January 2026 Newsletter

In this issue:

• Chair Report

• Membership and Newcomer Team Instructions

• Past events

• Health Article

• BLC Events

• Recipe Corner

• Anyone for a Plats du jour?

• Classifieds

CHAIR REPORT

December was a particularly active and rewarding month for the Club, marked by

strong attendance, successful events, and clear progress in strengthening our teams

and organisational structure.

Our Annual Christmas Lunch at the Park Hotel Alvisse was a wonderful way to bring

members together at the end of the year.

The Christmas Raffle raised €930 for our supported charities, Femmes en Détresse and

KJT Luxembourg.

We were honoured to welcome the British Ambassador to Luxembourg, H.E. Joanne

Oliver, who spoke warmly about the Club’s events and charitable initiatives and

highlighted the upcoming Women’s Startup Pitch Evening as a valuable addition to

our programme.

The Kids’ Christmas Party, held on Saturday, 13 December, was another highlight of

the month. The event featured a beautiful Christmas grotto with Santa and his

naughty elves, much to the delight of the children. The party was wonderfully

organised by our untireable and dedicated Kids’ Coordinators, Jess and Keri, whose

energy and commitment continue to make our children’s events such a success.

December also marked important progress in strengthening our internal structure.

We have reinforced the newcomers and membership function to better welcome

new members and support dedicated newcomers’ events. In parallel, the events

team, as well as the advertising and sponsorship team, has been strengthened to

support a more ambitious and sustainable events programme in 2026.

Looking ahead, we are planning quiz nights during the first quarter and into the first

half of the year, alongside the launch of the Women’s Startup Pitch Evening, which

will support English-speaking women entrepreneurs in Luxembourg.

As we close the season, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday period, a

peaceful time with your families, and a joyful start to the new year.

Amy Grech

INTRODUCING THE MEMBERSHIP & NEWCOMER TEAM

As we step into a new year full of possibility, we are delighted to introduce your Membership

& Newcomer Team. Together, our aim is simple but important: to warmly welcome new

members, support our existing community, and help everyone feel connected, informed,

and at home within the Club.

Although we forgot to take a group photo at our first meeting (next time!), we’d love to

introduce ourselves and share what inspires us in these roles.

Meet the Team

Louise Edworthy – Membership Secretary & North West Area Representative

Many of you already know me, but for those I haven’t yet met — hello! My passion lies in welcoming everyone, being approachable and supportive, and helping members find the information, people, and activities that help them feel connected. I truly believe strong communities are built through sharing, kindness, and open communication, and I’m always happy to help or point you in the right direction.

Yulia – Newcomers’ Coordinator

Yulia brings heartfelt understanding to her role, having moved to Luxembourg herself in 2017. She knows first-hand how important a friendly welcome, personal connection, and practical guidance can be in those early months. Warm, curious, and multilingual, Yulia is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where newcomers feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged to connect.

Adriana – Membership & Newcomer Team & Temporary South West Area Representative

Adriana joined the Club for its warmth and international spirit and is passionate about helping members feel connected - both to the Club and their local area. In her role, she is focused on improving the membership experience, supporting both new and existing members, and helping everyone find the groups, information, and people that matter to them.

Our Focus for the Year Ahead

• Attracting and warmly welcoming new members

• Supporting and retaining current members

• Connecting newcomers with Area Reps and local communities

• Keeping membership information accurate and accessible

Creating efficient systems that make membership smoother for everyone

What’s Coming Up

Newcomer Event – January/February

We’re excited to introduce a new, relaxed Newcomer Event designed to help new

members meet each other, learn about the Club, and connect with Area Reps and

Committee Members.

Membership Survey – Early Next Year

Your feedback matters. Our upcoming survey will help us better understand your needs,

improve support and activities, and ensure our information remains current and useful.

A Final Word

We step into this year with enthusiasm, purpose, and a shared commitment to building a

friendly, supportive, and connected community. We look forward to meeting many more of

you, working together, and making this a year where every member feels welcomed,

supported, and valued.

