Watch out world, here comes Garden Route Ladies Circle 20 is HERE!

Die dames van Shiraz Ladies Circle No 8 het die koue en nat Kaapse weer trotseer om die Sunflower Fun te help tydens hul eerste Pretdraf/Stap in Mouillepunt verlede Sondag. Meer as 1200 deelnemers het ingeskryf vir die Pretdraf wat nou ‘n jaarlikse instelling gaan word. Elke inskrywing het ‘n Sunflower Bandana ontvang, wat daartoe bydra dat die Sunflower Fund mense kan werf om hulself te registreer op die South African Bone Marrow Registry. Vir verdere inligting, kontak die SABMR by 021 404-6445 of besoek die Sunflower Fund se webwerf by www.sunflowerfund.co.za.  In die foto van links voor Joanne Butterworth, Merle La Cock, agter Yolandi Crafford, Lisa Schlechter, Caron Wade, Leanne Stander, Judy Theunissen en Etiennette Schuck, almal lede van Shiraz.

In die foto van links voor Joanne Butterworth, Merle La Cock, agter Yolandi Crafford, Lisa Schlechter, Caron Wade, Leanne Stander, Judy Theunissen en Etiennette Schuck, almal lede van Shiraz.

Shiraz het Saterdag 23 Julie deelgeneem aan die Paarl Pitco Potjiekoskompetisie by Paart RT 44 se klubhuis. Ons het nie die kompetisie gewen nie, maar het darem kan gekry om ‘n bietjie te kuier met die Tablers van King Williams Town!

Recently we also participated in the annual One to One, held at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town every August. Approximately 3 200 mentally and physically disabled adults and children come out for a day of fun and games. We hosted a stall and the attendees played a simple game and received a prize of soft toys and treats. This year Truda Snacks donated a large amount of chips, Durbanville Round Table donated lollipops and Fizzers and Belliville Round Table assisted the Shiraz ladies at our stall.

Pictured at the One to One on Sunday 14 August, from left Stephan Le Roux (Bellville Round Table), Judy Theunissen (Shiraz Ladies Circle Chairperson), Lisa Schlechter(Ladies Circle South Afria Vice President), Corne Burger (Bellville Round Table Chairman), Caron Wade (Shiraz Ladies Circle Vice Chair), Joanne Butterworth (Shiraz member), Taylor-Leigh Schlechter, sitting Hein van Niekerk (Bellville Round Table) and Leanne Stander (Shiraz Vine).

The aim of the project is to have a day whereby school children of a certain school will be permitted to wear “sivvies” to school in exchange for a tin of food.

I contacted the Principal of Denneoord Primary, he was very interested and immediately said “yes”! Subsequently he arranged the “Sivvies for Tins” day at his school on the 23rd of September 2011. We collected the food the following Monday with the help of Super Mike and his bakkie. Big up to Super!!

We delivered the food to BADISA George on the 4th of October 2011. The Badisa representatives were very appreciative as they always have a huge need for food for their Soup Kitchen.

At the end of the next school term another school has volunteered to help us with this project – Glenwood House Private School.

We are hoping to have this event four times a year at various schools in George.

On the 27th of September 2011 Northridge no. 7 made 4 underprivileged girls from Roodepark School dreams come true. We dressed them up for their end of school banquette. First they had the chance to pick a dress from “the suit case” – thank you to our individual donors – then we went SHOPPING for the all important shoes and accessories, after some serious retrail therapy, the girls and I enjoyed well deserved milkshakes.

On the day of their banquette the girls were all treated to a “make-over” at one of our local beauty schools – Face-to-Face, their hair and make-up were done and they all looked like princesses. I felt so proud of my girls.
Hesta

Time to touch base with all LCSA members and to get the what’s up and running, juicy and gory details and just to share some exciting news.

Ladies Circle International (LCI) Conference 2011
Wow, what can I say, it was just such an amazing experience!! Myself, Bronwenn and Michele attended the LCI Conference in Hamburg from the 24th till the 28th of August and we had such a wonderful time. This was my first LCI and yes, I’m one of those who are hooked!!

Putting the meetings aside, which were also great to attend, the ladies that we met and got to know, it was overwhelming!! Each and everyone in their own special way just SPECIAL!! There was just not enough time to really get to know everyone, even though you wanted to. We made so many new friends from all over the world and it was so ‘lekker’ to catch up with the old ones, like Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, who we made a special connection with at the MTM this year in Zambia and the other International ladies from previous MTM’s, etc.

Ladies Circle is just such an amazing organization that just bonds all the members together as family! Even the few men that we met just connected with us all and when meeting for the first time, it just felt like old friends coming together. There was just not one dull moment. Before we left, I said to you all that we will make sure that we keep up the standard of LCSA and I’m sure that all will agree, WE DID IT! I’m almost positive that we made lifelong friends with at least one member of each Country!! But enough about that now, because I’m sure you are getting the picture that we had lots of fun!!

