SILC News March 2018

March 2018

SILC NEWS Join the new committee!

Discover Reiki Try some abstract art HA PP W Y IN O T M ER EN N ’S AT DA IO Y! N A L

March 2018

In this issue 4.

Join us for SILC’s 2018 AGM

5.

Diaries at the ready!

6.

Women’s Day Dinner

7.

Irish coffees all round!

10.

Introduction to Reiki

11.

Early Songkran fun!

Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok

March 2018

A word from our Chair It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since the current SILC committee was formed. Which means it is nearly time for SILC’s 2018 AGM. I’d like to encourage as many of you as possible to join us on 4th April - to hear about our achievements and help decide plans for the future.

Whilst I am delighted that most of the committee have volunteered to remain for another year, some ladies are moving on to pastures new. Meanwhile, as the nature of what we do changes and adapts, new roles have been created, so please do think about volunteering for the committee. It’s a fantastic way to get to know people and share your skills for a great cause!

Roles available for 2018/19: ●

Membership team: Do you know your way around an Excel sheet (or are you willing to learn?)? Do you thrive on helping newcomers make connections and settle in? If so, please think about volunteering for our Membership team. Ideally we’d like at least 2 ladies - one in ‘town’ and one in the Samutprakarn area.

●

Events/Activities coordinators: Our calendar is busier than ever and as such we would greatly benefit from additional volunteers to help find and arrange fun new activities for SILC ladies to try.

●

Online media/Marketing: Do you have a background in marketing or PR? Are you a social media guru? As everything we do moves online, SILC needs volunteers to help promote us and our activities across our own and 3rd party channels.

For for information, drop me a line: silcchair@gmail.com

ey rac

T

Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok

xx

March 2018

2018 AGM

SILC Annual General Meeting On the morning of 4th April At Bangkok Patana School All members warmly invited to attend and hear about activities of the past year, discuss plans for 2018/19 as well as volunteer for available positions: ● Membership team ● Events/Activities coordinators ● Online media/Marketing Contact: silcsecretary@gmail.com

Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok

March 2018

Coming up in March Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 1 Zumba

Friday 2

Saturday 3

6

Breakfast @ the Oscars

Mahjong

Golf

7 Aqua Aerobics Craft @ Prakasamai

8 Women’s Day dinner Book club Zumba English @ Mahawong

9

10

11

16 St. Patrick’s coffee morning

17

18

24

25

IDC visit (contact Laura for other dates)

S

12 English @ Prakkasam.

13

14

15

Golf

Aqua Aerobics

Zumba

Committee meeting

Mahjong

19

20

21

22

23

English @ Prakkasam.

Golf

Aqua Aerobics

Zumba

Acrylics workshop

English @ Mahawong

Mahjong Trip

English @ Mahawong

26

27

28

29

30

English @ Prakkasam.

Golf

Aqua Aerobics

Zumba

Craft @ Mahawong

Mahjong Reiki coffee morning

4 SILC team @ Bangpoo Tri-dash

English @ Mahawong 5 English @ Prakkasam.

Sunday

31

English @ Mahawong

SILC News Copy Deadline for March e-Newsletter: 20th February 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

March 2018

SILC OUT & ABOUT: Women’s Day dinner

Irish-themed coffee morning at Kay’s, in celebration of St. Patrick’s day Friday 16th March from 1 Join us for dinner to celebrate International Women's Day on Thursday 8th March At TEPPEN Japanese Izakaya (5 min walk from BTS Ekamai, Sukhumvit 61) - for wonderful food and fabulous ambience, at very reasonable prices.

Sign-up with barbara.clarke@laposte.net (ladies only!)

We will order our food and drinks at own cost on the night.

March 2018

SILC OUT & ABOUT: Irish coffee & books!

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!

Irish-themed coffee morning at Kay’s, in celebration of St. Patrick’s day on Friday 16th March from 10am Please wear green and bring a plate of something to share.

RSVP: silcchair@gmail.com

BOOK CLUB Join us on Thursday 8th March for coffee and a chat. We might even get around to discussing this month’s book - The Shadow of the Wind!

For address contact Andi on amccolough@gmail.com

March 2018

SILC TOUR OF THE MONTH: Lotus Crystal, Rayong Did you know Thailand has only one crystal manufacturing company?

Lotus Crystal Thailand exports throughout Thailand and internationally from their factory in Rayong, where each piece is hand-made, cut and finished.

