celebrate
celebrating and experiencing a diverse range of cultures
Fiwal organises several events of its own to provide a forum for its members. As well as the prestigious Biennial Conference covering current issues, we offer Seasonal Gala fund-raising events, often held jointly with Diplomatic missions.
The Biennial Spring lunch with distinguished speakers is held on alternate years to the Conference, with the next lunch taking place on Tuesday 14th May 2024. See the flyer below for booking information and to secure your ticket please email: events@fiwal.org.uk
FIWAL post AGM Summer Tea Experience, 11th June 2024
See the flyer below for booking information, and to secure your ticket please email:
President’s monthly update
May 2024
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends “ - Maya Angelou
As we enter May and the weather improves, we will inevitably start to discuss travel plans for the summer. I have always enjoyed travelling especially exploring unknown places and discovering new cultures so I am very excited to hear Jacki Hill-Murphy speak at the FIWAL Spring Lunch on 14th May. She will share stories of the 10 women explorers whose footsteps she has followed and inspire us with tales of their adventures!
“I love pushing myself to the limit, allowing my senses to come alive, letting go of home and mundane worries along with all my cultural moorings; feeling the sense of freedom beyond the duration; and going home with a better understanding of the planet and the people who populate it.” - Jacki Hill-Murphy
The lunch will be held at The RAC, one of the iconic private members clubs in London which occupies a site of nearly one acre. There are still a few places left for the lunch, so if you have not booked then please do so now as bookings close on 8th May. To book email: events@fiwal.org.uk.
It was good to see everyone who attended the Fireside Chat Zoom meeting on 16th April. We covered lots of topics and I am pleased to report that we have started work on the Resource List - a big thank you to Ying and Lynn for the work undertaken thus far.
As always, the Ukrainian Cultural Association’s concert on 23rd April at The Marylebone Theatre was a memorable occasion and it was wonderful to see a group from the Japanese Women’s Association attending and supporting the event. The concert featured some exceptionally talented musicians, but I must mention Sofiia Matviienko who was the solo flute player - I could have listened to her all night! This month there are lots of exciting events planned with a some impressive speakers - the Countess of Carnarvon at AWBS and Duchess of York at KCWC.
Looking ahead, we have the FIWAL Annual General Meeting for all Member Reps on the 11th June in the beautiful library at the University Women’s Club. The venue is iconic as it is a private members club that was founded in 1883 by the first female graduates. At the time, gentlemen's clubs in London did not accept women so its formation was intended to provide an equivalent club that was accessible to women. By its own definition, it is a club for "graduate and professional women of varied backgrounds and interests". The AGM will be followed by an Afternoon Summer Tea in the Drawing Room, which is decorated with beautiful hand painted walls in a Chinoiserie design, by artist Lucy Makin. This event will be open to all FIWAL members. We are planning a very special afternoon with entertainment. We will be celebrating the appointment of FIWAL’s new President, Ameeta Sabharwal… so do not miss it! See full details below.
And finally, huge congratulations to a FIWAL Past President, Haifa Al Kaylani, on her OBE.
Warm wishes,
Zehan Albakri