A Visit to the Rosewood HotelA Visit to the Rosewood Hotel

SoCO Trackside Outing SoCO Trackside Outing

QUARTERLY AUTUMN 2019

CONTENTSMessage from the Chair of Council 3

Festive Programme 2019 4,5

The Library Committee 6,13

The Activities Committee 7

General Manager’s Desk 8

The Community Outreach Committee 10,11,12

The House & Garden Committee 13

The Food & Beverage Committee 13

Reciprocal Club 14,15

The History Group 16,17

Advertising Rates 18

New Member List 18

Reciprocal Club List 19

Discount Benefits Scheme 2019 19

Club Information 20

COUNCIL EXECUTIVES

Linda FergusonChair

Usha CasewellVice Chair

Jennifer LangCo Honorary Secretary

Jenny FearnsCo Honorary Secretary

Ruth Kan Honorary Treasurer

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Dorothy WongCo Chair of ActivitiesDiane O’HareCo Chair of ActivitiesJennifer LangBuildingManisha SharmaCommunity OutreachJulia TsaoConstitution and ByelawsTina SeibFood and BeverageMarilyn ChungHouse and GardenJenny FearnsLibrary Patricia Hutton Magazine Editor

MANAGEMENT

Betty SimpsonGeneral Manager

Phoebe WongSenior Manager – Accounts and Administration

Joanne ChanSenior Manager – Membership and Marketing

Elaine LoExecutive Assistant

Daniel FungHousekeeping Manager

Peter LauRestaurant Manager

Atta TsangAssistant Banquet Manager

Mahjong Group – Drop in for members Monday 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bridge Groups

Marge Lo Tuesday 9:30 am – 12:30 pmDonna Doran Tuesday 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Book Group 1

Gail Buttifant Last Tuesday of the Month 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Book Group 2

Melinda Sturges Last Friday of the Month 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Craft Day

Patricia Hutton Every Thursday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

History Group

Patricia Hutton Tuesday, 22 Oct, 5, 19 & 26 Nov 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm

If you would like to join any of these groups, please enquire at the Office.

QUARTERLY AUTUMN 2019

P.7 P.11

The weather is becoming a bit cooler and our garden is looking glorious! The Garden Party we held at the end of September to thank the Peak Tram for organising and funding the

refurbishment of our garden was a great success. Sir Michael Kadoorie was on hand to officiate the opening. I hope you were able to attend.

You will be happy to know that the wifi upgrading project is now complete. We have installed fiber optic cables throughout the building to increase the speed and bandwidth available for our members and residents. If you are having difficulty connecting to the new service, please speak to a member of staff.

Autumn is the time of year that we hold many of our charity fundraising events. These include:

• Wednesday 10 October – Charity Bazaar. This was the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping list. This year we had 47 vendors, including numerous new vendors. The Library and Craft group tables were set up in the Conference Room, lunch was available in the Garden Room. I hope you were able to attend. All proceeds from this event went to our Charity of the Year.

• Thursday 24 October – Pink Tea. This event is for those who love classical music, good conversation and delicious snacks. As well as the pink-themed canapes and sweet treats, participants had the pleasure of listening to harpist Jacqueline Wong and flautist Dominic Yu preforming together. All proceeds from this event went to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund.

• Monday, 9 December – Christmas Lunch. This is one of the most popular events at our club. Our kitchen staff work extremely hard to create a delicious, festive lunch. Please join us as we listen to the choir from Sacred Heart Canossian College and celebrate the festive season. Book early, tickets for this event go very fast. All proceeds from this event will go to our Charity of the Year.

Come and join us for these special events and help support our community service work.

In addition to our annual charitable events, the Activities Committee has been very busy organising outings, film screenings, music evenings and much more for the fall season. Please watch out for these and other activities and events in our weekly emails.

I look forward to seeing you at The Helena May over the coming months!

Linda Ferguson Chair of Council

3

CHAIR OF COUNCIL

Monday, 9 December

SoupCeleriac & Thyme Soup

Main CourseRoast Turkey with Chestnut, Mushroom & Parma Ham

Stuffing, Roast Potatoes, Braised Brussels Sprouts,

Cranberry Sauce & Gravy

Or

Spiced Butternut Strudel served with

Grilled Asparagus & Creamed Spinach (Veg.)

