(L-R: I. Lehmann, V. Cattermole, P. Shah, T. Foulkes, G. Belmonte, S. Soriano, T. Fletcher, L. Indopia, W. Lone, C. Grosser, L. Laroche)
The Filipino Women’s Association UK (FWA-UK) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 27th September 2025, at the Victoria Suite, Royal Garden Hotel, London. Members gathered to reflect on the year’s achievements, review financial performance, and elect the new Executive Board.
The meeting was opened with a prayer led by Nenita Garrad, followed by the adoption of the agenda and approval of the 2024 AGM minutes.
Chairman’s & Treasurer’s Reports
Chairman Velly Cattermole presented her report, highlighting the Association’s continued dedication to its mission of supporting disadvantaged children in the Philippines and the senior community in the UK. Treasurer Lesley Laroche shared the financial report, which was commended by the members for the Association’s sound financial stewardship. The Treasurer’s Report 2024/2025 was formally adopted by the assembly.
Election of the Executive Board 2025–2026
The election was chaired by adviser and former Chairman Remy Reyes, ensuring a fair and smooth process. Nine nominees stood for election, each sharing their commitment to advancing FWA-UK’s vision.
As the number of nominees matched the available seats, members unanimously approved all nine candidates. The following were elected to the Executive Board:
- Glyndell Belmonte
- Velly Cattermole
- Tina Fletcher
- Teody Foulkes
- Rina Grosser
- Leilani Indopia
- Wilma Lone
- Patricia Shah
- Shirley Soriano
Please welcome the new Executive Board of 2025-2026:
| Chairman | Glyndell Belmonte |
| Vice-Chairman | Tina Fletcher |
| Secretary | Ira Lehmann |
| Assistant Secretary | Shirley Soriano |
| Treasurer | Celerina Grosser |
| Assistant Treasurer | Teodora Foulkes |
| Elected Board Officer | Velly Cattermole |
| Elected Board Officer | Lesley Laroche |
| Elected Board Officer | Wilma Lone |
| Elected Board Officer | Patricia Shah |
| Education & Scholarship Grants Committee Lead | Ira Lehmann |
| Fundraising Committee Lead | TBC |
| Membership & Personal Development Committee Lead | Leilani Indopia |
| Outreach & Community Affairs Lead | TBC |
| Publicity Committee | Shirley Soriano |
Looking Ahead
The new Executive Board will convene for its orientation meeting on 25th October 2025 to outline priorities for the coming year, including the appointment of the Philippine National Day (PND) 2026 Coordinator.
The FWA-UK extends its warm congratulations to the newly elected board and committee chairs. Together, they will continue to uphold the Association’s values of compassion, empowerment, and social responsibility—making a positive difference in communities both in the UK and the Philippines.