Greetings

Happy Autumn! I hope everyone had a great Summer albeit a bit cold and rainy any many places. 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. This summer we had the very successful Cultural Exchange programme organised and run by our amazing Amanda Drollinger assisted by the awesome Nancy Lynner and the fabulous MaryJo Bone-Caselton. This programme which gives the young people of our FAWCO members all over the world, the opportunity to travel to a different country and experience that country’s culture. This year it was Scotland. Fifteen young people including my daughter, the incredible, Miss Molly, had the opportunity to not only explore Edinburgh but to travel up to the Highlands and stay at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, https://visitdundreggan.co.uk/ which was amazing, and learn the hows and whys of repopulating the Highland (Who knew that was an issue?). There were some wonderful activities including a trip on Loch Ness to try to spot Nessie, a visit to Urquhart Castle, a visit to Fort Augustus and more. A fabulous highland adventure. The cultural exchanges are available to the children of our members so please keep your eyes open for the next opportunity for your children or grandchildren.

July was filled with the Olympics in Paris and a plethora of medals for the US and the UK. A changeover in government for the UK, a very big event that may affect our day to day lives. Civil unrest because of a terrible incident in England and potentially finding its way here. 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 again 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 will the Autumn bring? We continue to have civil unrest in America and as we head to the polls it is getting even more tense and dare I say scary. Whatever happens I do hope you cast your vote, if not for you then for the friends and family who continue to live day to day life.

The airlines didn’t seem to struggle as much this year and hopefully they continue on a positive route as we begin to prepare for trips back to the US for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This summer 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. https://chat.whatsapp.com/IwybygeSpouH2lTwrrUv40

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 Regency Ball happened this past June and it was awesome!! Hope you can attend next year’s which will be in Birkhill Castle in Cupar https://www.birkhillcastle.com/ and www.stirlingregencyball.com the castle rooms are already sold out!

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 Kiltwalk in coming up soon, please please donate, we are looking to donate to our selected charity Food Train. Please read more in our Charity section.

We have a change on the board. Candace Silvera has stepped down as FAWCO representative and has handed over the reins to Dr Nash. We thank Candace for a fabulous season of representing us with FAWCO and we’re happy that she remains a much valued part of our club. We welcome Dr Nash and look forward to working with her.

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)