DessertChristmas Pudding with Glazed Apple &

Cognac flavoured Vanilla Sauce

Coffee or Tea

(A complimentary glass of wine is included)

Thursday, 28 November

Warm Apple Cider

StarterAmerican Harvest Salad with Boston Lobster, Fresh Corn,

Sweet Peppers & Roast Walnut Dressing

Or

Blood Orange, Pomegranate & Arugula Salad

served with Lemon Ginger Poppy Seed Dressing (Veg)

SoupRoast Squash & Ginger Soup (Veg.)

Main CourseRoast Turkey served with Crispy Bacon Brussel Sprouts,

Garlic & Chili-sautéed Spinach, Mashed Potatoes,

Cranberry Sauce & Gravy

Or

Mushroom & Tarragon Strudels with Madeira Sauce

& Seasonal Vegetables (Veg.)

DessertPumpkin Mousse with Maple Pecan Crumble

Coffee or Tea

Children’s Christmas Story Time

& Carols4 December

4 pm to 6 pmChildren $80Adult $90

Prelude To Christmas with The Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir

6 December6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Member $230Guest $280

Members’ Christmas Lunch

9 December12 nn to 2 pm

Member $340Guest $390

Thanksgiving Dinner

28 November6:30 pm

$520 Per Person

November & December November & December

For bookings, please contact

Thanksgiving Thanksgiving

DinnerDinner Christmas LunchChristmas Lunch

4

Tuesday, 24 December (12 nn to 2:30 pm)

Cold TablePrawn Tower with Cocktail Sauce

Smoked Salmon & Golden Beet TartareSalad of Smoked Duck & Smoked Turkey

Thai Beef Salad with Herb & Lime DressingA Selection of Antipasti

Parma Prosciutto & Seasonal MelonPenne Pasta tossed with Sweet Corn, Pine Nuts, Sundried

Tomatoes & Pesto Sauce (Veg.)Mezze Station with Hummus, Tabbouleh, Eggplant, Olives,

Cherry Tomatoes, Fennel, Crudités & Pita Bread (Veg.)Mixed Lettuce Salad (Veg.)

SoupPumpkin Soup with Crab Meat & Herb Croutons

Main EntréeGrilled Garlic & Herb Lamb Rack served with Mint Salsa

Verde, Glazed Asparagus & Sliced Baked PotatoOr

Mushroom Roulade served with Braised Vegetables & Baked Provençale Tomato (Veg.)

DessertMince Pies

Cheese BoardChilled Sabayon with Berries

Chestnut Crème BrûléeAssorted Christmas Biscuits

Seasonal Fruit PlatterFrench Pastries

Christmas Eve Lunch

(Semi-Buffet)24 December

12 nn to 2:30 pmAdult $380Children $300

(Under 12 Yrs Old)

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet

24 December6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Adult $600Children $480

(Under 12 Yrs Old)

Festive Programmes 2019Festive Programmes 2019

the office on 2522-6766

Christmas Eve Christmas Eve

LunchLunch

Christmas Eve Christmas Eve

DinnerDinner

Tuesday, 24 December(6:30 pm to 9:30 pm)

Hors d’oeuvresLobster & Mango Salad

Traditional Smoked Scottish Salmon with condimentsPrawn Tower with Marie Rose Sauce

Crabmeat CocktailProsciutto & Air-dried Beef with Chilled Seasonal Melon

Chilled Soba Noodles with Seared Tuna Roast Duck & Noodle Salad

Salad of Smoked Chicken, Ham & Fresh Seasonal FruitVine-ripened Tomato & Mozzarella Salad with Basil Olive Oil &

Balsamic Vinegar (Veg.)Penne Pasta Salad with Pine Nuts & Sundried Tomatoes (Veg.)

Selection of Vegetable Antipasti: Endive, Bell Pepper, Mushroom & Zucchini (Veg.)

Home Made Samosa with Mint Yoghurt (Veg.)Selected French Lettuce with a choice of dressings & condiments (Veg.)

