OWC Tips

Goodbye Blog, Hello Website

2008-06-06T20:02:00.002-07:00

Dear Members,
The blog has serviced us well now for nearly two years. It is therefore with some sadness that I tell you that it will be discontinued. Members will now be able to post their own questions/advice/moving sales/staff needs on the new website.
1. Go to www.owcmadras.com
2. Click 'members forum'
3. Register an account
4. Wait 24 to 48 hrs for your account to be approved. This is merely a formality. We want to restrict the forum to members so that advertisers and others do not misuse it. Once you have been approved you may start posting!
Note that all events can now be found on the events calendar. The site contains a new and expanded vendor directory, as well.
Many thanks to Katya Reyes and her company e-designed.com. She exceeded our expectations and was great to work with. I think you will all agree that the site looks wonderful and is extremely user friendly.
Thank you also to Patrick Fischer for his many useful inputs!
I am blogging off now! See you in the forum!
Natalie von Hoffmeister

Guitar for Rent?

2008-06-02T21:22:00.001-07:00

Any GUITAR available on rent? A 11 year old boy would like to practice his guitar lessons while visiting India for a month and a half starting from July. If anyone knows of a guitar which might be available for that period and could be lent out, please contact Sangeeta at 98841 49490 or e-mail her at syesley@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you.

Moving Sale

2008-06-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies,
As some of you might know I am planning to move back to Korea on 14th of June.
I have few items to sell. Please see the attached item pictures and let me know if you are interested.
Have a nice day!

Youngmi
+99400 19021
plurplur@gmail.com

Little tikes Sport car bed with mattress
- 4 years old
- price : 8000rps (purchase in korea, original price approx. US$ 500 including mattress)

Miffy Playmat
- 3 years old. 185* 125* 1.2cm, Both side available.
- price : 800rps (purchased in korea, original price US$40)

Intex Dolphin Play Center
- In box. Never used. 249*163*135cm
- price : 1000rps (purchased in Korea, original price approx.US$35)

Yamaha Keyboard with stand and carrying bag
- Yamaha E403. 1 year old.
- price : 9000rps (original price 14500 rupees + Stand 700 rupees + Bag 400 rupees)

Bird wooden piece
- approx. 1.2m high
- price : 1000rupees (purchased in India(teak and heirooms), original price : 2500 rupees)

Driver for Hire

2008-06-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

Tatjana Kaiser has a driver to recommend. He has lived abroad and speaks French. He knows the city very well and worked for many expats. If interested, contact Tatjana: 99400 30488

She has his CV.

Maid Available

2008-05-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

My maid is also available for work starting June 7, 2008. Kala has been working for expatriates for the past 12 years. All her employers, including ourselves has been extremely satisfied with her services. All of us have employed Kala for the entire duration of our stay in Chennai and only had to give her up since our contracts in Chennai have ended and we had to leave.
Kala has a good work ethic. She comes to work on time and is never absent. She is very hard working, knows her duties and requires very minimal supervision. She also does babysitting, my daughter absolutely adores her! If you have any more questions about Kala or would like to set up an interview and see all this outstanding recommendations, please feel free to call me. Angela 9940162840 or you can call through her son's mobile Sugan -9941650606 Thank you!!

Book Recommendations

2008-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

New member Rocky Peltzman, recommends the following books. Speaking of books, anyone interested in reviving book club is welcome to do so. Just pick a book and set the date!

