GREETINGS TO ALL:
We trust all had a wonderful holiday despite the weather. We should be ready for the start of another interesting and enjoyable year starting with our
FEBRUARY MEETING:
DATE: Sunday 26 FEBRUARY 2012
TIME: 12:30 P.M.
VENUE: ROTORUA ARTS CENTRE (RAVE)
1240 Hinemaru Street
Our Guest Speaker Su Ellis is back with us again. Su, Chris and her young family lived in Hubei province in Jingmen, Zhongxiang and Wenquan/Xianning – all relatively small cities, then moved to Tianjin for a few years and finally to Tianshui in Gansu Province spanning from 1998 to early 2008. They went to China to teach English as a second language at numerous schools and universities, in some cases they were the first foreign teachers in those schools. They also ran an educational organisation, “One World Development Consultancy,” through which they introduced over 100 international teachers to Chinese schools and universities, training both international and Chinese teachers, as well as running regular provincial professional development conferences. China is in their blood and their eldest son is studying law at Wuhan University. After returning to New Zealand Su continues to serve the Chinese community in New Zealand by teaching English to recent immigrants.
This time we will have a projector so Su can share her photos and more of her interesting experiences while being immersed in the Chinese culture for 10 years. Those who missed her presentation last year are in for an interesting session.
Everyone is welcome so bring along a friend and enjoy an interesting afternoon. Remember we have our social shared lunch before the guest speaker.
COMING MEETINGS
Our March meeting will be held a week early, 18 March. This is to accommodate Eric Livingston, the National President of the China Friendship Soc., who wanted to visit our branch. Eric will speak on Tibet, a very topical subject at the moment. I am sure we are all looking forward to having Eric. I am sure if anyone has any questions regarding the National Body he would be happy to answer them as well. That brings us up to April when we hold our AGM. If you have any recommendations of an interesting speaker or other options for our meetings your contribution would be most appreciated.
NATIONAL EVENTS
This year the China Friendship Soc. turns 60, that is quite young isn’t it !! So many special things will be happening to celebrate this occasion. First I have received in the mail 100 Raffle tickets (5 books of 20 tickets) each ticket costs $ 5. The prizes are: 1st prize – 2 return airfares to China – Air New Zealand Economy with domestic connections within N.Z included. 2nd prize a set of 8 Stoneline pots & frying pan; 3rd prize a hand painted Chinese scroll. If you wish to buy a ticket or would like a book of 20 tickets to sell please contact me. Brenda ph 3325731 or e-mail [email protected]. We keep $1 for every ticket sold the rest goes to the National Executive.
A 60th Celebratory Banquet will be held at the Grand Century Chinese Restaurant, Tory Street, Wellington on Friday 24 February 2012. This is the night before the next National Executive meeting. The cost is $ 30. per person and it is a BYO for those wanting drinks. Please let Bernie Richmond <[email protected]> know if you are going to be in Wellington and wish to attend this occasion.
Eric also has informed us that the new President of Youxie, Madam Li Xiaolin will be attending the special Anniversary Conference being held late May in Auckland.
There is a special 60th Celebratory Tour to China in September. More information regarding this tour will be announced later. If interested feel free to contact the Tours Committee through the website.
Regards
Committee
