Bangkok Network Of Women

I originate from Hull, East Yorkshire, England, I have two sons and 4 grandchildren. I used to work for the Abbey Bank as a Customer Service Manager for 27 years, which I enjoyed, I still keep in touch with my colleagues and even a customer I have known nearly all the time I worked for the bank, she writes and telephones me regularly. I love any animals and used to have shitzu dogs.

What brought you to Thailand?

We decided to take early retirement and come to Thailand, We just felt right at home after visiting our son here many times. I love the lifestyle and of course the sunshine, I must admit I do not miss the cold weather in UK. We used to live in Jomtien, Pattaya for the first year, but sadly I lost my husband to cancer, so now I live with my son and two grandchildren, together with our one year old British Bulldog, named Sumo. We have just given a home to a five year old ginger tom cat named Mr. Tong, who’s owner has left Thailand. I do drive in Bangkok but am still getting used to finding my way round, it can be confusing and of course you have to be so careful of the motorbikes. It can by so annoying when other drivers do not let you in even though you are indicating, but I just go with the flow.

What do you do?

I volunteer one day a week at my grand children’s school, Patana International, in Lauryn’s class, I enjoy being with the children. I also volunteer two days a week in my son’s office for his Charity PATT Foundation, which he founded. I help with the Ecokids camp and I have a good time as much as they do. We usually take Sumo, who is now the PATT mascot to any planting events, he even wears the tee shirt.

Plant a Tree Today (PATT) Foundation works to take action against deforestation and climate change through native forest restoration. We aim to raise awareness of global environmental issues and campaign for better environmental practices. PATT Foundation was founded in 2005 and is a UK Registered Charity and Thai Foundation.

Our work is primarily focused on the restoration of native forests. We implement reforestation projects for both biodiversity reasons and also as a means to sequester atmospheric C02. In addition to this, PATT Foundation also has an active and innovative education program. PATT helps students develop their environmental stewardship through our EcoKids Camp, Family Tree Planting days, School Tree Planting days, and setting up tree nurseries in the classroom. We have many projects and for more information, please visit our website www.pattfoundation.org

What are some tips to use get children more aware of the environment and ecosystem.

Send out party invitations by email, do not waste paper, recycle paper, 500 sheets of paper, which is one ream uses 6% of a tree.

Do not accept plastic bags from the supermarkets, take your own eco bags along.

Turn down the a/c , even 1 degree makes a difference, when you brush your teeth, turn off the tap, you may save eight gallons of water a day.

Turn lights and power off when you leave a room. Do not leave chargers plugged in all the time. Always ask mum or dad to unplug from the sockets for safety.

Playing on the computer or games uses a lot of energy, feel how hot it is when you have finished. Save energy by playing outside and of course will keep you fitter.

Eat local produce, or try to grow your own, even if you live in an apartment, you can use pots. Collect seeds on nature walks, plant and watch them grow.

The nearest green place to Bangkok is Pra Phadeang, which is an urban community forest restoration area.