SoupSeafood Bouillabaisse

CarvingRoast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce, Chestnut Stuffing & Gravy

Maple Glazed Ham with Madeira Sauce

EntréesRoast Salmon Fillet with Basil & Tomato Sauce

Baked Lamb Cutlet ProvençaleBraised Duck Breast with Dried Fig Sauce

Beef Teriyaki BrochettePrawn Cutlet with Sauce Tartare & Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli tossed in Walnut Butter & Tomatoes (Veg.)Fresh Seasonal Vegetables: Brussel Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes,

Chestnuts & Red Cabbage (Veg.)Roast Pork Loin with Plum SauceChicken Curry with Yellow Rice

Braised E Fu Noodles with Wild Mushrooms (Veg.)

Dessert

Creme BruleeMango MousseCroquemboucheMini Mince PiesMini Christmas LogsGrand Marnier TiramisuMixed Berry Compote

Christmas ChocolatesFresh Fruit and Berry SaladTraditional Christmas CakeAssorted Christmas CookiesChristmas Pudding with Warm Brandy Butter Sauce

5

The highest rungs were occupied by Cara, Albert and Esther, but many achieved personal bests with books read, and were introduced to new

authors who they can charge after in the year ahead.

The Library Summer Book Battle

Congratulations to everyone who not only jousted their way through the Battle of the Books to achieve their rank on the leader

board, but who answered all of Margarette’s searching questions concerning their loyalty to the authors.

6

THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE

On 15 August, a group of us visited Food Angel’s Food Station in Lai Chi Kok. I was not aware of the work that Food Angel does in Hong Kong before this visit but managed to learn plenty more afterwards – impressive work, indeed!

Food Angel is a food rescue and food assistance program. The rescued edible surplus food from different sectors of the food industry here is then prepared as daily hot meals to serve the underprivileged communities in Hong Kong.

Our visit was to the Food Station where vegetables are received, prepared and sent to Food Angel’s kitchens daily. We spent three hours on that day helping in preparing vegetables – cutting, slicing, and peeling. Volunteers can choose and rotate between stations if they wish. The visit was very well coordinated from start to finish and the staff at Food Angel were quite welcoming, informative, and supportive of their daily volunteers.

If you have time and interested in volunteering, perhaps you may consider Food Angel or similar charity organisations – it is not an easy job but it’s truly worth it as we serve our Hong Kong community.

It is great to see so many volunteers and an operation that extends help to the homeless and needy in Hong Kong.

Iyad MatukMember

A Visit to Food Angel

Expectations were running high as our team assembled in Tsim Sha Tsui. Into the lobby of the Rosewood Hotel, we spent a few minutes viewing the varied artworks, minus the life sized sculpture

of an Indian elephant which sadly was not on display that day.

Our guide arrived. The male staff are impeccably turned out in sharp suits and sporting cravats. We ascended to one of the 43 floors of the hotel for our tour. The interior is by Taiwan American designer Tony Chi. It features wide corridors with ample seating (for your bodyguards we were told). At over 500 square feet, the rooms are sizeable while the suites are double that. We were impressed by the luxurious fittings, the double showers and the bigger-than-super-king-sized beds, but most of all by the panoramic views of Hong Kong.

Then we descended to the Butterfly Room and settled in for what for some of us was the main event, the afternoon tea. Savoury nibbles were followed by a delightful multi-coloured sandwich, then scones hot from the oven. Next a pastry trolley from which we made our choice of tarts, eclairs, mille feuilles and the like. Then finally a chocolate trolley with three different cakes, chocolate mousse and chocolate truffles. I am happy to report the team did The Helena May proud and finished all five courses!

Joyce WongMember

A Visit to the Rosewood Hotel

7

THE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

From the General Manager’s Desk

The need to reduce and recycle waste is crucial to Hong Kong, with our large

population and rapidly filling disposal facilities. The Helena May has been implementing environmentally friendly operating measures over the years to reduce waste, remove plastic and conserve, recycle and reuse resources. We hope members will join hands with us to help save our planet!

