Reading
Valley Ladies' Circle
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InternationalHeidelberg - LCI AGM 24th August 2001Heidelberg, Germany The AGM was held at the town hall in Heidelberg and opened promptly at 09.00am. LCI president Susanne Norager of Denmark announced that 22 out of 23 full member countries were represented and introduced all the International councillors (generally Immediate Past and current National Presidents). The usual formalities were quickly completed. LC Nepal were officially welcomed as an Associate member country. The aims and objects of LC Lithuania and LC Madagascar, who will be chartered on November 10th 2001, were read and the membership trophy was awarded to LC Germany for the work they have done this last year with re-launching their image and increasing their membership. The financial report consisted of the treasurer’s report, the presentation and approval of the budgets of 2001-2002 and for 2002-2003. All were approved. The main proposals on the agenda were an increase in capitation fees for 2202-2003 to £3.30p; an option for the LC Secretary’s post to be an optional two year term (in common with LC Treasurer); a change in the travel expenses rules and a subsequent alteration to the rules for the Associate Members Travel Fund. All these proposals were debated by the International councillors and all passed. The newly elected officers for next year’s LCI board are as follows: President:-Veronique Stern – Holland Vice President:- Ashwini Surendar – India Secretary:- Niina Hamalainen – Finland Treasurer:- Dagny Leifsdottir – Iceland This was followed by a presentation by Munich Circle on the LCI Charity project for 1999-2001. This has been to support the Sushma Koirala Memorial Hospital in Nepal. To date they have raised over £50,000 and it has been a very successful project. One of the doctors from the hospital described how prior to this support they had to use the local stream for washing – they now have a washing machine to use and running water into the building. Prof. Dr Pape’s was a very emotional presentation – the photos of the difference the cleft palette and plastic surgery after burns make to these peoples lives brought tears to many eyes and he really appreciated the chance to say thank you for the funding received. Three countries (France, Belgium and Zambia) put forward proposals for the LCI Charity project 2001-2003. All of these were very worthwhile causes but there can only be one winner – the Zambian project of a "Paediatric ward for Malnourished Children at University Teaching Hospital-Lusaka Zambia" has been duly adopted by the organisation. The report by the Finnish girls inviting all to Oulu, Finland in August 2002 was great fun, there was a reminder that 2003 will be in Malta and Romania have successfully bid for 2004 to be held in Bucharest. Other date reminders were 6th October 2001 – charter date for Seattle Circle, USA 10th November 2001 – charter date for LC Madagascar The best hat awards went to Zambia, Sweden, GB&I (two ladies from Tring in a hat representing their twinning association) and 6 ladies from Denmark in a linked hat – very difficult to walk in!! Incoming President Veronique gave a short welcome speech, introducing her theme of ladybirds – diverse, resourceful, strong and beautiful – just like Ladies Circlers! The meeting finished with promises to meet again in Finland and then it was off upstairs for a very enjoyable lunch and another opportunity to meet with girls from all over the world. |