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BCTFN ORIGINS

(Title Page) - NB The page references given follow the original document.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE PARTICIPATION OF THE BRITISH COMMUNITY IN BANGKOK, THAILAND, IN THAI CHARITIES
From World War II to 1972 as outlined by Mr. C.S.I. Mabbatt, C.B.E.,
and
Mrs. C.M. Madar

BEFORE THE WAR     DURING THE WAR - British War Charities
1941     AFTER THE WAR     1948/49     1951     1952     1953/55     1956     1957     1958/61     1959     1962     1963     1964     1965/66     1967     1968     1969     1969/71     1970     1971/72     Accounts

(Page 1)
BEFORE THE WAR
No combined effort in this direction. Confined to individual preferences only.

DURING THE WAR - British War Charities
Remittances were made through the British Legation and supervised by "Grandpop" Gilchrist, later Sir Andrew Gilchrist.
Funds were raised privately and organised stage shows were held at the British Club. There was a regular monthly fund-raising effort at the Club.
The British ladies ran a morning market where home-made cakes and hand-made items were donated and sold. The donors also became buyers.
On Thursday afternoons they had regular ladies Bridge. They played for money and donated half their winnings to War Charities.
At night there were regular 'variety shows' where foreign nations, particularly the Danes, gave considerable support.

1941
In January there was a huge show at the British Legation. This included numerous side shows, dance floor and the U.K. ladies supplied all the food. A car was raffled.
Two plays were put on at the British Club -- THE GHOST TRAIN and BRIEF ENCOUNTER. The former was produced by the Belgian Minister who was an expert. The cast included Dick and Muriel Whittington (later British Ambassador in Bangkok -- Sir Richard and Lady Whittington); Mrs. Ruth Chapman (wife of the American Consul); Violet and Charles Mabbatt.
Other fund raising efforts were made in the grounds of private homes, including one particularly, at the home of Binkie and Bill Streatfield (Manager of Bombay Burmah Corp.).

AFTER THE WAR
The British Club, during the war was taken over by the Japanese who used it as a combined Officers-cum-Senior N.C.O.'s Dining Club. Charles Mabbatt, who later became Chairman of the British Club for a number of years, says:

"I was asked to take the Club over on behalf of the Members at the end of the war. This was arranged with the Thai Government by Geoffrey Thompson, later Sir Geoffrey Thompson, U.K. Ambassador to Thailand, and Victor Jaques of Tilleke & Gibbons, Solicitors. I arrived at the empty Club one morning, and whilst inspecting the upstairs was accosted by a Japanese Officer with sword drawn, who wanted to know what I was doing on Japanese property. I explained my mission and he said
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"I must accompany him to see his Commander". I was taken to Nares Road where I was told to wait, Shortly afterwards the Officer accompanied by another came out into the middle of the road and formally presented me with the "front door key" of the Club. We bowed ourselves apart!"

1948/49
There was a joint charity affair at the British Club composed of Commonwealth, U.S., Dutch and Scandinavian supporters and others, chaired by Lady Thompson, wife of Sir Geoffrey Thompson. Mrs. Mabbatt acted as General Organiser and also managed the U.K. section.
The sales, apart from Jumbo rides and Ferris wheels etc., were fancy goods and foodstuffs, which were all donated.
This constituted the actual beginning of organised post-war charity efforts.

1951
The Y.W.C.A. had their first International Bazaar this year. Previously they had had their own shows.
Those foreign missions who could assist (and the size of their effort depended upon the size and ability of the respective communities) entered into the spirit of the Fair.
The French, under Madame Paul Boncour, for instance, erected an Eiffel Tower; the Danes had a miniature Danish house and Mr. Mabbatt had built a replica of BIG BEN for the British Stall. He had sat up many nights to obtain a "tape" of the chimes and these were amplified through speakers inside the clock tower. After all the effort, the chimes did not however, coincide with the exact time, but they
were most effective.
The Fair started at 3.00 p.m. and finished at midnight.

