Goodbye Blog, Hello Website

Dear Members,
The blog has serviced us well now for nearly two years. It is therefore with some sadness that I tell you that it will be discontinued. Members will now be able to post their own questions/advice/moving sales/staff needs on the new website.
1. Go to www.owcmadras.com
2. Click 'members forum'
3. Register an account
4. Wait 24 to 48 hrs for your account to be approved. This is merely a formality. We want to restrict the forum to members so that advertisers and others do not misuse it. Once you have been approved you may start posting!
Note that all events can now be found on the events calendar. The site contains a new and expanded vendor directory, as well.
Many thanks to Katya Reyes and her company e-designed.com. She exceeded our expectations and was great to work with. I think you will all agree that the site looks wonderful and is extremely user friendly.
Thank you also to Patrick Fischer for his many useful inputs!
I am blogging off now! See you in the forum!
Natalie von Hoffmeister

Ladies Who Lunch - Change of Venue!

Unfortunately, Dahlia is closed next week and we are therefore having to change the location for the next Ladies Who Lunch.In keeping with the Japanese theme, we will be trying out the "bento lunch" at Hip Asia Restaurant, Taj Connemara. It's a lovely 5-course lunch with soup, salad, sushi, main course and dessert (Rs.650 + tax for vegetarian, Rs.750 + tax for non-veg). Of course, their a la carte menu is fantastic too. You will be able to relax at this gorgeously decorated restaurant and meet new people, whilst enjoying some scrumptuous food.
For futher information, please contact Candy at http://service.gmx.net/de/cgi/g.fcgi/mail/new?CUSTOMERNO=23917550&t=de1906064122.1212496457.2733a1e8&to=candy%40thehouseofwong.co.uk or on 98846 11174.
Apologies for the change of venue, but I look forward to seeing you all there.

Executive Committee Meeting

The next executive committee meeting will be on Friday, June 6th at Anokhi #85 Chamiers Rd. at 10AM

June General Meeting

Wednesday, June 4th: General Meeting 10 AM

At The Presidency Club: Fairlawns, 51 Ethiraj Salai, Egmore

“Story Trailing into South Indian Customs and Traditions”
Social chat at 10 AM
Presentation at 10:30 AM.
There is a Rs 250 charge to cover food / drinks. Rs 350 for non members.
The meeting will be held on the first Wednesday of the month to accommodate American School moms.

Membership Renewals

WANT TO RENEW but can't make it to a meeting or other activities. No problem. Just send an e-mail to owcmadras@gmail.com and be sure to let us know of any changes in your directory listing.
To pay your annual membership dues of Rs. 1,000, just drop a check made out to Overseas Women's Club of Madras in the mail (or via courier) to Ruth Subramanian, D1-85 Bonn Avenue, IIT Madras, Chennai 600 036. Sorry we don't take credit cards.

Remember, the membership year runs from April 1 - March 31.

Playgroup: Tuesday, May 27th and Beyond

We are all invited at Bopha’s place for playgroup:
Tuesday 27th May
3 to 5.30pm
Bopha ROINE and baby Claire

46 (new#)

First Main Road (Same street as Surya Green shop)

R.A. Puram

Mob: 988 47 17 675

If you ask for the French family with a baby everyone will know...
You can't park under the building as it is private. It should be possible in 1rst Main Road and in the small streets around. I'm afraid it might be tricky though.
Please tell everybody that we mainly have "baby" toys even if we start to have an unreasonable huge amount of them. If some of you can bring some of your child favorite toys to share with other toddlers for a few hours, it would be great.

I am also emailing you the details for next weeks, as I am traveling. Please print this out; there will be no more reminders (unless the host herself is sending one).

Tuesday 3rd June
Hosts are Sangeetha, Angela and Emma
Place: Vanilla
No. 8/57, 1st StreetLuz Avenue, Mylapore Chennai
3 to 5.30pm
Emma moved to England earlier then planned, but she did contribute her share for this playgroup. Thanks Emma!
It’s Angela’s last playgroup as she is soon moving to Doha!

Tuesday 10th June

Patrick
3 to 5.30pm
New no: 10, Sivakamipuram 2nd Street (it is a house) Thiruvanmiyur/Adayar. Suggest you call Patrick if need more directionsCell Number: 996-222-5815
fischer1995@yahoo.com

Directions: The street is a narrow which creates two problems: First, it is difficult to find. If you are going south on LB road, the street is the last left before IMPCOPS Hospital and about 300 meters past MG Road. It is the first right after the Tumble Tots sign. I don't think there is a street sign. You can also reach the house from MG road (the Google map above in not correct showing our street as a dead end) but it is more difficult to explain; however, if people (or drivers) know the area, then that might be another option. Second, there will not be room for everyone to park on the street so plan to be dropped off and park on MR Roador other street


Tuesday 17th June
Amber
3 to 5.30pm
Bischop Garden ext4, Grayshott G102
Hp: 9944934966
amberkatejones@hotmail.com


Tuesday 24th June
Yifat
3 to 5.30pm
It’s Tsoof 2nd birthday!
Address will be posted later.

yifat_agam@yahoo.com
hp: 9884159724


Tuesday 1st July
Elmarie
3 to 5.30pm
58/16 ArchbishobMathias (ABM) Avenue, Veena, Flat B, Boat Club
Hp: 9790933633
elmarie_b@hotmail.com

Updates for Newsletter!

