Activities and Annual Events

 

Check our online calendar for details on upcoming events.

Monthly General Meetings

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 Coffee 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.

Tiffin Club

Tiffin Club meets once a month at a hotel or restaurant for a cooking demonstration followed by lunch. Always a popular event, members are asked to book in advance since spaces are limited.

Book Club

Book club meets once a month at a member’s home to discuss a book and enjoy a lunch.

Craft Group

Each month, a group meets to learn and execute a new craft. All are welcome as the experts teach the novices in quilting and stitching techniques. Many of the crafts made are sold at the annual Santa Brunch with profits going to our Christmas charities. Last year’s group made adorable teddy bears, Christmas tree bulbs and beautiful wreaths.

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.

Sundowners

This is a new OWC event that aspires to bring spouses into the mix. Couples meet at different hotels for a night of cocktails and conversation. A great way to unwind!

Welcome Back Lunch/ End of Summer Celebration

Held once a year in August, this annual event heralds the beginning of the OWC ‘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 Fundraising Ball

The OWC annual fundraising ball takes place at the end of 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 include: Maharajas and Maharanis, Fire and Ice, The Gothic Ball, and Hollywod/Bollywood.

Play Group

A group of mothers with babies and toddlers meets every Tuesday from 3:00 to 5:30. 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, a Christmas crafts bazaar 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 ‘social season,’ the garden tea is held at the end of January or the beginning of February before the hot weather sets in. Past settings have been the British and Japanese Consular residences. Members are asked to bring a covered dish from their country.

Other Activities

Other activities include Scottish dancing, bridge, and majong. 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. Trips to Auroville, Chettinad, and tours of Chennai neighborhoods are also undertaken from time to time. The OWC Madras seeks to provide a broad umbrella for the interests of its members. Anyone with the interest and energy to begin a new activity is always welcome to do so.