracious giving, which allowed us to put-on a high-quality camp, and to do new and interesting things!

As in years past, our camp was made up of daily small group lessons and mentoring, which allow us much more meaningful and intensive opportunities to help the children in their personal and social development. We also had daily arts-and-crafts, swimming, sports, and tutoring. In addition, we had different excursions and evening programs throughout the week.

One of the things the kids loved the most was swimming! They don’t usually get the chance to do this, and it was a joy to see even some of the most timid children enjoying the water. Arts-and-crafts was also a really special time; the children were able to explore their talents and abilities in new ways, while creating keepsakes of their camp experience, and possibly also creating some life-long hobbies! Some of the favorites were rug-making, salt-dough creations, and beading!

The children had educational excursions, such as visiting the Museum “Neofit Rilsky,” and others that were just plain fun, like a photo scavenger hunt throughout Bankso, and an evening trip into town for ice cream!

Thank you, again, for your faithful and generous support, making all of this possible. We are enormously grateful for your partnership as we endeavor to provide these children and youth with the tools for healthy, full, self-sufficient lives.

With heartfelt thanks,

Spas Stoimenov Director, Smile Bulgaria Foundation

11

Charity update Dear IWC, Thank you for the boxes with ‘medenki’. We have given them to children, youths and adults struggling with physical disabilities. The younger children are extremely happy when they see the boxes and are very surprised to receive this present. They all say that the ‘medenki’ are very tasty.

Thank you for the joy you instill into the life of people with an uneasy faith. We wish that you reap the good you are planting into the hearts of people in need.

Regards ,

Maria Terzieva

Light for Life Foundation

Upcoming Charity events in September Visit to Trun Day Center – a day’s trip to supervise the progress there. The town of Trun is located very close to the border of Bulgaria and Serbia. Usually it takes less than 2 hrs to get there. The exact date of the visit will be confirmed soon.

September 15th, 2014 – Join us for the first day of school at Elementary Shool No:15 in Sofia. The school is part of the Teach for Bulgaria project, which the IWC has recently supported.

For more information, please call Maria Ilieva, Charity Chairperson on 0879 119 194.

Letter from the Treasurer Dear Ladies, Please find below Income and Expenditure Reports for the Club and Charity accounts. Details provided are January to June 2014. Whilst our 2014-2015 membership commences in September until August of the following year, our financial year is January until December 2014. I would like to take this opportunity to advise that there are several ways to renew your Membership Fee (120 BGN): 1. By bank transfer:

2. By Credit/Debit Card: Our Point of Sale Terminal is available at our Monthly Coffee Morning. Please note that there is an additional charge of 5 BGN.

Bank Account name: Foundation of the International Women's Club - Sofia, Bank: Societe Generale Express Bank, Sofia IBAN: BG72TTBB94001525179463 BIC: TTBB BG 22 website.

3. Payment in cash at our Monthly Coffee Morning.

Membership application forms are available at the Monthly Coffee Morning or you may use our online form on our I look forward to meeting you at our Monthly Coffee Mornings and wish you a pleasant September.

Very best regards,

Sibeal Reynolds IWC Treasurer 2014-2015

12

Treasurer’s report Jan-June 2014 IWC Charity Foundation

' * + - . / 0 .

1 . 2 '

!"## % $("$# $#"##

$%$ #"##

$%&#!"## %! #"## (%(,(")

$(#"##

$$%#)("$# (%, (")

,33% $ ") !$!%) !" $

,33% $ ")

45 * * 5 6

* 1 .

3,"3) , &"#3

))(" !

$%)! "( !#&" # 3$)")

&)(" , , $"3$

*

6

1 6

1 7 5 8 .

