Malta, 25 March 2008 Half Yearly Report 2007/2008 Dearest Circlers all over the World ‘After Some...

Malta, 25 March 2008

Half Yearly Report 2007/2008

Dearest Circlers all over the World

‘‘After Some Days in After Some Days in EstoniaEstoniaLCI is getting LCI is getting Stronger. . .’Stronger. . .’

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Chairing the ICM was my first official duty as Incoming LCI President. I had it all prepared and yet…I was so excited. However I survived that and as I sit at my laptop now I just can’t believe so much time has passed and I’m writing our Half Yearly Report. They say when you’re busy and enjoying what you are doing time flies – it sure does.

But what has happened since Estonia?

What have we done and achieved?

How have we filled our time?


‘‘The Candle lights in our The Candle lights in our heartsheartsWe know we’ve made a good We know we’ve made a good start.’start.’

The LCI Board 2007/2008 have met three times:



Board Meeting 1 26 August 2007 Estonia

This is a meeting were the outgoing and incoming boards meet jointly in order to handover and schedule the year ahead. We bid farewell to the outgoing members and welcomed the three new members who certainly must have wondered what hit them as this meeting tends to go by like a whirlwind; but of course they coped and well too. Minutes were circulated to all Councillors.


Board Meeting 2 15 – 18 November 2007Malta

By the time I greeted the C Team in my home hundreds of emails had crossed our paths and although I’m sure the Board felt it was maybe a bit too much, whilst sitting at the Meeting all understood the purpose behind all that correspondence and it made it much easier for the meeting to flow smoothly. This meeting is a very important as the team get together in a small group and have time to get to know each other better and to discuss things quietly. During this meeting the main focus was to go through the reports from the Travel Grant recipients and prepare ourselves for the MTMs. A newsletter was sent out to all Councillors following this meeting.


Board Meeting 3 13 – 16 March 2008 Denmark

The Agenda just keeps getting longer as the year progresses!!! The main topics of discussion this time were sharing our experiences following the MTMs, going through the country’s Half Yearly Reports and selecting the eligible candidates from applications received for the Travel Grants for Circlers to attend the Conference & AGM in Aberdeen. We also started preparing what we will get up to in Aberdeen to entertain you – but no more of that we’ll leave it as a

A newsletter will be circulated shortly.


During BM2 & BM3 we also discussed various reports we received from Conference Convenors and ISP Project Co-Coordinator, the Administrative side to LCI, Side by Side, Extension, LCI Board’s Travel Plans and of course we exchanged details of the work we were all carrying out.

A big thank you goes to the CCoolloouurrffuull Circlers from the countries who hosted us, for taking care of us, greeting us and making sure that we were very well looked after during our visit to their country. A special mention and thanks goes to Past LCI President Susanne who opened her home for BM3.


The Financial Statement of the LCI Accounts were circulated in January. In April a number of emails and forms will be sent by our Treasurer and Secretary in preparation for the LCI AGM. We remind you that everything must be returned by the

Kindly remember that upon receipt of your completed forms our work starts so please help us to be efficient and meet our deadlines too !!!


As a when possible we have roped in the media to cover our activities. We have featured in the Maltese, German, Belgian, Italian, Scottish Press and a Society Magazine in the UK.

What more can I say about the ’ CCoolloouurrffuull C Team’? I think I speak in the name of all when I say that we are having a fantastic time and the experience is amazing. Therefore we can only but encourage Circlers to come forward as Nominees for posts on the LCI Board.


‘‘Every lonely cityEvery lonely cityWe’ll awake and be We’ll awake and be wittywittyAs Circlers come so As Circlers come so prettyprettyFull of Colour and Full of Colour and Fun’Fun’‘Anybody Can Fly’ and time has sure flown!



LC GB&I Vice President Lynda and I have just visited Aberdeen only to find a lovely group of very keen girls there to ‘Meet and Greet’ us with open arms. This is what they will be offering this August.

Judith together with her team and the LC Turriff girls threw a lovely Safari Party on Friday night with the theme – CCoolloouurr - I wonder why??? - and whilst hopping from one home to another for our different courses we attained an insight into the homes (to be used for our home parties) and way of life of these girls. They were all so welcoming and are so enthusiastic to receiving you all.


We also visited the venues which have been chosen very carefully and will suit our needs. I have tried the ‘bouncing dance floor’ they promised – it’s brilliant !!! But other than this I say no more – let’s surprise you, thrill you, elate you and get you buzzing - whilst having a ‘Fling’? throughout this brilliant weekend!!! I tell you:


It’s going to be Grand, They have sorted out the Band

We will Celebrate with a Bang

Surrounded by a CCoolloouurrffuull air that will Hang.