Please send all updates for the June newsletter by Sunday, May 25th to:
natalievh@gmx.net
This month only. Jennifer is out of station.
- Natalie

Playgroup Tuesday, May 20th

Melissa is hosting the playgroup today, from 3 to 5.30pm. She has a wonderful garden and pool. Melissa wants to make it top prioritythat mums supervise their own children in the pool atall times. Safety first!
Here are her details:
6 Lilypond st Akkaraimobile9840660300
Down ECR rd till the Sholingalalur turnoff on the right. Do a U turn hereand come back towards Chennai (dont take the turnoff to Sholingallalur) take the FIRST left after the u turn into lilypond st, then take first right. Melissa's the first house on the left. There are only 2 houses in the street.

Fish Cove Dinner

Ladies' Night Out
May 28th
7PM
Taj Fisherman's Cove
Covelong Beach
Rs 1200 for four course meal and glass of wine.
Call Jaya 98402 33975 to reserve.

Playgroup May 13th

Grayshott apartment blok B202
Bischop Garden ext nr4
R.A. Puram
Hosted by Geraldine : 9940672134
From 3.00 to 5.30pm.

Executive Committee Meeting: Change

There will be an executive committee meeting on Thursday, May 15th at 10AM at Anokhi: #85 Chamiers Road, RA Puram.

To be discussed: the website (it is currently under construction by OWC member Katyes Reyes), a June meeting and the upcoming Welcome Back Lunch!

Ladies Who Lunch

Sawatdeekaa! Never made it to Thailand yet? Or maybe you love Thailand so much that you wish you live there? Come experience some authentic Thai food, and meet new people, in this exquisitely decorated restaurant that will surely help you escape the sizzling heat of Chennai.
Date: Wednesday 14th MayTime: 1pmVenue: Benjarong, 537/146 TTK Road, Alwarpet (Tel: 044 2432-2640)Cuisine: Thai
Please note that the timing has now been moved back to 1pm.For further information, please contact Candy via email at candy@thehouseofwong.co.uk or on 98846 11174.

Membership Renewals

Please not that Ruth Subramaniam will be 'out of station' for the next month. Those wishing to renew can contact MaryAnn Nicholson in the meantime.

New Member Coffe Morning

Thanks to those of you who came to today's coffee morning in spite of the heat. The next coffee morning will be Wednesday, May 28th at 10 AM at Anokhi # 85 Chamiers Road. See you there!

May 6th Playgroup: Swimming!

Tuesday, May 6th

3 - 5:30

Green Meadows

4/364 A, Anna Salai, Palavakkam

There is a pool with slide. Adults Rs 100. Children Rs 50. Drinks and snacks can be ordered as desired.

Directions: Take the ECR past Thiruvanmiyur, Kottivakam

You will pass Spencer's Daily and 5 Star supermarkets. Anna Salai is on your left. If you reach Neelangarai, you've gone too far!

May General Meeting

Wednesday, May 14th
10 AM Social Chat
10:30 Presentation
Esthell Hotel
No.1, Royal Enclave Besant Avenue
Adyar (Near Fashion Folks)
Rs 250 to cover cost of food and drinks
Uma Prajapati, a designer for the Upsana Design Studio from Auroville, will be presenting on her many projects including:
Small Steps, an initiative promoting a responsible alternative to plastic shopping bags
Tsnamika, a little doll crafted from fabric waste by fisherwomen affected by the tsunami
The Varanasi Weavers Project which seeks to find ways for traditional weavers to earn a good income by pairing them with large companies and design studios
Silk scarves, blouses, tsnamika dolls and bags will be on sale.

May Tiffin Club

The April Tiffin was a sellout - thank you to the person who could not come for paying your share!!

Chef Rajesh at Aqua (the Park Hotel) showed us several delicious recipes from the Aqua menu. Our lunch after was a sampling of those same dishes. Scrumptious!!

The May Tiffin will be on 16th May and we are visiting the Taj Flight Kitchens which prepare and supply teh meals to many fo the flights we all take out of Chennai airport.

This event is open to all OWC members not just Tiffin Club members and the limit is 30 ladies. Please sign up be sending me an email as soon as you can. We are opening this event to AISC parents too, so feel free to pass information along.