9 + / / 5 0 /: /; 1 0 . ' 6 . * '

-7 * : 7< < : *=55 7 < =* * *5 < *

,%, !",(

(,!"#$ )#"## ,"3

!%#&!" # (%#! ", %$,#"&

,%, !",(

, "##

,3$"($ )3)"&(

$##"##

*

,&("& $$"33 $#("&# %($ "## !& "#$ $(%(!("#$

45 * *

$&%,)("&)

$!"!# $##"##

$ #"## ,!"&# (#)"(( $!" # %($ "## (##"##

&!", !("(#

)"(# $ "33 33"$( $!)"!! ($" #

!"## !$$"&, $!!"33 )("3& ,"&#

(#"##

$##"##

"#$

"(#

$%(##"## ($&%! "## ,,%###"## $(#"## ( (%)& "## !##"## ) )" # ,%#!#"## ) #"## !%3 )" # -7 * < * 7 1= < ( )%)!(" # ' . ,#

$,&% ,3"$!

IWC Club !"#$%& '() %+8,+-9/21:;++9 D5+9E:;++9 #G;;++:8G-)2)H:-(;;3+9 "+K93+EE+-:(LM+-E292)H:;++9 &M+)E9:2).G8+:O2).3:P2))+-:P().+Q #G88+-.2(3:E(,3+:-+)E9 PG)(E2G)9 R()S:2)E+-+9E T+;:#/(-2E4:!)MG2.+9:K2E/:R539E(E:G;:#35, R(3().+:,-G5H/E:;G-K(-L

*+,

AI@?@@

=@?@@

AJNFAI?A<

%(-./ 01-23 %(4 '5)+ 6$607 AB@?@@ A=@?@@ C@?@@ =<>?@@ A@>?@@ A>?@@ A>?@@ AJ<?@@ CCJ?@@ I>?@@ =B?@@ ANA>>?@@ AF>?@@ BN<A@?@@ AJ@?@@ <NF=@?IB A@@?@@ >N@A@?IB <@?@@ BB@?@@ C@?@@ B@?@@ B@?@@ @?@@ @?@@ CNBAC?@@ CNBAC?@@ AJNFAI?A< BINA=I?@C <=>?@@ F>?@@ ACB?@@ AN@=@?@@

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

*+,

%(-./

IC?@@ J<>?=B

IC?@@ JBF?<A

=?<A

>>?CC =I?=@ C?>= BCC?<@

C>F?C@

<J?I@ <?<@ A<?<@

A@@?@@ 6$607:&UV&"W&W

F?F< A<?<@ A@@?@@

J@?@@ B@@?@@

01-23 %(4 '5)+ 6$607 AIB?@@ IC?@@ <=@?@@ JJ<?A= AI=?B@ <=J?<J JBI?@A BN@A=?@> ANBI=?@@ C=?@@ ANJCC?@@ <<?J@ J?=F CA?<< AFJ?C= J?>= IJ?J= C?>= <BJ?@@ ANB=F?C@ C@F?>< JNB<B?A< @?@@ FB?@@ FB?@@ AN><B?@@ >NB<@?<@ C<I?@@ AA>?@@ FN>I@?J@ AJ>?@@ AJ>?@@ >?C@ JB?<C >?C@ C?B@ CB?@@ A<?<@ A<?<@ A<?<@ A<?A@ =C?A@ A@@?@@ IC?IF IC?IF AJ@?@@ AJ@?@@ AFC?B@ JAF?AI IC?>= C@?@@ CFI?IF B@@?@@ B@@?@@ F@@?@@ AFN@JB?AF

? *5)L9:(9:G;:J@E/:'5)+

13

ABNA>C?=I

July and August highlights

We have received some lovely photos from Dorte Kieler of her joining Maria Naslednikova on the IWC trip to Cherepish and the 7 Thrones Monastery in August.

Thank you, Dorte!

Our July and August Coffee Mornings were held at the Kempinski Zografski Hotel.

We had beautiful weather and a bit of green grass to walk on. We are sorry if you have missed them!

