Cyprus 2005
Early in September, more than 180 Members and guests gathered on Aphrodite’s Isle, basking in Mediterranean sunshine and enjoying warm Cypriot hospitality. Members from countries were greeted by Girl Guides of Cyprus, who had worked extremely hard to make this yet another memorable annual meeting of OB-PS.
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Members and guests heard of WAGGGS progress as the Association enters a new triennium with its exciting new public face “Girls Worldwide say….” and considered new ways of individual giving, in support of WAGGGS, which is the fundamental purpose of the Society.
The keynote speaker, Jennifer Chiwela from Zambia spoke eloquently and movingly of the struggle of young people, particularly women, in the whole African continent. Jennifer, a former OB-PS Board member, brought home to each person that every individual present could make an enormous difference to the lives of young women and girls worldwide.
The Law Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Koursoumba, also addressed the meeting regarding the challenges faced by Cypriot women in the implementation of equal rights legislation.
The Presidential term of Anne Scott, from Australia, drew to its conclusion at this time and many tributes were made regarding her global expeditions and hard work in recruitment of new members. In recognition of Anne’s outstanding contribution, the Board of directors elected to name a recently established Fund in her honour. Anne’s farewell luncheon was suitably accompanied by colourful majorettes from the Cypriot Guide Association with music, humour and warm words of appreciation from directors and members for all her hard work.
We were happy to welcome as our new President, Charlotte Christ-Weber from Switzerland, who brings to her role a wealth of WAGGGS experience and many years of enthusiastic membership of OB-PS. The members’ meeting was delighted to also be addressed by former Secretary General, Eileen Burbidge who, whilst recognising the achievements of the past, stressed the importance of change and moving with confidence into the future.
Sixteen new members of the Society received their insignia from our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte, at a
starlit ceremony in the gardens of the Presidential Palace, through the generous patronage of the spouse of the President of Cyprus, Mrs Fotini Papadopolo. This was followed by the members’ dinner at a hotel in Lefkosia with charming entertainment by young Cypriot folk dancers.
Princess Benedikte participated actively throughout the meeting, taking keen interest in all Board meetings and also in the various activities, extending a warm and gracious welcome to everyone she met.
Tours of many fascinating venues of archaeological and culturally significant sites took place, which were greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all participants, as was the golf tournament.
For all those who attended this event, the rich history and tragic events of more recent decades were highlighted through various illustrations composed of poetry, dance and reflections led by Girl Guides Association of Cyprus to whom the Society owes a debt of gratitude and to whom every member and guest must extend sincere thanks for all courtesy, humour and efficiency in every aspect of their visit.
Home hospitality and further tours of the island were also enjoyed by many participants after the event had concluded at Aphrodite Hills. Members and their guests left Cyprus happily anticipating the Indian experience in Mumbai and Pune the following September.
Members and guests heard of WAGGGS progress as the Association enters a new triennium with its exciting new public face “Girls Worldwide say….” and considered new ways of individual giving, in support of WAGGGS, which is the fundamental purpose of the Society. The keynote speaker, Jennifer Chiwela from Zambia spoke eloquently and movingly of the struggle of young people, particularly women, in the whole African continent. Jennifer, a former OB-PS Board member, brought home to each person that every individual present could make an enormous difference to the lives of young women and girls worldwide.
The Law Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Koursoumba, also addressed the meeting regarding the challenges faced by Cypriot women in the implementation of equal rights legislation.
The Presidential term of Anne Scott, from Australia, drew to its conclusion at this time and many tributes were made regarding her global expeditions and hard work in recruitment of new members. In recognition of Anne’s outstanding contribution, the Board of directors elected to name a recently established Fund in her honour. Anne’s farewell luncheon was suitably accompanied by colourful majorettes from the Cypriot Guide Association with music, humour and warm words of appreciation from directors and members for all her hard work.
We were happy to welcome as our new President, Charlotte Christ-Weber from Switzerland, who brings to her role a wealth of WAGGGS experience and many years of enthusiastic membership of OB-PS. The members’ meeting was delighted to also be addressed by former Secretary General, Eileen Burbidge who, whilst recognising the achievements of the past, stressed the importance of change and moving with confidence into the future.
Sixteen new members of the Society received their insignia from our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte, at a
starlit ceremony in the gardens of the Presidential Palace, through the generous patronage of the spouse of the President of Cyprus, Mrs Fotini Papadopolo. This was followed by the members’ dinner at a hotel in Lefkosia with charming entertainment by young Cypriot folk dancers. Princess Benedikte participated actively throughout the meeting, taking keen interest in all Board meetings and also in the various activities, extending a warm and gracious welcome to everyone she met.
Tours of many fascinating venues of archaeological and culturally significant sites took place, which were greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all participants, as was the golf tournament.
For all those who attended this event, the rich history and tragic events of more recent decades were highlighted through various illustrations composed of poetry, dance and reflections led by Girl Guides Association of Cyprus to whom the Society owes a debt of gratitude and to whom every member and guest must extend sincere thanks for all courtesy, humour and efficiency in every aspect of their visit. Home hospitality and further tours of the island were also enjoyed by many participants after the event had concluded at Aphrodite Hills. Members and their guests left Cyprus happily anticipating the Indian experience in Mumbai and Pune the following September.