Global Gathering Exeter

Wednesday, 4 January 2012

New home for Global Gathering in late February 2012

Dear friends
We have a had a fun filled 10 years meeting in my home, but after the Febrary half term we plan to join forces with the Information Cafe hosted by Belmont Church. There should be lots of space for children to play, many of the old familiar faces to chat to, and a brilliant mixed programme of experiences to share, with cooking and crafts too. There will be lots of chances to practice English. Look here for more information - We meet at Belmont on Thursday 23rd February for the first time, at the new time of 9.30am til 11.30am. We will be making pancakes. I look forward to seeing you there. Keep in touch
Biddy Walton

Saturday, 30 July 2011

Autumn term

Here is our programme of events for the Autumn term:

29 September - welcome and cooking a picnic slice with Rosemary

6 October - Conversation starters - how to make conversation with British women. What are 'safe and easy' topics to talk about?e.g.outside school at pickup time.

13 October - Making cards with traditional english pressed flowers

20 October - Children's birthday parties. Share how you celebrate in your country and discover how to cope with them in England.

27 October - no meeting - half term

3 November - Share cooking from your country. Do you have a recipe you could show us?

10 November - Understanding the NHS, how to access it and what medicines you are allowed to buy in the UK.

17 November - Traditional costumes. Do you have traditional clothing you could bring and explain to us, or show us photos from your country and culture?

24 November - A chance to make a Christmas table decoration and learn what makes Christmas truly special.

More about us

Hosted by Biddy Walton with the support of the some great friends, the Global Gathering has been meeting in Exeter since Autumn 2001.

We have been joined by women from all around the world including: Chile, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy, Russia,Iraq, Austria, Korea, Singapore, USA, Libya, Indonesia, Jordan, Hong Kong, Syria, Bulgaria, Singapore, Poland, Malaysia, China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, Iran, Palestine, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, India, Mongolia, Vietnam oh and Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England too.

Questions and Answers

Do I have to speak good English?
No, we hope that you will feel welcome even if you have little or no English. Many of our meetings are arranged so that you can join in cooking or craft work. We aim to speak slowly so you can practice and gain confidence.
Where do you meet?
We meet in a family home near to the University in Exeter, Devon. Contact us for details on how to find us.
When do you meet?
We meet on Thursdays, you are welcome to drop in from 10am to 12noon during term time.
Can I come without an invitation?
Yes - this is your invitation. Come alone or bring a friend. Just make contact and we will let you know how to find us.
Can men come?
Sorry this is this for women only - in this way we hope that those whose religion or culture do not permit free mixing between the sexes to feel relaxed. Men can make contact to find our about our linked group - Open House for International Men.
I have pre-school children, may I bring them?
Yes, please do. We have a selection of toys for young children and toddlers. The room is laid out to be as child-friendly as possible.
Do I have to come every week?
No, just drop in when you can. Of course, we hope you enjoy it so much you want to come every week.
Do I have to pay?
We make no charge. Very rarely we may ask for a small contribution (usually 30-50p) if you can afford it towards the cost of craft materials.
Who organizes this?
We are group of Christian women, many of us have lived or worked abroad ourselves. Our welcome is extended to those of every faith and none.
Can I bring a friend with me?

Yes please do :)

There is a similar group for men - The Open House for International Men - find them at http://openhouseexeter.blogspot.com/

Child and Adult Protection Statement

Global Gathering is a meeting of friends.

Global Gathering is privately run and is neither a charity, a club, a playgroup, nor a crèche. Those of us who come and make up the Gathering affirm that ensuring that the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount. We will always aim to provide a safe environment for women and their children and will all take reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse and exploitation. Children will normally at all times be primarily within the care of their own mother or carer. Together we recognise that everybody who attends has a responsibility to support the care and protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Together we will:

RECOGNISE that all vulnerable adults, young people and children have the right to freedom from abuse; to be treated with respect and dignity; and that their welfare is paramount.

RECOMMEND that all volunteer helpers are carefully selected and accept a responsibility in helping to prevent the abuse of and vulnerable adults, children and young people;

RESPOND quickly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse, by providing parents/guardians and children with the appropriate opportunity to voice any concerns they might have and reporting to the relevant authorities.