September Newsletter
This morning I stepped onto my balcony and for what seemed like the first time in forever, I didn’t immediately break into a sweat from what unbearably hot air. Wow, did we have a “warm” summer! Even though it was relaxing and I’m sure we were all glad for the quieter time, this was not one I’d care to repeat. Now temperatures seem to be more normal and the Valencia we all know and love has returned! Your IWCV has also ‘re-opened’ and we have so many amazing events in store for you! The ones that have already been published are listed below, but please don’t forget to check the IWCV website periodically as new events are being added all the time!
Remember, if an event you’d like to try is full when you try to sign up, just email president@iwc-valencia.com to be added to the waitlist. You will be surprised how often a place will open for you!
IWCV FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING, Tuesday 1 September on the Terrace at La Pizca de Sal, Plaza Ursula (directly behind the Quart Towers), 10:30am – Noon. Open to all women of Valencia. No need to sign up in advance – just stop by for a cuppa and a chat!
INKY SKETCH CLUB, Thursday 3 September at CCCC (Centro del Carmen de Cultura Conte, C/ del Museu, 2, 4, Ciutat Vella, 10:00am – Noon. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests. Join Inky Sketch Club to explore the world through observation, creativity, and sketching. All experience levels are welcome, including those who think they cannot draw. The focus is on observation, trying something new, and enjoying the process. For complete details and to sign up, click here: Inky Sketch Club | IWC - Valencia
FOOD FACTS, ADS & THE FUTURE: TOP NUTRITION MYTHS FOR 2026, Saturday 5 September at Pg de l’Albereda 19-1-2, 10:30am – Noon. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests. IWCV veterans will know there’s nothing our own nutritionist Susan Burke March enjoys more than putting a good nutrition myth under the microscope! Now it’s time to turn our attention to today’s biggest food and nutrition headlines - Plus! What are GLP-1 drugs, and do you really need that much protein??? For complete details and to register, click here: Food Facts, Fads & the Future: Top Nutrition Myths for 2026 | IWC - Valencia
FELLOWS OF THE IWCV HAPPY HOUR, Friday 11 September, 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Mercabanyal, C/ d'Eugènia Viñes, 225, Poblats Marítims. Open to everyone! Come see your old friends and make some new ones. There is no need to sign up in advance – just stop by and say hello!
CREATIVE NUDE FIGURE DRAWING WITH LEAH, Wednesday 16 September, 2:00pm – 3:30pm in the Old Town (address will be on your ticket). Open to IWCV Members and female out-of -town guests only. Leah’s drawing classes are always popular, and we’re delighted to welcome her back for a third year of workshops in our community. Explore the art of drawing from a live model in a warm and relaxed setting, while enjoying complimentary wine and light refreshments. For complete details and to sign up, click here: Creative Nude Figure Drawing with Leah | IWC - Valencia
SEPTEMBER IWCV LUNCHEON, Thursday 17 September at La Perla de la Habana, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests. Join us for a fabulous degustación of delicious, authentic Cuban food! For complete details and to register, click here: September IWCV Luncheon | IWC - Valencia
WHO HAVE YOU BEEN – AND IS IT STILL WHO YOU ARE?, Saturday 19 September, 3:30pm – 4:30pm at Acting in English, C/ de Cadis, 29, L'Eixample. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests. Everyone here already knows what it means to leave behind a version of their life and rebuild somewhere new. Moving to Spain asked something of you — a new language, a new rhythm, a new sense of who you are outside of everything familiar. Join Lumi — a Senior Accredited Journey Practitioner and Life Coach with over 20 years of experience guiding people through major life transitions. For complete details and to register, click here: Who have you been being — and is it still who you are? | IWC - Valencia