There is no charge for the event, but there may be a small contribution towards the cost of the transport - it will be easier for us all to take a bus out there together so the event can start on time and the tour can be conducted for all of us as once.

We are supposed to be there by 10-10.30 am and all other details will be sent to you when you book onto the event.

Happy dipping and dripping!!

Sejal Wasani
9884052575

Executive Committee Meeting

For those of you who are, or would like to be, members of the executive committee (children's committee, entertainment, social welfare, etc.) this year, we will be meeting at Amethyst on Friday, April 25th at 10AM.
Amethyst
14/30 Padmavathi Road, Off Lloyds Road
Jeypore Colony,Gopalpuram
Chennai

Playgroup

Playgroup for Tuesday, April 22nd
3PM to 5:30 PM
Hosted by Natalie von Hoffmeister
No. 9, 3rd Seaward Rd.
K.G. Valmiki Apts.
Apt. 4
Valmiki Nagar
Thiruvanmiyur
Opposite The Cheshire Home
Cell: 9884187761
New people welcome!

Playgroup

This Tuesday 15th April Paula is hosting the playgroup.
Where:
Bischop garden ext 4, Grayshott
R.A. Puram
blok E 401
from 3 to 5.30pm
telnr Paula: 9940033270

We are meeting at the playground (at your right side when you enter Grayshott).
The playground is shaded. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent!
If you want, you can bring along some toys for the sand, a bike/three wheeler, ball,….
I hope to see you Tuesday,
Isabel

Ladies Who Lunch

Best way to eat your way around Chennai, discover new restaurants and meet new people.The next "Ladies Who Lunch" will be held straight after the OWC AGM in April. Details as follows:
Date: Wednesday 16th AprilTime: 12:30pmVenue: Cream Centre, New No 55 Old No 25, II Main Road, R A Puram, Chennai - 600028; Tel: +(91)-(44)-42815777, 42815555Cuisine: Multicuisine; Veg and Non Veg.
For further information, please contact Candy on 98846 11174 or email candy@thehouseofwong.co.uk
Look forward to seeing you there!

Newcomer's Coffee Morning

The next coffee morning will be held at Anokhi on Chamier's Road at 10AM on April 30th. All new, old and prospective members are welcome. A greeat opportunity to meet people!

April Tiffin Club

Dear Trembling towering tiffins, I finally have some news about the April Tiffin!! I have been trying to get Prego, Rhapsody or a Taj Flight Kitchen tour! Rhapsody reinvents itself as an Italian restaurant, but they don't feel confident enough yet to demonstrate the dishes!! So we are invited to go try the food out, but no Tiffin there yet. Taj Flight Kitchen still has not got back to me, so I am aiming for May. Finally - Chef Rajesh at The Park is offering us the chance to sample his new menu at Aqua and watch how they create a few of the dishes. I hope you will all join me in what is nearly the last Tiffin before the school holidays and the Welcome Back lunch which heralds the beginning of the new OWC year!

So, a maximun of 15 ladies, pls. THURSDAY APRIL 17th, 10am, AQUA at the Park Hotel. the cost is to be Rs 650. Please sign up as soon as you can and remember that once you sign up, you are confirmed to pay even if you do not attend.

I have been out of pocket several times as I end up having to pay the full bill - I sign a contract with some of these hotels. hope to hear from you soon. Happy saucing and souffle-ing! Sejal

New Members/Change of Address

If your contact information has changed, all you need to do is send an email to owcmadras@gmail.com with the updated information and pay your dues (Rs. 1000) at the April AGM.

If your information has not changed, then paying your dues is all that’s required. New members also welcome at the AGM.

Annual General Meeting

The Overseas Women´s Club of Madras takes pleasure in inviting you to the Annual General meeting to be held on:
Wednesday, 16th April, 10.00 am, 2008 at The ITC Park Sheraton Hotel
Summary reports of the officers and committees will be made available to be accepted by the General Body.
A new slate of officers for 2008-2009 to be ratified at the meeting.

Please plan to attend as it is essential to have a quorum.
The meeting will start with coffee and tea. There is no charge for this event.

The agenda for the AGM is as follows:
AGENDA:
10.00AM TEA
10.30AM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

1. Introduction by Stephanie Thompson, President, OWC 2007-2008
2. Secretary to read the Minutes of the 2007 Annual General Meeting for approval by the General Body
3. President to present the reports of the Executive Committees 2007-2008:
President´s Report
Membership Report
Entertainment Report including Children´s Activities
Social Welfare Report
For approval by the General Body
4. To approve and adopt the audited Financial Report for April 2007-March 2008
5. Any other business
6. Presentation of Nomination slate for the new Executive Committee for the year April 2008 to March 2009. Ratification of the new slate by vote of approval of the members present at the AGM.
7. Vote of thanks by new President
After the meeting Dr. J.S. Raj Kumar, Chairman, Rigid Lifeline Hospitals, will talk on problems related to stress, obesity and Bariatic Surgery.