1952
The U.K. Ladies Group for the Y.W.C.A. Stall was headed by Lady Wallinger, wife of Sir Geoffrey Wallinger, Ambassador to Thailand, as President and Mrs. Violet Mabbatt acted as General Organiser once again.
The "Y" stated that too much effort had been expended on the decoration of individual stalls which were dotted around the grounds, and suggested that this year rows of stalls be put up, some larger than others according to the size and requirement of the community.
Besides helping in the Y.W.C.A. Bazaar, it was decided at a community meeting that the U.K. group should follow the lead of certain other nations and 'adopt' a charity and do what they could to help it along. DON BOSCO, a Doman Catholic home for orphans, run by Salesian Fathers, was chosen for the U.K. effort, particularly as at that time the Fathers running the Home fond themselves in a difficult financial position.
(Page 3)
They had the land on which is now the Petchaburi Road extention. It was low-lying, boggy and could only be approached by a lane off Sukhumvit Road.
This piece of land bordered on Klong San Saeb and the approach was over a hump-backed bridge across the Klong.
The Fathers, Brothers and Boys of this Orphanage were housed in wooden huts, and during the wet season internal roads and path-ways were unusable. When they had money or materials they all worked to improve the situation.
The U.K. Community helped in many ways. They supplied food, equipment and canvassed for printing facilities -- particularly office printing. They supported Don Bosco's tailoring section. Mr. Mabbatt took the Director-General of the Railways down to the compounds and encouraged him to contribute several thousand disused railway sleepers for road-making. The Royal Turf Club was encouraged to give the takings from a day's racing to Den Bosco. Don Bosco printed a booklet for distribution on the race day and a good profit was also made from advertisement. During the race meeting the Don Bosco band played.
As a result of these and other efforts Don Bosco were able to build their first concrete structure to house the orphans. Lady Pibul Songkram (wife of Field Marshal Pibul Songkram a former Prime Minister of Thailand) laid the foundation stone for the building.
That night Mr. & Mrs. Mabbatt were hosts at a dinner for Don Bosco. This was held in two sections in the grounds: first for the boys who had to retire early and, second, for the close helpers from the U.K. Community and Staff of Don Bosco.
Amongst those attending the dinner were Sir Geoffrey and Lady Wallinger, Bishop Caretto and Father John, Principal of Don Bosco School.

1953/55
Lady Wallinger continued to act as President of the U.K. Ladies Stall at the Y.W.C.A. Bazaar with Mrs. Mabbatt organising the running of it with her helpers.
This procedure was followed for the next three years, when Lady Gage, wife of Sir Berkeley Gage (British Ambassador) took over the reins with Mrs. Mabbatt assisting.
Each year the U.K. Ladies Stall contributed a large sum to the Y.W.C.A. from the sale of their Handicraft, Toys, etc.

1956
However, in 1956 it was decided by a meeting of the U.K. Community that they should donate to charities other than the Y.W.C.A.
At first it was decided not to participate in the Y.W.C.A. Bazaar that year, but as Mrs. Christian Heath, wife of the General Manager of The Borneo Company, did not agree to the British Community pulling out altogether, she suggested organising and
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operating a "token" U.K. Stall in November, 1956.
Twenty-five percent of the collection was given to Mrs. Heath to cover the cost of her stall at the "Y". She made a nett profit of Baht 10,000.- which was donated to the Y.W.C.A.