Desert Places by R. Davidson
As Robyn Davidson writes in Desert Places, the Thar, a 230,000-square-mile expanse of formidably dry country in northwestern India, is a harsh land of "granite outcroppings, naked but for a few gullies of monsoon forest or a single, white-painted elephant stationed on a summit eternally surveying the farmlands below." Among the people who populate the Thar are the Rabari, who are quickly becoming modernized and dispossessed, wanderers on the fringes of urban civilization, people who are at home nowhere. After making a false start as a book of adventure travel, Desert Places becomes a work of cultural ecology and of amateur anthropology, reporting on the final days of a traditional nomadic culture once utterly at home in an inhospitable land. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Publishers WeeklyInspired by an enchanting encounter with camel herdsmen at a Hindu festival in Pushkar, travel writer Davidson (Tracks) took a magazine assignment to accompany the nomads of Rajasthan (a region in western India) on their yearly migration cycle. Arriving in Jodhpur on the eve of the Gulf war under the aegis of her friend Narendra, a prince who equips her with an entourage of servants and an obstreperous camel-keeper named Chutra, Davidson soon discovers that the ancient culture of the nomads (who are known either as Rabari or as Raika) is slowly being eradicated, faced with diminishing grazing lands, new political boundaries and the spread of subsidized agriculture and Western culture. This book, as breathtaking but circuitous as the adventures it chronicles, begins to gather steam when Davidson is finally accepted by a dang (a migratory group) and sets off to follow them across the desert. She spends a few months sharing the shepherds' life of extreme deprivation, traveling 30 miles a day on a diet of little more than fetid water and camel's milk, sleeping two hours a night and battling illness and exhaustion, before deciding to return to Jodhpur on foot?which proves an even more perilous journey that ends when her camels die after eating poisonous weeds. By the book's end, Davidson's romantic vision of the peripatetic life has given way to a bitter account of her own dashed expectations and of the exploitation of India's nomads. Although her understanding of nomadism as an emotional and geographical phenomenon remains only partly digested, this book will nevertheless prove absorbing to even the most sedentary of bookshelf-travelers. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. The Dynasty--The Nehru-Gandhi Story by Adams and Whitehead. This accompanied a PBS or BBC serial on them.
Rocky Peltzman
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rockypeltzman

Art Show for Charity

2008-05-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

OWC members are invited to "Double Take," a new exhibition of Indian contemporary art at the Prakrit Art Gallery. Proceeds of art sales to benefit the Mukti India http://www.muktiindia.org/index.asp.

New #9, (Old #4)

Ground Floor

Dhandayuthapani Nagar

2nd St.

Kotturpuram

Chennai - 85

Ph: 044-42188989, 24472207

Preview is on :Friday the 6th June, 2008 at 6.00 P.M.

On view: 7th June to 20th June 2008.Time: 11.00 A.M. to 7.00 P.M.

Cook/Maid Available

2008-05-24T01:06:00.000-07:00

Mercy is available for immediate hire. She claims to have worked for Jackie McFarlane of Canada, but has no references. She is well groomed and speaks good English. Anyone interested in contacting her should call: 9381195601
Tip: Hiring someone without references can be OK if one obtains a copy of the employee's ration card and verifies that the address listed on it is correct. Any theft or misconduct can then be properly followed up by the police. This is good for you and your new hire to know!

Driver Available

2008-05-22T19:41:00.001-07:00

Hi all!!
My family and I are leaving Chennai for Qatar on the 7th of June. I want to recommend my driver Ramesh to anyone who is in need of a driver. He is a dedicated employee, knows Chennai inside out, honest and reliable. We are disappointed that we will not be able to have him accompany us in the Middle East but would be glad to secure him an employment before we leave. If you need a driver or if you know anyone who needs one, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you.
Angela - angeline_penry@hotmail.com 9940162840/45511757

More Discounts!

2008-05-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

The Park Hotel has generously offered OWC members the following discounts:

At the Leather Bar & Aqua:

20% off on food and beverages between 7pm and 9pm on all days of the week.

*Offer valid till Tuesday, 30th September 2008. This can be renewed on mutual agreement. *Will not be applicable if space is blocked for private parties/under maintenance/special events. *Conditions apply.

At Aura:

For May at Aura

30% off on hair styling at our Salon
20% off on luxurious packages and body treatments at our spa.