PAST BLC EVENTS

We held our Annual Christmas Lunch on Thursday, 11 December 2025 at the Park Hotel

Alvisse, continuing a long-standing tradition in the Club’s calendar and a much-anticipated

end-of-year gathering for members and guests.

The afternoon opened with a colourful Christmas Market, where members enjoyed strolling

between the seasonal stalls while Crémant flowed. The market featured beautifully presented

handmade jewellery, handmade bags raising funds for Fondation Cancer, a very popular

children’s books stall introduced for the first time this year, and an artistic paintings stand,

whose artist generously donated one of her works to the Christmas Raffle.

This was followed by a three-course festive lunch, accompanied by red and white wine,

creating a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. The afternoon was enhanced by a wonderful

Christmas choir, with many members joining in singing along to much-loved English Christmas

carols, a tradition that remains a highlight of our Christmas Lunch each year.

We were honoured to welcome the British Ambassador to Luxembourg, H.E. Joanne Oliver, as

guest of honour, alongside several of the Club’s founding members, including honorary

member Cynthia Albrecht.

In her address, the Chair reflected on a year focused on strengthening the Club from within.

She highlighted how the newcomers and membership function had been reinforced to

better welcome new members and to support the development of dedicated newcomers’

events. She also outlined how the events team had been strengthened, alongside the

advertising and sponsorship team, to support a more ambitious and sustainable programme

of activities.

Looking ahead, she announced plans for quiz nights to take place during the first quarter and

into the first half of next year, as well as the launch of a Women’s Startup Pitch Evening aimed

at supporting English-speaking women entrepreneurs in Luxembourg.

H.E. Joanne Oliver spoke warmly about the Club and expressed her appreciation for our events, including both the Gala Night and the Christmas Lunch. She highlighted the importance of initiatives that support women and charitable causes in Luxembourg and

also referred to the upcoming Women’s Startup Pitch Evening as a valuable addition to the Club’s programme.

A key focus of the afternoon was the Christmas Raffle, which raised €930 for our two supported charities, Femmes en Détresse and KJT Luxembourg. All raffle prizes were donated by Club partners and committee members, ensuring that the full proceeds were directed to the charities.

An Afternoon of Christmas Magic with Our Youngest Members!

On Saturday 13 December, our annual Children’s Christmas party took place, welcoming 50

children for an afternoon filled with magic, creativity and Christmas cheer!

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly our magical Christmas Grotto where each child had the chance to meet Father Christmas

himself. Everyone spent time talking with Santa and children received a small gift while they waited in anticipation for the presents still to come on Christmas Day, creating a truly enchanting and memorable experience. Throughout the afternoon, children enjoyed a variety of crafts and games, taking home handmade decorations and cards. One of the most joyful sights was seeing the children proudly wearing the beautiful Christmas crowns they had decorated - transforming the room into a celebration full of festive kinds and queens.

Adding even more colour and fun to the day was our wonderful volunteer face painter,

who delighted the children with candy canes, reindeer antlers and other festive designs.

Paired with their handmade crowns, the children looked truly ready for Christmas.

From family photos with Santa in his grotto, to polaroid snaps sitting on the whimsical moon, we have lots of pictures to remind us of the day!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the afternoon so special. It was lovely to see everyone catching up over a cup of winter punch and a slice of cake and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. We are incredibly grateful to all our volunteers who gave their time and energy to ensure the event was such a success.

Thank you so much.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, Your Elves

Christmas Lunch Raffle Winners

We were delighted to receive a number of donations to our Christmas Raffle. A huge thank

you too all who donated and well done to the winners below!