14

On the 6th July over 150 guests attended the Rolex all white Wimbeldon afternoon co-hosted by the charming Annie Shakarian-Marinova, Marketing manager of Besha â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the official representative of the fine watchmaker in Bulgaria and the family of the British Ambassador H.E. Jonathan Allen. The elegant guests were greeted with a glass of Champaign and exquisite canapes, followed by the old-time classic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fresh strawberries and cream. Everyone watched attentively the final match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. To make the event even more exciting the two strongly divided support groups were invited to cast their votes over the outcome and some winning prizes were handed in at the end.

During the afternoon we had the chance to marvel at the display of some fabulous Rolex models and enjoy the splendor of a truly English garden.

Elitsa Lingorski

Many congratulations to our member Dorothy (Dot) Tomalin, last years British stallholder, who married Graham Glen on Saturday 19th July at the British Ambassador's residence. It was a lovely occasion and Dot and Graham managed to combine the traditions of a Bulgarian wedding with that of an English country wedding in the heart of Sofia.

According to the results of the Bulgarian ceremonies of bread breaking and the flowers in the pail of water they are going to share the responsibility of decision making in their marriage and their first baby will be a boy!!

Lynne Godding

15

First Stall-holder meeting for Charity Bazaar 2014 The Bazaar team are pleased to announce that preparations are underway for the Annual Charity Bazaar 2014. Of course this event is only possible because of the generosity of the IWC members and the wider community. We need your help again this year to celebrate the 20th year of this amazing event. So if you wish to volunteer, donate, make or bake, we want to hear from you! Please contact any of the team below for any information.

Angela Bird, Bazaar Coordinator : iwcbazaar@yahoo.co.uk Toi Castello, Stallholder Coordinator : iotcas@hmail.com Sandra Topalska, Stallholder Coordinator: sandra.topalska@gmail.com Elisaveta Petrusheva, PR and media: e.petrusheva@mysextet.com Sh​endzhan Yusufova, Municipality: emilya.rh@gmail.com Emilia Slavov, Floor plan: emilia@audioarte-bg.com Albena Berova-Matova: tabitha@dir.bg Nara Vasconcelos, Ticket sales: narabulgaria@yahoo.com Johanna Alcantara, Post-bazaar cocktail: johanna.alcantara@gmail.com Bogdana Angelova, Entertainment: bogdana.angelova@gmail.com Elitsa Lingorski, Logo's and donor contracts: office@iwc-sofia.org Our first Stall-holder meeting will be held at the Park Inn Hotel on Wednesday, 17th September at 10:00am, we look forward to seeing you there! More information will be available on the IWC website in the coming weeks.

Angela Bird

Bazaar Coordinator

IWC general policy 2014-2015 MEMBERSHIP IWC membership is open to all non-Bulgarian women who express an interest in the objectives of the IWC and who pay the required membership free. The IWC membership year runs from September 1st to August 31st of the following year. Returning members are required to renew their membership by paying the full yearly membership fee of 120 leva at September, October or November Coffee Mornings.

participate in the club’s activities to present themselves as candidates for membership. When requesting membership a candidate’s name will be put on the waiting list only after she has completed the application form and provide two letters of recommendation from non-Bulgarian club members and will be presented to the IWC Board for an interview.

Membership will be offered to candidates in the order in which requests are received. The candidate will be notified by the IWC when space becomes available. Then she must pay the required membership fee.

Returning members who haven’t paid by the November Monthly coffee will be taken off the membership list. This means they will not be allowed a hardcopy of the IWC Newsletter. Nor will they receive email notices or be given a password to read the newsletter online.

MEMBERSHIP LIST A list of current members is available in the web site membership area. Due to changes in EU data protection laws, a list of members’ personal details is kept confidential at the office and is not published.

Newcomers (to IWC or to Sofia) are welcome to join at anytime in the year. In February ‘’New Members’’ will be asked to pay 60 leva membership fee. Newcomers who want to join in July and August are free to wait to become full members at the September Coffee morning. They are welcome to attend the Monthly Meetings as a guest, but will have to pay the guest fee of fifteen (15) leva. These ladies are not considered full members but entitled to come to two Monthly Meetings and one other event and one organized activity.