*This will be on prior appointment only. For appointments & information, please call 4267 6000. *Conditions apply.

The Park Hotel

#601 Anna Salai

Near the Gemini Flyover

Moving Sale

2008-05-16T01:31:00.001-07:00

QUEEN SIZE BED used maximum 20 nights as a guest room bed. Asking price including mattress: 7000 Rs
Lena phone 9444076800 or email: lena.heyman@gmail.com

Tribal Masks

2008-05-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

Me and hubby started collecting tribal masks from all the different countries we have visited. Ironically, we have lived in India for 2 years and we didn't have any chance to buy any from here. We only have less than a month here and i really don't want to look around from one store to another. Can anyone suggest any good handicraft store where we can buy a high quality/collectible type Indian tribal mask? Thanks for all your help!!!
Angela: angeline_penry@hotmail.com/9940162840

Tennis Coach

2008-05-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Me and hubby started collecting tribal masks from all the different I wanted to ask all the members about a tennis coach recommendation for a 11 year old boy in the month of July/Aug. Preferably around South Chennai, like Adyar, Besant Nagar.

Please call: Sangeeta 98841 49490

The Benefits of Membership

2008-05-10T02:17:00.000-07:00

By showing your OWC membership card, you will now be able to recieve discounts at the following stores:

Jang, The Leather Planet: 10%
T-23A, 7th Avenue Besant Nagar
Beautiful leather bags, pants and jackets.
Landmark: Next to Fabindia and opposite Nilgiris
This discount cannot be coupled with other sales. For instance, a 40% off sale cannot be added to this for 50% off.

Fashion Folks: 10%
#19, Besant Avenue Road
The latest and greatest Western fashions for men, women and children.
Landmark: Near the Esthell Hotel
This discount only applies to cash purchases.

If you know of a store willing to give OWC members discounts, please contact natalievh@gmx.net

Mommies Day Out at Cafe Vanilla!

2008-05-07T20:21:00.001-07:00

On May 11th, wear your casuals, pick up your friends and drive over to Vanilla for a scrumptious bit-sized combo platter, specially designed for Mother's Day ! The menu comprising of bite-sized portionsincludingpizza's, salads, quiche, pasta pomodoro,...and the works willsurely beadd more flavour to your momies day out. Well, mommies, you deserve it!Happy Mother's Day!The combo platter is priced at Rs.130/-
Vanilla Children Place,8/57,luz avenue, 1st street, Mylapore, 044-45534145.
Thanking you,
Mathy,PR- Manager9841050581

Queen Size Bed

2008-05-06T01:10:00.000-07:00

American Queen Size Bed and two night stands with FREE Sealy mattress Asking Price: Bed with FREE Sealy Mattress: Rs12,000 /

2 Night stands (comb of pine and oakwood): Rs8,000

Angela: 9940162840/45511757 or email angeline_penry@hotmail.com

Request for Recommendations

2008-05-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

Very imminent Taj Mahal visit starting from Delhi - does anyone have any recommendations for:

a) Journey between Delhi and Agra

b) Hotel for an overnight stay near the Taj Mahal

Please email: lynnmorag@hotmail.com

Thank you, Lynn

MOVING SALE

2008-05-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Coffee Maker Original Price: Rs2,500 Asking Price: Rs1,800

Hot and Cold Water Dispenser (holds 25 liters) Original Price: Rs8,000 Asking Price: Rs6,000

Computer desk with keyboard tray (100% Oakwood) Asking Price: Rs4,500 office chair Rs2,500
2 Fab India Carpets (120x180cms) Original Price: Rs1,350 Asking Price: Rs600
Two Pottery Barn Coffee Table Asking Price: Rs15,000

BABY ITEMS SALE

Graco Portable Pack and Play Original Price: Php8,500 (Rs8,065) Asking Price: Rs5,000

Infantino Soft Baby Original Price $27 (1,060) Asking Price: Rs700
Baby bath tub (slightly used) Asking Price: Rs500