This is what ‘Our Highland Fling’ is all about and yes I’ve tested the

Men in Kilts too!!!


Sincere Thanks to The CCoolloouurrffuull Conference Team who have and are working very hard. All they now await is that YOU - Circlers all Over the World – fill in your booking forms. These can be downloaded from the LCI website www.ladiescircle.org. On our Home page you will find the Dancing Thistle and beneath ‘Booking Form & Prices’ click there and you’ve got it made. Don’t forget to book before the 1 May 2008 to benefit from the early bird registration!

With open arms I too will ‘Meet and Greet’ you with

much . . .Happy. . .Ness!!!

http://www.ladiescircle.org/


Convening Meetings

Bangalore, India 2009 and Brugge, Belgium 2010 are also events on our schedules. The Convenors and teams in the respective countries are working very hard towards their meetings and have been in constant touch with the LCI Board.

For the MTMs 2008 it was time to have joint meetings. It was great seeing everyone again and in numbers too.


I was very touched by the way all countries have taken on my motto and goals for the year and fused this together with their targets and mottos in their respective countries. The meetings were diverse in the way they were run however at the end of the day, as true CCoolloouurrffuull Circlers, all discussed ConstructivelyConstructively, CreativelyCreatively,, ColourfullyColourfully, Con CaloreCon Calore (with passion) – with a bit of CrazinessCraziness too !!! All minutes have been circularised and are uploaded on the website. Well Done and Thank You LC Israel & LC Germany.LCI Board Representation

BremenNordic & Central European LCI Secretary

LCI TreasurerPrivate Trip LCI President

JerusalemAfrican & Southern European LCI President

LCI Vice PresidentPrivate Trip LCI Weblady


‘‘Let’s Circle the World with Colour’Let’s Circle the World with Colour’

After launching this as my CCoolloouurrffuull Motto for the year during the AGM in Tallinn I also stated my Six Goals for the year:

CommunicationCommunication Collation of LCI’s HistoryCollation of LCI’s History Commute – TravellingCommute – Travelling Continuity – Growth of LCContinuity – Growth of LC Counterparts – Side by Counterparts – Side by

SideSide CharityCharity



‘‘For LCI to get stronger & strongerFor LCI to get stronger & strongerDreaming dreams of Fun & Dreaming dreams of Fun & Friendship’Friendship’

Where do I start?



The LCI Directories were once again printed in India and Past LCI President Ashwini kindly co-ordinated this for us. The cover of the directories is a picture of one of the sites in my country – a Tower. In the past these towers, which are dotted all over the island, used to act as a means of spreading news throughout Malta. Bearing this in mind I have endeavoured through the first months to be in touch with all of you throughout.


Monthly I send a

On special festivities and occasions I send CCoolloouurrffuull Greetings including snail mail greetings to ‘Celebrate’ the ushering in of 2008. In return we received numerous New Year Greetings which were all so beautiful besides many reciprocated our other greetings. It is such an awesome feeling being so far and yet. . . so close to all of you!


Other occasions when greetings were sent were: LCI Day, Valentine’s Day, Woman’s Day and the Coming of Spring. CCoolloouurrffuull Greetings to countries were sent to commemorate Anniversaries, Charters or Special Occasions which we knew about.

Three CCoolloouurrffuull Presidents’ Letters were sent:

September Introduction of the year Follow Up to BM 1Introduction of the LCI Board 2007/2008

December Season’s Greetings, Follow Up to BM 2 update on GoalsJanuary In Preparation for MTMs


Lots and Lots of emails have been exchanged and this has kept us in touch with Circlers the world over. I am also happy to note that many Presidents have translated and circulated most of my greetings and letters whilst others have uploaded them onto their websites.

Thank you Ladies – I’ve certainly kept you busy!


Talking of Websites the LCI website is yet another tool of Communication and our statistics show that this is being used immensely by all. Keep it up Girls. A number of reports have been uploaded and you can all read about what we’ve been up to: be it our Travels, Ms Sophie etc.

I remind you all that Else, our Weblady, will always be more than happy to help should you so require. Last November we updated the forms for all members to use. Currently we are updating the Packages, Rules and Guidelines.


We also try to keep up with the trends of society and created a group on Facebook. The idea is to attract floor members who are Facebook members to join and be aware of what is going on, on the International front. Presently we have 79 members and a discussion on the Age Rule running. We only have 8 posts on this topic. What can I say? Join Facebook, join the LCI group and post your view or start another topic.

