Reunions & Events

Here you will be able to find news on upcoming & past events & how to register for them. Each event is different, so please read the requirements of each event carefully so that you are not disappointed on the day. We welcome inquiries of adoptees from different countries. To register your interest or to be notified of future events please contact us from the Contact page. You can find blogs about some of the events in the News & Blog page.

Registration Required for Next Reunion on Saturday 22nd March 2014

Posted on January 15th, 2014 by Debbie

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The date of the next UK HKAN Reunion in London has been set for;

Saturday 22nd March 2014

Start at 1.00 pm prompt finish at 5pm

For the last couple of years, BAAF have very generously hosted our meetings free of charge. We are very grateful to them. However, we have outgrown their meeting room, and have had to find an alternative venue. We were unsuccessful in our quest to find a free meeting space, but have found a good, low cost venue close to Marylebone station:

St Paul’s Church Centre,
Rossmore Road,
London NW1 6NJ

Sue has checked the venue out, and reports that it is a lovely space.

As UKHKAN does not charge a membership fee, we have no funds as a group; it is therefore necessary to split the cost of the venue between the people attending. There will be a charge of £5 per person (children free). As I have had to pay the room charge up front, I need to recoup the money as soon as possible. I am therefore asking people to book and pay by cheque ASAP.

Please make your cheque payable to D Cook, and send to:

13 Hurley Rd,
Little Corby
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA4 8QY

Doors open at 1pm; we are not providing lunch, but tea and coffee will be available. We have to vacate the building at 5pm. As usual, we will go for a group meal to round off the gathering.

The programme and details of the restaurant will be circulated when finalised.

Please book and send cheque ASAP.

Thank you and I look forward to meeting up again.

For Accommodation

This is where some of us have booked into Friday and Saturday or just the Saturday nights.

Premier Inn (London Edgware), 435 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 5AQ
Important: if using sat.nav. then enter postcode HA8 7EE (the HA8 5AQ is only if you want to post them a letter!)How to book:
Tel: 0871 527 8652, or book online http://www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/EDGPTI/london-edgware?cmp=KNC_D_BND&mckv=sMDqpXeZG_dc|pcrid|34372859499|kword|premier%20inn%20london%20edgware|match|e|plid|
or www.premierinn.com and search “london edgware” – please do NOT confuse it with “Edgware Road”. If you book online you get £2 discount.
Location: “Premier Inn London Edgware is handily located at the gateway into London from the North, with the M1, A1 and A5 all nearby.” It is located outside the Congestion Zone.Free on-site parking: they’re refurbishing their car park, when we come in March it will be entry through a barrier that automatically rises and a code to type in to exit through the barrier.
Breakfast / dinner: Breakfast can be booked either when booking accommodation, or when you arrive, and there is a Meal Deal option available (breakfast and dinner included) – please ask the hotel for details.
Restaurant: 5.30 to 10pm. They’re happy to accept advance bookings (Friday and Saturday evenings are popular). Of course, we might want to go somewhere else!
Tube: Nearest Tube station is 10 minutes’ walk away (according to hotel staff). Tube station is Edgware, the northernmost stop on the Northern Line.
Taxis: “There is a Freephone located in reception, connected to Fleet Taxis with which we have a special arrangement. Either book a taxi direct using the Freephone provided, or Reception will be happy to book for you.”
Cancellations: If you specify the Premier Inn Flexible Rate you can cancel up to 1pm on the day of arrival, free of charge. Or you can specify Pre-pay i.e. pay a slightly lower rate but pay it all when booking and there are no refunds even if you cancel.
Check in / check out: Earliest booking in 2pm. Latest time….sorry I asked but forgot to make a note!…..it’s usually 10 am.

Mother Bridge of Love & HKan Members

Posted on January 4th, 2014 by Debbie

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The Charity ‘Mother Bridge of Love’ (MBL) recently had a meeting with some officers from Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, which plays a very important role of promoting authentic Hong Kong culture in the UK, and they organize quite lots of Hong Kong culture events & activities.