Wooden crib with FREE mattress and bumpers Original Price: 9,000 Asking Price:Rs5,000

Mothercare Adjustable-Fit Table Seat (portable) Original Price:Rs2,395 Asking Price:Rs1,800

High ChairOriginal Price: Rs1,895 Asking Price: Rs1,000

Speedo Toddler Surfwalker water shoe Original Price: $11.95 (Rs475) Asking Price:Rs350

Medela Manual Breast Pump (slightly used)Original Price: $35 (Rs1,300) Asking Price: Rs500
Mothercare Digital Fever Alert Soother thermometer (unused) Original Price: Rs595 Asking Price: Rs350

Indian style infant crib (teakwood) with FREE mattress Asking Price: Rs5,000

Fisher Price kick and whirl carnival Original Price: Rs2,500 Asking Price: Rs1,800
Please contact Angela if interested 9940162840/45511757 or email angeline_penry@hotmail.com

Violin Instruction

2008-04-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Sara Michieletto. I am a professional violin player and teacher working in the first violins of the Orchestra 'Teatro La Fenice' of Venice. I am presently based in Chennai and I would like to propose my musical and pedagogical capacities to those who may be interested. Sara Michieletto99625 43209saramichieletto@hotmail.com

Laptop Needed

2008-04-26T21:16:00.001-07:00

I am looking for a used laptop with wireless connectivity to the internet.
Preferably MacIntosh.
Contact:
Sara Michieletto
saramichieletto@hotmail.com
mob. 9962543209"

The Expat Arc

2008-04-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

One of our members has written a book on expat life! See below for details. It is available on amazon.com.

The Expat Arc: An expat's journey over culture shock by Danielle Barkhouse(Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1434844730?tag=eartodan-20)
"Don't read this if you're expecting deep insights on culture, politics orreligion in India. Oh no. I'm far too shallow and lack the intelligencenecessary for that. I'm not an expert about anything. I'm just here for agood time and amusing myself about it to stay sane."
Danielle Barkhouse researched and prepared for her family's relocation fromIllinois to India. She was an experienced expatriate, so she thought sheknew the range of feelings that she would experience. She was wrong.
"I have found that most expats don't really talk about culture shock. We all look at one another and know we're each going through it at some level. Somepeople will say they're fine, when they're really not. And then there's me. Let's just put it under a microscope, magnify the details and write aboutit! That's all this really is, a magnification of the details."
The journey that most expatriates take when they leave their home countryfor an assignment abroad is like an arc. The Expat Arc is a collection ofDanielle's journal entries detailing her expat arc path beginning with thehoneymoon phase, hanging out in the rejection phase longer than desired andplowing her way into the phase of acceptance. It's a very personal anddetailed description of her journey over the arc of culture shock, identitycrisis and settling in. It includes nuggets of her humor, insight and a few'light bulb moments' about living abroad.
"Luckily, coming back down the other side, the arc is transformed into a colorful rainbow and we know what's at the end of a rainbow!" Priceless treasures and golden nuggets.

Barbecue Nation

2008-04-16T05:06:00.001-07:00

For those of you who picked up a free invitation for a dinner for two at Barbecue Nation, please remember to call 24 hours in advance at 42694481. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday. For those of you who did not recieve a free dinner voucher, you may call Mr. Arun Siva at 9840349933 for details.

Yard Sale

2008-04-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

The Buckner family will be holding a large yard sale with many children's and household items this Saturday from 10-1.
Address:
B/3 Turnbulls Road Ext.
Nandanam (Behind Amma Nanna Store)
All proceeds to be donated to charity.
Contact Marjorie with any questions: 9841710420

Moving Sale

2008-04-16T02:25:00.000-07:00

Available from August 1st 2008:

Split a/c 1.5 ton - Rs.8,000
Window a/c 1.5 ton - Rs.5,000
Hyundai Santro, 1999, Blue - Rs.1 Lakh

For more information contact Suzanna on 9940408524.