10 x Luxembourg Times Subscription

Congratulations

Val x 2

Joanne

Jackie Wilkie

Anthea

Kim

Tina

Jill

Amanda

Rosamund

Books from Ernster English Book Shop (What a time to be alive by Jenny Mustard & The

Crimes of Grindelwald, The Original Screenplay by JK Rowling)

Congratulation to Kim

Christmas Sock Bundle donated by Kathy

Congratulations to Paula

Case of Crémant d’Alsace

Congratulations to Tekla

Chocolate Bundle donated by Kathy

Congratulations to Jackie Wilkie

Cocktail book by local author – Daniel Eichen

Congratulations again to Val

Trio of wines (Shiraz, Pinot Gris and Crémant) donated by Dawn

Congratulation to Karen

Hamper donated by Amy

Congratulations to Svetlana

Hamper donated by Home from Home

Congratulations to Moira

Parc Hotel Voucher – (overnight stay with breakfast and access to the Spa)

Congratulations to Marrett

Ticket to the Philharmonie to see “A Cambridge

Christmas” donated by Val Cronin

Congratulations to XXXXXXX

Painting donated by Paula Maylon

Congratulations to Val

HEART ARTICLE

Happy New Year!

At this time of year, we often start thinking about what we want for the new year and what needs to change. Instead of thinkin about resolutions that often fade by the end of January, let’s look at reflection. Reflection is not a list of failures, about reinventing yourself but rather it can help you feel grounded and gives you a clearer sense of direction. It is about noticing ì what worked, what didn’t, and what you want to carry forward.

Start with what works

Look at what worked last year.

• What gave you energy or a sense of ease?

• What are you quietly proud of?

• What helped make those things possible – support, routines, boundaries, mindset?

Be honest about what was hard. Reflection doesn’t mean avoiding the difficult parts.

• What felt hard, and why?

• What was missing when things became difficult – rest, time, clarity, support?

This shift creates learning rather than self-criticism.

Notice Patterns

Patterns show when your energy dips, what situations commitments or people drain you,

and what helps you feel more supported.

Set Intentions, not Ultimatums

You don’t need a strict plan or a full reset. Health is often reduced to numbers, which rarely

tell the full story about energy, mood, focus, connection.

• How do I want to feel in my body, my mind, and my daily life this year?

• What two or three small, realistic changes could support that feeling?

• What no longer serves me that can be left behind?

Reflection doesn’t need to be heavy or time-consuming and becomes useful when it

informs action. Not big, sweeping change, but small choices made with intention. One

boundary that protects your energy. One habit that supports how you want to feel. One

decision that aligns a little more closely with the life you are building.

Here's to a year of intentional choices, meaningful connections, and a healthy, happy life!

BLC EVENTS

Freewheelers

Freewheelers is a group of ladies who get together for coffee, a visit or another

activity.

If you would like to join us for our next coffee or meet-up, diarise the second Tuesday of the

month in the Parbleu in City Concorde at 2:30pm. All are welcome.

If anyone in the group would like to organise other events or outings throughout the year,

they are more than welcome. Know of a good museum exhibition, lunchtime concert, walk,

or want to check out a new restaurant? Then why not see if the group would like to come

along?

Please contact Christine Mitchell at chris.mitchell@pt.lu

Hike

Date: Wednesday 14 January

Where: Betzdorf Hike. A scenic and relatively flat walk of 7.5km following the blue arrows

around the pretty farmlands and building of SES (Satellite hub). Afterwards for those

wanting a warm drink & pastry, there are a couple of options nearby.

Starting time: 09:15 for a prompt 09:30 start. It will take approx 2 hours.

Meeting Point: Betzdorf Gare. Limited parking directly at the station however just 50m

further on is more availability. If coming by train, take the Trier or Wasserbillig line.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Please contact Kathy (exceptionally this month) at secretary@blc.lu for more details and to

register.

NW Area Dinner - Back by Popular Demand!

We're kicking off the year by returning to a firm favourite - Edelwyss in Kopstal, where we enjoyed a wonderfully cozy January dinner last year. After being requested again at our November meet-up, we're delighted to be heading back!

Perfect for winter evenings, Edelwyss offers hearty Swiss comfort food in a welcoming, relaxed setting — just 10 minutes from Strassen and Limpertsberg. Think raclette, fondue, tartes flambées, and delicious meat dishes — the kind of food that warms both body and soul.

Whether you joined us last time or are discovering Edelwyss for the first time, this promises to

be a lovely evening of great food, friendly conversation, and familiar faces.