DRINK & DRAW, Thursday 24 September at Bar Esmas, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests (18 years and older). Come join our resident creative guru, Leah, for a different kind of happy hour: a relaxed, playful, and inspiring evening of Valencian Drink & Draw! For complete details and to sign up, click here: Drink & Draw! | IWC - Valencia
DISCOVER LA MALVAROSSA, Tuesday 29 September at Blasco Ibañez home and museum, 10:00am to Noon. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV and out-of-town guests. While El Cabanyal has become a well-known stop on Valencia’s tourist circuit, La Malvarrosa remains a quieter, more residential seaside neighborhood — less discovered, yet rich in history, architecture, and local character. Join art historian Helena Navarro as we explore this fascinating neighborhood. For complete details and to register, click here: Discover La Malvarrosa | IWC - Valencia
TAI CHI WITH NATALIA – OPEN TO EVERYONE, 5, 12, 19, and 26 October at Oleka Yoga Studio, C/ dels Trinitaris, 14, Ciutat Vella. No previous experience is required. The practice is adapted to each person's abilities, and there is no need to perform difficult or strenuous movements. Come as you are and discover the quiet strength of Tai Chi. For complete details and to register, click here: TAI Chi WITH NATALIA - OPEN TO EVERYONE | IWC - Valencia
NEW MEMBERS MEETUP, Thursday 8 October at Jane Buck’s home. Open to IWCV members only. We will be meeting and sharing experiences and introducing you to the opportunities within the IWCV. In attendance will be members of the IWCV’s Board of Directors. New members (and any more experienced members who wish to meet new members!) are very welcome to join us. Sweets & drinks will be served. For complete details and to sign up, click here: New Members Meetup | IWC - Valencia
CENTRO DE ARTE HORTENSIA HERRERO, Wednesday 14 October at the CAHH, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV and out-of-town guests. Experience a guided tour with art historian Helena Stendhal through the Hortensia Herrero Art Centre. Together we will explore the entire 17th century palace, beautifully restored to reveal its original architecture alongside striking contemporary interventions. For complete details and to sign up, click here: Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero - | IWC - Valencia
MEMBERSHIP
Janine Forbes, VP Membership
New Members joining in July and August 2026 - Welcoming all our new members who joined us from far and wide!
Members join us from - Spain, Brazil, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Canada, Ireland, Mexico and the US. We really are an INTERNATIONAL group of women! We are so glad you found us and extend a huge welcome to all our new members!
Alejandra Prestamo
Ana Troncoso
Aneil Mansar
Angela Barragan
Angelina Vetro
Ann Alexander
Carla Jardim
Carmen Baba-Dijois
Carmen Roberts
Carol Monk
Carolina Rodriguez Aponte
Cris Gonzalez-Hegner
Cynthia Hicks
Elaine Breinlinger
Elaine Zambone
Elis Eesmae
Elizabeth Liebetrau
Elizabeth Ojeme
Esmerelda Ordonez Quintero
Fernanda Contreras-Horn
Jaclyn Knowles
Jennifer Miller
Jess Domain
Katheleen Bilbia
Kirstin Gum
Lea Nemecek
LeAnn Mastera
Linda Forte
Lisa Johnson
Louise Baranger
Lucia Ortega Garcia
Manija Nicolet
Margot Hoerrner
Mariel Green de Roque
Marta Osserte
Meghan Lynch
Monica Franco
Natalia Havrysh
Nathalia Goodman
Nicoleta Badea
Nikole Whitty
Noelle Prasada
Nyah Hope
Patti Garcia
Patti Ouellete
Ryanne Hanson
Stephanie Thomas
Tereza Todorova
A huge Happy Birthday to all our members with a September Birthday - Feliz Cumpleanos Todos!!
Cooler days and particularly nights are welcome in September as are our fabulous new members who joined over our summer “break”. Our new members join us from a variety of countries and add to the over 50 Countries from which our members come including local Valencianas who are happy to make new friends in our international community!
New members found us through other members referrals, web searches and increasingly Facebook recommendations.
Please do come along and meet us at the regular “First Tuesday” coffee on TUESDAY 1st September at the beautiful Pizca de Sal Terrace, opposite Torres de Quart at 10:30. If you are new to the club and don’t know anyone, please come and find me, I will be wearing a bright Orange lanyard! Don’t forget your Casa Caridad donations - many thanks!
