30th January 2000
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Flowers for a brighter tomorrow
By Ruhanie Perera
Many
of us don't realise how many kidney patients are desperately in need of
help. Fortunately for them, there is the Sri Lanka Kidney Patients' Association,
that does its best for them. But it too needs some assistance from us.
And what better way to ask for help than to - 'say it with flowers'.
"The Millennium Flower Festival 2000", a series of demonstrations, exhibitions and workshops on flower arrangements, organised in aid of the Sri Lanka Kidney Patients' Association will be conducted by Marilyn Nourse and Jenny Moore. They belong to the National Flower Arrangers' Society (NFAS), England and will be conducting this event in collaboration with the Lanka Ikebana and Flower Arrangers' Association (LIFAA). The exhibitions will be held at the Diocesan auditorium, adjoining the BMICH on February 3, 4 and 5.
Marilyn and Jenny have been involved in flower arranging for some time now. What was initially a hobby to them so many years ago, is today a profession. They make arrangements for weddings, conduct demonstrations, take part in many competitions at national level and have even been appointed as judges for such competitions.
Although they have turned out many arrangements together their individual styles are different. "My arrangements are structured," stresses Jenny whose pet theme is 'contrast', - "whereas Marilyn's tend to flow." "Every arrangement has a mood and it can be interpreted by the type of flower or texture. For example if I wanted to send my enemy a flower arrangement I would choose thistles and thorns," laughs Marilyn.
Sitting in the garden, they seem so relaxed and confident but both admit they are nervous before every demonstration. "It's very much like stage fright." Thus they have 'mock-ups' or practice sessions, but there are still times when things turn out not quite as planned.
The Kidney Patients' Association decided on the Flower Festival as the project for this year. Its objective is to install some dialysis machines, which are badly needed by all kidney patients and organise medical supervision for them. "That way we will be able to do something more for the man on the street," says Gowri Mahenthiran, a member of the association.
So as you buy a ticket for the Flower Festival remember that you are not only going to see two dynamic ladies create wonders with beautiful flowers, but that you will also be giving kidney patients hope for a bright future.
Tickets are available at Mascons Showroom, Liberty Plaza, Lionel Wendt,
Hotel Taj Samudra, Kidney House - 52, 1st Lane, Gothami Road, Borella and
with LIFAA Members (692304, 695343)
News 100 years ago
Fever epidemic hits Jaffna
Fever has hit the town of Jaffna and its suburbs to an alarming extent.A news report from Jaffna states: "The northern suburbs Copay, Neervaly, Puttur and some other places lying beyond the Police limits are worse off in times of a fever epidemic such as at present, in point of procuring good medical assistance since there are no hospitals within easy reach of the inhabitants. The hospital opened at Inuvil lately by the American Medical Mission for women and children will do well if the admission to its dispensary be extended to men also who are only outdoor patients.
"The poor in some of the fever-stricken parts are anxiously awaiting relief and help from the Government in the shape of distributing quinine as was done last year."
Dog menace
It is reported that over 2500 dogs have been destroyed within the Colombo Municipality during the last three or four weeks. "However hard, the destruction of a few solitary animals may have been on individual owners , the amount of good that such destruction has done is incalculable," a reporter says.
The yelping curse which one meets on a morning when cycling or riding the streets of Colombo used to test the nerves of the most patient, but within the last week or two, one can move through the thoroughfares of the city with ease and comfort and little danger.
Sinna Durai's pocket guide
INGE VA or the Sinna Durai's Pocket Tamil Guide is available for Rs 2.50 a copy. It is written by Alick M Ferguson, member of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland, and Ceylon & Straits Branches.Obviously the planters had to have a knowledge of Tamil to get their work done.
Warrants if taxes are not paid
The Secretary of the Colombo Municipal Council, R. R. Dunuwille reminds householders that the half yearly taxes payable in respect of vehicles and animals kept or used within the Municipality for the current year are due before February 1and August 1.He warns that "in failure of payment on the due date warrants carrying costs will be issued".
The largest and best
The Grand Oriental Hotel is advertised as the "largest and best appointed hotel in the East".The manager, H. Wingfield describes the location:
The hotel is situated in the Fort and commands a magnificent view of the harbour and coast. It is in the immediate vicinity of the landing jetties and Customs House, Post & Telegraph Offices, Banks, P&O, M.M & British India Company offices etc; and within a few minutes drive to the railway station and the beautiful Cinnamon Gardens. Excellent cuisine. Charges moderate.
Buddhist title from Siam
News reaches Colombo that the King of Siam has conferred the honorary Siamese title of "Babu Laas" (Defender of the Buddhist Faith) on Simon Fernando of Horetuduwa, Moratuwa, one of the most prominent Buddhist leaders as a token of his reputation for zeal and for the liberality he always displays towards the promotion of the Buddhist religion.Gymnastic Society
The first meeting of the Colombo Gymnastic Society was held at the Wesleyan School, Colpetty. The Society's aim is to encourage and practise the science of gymnastics and all pertaining thereto.– Media man
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