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February Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter

February 2026


The new year is well under way and after a really cold, gray beginning to winter it seems to be warming up outside! Yesterday the skies were blue and the sun was shining (at least for a while!). While it’s still “walk on the sunny side of the street” weather, there’s definitely a change in sight!


For those of you who haven’t paid your 2026 IWCV Membership Fee yet, please don’t forget to do that! Payment was due on 31 January, and sadly we will have to start deleting people from our membership rolls soon. Please go to the IWCV website and click on “Pay Dues” at the top of the home page (Pay Dues | IWC - Valencia). The fee is still only €20/year. Thank you all!


If you haven’t checked our website recently, you will be amazed to see how many different events we have planned for you in February and early March! Read on and find out just what’s there for you. But, you may also find that some of the events are already full – which is why it is really important to check the website periodically! It only takes a few minutes to open the website, click on “Events” and scroll down to see what’s new. You can do it on your phone while you’re enjoying your morning coffee so you won’t miss out on anything!


If there is any event you’d like to join but you find that it is already full, just email president@iwc-valencia.com and we will add you to the waitlist. You will be contacted if a space becomes available. Spaces do open up more frequently than you might think, so do join the waitlist!


FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING, Tuesday 3 February, 10:30am – Noon, at Rogel, C/San Francesc de Borja 13. Open to all women of Valencia, both IWCV members and those who have not already joined us. No need to register in advance; just stop by and join us for a cuppa and a chat! SOMETHING SPECIAL TODAY: If you want to bring donations of men's, women's and/or children's clothing, Peg Kirkpatrick will collect and bring them to Proyecto Vivir’s charity shop. They also resell jewelry and a very small number of nice purses and shoes – everything needs to be in good condition, of course. Proyecto Vivir is one of the charities supported by the IWCV.


TAI CHI WITH NATALIA, 4 Classes on 2 different sets of dates in February. Open to IWCV members only. For complete details, please click the link for the date you prefer:


2, 9, 16, and 23 February, 5:45pm to 6:45pm: Tai Chi with Natalia - IWCV Members Only | IWC - Valencia

5, 12, 19, and 26 February, 3:45pm to 4:45pm: TAI CHI WITH NATALIA - OPEN TO IWCV MEMBERS ++ | IWC - Valencia


VISIT TO CASA CARIDAD, on two dates in February. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, and out-of-town guests. Join us for a rare chance to go behind the scenes at one of our IWCV-supported charities, Casa Caridad. For complete details and to sign up, click on the date you prefer:


BALANCE & FALL PREVENTION WORKSHOP, Friday 6 February, 12:30am – 1:45pm. Open to IWCV members only. This interactive workshop is designed to help women feel steadier, stronger, and more confident in everyday life. It is ed by Katherine Williams, a 56-year-old UK-trained personal trainer and movement coach with over 15 years’ experience. For complete details and to register, click here: Balance & Fall Prevention Workshop | IWC - Valencia


MAKE IT HEALTHIER IN 2026, Saturday 7 February, 10:30am to Noon. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Learn non-diet strategies to cook, eat, and enjoy food with the IWCV’s own dietitian Susan Burke March. For complete details and to sign up, click here: Make it Healthier in 2026 | IWC - Valencia


VALENTINES CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOP, Saturday 7 February, 11:00am – 2:00pm at Tina Vaia Studio. Open to IWCV Members, their Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Indulge in a Valentine’s candle-making workshop made for lovers of craftsmanship and quiet luxury. In a warm, intimate setting, you’ll pour, scent, and finish your own bespoke candle with expert guidance from Tina Vaia—no experience needed, just a desire to slow down and enjoy a beautifully curated creative moment. For complete details and to sign up, click here: Valentines Candle Making Workshop | IWC - Valencia


PEACE OF MIND IN SPAIN: LEGAL ESSENTIALS FOR EXPATS, Tuesday 10 February, 11:00am to 12:30pm. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses, and Fellows of the IWCV. You will want to attend this practical presentation by Javier Hernandez, founder and attorney at Solicitor Valencia. For complete details, click here: Peace of Mind in Spain: Legal Essentials for Expats | IWC - Valencia


