The American
Thames Valley American Women’s Club
ORGANIZATION FOCUS
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f you are interested in forming new friendships, the Thames Valley American Women’s Club would like to welcome you. The TVAWC is an informal social club, open to all women in the area who are North American, or who have close ties to the USA or Canada. The club offers friendship and support, and suggests local resources to expat families living in the Thames Valley. Every Tuesday, the club meets for a walk, activity, luncheon or book club. Holidays such as Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are also celebrated. “If you have recently moved to the Berkshire area, this club is for you. It is important to form new friendships when you are away from home. I moved to Wokingham after living in Dubai for three years, and was thrilled to meet the TVAWC members. Because our club is small
(around 30 members), we all know each other pretty well. You don’t have to feel intimidated about walking into a large room of people where you don’t know anyone,” says Claire Mangers-Page, president of the club. By joining the club, members have the opportunity to explore the beautiful area of Berkshire. Sometimes there is a walk at a National Trust property, followed by a coffee or tea, and a chance to relax and chat. The book club meetings take place in the homes of members. Luncheons might be in restaurants in Henley-on-Thames, Windsor, Eton, or Marlow, for example. Activities might take place in a museum, at a winery or a garden centre. Families are also included in some events, such as the Halloween party, which is fun for the kids. In the evenings, there may be a Bunco party in
a member’s home, or a pub dinner, including husbands and partners. “We are always open to new ideas and new places to meet. We have done Nordic walking at Cliveden with an instructor, toured Hampton Court Palace, painted pottery, learned about plants at Wyevale Garden Centre, and enjoyed afternoon tea and some fabulous meals. We even saw Her Majesty The Queen in her carriage on the first day of Ascot, as she traveled through Windsor Great Park,” Claire says. The dynamic and inclusive TVAWC is a non-profit organization with no religious or political affiliation, and meets primarily to socialize and help one another. The group is diverse, with members of all age groups, backgrounds and interests. For more information on the club and membership, please visit the website, www.tvawc.com
Members of the TVAWC enjoy a walk in The Royal Landscape at Windsor Great Park, a thousand acres of landscaped gardens, lakes and woodland. Pictured in front of the totem pole are (from left): Claire, Marie, Colleen, Ashley, Trish and Patricia.