MEMBERSHIP BADGES Upon joining or renewal, membership badges will be prepared and made available at next MCM or by request at the office. All members are required to wear their membership badges at IWC Coffee Mornings and other IWC related events. The Club has a lot of members and it is impossible to know everyone. Although most people don’t really like wearing badges, it is invaluable for the person you are talking to and saves the conversational gymnastics of avoiding using someone’s name because you’ve forgotten it! You may have noticed that your nationality is listed on your badge. This is to help members, old and new alike, spot others from their home country.

BULGARIAN MEMBERSHIP According to the constitution of the IWC there is a limit to the number of memberships open to women of Bulgarian nationality.

This number is based on the 15% of the overall membership. There is normally a waiting list for Bulgarian membership. The Club values its Bulgarian members for their participation in the club activities such as the Charity Committee, charity visits, sharing their knowledge of local customs and traditions, and in acting as translators. The IWC encourages Bulgarian women who express an interest in the club’s objectives and who are willing to actively

16

GUESTS AND GUESTS FEE The IWC loves to see new faces and is happy to welcome visitors.

Members may invite the same visitor to two coffee mornings and one activity (if your visitors enjoys the club’s activities, please encourage her to join). If you come as a guest to the Monthly Coffee, or if you bring a guest with you, we will ask you to pay a guest fee on fifteen (15) leva. This fee covers the cost of newsletter, and expenses at the venue.

Companies may advertise in The IWC newsletter with agreement by the Board. The following rates apply. All prices are in Bulgarian leva and must be paid in advance.

IWC Newsletter Advertising Rates Full Colour Inside Cover Pages front/back

Guests are warmly welcomed to activities; however priority must be given to club members when there are a limited number of places for participants. If you would like to invite a visitor to a club activity, please check with an activity organiser first to be sure that there is space available.

LANGUAGES Don’t let a lack of fluency in English keep you from attending the monthly coffee or club activities! Many of our members speak other languages and we will endeavour to find someone who can talk to you in a language you understand. Current and previous Board members hail from all over the world and speak a number of different languages. Remember, we are truly an international Club!

Size

1 Month

3 Month

6 Month

1 Page

BGN300

BGN700

BGN1,200

1/2 Page

BGN150

BGN350

BGN600

1/4 Page

BGN75

BGN175

BGN300

Full Colour Back Cover Page

SMOKING Please note that all IWC Coffee Mornings are non-smoking.

COMMERCIAL VISITORS The IWC monthly coffee is organized to be entertaining and informative by providing information about the IWC’s projects and activities, and through presentations on subjects of general interests.

Your suggestions are always welcome, however all presentations by business of goods and services at the monthly coffee, and at the club functions, must be approved by the Executive Board of the IWC. If you or someone you know has a business that may be of interest to the club please give a proposal (preferably in writing) to the Board for review. The Board reserves the right to refuse a request. A fee of twenty (20) leva and a gift for the raffle would be payable by the business/company at the coffee morning or before.

Size

1 Month

3 Month

6 Month

1 Page

BGN360

BGN880

BGN1,560

1/2 Page

BGN180

BGN440

BGN780

1/4 Page

BGN90

BGN220

BGN390

EVENT SIGN-UP SHEETS The purpose of the sign-up sheets at the monthly coffee is to have a list of members that are planning to attend an event. In some instances (e.g. for embassies and residences), it is used for security purposes. You don’t have to attend the coffee morning to sign up, you can have a friend do it for you, or you can reserve a place by calling the event organizer. Event organizers also use the sign-up sheets when planning refreshments, hiring catering companies, negotiating group rates, and reserving space. If events are re-scheduled or cancelled, the event organizer will make every effort possible to inform you well in advance. For this reason it is essential that you clearly note your name and telephone number on the sign-up sheet!