We have a New Members Meetup coming up October 8th, please sign up if you are new and haven’t attended one of these before, numbers are very limited as we hold it in our President’s home so please, if you sign up but can’t make it, let us know so we can offer your place to someone else.
If you are very new to your area or the city, please speak to Veronica Lopez who is our Ambassador Coordinator. Her email 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.
Remember, all the really useful information about What’s On within the Club and the many, many events are on the IWCV 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.
CHARITIES & FUNDRAISING
Pauline Fitzgerald, VP – Charities
Welcome back ladies, I hope everyone enjoyed the Summer and you managed to escape the heat in cooler climates. Our charity work continues and even more so as we approach the fall, we endeavour to help those in need.
For any of you ladies who wish to make private donations please note theBank details of our three charities:
Proyecto Vivir
ES75 3159 0066 9828 5328 2123
Casa Caridad
La Caixa:ES47 2100 0736 0022 0061 2310
Banco Sabadell:ES75 0081 7352 4300 0105 7311
Casa Ronald:ES27 0081 1518 9300 0150 8057
PROYECTO VIVIR
We will recommence our donation drive for Proyecto Vivir on the second Tuesday of every month starting on Tuesday September 8th. We will issue a list of their needs after September 1st If you can help in any way, please drop off your donations between 10:30 and 12:00 at
Proyecto Vivir
Plaça de l'Horticultor Corset, nº4,
Extramurs, 46008
Evelyn Smith, our PV Co-ordinator, will be at PV to assist with donations. If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn by email onevcelina@gmail.comIf you wish to make monetary donations to the pantry fund, please do so to the following bank account number and please remember to add "Pantry Donation" to the description in the tranfer.
Bank Account No:ES75 3159 0066 9828 5328 2123
CASA RONALD
We have an opportunity to have a tour of Casa Caridad on Tuesday October 13th at 18:00. Before this is posted as an official event, can those of you who would like to participate please let me know. Some people have already expressed interest but unless we have a sufficient sized group it would be unfair to use the resources of the Casa Ronald Team. I would be grateful for members to register their interest with me in a short email to ensure we have enough interest before we proceed to plan.
The last tour had to be cancelled due to the number of participants
This will give you ladies a great opportunity to see first hand how the wonderful people at Casa Ronald take care of the families of children receiving medical treatment at La Fe Hospital. Their stay at Casa Ronald at what can only be described as a very difficult time is a house with a pleasant atmosphere with individual rooms and a range of common services where children have the opportunity to feel at home and parents can lead a family life as close to normal as possible whilst remaining united in the face of illness. The tour is free and will be conducted in English. You will be guided through the operation of Casa Ronald and you can discuss the challenges the beneficiaries face everyday. As one of the 3 charities supported by IWC-V, this visit offers an amazing opportunity to see how our contributions really help.
AMIGURUMI ANIMALS If you remember before Summer we were looking for those of you nimble fingered ladies who crochet to help Casa Ronald by creating Amigurumi Animals, now that the evenings are cooler I am hoping the knitting needles and crochet hooks will appear. Please see below the link for free patterns
https://www.amigurumi.comI If you can help, please email me on pauline.fitzgerald9@gmail.com.
We can arrange a collection point and all the animals can be delivered together to Casa Ronald.
********We have an exciting fundraising event coming up for Casa Ronald in November. Places will be limited so please watch your email for details*********
CASA CARIDAD
We will run a donation drive at First Tuesday Coffee on September 1st at La Pizca de Sal, Plaça de Santa Úrsula, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46001 Valencia. Casa Caridad urgently needsthe following products and as you know every little helps.
1. Olive Oil
2. Diapers (sizes 5 and 6)
3. Milk
4. Non-perishable goods
5. Hygiene products (especially feminine hygiene)
I will be at coffee morning to collect donations. Thank you to the ladies of IWC-V for your continued support.