1957
In February, the first ever PLOENCHIT FAIR took place, operated solely by the U.K. Community and this time the men also took part. Sir Berkeley Gage, the then Ambassador and Lagy Gage loaned the Embassy grounds and were the inspiration behind the whole operation.
The Fair opened at 3 p.m. and closed at 1 p.m.
Mrs. Mary Jackson, wife of Mr. Mark Jackson of Borneo Company, with Mrs. Sheila Turnbull, wife of Mr. I.M.F. Turnbull of Bombay Burmah Corporation, acted as Joint Chairmen.
Mr. Mabbatt once more supervised the building and supplied the speedboat which operated on the lake, whilst Mrs Mabbatt ran the Arts and Crafts stall, which alone turned in Baht 14,000.- Other ladies, both from the Community and Embassy, assisted by the men, worked hard throughout the day supervising the sale of food and drinks besides helping with the side shows.
This grand effort produced a net profit of B78,000.
In November 1957, during the interim period between the change of Ambassadors, the Y.W.C.A's. officials approached the UK community and issued an invitation to take part in their bazaar again. Mrs Mabbatt was asked to organise and run the UK effort on behalf of the Embassy. This produced a profit of Baht 31,600.

1958/1961
During the period 1958 to 1961 Lady Whittington, wife of Sir Richard (Dick) Whittington, British Ambassador, acted as President of the stall and for two years Mrs. Mabbatt was her "right-hand man", later relinquishing the role in 1961 to Mrs. Heath who became Stall Manager.
The profit in 1958 was Baht 56,738.45. Complimentary remarks were made by all at the Bazaar of the high standard of goods sold, which were entirely hand-made by the UK ladies.
Twenty-one nations participated in the Bazaar and there was always keen rivalry between the American and British Stalls. Mrs. Mabbatt had a flooring made for the U.K. Stall so that the ladies serving would be several inches higher and a canvas awning was placed overhead for protection from the sun.

1959
It was in 1959 that the U.K. ladies Committee, under the guidance of lady Whittington decided to donate half the proceeds derived from the Y.W.C.A. Bazaar to other charities the UK Community felt should be supported. It was then that WINDSOR COTTAGE in the McKean Leprosarium in Chiangmai was built.
(Page 5)
Meanwhile the ladies of other national groups, finding they could not compete with the hand-made articles sold by the British ladies decided to import goods through their own Embassies, and the Americans decided to concentrate on toys.
However, in spite of this the U.K. Stall still made handsome profits: in 1959 Baht 66,636.- and in 1960 Baht 102,309.90. A percentage was given to the Y.W.C.A. and the balance kept for UK sponsored sponsored charities.
By this time it was decided, in supporting other charities, that medical equipment should be donated instead actual cash as this would ensure that the support was being directed to the right channels. Hence a hospital or Home or Foundation would be approached and asked what equipment it wanted most urgently and could not afford to purchase.
It was also decided that any medical equipment purchase should he of UK origin as far as possible, either purchased locally or ordered from the United Kingdom.

1962
Before Sir Dermot and Lady MacDermot had arrived, at a meeting called by Mr. Alec Adams, Counsellor, British Embassy, it was voted to "pay and not work", so funds collected would be donated to the Y.W.C.A. and other charities Instead of operating a stall that year. The sum of Baht 40,000.- was collected and Baht 5,000.- donated to the Y.W.C.A.

1963
In April the ladies of the U.K Community were circularised and asked if they were in favour of organising a Stall at the Y.W.C.A. Bazaar. By that time it looked as if the U.K. Community was losing interest and would be reluctant to take part in the annual "Y" Bazaars.
However, after much discussion the U.K. ;Stall was once again organised for the Bazaar. Lady MacDermot had as her organisers Mrs. C. Heath and Mrs. Samuel, and a profit of Baht 65,820.84 was made.
At This point it was decided to set aside the sum of baht 26,000.- after donations were made to the YWCA other charities, and put it on fixed deposit in a British Bank to be used at a later date. (See Annexe A" - sorry, not available).

1964
On June 10th, 1964, a meeting was held at the British Club when Lady MacDermot called on Mr John Fisher, CounseIIor of the British Embassy, to explain a proposition (see Annexe "B"). This gave birth to the LEORG NOK PHA PROJECT.
In November at the YWCA. Bazaar , Mrs Barbara Mackie, wife of the Mercantile Bank Manager, acted as manager of the U.K. Stall and assistant to Lady MacDermot and a profit of Baht 58,371.67 was made.

