June 2018
SILC NEWS
A publication by the Samutprakarn International Ladies’ Club
Green-fingered goings on! Meet the new team Planning ahead!
June 2018
In this issue 3. Meet the SILC team
11. June-Sept dates
15. Lotus painting 8th June
18. August gatherings
19. September fun
20. Community gardening Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok
June 2018
A word from our Chair As promised, the focus of this edition is the team who makes things happen behind the scenes at SILC. In an effort to streamline our admin processes, the Committee is slightly smaller this year. However, we have a larger than ever group of ladies who have stepped up to get involved as part of various sub-committees. Let me kick off by introducing myself: Born and educated in the UK, I started to explore the world in my early 20's. So far I have lived in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Dubai and Qatar before moving with my husband and 2 boys to Thailand in 2014. So, I know a little something about beginning anew and re-defining myself! My diverse roles have included working in Finance & Investments, Publishing, Event Organising, Management of not-for-profit organisations to being a full-time mum and busy volunteer. I joined SILC in 2015 and immediately became involved with organising the annual Bazaar. Last year I was nominated as Chair, and this year is my second in this very rewarding role. It’s a privilege to be part of upholding the traditions put in place by Sunita, Paradee and Cheryl some
25+ years ago! We are rightly proud of the vibrant, diverse and engaged community we continue to build. With the international schools beginning their summer holidays in June, it’s a relatively short month. But the new activity team has still put together a fantastic range of things to try until then! As well as dates for your diaries in August.and September. Happy holidays!!
T
ey rac
xx
June 2018
Meet the SILC Committee
Sunita Sunita came to Bangkok from India in 1976. She now operates a very successful jewellery business. She and her friends Cheryl and Paradee - still Honorary Committee Members - created SILC back in 1992. The idea was to get together and do activities without having to go into Bangkok (an experience which inevitably involved several hours in traffic due to the fact that the expressway and elevated highway did not exist then). The response was tremendous and since then SILC has gone from strength to strength!
Aakriti
Amelia
I am from India and have been in the Land of Smiles for more than 12 years. Before moving to Bangkok, we lived in America and Vietnam. I am a proud mother of 2 adorable boys (12 & 5).
I am British and have previously lived in Greece, Hong Kong and Singapore. I have three children aged 17 - 22, who all live in the UK, so I split my time between Bangkok and London.
I am a Mathematics teacher by profession and have worked at several reputable International schools, but am currently indulging and pursuing my passion as a Cake Designer.
I had visited Bangkok many times and finally moved here in September 2017. I joined SILC to make friends and am now looking after Membership with Aakriti.
It's an absolute honor to be a part of the SILC committee and I very much look forward to my new role in Membership this year .
I look forward to meeting you and making new members feel as welcome as I did when I first arrived.
June 2018
Meet the SILC Committee
Charlotte I am British and come from a small island in the English Channel called Sark. Bangkok is my family’s first expat experience. We came here with my (Polish) husband’s job 3 years ago and have loved (almost…) every minute! I have 2 kids at Patana (aged 8 and 10), work in international communications, and love to experiment with graphic design. For SILC I write and design the newsletter and other marketing materials.
Janna I am Dutch, a child psychologist, 59 years old and married. We have two sons, one lives and works in London and the other studies in Holland. We have lived in South East Asia for more than 18 years and love living in Bangkok. I am excited to be part of the SILC team - as Deputy Treasurer as well as an English Programme teacher - and hope we can offer everybody a wonderful experience
Jimmy Hi I am Jimmy and I’m Thai. Since 1991 I have traveled and worked abroad. I now have my own Thai cooking school. I really enjoy introducing Thai food and culture to people. Since joining SILC in 2013 I have really enjoyed doing tours. And I am not the only one! This year I am heading up the newly formed SILC ‘Activities’ team. I’m pleased to say that we will be very active and we will do our best to bring fun, adventure and enjoyment to our SIlC members.
Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok
June 2018
Meet the SILC Committee
Laura I’m from Argentina, but have been an expat for the past 20 years, 11 of those in Asia. Like many of you, I’ve become an expert in moving. Moving countries, houses, jobs, school, friends, language, furniture, children and pets. I like SILC because it provides a community for us expats , and a sense of belonging in our new country of Thailand. A couple of countries ago I decided to quit my financial industry job and dedicate my time to getting involved in community work. SILC provided the framework to do that in Thailand.
Lilya Hi! It’ll be my second year as SILC’s Treasurer. I’ve been living in Bangkok for almost 2 years and really enjoy it! My three kids are all in different schools: one is in London, the second is in Patana and the youngest girl attends a small kindergarten on Thong Lor. So if you have any questions about university applications, teenage crises or potty training, feel free to ask! Looking forward to seeing old SILC friends and meeting new ones!
Sandra I am from Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am Chinese-Eurasian and my husband is British-Chinese. We have lived in Malaysia, Chiangmai, Tokyo, Sydney, Syria and Doha and have thoroughly enjoyed the uniqueness of each experience. My background is in Advertising/Graphic Design and I enjoy watercolour painting. I have two daughters in Patana (Y7 and Y11). We've only been in Bangkok for 8 months but I'm excited to be a part of SILC and look forward to a great year ahead.
June 2018
Meet our Activities team ...
Barbara
I am French, and have been here for 1 year. I look forward to being in the Activities team and enjoying fun events with this International group!
Kala We moved to Bangkok from India 20 years ago. Before retiring, I worked as a special needs teacher. I am delighted to be part of SILC and am loving planning upcoming activities!
Malin I am from Sweden. I moved here with my family at the end of December and look forward to getting to know Bangkok with SILC!.
Lek I come from northeast Thailand and have been in Bangkok for 18 years. My husband is British and we have a daughter in Patana. I am part of the Activities team and help SILC with translations.
Trijnie I come from the Netherlands and have been in Bangkok for 2 years.
ng jo h a M Sally I’m from the UK and arrived in Bangkok in 2015 having previously lived in Switzerland and the Netherlands. I have 2 sons at NIST. I coordinate SILC’s weekly Mahjong group. Newbies welcome!
June 2018
Meet our English Programme volunteers
Alex I am from the North of England. I have been here for almost 2 years, with my husband, 2 sons and 2 adopted Thai dogs! I coordinate SILC’s English Programme, a group of lovely ladies teaching basic English skills to pre-schoolers. We make lessons fun and hope that whatever the kids grow up to be they remember a word or two!!
Cathy
I have been a member of SILC since 2014 and have been actively involved in the wonderful community projects that SILC supports. I am a teacher with the English Program and really enjoy my role.
Herma I come from the Netherlands, and have been living in Bangkok since 2015. Since we started the English Programme I have been providing support for the teachers. I’m delighted to be continuing this role for the coming year too.
Karin Originally from Sweden, me and my husband and three daughters moved to Bangkok in late July 2018. I really enjoy volunteering for the English program.
Hanneke My husband, sons and I moved here 3 years ago from Holland. Our first time overseas! SILC gave me the chance to set up the English Program at Mahawong. 2 years later we teach at Prakkasamai too. I teach Thursdays and liaise with the school. I'm very proud of what we and the kids have achieved so far!
Saskia I am from the Netherlands and have been in Bangkok 2.5 years. I teach English at Mahawong on Thursday mornings and find it extremely rewarding!
June 2018
Meet our Community coordinators un R il O i e o T g n Khlo
Audrey
Servane Pre-school crafts Renee I am originally from Singapore and have been in Bangkok for 2.5 years. For SILC, my role is to prepare and coordinate our pre-school craft activities with Manprit.
Manprit I am from India. We moved to Bangkok 1.5 years ago. This is our first expat experience. I trained as a nursery teacher, a job which I left to have my own kids 2 boys, now 9 and 3! I love being part of SILC.
Cookbook
Chris I am British and have been part of SILC for 9 yrs, always closely involved with Community activities. I am proud to have managed our most successful fundraising project ever: the SILC cookbook, raising 1 million THB.