COMMERCIAL PROMOTION BY MEMBER The commercial promotion by IWC members of their businesses or the companies with which they are employed is prohibited at all IWC functions, including but not limited to do, Coffee Mornings, organized IWC events, and events where members are present as representatives of the IWC. This includes the indiscriminate distribution of flyers, brochures, and business cards. A member may apply in writing to the IWC Executive Board for permission to promote their business to the IWC members through a special event or program. Written requests should be sent to the President of the IWC. The IWC membership list is confidential. It may never be used as an e-mailing list or telemarketing list for any project (commercial or charitable). The abuse of this policy may lead to the termination of membership.

Last minute cancellations of events can cause embarrassment to the IWC and possibly incur a cost therefore please check your availability before signing up for an event. Where events incur a cost, members may be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to cover this cost.

EVENT CANCELLATIONS AND START TIMES Please arrive at the specified location on time.

IWC NEWSLETTER IWC publishes a monthly Newsletter, a hard copy of which is available at the monthly coffee. In addition, members are able to read the newsletter on the IWC website. In order to access it, each member will be given her own annual password. This password MUST NOT be passed on to non-members.

If you have committed to an event and must cancel, please try to do so at least 24 hours in advance. For last minute cancellations all of the board members and event organizers have mobile phones, so please at least call to say you can’t make it. If, because of a member canceling, the IWC incurs a cost, the member or members concerned will be expected to cover that cost.

NEWSLETTER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADVERTISING The IWC newsletter accepts announcements and recommendations from our members only and are subject to approval by The Board and the newsletter editor. All announcements run for two months unless the member asks for it to run longer (we are always happy to help!). Your announcements should be sent to the IWC office by the newsletter deadline: the 15th of the month.

MOVING ON...?

If you are leaving Sofia permanently and therefore leaving the IWC, please fill out the ‘’Departure Form’’ at the monthly coffee morning or inform the IWC office giving us as 2 months notice if possible.

This will help us keep the membership records up to date. It will also enable us to say good-bye and keep in touch with you after you leave Sofia.

17

Membership news Birthdays Eteri Overall, 1st September Michele Fedor, 4th September

Victoria Priestley, 9th September Sibeal Reynolds, 9th September Eva Janson, 17th September Katrien Dekegel-Baert, 20th September Kathryn Zaniboni, 20th September Ayse Gocuk, 26h September Elizabeth Bauer, 30th September Nitu Tripathi, 30th September

Due to a technical glitch with our birthday list in the last issue some members names were missing. Our apologies to: Fatma Senem Usun, Toi Castello and Svetlana Yanakieva. We hope you had a lovely birthday!

Welcome to our new members Gemma Verhoeven, Dutch Eteri Overall, Armenian

Congratulations Congratulations and good luck on Heidi’s new teaching job at the AAS!

We say good-bye Eva Janson, we wish you all the best in your new endeavors and hope that you will come back for a visit! We also hope you have a lovely birthday.

Next monthly coffee morning Our October Monthly Coffee Morning will be held at Matti-d.

You will be able to renew your membership during that time. remember you don’t need to bring any cash, just have your credit card ready.

Month of a nation + horse riding Dear IWC members, we would like to organise events and activities that are interesting for you. But for some of them we'll need your help. According the survey we made during the Coffee Morning in June, many members would like to have "Month of a Nation" and as we used to do. If you want to promote your country, if you have an idea what would be interesting for the IWC members, please, Ladies, contact Maria Nas by email maria_nas@abv.bg or on 0879 119 150 and 0878 968 010.

Also members who are interested in horse riding, please, contact me, I would be happy to help in choosing the best place for this.

Maria Naslednikova Vice President

Ongoing activities Charity Action Group

Newcomers’ Coffee Morning

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.

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.

18

Ongoing activities Local Coffee Groups

English Conversation Group

Local coffee gatherings take place in different homes (on a rotating basis) for people who live in the same neighborhood. 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 organized by Emilia Slavova (emilia@audioartebg.com). Please contact her for more information. For more information about the Dragolevski/Simeonovo/Boyana 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.

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.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Bauer on her mobile at 0889 113 953 or by e-mail: easbauer@gmail.com.

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 nonfiction 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: Michele Fedor

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.