Let’s make it interactive.


‘‘A Candle shines for you and me.’A Candle shines for you and me.’

With the run up to the 50th Jubilee of LCI the idea to gather the history of LCI came about and has been favourably received by the Councillors. An Editorial Board made up of Active Circlers from the three Founder Member Countries: GB&I, Sweden and Denmark together with the LCI President (LCI IPP next year), will be the reference points. However all countries will be asked to contribute. Work on this project will be up and running shortly.



‘‘Show me the way to the nearest Show me the way to the nearest airportairportThis is the start towards our journey’This is the start towards our journey’

Following are all the visits carried out so far.



This of course is over and above the meetings, activities and occasions we attend in our country. The Official CCoolloouurrffuull Visits are those that form part of the LCI budget whilst the expenses for the Unofficial CCoolloouurrffuull Visits are borne by the attendee.

Country Reason for Visit Date Delegate

Official Visits

RTI AGM August 07 Kathleen

LC GB&I Remembrance Parade

November 07 Tracey

LC India AGM January 08 Seetha

LC Germany MTM January 08 Linda/Christina

LC Israel MTM January 08 Kathleen/Seetha

LC GB&I Conference Venues February 08 KathleenRemembrance Parade

November 2007


LCI DayFebruary 2008Luxembourg

Belgium

Country Reason for Visit Date Delegate

UnOfficial Visits

LC Germany Charter Weiden September 07

Kathleen/Linda

LC GB&I Presidential Ball September 07

Kathleen

LC Italy Visit November 07 Seetha

LC Germany MTM January 08 Kathleen

LC Israel MTM January 08 Else

LC Belgium LCI Day February 08 Kathleen

LC Luxembourg LCI Day February 08 Kathleen

RTBI Presidential Ball February 08 Kathleen

LC Denmark BM3 March 08 Else


Wherever we went whether on an official or unofficial visit we were made to feel VERY welcome and treated like Royalty. Thank you to all who have hosted us so far. We look forward to our forthcoming LCI Visits.

May I also take this opportunity to remind you to download the ‘LCILCI TRAVEL TRAVEL TROPHYTROPHY ‘ form from the Website and complete it as and when you take trips. This form together with photos of your trips must be with the Secretary by:

15 July 2008

and the winner will be announced in Aberdeen.


‘‘Pins, Jewels, Banners & Gifts Pins, Jewels, Banners & Gifts bought’bought’

Our IPP and Extension Officer Tracey,



has been in constant touch with countries to offer assistance and guidance were needed.

Full Member CountriesFull Member Countries

LC Switzerland and LC Hong Kong are struggling with their numbers however we have been informed that the former have recently managed to attract some potential ladies.

We were pleased to see that LC Romania were back in numbers during the MTM in Bremen.

http://www.ladiescirclehk.com/index.php


Associate Member CountriesAssociate Member Countries

We have two Associate Member Countries – LC Luxembourg & LC Morocco - who will be working towards Full Membership.

Godmothers LC Cyprus tried very hard to bring LC Greece back on board and even visited them last year however we have very little communication with them. RTI have offered to be of assistance.LC Kenya and LC Sri Lanka have had political unrest in their

countries and therefore LC is on hold at the moment in these countries.

Other Associate member countries are trying hard to increase their numbers to set up more Circles.


Potential Member CountriesPotential Member Countries

As for venturing towards new countries, LC Germany have accepted to be godmothers to LC New Zealand who hope to come forward with their Aims and Objectives in Aberdeen.

LC France have accepted to act as godmothers to LC Mauritius who are in the initial stages of formation.

We wish them the best of luck and look forward to adding two new countries to our fold!


We have had a total of 12 New Clubs Chartered so far, the first being LC 66 Weiden, Germany where Linda and I were present.

September 07 LC 66 Weiden Germany

LC 5 Gauteng South Africa

November 07 LC 56 Leiden

The Netherlands

LC 55 Marseille France

LC 42 Marche en Famenne Belgium

December 07 LC 3 Rabat Morocco

February 08 Terra Nova Sweden

Mysore 2 Circles India

March 08 LC 55 Boden Sweden

IJssellinkThe Netherlands

LC 56 Lüneburg Germany

Well Done girls and may all the new Circlers enjoy every minute of their

Circling life.