Reduction of waste

• Plastic bottled water is not used in the restaurant or banqueting

• Recycling of glass bottles, metal cans and paper• Upcycling of glass jars and wine corks for resale to raise funds

for charity• Organise the Spring Clean Sale annually to promote recycle

and reuse• Use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) copying paper• Opting out of hard copy magazine mailing is available for

members• Water flow control valves have been installed in the faucets

throughout the public areas

Removal of plastic

• Paper straws were now offered for cold drinks upon request instead of plastic ones

• The stock of plastic shopping bags was responsibly treated by a specialist contractor to recycle into plastic pallets for reuse. Paper bags are now available for takeaways

• Plastic take away boxes were replaced by paper boxes• A key-locked umbrella rack has replaced the use of plastic umbrella bags

Energy Saving

• LED light tubes and bulbs have been extensively used in the club premises• Photovoltaic light sensors are installed to control outdoor lighting• The Building Committee is looking into the possibility of using solar panels

Promotion of Sustainability

• Ocean Friendly Seafood is offered in the Main Menu. The seafood in this menu has been selected from sustainable species in accordance with the WWF-Hong Kong’s Seafood Guide

• Omni pork and other vegetarian dishes are offered to promote “Eating Less Meat” to reduce methane gas and climate change

• The Helena May has joined the Business Environment Council as an Associate Member to gain industry best practice on environmental management

8

GENERAL MANAGER’S DESK

The Helena May Membership

The Helena May has a lively and engaged membership which is dedicated to the welfare of women and girls in Hong Kong.

Member benefits:English libraryDining facilitiesMeeting and function roomsUse of reciprocal clubs around the worldNetworking and social activitiesFitness classes and health lecturesEnriching cultural and educational programmesMeeting with like-minded individualsParticipation in community outreach programmes

For more information, please visit our website at www.helenamay.com or contact us at 25226766.

DINNER

Menu

Starter

Champignon Vol-au-Vent garnished with

Chive & Crisp Lettuce

***Main Course

Stuffed Lamb Loin with Almond Fig Sauce,

Roast Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables

***Dessert

Treacle Tart with Raspberry flavoured

Clotted Cream

***Petits Fours

Tea or Coffee

“MURDER ON THE FEAST OF ST. STEPHENS” presented by Perilous Mouths Entertainment

Friday, 22 November 7:00pm to 10:00pm

It’s the day after Christmas (The Feast of St. Stephens) and an unlikely group of guests have been invited to a Christmas dinner at the best club in town. Little do they know that their host has no intention of spreading Christmas cheer or showing good will

towards all men. Quite the contrary. She is intent on paying them back for their past sins and indiscretions.

Remarks: Cancellation of booking will be accepted on/before 1 November 2019. Each table will be arranged for 12 people and a seating plan will be prepared for this event. If you would like to reserve a vegetarian main course, please let the office know.

Last booking date: Friday, 15 November

Fee:

$600 per person (Early Bird Offer - Paid on/before 21 October 2019)

M $650 (after 21 October 2019)G $700

Message from the Chair

A Donation to SoCO

This year we started a new green initiative of upcycling glass bottles and wine corks that would normally be

thrown away as waste.

We are delighted to share with you that our hand painted glass jars and wine cork coasters and ornaments met with a very encouraging response at the Spring Clean Sale in May and the Christmas themed jars and wine cork tree ornaments at Charity Bazaar were also much appreciated by members and guests. Thank you to all those who bought our wares, you made such a meaningful contribution towards our fundraising efforts for Home Care for Girls, our Charity of the Year.

I would also like to share with you about our community outreach work that extends beyond supporting charitable organisations. Over the last decade we awarded 14 scholarships to HKAPA (Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts) girl students in the music and dance discipline. We are especially proud of the achievements of Ms Samantha Chong and Ms Chan Pik-sum in the international arena. The other prominent annual scholarships include two ballet scholarships jointly sponsored with the Carol Bateman School of Dance, a music scholarship for the school girls Christmas Choir and a hall bursary for two girls of Education University of Hong Kong.

As always, all our combined efforts will go a long way in making a meaningful contribution towards our communities.

Manisha SharmaChair of the COC Committee

On 20 June 2019, Elizabeth Cotter and Maggie Lunn visited the Society for Community Organisation (SoCO). This is a non-profit human rights organisation that was

established in 1972. Its funding comes from local and overseas churches, the Community Chest of Hong Kong and donations from individuals and other organisations. This is the Library’s nominated charity and throughout the year we have saved money from our various second-hand book sales.

We presented a cheque for $12,000 to Madam Sze Lai Shan, the Community Organizer. She thanked us warmly and showed us a very impressive collection of art and craft work that had been prepared for their Social Art Exhibition.

We never fail to be amazed by the wonderful work being done by Madam Sze and her dedicated team.