CREATIVE NUDE FIGURE DRAWING WITH LEAH!, Wednesday 11 February, 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Open to IWCV Members and their female out-of-town guests only. In a safe, welcoming, and intimate setting, you will delve into the are of figure drawing with IWCV member Leah Newman. For complete details, click here: Creative Nude Figure Drawing with Leah! | IWC - Valencia


MAXIMIZE YOUR TRANSFER RETURNS WITH A BESPOKE CURRENCY SERVICE, Wednesday 18 February at SpacesCabo Offices. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses, and Fellows of the IWCV. Toni Wilson from Currencies Direct / Redpin  will explain the importance of using a specialist currency company when transferring funds to / from another country, different types of contracts or products that help you ensure the best possible market rates, how to avoid bank charges in Spain, and more. For complete details and to register, click here: MAXIMIZE YOUR TRANSFER RETURNS WITH A BESPOKE CURRENCY SERVICE | IWC - Valencia


IWCV FEBRUARY LUNCHEON: ASIAN FUSION AT LEI MI, Thursday 19 February, 2:00pm. Open to IWCV members and their partners/spouses. Lei Mi is a restaurant offering a blend of authentic Vietnamese cuisine with exquisite Asian fusion flavors. All the dishes are carefully developed by Finnish chef Kara, who grew up in a family of cooks. Today you and your partner/spouse will have the opportunity to taste a variety of Kara’s delicious creations. For complete details and to register, click here: IWC February Luncheon | IWC - Valencia


WARMING WINTER SOUPS, on two Fridays: 20 February and 6 March. The focus of this class with IWCV member Chef Amanda Cushman is on hearty, make-ahead soups—perfect for cooking in advance and freezing for later. We’ll also prepare a simple herbed flatbread, an ideal companion for a satisfying winter meal. For complete details and to register, click on the link for the date you prefer:

Friday 20 February, click here: Warming Winter Soups | IWC - Valencia


FELLOWS OF THE IWCV HAPPY HOUR, Friday 20 February, 6pm to 8pm at Funkadelia, C. Marqués de Zenete, 5. Open to everyone - Come see your old friends and make some new ones. No need to sign up in advance!


SAINT ANDREWS CHURCH: THE MAGIC OF ROCOCCO IN VALENCIA, Thursday 26 February, 8:00pm to 9:15pm at C. del Poeta Querol, 6, Ciutat Vella. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Join David of Ars Magna for a special cultural tour including mapping and music. For complete details and to sign up, click here: Saint Andrew’s Church: the Magic of Rococco in Valencia | IWC - Valencia


CASA MAYO MAKES – CERAMIC GLAZING WORKSHOP, Saturday 28 February, 11:00am – 2:00pm at Tina Vaio Studio. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Slow down and immerse yourself in the art of ceramic glazing during this thoughtfully curated, hands-on workshop. In a relaxed and welcoming setting, you’ll choose an unglazed ceramic piece created by a local Valencian artisan and explore the creative possibilities of glazing it in a style that feels uniquely yours. For complete details and to register, click here: CASA MAYO MAKES | IWC - Valencia


NEW MEMBERS MEET-UP, Wednesday 4 March, 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Jane Buck’s home. Open to IWCV members only. Come join this get-together to welcome new members joining in the last 6 months. Longer-term members who would like to meet newer members are also invited! For complete details and to register, click here: New Members Meet Up   | IWC - Valencia


DESIGN YOUR LIFE: A PRESENTATION AND WORKSHOP FOR HEALTH, HAPPINESS & WELL-BEING, Thursday 5 March, 3:30pm to 5:30 pm at Cathy Cleaver’s home. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Are you ready to start your journey toward a more intentional and flourishing lifestyle? Join us for an engaging 90-minute presentation and workshop to help you build a life in which to truly thrive. For complete details and to sign up, click here: Design Your Life: A Presentation and Workshop for Health, Happiness & Well-being | IWC - Valencia