This month SILC is organising a tour of the factory, where you will be able to see and learn about the production process from their master tradesmen - each of whom can produce no more than 30 pieces a day.

Date: Wednesday 21st March Meet: True Coffee outside Bangkok Patana School at 8am (estimated return: 3pm) Attendees will share the cost of a van.

To sign-up email: silctour@gmail.com

Like SILC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SILCBangkok

March 2018

SILC OUT & ABOUT: Acrylics workshop Acrylics pouring workshop with Galina Nistor Friday 23rd March 9 - 11.30am at Baan Sansiri (BTS Prakanong) At Galina’s workshops, everyone - from complete beginners to career creatives can produce fantastic abstract paintings using this very unique form of acrylic art.

Each attendee will make 2 gorgeous 20x20 cm canvases to hang in their home or give as a gift.

Fee is 1700 THB and places are limited, so please book via: silcchair@gmail.com (tuk tuk pick-up from BTS can be arranged)

March 2018

SILC OUT & ABOUT: Reiki coffee morning NOT SURE WHAT REIKI IS ALL ABOUT? Join us for a coffee morning at Rachel’s (Thonglor) on Monday 26th March at 10am, featuring a talk on this fascinating form of healing using the body's natural healing powers.

Our guest speaker will be author, frequency healer and Vipassana acharn Helen Jandamit.

Please bring a plate of something to share if you can.

Sign-up via: silcchair@gmail.com

MAHJONG! In March we’ll be meeting on Tuesdays, taking it in turns to host. Contact silcsecretary@gmail.com

March 2018

COMMUNITY PROJECTS: English and craft Craft activities: In March we will be celebrating Songkran early: at Prakkasamai on 7th and Mahawong on 30th.

It is the high-point of the kids’ calendar, so if you have not been before we really recommend you join in the fun.

Put on your brightest Songkran clothes - and prepare to get covered in sand and flour!

RSVP: silc.community@gmail.com

English programme: Running throughout March - at Prakkasamai on Monday mornings and Mahawong on Thursdays. This month we will be focusing on ‘Nature’ and ‘Things from the cupboard’.

If you are interested in watching, email: alexrogan4@gmail.com Additionally, If you know of any other pre-schools or places that may benefit from an English programme, please get in touch.

March 2018

SILC OUT & ABOUT: March fitness AQUA-AEROBICS Weekly sessions take place at Ekamai Gardens on Wednesdays 10-11:00, with Khun Top.

TENNIS If you’re looking for people to play with, contact Shirley forget.me.not1688@gmail.com

Contact barbara.clarke@laposte.net

GOLF If you’d like to try golf, a group of SILC ladies play on Tuesdays - contact irenemgray@hotmail. com

ZUMBA SILC sessions with Karine take place on Thursdays 08:30-09:30 in Bangna (Ladawan Srinakarin near Foodland) Contact silcmagazine@gmail.com

Is there another social or sporting activity you’d like to try with SILC? Email silcmagazine@gmail.com with any ideas.

March 2018

SILC OUT & ABOUT: What we did in February

Shirley and Lek took a group of SILC ladies on a fabulous trip to the Maekhlong Railway market.

SILC Founder, Sunita, shared some of the secrets of her delicious Indian home-cooking.

Yoga with Evelin treated SILC to a ‘taster session’...

...whilst Jacky bakes gave us some delicious cookie decorating tips for Valentine’s

March 2018

COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Mae Sot project visit Heavenly Homes Heavenly Homes is a safe-house for orphans and vulnerable children. Their ethos is “never to turn away a child in need”. As a result, there is a mix of orphans, physically and mentally impaired, abandoned, neglected and abused children. The team provides food, education and - most importantly - a safe home, until adulthood.

They currently care for 89 children from babies to 18 years. Not only do they support the children through school, they also develop a personal plan for each child to help them have a better future according to their ability. When the children finish their schooling, Heavenly Homes works with various organisations to ensure each child is taught a profession.

This is a fantastic model for a home to be built on, and SILC is delighted to be able to help. Funds raised by the SILC Cookbook pay for a teacher tocare for these children (35,000 ThB for a year). In addition, SILC donated 6,000ThB worth of dry goods, stationary and nappies.

We are also thankful to “The Pizza Company” for their generous donation of pizzas - which many of the kids tried for the first time - and to “Swensen” for providing ice creams.

Even with their limited funding, the place glowed with something money can’t buy: “unconditional love” for the kids and “faith” in what they are doing.

