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President's Corner President's Corner |
When my husband suggested China as our next posting, I was, to say the least somewhat apprehensive…but, he convinced me, and after nearly three years I love living here. One of the main reasons is, of course, Brits Abroad. What a difference this fantastic group has made not only to my life, but also to that of our two ‘children’ one at 22 and one at 18! Our, then 16 year old, was heard to say ‘if you think I’m living here you must be joking’ but two years later she, as do we all, refer to Shanghai as home.Brits Abroad provides a surrogate family for our members, there is always someone to ask should you be in need of local knowledge, knowledge of schooling for those families coming over, knowledge of where to find that elusive ingredient for your favourite family meal, knowledge of where to get a great pint of beer, knowledge of church groups; I am yet to be confronted with “I don’t have the answer for you, sorry” We hold many social events, organized by The Social Team, mostly during the daytime but our Monthly Drop in Drinks is a great way to while away a Friday evening with partners. The ‘Elevensees’ held at the spectacular Waldorf Astoria, every first Tuesday of the month, offers a gracious location to catch up with friends, welcome ‘newbies’ to Shanghai and indulge in a generous selection of pastries, sandwiches and all complimented by refreshing cups of tea or fresh coffee. The Book Club can provide that quiet time that everyone needs in this busy city and share the various styles, genres and page-turners that you may not have on your bookshelf. Shanghai holds so many experiences for you, by joining Brits Abroad we can show you the way around the huge selection of markets; fabrics by the bale load, fruits and vegetables of every shape and size; flower’s that are an explosion of colour on the eyes; for the creative of you head to the commodity markets; artists can wander along Painting Street; these are only the tip of the ice burg. One main lesson to be learnt in Shanghai is the fine art of bargaining. Stand firm but always be fair. Don’t worry about taking on these adventures alone Brits Abroad Meeters and Greeters team will help you along the way. We produce a monthly electronic publication called The Wire, which is sent to our members to keep everyone up to date with the forth-coming events, short anecdotes of members adventures and our very popular picture of the month. A camera is a must in this bustling city, I can guarantee you will see things that will make you look twice and say “Are my eyes deceiving me?” In addition, what better way than the Walks Team to show you the real routes around our Chinese home city. Quarterly our Newsletter Magazine is produced featuring articles written by members, photographs of our events and many helpful hints and tips, not only to survive, but thrive, in wonderful Shanghai. Brits Abroad is a social group of expatriates but along the way I am proud to say that we give back to the less fortunate in China. Our Community Outreach team liaises with various good causes seeing where we can help. Brits Abroad hold an annual Red, White and Blue Ball, which in 2011 raised over 75,000rmb for The Wheelchair Foundation. Christmas is celebrated in style with traditional roast turkey, sprouts, all the trimmings, party games and dancing to a live band. A wild and noisy, Breakfast With Santa, is held where the younger expats have an magical morning visiting Father Christmas in his grotto. To respect PRC Government regulations, only foreign passport holders may join. Therefore, all foreign nationals living in Shanghai are eligible to join, with a percentage of our total membership open to non-British individuals. Brits Abroad is a non-profit making organization and run entirely by willing volunteers. We arrange events that we feel our members will enjoy but we are more than open to new ideas, so, if you feel that you can improve others lives whilst in Shanghai then you will be welcomed with open arms. I said at the beginning of this message I was apprehensive about a life in China. I can say with out a doubt that without Brits Abroad life would not be as enjoyable. So, sign up now…..the people you meet, will not only enhance life here, but, the experiences you have together too. Very best regards Suzanne Bloor, President, Brits Abroad Shanghai. |