A TOUR OF CASA RONALD MCDONALD, Thursday 12 March, 5:00pm – 6:00pm. Open to IWCV members only. Don’t miss this rare special opportunity to visit Casa Ronald and understand the wonderful work that is carried out there. At Casa Ronald, families of children with serious illness receiving treatment at La Fe Hospital are hosted free of charge as these families have to move to Valencia to be close to their children. For complete details and to sign up, click here: A Tour of Casa Ronald Mcdonald | IWC - Valencia


THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR IN VALENCIA - A Guided Walk Through Valencia’s Civil War Past with David of Ars Magna, Thursday 26 March, 10:30am – 1:45pm. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Join us on a guided walk through Valencia’s Old Town and bourgeois districts to explore where pivotal moments of the Civil War unfolded. Led by local historian David of Ars Magna, this is a powerful and unforgettable journey into the city’s past. For complete details and to register, click here: The Spanish Civil War in Valencia | IWC - Valencia


MEMBERSHIP

Janine Forbes, VP Membership


Membership Newsletter Input - January 2026

We start 2026 with 525 full Members with 35 new members joining with some leaving us for pastures new.

This month our new members are from are from Spain, Austria, New Zealand, Finland, France, Argentina, Italy, Uruguay, UK and the US. We are so glad you found us and extend a huge welcome to all our new members!


New members in January 2026

Alessia Soldano

Alina Haas Cartagena

Amanda Neinman

Andrea Simon

Aresu Kehlhofer

Aya Kotake

Bobbi Winterowd

Calla Pearce

Cecily Stevens

Chloe Garland

Christine Kalan

Cindy Wilson

Deborah Walden

Eloise PL

Jaana Ninkoski

Jean Mira

Jessica Ballinger

Karla De Oliveira

Katherine Williams

Lauren Druce

Maggie Rodarte

Maria Gasparotti

Maria Hernandez

Maria Lawless

Maria Navarro

May Tran

Merri Isom

Pauli Gallin

Rhys Black

Rita de Cassia Rabello Bochembusio

Ruth Howarth

Selina Stansfield

Tegan Smith

Valentina Fleitas


Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating in February

Angela Avida

Ann Johnson

Aya Kotake

Catherine Lawler

Catherine Moreno Gamal

Ireen Tull

Jane Buck

Janella Krennrich

Janet Reinecke

Jean Mc Govern

Karen Magee Koski

Kate caster

Kathie Koenig

Lara Sheilds

Laura Massimini

Lea Davis

Lorna Bullock

Louisa Walker

Marcia Berlanga Robinson

Michaela Mellichamp

Michelle Thompson

Pamela Manolakis

Peggy Knight

Rian Mc Carthy

Risa Spargel

Sara Fossee

Sherry Frankel

Susan Burke March

Teresa Shapiro

Tina Vaia

Valentia Freitas

Veronica Lopez


New members found us through other members referrals, web searches and increasingly Facebook recommendations.


Input from Membership VP - Janine Forbes

Welcome to ALL our new members.

Wow! we didn’t quite make year end but we did make Three Kings with 500 members! With so many members and so many activities there is a lot of work and I would like to mention our fabulous Activities VP Susan Burke March, who coordinates the myriad of activities organised by the club and it’s also her birthday this month so Thank You Susan! There are so many activities available and the website is the best place to find them all. There are many tried and tested recommendations curated by our members and available to you all via the RECS documents. We would encourage anyone who has a passion or talent to set up an activity, cooking classes, art, history, tai chi, whatever your interest and Susan Burke March can help you if you are not sure where to start.


If you are very new to your area or the city please speak to Veronica Lopez who is our Ambassador Co-ordinator. Her e-mail is iwcvwelcome@gmail.com New members really appreciate the support of an IWC Ambassador when they are relatively new to the city and we always appreciate the help of “longer term” members. With our increasing numbers we really need more Ambassadors! If you are interested in getting involved please message Veronica.


Fees are now due for 2026. If you joined in December you shouldn’t have paid but if you did, please message me and we will sort it out. Fees are still only 20€ for a year, which is great value and helps out towards the costs of running a club this size. If you no longer want to be a member please let us know and we will take you off the “chase list” !


