Vikings at AGM!
During my LC-years, I have been to 6 Swedish AGM, 4 Danish and 2 Norwegian AGM´s, but not until now I have been able to go to Finland.
We arrived at Vaasa during Thursday evening and just checked in to the hotel and then off to the tour “The Dark Side of Vaasa” where we meet ghosts and went to places that had hosted murderers. Of course, all in the spirit of Salmiakki.
When we got back to town it was time for a get-together-party to meet friends you haven’t seen for a long time. It was really fun to see LCI president Kjersti Irgens and her husband Ole again.
Friday was an early start for all the international guests, to go out to the beautiful archipelago – all at UNESCO world inheriting -list. We had a fabulous day at the coast ending up having lunch in one of the little fishermen’s cottage, eating fish soup and singing songs from the different countries.
Friday night was Viking night!
A lot of Huldas and Svens was at the party. There is only one problem with a great outfit – it is impossible to recognize the same person the day after without the costume. . .
Saturday morning and AGM.
All ladies dressed up with hats.
Since it was 50th anniversary for LC Finland there were a lot of past presidents attending. I had the pleasure to sit next to our present LCI president on one side, and past LCI president 1973-74 Margareta Renlund on the other side. Margareta is a lovely lady whom told me a lot about the old days in Ladies Circle, and they are not that different from now. There was also present past LCI president 1968-69 Irmeli Kaario – she was President the year I was born. A thrilling thought that we should meet at this event.
There where gifts for LC Finland and National President Johanna Kekki-Lehtinen – LCI president Kjersti Irgens had a wonderful book with greetings from all over the world and myself had greetings from LC Sweden. A diploma of a 500 swedish kronor that had been transferred to International service project ECPAT in LC Finlands name. Congratulations all ladies in Soumi Finland! 50 years young and you look all healthy and have a good strength in your organization.
Galadinner are always great – it had all you can think of or what do you say about Finnish karaoke (only for the LC-ladies), president chain enchains, Finnish hardrock band, dancing on the tables and a proposal. In the middle of the galadinner, RT Finlands president 09/10 Petri Harju went down on his knees and proposed to his partner for the last 17 years Riita Alanen. I didn´t understand a word what he said on stage but I sure understood what he was doing. Of course she said yes. Congratulations to you both!
Sunday is departure date and we went home with good memories and a lot of new friends. Next year the AGM is in Rovaniemi. Hrm – I have never been to Rovaniemi…….
Camilla Näsman
LC121 Akka
Past President 07/08 LC Sweden
Convenor LCI 2012 Helsingborg