Children’s Dance Classes 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. The price includes a bottle of water (0.5 l). For further information, please contact Avantica Shinde Nielsen on her mobiles at 0889 490 646 or e-mail avanticashinde@hotmail.com.

on 0877 126970 or email at mocheafedor@yahoo.com.

Architecture/Archaeology/History Club Calling all history buffs, and anyone else who is interested in exploring the rich culture and architecture of modern and ancient Bulgaria! The group meets once a month for walks around town or to visit museums, attend lectures, go on trips outside Sofia, etc. The cost of the trips will be divided amongst the members. The time and day of the week will be determined depending on all the group members’ convenience. Sign up at the Monthly Coffee Morning. For information contact: Lyuba Boianin at lyuboslava@yahoo.com

Mum and baby play group

Bridge

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

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 informa-tion, contact Diana Kolarova at dianakolarova@ yahoo.com or 0888 423 150. We also welcome visitors!

Toddler music group This takes place most Mondays at 10.30am., Please contact: Liz Allen at lizsleeman@btinternet.com.

Bulgarian Language Group

Golf

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.

We meet every Wednesday and tee off at 10 o'clock, any one interested in playing email Sandra Guilder on sandrasbulgaria@aol.com or call 0879866790.

19

Ongoing activities Cricket

Icon Painting Course

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!!!

Bulgaria is famous for its beautiful and colorful Christian icons. Learn to draw and paint your own icons. The classes are taught in English by a professional artist in Boyana. The entire course costs 150 BGN per group of 5 people. The cost of materials will be approx. 30–40 BGN, which is a one-time cost. The time and day of the week will be determined depending on all the group members’ convenience. There is an option for either a morning group or an afternoon group, or both. Everyone is welcome! Contact Sory Almonacid de Jan at 0894 716 182/0894 716 182 or (preferably) via e-mail at jansory1@yahoo.fr, jansory35@gmail.com.

Hiking Club 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.

Sculpture class From copying an antique torso to studying Aphrodite’s head, this course will make you to familiar with classical clay modeling. All tools are provided at the atelier. Your finished art work will be turned into terra cotta (raw or glazed). Costs are 10 Leva per hour, lessons take 3:00 hours with a group of 3 to 5 people. Monday to Friday 9.30 – 13:00 and 12.30 – 16:00 with a lunch brake. Contact Sory Almonacid de Jan on 0894 716 182 or via e-mail at jansory1@yahoo.fr,

Zumba Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program created in Colombia during the 1990s. Get your body ready to Zumba!

The classes are taught by instructor Galya, who speaks excellent English, at Stadium Vasil Levski in the city center.

Each lesson costs 7 BGN per person. The classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. For more details, you can visit their website at http:// www.bodyartkally.com/index-en.php. Sign up at the coffee morning or contact Monika Slosarikova at 0877 997 075 or monika.slosarikova@gmail.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: Lynne Godding at lynnegodding@gmail.com or 0887 641 295 or Daniela Videv at danielavidev@hotmail.com.

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.

Patchwork Group 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.

20

September events Tuesday, September 9

Tuesday, September 16

10:30am: Ethnographic collection viewing Maria Naslednikova will show her ethnographic collection and will speak about the history of the Bulgarian costume.

Please contact Maria Nas: mob. No 0879 119 150 or 0878 968 010, email maria_nas@abv.bg.

10:30am: Needle lace workshop The needle lace is on old technic, very few people know it now, but fortunately those who know it do their best to preserve and promote it. Please contact Maria Nas: mob. No 0879 119 150 or 0878 968 010, email maria_nas@abv.bg.

Thursday, September 11

Wednesday, September 17

11:00 am: Visit to the Ethnographic museum Please contact Maria Nas: mob. No 0879 119 150 or 0878 968 010, email maria_nas@abv.bg.