June 2018
Meet our online team & translators
Gowri
Emily I am a communications professional specialising in digital marketing and content.
I am from India and have been in Bangkok for a year. I joined SILC last year after exhibiting at the Bazaar.
We are from Melbourne, and made the move to Bangkok in January. Our daughter goes to Patana.
I am part of the Online and digital marketing team.
I will take on marketing for SILC and am honoured to be a part of this strong and vibrant community.
A BIG SILC THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!
Shirley I come from Penang, Malaysia. I have been in Bangkok since 2001 and am still loving it. I have been a member of SILC since 2002 and it has become my second family! I love working with kids so do a lot with the Community team, and also help out with translations when needed
PS: If you have some spare time and would like to get more involved in SILC activities, please drop Tracey a line silcchair@gmail.com
Linly
I am Thai but I have lived over 37 years overseas in Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Doha. I returned to Bangkok last year and I am enjoying re-discovering my ‘home’ with the help of SILC, plus making lots of new international friends. I help SILC with Thai translation and communication particularly with the community projects.
June 2018
Coming up in June
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday 1
Saturday
Sunday
2
3
9
10
Aussie Wine Tasting 4
5
English @ Prakasamai
IDC visit
6 Aqua Aerobics
7
8
Zumba
Lotus painting
Mahjong
English @ Mahawong
11 Coffee morning English @ Prakasamai
12
13 Aqua Aerobics Prakkasam. craft Mahjong
14 Zumba English @ Mahawong Book club
15
16
17
18 English @ Prakasamai Mahawong craft
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
29
30
English @ Mahawong
27
28
SILC News Copy Deadline for July/August e-Newsletter: 15th June If you have any activities, events, book reviews, recommendations for holidays or items for our bulletin board please forward them to the Editor: silcmagazine@gmail.com
Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok
June 2018
Advance notices for August Monday
6
Tuesday
7
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
17
18
19
25
26
English @ Mahawong
24 Biking @Ancient Siam
30
31
1
2
English @ Mahawong
Welcome back coffee
Craft workshop 13
14
15
16 Lunch
20
21
English @ Prakasamai
22 Aqua Aerobics
23
Mahjong 27 English @ Prakasamai
28
29 Aqua Aerobics Mahjong
The Activities team has endeavoured to plan activities ahead of time to allow you to plan your own diaries, however please note these may change. Keep an eye on the SILC Facebook page and next month’s newsletter for updates! Contact silc.activities@gmail.com with any questions.
June 2018
Advance notices for September Monday
Tuesday
3
4
English @ Prakasamai
Natural hair care workshop
10
11
English @ Prakasamai
Silk weaving tour
Wednesday
5 Aqua Aerobics
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1
2
8
9
6 Zumba English @ Mahawong
7
13 Zumba English @ Mahawong
14
15
16
20 Zumba English @ Mahawong
21
22
23
27 Zumba English @ Mahawong
28
29
30
Evening cruise
Mahjong 12 Aqua Aerobics Mahjong
17
18
19
English @ Prakasamai
Coffee morning @ Steps
Aqua Aerobics Mahjong
24 English @ Prakasamai Bangkok Discovery Walk
25
26 Aqua Aerobics
Spirit House talk
Mahjong
The Activities team has endeavoured to plan activities ahead of time to allow you to plan your own diaries, however please note these may change. Keep an eye on the SILC Facebook page and next month’s newsletter for updates! Contact silc.activities@gmail.com with any questions.
