Dear Ladies, 

Lovely to see so many of you at the Embassy coffee morning. I think the coffee machine behaved itself this month and we all got a real cup of coffee. We always enjoy Sveta visiting us from Sergiev Posad with her wares and reminding us of her organized trips out there, especially her Troika rides in the snow; this particular trip is well worth it if you have not already been, a real taste of romantic Russia.  Well done ladies.  We were delighted to receive two vouchers courtesy of Expat Salon that we raffled to the ladies present.  Congratulations lucky winners. Also Lucy Cranfield did brisk sales of Christmas cards and paper on the ARC stall.  Those that didn’t get a chance to buy there is our very important shopping opportunity just over a month away and that is the Christmas Bazaar on 13th December, so start making your Christmas wish lists. 

Kate kindly gave us a rundown of items that are still needed for the bazaar and all contributions will be gratefully received, so please keep putting items aside; perhaps make some pickles, chutney or jam, cakes or mince pies, everything and anything will be acceptable; also any unwanted gifts for the tombola stall and bottles for the bottle tombola. If you have problems getting items to the Embassy please contact me (or any Committee member) and I will arrange for pick-up and delivery. Help is always needed to get those crackers completed, there are sessions for this on Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning, don’t forget to let Kate know if you plan to go along 24 hours in advance so that she can put your name on the Security list: her contact is pably29@gmail.com. 

Now a very important message:Due to Fire Regulations within the Embassy no more than 150 people must now attend all events held on the premises.  To adhere to these new rules we would ask all members that wish to attend to email their name to members@bwcmoscow.co.uk as soon as possible.  If you wish to invite a guest you must include their complete name (as written in their passport).  If your name is NOT on the list you will not gain entrance on the day.  Be warned! 

Our pre-Christmas lunch is on 8th December, exciting venue to be announced, so if you have not already signed up do contact activities@bwcmoscow.co.uk, and check your Forum for further activity events. Of course everyone has now signed into the Forum now, haven’t you!! Nag nag nag!! 

The Divas are in full rehearsal for the forthcoming concerts on December 7th  (at the Norwegian Embassy 600 Rbs, adults only) and December 9th (at St Andrew’s Church 400 Rbs or 200 Rbs for children, seniors or students).  It is a fabulous programme of mixed songs from the 30’s and 40’s finished off with Seasonal songs to put everyone in the festive mood.  All proceeds will be going to our chosen charities.  Tickets will be available next week by contacting either: shermansinmoscow@hotmail.com or cranfields@hotmail.co.uk 

Finally, I am sending out a very personal plea for people to consider volunteering to stand on the BWC Committee.  I am due to leave Moscow at the end of January and although I can ask one of my fabulous team to step up and take up the reins of Chairman, we do need ‘new blood’ to maintain a quorum and eventually take on the roles next year.  Many of our present Committee will also be departing throughout next year so handover is very important for the smooth running of the group.  Without a committee the BWC will fold, it’s future is in your hands.  Please contact myself or any of the Committee to ask questions and hopefully volunteer. 

There, that is my personal plea.  I hope you all have a good month, keeping warm and safe as winter starts to set in.  I look forward to seeing most of you either at Tuesday coffee’s at Kaffein or at our Bazaar.  And remember, coffee morning at Kaffein is open all members and guests. See you around and about Moscow. 

Clare Howard

Chairman