On the More serious stuff (But still exciting):

LCI Board, ’11-’12 with the Motto: SHARING IS CARING

Immediate Past President – Malin Arenius – Sweden
President – Sharon Taitz – Israel
Vice President – Gitte Hoyer – Denmark
Secretary – Kate Jones – GB&I
Treasurer – Joy-Anne Desbois – France
Webmaster – Ester Hjartardottir – Iceland

I’m sure by now all have received the introduction of the new LCI Board, ’11-’12, if not, please contact your Circle Chair or Secretary, alternatively Uzanne, our National Secretary.

We’ve got a Ladies Circle Song!! When we get together, we’ll sing it to you, to the tune of the Lima Song, but for now, the words:

Here’s a Circler
There’s a Circler
And another pretty Circler
Circle, Circle, Ladies Circle
Ladies Circle Song!

Associate Member Country
Slovenija became an Associate Member Country and the two ladies that represented them where just so overwhelmed with the idea of finally being part of LC. It gives me goose bumps to think of their excitement! It’s like being inducted as a new member into your Circle!! ) It was also very interesting when they proudly said that Slovenija is the only Country with the word LOVE in it. Truly special!!

International Service Projects (ISP)
ECPAT – 2009 – 2011
At the LCI Conference they presented the report on what they achieved with this project and it brought tears to many eyes. To see the impact we as Ladies Circle make in the world, PRICELESS!! 119,625€ raised for this project in the past two years and even LCSA, through pin sales and connecting via Facebook, made a difference.

ECPAT International is a global network of organizations working together to end child prostitution, child pornography, and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

VIVA CON AGUA – 2011 – 2013
At the LCI Conference, LC Germany won the bid for the ISP ’11-’13. Through this project many people in Ethiopia will have access to clean drinking water for many years to come.

VcA raises awareness on the issues surrounding access to clean drinking water by organizing fundraising events. Apart from projects of water supply, they also provide hygiene and sanitation education and the education of caretakers for pump facilities in order to guarantee long term sustainability of the wells and water systems. The cost for such system amount to 7,000€, to which about 600 people will be provided with drinking water.

Mid Term Meeting (MTM) 2012 – African & Central European Regions
By now hopefully all of you know that we will be going to Brasov, Romania!!!! From the 26th till 29th of January ’12 we will attend the MTM. For those who can, I will definitely be going, so I urge you all to make a big plan and join in the fun of International Travel!! Diarise it, stick a note on the fridge, bathroom mirror, where ever, DO IT!!! For those who do not know what the MTM is all about: This is a meeting half way through the year, for LC it will be end of January, where region members get together to discuss the first half of the year and the way forward towards the end of the year, end of August. We have a whole weekend of fun, attend one meeting and they are also now doing a workshop. Tours are available and you get to experience different cultures and see amazing destinations and form lasting friendships!!! LCSA, LET’S GO IN SEARCH OF DRACULA!!! HHA HHA HHA HHA BITE BITE

LCI Conference 2012
Next year the LCI Conference will be hosted by LC Sweden in Helsingborg and by the sounds of things, it’s going to be another big party!! For those who can, come on ladies, save those cents and lets go wave our SA flag high!!

MTM 2013 – African Region
After meeting “Madi” in other words, Eliane Razafindrakoto, from Madagascar, this year at the MTM in Zambia, it is just so exciting to announce that WE WILL BE GOING TO MADAGASCAR!!!! YEAH!!! Can’t wait, because yes, two things, what an amazing country to go explore and secondly, if any of the ladies are as much fun and special like, “Madi”, we are going to have such an awesome time!

LCSA GODMOTHER COUNTRY – GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND (GB&I)
Yes ladies, our Godmother Country is getting older and wiser!! On the 23rd of September ’11 they will be celebrating their 75th Birthday!!! I am sure you will all join me in wishing them the best of another 75 years!

CIRCLE CHARTERS
YES YES YES!!! The dates for Chartering has been set for two new Circles!!
And they are >>>>>> DRUM ROLLLL >>>>>
19th of November ’11 – PE PEARLS Ladies Circle No 19, Port Elizabeth
3rd of December ’11 – LOSKOP Ladies Circle No 21, Groblersdal
Ladies, these dates are cast in stone, so clear your schedules, book those flights, fill those tanks with petrol and get ready to join the LCSA National Board when we Charter these two new Clubs as part of our wonderful organization!! It’s going to be unforgettable!! Events not to be missed!!
As soon as the invitations are ready it will be sent out to all, but for now, get together as a Circle and make some travel arrangements.

