Ranches Ladies Newsletter
Good morning Ranches Ladies!
Volunteering
Did you know that the word ‘volunteer’ comes originally from the Latin word Voluntas and means ‘will’ or ‘wish’.
It then evolved into Middle French and eventually into the English language and became more widely used through a series of social developments.
In the early 1600’s it was connected to a military perspective meaning to enlist in military service. Rather than being forced, a volunteer would use their own free will to join up. By the 1630’s a non-military meaning expanded beyond the battlefield and was understood to convey entering into personal service through personal choice. Often it was connected to a religious pathway. Then in 1755 “to volunteer” was officially recognised and popularized in early dictionaries.
The word and its modern day meaning now, for many people signifies giving time, skills and energy freely to benefit others or contribute to a cause without financial compensation.
International Volunteer Day is observed annually on 5th December and mandated by the United Nations to create a richer culture of service within communities. There are an estimated 1 billion volunteers worldwide who collectively are believed to be resilient, adaptable, bringing creativity, empathy and endurance to their projects.
At this point in time, through the Community Development Authority (CDA), the first official government body managing volunteerism in Dubai, Ranches Ladies have been invited to participate in this initiative.
It will be an opportunity for individuals to connect with other groups and be involved in meaningful activities within the Dubai community. The possibilities to make a difference are just on the horizon.
Written by Beverly Sanders
The Community Development Authority (CDA) Volunteer Workshop
The Ranches Ladies were invited to attend a workshop by the Community Development Authority (CDA), the body responsible for licensing Community and Social Groups like ours in Dubai.
The CDA is mandated by the announcement of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum to, among other Directives, foster cohesion and compassion within the Community in Dubai (Dubai Social Agenda 2033). Toward this purpose the CDA has intensified its efforts to introduce initiatives for Volunteerism and Community Participation.
The Workshop which was held at the CDA premises in Barsha on 21st May was attended by three members of the Ranches Ladies Group (Hayet, Beverly and Isphana).
The aim was to introduce the CDA initiative and guide all the groups present on how to understand, register and participate in volunteering initiatives in a manner aligned to CDA guidelines.
Present were numerous other community groups all of whom were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and the volunteering and social benefit activities that they conducted.
It was interesting to hear about all the varied work conducted within the community in Dubai by these groups.
We came away from the workshop with information on how to set up our Volunteering Function and intend to introduce ‘Volunteering’ as a regular activity within our group. We look forward to sharing all the information and processes with the RL members after the summer and embark on our journey to ‘give back’.
Ranches Ladies Community Events
Sound Healing Experience
On Friday 15th May, Ranches Ladies enjoyed a peaceful and uplifting Sound Healing Experience at Heveya Dubai. Guided by Alexandra Venison, members were taken through a calming sound journey designed to help release tension, restore balance and encourage deep relaxation.
The luxurious comfort of the mattresses added an extra sense of calm and wellbeing, allowing everyone to fully relax and enjoy the experience. Gentle refreshments and the beautiful atmosphere made it a truly lovely morning shared together by our community.
For any enquiries about luxury mattresses or the showroom experience, contact:
Heveya Dubai
Goshi Warehouse City Building 08, Warehouse 80, Al Quoz, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 548 6966
Heveya Dubai
Bingo Morning
Bingo Morning on Tuesday 12th May at Studio One Hotel was filled with laughter, excitement and wonderful community spirit. Members enjoyed a relaxed and entertaining morning, with plenty of fun, friendly competition and some prizes along the way.
Beautifully organised by Jackie Alphonso, every detail was thoughtfully prepared, from the bingo cards and pencils to keeping the games running smoothly. Sassy Cracknell also helped make the morning such an enjoyable success with her support throughout the event.
A special mention to our collaborators whose prizes added an extra touch of excitement for all the lucky winners.
It was a lovely opportunity for members to connect, meet new faces and enjoy a nice time together.
Nancy’s Birthday Celebration
In addition to the Bingo, it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Nancy’s 91st birthday
Nancy hails from Aberdeen in Scotland and has been a resident in Dubai for two years in October. She became a member of Ranches Ladies as soon as she arrived in the city and is an active member of the Bowling, Book, Storytelling and Canasta Circles.
It was thanks to her daughter that she decided to live here after spending many a happy holiday as a visitor.
Of course, the birthday girl was delighted to be amongst her friends at the Bingo morning and also had already been for a special weekend away with her family and was looking forward to some upcoming celebrations too.
Her three children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren all wished Nancy the best of birthdays as did the Ranches Ladies on such a magnificent occasion.
Ranches Ladies Upcoming Events
Relaxing Yoga & the Healing Power of Harp Frequencies for ladies only. This is a complimentary wellness gathering for the UAE women’s community in celebration of International Yoga Day.