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT: Aussie wine tasting Riverfall Wines, part of the Amphora Wine Group, import premium Australian wines from the historic Stonyfell Winery down under. On Friday 1st June from 7pm-9pm they will be holding a wine-tasting event for SILC at Admirals @ 24 (Sukhumvit Soi 24). Partners and non-members welcome! RSVP: silcchair@gmail.com COST: 600 THB per head (includes a full range of wines to taste plus canapes)
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT - JUNE: Lotus painting & tri- coffee Lotus painting workshop Join SILC for a fun and relaxing lotus painting session at Himapan Gallery (Near BTS Asok or Phrom Pong) on Friday 8th June, 09:30-12:30. Cost starts from 2,500 THB depending on canvas size. You will be given aprons, but don’t wear anything precious! RSVP: silc.activities@gmail.com
COFFEE MORNING WITH GUEST SPEAKERS Barbara will be hosting a coffee morning on June 11th 10:00-12:00 at her house near Ekkamai BTS. There will be guest speakers to discuss cycling tours in Thailand as well as tri-dash preparations - from ladies who have lived to tell the tale :)). RSVP: silc.activities@gmail.com
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT - JUNE: Books, kongs and snakes
BOOK CLUB PLease let Andi know if you would like to join on 14th June (12-2pm). RSVP: amccolough@gmail.com
MAHJONG - SWEET! In June we will meet on Wednesday 6th and 13th. RSVP: Sally at mikeandsally@bluewin.ch
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT - JUNE: Summer fitness AQUA-AEROBICS Weekly sessions at Ekamai Gardens on Wednesdays 10-11:00. Instructor’s fee: 300 THB
Contact: silc.activities@gmail.com
ZUMBA! SILC sessions are on Thursdays 08:30-09:30 in Bangna. Instructor’s fee: 400 THB
TENNIS If you’re looking for a tennis partner, Contact: silc.activities@gmail.com
Contact: silc.activities@gmail.com
Is there another social or sporting activity you’d like to try with SILC? Email silc.activities@gmail.com with any ideas.
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT - AUGUST: Crafty things to do!
AUGUST CRAFT We know how you crafty ladies like to keep busy, so we’d like to offer a workshop on the morning of 9th August! So save the date and our Activities Team will be giving you all the details soon.
lunch
stay in o h w s u of the , y l For those r a e n r retu r o k o a k g g n n i n Ba n a l p m is a e t s e i t. t s i u v i g u A Act h t 6 sday 1 r u h T n o lunch
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT - AUGUST: Slip back into BKK life!
EXPLORE ANCIENT CITY BY BIKE Ancient City, aka Ancient Siam (or Muang Boran in Thai), is a relatively well kept secret! The brainchild of late Thai philanthropist, Lek Viriyaphant, the 320 acre park is dedicated to preserving Thai cultural heritage. Roughly in the shape of Thailand, the park reproduces -- usually on a smaller scale -- important buildings from across the country. It offers a tranquil few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The SILC Activities team is organising a bike tour there on the morning of Friday 24th August. Save the date and full details will be given very soon.
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT - AUGUST: Welcome back coffee Save the date for our welcome back / newcomer’s coffee morning on 31st August!
10am - 11.30am, The Flint (Coast building), next to Bangna BTS RSVP: silc.activities@gmail.com
We look forward to catching-up after the summer break, introducing the new SILC team and telling you all about our planned activities and community projects for the coming year. Please be on the loook-out for new arrivals to your schools, condos and Moobans and encourage them to come along - new members are very much welcomed1
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT - SEPT: Soap, water and silk! Natural shampoo bar & conditioner workshop
Join us as Maria from Bangkok Soap Opera leads us in making natural hair products at her workshop in Pra Khanong
EVENING RIVER CrUISE
Enjoy the Chao Phraya by night with us on Saturday September 8th. Husbands/partners/friends are welcome!
Tuesday 4th September, 10am - 1pm
BAAN KRUA NUA SILK-WEAVING TOUR
Tuesday September 11th, 9am 12pm: Meeting at Jim Thompson House, within a short walk we will arrive at the Baan Krua Nua community and see the skilled silk weavers at work. Not to be missed!
COFFEE MORNING WITH
September 18th, 10.30am - 12.30pm Enjoy a delicious brunch, admire the SILC sponsored herb garden and learn all about the inspirational Steps with Theera, training centre in Ekamai.