‘‘Side by Side is importantSide by Side is importantJust stop and think for a Just stop and think for a moment’moment’



I left Estonia and flew directly to Cyprus where the Round Table International (RTI) AGM was being held. I was replacing our Outgoing President Tracey. Throughout my stay in Cyprus I was made to feel very welcome by one and all and basically have not looked back since. The communication with RTI is very strong and we are trying to assist each other mostly were we face communication stumbling blocks in particular countries. Greetings for various meetings have also been exchanged, whilst we have even featured in their monthly newsletter.


I have also been invited to join the Club 41 International AGM due to be held at the end of April and there I shall be meeting with representatives from International Boards of Agora, Round Table and of course, Club 41. Agora and Club 41 have invited me to write in their Newsletters too. These are still to be issued. We have also introduced links on each others websites to each others websites.

On a private visit, I attended and addressed the Round Table Britain & Ireland Councillors Meeting and Presidential Ball which was held in Glasgow in February.


‘‘What a Colourful world we live inWhat a Colourful world we live inWorking so misfortunes won’t give Working so misfortunes won’t give in.in.Every Service Project,Every Service Project,Gets us on a High,’Gets us on a High,’


In Estonia LC GB&I won the bid for the LC International Service Project 2007/2009. Chrissy Wright was appointed Project Co-ordinator and is working very hard to get the project off its feet. One must understand that this project is still in its initial stages and therefore a number of hurdles need to be overcome before works can start.


As you are all aware the idea is to build toilet blocks in schools in India due to lack of Sanitary facilities. Chrissy has travelled to India with her family and has returned oozing with enthusiasm. So far she has managed to obtain clearance for the first transfer of funds to be sent therefore blocks may start being built. A number of countries are working hard towards raising funds. I must point out that LC Norway have bought the highest number of ‘CCoolloouurrffuull Pins’, LC Denmark are still collecting used stamps from Circlers all over, whilst Circles around LC GB&I have organised curry nights and numerous other fundraising activities – all towards the SARIS Project.

Keep it up and may everyone join the bandwagon.


The LCI Board have also pledged to build a toilet block – ‘The Miss Sophie Toilet Block’ – which will be decorated with CCoolloouurrffuull walls! Each Board Member is doing her utmost to raise funds. So far, Tracey has made Marmalade and other home made delicacies whilst I have made Mince Pies. Both of us have sold these items to Circlers in our areas and friends to raise the sum required. The other Board members are in the progress of coming up with an idea to raise their share.


The aim is to build 100 toilet blocks. I am proud to say that GIRLS we are:

of the way. Keep collecting and donating. Don’t forget that money is to be sent to the Charity Account as appears in Page 4 of the Directory. If you want to appear on the LCI ticker this year make sure your donations are in by JUNE.

Go on CCoolloouurrffuull Circlers all over the World –

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!!!!!!!


‘‘And it keeps us goingAnd it keeps us goingThrough the wind and rain.Through the wind and rain.

Sha la la lala lalala. . .Sha la la lala lalala. . .Circle the World with ColourCircle the World with Colour’’

I’ve tried to tell you everything


in the shortest possible way but as you can see that is virtually impossible there is just so much going on. Tracey, Seetha, Linda, Christina and I will keep on working together ‘Hand in Hand’ as the ‘CCoolloouurrffuull Team’ with the assistance of Else on the Web. We can assure you that all the work we carry out is always in the best interests of

LCI and the future of this marvellous Association.


I hope you’ve read through this report carefully so that by the time we ‘Meet and Greet’ you in Aberdeen you will know the ‘Circle the World with Colour’ song off by heart !!! With lots of surprises in store:

‘‘We’re going to Dance and maybe SingWe’re going to Dance and maybe SingMost Certainly though, We Shall Swing,Most Certainly though, We Shall Swing,Whilst we perform ‘Our Highland Fling’Whilst we perform ‘Our Highland Fling’

Never Forget in August it will be Never Forget in August it will be THETHE thing. thing.


See you soon girls and don’t forget you may not be allowed into the country without your Colourful Colourful CharactersCharacters,, ColourfulColourful Evening Evening DressDress and ColourfulColourful ExcitingExciting HatHat packed in your suitcases

I’ve made friends with the ‘Men in Kilts’ remember?


Through the Brightness Through the Brightness of Colour,of Colour, the Electricity of thethe Electricity of the Flamenco Dancer and Flamenco Dancer and

the Energy the Energy and Passionand Passion of eachof each and every one or you let’s:and every one or you let’s:

Yours in CCoolloouurrffuull friendship

Kathleen A FlynnLCI President 2007/2008

Malta, 25 March 2008 Half Yearly Report 2007/2008 Dearest Circlers all over the World ‘After Some...

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