History of the BWA
Early records of the BWA have been lost, so we cannot be sure of the year when the BWA was founded. We know that by 1978 there was an flourishing group which sounds very like our current organisation - they held regular meetings and talks, worked with local communities and had an active social scene. The membership included mothers and aunts of some of our current members!
We have continuous written records in the form of our newsletters dating from 1988. That year, the directory listed 141 members. The BWA held monthly meetings at the Mandarin, had English Speaking coffee mornings, new members coffee mornings and events including a Garden Fete at the British Embassy Residence (entrance fee PHP20!), a Fashion Show, Summer Ball, Halloween Party, Christmas Lunch (at the Manila Club, priced at PHP200) and New Year's Eve Party. There were also day trips to the Chinese Cemetery and a member wrote about a visit to China. Other activities organised by apparently tireless members included Bridge, Mahjong, Riding, Calligraphy, Toddlers, Sewing, Copper Toolings, Cooking, Badminton, Aerobics, Art, Golf, a Book Stall, British Brownies, Guides, Cubs and hiring crockery for events.
Work with the community has always been a commitment. Early charities mentioned include two Cheshire Homes - Sinag Tala in Cubao and JP Rizal; Elsie Gatches Home in Alabang and Holy Trinity Clinic. Mother Teresa's and Concordia (who we still support today) appear in our records in 1993, followed by Kanlungan in 1995, Mango, Cashew and Papaya in 2001 and Shalom and Little Sisters around 2004.
We have continuous written records in the form of our newsletters dating from 1988. That year, the directory listed 141 members. The BWA held monthly meetings at the Mandarin, had English Speaking coffee mornings, new members coffee mornings and events including a Garden Fete at the British Embassy Residence (entrance fee PHP20!), a Fashion Show, Summer Ball, Halloween Party, Christmas Lunch (at the Manila Club, priced at PHP200) and New Year's Eve Party. There were also day trips to the Chinese Cemetery and a member wrote about a visit to China. Other activities organised by apparently tireless members included Bridge, Mahjong, Riding, Calligraphy, Toddlers, Sewing, Copper Toolings, Cooking, Badminton, Aerobics, Art, Golf, a Book Stall, British Brownies, Guides, Cubs and hiring crockery for events.
Work with the community has always been a commitment. Early charities mentioned include two Cheshire Homes - Sinag Tala in Cubao and JP Rizal; Elsie Gatches Home in Alabang and Holy Trinity Clinic. Mother Teresa's and Concordia (who we still support today) appear in our records in 1993, followed by Kanlungan in 1995, Mango, Cashew and Papaya in 2001 and Shalom and Little Sisters around 2004.
With many thanks to Fiona Malca (former BWA Secretary 2010-14 and Joint President 2016-16) for both preserving and trawling through nearly 30 years of newsletters and minutes and picking the brains of our longest standing and many former members; and to Sarah McLeod for her vast archive of photos!
If any of this rings a bell and you have stories to tell us of your time in the BWA, please do get in touch!
If any of this rings a bell and you have stories to tell us of your time in the BWA, please do get in touch!
Past Presidents
The BWA exists because of the enthusiastic participation of our members and the efforts of our volunteer committee members. We don't have room here to credit everyone, but we have compiled a list of past presidents and our amazing Honorary and Lifetime members.
2000's2016 & 2017 Sharon Horsman
2015 Kitty Martinho and Fiona Malca 2014 Kitty Martinho 2012 & 2013 Anne Paterson 2010 & 2011 Sandy Perrin 2008 & 2009 Diane Ross 2006 & 2007 Linda Boyd 2005 Sarah McLeod and Celia Howe 2004 Joe Spenceley (replaced by Sarah McLeod) 2003 Betty Key (replaced by Anne Haslam) 2001 & 2003 Sarah McLeod 2000 Karen Peach |
1990's & late 1980's1999 Jane Wallace
1998 Cathy Bell and Jane Wallace 1997 Anne Hawkins and Carly Duncan / Cathy Bell (from June) 1996 Anne Hawkins 1995 Sandie Pearce 1994 Paulene Emett 1993 Lilian Barclay 1992 Angela Poustie 1991 Wendy Wood 1989 & 1990 Sue O'Neill 1988 Carol Stow 1987 Jeanne Barton |
Honorary and Life Members
Honorary Membership is awarded by the BWA Board for exceptional service.
Life Membership is awarded to those who have been members for 25 years (or more).
Life Membership is awarded to those who have been members for 25 years (or more).
Ann Aspinall, MBE - Former Patron and Honorary Life Member
Jenny Wallum, MBE - Honorary Member
Anne Haslam - Life Member
Anne Hawkins - Life Member
Barbara Suzuki - Life Member
Binne Gooding - Honorary Member
Mavis Orton - Honorary Member
Mila Meyer - Associate Honorary Member
Jenny Wallum, MBE - Honorary Member
Anne Haslam - Life Member
Anne Hawkins - Life Member
Barbara Suzuki - Life Member
Binne Gooding - Honorary Member
Mavis Orton - Honorary Member
Mila Meyer - Associate Honorary Member