Cambodian Society
in the United Kingdom

Christmas Party Saturday 12th December 2009:

Despite the cold winter, there were good numbers around 120 people turned up, mostly children, teenagers, students group, and a few seniors.

It was a successful night with the outstanding performing act of Santa Claus by Mr Mark Blomfield with assistance Mrs Dinal , Miss Sinoun, Miss Chantrea Blomfield. The party presenter and raffles draw was leaded by Mr Dara Sok (the Head of students Association group), excellent Music DJ entertainment was leaded by Mr Sorel Nou.

Khmer New Year Celebration Saturday 17th April 2010:

• The Buddhist ceremony was conducted by Mr Tan Nam by request of five Precepts.
• Chanting blessing by Ajahn Karuniko and accompanied by 4 other Sangha members of the Sagha community from Chithurst Monastery.
• Offering of Alms food to the Sangha.
• Buffet lunch for all community members and guests
• The cultural show started from 2pm presented by Dara and Lisa (Students group)
• Traditional dances&Popular dances performed by our Mr Kakada Pich, Mrs Dinal , Miss Sinoun, Miss Chantrea Bloomfield, and Miss Kunthea (guest invited from Belgium) .
• Two songs performed by Miss Daniele Owen (Vocalist).
• Ayai (Khmer traditional Rap) and Chat Show: by Mrs Dinal Bloomfield and Mr Dara Sok
• Live Music Entertainment Performed by Choch in the afternoon after the show and early evening:
  • Mr Sam Ruos Music Director (Bass Guitar)
  • Mr Gordon Hulbert (Keyboard-Electric Drum)
  • Mr John Bourchier (Guitarist Solo)
  • Mr Hamis Ismael (Saxophone)
  • Mr Martin Kingston (Electric Cello)
  • Miss Anita Kelsey (Vocalist)
  • Miss Van Kingston (Vocalist)
  • Mr Dayanny So (Vocalist)
• Evening Dancing:
  • Disco Dance and RamVong to the music of DJ Sorel Nou and Paul Steward.
• All Supporting teams are:
  • Mr MrsTan Chea for gift Monks Packs
  • Mr Bou Mea Day General Manager
  • Mr Moeng Phok Evening General Manager
  • Mr Mrs Tek, Raksmey Ung Reception & and Stage assistance
  • Mr Kim (student), Mr Dara Mrs Manet Ly: Evening Reception and sales Raffles Tickets
  • Miss Pranee Nou, Mr Habib Rahman, Miss Lyria Eastley, Mr Thy Hy,Mr Rith Crea: General Assistance .
  • Mrs Rithy Pich Costume Assistance
  • Mrs Muy Eng Toeuk, Mrs Soly Jenkison, Mrs Chandy Parnell: Catering Assistants
  • Stage and Hall Decoration team by: Mrs Sobopha Owen, Mr Dara Sok together with 4 other students, Mr Sam Ruos, Mr Thy Hy.
  • Photographer: Mr Moeng Phok, Mr Simon Brewer and Mr Sudarin Unn www.Picasaweb.Com/Sunn49/KhmerNewYearCelebration.UK

We are honoured by the numbers of guests from the UK and abroad, including all staff members from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, the VLC management team members, all seniors members, old guest members turned up, and many old and new friends of the community approximately 250 people during the day and 150 at the evening gathering.

To support this event the VLC Centre has kindly donated 1000.00GBP.This is much appreciated.

The Royal Embassy of Cambodia has sponsored the live Music to cover cost of 700.00GBP which donated directly to the band.

We had once again another successful event:

We are very touched, despite the world economy crisis by everyone’s effort and the time in taking part, to help to celebrate the only one Special day of the year, highlighting the Union of a big Family.

• International Vesak Celebration at Chithurst Monastery dated 30th May 2010.
• International Bonn Phka Samaki fund raising event for Chithurst Monastery on 20th June 2010. Donation received approximately 7000.00 GBP was forwarded to the temple by Mr David Glendining (organiser) and the international team.

Future events:

• Pchum Ben Ceremony will be on Saturday 2nd October 2010 at Amaravati Monastery.
• Kathina International will be on Sunday 7th November 2010 at Chithurst Monastery.

To ensure the availability of future venue, I have also made provisional advance bookings at the VLC Centre ahead of the election of the new executive committee (on 2nd October 2010) as follows:

• The Xmas Party: Saturday 11th December 2010.
• The Khmer New Year (Chaul Chhnam): Saturday 16th April 2011.

I am fortunate to be able to make a few visits: to the seniors citizens, newly arrivals to the UK who are in need of general advice and some who are in distress of family matters.

I would like to express my gratitude to you all for another successful year.
Your continued support and help to our community are in line with the common aim of the Society, i.e. striving to work for the benefit of all Cambodians in the UK thereby ensuring a positive image of Cambodia internationally.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs Sobopha Owen

President of Cambodian Society in the UK