For months you could feel the excitement building; when will it be, what venue will they pick, what will they wear…. no not for the UK Royal wedding, for the Ladies Circle Singapore inaugural Annual General Meeting!

With the date decided, the world’s media on standby, we received the news that we were dreading – Prince Harry would be marrying Meghan on AGM day-  the media would now be preoccupied, and we’d be left to our own devices here in Singapore. What better way to celebrate our first ever AGM than to theme it with the wedding of the year.

With the venue booked, annual reports written, and guests invited, it was only natural that members began to reflect on how far we’ve come as a group of ladies in Singapore. For some of us this is home, for others a second place to call home but the one thing we do have in common is the unity we feel through being members of Ladies Circle Singapore and the friendship and service it affords us.

The morning arrived, with a packed agenda; the balance between reflection and future thinking. We welcomed existing members, prospective members and the ever loyal #sidebyside members of Singapore Round Table 3 & 1. We took a moment to light the candle of friendship, affirm our aims and objectives and also think about women around the world who have chosen to be a part of this powerful global movement.

The Charity Committee and Personal Development Committee presented their reflections and achievements of the year. It was unavoidable to feel so proud of what we’ve achieved so far as a group, especially when it’s all there to see with pictures showing our beaming faces at every activity. Looking ahead to where we would like to be this time next year motivated and focused members on the journey ahead. The annual finances were agreed and budget projections for future activity shared.

The presidential speech naturally reflected on the journey so far, and a beautiful reminder of how the presidents’ logo of a lighthouse was formulated. The president spoke emotionally about how lighthouses act as guiding lights, beacons of hope to sailors in rough seas and #shinebright for all to see; setting the theme for 2018/19 as #shinebright to those around us.

As the meeting drew to a close, members toasted to the 2018/19 year to come, committed to a year of #sidebyside activities and reaffirmed their commitment as a group to making a difference in Singapore and beyond.

If you’re interested in knowing more about Ladies Circle or becoming a member, like our page on Facebook and get in touch for further information. Full pictures from the AGM can be found on our Flickr.