Elizabeth Cotter & Maggie LunnMembers of Library Committee

10

THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE

SoCO Trackside Outing

It was a beautiful day on 21 September when 13 volunteers helped out at the SoCO Trackside Day, an annual event of SoCO to bring the Shamshuipo low-income families to the Tai Po

Trackside MTR staff club for a fun day enjoying different kinds of sports and board games. This year, there were 39 families, totalling 100 participants.  The Helena May sponsored the sports equipment, board games, toys, transportation and meals. 

In addition to thanking us for sponsoring the event, SoCO gave appreciation to our members of different nationalities who made the event a unique experience. As the coordinator of the event, I cannot agree more. Thank you to our volunteer members and guests for their cheerfulness and involvement which made the day a success. This was the tenth year The Helen May has sponsored this meaningful event and I look forward to participating in future.

Rosy PangCOC Member

11

THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE

A Heritage Tour for the Gifted Education Foundation

Ever wonder why the group of students who visited The Helena May on 13 July were dressed in school uniforms of diverse colours and

designs?

They were students from 18 different primary schools who excel in artistic activities, sports, languages, dance, or music and so forth.

During the year they receive a scholarship of HK$6,000 from the Gifted Education Foundation and also have opportunities to join activities such as visiting a radio station, the residence of a top government official, concerts, drama performances, classes on coding and IT and more.

Visiting the heritage building of The Helena May has always been a highlight and an eye opener

where the students are exposed to the former lifestyle of Hong Kong British people in the colonial era.

At the end of the visit, the students and their respective parents were treated to a morning tea and dining etiquette.

They had an opportunity to reflect on their experience and share their thoughts about the visit. Everyone was impressed with the decor, the ambience and the serenity in the heritage building and marvelled at the efforts made by the members in their conservation work that keeps this heritage building alive with vitality.

Ruth LauCOC Member

12

THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE

I’m sure many of you are looking

forward to Autumn and the cooler months ahead. An excellent time for us to enjoy the new and

improved garden at The Helena May.

Finally, most of the garden work has been completed and you will have noticed the many changes and improvements. The Peak

Our Library Cat

Tram’s work is now finished on the club’s land, and the laying of pathways at the back of the garden and the removal of the old chain-link fence has been completed. A new, upgraded hedge and various other plants have been installed. Our garden will continue to look better and better over time.

Our Committee also took this opportunity to focus our time on future improvements, such as new wooden fencing to hide the air conditioners, new lighting throughout, plus more planting to enhance the overall beauty of the area.

From all the House and Garden Committee Members, we wish you a cool and peaceful Autumn.

Marilyn ChungChair of the House and Garden Committee

If you are ever in the Library and look towards the window you will often see a tabby cat

gazing in. This dappled cat is Poppy, the boss of The Helena May cat colony. For many years a group of feral cats have been attracted to the gardens and kitchen of the Helena May and, under the leadership of Lynn Seymour, their position became

official. Lynn helped to trap most of the cats and have them neutered – you can tell if they have been as one ear will have

been clipped – before being released back into the garden.

Most of the cats linger around the Court Building, but Poppy realised the advantages of having a team of humans to command and she rules in the lower garden. If you see her do say hello, but do not try to pet her as that makes her dart away to take refuge in a tree.

Jenny FearnsCouncil Member

Thank you very much for your supporting letters and comments. It is very

encouraging for a committee to receive positive feedback. You will have noticed that we are raising our game in the fine dining

department, with consistent and fresh ingredients at good value, with a view to providing something delicious for everyone.

The monthly themes have been a great success, and we are starting to work on the themes for next year. The committee is bursting with mouth-watering ideas, and as always we welcome you to share your favourite recipes with us.

Special thanks to Linda Yiu, who together with Executive Assistant, Elaine Lo, created a range of stunning photos for our monthly specials. You can follow us on Instagram #thehelenamay_hk and Facebook: The Helena May.

Our committee was informed that Chef Craig Li has left The Helena May. We wish him great success in his future endeavours.

A personal note – if you love cake (and who doesn’t) – check out our cakes of the month. They taste amazing. Indulge!

Tina SeibChair of Food and Beverage Committee

13

THE HOUSE & GARDEN COMMITTEE

THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMMITTEE

THE LIBRARY CAT

If you are in London, especially near Mayfair, I would recommend a visit to one of The Helena May’s reciprocal clubs, the University Women’s Club, with its grand library

and comfortable and elegant lounge. If you stay there you will find other rooms to sit in and rest. For Helena May members it is almost a home from home, full of charm, a sense of history, celebration of women and old world elegance. You will find it a very congenial place to meet up with London friends.

