 | BELGIAN CLUB OF THAILAND |
NEWSLETTER #4 OCTOBER 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | Dear Belgians, members, friends and anyone interested in BCT-activities, On 18 September on the majestic Chao Praya River, we celebrated...
This was the ‘official' opening of the BCT year, because in practice we had already started. Some of you might have joined already one of the Summer Get Togethers at DET 5 - our traditional meeting point, or enjoyed the Mussels & Fries Feast, or taken the Helping Hands Cooking class and by doing so contributing to the Klong Toey Community...?! In the mean time, we also released a Kramiek magazine, which was distributed to all members present at the "Chao Praya River Dinner". We are processing the delivery to your mailbox as well. However, we may have outdated information, so please fill out the form on our website here or send us an email on news@belgianclub-th.com to give us your current address. We will take care of a speedy delivery! To receive the next issue, however, you would need to be a member... As for the event on 18 September: read on, because more news and pictures, you'll find further on in this issue. Have a nice read! | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 ACTIVITIES & EVENTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summer holidays are over, the rainy season almost, although you wouldn't say so! Time to prepare for the best weather of the year - and the best activities too! Of course, we hope to see you, your family, friends and visitors at either one of these activities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MONTHLY GET TOGETHER | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
After the successful opening of the BCT year on the Chao Praya River, we linger a bit longer in the Sathorn - Silom area, and organize the next BCT Get Together on Friday 16 October at the Urban Bar at Narathiwat Road. Chill out in the air con section with acoustic music from the house band, or grab an alfresco table if you want to chitchat... As such everyone is cordially invited: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
When ?Where ? Register ?The Urban Bar & Restaurant No need, just come along with friends, family, visitors, ... Don't hesitate to also write down the last two get togethers of this year in your calendar: When ?
Where ? Register ?To be confirmed, but definitely some ‘new' place in town! Again - no need, the bigger the bunch, the better! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BCT BANGKOK BIKING | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Here are some more details regarding the biking trip in Minburi scheduled Saturday 24 October 2009. This will be a fantastic event for everyone, an opportunity to discover a less known area of Bangkok.We depart from the Grand China Princess Hotel. The tour takes us through Bangkok's Chinatown, known as the most authentic one outside China. Immediately we cycle through narrow shopping alleys filled with trinkets, wallets, dolls, watches, earrings, school notebooks and much, much more. We take the ferry to explore the other side of Bangkok: Minburi. It's quieter there. Not as busy as Bangkok. Hardly a foreigner to be seen. Amazing, how much differences you see in just three hours. We take another ferry back and before you know it we are back at the Grand China Princess Hotel ... Difficulty of the trip on a scale 1 (very easy) to 5 (very difficult), this trip is rated at 2. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 When ? 24 October Where ? Start at 9 AM, return between 6 & 7PM Meeting, start & end point: Price ? Grand China Princess Hotel Mezzanine Floor 215 Yaowarat Road Samphantawong - Bangkok 10110 Cell : 087 054 9878 Office : 02 688 933 / 02 688 9935 1.450 THB for members Register ? 1.700 THB for non-members children < 15 years, 50 % discount Guide, insurance, bike rental, lunch and soft drinks are included in the price YES, via our website, prior to 16 October Don't forget to mention the age of your children so that appropriate bikes and/or kiddy seats can be provided ! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EXCURSION TO KOH SI CHANG | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 As mentioned before, we are organising a day trip to Koh Si Chang on Saturday 14 November 2009. At 9.00 am, we will leave from Ekamai by bus and will arrive on the island around 11.30am.For those who like a swim before lunch (please note that food and drinks are not included in the price), we will first head for the beach. Afterwards, we will go for lunch. People who bring their own food can pick nick on the beach. After lunch there is a possibility to rent a three wheeler to visit the rest of the island. Those strange motorcycle samlors are peculiar to Ko Si Chang. They are three wheeled motorized rickshaws with outrageously powerful automobile or Harley Davidson engines. These rickshaws once roamed the streets of Bangkok, but were banished to Si Racha years ago. They can be hired for about 60 baht an hour to take visitors on a tour of the island. If you prefer to hang out in group, a one-day-around-the-island-transport-package can be arranged at the pier. The charge for the three wheeled motorized rickshaw, which can accommodate 5 persons, is around 250 Baht, and it is around 500 Baht for the pick-up truck, which can accommodate 10 persons. The group can spend its own time at each location, and the pick-up time to the next location has to be agreed upon beforehand (as you get down at the location). Alternatively, the driver can be called on his mobile phone when the visit of a spot is completed. The highlights of the island? You can explore the remains of a former Royal Palace which was built as a