Hosted by
Modora Home
Lidia Harp
Yoga with Mariana
Please contact the number below to register your interest.
Complimentary attendance
Limited spaces available
RSVP: 056 206 4851
Ranches Ladies Wellbeing
Coffee Mornings
We’ve enjoyed meeting at Larte in Studio One Hotel for our Tuesday coffee mornings. The conversation has flowed along with the coffee! As ever, it is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends old and new.
Circles Activities
Our Ranches Ladies members have continued to resume Circles meetings throughout May and early June. Take a look at some of the fabulous activities enjoyed by our community.
The Cinema Circle
The Cinema Circle met to watch The Sheep Detectives. When we were there, we took the opportunity to take a photo as we haven’t had one in a while! The background just happened to be another film that’s currently on general release.
The Wellbeing Circle
The last Wellbeing session, Clear in Your Truth, Kind in Your Approach, explored the balance between honesty, emotional awareness and compassionate communication. Together, we reflected on how reactions, triggers, past experiences and inner dialogue can influence the way we speak, listen, and relate to others.
The Wellbeing sessions are designed as a supportive space for personal reflection, connection and skill-building and does not replace professional mental health assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.
The Scrabble Circle
The Scrabble Circle met in Sisi’s Eatery at Arabian Ranches, where Ranches Ladies enjoy 15% discount, for some friendly wordplay. Zarina took the crown with a truly impressive score and a fabulous use of her Z! We finished up with a couple of games of Rummikub and a lovely time was had by all. Everyone agreed that it made a nice change to visit somewhere different.
The Book Circle
The Book Circle read The Widow by John Grisham in May. As usual we had a very lively and interesting discussion, although most agreed it was not one of his best! Our book for June is The Lion Women of Tehran by Marian Kamali.
The Quilters Circle
The Quilting Circle had a wonderful day back at the hotel after some time away. As always, we had a show and tell of all our beautiful projects.
The Mosaic Circle
The Mosaic Circle ladies are working hard under Ayesha’s watchful eye! Each beautiful piece is unique.
Jackie finally finished her tabletop after eight months, a real labour of love! The Mosaic Circle meets on Wednesday mornings at Ayesha’s home in the Green Community, DIP
The Leather Circle
The Leather Circle ladies meet every Wednesday between 11am and 2pm.
Canasta Circle
The Canasta Circle had our pre-summer tournament last week with 28 ladies playing and all looking Pretty in Pink.
The Walking Circle
The Wednesday Walking Circle have moved indoors for the summer and met at Mall of the Emirates for a few laps, free flowing conversation all capped off with some refreshments at Common Grounds. Hitting the 10,000 steps whilst putting the world to rights is always fun!
The Art Circle
Ladies in the Art Circle are working hard and have finished some of their masterpieces.
Do you have anything you would like to share?
This is your newsletter, and we need your contributions! What can you share? Something from your Ranches Ladies Circles Activities which are connected to the interests of the other ladies in the Circle. Please send short articles (as a guide 200 words max), with photos, if possible, to ranches.ladies@gmail.com or the RL Web Updates Group.
Our newsletter is now a monthly publication, on the second Monday of each month. Please can all articles be submitted within 5 days of your event. In the instance that your event occurs at the end of the month, please can your article be submitted by midday on the Friday before our publication date to ensure it is included. Articles not received in time may be held over to the following month. Thank you for your understanding!
RL Circles Calendar
For more information on June’s Circles activities, please refer to the individual Circle WhatsApp groups.
Email circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com if you would like to join any circle. If you are a member but not yet on the members only Ranches Ladies Whatsapp group please email ranches.ladies@gmail.com. Enquiries will be responded to within one working day.
Check out our website at http://www.arabianranchesladies.com and you can find us on FB and Instagram as Ranches Ladies
Your Suggestions Matter
Do you have any ideas for Ranches Ladies activities and are you willing to get involved?
Would you like you start a new circle? Or would you just like to give some feedback?
We would love to hear from you!
Contact us on ranches.ladies@gmail.com or circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com. Circles enquiries will be responded to within one working day.
Discounts
We are pleased to welcome Sisi’s Eatery to Arabian Ranches 1. A charming new café inspired by Viennese elegance, offering comforting dishes, specialty coffees, and beautiful cakes in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Sisi’s Eatery team is happy to collaborate with the Ranches Ladies and is offering Ranches Ladies Members an exclusive 15% discount, the perfect reason to discover this lovely new neighbourhood spot.
Your RL membership card is your passport to great discounts from our dozens of discount partners. Check the discounts section on the website for a full list (use the drop down category list), including recently added new discounts.
Present your membership card to avail the discount. For any discount related enquiries or suggestions please email discounts.rl@gmail.com
For any enquiries or suggestions please email ranches.ladies@gmail.com
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