Social Welfare

Despite the year-end for our OWC activities, the social welfare activities continue year-round, as do the bi-monthly visit to Nirmal Hriday, Ennore and Jeevodaya Cancer Hospice, Manali is planned for Tuesday, 25th March. We’ll also deliver provisions to Shishyu Bhavan, Royapuram along the way. Room for a couple of helpers, and those interested please contact Maureen 98402-93027. Car will leave 10 AM from Maureen’s residence in Kilpauk. Lakshmi continues to deliver provisions to St. George’s Home for the Aged and would like help with delivery of the monthly birthday cakes.

Aruna hosted a party for her students from AMS on March 22 and the kids as usual enjoyed themselves on her sprawling lawn and in the jacuzzi, as well as a walk to the beach, and most of all the sumptuous tea.

Thanks to SMEC who contributed Rs.1 lakh towards a tsunami house, I am pleased to say that the house is now completed. An additional Rs.1 lakh was dispersed from OWC funds, but I have managed to get SMEC to contribute a further Rs.50K which will help reduce our OWC deficit. Photo in Annual Report.

Re educational and nutritional support, an integral part of our activities, a donation of Rs.Rs.36,000/- (Jan-Dec.2008) was handed over to Sanjitha Shah for the Little Lambs School in Redhills which will cover part of the nutrition support of milk and bananas for the school children from underprivileged families. Jo also supplements this program.

The Chennai Cheshire Home launched their 50th anniversary celebrations on February 23, at Raj Bhavan with His Excellency The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri Surjit Barnala Singh creating a canvas, together with the budding artists from Cheshire Home. His Excellency has offered the canvas for auction at a Gala Dinner on Saturday, 6th September. A date for your diaries!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
A number of people come forward, from time to time, to offer their time and support for our social welfare activities, but unfortunately, we don’t seem to get any further than the ‘offer of help.’ We would love to have more volunteers who could visit Shishyu Bhavan on Tuesday afternoons for play-time/drawing with the mentally challenged girls.

Lakshmi would love to have support with her St. George’s visits and delivery of birthday cakes. During April and May, volunteers needed for leisure activities with Cheshire Home residents – painting/outings and swimming.

Sisters at Ennore would also appreciate visitors more often – but it is a long way and at least an hour’s drive from Adyar.

Craft's Group

Next meeting will be on April 1 and April 8 at 10:30 AM at Suzanne De Haes’ home (Kannan Apts. 4B, Chamiers Road, 40, 2nd Lane, Ganapathy Colony, Alwarpet). Please contact Suzanne at 98409-83138 for more information.

President's Message

Hello Ladies,
Spring is here in full force and summer is right on its heels. This is the time for all new beginnings. We have come once again to the end of another OWC year. I want to express my extreme gratitude to each and everyone who has helped me along my presidential journey. I cannot say more how much your support has meant to me.
We also need to recognize all of the hard work and effort put in by our committee members. These ladies have truly burnt the midnight oil in making sure information gets to us and also keep everything running smoothly. When you see these fine ladies, please give them a pat on the back.
I have had an amazing year and feel I have gained so much from this opportunity. The thought of serving as your president was daunting, but I’m glad I have. I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for anything.
As we move forward, please remember, you too can make a difference. Get involved, get to know some new friends and learn about Chennai and the expats who live here.
See you at the AGM!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Thompson
OWC President

Book Club Canceled

There will be no book club tomorrow.

New Members Coffe Morning for March

March 19th, 10 a.m. at Anokhi.

This is a great way to meet new people and network! New OWC members and people interested in joining the club are all very welcome.

If you have any questions, please contact Ruth Subramanian, 2257-6452

OWC Tips

Dear Members,
To to the increasingly crowded nature of our current blog, a second blog has been launched:
http://www.owctips.blogspot.com/
We want to encourage OWC members to use the blog to help each other and themselves with moving sales, staff searches, etc. The blog owcmadras.blogspot.com will be used for club activities and updates only.
Advertisements on owctips will also be encouraged once a common policy has been agreed upon by the comittee. All monies would go to the club to defray expenses and to help with our sponsored charities. We will also work to ensure that the vendors offer products and services that would be of interest to our members.
Please visit OWC Tips and keep the tips and advice coming!
Natalie von Hoffmeister

Book Club: Taj by Timeri Murari

Tuesday, March 18th
12 PM social chat
12:30 book discussion followed by lunch
At the home of Natalie von Hoffmeister.
No. 9, 3rd Seaward Road
K.G. Valmiki Apts.
Apt #4, Valmiki Nagar
Thiruvanmiyur
– opposite Cheshire Home
We will be reading“Taj” by Timeri Murari
It's a fabulous book and was written by local author. Highly recommended! Available at all local bookstores.
Please RSVP to Natalie at 98841-87761

Amara Linen Final Sale

Absolutely Final and Closing out Sale of
AMARA
Bedlinens and Fabrics

Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8, 11:00 am – 5:00pm
At
old 44, new 24 Bishops Garden R.A. Puram
Reduced prices from 60 - 75% of original sale price
We have new stock to choose from.
Deborah Thiagarajan tel: 98412 87605 Maureen Murari tel: 98402 93027

10% of proceeds go to the Cheshire home

March Tiffin Club Update

As has been pointed out - Friday 21st March is a holiday!! So not many people will be able to leave their families, equally we may not all have drivers. So Chef Sunil has kindly agreed to change the date to Thursday 20th March. Same time and charges apply. those who have already replied - please let me know if the new date suits you, everyone else - book as soon as you can.
Sejal9884052575

American Board Certified Doc

Cosmetic surgery is coming up in India in a big way. But there are very few true plastic surgeons. If anybody is interested there is a cosmetic surgeon who has recently relocated to India after 22 years of practicing exclusive cosmetic surgery in Chicago. At present he is the only American board certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon in India. His name is Dr. Ari and he practices at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery Center, Teynampet, 044-39139139 and Mumbai, 022-32066000.

Very experienced housekeeper/cook - requires live-in position.

Has worked for expat families includingGerman, British and American. Dedicated, good work ethic, good cook, likes and will care lovingly for pets. Could supervise junior staff.She worked for us for just a short time but previously worked in a position for 3 years. We will be sorry to see her go but she needs to find a live-in position which we can't offer.
Contact Lynn Nicolson at: lynn_nicolson@yahoo.co.uk to arrange an interview
We may also be looking for a replacement cook/housekeeper. No live-in facilities available. Location: Greenways Road.
With thanks,Lynn

Maid Available

Her name is Rosie and she has 2 sons and lives in Little Mount. She is honest and trustworthy and reliable and we felt very comfortable leaving her in charge of the house when we went out of town. If anyone is interested in contacting her for the position, she can be called on this number 9444675078(her sister's phone number). Her English is a little broken but it is very easy to communicate with her and she understands everything and therefore languaget is definitely not a barrier in my opinion.

She has worked for High Commission families and other expat families before joining us and so she knows what expats expect. Rosie will be available beginning March 12th.

Vivian O'Connell

Ladies Who Lunch

The first "Ladies Who Lunch" for this year will be held straight after
the March OWC general meeting (see details below). This is a great
way to try out restaurants that you have not yet been and meet new
people.

Date: Wednesday 12th March
Time: 12:30pm
Place: Copper Chimney, 74 Cathedral Road, Chennai-86 (opposite Chola Sheraton)

For further details, please contact Candy Noad on 98846 11174.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Pinatas!

Maureen and the ladies at The Cheshire Home have now perfected the art of constructing strong and colorful pinatas. Great for childrens' birthdays. For those who have never encountered a pinata, they are usually filled with small toys and candy and then beaten (a plastic cricket bat will do the trick) until they break. Kids love them!
They can be ordered for Rs 300. All procedes go to the Cheshire Home.
Please contact Maureen 9840293027 or Natalie 9884187762 to place your order.

General Meeting

Mar 12: General Meeting – At the Park Sheraton at 10 AM.

The topic for this meeting will be the Coorg culture of India presented by OWC member Meena Naru.

The following should whet everyone's interest about this unique ethnic group (taken from http://members.aol.com/coorg77/coorgs.html)
Coorg is a small state situated on the Western Mountain region of Southern India. It has an area of 1595 square miles with a population of 350,000. Coorg is four times larger than Hong Kong, and seven times larger than Singapore. The 2500-year-old civilization of Coorgs (or Kodavas as it is locally known) evolved from a synthesis of peoples that lived at around the fifth century BC in the region of today's Oman & Yemen, Scythian Greeks, and local women whom they married. Coorgs are Orthodox Hindus, and as a martial race, belong to the ruling class Kshatriya community. During the British influence, Coorgs became highly westernized. Coorgs are a conservative people. They are the only Indian community that does not observe the dowry system...

Craft's Group

Mar 4 & Mar 11

Next meeting will be on March 4 and March 11 at 10:30 AM at Suzanne De Haes’ home:

Kannan Apts. 4B

Chamiers Road

40, 2nd Lane

Ganapathy Colony

Alwarpet
Please contact Suzanne at 98409-83138 for more information.

Gala Event at Dakshina Chitra

Mar 15
Gala event at Dakshina Chitra, featuring cultural performances from Japan, Korea, Russia and Rajastan. Tickets to the program are Rs. 500, and include dinner. Children under 12 years are free.
Contact Maureen at 98402-93027 for more information

President's Message

Greetings Ladies!
It’s hard to believe it’s almost March and summer is setting in, at least the temperatures feel like it is. The schools are gearing up for their breaks and the kids are getting anxious to have a break. I think we all start to feel like we need a break. The best thing to do at this point is get out and go somewhere, learn something new. It can be as simple as talking a walking tour here in Chennai to as grand as taking a trip to another country. Just remember to get some breaks in with you and your family. It’s the best thing you can to.
I hope everyone who came to the Garden Tea had a wonderful time. A heartfelt thank you goes out to my executive committee, people who helped with desserts and stalls – without you we would not have had such a smooth running event. The biggest thank you goes to Lan Minagawa for graciously hosting us at her home. She took great pains in organizing the Japanese ladies for two demonstrations, a Japanese Tea ceremony and Ikebana demonstration. Her cook even volunteered to demonstrate Nori Maki, seaweed rolled sushi, and make enough that we could all have a taste of this and a mixed sushi. I know I learned quite a bit and think if I ever get adventurous, I just might try rolling sushi myself. Only time will tell.
As our year is winding down, this is the time to think about getting involved. This is your chance to have your say in the next year’s events and meetings. Anyone is welcome to join the committees and without you, events can’t happen! So please take the time to consider volunteering and making this group yours.

Until next month…
Stephanie ThompsonPresident

Moving Sale

Patricia Roisz has the following items to sell:

• Ikea couch (sofa) : white color, 4 years old, selling price: 13,000RS (original price 24,000 RS)
• Cane bed with matrass : we use as a child bed, 190 cm long and 80 cmwide, 1,5 years old, selling price: 3500 RS
• Foldingbed for swimming pool: 2 years old (almost never used),bought in Austria, selling price: 1000 RS (original price 2500 RS)
• 4 pieces white cane chair: 2 years old, selling price 1000 RS
• Bob the builder delux tool box: 6 months old, bought in Malajsia,selling price: 1800 RS (original price 2500)Regards Patricia (mobile: 9840383212)

March Tiffin Club

A big 'thank you' to Susan Hopper for hosting such a lovely morning with an italian theme. Those who attended shared recipes and good food with stories about ex-pat living!! Thanks again to Susan.

March Tiffin will be at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, on Friday 21st march at 10.30am. The theme is 'PASTRY' and we will get a demonstration and recipes from the very talented pastry chef - Sunil. He has run demo's for us before and they are always worth attending.

The cost will be Rs625 inc taxes, and will include a buffet lunch after the demonstration.

The maximum number of ladies for this event is 15, so call or email and book as fast as you can to avoid missing out!

Until next time,

Happy toasting and tasting,

Sejal Wasani
98840 52575

Apartment Required

My family is looking for a 3 bedroom semi-furnished apartment in Besant Nagar or Kalakshetra Colony (roughly about 1400 to 1700 sq ft, not too big). Our budget is between 30000 to 35000. We need secured car parking. And not on the ground floor.

Sangeeta Ghosh, Mobile - (0)98841 49490 or e-mail - syesley@yahoo.co.uk

Apartment for Rent

Up-market neighborhood, very quiet and privat
Spacious, bright and airy (2,700 square feet)
Elegantly furnished with 5 AC's
Foyer, 3 large bedrooms with attached baths
2 terraces opening out from the living and dining areas
Large kitchen with storeroom/pantry
Utility/laundry room
Maid's room with bathroom
Mini gym in building
Contact: Jay 98402 - 33975
No brokers please

Well-being Day

March 15th is Well Being Day
‘Well-being Day’ for the family. A host of activities to enrich your physical and mental well-being in an uplifting ambience. New Age music, massage therapy, tarot, soup, salad and health juice bar, lecture, demo and more all under one roof are the cocktail for an inspirational experience. Call 45534146/9940198185 for more info.

Garden Tea

Many thanks to Mrs. Lan Minagawa of the Japanese consulate for her gracious hospitality at this year's garden tea. Members enjoyed experiencing an authentic Japanese tea ceremony and demonstration of an ikebana flower arrangement.
Kudos also to Stephanie Thompson and the executive committee for their hard work. This event was really lovely!

St. Valentine's Ball

The British Citizen's Association will be hosting a St. Valentine's Ball at:

Cottingley

20 Anderson Road, Chennai

on Saturday the 16th of February

7:30 PM

Door Prize 8:30 PM

Dinner 8:45 PM

Dress: Formal

Carriages: 1AM

Parking on Anderson Road

Bar Service Available

Donation Rs 1,000

Tickets available from:

David Oswald 2822 4690

Ryan Bennett 2499 3305

OWC Email

Many members have not been receiving their electronic newsletter. This is probably because we have changed email accounts. The OWC new email address is:
owcmadras@gmail.com
It may be that mail from this address is being marked as SPAM by your provider. You can avoid this by saving the new email address in your contacts list.
It may also be that your name has not been added to the new list. If this is the case, please send a mail to the above address with the subject heading 'ADD.'
Thank you!

Garden Tea Tickets

The last day to buy tickets for this event (Wednesday, February 13th) is Friday, February 8.
Don't miss it.
Tickets are available with all committee members.

Earthsync Event

One of our members, Sangeeta, a professional Indian contemporary dancer would like to recommend the following:

Date and Time: SUNDAY 17TH FEBRUARY, 2008 AT 7:00 P.M.Venue: SIR MUTHA VENKATASUBBA RAO CONCERT HALL (LADY ANDAL SCHOOL AUDITORIUM) 13/1 HARRINGTON ROAD, CHETPET, CHENNAI 600 031Tickets: Rs.200 and Rs.300Tickets available:At Landmark, Odyssey, Anokhi and other leading outlets.
You can call Earthsync at (044) 4205 2532 for any further details.

Earthsync's music is a completely innovative and an amazing amalgamation of different textures of tunes and rhythms of the contemporary and the traditional. They are really wonderful compositions. Please visit their website for more information: http://www.earthsync.com/

Craft's Group

Next meeting will be on Feb 12 and March 2 at 2 PM at Suzanne De Haes’ home (Kannan Apts. 4B, Chamiers Road, 40, 2nd Lane, Ganapathy Colony, Alwarpet).

Please contact Suzanne at 98409-83138 for more information.

Playgroup Schedule

All timings are: 3.00 - 5.30pm

29th January

Melissa Foster's Home:Lilypond stAkkarai(opposite side of rd to Lisa Reardon's old place)my mobile. 9840660300
You go down the East coast rd till you get to the Sholinganalur turnoff in Akkarai. Dont take theturnoff but do a u turn instead as if you are going back to Chennai on ECR, then take first left directlyafter u turn down lilypond st,then first right we are the white house on the left. There are only 2 housesin the street. Park anywhere out the front there is lots of room.Bring mosi repellant for the garden.



5th Feb

AISC American International School, Taramani, Children's playground.Please bring OWC membership cards. Parking outside for non-school parents.12th FebMia's house12/13 First Street, KrishnapuriBishop Garden Ext. 600028Chennai tel: +91 994 0656 325

19th Feb

Paula and Eliya's houseFlat E401, Greyshott Apartments, No. 4 Bishop Garden Extn., RA Puram. Phone: 43203693 or 9940033270Thursday



28th Feb
(playgroup rescheduled to thursday this week only as it's Hagen's birthday)Nathalie's HouseNo. 9, 3rd Seaward Rd.K.G. Valmiki Apts.Apt. 4Valmiki NagarThiruvanmiyurOpposite the Cheshire Home and near Singapore Shoppee Phone: 98841877



14th March

AISC American International School, Taramani, Children's playground.Please bring OWC membership cards. Parking outside for non-school parents.11th MarchDalina's House16C Casuarina DriveNeelankarai98409 62375 (turn left at sign Belle Vue XI XXII)

For Sale

2 iron chairs (incl. cushions)
Ideal for Guestroom or a Terasse
Each R 2500.Please call Tatjana 99400 30488

MahJong Update

Norah McParlane is moving from Chennai. A huge thanks to her for coordinating the Mahjong group. We will be working on setting up something to continue playing.
If you are interested in playing please send an email to Julie Rich at jjhoneg@yahoo.com or Stephanie Thompson at srthompson917@hotmail.com and we will start working to coordinate the next date and place.

February Tiffin Club

Friday 22nd Feb at 11.30

Susan Hopper is hosting at her home and the theme is Italian.

It will be in the format of a potluck lunch. Please bring your favourite Italian dish and copies of the recipe on the day. You can also email the recipe to me for inclusion in the Tiffin Club emails.
The numbers are limited, so please sign up early. (Sign up essential!!)

Contact me for sign up and further details. Sejal Wasani9884052575

President's Message

Greetings Ladies!
I hope this finds everyone well. We had a lovely meeting early January with a speech given by Jo Frogbrook with “Hints and Tips for Surviving Madras.” I think those of us there, even the ‘old timers’ got quite a bit out of the talk! Hopefully, you will find the information useful. If you were unable to attend, please contact me or someone from the Membership Committee. We’ll be happy to email you a copy!
Our next event will be the Garden Tea hosted by the Japanese Consulate. Lan has graciously agreed to let us enjoy her lovely garden and get a taste of Japanese culture. There will be an Ikebana demonstration, Japanese Tea Ceremony, and even possibly learn how to make sushi rolls! Tickets are limited for this event – so please contact someone on the executive committee to secure one.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Thompson
President

Experienced Driver and Car

The following message is from former OWC member, Natasha Nolte:

We are leaving Chennai once again. Our driver, Sekar, who owns his own car, is looking for a new family to work for.