(Page 6)
1965/1966
Lady Rumbold took over the Presidency of the UK "Y" stall with Mrs. John Fisher and later in 1966 Mrs Ronald Scrivener of the Embassy as Chairman. Baht 102,508.69 profit was made in 1965.
Mr. John Fisher's letter (See Annexe "C" - sorry, not available) to Lady Rumbold explained the expenses that would be incurred in setting up this medical Centre in Leong Nok Tha after the UK troops left Thailand.
In 1966 the profit made at the YWCA Bazaar was Baht 95,759.64. However, it became apparent that the Leorg Nok Tha project would have to be abandoned as there was some question as to whether the Centre would be properly maintained in future.
Another cottage was meanwhile built in the McKean Leprosarium in Chiangmai with part of the 1966 profits. This second cottage was named named TUDOR. (The UKCTC continues to support the upkeep of these Committee continues today - as of 1972).

1967
Lady Pritchard, wife of Sir Neil Pritchard took over Lady Rumbold's place as President, with Mrs Ronald Scrivener as Chairman.
The U.K. ladies working hard. as usual throughout the year for the "Y" stall, made a profit of Baht 77000.
This was the last year that the UK participated in YWCA activity. Since the YWCA. had decided to hold the "Y" Bazaar in the Lumpini Hall instead of in their own grounds, conditions had deteriorated greatly. The space allotted to stallholders was too small and cramped and this added to the danger of fire and safety to the public.

1968
The U.K. Ladies decided at a meeting held the Embassy in January l968, with Lady Pritchard in the chair, when complaints about the conditions were brought forth and aired, to withdraw from the 'Y' Bazaar altogether. It was felt that the UK community in Bangkok was large enough to hold its own annual Fair. This would be held in the grounds of the British Embassy with the permission of the Ambassador and would bear in mind the need to cater for children.
It was decided to adopt Mrs. Madar's proposal that the Fair Fair would be in aid of Thai Charities; that it would be an opportunity to "show the flag" and to make known the charitable efforts of the UK Community.
In May 1968 when the UK Ladies turned over the Accounts to the new Joint committee, Mr. C H Loat, Honorary Treasurer of the newly formed Committee, acknowledged receiving:-
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On fixed deposit in the
Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Baht 119,213.11
Current Account - cash totalling Baht 31,410.29

Lady Pritchard was the first President of this Committee comprising men and women from the Embassy and Business community. One or two of the ladies were original YMCA stall committee members.
A meeting was called and the Reverend Dermot Bowers of Christ Church elected Chairman to hold the balance between the Embassy and the Business world. It was decided at this meeting to name this charitable organisation the UNITED KINGDOM CHARITIES COMMITTEE under the auspices of the British Embassy, as this would be distinct from the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian
Communities who had their own particular charities and were still taking part in the Y.W.C.A. Bazaar.
At this meeting, held at the Ambassador's Residence, arrangements were made for the first Fair to be held on 7th December, in the Embassy Grounds.
As the previous PLOENCHIT FAIR in 1956 had been so successful and the name was not unknown to the public, it was decided to carry on with the same name.
The 1968 Fair was an enjoyable one, for like its predecessor, it was a fun Fair where children could enjoy the Ferris wheel, round -about rides and motor boat rides on the lake, while parents participated at the food and drinks stalls, spending their cash at the Handicraft, Toys, and China Stalls, or at the games of chance. There was so much to buy, so much to do.
The fair opened at 10.50 a.m. on Saturday 7th December and closed at 6.00 p.m. A profit of Baht 97,900.- was made. It proved an attractive event to the public, and was a great success.