10:00am: Stall-holdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meeting at Park Inn Hotel

Tuesday, September 23

Friday, September 12

11:00am: Free walk in Sofia and lunch Contact person is Lynne Godding 0879 119 152 or 0887 641 295, email president@iwc-sofia.org and lynnegodding@gmail.com

10:30am: Bulgarian cooking demonstration Please contact Maria Nas: mob. No 0879 119 150 or 0878 968 010, email maria_nas@abv.bg.

Tuesday, September 30

Monday, September 15

12:30pm: Monthly lunch Our Monthly Lunch will be dedicated to traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Sign up to have the chance to taste some delicious Bulgarian food at the restaurant Hadjdraganovite Izbi, 18 Hristo Belchev St. Please contact Maria Nas: mob. No 0879 119 150 or 0878 968 010, email maria_nas@abv.bg.

time t.b.c: Charity visit A first day of School visit with Teach for Bulgaria. For more info, please call Maria Ilieva on 0879 119 194.

Tuesday, September 16

Also ask about the visit to Trun Day centre, time and date to be confirmed by Maria Ilieva.

10:30am: Board meeting

September calendar

10:30 Ethnographic collection viewing First day of School Charity visit

10:30 Lace workshop 10:30 Board meeting

11:00 Ethnographic Museum visit

10:00 Stallholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meeting

11:00 Free walk

12:30 Monthly lunch

21

10:30 Cooking demo

Announcements For your information: Sofia Museums listing

HOUSEKEEPER RECOMMENDATION

Knyaz Alexander I Batenberg's Tomb Address: Sofia, 81 Vassil Levski blvd.

Working time: 09:00–17:00

My housekeeper, Rumi Karagyozova, works for me on Tuesdays cleaning the house, washing, ironing, polishing and watering the plants. Rumi also cooks, looks after children and animals. She speaks English really well and has a pleasant nature and is very reliable. Rumi is looking for work one or preferably two days a week. Rumi's phone no. 088 7279040 Dorte Kieler, Royal Danish Embassy and IWC member:

Archeological Institute and Museum BAN Address: Sofia, 2 Saborna Str. Working time: 10:00–18:00 Crypt of the St. Alexander Nevski Memorial Church Address: Sofia, Alexander Nevski Sqr. Working time: 10:00–18:00, closed on Mon

dortekieler@gmail.com

Earth and Man National Museum Address: Sofia, 4 Cherni Vrah Blvd.

Working time: Tue-Sat 10:00–18:00 Museum of Socialist Art Address: Sofia, 7 Luchezar Stanchev St.

Dear Members.

National Church Historical-Archaeological Museum Address: Sofia, 19 St. Nedelya Square, fl. 2

One of your IWC membership privileges now allows you to enjoy various discounts and packages from our partners. To benefit from these discounts, please show your IWC membership card. A valid photo ID should be produced if asked. Below is a current list of partners. If you know of any company who would like to become our partner, please do not hesitate to contact the IWC office.

National Ethnographic Museum Address: Sofia, 1 Batenberg Sqr. Working time: Tue-Sun 10:00–16:00 National Museum of History Address: Sofia, 16 Vitoshko Lale St., Boyana Working time: Mon-Sun 09:30–17:30 National Museum of Military History Address: Sofia, 92 Cherkovna St. Working time: Wed-Sun 10:00–18:00

Sofia Residence Hotel: 10% discount Corstjens Worldwide Relocation Group: 5 and 10% Lyuba Tours: 10% Trinity Sport and Beauty Centre: Various special offers Luxor Beauty Salon: 10% Pagane Massage and Beauty Salon: 10% La Maison de Beaute: 15% Butterfly Beauty and Spa: 10% Gurkha Indian Restaurant: Monthly package/offer Bistro Landau: 10% Pharmacy Trogant: 5 and 10% Phantasya Jewellery: Various special offers Joli Accessories and Jewellery: 10% Vivenda Meat Suppliers: 8% Gallerato Home Interiors: Various special offers Zagreus Winery: 10%

National Museum of Natural History Address: Sofia, 1 Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd.