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT - SEPT: Discovering Bangkok DISCOVERY WALK Join us on Thursday, September 24th for a Discovery Walk in the old city of Bangkok. More details to follow in next month’s newsletter.
INTRO TO SPIRiT housES On Monday, September 28th SILC will arrange a special session on the beliefs and traditions behind spirit houses. Further details in our newsletter next month.
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT: What we did in May KAMTHIENG housE
Who knew that nestled behind Terminal 21 and skyscrapers of Asok you can find an authentic Lanna house - painstakingly transported and restored! Now part of the Siam Society, this museum gave our group fascinating insights into traditions and culture from northern Thailand. Kamthieng house is only a few minutes walk from Asok BTS and can be visited 9am-5pm except Sundays and Mondays (cost 100 THB). See: http://www.siam-society.or g/facilities/kamthieng.html
The hugely talented Galina Nistor invited SILC back to her studio in May, this time for a group to try their hands at watercolour painting. I’m sure you’ll agree that their moons are out of this world!
Watercolour wonders Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok
June 2018
SILC OUT & ABOUT: What we did in May
Khun Taya from Thermomix cooked up a storm for SILC this month, with a demonstration of this extremely versatile kitchen device. What’s more, our attention was rewarded with the most delicious lunch! Demonstrations can be booked at www.novomixthailand.com
One hot Monday morning a group of brave SILC ladies headed up to Asok to try the latest fitness craze - Aquabiking. The hour-long class gave us a serious work-out - so much so that many of us were in immediate need of lunch nearby! Visit http://www.aquabiking-bangkok.com for details on available courses.
Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok
June 2018
COMMUNITY PROJECTS: English and craft Last pre-school craft before the break! A big HAND to all our crafty volunteers the kids adored the May activity! Please let the Community team know if you can join us at Prakkasamai on Wednesday 13th June or Mahawong on Monday 18th June for our last sessions before the international school holiday. This month we will be reinforcing our ‘Healthy teeth’ message with these smiling headbands, to coincide with the dental check-ups scheduled at the schools.
It was a great start to the 2018/19 Thai school year for our English teaching team! In June SILC will be teaching at Mahawong until 21st June and at Prakkasamai until 18th June. We’ll start back again the week after international schools return in August.
For info on craft activities contact silc.community@gmail.com and on English programme contact alexrogan4@gmail.com
June 2018
COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Farewell party
There’s nothing like going out with a ‘bang’! Thank you Chris for hosting another fantastic farewell and thank you party. Goodbye khun Jan and khun Marianne!
Keen to volunteer?
Please contact silc.community@gmail.com if you can join us on 5th June for our next SILC volunteer visits to the IDC (Immigration Detention Centre). SILC visits once a month to provide fresh food and interaction for detainees.
June 2018
COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Green fingers and... Prakkasamai vegetable garden When volunteering at ‘our’ pre-schools, SILC ladies often remark upon the need for more healthy snack options. Education of course plays a key role in helping the kids make better food choices. And what better way than by helping them help themselves, and have fun at the same time! Kind donors purchased materials, and a green-fingered team of Shirley, Lek, Jenny and Helen headed off to get digging, involving the kids along the way!
The ‘first shoots’ of the herb garden SILC funds helped to plant for Steps by Theera (a training cafe for young adults with learning difficulties).
June 2018
COMMUNITY PROJECTS: ‌ multi-coloured hands! ...
Our friends at the Mahawong pre-school recently asked if SILC could help them brighten up a dingy corridor. No problem! A small but perfectly-formed group of SILC ladies and their keen helpers :) headed to the school one weekend, armed with lots of colourful paint and some fantastic ideas. What a result! Thank you Shirley for masterminding!