summer retreat for King Chulalongkorn. The Royal Residence was abandoned in 1893 when the French occupied the island during a conflict with Thailand over who should control Laos. Also of interest is the large cave known as Tham Saowapha, which is said to extend over a kilometer into the limestone interior of the island. Another cave, the chimney-like Tham Chaprakong gives access to the view from the top of the hill. Other caves on the island are home to meditating hermits, so visitors should take care not to cause any disturbance. Also to be found on the island is San Jao Phaw Khao Yai, a venerable multi-level Chinese temple high on a cliff with a spectacular view back towards the mainland. We will leave the island around 17.00, in order to be back in Bangkok just after 19.00. Price for return transportation from Bangkok to the island is 300 THB for members, 400 THB for non-members." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 When ? 14 November Where ? Leaving Bangkok at 9.00 am Expected time to be back 7.00 pm. Meeting point is around Ekamai What ? Transport to this beautiful little island, where we will stay for the day. Price ? 300 THB for members Register ? 400 THB for non-members YES, via our website, prior to 16 October | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SINTERKLAAS KAPOENTJE - SAINT NICOLAS PATRON DES ECOLIERS... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 It is now official! Saint Nicholas will come and visit us on Sunday 29 November. From reliable sources, we have heard that there will be a big party in his honour at the Ambassador's Residence. This will involve a brunch, some song singing, and of course, giving out presents to all the good kids!More detailed information on exact timings and activities will follow in the next newsletter. However, dear parents, please start thinking already what the holy man could tell your child (and in which language), and what present would be suitable! The holy man will definitely need some input from you! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CHARITY EVENT FOR THE CHILDREN OF BAAN KRU NOI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baan Kru Noi is the orphanage sponsored by the Erwin and Sabrina foundation. Every year the BCT tries to organize an event for these kids. Last year the children form Baan Kru Noi were invited to the Saint Nicolas party. This year, it will be a different kind of party, where Saint Nicolas will spend more time with the Belgian kids. But of course, we won't forget the less fortunate! During the party you will have the opportunity to sponsor another activity, this one especially organized for the orphans.And thus, in January we will organize the TTT or the "Temples and Toys Trip" in Ayutthaya. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| When ? Saturday 23 January 2010 Where ?
In the morning, we are going to the Million Toy Museum in Ayutthaya, where craft activities for the children are organised. In the afternoon, we will visit Ayutthaya and its temples. More details will follow. Yes, You can Help! - You can join the trip and help with taking care of one or more children from the orphanage and cover their expenses. - If you like the idea of this trip, but can't join us: we are also looking for financial sponsors. More details will follow. - In planning and organising such an activity, helping hands in the practical organisation are always welcome! If you like to get involved, pleas drop us a line on our email address: news@belgianclub-th.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| DON'T FORGET... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 ... to give us your input on the questionnaire! We are looking forward to receiving your feedback! We would like to hear what you think about these newsletters, Kramiek, the events organized so far and what you would like to do, read, see,... in the near future!The questionnaire is to be found in Kramiek or on our website. You can send your feedback to Attn Pierre Swartenbroekx, 97/201 Perfect Place 3, On Nut - Lat krabang road, (Ratchateva - Bangphli), Samutprakrn 10540, THAILAND or fill out the questionnaire on our website here. As promised, we will organize a lucky draw between those who have taken the time to send us their feedback! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PAST ACTIVITIES, IN PICTURES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW BCT YEAR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On Friday 18 September 2009 we celebrated the official opening of the new BCT year during a 2 hour dinner cruise on the Chao Praya River. Oh yes, we were very lucky with the weather! A small shuttle boat brought us from Saphan Taksin to the Yok Yor berthing facilities. First, we sailed upstream, until the Rama VIII bridge. There were bilingual comments on the features and buildings of interest, but actually nobody cared! It was too nice to chat with old friends and get to know some new acquaintances! And the buffet was delicious too! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| During the trip Gillian tried hard to give the speech that he and Pierre had prepared (Pierre was - abroad due to professional obligations - not able to attend). However, rendering the speech was practically impossible. And so, instead of listening to it, you can read it underneath ... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dear Mrs Vice-Consul, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear friends, I am very glad to welcome you on board of this cruise that marks the official opening of the New BCT.It is also a great pleasure to see that you came in great numbers. It is very rewarding, as it means to us that the BCT remains of great interest to all of you and this is cheer music to our ears. Gedurende deze boottocht zal u de mogelijkheid hebben de leden van de nieuwe BCT te ontmoeten. Aarzel niet met hen te spreken en u zult heel vlug overtuigd zijn van het dynamisme en enthousiasme die ze vertegenwoordigen. Dit zal u ook bevestigen dat de BCT en zijn nieuwe team met grote zeilen naar nog grotere successen vaart. Spijtig genoeg kon onze kaptain, Pierre Swartenbroekx, niet aanwezig zijn. Hij moest voor professionele reden in Brussel blijven tot deze weekend, maar hij zendt zijn beste wensen voor een gelukkige en prettige avond voor alle aanwezigen. Nous sommes également très fier de vous annoncer la parution du notre premier Kramiek après une palpitante course contre la montre. Nous pensons franchement que vous allez apprécier son contenu. Cependant, n'hésitez pas à nous faire part de vos commentaires afin que nous puissions, dans le futur, adapter son format à vos desiderata. Je vous encourage à prendre quelques exemplaires supplémentaires pour le distribuer àvos amis. Nous sommes convaincus que le Kramiek ainsi que notre BCT Newsletters sont d'importants éléments de notre politique destinée à favoriser le rapprochement des Belges présent en Thailande par delà les différences culturelles et linguistiques. Among others, you will find in the Kramiek and the Newsletters a list of events that will allow you to discover new or unsuspected aspects of this "Amazing country" and will also help bringing people closer to each other. This is indeed the motto of the New BCT: "To bring people closer to each other". So, please come numerous to these events, as we have tailored them to suit each taste. We have a challenging "vision". We can assure you assure that the committee of the New BCT will strive towards achieving the goal of being ten times more numerous by the end of the BCT year than we are today, while providing you with great communication, as well as a choice of great events that should eventually meet everybody's wishes. Before letting you enjoy the pleasure of this cruise and of meeting old and/or new friends, allow me to congratulate more particularly Gee, who has been organising today's cruise - quite an achievement, indeed - and to congratulate also Deborah and Mie for the immense energy they have put in assembling, correcting, editing and finally printing the first new Kramiek. Our goal was to have it ready for today and they did it. I propose that we give them the ovation they deserve... Thanks again to all of you for being here this evening and let's have fun! Pierre Swartenbroeckx and Gillian Huart | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| MMMMMMH, CHOCOLATES ! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Yes, Jean-Louis Graindorge, Managing Director of Gallothai, is a chocoholic! On Saturday 26 September 2009 he gave us a guided tour in his “sanctuary”! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Jean-Louis first explained the process - how the cocoa bean from the plantation becomes the irresistible chocolate. In the mean time, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, with of course... some chocolate! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Afterwards, we ‘dressed up' to visit the factory itself! A great experience! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ATTENTION: LOGO CONTEST EXTENDED!! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 You have been great! We have received quite some new logo ideas already! However, in order to give you all the chance to send in your contributions, we postponed the deadline till the end of November!As you know, a top 5 will be shortlisted and the winner will be revealed on our first event next year! As a reward, the top 5 logo ‘creators' will receive Belgian beers. Also, the creators of the first five logos we received "even if they are not selected" will get a "drinkable gift for participation" - yes, too late to belong to that category  .So, don't forget to post your ideas, suggestions, creations, works of art here : news@belgianclub-th.com !!! We are still looking forward to your input!! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BY OTHERS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| BELUTHAI ORGANIZES... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ... some interesting events in the coming months. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 October, 18.30 hrs: Dinner talk by Frank Clovyn: behind the scenes of a 5-star hotel. Landmark Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We have all stayed in 5 star hotels and we have all eaten in their restaurants. Especially in a country like Thailand service is absolutely fantastic. But what goes on behind the scenes? We don't have a clue. Frank Clovyn, General Manager of the Landmark Hotel, does. He will explain everything that goes on behind the scenes, but not only that: he will also show us around. It will be informal, informative and great fun! First, Frank will cover the facts and figures of the hotel. In addition to being informed about the basics, you will be asked to guess things like the number of eggs the Landmark buys per year, the amount of its electricity bill, etc. Then we will take a look behind the scenes to see for ourselves: in groups of 10 we will visit the main kitchen, engineering, security and the laundry operations. Frank will conclude with his famous "Anything from the Minibar?" talk. In the meantime, the chefs of the Landmark will have worked hard to prepare a sumptuous dinner for you. They will show off their skills to make the dinner, the talk and the visit really a 5 star experience to remember. Please join us on this unique occasion. And do bring your friends along. It will be very entertaining. We look forward to receiving your reservation via the link below. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 November (tentative): Dinner talk with Jean-Pierre Verbiest, economist at the Asian Development Bank, with an outlook on the Thai and regional economy. Venue to be determined | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14 December (tentative): Christmas networking cocktail at the Neilson Hayes Library with an exhibition by a Dutch and a Belgian artist | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| WHO WOULD LIKE TO PLAY SOME FOOTBALL? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Message from the Football Club "les Gaulois Paris Bangkok": | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| CHARITY: FATIMA CENTRE LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sister Louise from the Fatima Centre is looking for assistance in the following areas: Din Daeng Centre: This centre cares for close to 100 pre-school age children in a class room type environment. This ensures the children are not left at home while their mothers work in the Fatima Self Help Centre earning much needed money to support their families. The preschool is looking for persons willing to teach the kids basic English skills through games and activities. No special skills are required. The commitment is one morning each week from 9am until 10:30. Fatima Shop: This shop is located behind Villa in Soi 33 and sells the finished products manufactured in the Fatima Self Help Centre. It operates Monday to Saturday and is in need of volunteers to sell the goods. The commitment can be as little as a few hours once per week. If you are interested in any of these voluntary positions please contact Sister Louise M: 08-1908-2583 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| CHARITY: LAST CALL FOR BNH "LET'S KNIT FOR THE NEEDY"! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ... has been extended till the end of October! All those we would like to help to make warm patchwork blankets for the needy in the North of Thailand, you can still knit your small square! Your contribution can be of any colour, any style (simple garter stitch squares (knit-a-row, knit-a-row) produced on size 6 needles would be perfect). The size should be 6" x 6" or 15 cm x 15 cm, so that they can easily sewn together. Anyone who isn't sure how to knit should contact the BNH CRC team for details of when they can receive free tuition at the hospital. Complete squares can be dropped off anytime at the hospital reception. Should you have further questions, do not hesitate to check out the dedicated website : http://bnh-lets-knit.over-blog.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ARTS FESTIVAL AT NEILSON HAYS LIBRARY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Those who - after their trip to Koh Si Chang - would like to discover some more in downtown Bangkok as well, could visit the Arts Festival at Neilson Hays Library! Over the weekend of November 14th and 15th The Neilson Hays Library, one of Bangkok's most historically and culturally rich venues, will organize an exciting Arts Festival in the beautiful garden of the library at 195 Surawong Road. This festival is part of the year round festivities organized to celebrate the Neilson Hays Library's 140th anniversary.The Arts Festival will bring to the Bangkok community a truly interactive art experience appealing to all age groups. The Festival will showcase the work of local and international artists working in a variety of media like painting, ceramic, photography, jewelry and sculpture. These original works will be available for sale over the weekend. The Arts Festival's activities will also include artist demonstrations, live music, drama, poetry and children's art and crafts activities. There will be refreshments and live music throughout the weekend. A complete schedule of events and participating artists will be available on the library website www.neilsonhayslibrary.com in late October. If you would like more information about the Arts Festival, please send an email to neilsonartfestival@yahoo.com or contact the office at 02-233 1731. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| WANTED: PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Brittany Fox is the founder of ‘THAI SONG' which means Emitting Life, Hope and Freedom to bring healing to emotional, social and economic needs of impoverished Thai Women living in the slum. She started the ‘Thai Song Bag Project' recently and she requires all your unwanted plastic carrier bags to be recycled and make into useful bags. She hopes to sell these to generate income for the disadvantaged women. For more information, go to http://brittanyfox.missionsplace.com/ Please pass on your old bags to Sue Smith (087)8254936 who is helping Brittany with her project! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| BCT MEMBERSHIP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The annual membership fee is a mere 500 baht per family. The BCT year runs from 1 September till 31 August. You can register at any BCT activity by completing the membership form available with any of the BCT committee members. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| BCT ACTIVITIES CALENDAR FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| As for 2010, which is approaching very very fast: Get Togethers: - 15 January - 19 February - 19 March Other events: 23 January 2010: Social activity with and for Baan Kru Noi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For and on behalf of the BCT Your Communications Managers Deborah de Bleyser | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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