Working time: 10:00–18:00 National museum-gallery The Church of Boyana Address: Sofia, 3 Boyansko ezero St., Boyana district Working time: Mon-Sun 09:00–17:00 Park Museum Vrana Address: Tsarigradsko Shosse 381 Working time: Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00 direct busses No 505 leaving from Eagle’s Bridge Petko and Pencho Slaveykovi Museum House Address: Sofia, 138 G.S. Rakovski St. Working time: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10:00-17:00; 13:00-17:00 Peyo Yavorov Museum House Address: Sofia, 136 G.S. Rakovski St. Working time: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10:00-17:00; 13:00-17:00

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

recommendations 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.

22

We ask members to send all announcements for the newsletter via email. 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.

What children have in common is that they are different.

We are too.

Highly trained educators. Fluently English speaking staff.

From day care to advanced learning programs. Children from 2²6 years old. 16 nationalities. Two different locations: 25 Knyaz Boris I Str., NDK and 27 Hr. Smirnenski Blvd., Lozenets.

For more information: Call +359 889 229 666 or visit www.abckinder.org

2, 13ɨ2$++$"3(.AXÉ&#x201A;2, 13É&#x201A;!1.*$12 -É&#x201A; %%(+( 3$É&#x201A;.%É&#x201A;"' 1+$2É&#x201A;143$-!$1&É&#x201A;1$ +38

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t advertise here we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how great you are!â&#x20AC;?

&/2É&#x2018;2%.4É&#x2018;É&#x2018;))É&#x2018;,UXURYÉ&#x2018;PENTHOUSEÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018;'%! É&#x2018; É&#x2018;SQ M É&#x2018;)É&#x2018;0ANORAMICÉ&#x2018;TERRACE É&#x2018; É&#x2018;SQ M É&#x2018;)É&#x2018; "2É&#x2018;) &ULLYÉ&#x2018;EQUIPPEDÉ&#x2018;KITCHENÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018;.EWÉ&#x2018;LUXURYÉ&#x2018;BUILDINGÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018; THÉ&#x2018;FLOORÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018;(IGHÉ&#x2018;CLASSÉ&#x2018;FURNISHINGÉ&#x2018;))É&#x2018;

&/2É&#x2018;3!,%É&#x2018;

))É&#x2018;$ESIGNERÉ&#x2018;APARTMENTÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018;'%! É&#x2018; É&#x2018;SQ M É&#x2018;)É&#x2018;0ANORAMICÉ&#x2018;TERRACE É&#x2018; É&#x2018;SQ M É&#x2018;)É&#x2018; "2É&#x2018;) 3LEEKÉ&#x2018;KITCHENÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018; THÉ&#x2018;FLOORÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018;-ODERNÉ&#x2018;INTERIORSÉ&#x2018;))É&#x2018;

Old IWC proverb office@iwc-sofia.org

23

&/2É&#x2018;3!,%É&#x2018;

))É&#x2018;!RTISTICÉ&#x2018;ONE STOREYÉ&#x2018;HOUSEÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018;'%! É&#x2018; É&#x2018;SQ M É&#x2018;)É&#x2018;,ANDSCAPEDÉ&#x2018;GARDEN É&#x2018; É&#x2018;SQ M É&#x2018;)É&#x2018; "2É&#x2018;)É&#x2018;&RENCHÉ&#x2018;KITCHENÉ&#x2018; ,AÉ&#x2018;#ANCHE É&#x2018;)É&#x2018;!UTHENTICÉ&#x2018;ARCHITECTUREÉ&#x2018;)É&#x2018;.ATURALÉ&#x2018;MATERIALSÉ&#x2018;))É&#x2018;

É&#x2018; É&#x2018; É&#x2018; É&#x2018; É&#x2018; É&#x2018;

WWW SMARTBROKERS BG INFO SMARTBROKERS BG

For babies and children, aged from 10 months to 6 years

Dragalevtsi, 14 Paprat Str., Sofia 1415, Bulgaria

+359.88.55.001.55

office@peekaboo.bg

24

www.peekaboo.bg

www.facebook.com/peekaboo.bg