They are wondering if any of our HKAN Members would be interested in taking part in participating some of these events that they are organizing;

1)  Chinese New Year Festival (official date is Friday 31st Jan), and

2)  In particular the ‘London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2014

(this normally happens June/July actual date to be confirmed)

MBL could get a dragon boat which will be rowed by friends and members from HKAN and MBL’s friends/supporters and our other adoptive families…  It will be the first time for MBL to join this big event, and I do think this event will bring us lots of wonderful experience about the traditional Hong Kong culture, and also I’m sure our participating will make London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2014 a very very special one!

Please could you register your interest to Debbie Cook and watch this space for more information.

 

 

Reunion Saturday 21st Sept in Birmingham 2013

Posted on August 5th, 2013 by Debbie

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BIRMINGHAM REUNION ON SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2013

Please can I remind you that our next UK HKAN reunion is in Birmingham on Saturday 21st September 2013   It will take place in the Chinese Community Centre, Birmingham.  Due to the hall being booked in the morning we will be starting at 1.30pm prompt and ending in plenty of time for the evening meal.  The cost for each participant will be £3 per head which will be a donation for the hall and covers the cost of a liquid refreshment of tea or coffee.

About the Session.  We have decided not have a guest speaker at this meeting so we can just share stories.  However Kate has taken the liberty of inviting somebody to facilitate this gathering which means both Kate and I can participate on an equal basis.  As previous this is a closed meeting and we will respect those who do not wish to be photographed or recorded without question.

Evening Meal – As our meeting is taking place during the Mid Autumn Festival, Birmingham’s Chinatown will be dressed to the nines!  We need to get some firm numbers of those of you who will be able to make this meeting and the dinner in the evening!  (At the Restaurant you will be responsible for ordering and paying for your own meal)

Accommodation – There will be quite a few of us who will be booked into the Premier Inn, Birmingham Central East, Richard Street both the Friday and Saturday nights.  We all plan to meet for the Friday night evening meal and I suggest that for those who want to could meet us Saturday morning for a stroll and a light lunch in Birmingham itself before going down to the Chinese Community Centre for the reunion.

Please may I ask you to confirm your attendance to both the reunion and meal or just the reunion.

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AS NUMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK THE RESTAURANT.

Bournemouth Adoptee family meet

Posted on August 4th, 2013 by Debbie

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I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE!

YOU ARE INVITED TO

THE BOURNEMOUTH AIR SHOW

(MORE DETAILS ON www.bournemouthair.co.uk)

ON SATURDAY 31st AUGUST 2013

FROM 11AM UNTIL LATE 10PM

AT BEACH HUT #2412 BY THE TOP OF ZIGZAG WALKWAY BH1 3EJ

FIREWORK DISPLAY AT 10PM

http://google/maps/SPcds

BRING ALONG CHAIRS, SWIM SUITS, A PINIC AND YOUR FAMILY

HOT DRINKS AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT

This event has been organised by Jasmine Peckham if you have any queries call 07771 997923 or email jasmine.peckham@homecall.co.uk

Invite to HK Adoptees

Posted on June 2nd, 2013 by Debbie

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“Laura Tan invites HK adoptees to a dimsum gathering at her house, Stratford on Avon upon Avon, Warwickshire; Saturday 6th July; Noon. Laura is going to prepare dimsum.

Laura asks people to let her know via FB or email if they are coming in order to help her plan catering. If people travel to Stratford by train, aim for midday, and Laura will meet at the station

image_2

Just a few words from lovely Yan,

On a very hot, sunny day in July, Laura met a small group of us at Stratford Upon Avon station.
From there, we were soon transported into the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, where blankets and a sunlounger had been set out for us in her back garden.
Whilst we sat in the shade, Laura began to bring out dishes of delicious, tasty food which we eagerly devoured!
A few hours later, after much chatting, drinking and munching it was time for afternoon tea, cake and scones!
We finally departed and wandered around the Stratford River Festival taking place that week-end.
Many thanks to Laura and her husband for hosting such an enjoyable gathering.

