Happy New Year to All! The current Executive Board started after the AGM on 14 September 2019 and set out some guidelines in fulfilling its duties for the year. Apart from following its terms of reference, consultation and collective decision on everything must be observed and so far, it is working.
There are several projects lined up for the year by the different committees, some of which have already been done; the committees have met a few times to plan their projects.
Outreach Committee
There was the trip to Greenwich, the forum on modern slavery and human trafficking on November 15 where four speakers enlightened us on what exactly was involved with this very abhorrent practice in our society. Marsha Humphreys and Jana Sherrin from Essex Police Trafficking Department, barrister Alex Millbrook from Kalayaan and Roxanne Wilkins from Women at the Well took part.
The Christmas working Group very ably handled all the arrangements for the Christmas party on December 1 which resulted in a noteworthy conclusion, followed by a concert and tea at Holy Trinity Brompton church in Onslow Square SW7. It was a delightful afternoon attended by approximately 300 guests of different nationalities; an event recommended by the Outreach Committee.
The last project for the year, also by the FWA’s Outreach Committee under the leadership of Marilyn Masilungan, was the Christmas party for senior citizens in Mary Smith Court on December 14. The Outreach Committee has been very active in carrying out its promised activities and there will be more in 2020, including a trip to Windsor, either at the end of March or July and a possible trip to Blackpool to see the illuminations.
Membership & Personal Development Committee
The Membership and Personal Development Committee spearheaded by Lydia Sumang has proposals to hold a Knowing Me Knowing You get-together for all members to enhance even more the friendship and fellowship of the FWA, crafts sessions including jewellery-making and quilt-making skill.
Publicity Committee
The Publicity Committee with Crystal Dias, as its chairperson, has been active in disseminating information about FWA events and activities. And of course, Clarita Richardson has been constantly on the go making sure the PND 2020 goes without a hitch. Tasks have been assigned and some prospective sponsors and donors have been approached, to be followed up in the new year.
Education & Scholarship Committee
The Education and Scholarship Grants Committee has been regularly engaged in arranging the scholarship programme of our current and prospective new scholars, some starting in the next few months. We also aim to hold other talks on issues that affect the Filipino community like discipline, British or Filipino way, which we hope may help in preventing children taken away from their parents.
It looks like a very busy year for the FWA but with the willing support, competence and hard work of the Executive Committee Board members and non-Executive trustees, we have no doubt it can only have a positive outcome.
It goes without saying that the general membership figures in all our undertaking. We look forward to working with them in the coming few months. Kudos to Linda Challis, Zanie Delmundo, Carol Panday, Wilma Lone, Susan Robinson, Pat Shah, Marilyn Masilungan, Crystal Dias, Imee Pinto, Lydia Sumang, Clarita Richardson, Nanie Tamayo, Amor Bayudan, Arlene Morley and Nene Martin in their tireless support and of course Nenita Garrad and Remy Reyes for their invaluable advice.
Eleanor Templeman
Chairman