National Council Meetings (NCM)
Just as a reminder to all, for incase you were wondering or have forgotten or never knew or what ever the case may be, …
The dates and “venues” aka towns are as follows:
2nd NCM will be held on the 19th of November ’11, in Port Elizabeth, morning of the Charter of PE Pearls. Open to all LC members and newbies.
3rd NCM will be held on the 11th of February ’12, in Durbanville/Bellville near Cape Town, after LC8 Shiraz’s Ladies Breakfast. This is also Ladies Circle International Day, so come and join us as we celebrate a truly amazing, awesome, wonderful, superb, fun and loving organization, Ladies Circle International!!! Open to all LC members and newbies.
4th NCM will be held on the 21st of April ’12, in Drakensberg, at ARTSA (Round Table’s AGM Weekend, 19th till 22nd of April ‘12) This will be a CLOSED Board Meeting for only LCSA Board Members.

Inkundla Articles
Articles are due on the 14th of October ’11, so please send them to Bronwenn. Come on ladies, the latest issue we had four pages and yes, the LCSA President, (me) on the FRONT PAGE!!!! So this time, let’s go for GOLD, let’s fill the whole next issue with LCSA!!! )

Dates to Diarise:
16th of September ’11 – MTM ’12, Travel Grant due to LCSA
23rd of September ’11 – GB&I, 75th Birthday
14th of October ’11 – Inkundla Articles due to LCSA
19th of November ’11 – PE PEARLS LC19, Charter
19th of November ’11 – 2nd Open NCM, Port Elizabeth
3rd of December ’11 – LOSKOP LC21, Charter
26th till 29th of January ’12 – MTM ’12, Romania
11th of February ’12 – 3rd Open NCM, Cape Town
11th of February ’12 – LCI Day
21st of April ’12 – 4th Closed NCM, Drakensberg

Take care and enjoy life!!

Connected with Love in Friendship & Service!

Sonel Prinsloo
President
Ladies Circle South Africa

The Loskop Ladies Circle 21 started off with the following five founder members, Colene Venter, Lizanne Gresse, Chantell Viljoen, Angelique Seaward and Maryke Coetzee. Lots of planning, determination and hard work from the members of Loskop Ladies Circle 21 had put us in the position to complete our first project with flying colours. Without the support and guidance from Lakeside Ladies Circle 17 and RT Loskop 233 the establishment of this new Ladies Circle would not have realized, and the Loskop Ladies Circle 21 would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Lakeside Ladies Circle 17 and Round Table Loskop 233.

After the successful completion of the first project and experiencing the true and honest appreciation from two single mothers (which made us all cry), there was no turning back. Seeing the tears of appreciation in someone’s eyes that really needed support is priceless. A whole new world opened up for the Loskop Ladies, a world of giving.

After that the Ladies opted to support the NAFCO project. Biting off more than we could chew was obvious and Ermelo Ladies Circle 15 came to our rescue. These Ermelo girls know what they are doing and assisted us a great deal. Since then, they were also our Godmother Circle! A very big honour for the Loskop Ladies Circle indeed! The knowledge and guidance they have is priceless and like it should be with ‘Friendship in Service’, they have shared many secrets of the ‘trade’ and Loskop Ladies Circle 21 has already learned a great deal from them in a very short span of time. Thanks Ermelo Ladies Circle 15 – you girls rock!

Loskop Ladies Circle 21 had their Inaugural meeting during September and had the honour of meeting the whole National Board via Skype. It was a first for us and indeed an experience to remember. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the National Board of Ladies Circle South Africa for making the time to have this meeting with us and providing to us a clear way forward. A special thanks to Sonel Prinsloo, Ladies Circle South Africa President for making all this possible and giving us the guidance we needed so much. It is impossible to go wrong with a National Board so dedicated to a good course and who really goes the extra mile in providing ‘Friendship in Service.” Thanks All!

Currently our Tin for Charity Project is rolled out and all community members in the Loskop Valley were asked to open their hearts and wallets by purchasing only one tin of food every time they do shopping at the local Pick ‘n Pay or Spar outlets. These tins will be handed over to families in need early in December 2011 since so many families find themselves in dire need of support during the Festive Season. Loskop Ladies Circle 21 appreciates all the support they can get and thank all those willing to open their hearts as well as their wallets for those in need. Without the dedicated support of those more fortunate the existence and life here on Earth would have been much more difficult.

During August a fantastic show was put together over two weekends by Ladies Circle 4 Louis Trichardt, Round Table 66 Zoutpansberg and AGORA Club 1 Amarula. Yes, you guessed it, Melodrama 2011. What a Blast!!!

Practise started in May and everyone sacrificed their weeknights and Sunday afternoons to make this show happen. A lot of hard work was put in and it paid off.

There was lots of tears and laughter, but the best of all was that friendships were formed that were never there before and friendships that were there grew even stronger! This was truly a great side-by-side project and planning for next year has already started.