The Restaurant is not open in the summer months for cooked meals but you can always have hot and cold beverages. Afternoon tea is also available. I have stayed there for a few days with my husband. The double room with ensuite we had was very comfortable and spacious. There are also single and double rooms with shared bathrooms on women-only floors. The breakfast was served to us in the elegant dining room overlooking a small garden. It is a delightful place and well worth a visit.

Usha CasewellCouncil Member

Last year my husband and I went to dinner at The Arts Club, another of our many reciprocal clubs in London. It was established in 1863 to bring together members of the arts, literature and science community, and one of its founding members was Charles Dickens. Now this private members club focuses

on the creative arts community including theatre, film, music and the arts professionals, and has a well-known Contemporary Art Collection on site.

The Arts Club is a very “happening” place! At 7:30 pm on a week day there was a line-up to get in. The main dining area, with its well-stocked bar in the centre of the room, was full of vivacious and well-dressed “bright young things”. It is one of the places to go clubbing with the celebrity set in London. There is a lovely garden for outdoor dining and a dinner club where they regularly have talks about the London arts scene, and live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The live music starts at midnight, long past my normal bedtime!

The food was very, very good, but also a bit expensive. Our three-course dinner with wine for two people was about £240. But that said, it is the place to go to see the members of the arts, film and theatre industries. I didn’t see any celebrities while I was there, but I’m not sure I would recognise them even if they walked right past our table.

Linda FergusonChair of Council

Clubbing Around London

14

RECIPROCAL CLUB

Have you visited one of The Helena May’s reciprocal clubs lately? If yes, please do send us a short write-up on your experience, and any photos taken. Your impressions may help our members in choosing a club to visit or stay at while overseas.

There is a list of reciprocal clubs at the end of this newsletter and on our website.

The National Liberal Club in London is a bit older than The Helena May and its impressive, imposing exterior

looks it. Originally founded by members of the Liberal Party, it now keeps up its liberal traditions and was one of London’s first major male clubs to give full membership to women. Finding the entrance was a bit tricky but once we entered, it was all warmth and a good atmosphere. After a friendly welcome at the door and curious questions about Hong Kong were answered, we had a good look around at the interior, the restaurant, the garden and a wide terrace overlooking the Thames. The club serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Service was good on a busy Friday night, and the food, a substantial amount and above average quality, arrived in a reasonable amount of time. The menu clearly lists several vegetarian options and the staff understood exactly what gluten free means. A three-course dinner with a bottle of wine cost about £100 for two. We’d go back!

Patricia Hutton, Council MemberLinda Ferguson, Chair of Council

15

RECIPROCAL CLUB

Dramatic Changes to The Helena May Main Building in 1920s

Two significant extensions to the building were added in the 1920s. The first was begun in 1921, a mere five years after The Helena May opened. Financially the 20s were a time of boom. Hong Kong was doing well and The Helena May was also thriving. More women were coming to the colony to work and taking

up accommodation as residential members. Subscriber membership was also flourishing. By 1929 there were 455 subscriber members with 70 of them having joined that year. More members meant that increased facilities were needed. And the Council was quick to respond.

The building was originally symmetrical. The additions to the Main Building were placed at the back while the front, facing Garden Road, stayed the same. The work, which began in 1921, was by far the most ambitious and was completed by June 1922. A five-story extension was added on the left side of the building. It included two spacious bedrooms on the top two floors, with a room for a library (our present Green Room) at the ground floor level. The basement and sub-basement levels housed staff quarters and the kitchen respectively.

Original symmetrical design, facing Garden Road

Back of the building, showing 1922 extension

16

THE HISTORY GROUP

Another practical innovation was the enclosing of the lower floor with large doors and windows. Today this lower floor houses the Library and the Garden Room. The Helena May was rightly proud of these additions to the building and a grand opening was held, to which reporters from the local newspapers were invited. The report in the South China Morning Post, on 22 June 1922 stated, “The most striking feature of the innovations is the conversion into a spacious dining hall of the large and formerly open basement. The dining hall has been fitted up specially with electric power for cinematographic purposes and it is proposed to use the hall for lectures and other forms of entertainment.”