Staff Available

2008-04-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

I know of 2 ladies looking for work as housekeepers and 1 man who is a cook. They are currently in Panyur/Neelankarai area. Sebasti is my maid's mother. She is an excellent housekeeper, very honest. She's shy and understands English, but is hesitant to speak it. I had set up work for her previously with 2 families, but both have moved and she's looking for work. The second lady is the wife of one of my guards. She lives in Neelankarai and looking for work as a housekeeper or nanny. She has children of her own and is very good with them. She would like to work on the ECR area and speaks good English. I do not have a work history for her, but her husband who works for us is very reliable and honest. The Cook is Sebasti's husband. He has worked for many expat families and at a school in Ooty. His is a very good cook and prefers to work for Expat families. He cooks both western and Indian dishes quite well as well as being able to do cakes and breads. The family he was working for has moved back to the states and he's looking for work. He would also be willing to cook for parties and th elike also I believe. He is my maid's father and again, very honest and forthright. He has also been known to assist Sebasti in cleaning. There is also a husband and wife pair (Josephine's sister and Brother-in-law) who will be moving in from Ooty and also looking for work in the near future. She would be willing to work as a housekeeper/nanny and the husband would work in the garden and is obtaining his driving permit. I know this is a lot, but I'm hoping to get the set up if at all possible.
Contact me if anyone is interested either by phone or email. Thank you!

Stephanie

Vanilla Events

2008-04-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Vanilla children place!
We would like to inform you about the happenings at Vanilla. Aspire superkids will present their "my smart baby programme" to all parents on 12th saturday, 11-12 noon.
Workshop on "Multiple Intelligences": 12th saturday, 3pm -5 pm,
Mrs Usha Ramakrishnan will be doing a workshop for all parents on the concept of multiple intelligences and the two hour workshop aims at bringing in the awarness about the different kinds of intelligences and how we can nurture them. The workshop fees Rs 150/- limited seats only.
Summer break workshops!
“Summerof 2008”
There are several ways to beat the heatthis summer and still be able to do the things you like. At our ‘Summer of2008’ workshops there’s plenty of activities for children and parents. Theworkshop includes activities in music, dance, theatre, cookery, paper mache,jewllery designing and much more. Children will get a hands-on experiencestringing a few tunes, baking a cake and will get an opportunity to perform ina musical presentation at the end of the workshop and also receive acertificate.
Age Group - 3 years – 8 years
Batch 2 – May5th – May 21st
BookClub
Book worms get ready! From April Vanilla’sBook Club will be launched. Opportunities to read some great book, discuss,take part in workshops and meet new friends. Registration is free and all booklovers are welcome.

Can You Help?

2008-04-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

The new newspaper, "Times of India", is going to be launched in Chennai on 14th April. They would like to interview a few housekeepers that have been working for expats and find out more on how domestic help has changed over the years.
If your housekeeper or driver or child minder wouldn't mind being featured in the article (or if you know someone that may be able to help with this, please spread the words), please contact Ms Priya either on 98840 28006 or email priyadevanshu@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Volunteer Vacancies in Strategic Links India

2008-04-05T01:23:00.000-07:00

The Organisation: Strategic Links India is a professional membership organization that assists globally and nationally mobile individuals in India with the continuity and development of their professional careers. Strategic Links India is a programme of Strategic Links Trust, a non profit educational entity chartered in India.
The rapidly growing economy is drawing more and more international corporations to India and Indian companies are expanding to meet global business demands. This has created an increasing requirement for individuals with international and multicultural experience. Strategic Links India aims to bridge the gap between organisations and potential candidates and provides career development and skills assistance, information about job opportunities and professional networking support.
Strategic Links India seeks energetic experienced people to become part of the Executive Team in Chennai. For more information on the organisation consult www.strategiclinksindia.org