By Chris Rajakarier

March 2018

COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Mae Sot project visit Noh Bo Academy

By Chris Rajakarier

Noh Bo Academy is a school for Karen teenagers and young adults who live along the western borders of Thailand.

These are displaced children from the refugee camps set up in the early 1990s for those fleeing from their homeland. Some come from Mae La Refugee Camp, others directly from Burma (Myanmar) or from the local, displaced Karen community.

The number of students varies, but averages around 200, of which 80 board onsite. Many of the students have missed years of schooling, so the ages range from 13-24 years old.

It was a great pleasure to meet the 4 inspiring students we sponsor and I was struck by how focused and eager to learn they are. Life is uncertain and the future is unknown, but these children are determined to educate themselves.

The school is made out of bamboo and mud, with very basic furniture. Yet the kids are so happy be able to attend school.

It costs 1000B a month to sponsor a child who boards - for their accommodation, clothing, food and education. With the SILC Cookbook funds we are able to sponsor 4 teenagers at 12,000B each for a year.

IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTRE VISITS: If you would like to join our next group visit to the IDC on Friday 8th March, please contact Laura: troncosolaura@mac.com

March 2018

SILC MEMBERS: Vegan Apple Loaf Ingredients 1 cup water ½ cup dried fruit (eg. raisins, cranberries) 2 apples, grated 1 tsp allspice (sweet spices) 1 tsp mixed spice (sweet spices) ¼ cup ground flax seed or flax meal ¼ cup ground nuts (optional) ¾ cup coconut oil (or 125 g butter) 1 cup raw sugar (or other natural sweetener) 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup rolled oats 1 ½ cups flour (I use wholemeal) 3 tsp baking powder This recipe comes from SILC’s bilingual cookbook silccookbook@gmail.com (in aid of community projects)

Method Pre-heat your oven to 180C (160C for fan bake). Put the first 9 ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. After a few minutes take off the heat and allow mixture to cool a bit.

Then add the baking soda to the pot, allow it to react with the mixture then add the rolled oats and mix thoroughly.

Then add sifted flour and baking powder to the pot. Stir to combine. Pour mixture into a greased loaf tin lined with baking paper. Bake at 180C for 45 minutes or until loaf springs back when lightly touched. Leave in the tin to cool for at least 30 minutes before tipping it out onto a cooling rack.

Then slice carefully (it is a bit crumbly due to the absence of egg) and spread some yummy NZ anchor butter and sit back and enjoy with a cup of tea. Heavenly!

Notes: Adjust nut and fruit amount to your liking. Add a little salt. Add 2 beaten eggs to mixture after the baking soda.

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e h t e v a S e v a s o t e t da ! e f a li

30th March Bangkok Patana School Click here to sign up (crajakarier@googlemail.com)

GOOD LUCK LADIES!!

Trijnie, Barbara, Sally and Servane will all be tr-dashing in SILC colours on March 4th (Bangkok Baan Poon, 7am - swim 400m, Bike 20 km, Run 5 km)!

Why not go along to cheer them on?

For details contact barbara.clarke@laposte.net

March 2018

SILC MEMBERS: Aims & policies Organisation of the Club SILC creates an opportunity for women of all nationalities living in Bangkok and Samutprakarn 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 meeting host 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

Vice Chair

Sue Williams

silcvice@gmail.com

Secretary

Sally Dicken

silcsecretary@gmail.com

Treasury Team

Janna van Duyn & Liliya Andreeva

silctreasurer@gmail.com

Coffee Mornings

Dominique Perry

silccoffees@gmail.com

Tours Team

Lek Burrell & Shirley Tan

silctour@gmail.com

Membership Team

Chris Rajakarier & Debbie Morton

silcthai@gmail.com

Community Projects

Marianne Metzelaar & Herma Vos

silc.community@gmail.com

E-newsletter & Ads

Charlotte Wawrzyniak

silcmagazine@gmail.com

Online Media & Ads

Jan Briggs

silcwebsites@gmail.com

General Committee

Jo Thomas & Jimmy James

March 2018

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SILC News goes every month to over 150 SILC members throughout Bangkok.

Advertisements for non-profit community events are welcome and free of charge.

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Email reminders for SILC and non-profit community events will be sent out free of charge; other events must be advertised in our magazine.

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Only one discount may be applied.

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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: Jan Briggs - silcwebsites@gmail.com To arrange payment, please contact: Janna and Liliya - silctreasurer@gmail.com

SILC News Copy Deadline for March e-Newsletter: 20th February 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