June 2018
SILC MEMBERS: Wild Rice Salad Method Let the rice come to room temp. and whisk the dressing ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the rice and other salad ingredients and toss well (put the cashew nuts in just before serving). Allow the flavours to blend and season to taste. If you feel the salad is too dry add more orange juice or soy sauce to taste. Serve on bed of lettuce garnished with orange slices or simply in a bowl. Ingredients ½ cup uncooked white rice (not Thai), cooked & cooled ⅔ cup uncooked wild rice, cooked and cooled ¼ cup chopped spring onion 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 4 oz snow peas, cut into 1 inch pieces 18 oz can water chestnuts, drained and thinly sliced ¾ cup cashew nuts (roasted lightly) Dressing ¼ to ½ cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped 1 Tbsp fresh minced garlic 1 Tbsp finely grated orange rind 1 Tbsp finely grated lemon rind ½ cup fresh orange juice 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice dashes of hot pepper sauce This recipe comes from SILC’s bilingual cookbook- order from silccookbook@gmail.com (in aid of community projects)
Keep in fridge until ready, then bring to room temperature. Peeled prawns or chicken can be added.
silcchair@gmail.com
June 2018
SILC MEMBERS: Announcements Psychotherapist (gestalt) student looking for training clients I am training to become a psychotherapist and graduate next year from the Copenhagen Gestalt Institute in Denmark. As part of the course, I have training clients in therapy. Please contact me (Marie-Louise) for any further information: 080 90 50 925 or marielouisesauerberg@gmail.com
FOR SALE Set of 144 pieces of brass cutlery: incl. salad fork and spoon, carving knife, teaspoons, dessert spoons etc. Price: 5000 baht or nearest offer. Please contact Songsri Asampinawongs songsri.asam@gmail.com
June 2018
SILC MEMBERS: Aims & policies Organisation of the Club SILC creates an opportunity for women of all nationalities living in Samutprakarn and Bangkok to meet and participate in a variety of activities. We invite members to join monthly events and interest groups. Members pay an annual fee of 1000 Baht. Privacy The membership list is for the sole use of SILC members in a social setting and may not be used for commercial purposes. E-Newsletter The e-newsletter is published ten times a year with articles and information on club activities. Contributions are welcome and can be sent to the newsletter editor. Committee Meetings These are held monthly and are open to all members. Please inform the SILC Chair if you wish to attend. All SILC events are subject to change. Please confirm your attendance with the relevant contact, and advise of any cancellation asap so another member may take your place. Committee Contacts Chair
Tracey Hewison
silcchair@gmail.com
Secretary
Sandra Crane
silcsecretary@gmail.com
Treasury Team
Liliya Andreeva & Janna van Duyn
silctreasurer@gmail.com
Membership Team
Aakriti Sultania & Amelia Deely
silcthai@gmail.com
Community Projects
Laura Troncoso
silc.community@gmail.com
E-newsletter & Ads
Charlotte Wawrzyniak
silcmagazine@gmail.com
Jimmy James, Barbara Clarke,
silc.activities@gmail.com
Other Contacts Activities Team
Lek Burrell, Trijnie Geuzinge, Kala Khanna & Malin Nauska Online Media, Ads & Digital Marketing
Emily Mathews & Gowri Kumaran
silc.online@gmail.com
June 2018
Advertise here! SILC News goes every month to over 160 SILC members throughout Bangkok. Advertisements for non-profit community events are welcome and free of charge. Personal advertisements for SILC members are free of charge. Email reminders for SILC and non-profit community events will be sent out free of charge; other events must be advertised in our magazine.
RATES
DISCOUNTS
Full Page Half Page Quarter Page
1500 Baht 800 Baht 400 Baht
Member - 25%
Website
3000 Baht per year
Only one discount may be applied.
Annual contract (10 ads/year) - 10%
Advertising requests and payment must be received prior to the published deadline. To advertise in the Newsletter, please contact: Charlotte - silcmagazine@gmail.com To advertise on the SILC Website, please contact: silc.online@gmail.com To arrange payment, please contact: Liliya - silctreasurer@gmail.com
SILC News Copy Deadline for July/August e-Newsletter: 10th June If you have any activities, events, book reviews, recommendations for holidays or items for our bulletin board please forward them to the Newsletter Editor: silcmagazine@gmail.com
Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok