Ladies Who Lunch

The last ladies who lunch in December in the Madras club was combined with Christmas lunch for the elderly residents of the friends in Need Society and St Georges Cathedral Home. It went really well. The food was great and we were all up singing Christmas carols accompanied by Suzannas' lovely piano playing. We had a few of the older folk up by the piano singing away to their hearts content and we even had an Elvis Presley rendition in centre stage dancing and all. I think the old folk all enjoyed themselves. We centainly did.
Next month's lunch will be a quieter affair. We are going Thai.
It will be in Benjarongs at 12.30 on Wed the 10th January.
We know that this is the same day as the general meeting, but we can all just go together as a group afterwards since Benjarong is so close to the Park Sheraton.
Benjarongs is a nice Thai restaurant which has been around a long time and the food there is usually of great quality.
Address: 146 TTK road Alwarpet. ph: 044 24322640/ 044 42110061
Any questions ring Suzanne 98846 89222

January Book Club

The next book club will be held on January 18th at my house:

Natalie von Hoffmeister

No. 9, 3rd Seaward Rd.

K.G. Valmiki Apts.

Apt. 4

Thiruvanmiyur

Social Chat 12 PM

Book discussion 12:30 followed by what I hope will be a palatable lunch...

I am just opp. the Cheshire Home, one of the OWC charities. Please call me if you get lost and SMS me to RSVP 9884187761.

The book is 'The Night Watch' by Sarah Waters. Here's what the Sarah Waters website has to say about it:

"Moving back through the 1940s, through air raids, blacked out streets, illicit liaisons, sexual adventure, to end with its beginning in 1941, The Night Watch is the work of a truly brilliant and compelling storyteller.
This is the story of four Londoners - three women and a young man with a past, drawn with absolute truth and intimacy. Kay, who drove an ambulance during the war and lived life at full throttle, now dresses in mannish clothes and wanders the streets with a restless hunger, searching ... Helen, clever, sweet, much-loved, harbours a painful secret ...Viv, glamour girl, is stubbornly, even foolishly loyal, to her soldier lover ... Duncan, an apparent innocent, has had his own demons to fight during the war. Their lives, and their secrets connect in sometimes startling ways. War leads to strange alliances ..."

New members are always welcome!

January Garden Tea

For those of you who are new to the OWC, we have a garden tea every year in February. It's our last big event of the year and quite nice. This year's garden tea will be held in January since February can be a bit hot for an afternoon event.

The dates have now been confirmed:

Wednesday 31 January 2007
Cottingley

Time: 11am
Theme: Elegant Dress

The Park will be providing a sandwich/quiche lunch at this year’s Garden Tea. There will be many stalls available and music will also be provided. This is a lovely occasion and well attended every year.

Ticket price Rs 350. Tickets are limited to 100, so please buy early to avoid disappointment! They are on sale with Sanjita Shah and Radhika McGregor.

January Tiffin Club

The December Cookie Exchange was incredible - so many cookies to choose from made by the Tiffin Club members and a simply sumptuous feast laid on by our hostess Judy Mason. A big thank you to everyone who participated and made such an enormous effort towards making the morning so very special. My family is still enjoying the varieties of cookies I brought home including spice cookies, gingerbread boys and girls, snickerdoodles, ginger snaps, shortbread, double chocolate biscotti and many more!! I can't wait for next year!


Next month's Tiffin Club is at the COurtyard by Marriott Hotel and the theme is Pizza and Pasta. It is on Thursday January 11th at 10.30am and the cost is Rs500 including a buffet lunch. The numbers are limited to 15 places, so if you are interested, please contact me at the earliest! Otherwise, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy holiday season, and a peaceful 2007.

Sejal Wasani
98840 52575
sej173@yahoo.co.uk

Kids Carnival

Dear OWC Friends,
Madras Esplanade Ladies Circle 100 is organising a Kids Carnival on Sunday, December 10 from 3-8pm at Hotel Savera as part of our fundaising efforts. We have a number of fun games stalls with small prizes for the winners, a Raffle, mehndi, face painting, Bingo, a visit by Santa and even some shopping for the Moms! This is on the same day as the Santa Brunch, but a different time and should be fun for the kids.
Ladies Circle India is a voluntary charitable organisation, connected to Round Table India. Proceeds from the Carnival will go towards projects undertaken by Madras Esplanade Ladies Circle 100. So, please do come and enjoy the games and put a smile on not only your little one's lips but countless underprivileged kids as well!
Entry tickets are Rs 100, raffle tickets are Rs 25.
Please contact Dina Sawlani on 98414-26191 or dsawlani@gmail.com for tickets, sponsorship opportunities/donations of gifts and/or more info.

Jaipur Trip

Ladies, I am organising a trip to Jaipur for a small group who would like to take the opportunity to explore this fabulous pink city.

The dates have been planned to coincide with the Jaipur Heritage Festival which incorporates daily craft bazaars, music, theatre and dance. We will also take in the sights of the Amer Palace, where you can take an elephant ride up to the palace and fort, as well as visiting the City Palace, Palace of Winds and, time permitting, a trip to the Anokhi museum.

The dates are as follows:-

Depart Chennai on Monday 14 January on either of the following flights (availability permitting):-

Kingfisher Airlines
Chennai-Bombay 0650 0835 Rs 3900
Bombay-Jaipur 1040 1225 Rs 4500

Jet Airways
Chennai-Bombay 1415 1605 Rs 3100
Bombay-Jaipur 1755 1930 Rs 3200

Returning Chennai Friday 19 January on either:-

Kingfisher Airlines
Jaipur-Bombay 1300 1445 Rs 4500
Bombay-Jaipur 1705 1850 Rs 3900

Jet Airways
Jaipur-Bombay 0825 1000 Rs 4975
Bombay-Chennai 1105 1250 Rs 3600

We plan to stay at the 3 star Madhuban Hotel, which is a small heritage hotel situated in Jaipur. This has been recommended to me by an OWC member who stayed there earlier this year.

Prices/room grades are as follows and they have twins and doubles in each category. I would suggest that we take twin rooms to minimize the cost.

Suite (per night) Rs 2592 (this includes 8% tax)
Super Deluxe Rs 2052 “
Deluxe Rs 1512 “

I have made enquiries for 6 rooms (max 12 people) and at the moment they can accommodate us.

To check out the hotel online go to http://www.hotelsjaipur.com/ and to check out the festival go to http://www.jaipurfestival.org/ .

Please note, transfers, food and any tickets to sights/festival have not been included.

However, if you are up for an adventure then please contact me by December 8th.

Jo Frogbrook
9840891824

JANUARY BOOK CLUB

The next book for discussion:16 January 2007
The Night Watch by Sarah Waters
There will be no book club meeting in December do not have a host for the book club meeting in January. Any volunteers! Please call me or email me so that i can inform the members.

email-ajit_jaswal@hotmail.com

tel#-9940183839

RegardsBalveer

Marge

As many of you have already heard, Marge passed away last night. I just wanted to say a few words about her and invite others to do the same. I met Marge at a lunch in 2003. I had only been in Chennai for a couple of months and was, of course, lonely. I felt too insecure to try to make friends with what I then considered the 'fancy' ladies of the Overseas Women's Club since most of them were older, lived in huge bungalows and had husbands who worked for major corporations at very high levels. My husband and I were trying to start a business and felt like a bunch of bunglers at that time. But Marge was nice to me. She was open and funny at the lunch and said some hilarious things about her life in India. She made me realize that we all had the same problems adjusting to our new home. She mentioned that a cat in her garden had kittens. Being Marge, she already had the mother cat sterilized and the other compound cats, as well. She had even adopted two of them and was now looking for homes for these kittens. I ended up calling her and adopted two of the kittens. When I came to get them, she was again open and friendly. Like a breath of fresh air to me at the time. I remember her sitting in her garden sipping coffee. She looked stylish, cool and timeless in sunglasses and a T Shirt. We became friends at that point and I learned to appreciate Marge's open and uncritical take on things. She was the person you could always go to if something was wrong and she wouldn't judge and she would actually listen! And she was funny. Every lunch I had with Marge and our friend Cathy was pure hilarity. We laughed about the absurd things that happened to us. Marge never let anything get her down too much. Her spirit was too fun-loving and light for that. To this day, I don't know how old Marge was. She wasn't my age, but she could have been. She was just cool. For any age and anywhere, and I loved her and I know a lot of other people did, too.
Please use the comment feature of this blog to write something you remember about Margaret.
-Natalie

CRAFT MEETING

 For those of you who came to the Christmas meeting and saw our Christmas tree's that we had made (painstakingly, and by hand!) and are interested in doing the same...read on!

Suzanne de Haes is holding a 'master class' on November 27th at 2pm at her residence, Kannan Apts, 4B Ganapathy Colony, Alwarpet (2mins from the Park Sheraton).
Suzanne has the necessary materials which can be purchased from her.
Come along, and impress your friends and family with your sewing skills!!!

Jo

THANKSGIVING LUNCH

I have just returned from Thanksgiving Lunch (stuffed with eating too much turkey and pecan pie!) and wanted to say a big thank you on behalf of the OWC members to Susan Hopper for her generous hospitality.

The food was lovely, the weather was kind to us and the lunch reflected the true spirit of Thanksgiving, that of sharing.
For those of you who are not familiar with the history of Thanksgiving I took the liberty of taking one of the printed sheets explaining about the background, which Susan had kindly put on every table, and have replicated it here.
'Many countries and cultures celebrate harvest festivals and days of thanksgiving. American Thanksgiving traces it's roots to the Pilgrims, religious dissidents who, in 1609, fled religious persecution in their native England. They sailed to Holland, but after several years they thought the Dutch way of life 'sinful' and left for the New World. After a 65 day voyage, they settled in 1620 in what later became Plymouth, Massachusetts.
That first winter was harsh and devastating. Of the 110 Pilgrims and crew who sailed on their small ship, the Mayflower, only 50 survived that first winter. Eventually, a Native American by the name of Squanto befriended the Pilgrims. Since he had visited England, he spoke English. Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to tap the maple trees for syrup, which plants were poisonous and which had medicinal powers, and how to plant corn. The harvest of 1621 was very successful and plentiful. They had corn, fruits, vegetables, fish packed in salt, and cured meat. The Pilgrims were at peace with their Indian neighbours. Their Governor, William Bradford, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving that was to be shared by all the colonists and the neighboring Native Americans.
The custom of an annually celebrated thanksgiving held after the harvest continued through the years. In the 1770's the Continental Congress suggested a day of national thanksgiving. New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of thanksgiving. Since then, each President has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation designating the fourth Thursday of each November as the holiday'.

Jo

OWC Chettinad Trip

With Lakhsmi Chockalingam as the superb guide we explored Chettinad; the old houses of the Merchant families, the temples, the antique shops - and of course the excellent food.

Chettinad is a little gem hidden in the central part of Tamil Nadu app. 400 km from Chennai. Some of the gem´s facets were revealed to us with the help of OWC member Lakshmi Chockalingam whose family not only own the loveliest Bangala (guest house) in the area, but also proved to be a very knowledgeable guide to all the interesting sights.

The beautiful houses
Chettinad is famous for the huge mansions which were built from fortunes made from overseas trading. Nowadays some of the mansions are deteriorating while others are still maintained and in use for huge family celebrations such as weddings. We marvelled at the magnificently carved wooden doors and pillars, wandered through houses that seemed never ending, stood in the inner courtyards trying to imagine how thousands of guests were catered for and listened to all the fascinating stories of the houses, the customs and traditions of the people living there.

The handicraft
There is more to Chettinad than the houses. We watched the fascinating process of tile making. We were introduced to the traditional Chettinad weaving and shopped till we almost dropped on the fine cotton material. We admired the way the silversmiths were shaping figurines. And last but not least we raided through the antique shops of Karaikudi for good buys to bring home.

The Big Temple
We visited a few Chettinad temples before moving on to the “Big Temple” which the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur is called. No wonder this monument is on the World Heritage listing as it is absolutely the most fascinating temple I have ever seen. It is the highlight of Chola temple architecture. We were greeted by the temple elephant and then the huge Nandi (bull) created from a single piece of rock weighing 25 tonnes which makes it one of the largest Nandi statues in India. The dome itself weighs app. 80 tonnes and was hauled into place along a 4 km earthwork ramp in a manner similar to the ones used for the Egyptian pyramids - totally amazing! Walking on temple grounds we counted several linga (250 the guide book says) enshrined along the outer walls of the pillared halls and viewed lots of drawings made with natural colours depicting myths and the different gods.

Chettinad hospitality
We stayed in Lakshmi´s family guest house in Karaikudi which was a very pleasant experience, decorated and furnished in accordance with the original house. The food was excellent and the hospitality and patience with all our questions endless. Therefore I would like to say a big thank you to Lakshmi and her family for their tireless efforts to make our trip so memorable.

Children’s Committee News

HALLOWEEN EVENTS
ARTS AND CRAFTS

This was as popular as last year and we sold out of tickets for the event, 90 in total.

On the day we had 80 children turn up to the event along with their parents. The children had the opportunity to make scary spiders, assisted by the lovely "Spider Queen" Jennifer Mauldin, Trick or Treat bags could be decorated, so that the children could collect their sweets on the Trick or Treating evening. We also had pumpkin masks, Halloween lanterns and other colouring activities. Glitter and glue was used with abandon, by both children and parents. In fact, every parent left with glitter on their faces and I believe that the parents enjoyed helping the activities with their children immensely!

The Children’s Committee would like to thank the American International School for allowing the use of the canteen and the cleaners who cleared up the mess! We also would like to thank all parents who brought snacks with them and everyone who was involved in the organisation and supervision of the activities on the day.


TRICK OR TREATING

This was also a sell-out with 90 tickets sold in total. Another great turn out for this event with about 85 children (and parents) in excellent costumes who were raring to go at 1645. Fortunately, the weather was dry for us (the rains started the very next day) as largely thanks to Lakshmi and her family, we had 11 houses in the Kotturpuram area for the participants to visit. We would like to thank these volunteers for opening up their houses to us. I am sure that you would all agree that there were some splendid houses and very welcoming (g)hosts. A Big Thank You goes out to Lakshmi. Without her help and knowledge of who lives where, and all of her relatives and friends agreeing to participate, we would not have had such a very successful evening.


Our next event is BRUNCH WITH SANTA. This will be held on Sunday 10th December at the Taj Coromandel Ballroom at 10am till 1pm. There will be arts and crafts for the children, stalls operated by Landmark and Contemporary Window, a bake sale, a giving tree which supports the social and welfare programme, a special visit by Santa with photo opportunities, a Christmas story and carol singing with a fantastic brunch. Tickets are the same price as last year and are on sale now. Adults Rs 500 Children Rs 300 Children 0-2 yrs Free.

Last year, this event was extremely popular and sold out very quickly. Ticket numbers are limited and to avoid disappointment please contact me, Sarah Woods, as soon as possible. Alternatively I will have the tickets with me at the next general meeting.

President’s Message: November 2006

What a night! I am referring, of course to the Viva La Carnival Ball. We had a great turnout considering the amount of people who were ‘out of station’ and the water logged roads, but those of us who made it on Saturday night had a fantastic evening.

Apart from having a great time we also managed to raise some much needed funds for our charities, so a big thank you to our sponsors and those of you who bought a ticket. I would also like to thank everyone who worked so hard in raising sponsorship as this year’s brochure was a bumper issue. Well done!

Also a big thank you to everyone who helped behind the scenes and on the night; you all helped to make it a success.

A couple of people enjoyed it so much, they asked why the OWC didn’t do two events like this a year; frankly I don’t think our nerves could stand it, but thanks for the compliment.

Now, looking ahead to what is coming up, we have a Christmas Special planned for our General Meeting which will take place on November 8th at the Park Sheraton.

Come prepared! Dig out your Santa hats or any stray tinsel you may have lying around and come dressed to join in the fun. We have a Gift Exchange – please bring a small gift of up to 250rs value – festive food and there will also be some Christmas items to buy – so bring your purses!

For those of us who signed up, we also have the Thanksgiving Lunch to look forward to on the 21st at 11.30am at Susan Hopper’s residence. Turkey and all the trimmings – can’t wait!

And finally….after months of chasing, deleting and updating the new Directory will be available on November 8th, hot off the press!
See you on the 8th.

Jo Frogbrook
President

Marketplace November / December

Electric Grill - 1 year old, used only once, in very good condition.
1000 R

Dishes:

Pottery Dishes
Prices depending on how many pieces you want to buy

Cups 20 pieces
Saucers 20 pieces
Coffee/Tea Pots 10 pieces
Cereal Bowls 20 pieces
Plates 20 pieces
Juice/Milk Bottles 10 pieces
Glasses (Water or G&T -
no picture available) 6 pieces
Cutlery (6-set) Set


Please contact Tatjana Kaiser on 99400 30488 or send me an
Email : tatjanakaiser@hotmail.com

Christmas Parties

OVERSEAS WOMEN’S CLUB OF MADRAS
CHRISTMAS PARTIES – DECEMBER 2006

Year end again and we come to the major content of our Social Welfare programme … The Christmas Parties for our over 1000 beneficiaries. Please join us at one or more of the following events and ‘see where your money goes’. We do need volunteers to help with the programmes as many of our people are either elderly or disabled; they also just love meeting the people who bring them a slice of Christmas joy each year.

Monday, 11th December: Afternoon tea for LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR,
3.00p.m. 11 Harrington Road, Chetpet 600-031
(Just past Shoppers Stop Department Store)
Entertainment by the children of St. George’s Creche
And Carol singing by our OWC members.
The 30 children from the Creche are given a snack and gift bag.

Wednesday, 13th December Lunch for the elderly residents of FRIENDS IN NEED
12 Noon SOCIETY and ST. GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL HOME (40)
AT THE MADRAS CLUB For the residents who are sick or too old to attend, lunch is provided for them at the respective Homes. A cash gift of Rs.150/- is given.
This lunch is in association with the OWC GENERAL MEETING BUT BEING A CATERED LUNCH we do need an RSVP PLEASE.
Call Aruna 2453-0556, Lakshmi 2447-0891 or Maureen 2641-3027 Entertainment: Carol singing by the residents and OWC members.

Friday, 15th December Children from THE HOME OF HOPE ORPHANAGE attend
4.oop.m. the final dress rehearsal of The Pantomine put on by The Little
MUSEUM THEATRE Theatre. The children arrive at the theatre about 3.30p.m. and
EGMORE Some help is required to usher them into the theatre as well as
give them a snack. They are also given a tea at the orphanage
and gift bags closer to Christmas. (130 children)

Friday, 15th December Visit to SHISHYU BHAVAN, ROYAPURAM and NIRMAL
10a.m. to 3p.m. HRIDAY, ENNORE, and JEEVODAYA.Hospice
handing out clothes and gift bags for over 200 residents.

Saturday, 16th December Christmas tea for ANDHRA MAHILA SABHA (140)
AMS, 10 Durgabai Deshmukh Children are provided with gift bags.
Road, Chennai 600-028 Entertainment given by a ‘Street Theatre Group’
Just before Adyar Bridge Help needed in handing out the tea and gift bags.
On right hand side. Carol singing by OWC MEMBERS.

Wednesday, 20th December CANSTOP PARTY TEA PARTY for children with leukemia
4.30p.m. and ladies suffering from cervical cancer (200 plus)
DATE TO BE CONFIRMED at THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, HALLS ROAD
EGMORE. 9th floor of grey building behind main hospital.

Saturday, 23rd December CHESHIRE HOME, 23 Third Seaward Road, Valmiki
4.00p.m. Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600-041
Tea party for 100 residents and staff. Gift bags given to children Entertainment by Street Theatre Group. Carol Singing by OWC members.

A visit will also be made to the Children of Mercy Home Creche in Halls Road, Kilpauk.
Date to be confirmed.

Ladies Who Lunch

Our next Ladies Who Lunch Meeting will be:

Wednesday, November 15
12:30
Peshawar Restaurant
Chola Sheraton
Cathedral Road
Chennai

This is a bit pricier than what we've been doing. I'd figure on about RS 500 per person. It's well worth it, though. Really yummy kebabs!
Please SMS or email me if you plan to come
Natalie von Hoffmeister
9884187761
natalievh@gmx.net
Susanne will be back next month!

December Tiffin Club

Tiffin Club December Meeting

November’s Tiffin Club at the Marriott was lovely with Chef Prakash demonstrating a variety of soups and salads. We tasted everything and commented on more!! We now even know how to chop in the BRUNOISE style! Well done the Marriott.

The Tiffin Club December Meeting will feature a COOKIE EXCHANGE hosted by Judy Mason. For this, each participant (maximum of 12 only this time) will make six dozen home-made holiday cookies.

These cookies will be bundled up, 6 cookies to each well presented bag, and brought to the Tiffin Club Meeting.

At the Tiffin Club, we will all exchange bundles so that we each bring home a bundle of every sort of cookie. This is a great way to recipe swap and sample all at the same time!

If you would like to be part of this Tiffin Club, please contact Sejal Wasani as soon as possible for all the details(and in order for us all to calculate the right number of cookies and get baking!!!) on 98840 52575 or sej173@yahoo.co.uk

TIFFIN CLUB – THURSDAY DECEMBER 7TH at 10.30AM
MAXIMUM 12 LADIES ONLY THIS TIME – WARN IN ESSENTIAL.

Oct. 3rd Majong Meeting

Our first Mah Jong get together was a great success, we all had a good time and a lot of laughs. If you are interested in playing or learning to play please come along to our next meeting. If you have a set bring it with you.
We will be meeting on Tuesday 3rd October at 1.00pm at Suzanna's home. Please give her a ring if you'll be attending.

Harrington House
3/682 Water Land Drive
Kaveri Nagar
Kottivakkam
Phone: 64 52 5240 or mobile 99 40 40 8524

Ladies Who Lunch

We had a lovely lunch in the new Pasta Fresca and would definitely recommend
a dinner there. The pasta was gorgeous and tasty- just like the real thing
and everyone was impressed. The chocolate mousse is to die for by the way.

Next ladies who lunch will be a Chinese affair.
This place has the best crackling Spinach you will ever taste. Buffet is
250r or you can order off the menu ( will be about 400rs )
I found this place four years ago, loved it and then could never find it
again- so am delighted that we can all taste its delights together.

Name is Mainland China
Address is
The Aruna Chennai 3rd floor
144-145 Sterling Road
Ph:044 28238345
Wed 18 Oct 12.30pm

- Suzanne Townsend

Charity Sale

October 7
Alison's Fabrics
43, College Road
10:30 AM to 6 PM

Charity Sale of hand woven baskets and net bags, house-hold and embroidered linens, bric-a-brac.
Support our charities and get your Christmas shopping done at the same time! Beautiful hand-made items. Don't miss it!

October General Meeting

October 11
10 AM
Park Sheraton Hotel
Entrance: Rs 120

September's meeting was well attended. 57 members came and many ladies joined the club for the first time. Thank you those who led the talks on various subjects from staff to health care. Newcomers, especially, appreciate the practical input!

In view of the upcoming Carnival Ball, we have arranged for a salsa demo for the October General Meeting. Kokila and Rohit from the Academy of Modern Dance will be showing us some latin dance moves. There will be a fun interactive session so wear your dancing shoes!
As always, we provide coffee, tea and snacks and offer a wide range of lighly used books, magazines, CDs and DVDs for sale.

New people always welcome!

October Book Club

The next book for discussion is:
Water by Bapsi Sidhwa.

On: 17th october
Time: 12.00 pm
venue: Megan Page
Flat E202 "The Atrium"
21 Kalakshetra Road
Besant Nagar 600041
Tel: 9444443161

The discussion will be followed by lunch.It will be greatly appreciated if
you warn in by 15th October to confirm your attendance with regard to
catering.

Happy reading
Balveer

October Tiffin Club

Dear Tiffin Club Members,

The last Tiffin Club at the marriott was very successful. The tickets were sold out much in advance, so be warned for the next event!

The ladies present enjoyed watching Chef Sunil, the pastry chef, demonstrate some mouth watering treats and then tasting each and every one of them before most of us headed into the Paprika for a well earned, enormous buffet lunch.

Most of Tiffin Clubbers brought along recipes or sent them by email in advance, and these have now been shared between all of us, alond with Chef Sunil's own recipes.

The next event will be on THURSDAY OCTOBER 5th 2006 at Jennifer Mauldin's house at 10.30am. The theme for this month is ENTREES AND MAIN MEALS, so please send your recipes in advance to Sejal.
Jennifer's address is 4/12 Nawab Habibullah Avenue, 2nd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

Please contact Sejal Wasani if you would like to attend this Tiffin Club. The limit is 15 ladies.

Happy whisking,

Sejal
98840 52575
sej173@yahoo.co.uk

Mahjong!

Finally I have a date for the first Mah Jong get together. It will be in my home on Tuesday 26th September at 1.00pm. If anyone wants to learn to play please come along. It's easy to learn and a lot of fun, so don't worry if you've never even set eyes on the game before! Please give me a ring to let me know if you are coming along.
D4 Mill Bank
Boat Club Road
3rd Avenue
R.A. Puram
My apartment is in between the Boat Club and the Madras Club.
Phone: 42030803 or 9940438080

October Marketplace

URGENT - URGENT - URGENT

For sale a APC Back-UPS Pro - 1KVA - 230VAC - bought in Chennai, in excellent condition.

model number: BP10001
serial number: BB0145270186
colour: beige
price: Rs10500
availability: end of September 06

Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com

*************************************************************************************

Jaya has 4 A/C's for sale - 2 split and 2 window - for 50% of purchase price. They are 2 years old, in good condition and come with stabilizers.

Contact Jaya at 9840233975

Farewell from Joanne

Dear Friends,
The packing boxes, large rolls of bubble and tissue paper have arrived. Wooden crates are being made for the paintings and statues. By now we have moving - or "shifting," as the natives say - down to a fine art. Getting Roef's papers in order has been a major headache. I don't think a dog has ever traveled from India to Egypt before as nobody seems to know what papers are necessary. Harry flew to Mumbai last Tuesday to sort things out so here's hoping. We leave for Egypt September 27 for Harry to take on re-structuring the largest private employer in Egygt.
It has been an exciting year in Chennai. Some lows: i.e. infrastructure, electricity cuts, sights of unbelievable poverty, but especially the continuous extreme heat and humidity (average temp 38 degrees).
The highs were intoxicating - the friendliness and warmth of the people, especially the loyalty, helpfulness and fun I have had with the staff, new friends from the International Women's Association and the Overseas Women's Club. The craftwork and materials and the huge well-stocked book shops we often visited! A big downer was living in a dry state.
Bonita, our Indian dog, has gone to an orphanage we support for orphans and maltreated girls. They live on a farm hours from here with 30 cats and 8 dogs. They care for the animals and give and get lots of love which helps with the rehabilitation process. They are then trained in a vocation, i.e. embroidery.
On Saturday, we sold 60 huge potted plants, household equipment, my clocks and paintings. All proceeds went to the orphanage. It was a fun-filled day. Many thanks to all of you who contributed so generously.
It is with a large dose of sadness that I leave Chennai, but will keep all the special memories, experiences and people I have met in my India Box alongside the boxes from Africa, America, England, Turkey and Holland.
I haven't had as much as a cold year so am extremely blessed, but I am not sorry to leave the heat and humidity behind.
Take care of yourselves and think of us starting our new adventure in Egypt.
Love to you all,
Joanne
(Roef & Harry, too)

Joanne has some contacts she would like to pass along:

Loju 9840758225
an excellent carpenter

T.D. Venkatesan 9840183139
tourist guide - very knowlegable about Chennai

Ananda Stationary Stores 24412494, 24402824
97 LB Road
Adyar
art and drawing materials, floppies, inkjet cartridges, etc.

Chikungunya Fever

Some information on a growing but controllable problem in Chennai. Here are the facts:

Chikungunya Fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes. It is rarely fatal. It causes a high fever and headache which is sometimes accompanied by joint pain and skin rashes. Cases of this disease are increasing within India and there are now more than 1 million (11,09,033) reported mainly in Maharashtra, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is likely that the numbers of cases will continue to increase due to the rainy season being the peak time of the year for mosquitoes to breed.

If you do not get bitten by mosquitoes you will not get this disease. To avoid being bitten take the normal precautionary measures;
Avoid mosquito infested areas
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and hats when outdoors.
Use insect repellents containing DEET
Use screening or bed netting in sleeping areas
Use non toxic mosquito sprays in indoor areas
Prevent water accumulation around home, site or office areas
Cover water storage tanks
Use mosquito chemical fogging control for large tank and building basement areas

If you take the measures above you will also protect against other mosquito borne diseases such as;
Malaria
Japanese Encephalitis
Dengue Fever
Lymphatic Filariasis

If you suspect that you may have any mosquito borne disease then please seek assistance from a Medical Practitioner. Take all preventive measures to avoid being bitten further by mosquitoes and therefore preventing further spread of the disease.

Trick or Treating Update

TRICK OR TREATING

This event will be held on the 18th NOT the 19th of October as previously stated. Details below.

WHO: Children aged 10 and under
WHERE: Doorways of Kotturpuram
WHAT: Gathering sweets in costume
WHEN: 18th October meet 4.30 (for 4.45 start) till 6.00
TICKETS: 100 rupees

Tickets will be available at the arts and craft event/ at the owc meeting (September) or the childrens committee.
Chlidren MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.
Volunteers needed to help direct and hand out maps.
Please contact Sarah Woods

Gourmet Shop Food Tasting

There will be a food tasting for the OWC ladies at the new Gormet Deli on Cenotaph Road.

The date is the 15th September, the time is 10.30am and the maximum number they can take is 20.

Members who are interested must warn in to me by the 13th.

Thank you!

Jo

September Marketplace

Suzanna Jones has the following to sell:

I have a microwave for sale. It's brand new (still boxed) from Viveks.
Make: LG Model: 1921. Bought on 30th June 06. Still has 10 months
warranty. It also comes with a box of microwave cookware. Price: 3500
rupees.

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For sale in an excellent condition a brand new maternity swimming suit. Bought in France 2 1/2 years ago in the Decathlon shop.

colour: blue
size: 14 (uk) which would be 42 (fr) or a large size.
selling price: Rs500
availability: now

Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com



For sale Medela electric breast pump. Small and light, ideal for at home as well as on the go.
Used it couple of times, excellent for a quick milk extraction before going out or even to freeze the milk.
This machine has been bought in KL at the price of RM328 (around Rs4000).

Availability: now
Selling price: Rs1000

Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com

Crafts Group

We are planning on making this little Christmas-tree, or smaller models, for our own use or for selling on a Christmas event.
Anybody who is interested in making these nice things, can come to my house on Monday September 11 at 2p.m.for a first meeting.
Please bring a piece of cardboard (like backside of a cereal box).
Suzanne Van de Wiel – De haes
Kannan Apts 4B
Chamiers Road 40 (2nd lane)
Mobile : 98409 83138

Ladies' Night Out

There will be a Ladies Night out this Thursday at:
Distil
Taj Connemara Chennai
(Next to Spencer Plaza)
From 7PM onwards.
Jaya is working on organizing a buy one get one free deal. More details to follow. Should be fun!

New Member’s Coffee Morning

Tuesday, September 19th 10AM
Anokhi on Chamiers Road

For new members to meet each other, share common concerns and to interact with some older members who may have advice on staff, shopping, etc. A great way to meet new people!

OWC Chettinad Trip

OWC Chettinad Trip
Thursday, 21st September—Monday 25th September



Situated south of Chennai, Chettinad is reputed to be famous for South India’s hottest food and is home to some of their wealthiest merchant families. Many of the villages are now semi-deserted but the houses retain a charm and distinctive style all of their own.

These houses are mainly used for large family celebrations, such as weddings, and are closed for the remainder of the year. We are fortunate, however, to have Lakshmi Chockalingam as a member, who’s family comes from Chettinad and who has offered us the opportunity to stay at her family’s Bangala (guest house) so that we can see some of these houses and also take in the local sites such as the markets, antique shops and temples.

The suggested itinerary is as follows:

Thusday night: depart by overnight train from Egmore, Chennai to Trichy
Friday: day in Chettinad exploring old houses
Saturday: day in Chettinad visiting antique shops
Sunday morning: at village market, lunch and dinner at Sterling Swamimalai with visit to their bronze workshop, visit to temple.
Sunday night: depart by overnight train from Tanjore to Chennai

Cost—Based on twin sharing basis RS 5,000 per night including all meals and soft drinks/tea/coffee.

Not included—Train ticket 1st class a/c sleeper Rs 1061 one way or 2nd class a/c sleeper Rs 617 on way. Lunch and dinner at Swamimalai. Local transport.

If you are interested, contact Jo Frogbrook at 9840891824 by September 4th. Limit of 12 rooms (24 people).

Thanksgiving Lunch

Thanksgiving Lunch
Tuesday, November 21st at 11:30
River House, Turnbulls Road Ext.
RA Puram



Susan Hopper of the American Consulate has graciously offered to host a Thanksgiving Lunch at her residence. For those not familiar with this American holiday, it takes place every year on the last Thursday of November to commemorate the 1621 feast that early colonists shared with native Americans. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin and pecan pies are typically eaten at this meal. Susan will be providing turkeys, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Members are asked to bring a side of there choosing (anything they do well, not limited to Western or American food) or a dessert.
A sign up sheet will be available at the September general meeting for those who are interested. Numbers are limited to 75 and the cut off date will be Oct. 11th.
This event will be ladies only.

Welcome Back Lunch

The Welcome Back Lunch was great fun and thanks go out to everyone who helped by dressing up and donating to our gift table. Paricipation was really enthusiastic this year and our venerable leader Jo Frogbrook did a fabulous job organizing and leading the event. The Courtyard Marriott also did a great job with the food which was super yummy.
Anyone who has pictures can send them to natalievh@gmx.net to have them posted on this site.

OWC TIFFIN CLUB

We have a new format – Held on the FIRST THURSDAY of EACH MONTH.


*One person hosts and shows us their favourite recipes, and all of us bring along a recipe and a small plate of the ‘theme’ to share.


*One month hosted by a member, one month organized elsewhere, alternately. (All arrangements are open to feedback/suggestions/improvements and changes!!)


MAXIMUM NUMBER 15 MEMBERS


Call Sejal Wasani on 9884052575 or email on sej173@yahoo.co.uk

************************************************************************************

FOR THE FIRST TIFFIN CLUB -
THURSDAY 7TH SEPT – 10.30am
At Courtyard Marriott

The pastry chefs there are going to share some of their recipes with us

(we get to taste everything too!!!!)

Menu for the Demo:
Pastry
Mango mousse cake
Chocolate brownies
Chocolate pastry
Signature bread (German sour bread or dry walnut bread)
Chocolate garnish (If time permits)
Chocolate swirls
Chocolate flakes
------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Tea menu
Pastry
Mango mousse cake
Chocolate brownies
Chocolate pastry
Savory
Deep fried potato wedges with tarter sauce
Paneer shaslik
Sandwich
Roasted vegetables sandwich
Tomato and cheese sandwich
Short bread cookies
Vanilla choc. Cookies
Tea / coffee
Soft beverages
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cooking demo with Morning Tea Rs. 375/-
Cooking demo with Paprika lunch buffet Rs. 425/-
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Courtyard by Marriott
564 Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai 600018
Tel: 5576 4498

Tickets will be on sale at the welcome back lunch, and then from Sejal
(98840 52575). Unfortunately, numbers have to be limited to 15.

If you can't make it but would still like to share your recipes - send them to Sejal via email.

Thanks,

Sejal
9884052575
sej173@yahoo.co.uk

Children's Events

HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES

ARTS AND CRAFTS
WHO: children aged 10 and under
WHERE: American School Canteen
WHAT: Making Halloween trick or treat bags and crafts
WHEN: Tuesday October 17th from 3.15 - 5.15
TICKETS: 100 rupees (to cover cost of art materials and refeshments)
Tickets available at the door or at the OWC meeting. (September)
Volunteers needed to help at the art/craft tables.
Please contact Sarah Woods: 984079425/24474383

TRICK OR TREATING
WHO: Children aged 10 and under
WHERE: Doorways of Kotturpuram
WHAT: Gathering sweets in costume
WHEN: 19th October meet 4.30 (for 4.45 start) till 6.00
TICKETS: 100 rupees

Tickets will be available at the arts and craft event/ at the owc meeting (September) or the childrens committee.
Chlidren MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.
Volunteers needed to help direct and hand out maps.
Please contact Sarah Woods

MARK YOUR CALENDERS:

OWC BRUNCH WITH SANTA (FAMILY EVENT)
SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER FROM 10-1PM AT THE TAJ COROMANDEL BALLROOM
BRUCH BUFFET,CRAFTS,CAROLS,SANTA,BAKE SALE AND TOY DONATION TREE.

Please note that all these events are great fun but they can only go ahead with volunteers. At the moment I can organise these by myself but I can not run them by myself. Please volunteer your services. it will be fun and not hard work.

Thanks
Sarah Woods

Executive Committee 2006-2007

President
Jo Frogbrook
4211-0112/9840891824 jofrogbrook@hotmail.com

Vice President / Newsletter
Natalie von Hoffmeister 9884187761 natalievh@gmx.net

Secretary
Kelly Forsyth 9894607654

Treasurer
Lakshmi Chockalingam 2447-0891/98400-41541 lakshmu@yahoo.com

Membership
Sanjita Shah 9840857869 sanjita_quinn@hotmail.com
Rhadika McGregor 9840523430 radhikashetty@yahoo.co.uk
Heather Cater 2442-5127 cater1@bigpond.com

Social Welfare
Eleonor Daruwalla 2498-6927 n_eleonor@hotmail.com
Aruna Vijaykumar 2453-0556 vijay_n@yahoo.com
Maureen Hudson Murari 2641-3027 hmmaureen@hotmail.com
Francoise Queval 2449-1045 quevalf@md4.vsnl.net.in
Vijaya Rangarajan 9841099363 vijaya_raghu@hotmail.com

Entertainment
Jaya Tambay Patwardhan 4203-0778/98402-33975 jayatp@onebox.com
Roseanne Smith

Children’s Events
Sarah Woods 2447-4383, 98407-984425
Lucy Robson 9840172139 Lcyrobson@yahoo.co.uk

Officers at Large
Sejal Wasani 9884052575 sej173@yahoo.co.uk
Bee Bee Chong 2446-4990/98410-23808 beebee@martinent.org

Book Club

Dear Book Clubbers,
The next book we will be reading and discussing is:-

The Secret Life Of Bees bySue Monk Kidd ( available Landmark Rs195)
On Tues 12 September
At:
Belveer Singh's house
9 Poes Garden
Cell: 9940183839

12 noon for a social chat....
12.30Book discussion followed by lunch
It would be greatly appreciated if you would confirm your attendance with regard to catering.
New members are always welcome, please bring them along.
Nicola Mc Cormack Cell:9940355177 has graciously agreed to take over from from Sept. Thank you sooooooo much Nicola!!!

Happy reading
Regards Joanne

Ladies Who Lunch

I would like to thank everyone who turned up for Ladies who Lunch at the Ponnusamy Hotel. We had a good turn out - around 14 people, I think - and tons of fun. For Rs 100 per person we all enjoyed a huge variety of authentic Chettinad food like nettili fry (chilli fried anchovies) and rabbit masala plus tons of veg fare. Most seemed to like it and those who didn't were good sports. Most of us were trying to eat with our hands for the first time, and Tanya gave some useful etiquette tips. The address of the Ponnusamy Hotel we went to is listed below but there are many more throughout the city.
Ponnusamy Hotel
Old 59 New 61 A, Vannanthurai, Anna Towers I Floor
MG Road Adyar (Above ‘Young Men Tailors’)

The venue for the next Ladies Who Lunch is below. The Coconut Lagoon specializes in the cuisines of Kerala, Mangalore and Goa. See you there!
Wednesday, August 23rd
12:30 Pm
Coconut Lagoon
#1 Cathedral Road (Opp. Music Academy)
Phone: 42020428
Please RSVP by SMSing 9884187761 or emailing natalievh@gmx.net
Thanks!
Natalie

August Marketplace

Suzanna Jones has the following to sell:

I have a microwave for sale. It's brand new (still boxed) from Viveks.
Make: LG Model: 1921. Bought on 30th June 06. Still has 10 months
warranty. It also comes with a box of microwave cookware. Price: 3500
rupees.

*************************************************************************************

For sale in an excellent condition a brand new maternity swimming suit. Bought in France 2 1/2 years ago in the Decathlon shop.

colour: blue
size: 14 (uk) which would be 42 (fr) or a large size.
selling price: Rs500
availability: now

Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com



For sale Medela electric breast pump. Small and light, ideal for at home as well as on the go.
Used it couple of times, excellent for a quick milk extraction before going out or even to freeze the milk.
This machine has been bought in KL at the price of RM328 (around Rs4000).

Availability: now
Selling price: Rs1000

Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com



For sale this adjustable-fit table seat. Very easy fitted to most stabe sufaces such as tables. Folds flat for travel or storage.
Padded, washable seat cover. This seat has been bought in Singapore 2 years ago.

Maximum child weight: 15kgs
Colour: blue
Availability: end of September 06
Selling price: Rs1000

Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com



For sale a very used Baby food processor. This processor defrosts, cooks, blends and reheats!!!
Four functions in one easy to use machine. A full instructions and baby recipe suggestions is included.
This food processor has been bought in the UK 2 years ago.
The market price of this type of machine is around GBP50 (Rs4000).

Plug: UK
Availability: now
Price: Rs700

Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com

For sale a rocksack in excellent condition. It is ideal for frequent walkers, it is ligth weight with no harness.
This trekabout carrier has been bought in France 2 years ago (Decathlon shop).

Maximum child weight: 15kgs
Selling price: Rs1500
Availability: now

Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com



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Jonne Burema has the following items for sale:
Corner cupboard with area for hanging clothes, shelves and shoe rack. Rs 12,500

OG window 1.5 ton window A/C Rs 4,000

Carrier 2 ton split A/C. 3 numbers! Rs 9,500 each

Joanne also has 3 Carrier 1.5 ton window A/Cs for sale not shown above for Rs 7,000 each.
If interested, call Joanne at 98 409 12500

*************************************************************************************

PLANTS---PLANTS--- PLANTS.
PLANTS 'CHEAP AS CHIPS'

Mendu our green fingered gardener will be holding a Plant Sale.
He has about 60 beautifully healthy pot plants for sale.
All proceeds go to Mendu- pricesRs 200-Rs500
Saturday 2 September
10am-2pm
at:5/1 Valliammai Achi Road
Kotturpuram
Cell;9840913500
House;24474997

For those of you who havn't heard we will be ''shifting'' from Chennai 25 Sept.

Majong

Anyone interested in Majong should contact Yvonne Bridgman. Based on the response, Majong afternoons or evenings will be announced for the future.

ACE: Celebrate Life

Some ladies in the International Women's Association are promoting the following event. Since it exposes women to a lot of good health care options in the city, we thought it might be good to post here.

ACE: CELEBRATE LIFE

To promote good health and well being among women; Apollo Center for Excellence, in association with Sumyog; Event Producers will be organizing a series of 12 Events during the coming year.

There will be one event per month which will focus both physical and mental well being.

The ACE – CELEBRATE LIFE SERIES, will aim to promote and inform women about the concept of ‘Wellness’

The Programs will deal with a variety of subjects ranging from Breast Cancer, Osteoporosis, important Medical Tests etc to Fitness, well being through healthy dietary habits and beauty care and so on.

The speakers will be both National and International experts in their different fields.

The Inaugural Event will be held on Saturday the 29th of July at The Chola Sheraton Hotel at 10 30 am.

Rashmi Uday Singh, Food and Diet Expert, will speak on Health through Vegetarianism.

Other panelists include N Kumar, Sanmar Group; Dr. K P Mishra, Apollo Hospitals, and Anita Ratnam, Danseuse.

Rashmi Uday Singh will also be celebrating the success of her Gourmand Award 2005, winning book ‘Around the World in 80 Plates.’

We at ACE and Sumyog are trying to foster good health and well being among the women of Chennai.

This is a very good cause being brought to the public free of cost.

We will be happy if you publication could be a part of this Endeavour and further the cause of women’s wellness through your support.

Looking forward to your presence on the 29th of July.

Best Regards

Vidya Singh & Rekha Rangaraj

All events will be hosted at the Choloa Sheraton or the new Apollo Women's Health Clinic in Kotturpuram. Watch this site for ongoing details!

Anglo Indian Recipes

The following recipes are courtesy of Suparna Saha, chef at the Verdana in the Taj Connemara. A large group of OWC ladies enjoyed sampling many of the dishes listed below at last week's food tasting.

Chicken Country Captain

Ingredients-

Chicken (cut into cubes) -1 kg
Chilli powder - 2 tsp
Oil - 2 tbsp
Garlic paste - 2 tbsp
Cloves - 4 nos
Onion (sliced) - 3 nos
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Cinnamon -2 nos
Cardamom - 2 nos
Salt - to taste

Method-

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions lightly.
2. Add chicken and sauté well.
3. Add the garlic paste and sauté for about 5 min.
4. Add turmeric powder, chili powder, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and salt.
5. Add ½ cup water.
6. Cook till the chicken is tender and the water has dried up.


Prawns in green Masala Curry

Ingredients-

Prawns (cleaned) - 500 Gms
Ginger garlic paste - 2 tsp
Green chilies - 4 nos
Coriander leaves - 100 Gms
Khus-khus(poppy seeds) - 2 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - ½ tsp
Cloves - 2 nos
Cardamom - 2 nos
Cinnamon - 2 nos
Oil refined - 3 tbsp
Coconut powder - 50 Gms
Onion (chopped) - 2 nos

Method-

1. Make a smooth paste of green chilies, coriander leaves and khus-khus.
2. Heat oil in a pan.
3. Fry the onions till translucent.
4. Add the whole spices and the cumin seeds.
5. Add the prawns and turmeric powder and fry for sometime.
6. Add the coconut powder and the green paste.
7. Fry for 2 min.
8. Check for seasoning and serve hot with steamed rice.




Mince Ball Curry


Ingredients
For the balls-

Mutton mince - 500 gms
Onion, chopped - 100 gms
Ginger-garlic paste - 25 gms
Red chilli powder - 5 gms
Garam masala powder - 5 gms
Cumin powder - 5 gms
Chopped coriander - 10 gms

For the gravy-

Oil - 50 ml
Whole garam masala - 3 gms
Cumin seeds - 5 gms
Onion, chopped - 150 gms
Ginger-garlic paste - 10 gms
Tomato, chopped - 100 gms
Red chilli powder - 5 gms
Coriander powder - 5 gms
Turmeric powder - 5 gms
Coconut paste - 250 gms


Method-

1. Mix all the ingredients into the minced meat and mix well
2. Form into small balls with hands after applying some oil so that the mince will not stick to the palms of the hands.
3. In a heavy bottomed pan, heat the oil.
4. Add cumin and the onions and sauté till the onions are nice and soft.
5. Then add the ginger-garlic paste and cook well.
6. Then add all the powder spices and cook till they leave out a good aroma and leave oil in the pan.
7. Than add the chopped tomatoes and cook till the tomatoes are soft and mashed.
8. Then add water and cook well. The amount of water determines the quantity of the gravy.
9. When the gravy comes to a boil, then add the coconut paste and heat it through but do not boil.
10. Then drop the mince balls in the simmering gravy and cook till the balls are cooked.

Servant's Registry

Lisa Feldmann is normally in charge of the staff registry but will be away until mid August. Until then, the registry is being kept by Jo Frogbrook. Members can contact her if they wish to have a look at it.

If you are moving away from Chennai this summer,
please remember to complete a Household Employee
Evaluation form and give it to Jo Fogbrook before you
leave. Forms are available at all general meetings. Try to include contact numbers so that Lisa can get a hold of the employee if a job comes up. It is also very helpful to give the employee a letter of reference which explains the employee's dates of employment, responsibilities, strengths and weaknesses, and a contact phone number for the employee. Happy trails!

Ania's Farewell Message

Another global nomad packs up the tent and takes leave. . . . I take good memories with me from Madras due to the friendships and supportive community that the OWC has provided. Remind yourselves that newcomers are thirsty for information. Where to get decent bread (has anyone tried Winners Rotary Club Bakery on CP Ramaswamy, across the street from the tire place?), where to buy "safe" produce, where to get a specific cleaning product (the Dollar Store in Besant Nagar is next to the new Fab India). And like always, I find myself discovering a multitude of things left undone, if I only had one more year. The past few months I have been buying fabric and designing some of my own clothing. Had I another year, I think I'd start a little design business. Raw silk from Nalli's, gorgeous transparent material from Thakurdas that I lined with satin and designed an "Oscar" style dress, saree blouse fabric and white liner to make bed skirts, and even crazy prints from Cotton Alley to make pajamas for the uncles! Another little gem is the Little Theatre's Christmas Pantomime production. Be sure to go and take the kids. It is wonderful. This year's production is to be Romeo and Juliet,and as the script is being written by a good friend of mine, looks like it might be set in Mexico. Good British pantomime with a twist of local Madras.
Anyway, my best wishes to all of you and especially the playgroup moms, who really got me through some of the toughest days here in Chennai, and shared some of my happiest moments as well. Take care of each other and continue to welcome new people with open arms. This is a stellar community.
I know that this year the OWC will see some new life sparked into it with some really fun new things being spearheaded by Jo Frogbrook. Help out at the events (I know Sarah Woods and the rest of the Children's committee will need help around Halloween and early December!) and volunteer occasionally, it makes a huge difference. You really can make a difference here. I hope I have.
With warmest, warmest affection,
Ania Dimants
headed to Lusaka, Zambia

Book Club

Dear Book Clubbers

The next book we will be discussing and reading is
My Temporary Son by Tim Murari
On Tuesday August 1

At Yvonne's house
Apt.D4
Mill Bank
4Boat Club Road
#rd Avenue
Ph:99404438080

12noon for social chat...
12.30pm Book discussion followed by lunch
Please warn in by calling Yvonne before31 July for catering purposes
Please invite new members or old and bring them along.
Many thanks ,

Joanne

President's Message

Firstly, I had to start by saying a big thank you to everyone, and I mean everyone (!), who turned up for our recent Ladies Who Lunch. We managed a record breaking 23 members and nearly caused the staff of the Copper Chimney to have a nervous breakdown as we had not bothered to pre-book. I would like to point out, in our defence, that we usually have a maximum turn-out of 8 members, so it was obviously a slow day in the Chennai social calendar! However, they managed to accommodate us comfortably and we enjoyed a tasty lunch.

Speaking of calendars, we have a lot of things going on in the next few months, starting on July 6th where we have been invited by the Anglo-Indian society to participate in their two week festival commencing with a free cooking demonstration and food tasting at the Taj Connemara at 3pm. Then on July 15th there is a Jazz Concert at the Music Academy at 7.30pm. Tickets for this range from 100Rs to 500Rs. If you are interested in attending, please warn-in to either myself or Natalie von Hoffmeister by July 1st for the cooking demo and by July 12th for the concert so we can confirm numbers to them. Other events they have planned include an English Play and Art Exhibition. These, and other events will be advertised around Chennai under the heading of Angloscapes so keep your eyes open.

The next date for the diary is our General Meeting on July 12th where we will be having a presentation by Laya a World Music Project set up to help the survivors of the 2004 tsunami. This promises to be a very interesting meeting so we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

We have also been working hard on the Welcome Back Lunch on the 16th August and tickets are on sale now! These can be purchased from committee members or at the General Meeting. They are also available from Alison Emoto and Susan Hopper. Remember, any small gifts you may have for the Gift Donation Table need to be sent to my home address by the 11th August – thank you!

As promised we have been listening to your suggestions and comments regarding new activities for the club and are in the process of putting together a monthly cooking group as well as looking for members interested in starting Majong. Other suggestions have included cinema trips and Ladies Nites. Come to the next meeting to find out more.

For those of you who are ‘out of station’ and not able to receive your monthly newsletter we have devised a group email system whereby we can let you know of important dates coming up. This is in addition to the blog and is just another way to reach as many of our members as possible.

And speaking of members….it is that time of year again when we are looking for everyone to renew their membership. Please complete the forms as soon as possible, ensuring that all your details are correct, so that the Membership Committee can produce the new handbook. Also, let us know of any favorite shops, services etc so that the back section is as up-to-date as possible.

See you at the food tasting!
Jo Frogbrook

July General Meeting

Wednesday, July 12th
Park Sheraton Hotel
10 AM Social Time
10:30 Presentation

Our entertainment committee has been very active and has arranged for representatives of the Laya Project to give a presentation at this meeting. The Laya project is a musical undertaking that uses the voices and talents of those who survived the tsunami. It is a celebration of life. This meeting is sure to be very interesting and enjoyable so don’t miss it!

As always, we will have tea, coffee and snacks as well as books for sale. New people are always welcome and both new and old should not forget their membership forms the coming year! Forms are enclosed with this newsletter and can be brought to the meeting.

Welcome Back Lunch

Wed. August 16th
Courtyard Marriott
Begins 11 AM
Lunch 12:30
Tickets Rs 400

Tickets are on sale now with all committee members, Alison Emoto at Alison’s Fabrics on College Road, and at play group for the Welcome Back Lunch. The theme this year will be ‘International Day’ and members are invited to wear national dress. A tongue-in-cheek approach is welcome, as is a more straight-forward take on things. The menu is still be determined, but, since it’s the Marriott, it will be good. Door prizes will be given out and a fun Chennai quiz will be held to test our members’ knowledge of this fine city. Should be a really good time.
We will also have tables representing our charities, the book stall, and an international table selling items from members’ home countries. Donations for this table arenow being collected. We are looking for small, inexpensive items such as key chains and souvenirs. Please send to Jo’s house by August 11th.

Ladies Who Lunch

Ponnusamy Hotel
Old 59 New 61 A, Vannanthurai, Anna Towers I Floor
MG Road Adyar (Above ‘Young Men Tailors’)
Wed. July 19th
12:30 PM
24916842

With many locations throughout town, this restaurant is a
Chennai landmark. The décor is frankly depressing but it is clean and the extremely high turnover of customers ensures that all food is fresh and very safe. The cheap prices and tasty hygienic food keep people coming back and the Ponnusamy Hotel has a very loyal customer base. This was, in fact, the first place one of our Indian friends took us when we first came to Chennai. Expect Thali lunches and typical chicken, but also delicacies like curried rabbit and crab. I might even remember to reserve a table this time so don’t miss it!
RSVP natalievh@gmx.net

July Marketplace

2 very nice boy shirts: yellow and green - short sleeves all cotton.
size: 2 years
Brand: PomPom - bought in Singapore.
These shirts have never been worn.
Price: Rs200 each



Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com

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Wooden Baby Bed

Size: App.129 x 73 cm, 110cm in height
One side slides down.
Mattress included.
In good condition.
Selling Price: 3,000 Rupees.
If interested, please contact Tasneem Saeed.
Cell no: 98408 33794

Ania's Sale

In preparation for her move, Ania Dimants has the following to sell:

Expandable Metal baby gate Rs. 700
Lightweight booster seat, fits any dining chair, with tray Rs. 250
Umbrela style stroller clips, clips 2 stroller together Rs. 250
U.S. Canister vacuum with attatchments Rs. 750
these items available June 29th
Nokia cell phone Rs. 1,500
Alpina iron Rs. 1,000
5-kilo dumbbell weight set, for excerlcising with, set of 2 Rs. 300
Contact Ania 98410-87114

She also has a cook, a cleaner and a driver. All with very good references.
Needs the driver till the 30th of June.

Anglo-Indian Festival

OWC members are invited to take part in 'Anglo-Scapes: Journeys into the Anglo-Indian Community.' There will be a cookery demo on July 6th starting at 3pm at the
Connemara. Think Pork Vindaloo and Mulligatawny Soup! Yum! This is free of charge for OWC members but it is very important that you warn in by July 1st if you plan to come!
Please call Jo Frogbrook at 9840891824 or Natalie von Hoffmeister at 9884187761.

There will also be a jazz night on July 15th at the Music Acadamy led by acclaimed jazz musician Frank Dubier and his ensemble. Celebrated musicians from the Anglo-Indian community from India and abroad will be featured.
Tickets are priced at 500, 300, 200 and 100 rupees
Commencing 7.30 pm
Not to be missed, but again, warn in to Jo Frogbrook 9840891824 or Natalie von Hoffmeister 9884187761 by July 12th if you plan to attend!

Garage Sale

GARAGE SALE at Phil & Eunice Crooks house
10am Saturday 17th June
15 Bishop
Garden, R A Puram.

For sale books, household items, knick-knacks and ornaments

Farewell Letter from Felicity Kelly

To the OWC members.

It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter, excitement at the prospect of moving to Cairo, Egypt – new beginnings, sadness to be leaving Chennai, home for the last 5 years. I can honestly say that living in Chennai has been wonderful and yet quite challenging at times for us personally and professionally.

I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to be involved in the OWC and have made many wonderful friends in the process. The OWC is well positioned to continue its charity work. Chennai is changing rapidly and with a steady membership, and a committee of dedicated hardworking individuals the work of the OWC will hopefully continue to support those less fortunate than us. Happily for me, I will maintain a relationship with OWC by checking the blog site every now and then!

Living in Chennai has greatly enriched my life. It has made me laugh, smile, and jump up and down in excitement at times and also cry and roll my eyes heavenwards and shout in complete frustration at other times. I have enjoyed life a lot here and it has been made very easy by knowing such kind and caring people who live in the Chennai community. My thanks go out to all of you, for the years of genuine kindness, unstinting support and generosity. Your collective names would fill pages, but you know who you are, some have moved on but are not forgotten.

A privilege of living here has been that we have come to know, respect and cherish the Indian people and Indian way of life. India will always remain in our hearts. Our children have grown up here and genuinely have had a fabulous early childhood. They have been spoilt rotten by our staff and have had a happy and carefree existence, with wonderful holidays and cultural experiences. We have dozens of photos and happy memories to take away with us and to remind them of their life in India.

I'll miss the craziness of Chennai. The bumpy roads, the street scapes, the kids playing Cricket – everywhere. The happy, smiling people. The fabulous food. From the wide, tree lined avenue of TTK Road to the cows crossing the road ever so slowly on the ECR. Where else in the world will you find a doctor’s office adjacent to a herd of cattle or a bike repair shop next to a Restaurant?

We have spent fabulous holidays exploring the country, meeting new people and finding out about the history of India. We will be intrigued to know and see how the city of Chennai evolves in the future.

This is closing a chapter, certainly, but not closing a book, and in the meantime my fondness for Chennai won't ever go away, I'll just honor it differently now, and in the meantime I have some new challenges and obligations to fulfill.
Thank you for your support and friendship.

I would also like to say thanks for the beautiful flowers and kind words written in the last newsletter.

In closing, I will say peace, goodness and love to all.

With warm regards,

Felicity Kelly

June General Meeting

Wednesday, June 14th
12:30
The Copper Chimney(Formerly 'le Madeleine')
Kasturi Ranga Road
Alwarpet

This will be an informal get-together and serve as a combined General Meeting/Ladies who Lunch. No entrance fee, of course, just the price of your meal and new people are always welcome!

President's Message

Well, it’s that time of year again, new President, new Committee and hopefully some new ideas!
Our aim is threefold, firstly to inject some life into the monthly meetings by making them both informative and entertaining, secondly to increase awareness amongst the membership with regards to the charities we support and thirdly, to provide a support group to those new in town and to strengthen those bonds already made.
With this in mind we will be continuing with our Ladies Who Lunch, our Bookclub meetings and the Childrens Playgroup as these have proved popular, particularly in the case of the Childrens Playgroup which I know many of the mums view as a real lifeline. Two of these activities have been organized by Felicity Kelly who is leaving Chennai in the near future and will be greatly missed by all her friends. She has given the OWC a lot of her time over the four years she has been here and it has been greatly appreciated. In fact a few of the OWC members will be leaving Chennai over the next couple of months and we’d like to wish them all the best in whichever country they find themselves. Let’s hope they are not all as hot as Chennai!
As we are indeed going into the hottest months of the year and so many members head out of town we have decided that Mays general meeting will be a ‘Pot Luck’ Luncheon at Lisa Feldmanns house (details in the newsletter.) For those of you who are not familiar with this, basically it means everyone brings one dish which will be shared by all. She has kindly offered to open her house to the members and says she can cater for up to 100!
Also, for June we have decided to forego the usual monthly meeting at the Park Sheraton due to depleted numbers and will instead invite members to come along to the Ladies Who Lunch at the new Copper Chimney restaurant (details in the newsletter) for informal chat and hopefully, good food.
The main event that is coming up in the OWC calendar is the Welcome Back Lunch at the new Courtyard Marriott hotel on Wednesday 16th August. The theme this year is International Day and so come decked out in your countries finest national costume. This can be as serious or tongue-in-cheek as you like. We look forward to seeing what you come up with!
At this event we will have an International Gift Table which we would like small donations for please. When you are on your summer break please pick up something which represents that country. This could be in the form of a fridge magnet, keyring, coaster – anything would be greatly appreciated. We will sell these on the day and raise funds for our charities. Thank you!
We will keep you updated over the summer months on the blog as we are consolidating April and Mays newsletters. The next newsletter will be out in June and the next General Meeting at the Park Sheraton will be on Wednesday 12th July.
Enjoy the hot months ladies, and I look forward to seeing you all in July.
Jo Frogbrook

Welcome Jo!

At this year's Annual General Meeting held on April 19 at the Park Sheraton, Jo Frogbrook was voted in as President of the OWC. Please welcome her and get ready for a great year ahead. Congrats Jo!

June Book Club

The book we will be reading for next month's meeting is:

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Rs.269.00
On Tuesday 20 June

At Subha Sen Gupta's house
135 Chamiers Road''Padmini''
Ground Floor R.A. Puram
Ph.2431134512 noon for social chat...12.30

Book discussion followed by lunch
Please let Shuba know if you are coming.

- Joanne Burema

Executive Committee 2006-2007

President
Jo Frogbrook
4211-0112/9840891824 jofrogbrook@hotmail.com

Vice President / Newsletter
Natalie von Hoffmeister 9884187761 natalievh@gmx.net

Secretary
Kelly Forsyth 9840166647

Treasurer
Lakshmi Chockalingam 2447-0891/98400-41541 lakshmu@yahoo.com

Membership
Sanjita Shah 9840857869 sanjita_quinn@hotmail.com
Rhadika McGregor 9840523430 radhikashetty@yahoo.co.uk
Heather Cater 2442-5127 cater1@bigpond.com

Social Welfare
Eleonor Daruwalla 2498-6927 n_eleonor@hotmail.com
Aruna Vijaykumar 2453-0556 vijay_n@yahoo.com
Maureen Hudson Murari 2641-3027 hmmaureen@hotmail.com
Francoise Queval 2449-1045 quevalf@md4.vsnl.net.in
Vijaya Rangarajan 9841099363 vijaya_raghu@hotmail.com

Entertainment
Jaya Tambay Patwardhan 4203-0778/98402-33975 jayatp@onebox.com
Roseanne Smith

Children’s Events
Sarah Woods 2447-4383, 98407-984425
Lucy Robson 9840172139 Lcyrobson@yahoo.co.uk

Officers at Large
Sejal Wasani 9884052575 sej173@yahoo.co.uk
Bee Bee Chong 2446-4990/98410-23808 beebee@martinent.org

June Marketplace

In search of...

I am looking for an excellent kobbler to repair my husband's leather shoe soles.
Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com

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AVAILABLE FOR RENT.

A beautiful and very big appartment on A location in T.Nagar.

1500 sqft. 2 Bedrooms (one very big one + balcony)
A study
2 Bathrooms(one is a big one)
Big kitchen + balcony
2 Toilets
Living / dining rooms are seperated
Marble floors, Woodwork in every room, a lot of storage possibillities.

Elevators within the building (2) one is connected to the generator in case of powercuts....but there are NO problems at all there. 24 hours water. 24 hours security at both entrances. The appartment is a very light one, breezy and cool.

Available furnished or unfurnished, this is negotiable. No brokers involved. Preferred to rent to foreigners and or big companies.

Contact Netty Pecqueur (044) 55.254.938

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In excellent condition a TUGA swimming suit
- colour Blue
- size 6-12 month.
It is UPF 50+ excellent protection at >97.5% UVBlocked.
Bought in Singapour S$120, selling price 1600 rupees . (or nearest offer)
In the same brand and quality the hat - size S - colour Blue.
Bought S$60 in Singapour, selling price 800 rupees. (or nearest offer)
Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com



For sale - Bargain:
1 single Futon with mattress in excellent condition. Bought in Chennai 2 years ago at the price of rs5700.
Size of the mattress: W: 106 cm - l: 194 cm (+ or -)
Cover: dark green cotton
Selling Price: rs3000
Please contact Cathy Tiret at ctiret@sify.com

Baby Items:
1. Avent express bottle and babyfood warmer. Rs 500 or nearest offer (bought in Chennai)
2. 1 Inflatable bath - very handy when travelling - 0 to 6 months - Rs 300 or nearest offer (Mothercare brand)
3. 1 cot light Tomy brand. Different choice of lullabies and different options of lights too. Can be attached to cot rail or use on tabletop. Works perfectly, unfortunately one stripe broke. Rs 750 or nearest offer - (bought in Chennai)



3 boxes of ISOMIL - Milk free and Lactose FreeSoy infant - Formula Net weight per box: 400gPrice Rs255 per box (it is a MRP price, product bought in a pharmacy in Chennai)Exp. date 04.2008

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Heather Cater has the following to sell:

Assorted golf clubs
1,3,5 wood
4,5,7,8,9,pw irons
RS 2000 or offers

Available now

Contact Heather at:

Home 24425127

Mobile 9444951435