Greetings

Happy Autumn! I hope everyone had a great Summer. For some, a time of rest and relaxation, for some a time of travel and holiday making and still for others it was work as usual. Whatever your situation, I’m so glad you continue to be a member of this wonderful family. We’d (That’s the royal we) like to thank our Honorary President Vicki Ting, from the US consulate, her husband Branden and fur babies, Chewy and Moose, for another year of being there for us. Also, a big welcome to all our new members, we are so glad you’ve joined us, and we’re pleased to add your voice to ours.

What a summer, it was hot, wait, actually it was a lot cooler than I thought it would be. Still, it did rain and that is a weather condition you can always depend on in Scotland. We have seen quite a bit of political turmoil in the US and here in Scotland and still we persist. It can be both a relief and a frustration that we aren’t in America when our country is in such a state. I don’t know about you but sometimes I feel like I have survivors’ guilt for escaping when I did. Whatever people say about Scotland, we don’t have guns everywhere, I feel safe sending my children off to school, we have free healthcare, our children go to university for free (mine do) and much more. No, we don’t have a Popeye’s…yes! Yes we do, opening soon in Glasgow. As I was saying, I’m sure you miss many different food and condiment items but for me the pros most certainly outweigh the cons.

The airlines struggled but were much better than last year despite long lines and lost luggage. We visited the states, Australia, Europe and many more exotic and faraway places. We’d love to know where you’ve been. Send us an email or join our WhatsApp group and share your adventures.

Some of us travelled but some of us stayed home and some have health issues that might prevent them from travelling. We sustain and maintain because we have to. If you would like a visit from one of our members, let us know. Please don’t struggle alone, we are here and if there is anything we can do to help, we will.

It is now September, where did the year go?  My Bridgerton Ball happened this past July and it was awesome!! Hope you can attend next year’s. Now that Summer has officially ended, we are back to our monthly events. Coffee mornings, birthday bashes, museum visits and our potluck where we focus on a particular cuisine, have started again and we are looking forward to the company of everyone who has the opportunity to join us. Other activities such as book clubs, walking events and meet and greets are also on the table. If you would like to sponsor some event in your area, please do let us know, you might be surprised at the numbers who want the same thing. We want to hear from you as well, get in touch and if you want to start a group or just meet up for drinks after work, please do let us know. We’re still looking to expand our group to include Perth, St. Andrews, Fife, they are all a part of our region so please if you meet someone from that area tell them about us.

As all of you should know, hopefully, the weekend of October 6^th we are hosting the FAWCO region 1 conference. FAWCO (Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas) is our worldwide organisation, and it includes so much, you will have to check it out yourself. It will be held in Stirling because I am not only president here but also Region 1 Coordinator which includes all of the UK and Ireland. It is a great opportunity to meet other members of the club and also some international members.

Finally, thank you all for being you and for all that you do to support us as a group family. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in the coming months, in one activity or the other.

Best wishes,

Cynthia (The Baroness)