I can’t speak highly enough of Sekar; he is a reliable, experienced, safe driver. He is one of the few people here who never exasperated, annoyed or let me down (and that's saying alot!). Sekar worked for our family for several years, during which time he proved to be an invaluable asset. He has always been punctual, reliable, honest and respectful. Besides being a driver, he has been a babysitter, electrician, plumber and all round Mr. fix-it to our family. He is wonderful with children, and our son Lorcan absolutely adores him.

In between our stints in Chennai, Sekar has also worked for Suzanne and Trevor Townsend and the Yamamoto family. He has excellent references from both families and both highly recommend him.

Sekar’s car is a 2001 Ambassador Grand, which we originally owned. The car is quite roomy and comfortable, and Sekar keeps it in immaculate condition and good running order. Our family loved riding around in the Ambi, finding it quite stylish and retro.

Sekar can be contacted on 988 464 3429. The person who gets Sekar will be extremely happy with him!

Book Club Lives!

After a hiatus of a few months, book club is back.

A Life Less Ordinary by Baby Halder

Tuesday, February 19th

12:00 social chat

12:30 book discussion

Natalie's house

No. 9, 3rd Seaward Road

K.G. Valmiki Apts.

Apt. 4

Valmiki Nagar

Thiruvanmiyur

Opposite The Cheshire Home (Drop in if you have time to see the kids and the girls at their work. They make wonderful bags, keychains and purses).

No pot luck this time, but please RSVP so I know how many to cook for. 9884187761

Garden Tea

Wednesday Feb. 13 - 11am-2pm. Theme - Japanese Tea. Hosted by Japanese Consulate. Get your tickets today. Donation Rs.500. Contact Stephanie Thompson for tickets. Limited Seats - please call early!

White Elephant Sale

Have items in your home that you no longer use? Clothes that have "Shrunk" in the closest? Donate them to our White Elephant sale which will be held at the Garden Tea. Drop off points are with Stephanie Thompson and Jo Frogbrook. Please contact them with any questions.

New Member Coffee Morning

Feburary 20, 10am at Anokhi. Please contact Ruth Subramanium with any questions. This is a great way to meet new people and network!

Highly Recommended Housekeeper Available for Immediate Start

An experienced and excellent housekeeper is available to start work immediately.
Soloman is a very reliable young man that is extremely hard working, always punctual, speaks very good english and does an excellent job around the house. He has been working as a housekeeper for many years and will be able to help sort out any daily household problems you may face.
He does not expect or ask for anything extra and has never taken time off sick. He is also more than willing to help with some cooking if required.
If you or any of your friends are looking for a first class housekeeper, please do not hesitate to either contact Soloman directly on 99419 31606, or Candy on 98846 11174 or via email at candy@thehouseofwong.co.uk for further details.

Majong Update

MJ is cancelled for tomorrow. Next Thursday January 17 will be on at 1.30pm at Norah's home.
Norah McParlane103B The Laurels59 & 60 C P Ramaswamy RoadAlwarpetChennai 600018INDIA Home Phone: +91 44 42658791Mobile: +91 9952 085 099

Executive Committee

President:
Stephanie Thompson 99401-01343 Srthompson917@hotmail.com
Secretary: Ruth Lauge 98402-35222 rlauge@gmail.com
Treasurer: Lakshmi Chockalingam 98400-41541 lakshmu@yahoo.com
Membership: Jennifer Arun 098803-99490 jenkdouglas@gmail.comMaryann Nicholson 98416-08078 maryannnicholson@tx.rr.comJulie Rothwell 98415-96263 stuart.rothwell@wwinc.co.ukRuth Subramanian 2257-6452 ruths@mani-ruth.comLinda Talluto 98415-71091 Linda.talluto@suntrust.com
Social Welfare: Eleonor Daruwalla 2498-6927 n.eleonor@gmail.com Aruna Vijaykumar 2453-0556 Vijay_n@yahoo.comMaureen Hudson Murari 2641-3027 hmmaureen@hotmail.comFrancoise Queval 2449-1045 quevalf@md4bsnl.net.inVijaya Rangarajan 98410-99363 vijaya_raghu@hotmail.com
Newsletter: Jennifer Arun 098803-99490 jenkdouglas@gmail.com
Entertainment: Susanna Jones 99404-08524 slthompson@hotmail.comTania Redman 98413-53860 Tania_redman@hotmail.com
Children’s Committee: Youngmi Kim 99400-19021 plurplur@gmail.comPlaygroup: Reena Nirula 98840-27722 reena.nirula@talk21.com
Ladies Who Lunch: TBA
Tiffin Club: Sejal Wasani 98840-52575 sej173@yahoo.co.uk
Book Club/Blog: Natalie von Hoffmeister 98841-87761 natalievh@gmx.net
Crafts Group: Suzanne de Haes 98409-83138 suzannevdw@yahoo.com