Remember, all the really useful information about What’s On within the Club and the many, many events is on the IWC website. If you would like to join one of the many WhatsApp groups, just contact the relevant lead member or any Board Member including myself , janine_forbes@hotmail.com. Of course, If you know any women in your personal network who you think would enjoy being a member of our club, please pass on the www.iwc-valencia.com and bring them along to an event. This is how the majority of women find us and referral is the best recommendation of all .


Please join us for First Tuesday Coffee at Rogel (Calle Francesc de Borja 13) on 3rd February at 10:30!! We are currently looking at new locations for our coffee venue, any suggestions please let me know!


CHARITIES & FUNDRAISING

Pauline Fitzgerald, VP – Charities


It is hard to believe we are already in February. The needs of our charities never change and we continue throughout 2026 to support them as best we canFor those of you members who wish to make a private donation please note the Bank details of our three charities:Proyecto VivirES75 3159 0066 9828 5328 2123Casa CaridadLa Caixa:ES47 2100 0736 0022 0061 2310Banco Sabadell:ES75 0081 7352 4300 0105 7311Casa RonaldES27 0081 1518 9300 0150 8057AMIGOS DE LA CALLE - SPONSOR A CHILDFor those of you who may have missed the mail, some of the parents have shared photos and videos of the children with their gifts. To view please click on the following linkhttps://www.iwc-valencia.com/charitiesMEMBERS VISITS TO CHARITY LOCATIONSVisits to our charity locations are extremely important. It gives you ladies the opportunity to understand the great work undertaken by these organisations we supportThere will be two tours of Casa Caridad on February 5th & February 17th.  If you are registered and for any reason cannot attend, please email Jane Buckpresident@iwc-valencia.com to enable someone from the waiting list to take your place. The tour will start at 11am, it is important that you arrive at Casa Caridad at 10:45 for the tour to start on time.CASA RONALDWe have a special opportunity to visit Casa Ronald on March 12th. This is a wonderful tour, please visit our website to register and secure your place as soon as possible, numbers are limited

We are always open to ideas to raise funds for our charities, if anyone would like to organise/host an event please contact me on pauline.fitzgerald9@gmail.com


PROYECTO VIVIR

Please remember that The Proyecto Vivir Shop welcomes all secondhand clothing items and small household items. You can take these to the Tienda anytime during opening hours. I'm sure many of us will be cleaning out our wardrobes soon as we approach warm spring days


Tienda Proyecto Vivir

Carrer de González Martí, 3, 

Extramurs, 46008, 

Valencia


Opening hours Tuesday to Thursday

09:30 - 14:00

17:00 - 19:30

Shop closed Friday to Monday


Thank you again ladies for your continuous generosity and support


ACTIVITIES

Susan Burke March, VP—Activities


There are so many great events happening this month! Take a look at the list at the top of this Newsletter – it’s possibly the longest it’s ever been at one time! Do sign up for whatever interests you, and if an event is already full please email president@iwc-valencia.com to join the waitlist.


IWCV RecommendationsOur RECS Docx continue to evolve, with more topics being added all the time. Our Social Chat regularly features lively discussions and requests for recommendations, ranging from restaurants and hairstylists to doctors, dentists, lawyers, and other services. We also have resources on navigating the healthcare system in Valencia, along with key links to government agencies and emergency services.


All IWCV members are invited to access our shared Dropbox folder, IWCV Recommendations, to browse existing recommendations and contribute your own by participating in the Social Chat. Your input helps keep this resource current, practical, and truly reflective of our member experiences.


Log in to explore, share, and contribute—your recommendations make a difference. Any questions? Contact Susan Burke March, +34 651 858 463


FELLOWS OF THE IWCV

Carey Hepler, Coordinator


This month’s Fellows of the IWCV Happy Hour is open to Fellows and everyone else too! See above for details. We hope to see you there. If you are new to Valencia (or even if you’ve been here for a while!) and your husband/partner wants to meet people and keep busy, bring him along and introduce him to the Fellows. It’s a great way for the men in your life to make friends!


The Fellows of the IWCV is open to all men of Valencia. For questions or to join, please contact me (Carey Hepler) at carey.hepler@gmail.com.


FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS IN VALENCIA

~ NONE ~


We hope to see you at the First Tuesday Coffee this coming Tuesday and at many other IWCV events in the next few weeks!


Jane Buck,

President


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