Activities and Annual Events
Check our online calendar for details on upcoming events.
Monthly General Meeeting
Usually held on the second Wednesday of each month, general meetings offer members a chance to see old friends and get to know other people from all over the world. We try to provide a welcoming and stimulating environment with tea and coffee, snacks, a used books stall and a presenter. Past presentations have covered a variety of topics from the manufacture of silk, local social welfare projects, Indian cuisine and culture, and women's health.
Newcomers Morning
A monthly meeting sponsored by the club and conducted by the membership committee. Held at one of Chennai's outdoor cafes, newcomers in Chennai get to know each other as well as some of the older members of the club in a relaxed setting. This is a great way to meet new people and exchange information.
Book Club
Book club meets once a month at a member's home or a local cafe to discuss a book and enjoy a lunch.
Craft Group
Craft Group meets every Tuesday at a member's home. Craft Group members can learn a wide range of crafts including cross stitch, knitting, crochet, quilting, cardmaking, dressmaking and many more.We also have regular outings to see craft exhibitions and to buy craft materials. Look out for our craft stall at the annual Christmas Bazaar held in November with profits going to our Christmas charities.
Sundowners
This is a OWC event that aspires to bring spouses into the mix. Couples meet once a month at different hotels for a night of cocktails and conversation. A great way to unwind!
Ladies Who Lunch
This lunch club meets at a different local restaurant each month. It is a great way to get to know the city as well as other members.
Welcome Back Lunch
Held once a year in August, this annual event heralds the beginning of the OWC's social season. By August, both Indian and International school children have finished their summer breaks and mothers are back from vacation. This luncheon party celebrates everyone's return as well as the return of cooler weather!
Annual Fund Raising Ball
The OWC annual fund raising ball takes place in October or beginning of November depending on when Diwali falls on the calendar. Most of the funds we spend on our various charities are raised on this one night. The event is structured to give local vendors a chance to advertise while members enjoy a night of dinner and dancing. Past themes have included : Maharajas and Maharanis, Fire and Ice, Black and White and last year a Venetian Masked Ball.
Play Group
A group of mothers with babies and toddlers which meets once a week.. The children enjoy snacks and playing in a new environment while the mothers relax (or try to!) and socialize. Each meeting is hosted at a different home and sometimes at an outside location for a birthday or swim party.
Halloween Arts and Crafts
Children and their parents meet at the American International School for an afternoon of arts and crafts. Children generally leave covered head to foot with glitter and glue. This is a popular event!
Halloween Trick or Treating
Held in a residential neighborhood such as Boat Club or Kotturpuram, members of the children's committee seek cooperation from OWC members and their Indian neighbors to allow children to call at their homes for treats.
Santa Brunch
One of our most popular events, each year we struggle to find a ballroom large enough for all of the families who want to attend. The highlights of this day include a visit from Santa, distribution of gifts and a lovely brunch with Indian and Western food. We also organize the collection of gifts for local orphan children.
Garden Tea
Usually seen as the end of the OWC social season, the Garden Tea is held at the end of January or the beginning of February before the hot weather sets in. Members and their guests enjoy afternoon tea and browse the stalls, where they can buy books, bags,cards and other handmade articles. In previous years the Garden Tea has been held in both the British and Japanese Consulates.
Other Activities
There is also ongoing involvement with our charities such as the monthly distribution of birthday cakes and provisions at St. George's Home, visiting the children at Shishyu Bhavan and the Cheshire Home, and participation at our many Christmas events. There is an annual Christmas Bazaar on the second Wednesday in November, the money raised helps to fund the Christmas activities. Trips to Auroville, Kanchipuram, Chettinad, and tours of Chennai neighbourhoods are also undertaken from time to time.
The OWC Madras seeks to provide a broad umbrella for the interests of its members. In the past we have had a Bridge Club, a Tiffin Club and a Scottish Country Dancing Club. Anyone with the interest and energy to restart an activity or begin a new activity is always welcome to do so. Anyone interested in playing or learning to play Mah Jong should contact our President , Jennifer Meddick