Casa Caridad Coordinator
I am looking for a volunteer to become the Casa Caridad liaison. This position does not require a lot of time. It is important to communicate with CC every month to check what they need and how we can support them. Ideally this person should have some knowledge of Spanish to communicate with the team. Our usual commitment to CC is to run donation drives for their pantry a few times each year. We are always open to fundraising ideas. If any of you ladies have a little free time and you are comfortable conversing in Spanish, please contact me by email:pauline.fitzgerald9@gmail.com.
Thank you again ladies for your continued support and generosity. Casa Ronald, Proyecto Vivir & Casa Caridad always appreciate efforts to help those less fortunate.
ACTIVITIES
Susan Burke March, VP—Activities
IWCV April 2026 Activities & Events
Stay Connected!
Our ‘Join Us for Local Events’ WhatsApp Chat has 314 members! Our chat keeps you updated about IWCV events, plus events in and around the city of Valencia. To join contact Susan Burke March via WhatsApp at +34 651 858 463
Activity Update: From monthly Gameplay and Member-hosted Board Games groups to our Women Who Walk every Friday morning – you’ll find all you need to know on the website’s Activities page. https://www.iwc-valencia.com/ongoingactivities
Each Activity has a dedicated WhatsApp group managed by a volunteer coordinator. Contact the coordinator to join any group that interest you.
Activity Updates:
Spanish conversation groups meet Wednesdays from 11:00–12:15 at the sixth-floor café in El Corte Inglés (Av. de Colón, 27).*Beginners and Advanced Beginners: Margie Spillen - Friendly weekly groups for beginners and advanced beginners who want to gain confidence speaking Spanish through practical conversation—not formal lessons.*Next Level Conversation & Coffee: Lisa Guinn - For members with basic conversational Spanish and who want to improve their fluency through regular conversation practice in a supportive environment. Please contact Margie or Lisa for details and to join their WhatsApp groups.
Women Who Walk (WWW) will meet indoors for one more Friday – Meet at 10:00 6th floor El Corte Inglés/Colon cafeteria through Friday, September 4. Walking resumes on Friday, September 11. Be sure to check the WhatsApp group for meeting time.NEW IWCV Activities - Trips & Getaways – Coordinated by Didi Cann, Trips & Getaways offers IWCV members day trips and international adventures organized by licensed travel providers. Book and pay directly with the provider. Join the WhatsApp group and learn more. https://tinyurl.com/5z4vu73k
Women in Business (WIB–IWCV), our newest activity, is co-coordinated by Shannon Hernandez and Cheryl Schuberth. It’s a space for IWCV members who are working or considering starting something new in Valencia to exchange ideas, resources, events, and practical advice—and connect with others on a similar path. Contacts: https://www.iwc-valencia.com/ongoingactivities
The RECS Docx needs You!📣 Love using RECS? Help us keep the magic going!
Since July 2025, the RECS Docx has grown from a handful of files to nearly 100 — packed with trusted member recommendations, practical guides, and resources that make life in Valencia easier.
Now we need two or more friendly volunteers to join our Admin Team to keep the recommendations flowing! It’s easy! We rotate weeks, and during your week, you’ll check the IWCV Social Chat daily at your convenience, adding new recommendations to the RECS Docx, and helping members find useful resources.
Basic Word skills are helpful, and full training and support are provided.
Interested? WhatsApp Susan Burke March at +34 651 858 463
✨ A little of your time makes a big difference!
FELLOWS OF THE IWCV
Carey Hepler, Coordinator
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, WhatsApp +34 613 39 56 39
.
The next Fellows Happy Hour will be at Mercabanyal at the Beach on Friday, September 11 at 6pm. Details are above.
Continuing in September:
Aprendiendo Español on Mondays
Movies on Tuesdays
Andrew Anderson is still coordinating Golf and Padel.
In October, Carey will coordinate another Fellows Welcome meeting
SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS IN VALENCIA
NONE
Stay tuned for a “save the date” for our 2026 Annual General Meeting for IWCV members – coming soon! And we hope to see you at one or more of the fabulous events we’ve planned for you in September!
All my best,
Jane Buck,
President
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