Cambodian Society
in the United Kingdom

Dear Casunik members and friends,

I would like to inform you that my fifth year as the president of the society is coming to an end. The Annual General Meeting for election for a new Executive Committee will be held on Saturday 28th September from 2pm at Amaravati Monastery after the Pchum Ben Ceremony.

I am delighted to enclose a report of the main activities so far from September 2012 - August 2013:

• Saturday 15th December 2012: Xmas Pty (Children Party) at the VLC Community Centre, Hackney
• Saturday 13th April 2013: Chaul Chhnam (Khmer New Year) Celebration at the VLC Community Centre, Hackney
• Sunday 16th June 2013: International Bonn Phka Samaki fund raising event for Chithurst Monastery, Nr. Petersfield
• Home visit to senior members and the members who are in relationship difficulties/crisis, trauma, mental health needs.
• Saturday 28th September Pchum Ben Ceremony will be held at Amaravati Monastery, Nr. Hemel Hempstead.

I very much appreciate the generous and unstinting supports from:

• The executive committee members and the community members
• The senior members and Religious Team
• The VLC executive committee members
• The Royal Embassy of Cambodia and all staff members
• The Students Association and all its team members
• The music/DJ entertainment team
• The traditional/Popular Dancing team
• The director of the traditional Chhayam dance group
• The stage decoration team
• The catering team, all helpers and friends of the community

Future events:

• Kathina International on Sunday 20th October 2013 at Chithurst Monastery, Nr. Petersfield.
• Xmas party on Saturday 7th December 2013 at the VLC Centre
• The Khmer New Year (Chaul Chhnam) on 12th April 2014

Our aims for year 2014:

Due to the huge success of the Khmer traditional dance CHHAYAM, Khmer Traditional musical instruments performed at the Khmer New year 2013, we therefore would like to encourage community members, parents and children alike to come along to learn and participate for next 2014 Khmer New year celebration. Please make enquiry with our art director as soon as possible.

• Supporting Health Project and Speakeasy Project (subject to funding availability)
• Suggestion of a Trip to Cambodia via Hanoi City (for two and half weeks from end of February 2014, details and exact date will be confirmed). Please see below for suggested date and itinerary of this trip
• The Khmer arts and food exhibition: in July (Date and venue to be confirmed). For all who would like to participate and to display their food specialties, arts crafts etc. Please provisionally reserve your place ahead. Places are limited.

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, 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