1969
WINDSOR BALL
On 7th February the Committee organised a large Ball in grounds of the Embassy with the permission of the Ambassador, Sir Neil Pritchard.
This event was the talk of the town. Over 500 guests attended. The beautiful grounds were decorated by coloured whole area a fairyland. A British Royal Marine Band was flown in from Singapore specially for the occasion taking turns with a local band. There were also stage shows in between the dances.
A car, a T.V. set and other valuable prizes supplied by British firms, were raffled.
Sir Neil and Lady Pritchard greeted the guests at the entrance of the residence, and a Gurkha guard piped in the guests as they arrived. Although the profit (B20,452) from the WINDSOR BALL was not large, it was however, an event greatly enjoyed by everyone present.
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It was the only one of its kind to be held in the Embassy grounds.

...1969
With the success of the PLOENCHIT FAIR in 1968 the Committee, meeting in March 1969, voted to carry on holding a Pair each year. The Committee thought that the Fair should be continued because of its contribution to the image of the U.K. Community in Bangkok and because it was useful in promoting the social well-being of the U.K. Community. It also thought that it was an effective means of raising money for charitable purposes.

1969/71
A meeting of the United Kingdom Charities Committee decided that when contributing towards Thai Charities to observe the following priorities: Health, Education of the Handicapped and Disaster relief.
In each succeeding year since 1968 the PLOENCHIT FAIR under the guidance of the United Kingdom Charities Committee has been held in the British Embassy grounds.

1970
In October 1970 Lady de la Mare, wife of Sir Arthur de le Mare (UK Ambassador to Thailand) became the President of the Committee with the Reverend Dermot Bowers, as the Chairman. In 1970, due to his approaching departure, from Thailand, he relinquished the chair to Dr. Frank Principal of the Bangkok Pattana School. This Committee has held three successful Fairs and each year the profit
had increased, enabling U.K.C.C. to make more contributions to Thai charities.
The profit from 20th November, 1969 Fair was Baht 121,454.-: in 1970 it was Baht 206,002.75 and in 1971: 226,000.-
The moneys placed on deposit for the Leong Nok Tha project In 1966 had been lying dormant but gaining interest and in 1971 amounted to Baht 193,727.41.- Early in 1971 the question of this large deposit came up and there seemed no likely large enough project in view to utilise all of this money. Mrs. Madar; with full support from Lady de la Mere, suggested that the most worthwhile
organisation to support would be the McKean Rehabilitation Institute for Lepers in Chiengmai, as the United Kingdom Charities Committee had been supporting them in a small way previously. The Committee members agreed to invite Dr. Bisset, Medical Officer in charge of the Leprosarium to state his requirements for
(Page 9)
improving or making renovations to the present buildings. Since then, with U.K.C.C.'s financial support the following improvements have been made:-
1. Built new kitchen & dining hall Baht 82,924.90
2 Purchased gas stoves, tables, 12,000.30
chairs and work benches
3. Built new laundry 35,000.00
4. Levelled the ground 39,000.00
5. Purchased electric washing machine from U.K. 45,800.00
6 Renovated the men's dormitory 36,000.00
7. In the process of converting an old building to a Boys' dormitory 36,000.00
                                                                              TOTAL Baht 257,824.90

1971/72
The present United Kingdom Charities Committee, under the Presidency of Lady de la Mare consists of representatives of the British Women's Group, the British Embassy and the British commercial firms. It is active, enthusiastic and keen on promoting the annual PLOENCHIT FAIR and in disposing of the monies as soon as possible to deserving Thai charities in the form of equipment, renovations and food required. As far as is possible, British goods are purchased for these donations.
The Committee meets monthly to discuss allocations and ways and means.
The United Kingdom Charities Committee wishes to place on record it's sincere thanks to all those who in the past contributed with their time, energy and money to the formation and continuation of this Committee to the organisation and planning of PLOENCHIT FAIR, now so well-known and respected in Bangkok, and to those who assist or who have assisted in the purchase and distribution of food
and equipment to the needy in Thailand.
The Committee looks forward to continued success and support in these fields in its future endeavours.

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