By 1929 a further addition to the building was needed. This extension was more modest. A two-story extension was constructed on the right side of the building. This extension contained an office, with a veranda for the Secretary, on the ground floor. This is the location of our present office but the veranda was enclosed in the 1950s to give more office space. The new room on the lower level was designated as a meeting room. This is where the bathrooms, off the Garden Room, are located today.

Over the years there have been other changes to the building but nothing so significant as in the 1920s.

Diane O’HareMember of The Helena May History Group

Design showing completion of two extensions

17

THE HISTORY GROUP

NEW MEMBER LIST IN AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2019Welcome to The Helena May

The Helena May Advertisement Rates for the Quarterly Magazine

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

No. of Insertion 1 2 4 No. of Insertion 1 2 4

COLOURDouble PageFull PageHalf PageOne-third PageQuarter PageOne-Eighth Page

$9,400$5,800$3,200$2,200$1,500$1,000

$8,900$5,300$3,000$2,000$1,400

$950

$8,400$4,800$2,800$1,800$1,300

$900

BLACK & WHITEDouble PageFull PageHalf PageOne-third PageQuarter PageOne-Eighth Page

$6,300$3,800$2,200$1,500$1,000

$700

$5,800$3,400$2,000$1,300

$900$650

$5,300$3,000$1,800$1,100

$800$600

DOUBLE PAGE 420mm(w) x 297mm(h)

FULL PAGE 210mm(w) x 297mm(h)

HALF PAGE HORIZONTAL 210mm(w) x 148mm(h)

HALF PAGE VERTICAL 148mm(w) x 210mm(h)

ONE-THIRD HORIZONTAL 210mm(w) x 99mm(h)

ONE-THIRD VERTICAL 70mm(w) x 297mm(h)

QUARTER PAGE HORIZONTAL 148mm(w) x 105mm(h)

QUARTER PAGE VERTICAL 105mm(w) x 148mm(h)

ONE-EIGHTH PAGE HORIZONTAL 74mm(w) x 52mm(h)

ONE-EIGHTH PAGE VERTICAL 52mm(w) x 74mm(h)

All rates do not include any production cost, so please send the file in “jpeg“ or “High Resolution PDF“ format. Kindly note that all advertisements will be subject to the Editorial Committee’s approval.

FOR ADVERTISING AND GENERAL INQUIRIES:

Please feel free to contact Elaine Lo on 2522-6766 or email her at ea@helenamay.com.

AUGUST

Tsun Kau COOPER CHANDaniel CHANMagi Jury LEUNGWai Lam TAMLotte ANDREASSENHoi Kan KONGKa Wai CHANChun Long CHENG

Sharon YUJillian CARROLLWin Kwan HO

SEPTEMBER

Mark REEVESChristina SONing LIMei Chi CHENG

Wai Po SUENDenise SHIUVanessa POONCheuk Yu TSANGClaire MURPHYDaniel SIN

18

ADVERTISING RATES FOR QUARTERLY MAGAZINE 2019

EUROPECity University ClubLondon, UKwww.cityuniversityclub.co.ukDevonshire ClubLondon, UKwww.devonshire.clubNational Liberal ClubLondon, UKwww.nlc.org.ukPhyllis Court ClubOxfordshire, UKwww.phylliscourt.co.ukThe Arts ClubLondon, UKwww.theartsclub.co.ukUniversity Women’s ClubLondon, UKwww.universitywomensclub.comKitzbühel Country ClubKitzbühel, Austriawww.kitzbuehel.ccCírculo del LiceoBarcelona, Spainwww.circulodelliceo.esSociedad BilbainaBilbao, Spainwww.sociedadbilbaina.com

ASIADeccan GymkhanaPune, Indiawww.deccangymkhana.co.in Jaisal Club LtdJaisalmer, Indiawww.jaisalclub.com Kobe ClubKobe, Japanwww.kobeclub.org

NORTH AMERICASulgrave ClubWashington DC, USAwww.sulgraveclub.org The Cosmopolitan ClubNew York, USAwww.cosclub.com The Francisca ClubSan Francisco, USAwww.franciscaclub.comThe Metropolitan ClubSan Francisco, USAwww.metropolitanclubsf.org The Royal Canadian Military Institute Toronto, Canadawww.rcmi.orgThe Saint Louis Women’s ClubSaint Louis, USAwww.stlwomansclub.org

