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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

(This wonderful document is a living history of the development of British charitable activities in Thailand. The original document is kept in the BCTFN offices. - NB The page references mentioned reflect the original document).

Accounts

(Page 1)

BEFORE THE WAR (WW2)

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.).