Event Details:

Edelwyss Kopstal

34 Rue de Saeul, 8189 Kopstal

Website: edelwyss.lu

Wednesday 28 January 2026

⏰ 18:30

As always, the more the merrier!

Please register by sending me an email at area_northwest@blc.lu or a text in the WhatsApp

group. Looking forward to seeing you then!

British Ladies’ Club Tennis Group

“ The Winter Season 2025/26”

The Winter season, indoor carpeted courts, are reserved every Wednesday morning

(excluding school holidays) from 10am to 12noon, at Arquebusiers Tennis Club,

140 Val Sainte-Croix, Bel-Air, Luxembourg.

Facilities at the club include a restaurant, free private parking, and excellent changing

facilities. There are 2 groups for either 1 hour or 2 hour players.

The Season runs from 1st October 2025 to 30th April 2026. Players are encouraged to sign up now for the season, even if they cannot play throughout; new players are welcome to join at any time. The tennis is generally played as doubles.

The price for the season depends on the number of players, currently the group is low on

players, please encourage any potential player to contact the club asap to discuss the

possibility of joining the group.

To sign up and for further information, email Katherine on kme

RECIPE CORNER

This month’s recipe comes from “delicious Maga-zine”. This cake will make your home smell wonderful and is so easy to make. Just weigh out the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients, stir them together, then bake.

Ginger Marmalade Cake

Ingredients

• 250g unsalted butter, plus extra to grease

• 250g light muscovado sugar

• 100g black treacle

• 120g marmalade

• Finely grated zest 1 unwaxed orange

• 2 medium free-range eggs, lightly beaten

• 350g plain flour

• 2 tbsp ground ginger

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ½ tsp fine salt

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• 120g stem ginger (about 8 balls), chopped

For the glaze

• 2 tbsp orange juice

• 2 tbsp syrup from the jar of stem ginger

• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the icing

• 150g icing sugar, sifted

• 3-4 tbsp orange juice

• 1 tsp syrup from the jar of stem ginger

• Chopped stem ginger and some finely

ared strips of zest from an unwaxed

orange to decorate

Method

Grease the cake tin with butter and line with baking paper, then grease the paper too. Heat the oven to 140°C fan/gas 3.

To make the cake, put the butter, sugar and treacle in a pan and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until melted together. Stir in the marmalade and orange zest, then remove from the heat and when just tepid, stir in the eggs.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, baking powder, cinnamon, pepper, salt and

cloves, then stir in the stem ginger. Pour the treacle mixture over the dry ingredients and stir it all together with a rubber spatula. When well combined, pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick pushed into the middle of the cake comes out with only a few damp crumbs.

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, mix all the ingredients for the glaze together and brush it over the top of the cake. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before removing the cake from the tin. Put it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cake has cooled, whisk together the icing sugar, orange juice and stem ginger syrup

and drizzle the icing all over the cake. Scatter over the chopped stem ginger and pared strips of orange zest to decorate.

ANYONE FOR A PLAT DU JOUR?

Restaurant-Pizzeria Bacchus SA

Located at 32 Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes, 1728 Ville-Haute Luxembourg, I first came across this place after being in Luxembourg for only a month.

We had family visiting with 2 young children and it got to that time where everyone was getting pretty hungry! I looked on google maps for somewhere close by and that’s when we found Bacchus.

It’s a family run restaurant specialising in Italian dishes and pizzas. The staff are very friendly and accommodating - finding us a quiet spot at the back of the restaurant as we had a sleeping 18 month old.

The pizzas are huge and all other dishes are very good portion sizes. Service is quick, friendly and efficient and the price - for being in the centre of town - is really reasonable.

I have visited Bacchus now many times since moving to Luxembourg and I’m never disappointed. A most recent visit was in October when we had 9 family members to stay. We booked this time but the welcome was as friendly as ever.

I thoroughly recommend Bacchus for lunch or dinner. It seems to be an institution here in Luxembourg.

If any members have any favourite places for a plats du jour, please send your recommendations onto editor@blc.lu and we can feature more places of interest

MINI BLC