The Town ClubCalifornia, USAwww.thetownclubpasadena.com The University Women’s Club of VancouverVancouver, Canadawww.uwcvancouver.ca The Woman’s Club of MinneapolisMinneapolis, USAwww.womansclub.org

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDAlexandra ClubMelbourne, Australiawww.alexandraclub.com.auKarrakatta ClubPerth, Australiakarrakattaclub.org.au The Lyceum ClubMelbourne, Australiawww.lyceumclubmelb.org.au The Moreton ClubBrisbane, Australiawww.themoretonclub.com.au The Women’s ClubSydney, Australiawww.thewomensclub.com.au The Northern ClubAuckland, New Zealand www.northernclub.co.nz

Helena May members enjoy the services and facilities of many reciprocal clubs around the world.

To use the facilities of these clubs, simply get a letter of introduction from the Membership Department and present it together with your membership card. To avoid disappointment, members are advised to book facilities with these clubs in advance.

FASHION & GIFTSTayma Fine Jewellerywww.taymajewellery.com• 10% upon purchase on all fine jewellery.

Sarah Zhuang Jewellerywww.sarahzhuang.com• 15% discount off on Sarah Zhuang

5 Jewellery collections.

HEALTH & BEAUTYThe Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel(www.niccolohotels.com)Wellness at The Murray• Any 60 minutes of treatments are entitled

to complimentary 30 minutes extension.

Balance Health Limitedwww.balancehealth.com.hk• HK$300 discount on first session of

treatment. 5% discount on all following sessions of the same treatment.

• 5% discount on all events, workshops and classes.

Byrne, Hickman & Partners Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centreswww.byrne-hickman.com• 10% discount on physiotherapy

assessment and treatment services & 10% discount on selected medical supplies.

Oriental Health Limitedwww.orientalhealth.com.hk• $300 discount for first time treatment

appointment• 5% discount on all following sessions

Pret-a-dresswww.pret-a-dress.com• 10% discount on rental• Non-usable in conjunction with other

promotional offer

Salon Chandlerwww.salonchandler.com• 20% discount on hair services by

Tommy Siu

HOUSEHOLDMauriello (Hong Kong) Ltd.Producer of fine bed, table & baby linens, made to order, or from the available collection (Showroom: 6/F., Yau Shun Bldg, 50 D’Aguilar St. Central, Tel: 2868-3308)• 30% discount on regular priced items

Myrex International Limitedwww.meyer.hk• 30% discount on purchasing all Meyer

regular original price items in Flagship Store, except wine items, outside merchandise items and bargaining zone items

• Flagship Store Address: 382 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Wah Tung China Artshttp://wahtungchina.com• 25% discount on porcelain stock items• 10% discount on furniture and “unique

items” with blue dot on price tag

LEISUREFace Productionswww.faceproductions.com.hk• 10% discount on all courses (excluding

workshops)

Hong Kong Dolphinwatch Limitedwww.hkdolphinwatch.com• 20% off for The Helena May members on

weekdays only – HK$368 for adults, HK$184 for children under 12 (3-11 years) & HK$50 for children under 3-year of age

Kids’ Gallerywww.kidsgallery.com• 10% discount on all courses (excluding

workshops)

SERVICESBritish Dry Cleaners Co. Ltd.www.britishdrycleaners.com• 10% discount on dry cleaning services

(for pick up & delivery services only)

19

RECIPROCAL CLUB

2019 DISCOUNT BENEFIT TO HELENA MAY MEMBERS

The Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong

www.helenamay.com

Office: 2522-6766 House: 2522-1423

Library: 2525-4987 Reservations: 2522-1423

Fax (Office): 2537-5258 Phoebe (Direct): 2524-1218

Betty: gm@helenamay.com

Phoebe: phoebe.wong@helenamay.com

Joanne: joanne@helenamay.com

Elaine: ea@helenamay.com

Erica: reception@helenamay.com

Atta: banqueting@helenamay.com

Library: library@helenamay.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Club Hours:Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 11:00 pm

Sunday & Public Holidays CLOSED

Library Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday CLOSED

1st Thursday of every month 11:30 am to 6:00 pm

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday 9:00 am to 12:30 pm