 

Saturday 16th March Reunion Programme

Posted on March 7th, 2013 by Debbie

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Debbie wishes you all a safe journey and looks forward to meeting you all at, BAAF, Saffron House, 6 – 10 Kirby Street, London, EC1N 8TS

Nearest Underground is Farringdon

I am still looking for more people to come forward to present a 4 minute piece after lunch – please can you let me know if you wish to take part in this slot!  Thanks

Saturday 16th March – Programme

Please note earlier start time

10.30  Registration opens–        Please arrive in time for a prompt 11am start
11.0  Welcome Adoptee Voices – ISue Jardine, Jasmine Gillies, Lucy Miller* and Claire Martin           *tbc
 11.20 Adversity, Adoption & Afterwards”   Julia Feast and Margaret Grant of BAAF present the BCAS study Discussion; Q&A
13.00

 LUNCH

Lunch is NOT being provided. Please bring your own with you.
 13.40  Adoptee Voices – IIThe opportunity for new voices to be heard.  Please let Debbie know if you wish to take the floor to present your thoughts in no more than 4 minutes. This is a 30 minute session with up to 6 slots which will be allocated on a strict first come, first served basis. You can read a piece of prose, a poem, show photographs or other artefacts – it’s up to you, but it must be a prepared piece as you will have 4 minutes maximum.
 14.15  Group introductions
 15.00  HKAN News/Developments
 15.15  Date & Venue for next HKAN Reunion Gathering
 15.20

 END

 Costs

  • §  £1 per person to cover drinks.  Please bring coins as we will not have change.
  • §  Lunch is not being provided on this occasion – please bring your lunchtime food with you
  • §  BAAF is allowing us to use their room and facilities free of charge, for which we are very grateful
  • §  Dinner – you are responsible for paying your own food and drink bill to the restaurant.  We will not be collecting money.

And afterwards a Meal at 5.00 pm

At the Joy King Lau,  3 Leicester Street, China Town

www.joykinglau.com

Reunion Gathering Saturday 16th March 2013

Posted on January 5th, 2013 by Debbie

Comments

REUNION GATHERING

Saturday 16th March 2013

BAAF Offices, 3rd floor, Saffron House

6-10 Kirby Street, London.

PLEASE NOTE EARLIER START TIME

Registration opens:          10.30am

Reunion starts:                  11.00m

Finish approx:                     3.30pm

>>>>> Please book early in order to help us plan>>>>>

Speakers: Julia Feast & Margaret Grant BAAF will deliver a joint presentation of the history & results of their work which has spanned over a few years on the work of the ‘British Chinese Adult Study’ that many of you have participated in.  You will also get a chance to buy the book called, ‘Adoption, Adversity and Afterwards that will have been launched in January 2013.

There will also be a number of adoptees who will present a short account of their adoption, all of which are quite diverse but will give an insight as to how we are as adults today.

And afterwards a Meal at 5.00 pm

At the Joy King Lau,  3 Leicester Street, China Town

www.joykinglau.com

Costs:

  • £1 per person to cover drinks cost.  Please bring coins as we will not have change.
  • Lunch is not being provided on this occasion – please bring your lunchtime food with you.
  • BAAF is allowing us to use their room and facilities free of charge, for which we are very grateful.
  • Dinner – you are responsible for paying for your own food and drink bill to the restaurant.  We will not be collecting money.

Where to stay:   I have already booked accommodation at the St Giles Hotel, Bedford Ave, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3GH.  This is just a 2 minute walk to Tottenham Court Underground and two stops on the Circle line.  However, there are many hotels, Premier/Travel Lodges in and around London one can choose from.

To book your place at UKHKAN’s March 2013 Reunion

Contact Debbie Cook on mobile – 07909 530295           email–hkadoptees@btinternet.com

NB.  To avoid disappointment please note, places are being booked up fast so please contact me, places are limited.