Marketing Manager (Ref: SLIC-001)
Job Description: Research and develop appropriate marketing plan to reach out to potential organisational and individual members, deliver presentations to organisations, provide input and assistance with design of marketing communications, gain understanding of membership requirements of potential members and subsequently assist with negotiation of organisational memberships according to membership categories, help build up a strong network of Strategic Links India stakeholders.
Initially a volunteer vacancy, this role could lead to a part-time paid position for the right candidate.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate should have an interest in corporations and organisations and be able to work with them to understand their requirements. Strong interpersonal skills and an empathetic disposition are necessary; the candidate must feel comfortable dealing with all stakeholders. Excellent written and spoken English communications skills are essential. The candidate should have the ability to set and work to deadlines. Familiarity with MS Office and web-based communications would be useful. You should be resourceful and flexible. Own transport is required. Commitment is approximately 10 – 15 hours per week.

Website Manager – Major Review Project and Ongoing Maintenance (Ref: SLIC-002)
Job Description: Ongoing maintenance of website for Strategic Links India and project management of major review of website, in line with latest organisational strategic goals. Key responsibilities for website maintenance are updates of contents, uploading of new information and pages, report collation and liaison with outside vendor. The website review will require drawing up of specification, feasibility study with potential vendors, selection of solution, planning and execution of revamp within the defined parameters.
Initially a volunteer vacancy, this role could lead to a part-time paid position for the right candidate.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate should have a keen interest in web-based communications as a marketing and service delivery medium and be knowledgeable about the internet. Sound project management skills, the capability to adhere to deadlines and good English communications skills are essential. Ability to work with outside vendor resources is necessary. Familiarity with MS Office, on-line media and Dream Weaver would be useful. Design experience, especially web related would be helpful. Although part of the Chennai Executive Team, the successful individual will report directly to the Strategic Links Executive Director in Hyderabad, but no major travel is envisaged. Own local transport is necessary. Commitment for maintenance of website is approximately 5 hours per week; the review project will be scheduled in accordance with the experience and availability of the successful candidate.

To apply: Please email your CV with contact details quoting job reference to Jennifer Moore (jennifer.moore@strategiclinksindia.org). Jennifer can also be contacted by telephone on 9940065292 or 9840892782.

Driver Available

2008-04-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I’m not sure if you all know but Jason and I are leaving Chennai for Switzerland the weekend of the 26th / 27th April. Anyway for the past 2+ years we have had an excellent driver – Suresh - and we are now looking for a new employer for him.
If any of you know of or are coming into contact with any new people in town then we would be eternally grateful if you could recommend him. He is 100% reliable, knows Chennai inside out and has been working with expats for the last 5 years.
If anyone knows of anyone then please do not hesitate to contact either me or Jason on our email addresses or call us on either (me) 9840950146 or Jason on 9840847062.
Thanks everyone.
Kind Regards
Jenny

Mattresses for Sale

2008-03-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Queen size Serta mattress set from the US for sale. Rs. 20,000

Available May 2008 Contact: Christina Burns 9840502668or email christinamarieburns@hotmail.com

Estate Sale

2008-03-28T21:06:00.001-07:00

RUSHED SALE OF FLAT BELONGINGS OF JIM HODGETTSBEACH ROAD, KALAKSHETRA, BESANT NAGARCONTACT MR. KHAN, ADVOCATE FOR ACCESS: TEL: 9840033766 THIS WEEKEND:Contents include:Marks and Spencer SOFATEAK TABLEROSEWOOD CHAIRSPLANTERS CHAIR and lots more.

Story Trails Friday April 4th

2008-03-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

Those of you interested in learning more about Chennai's oldest and perhaps most fascinating neighborhood, see below. RSVP Natalie at 9884187761
Friday, April 4th
The reporting time is 4:00 PM.
The meeting place is at Rasi Silks, just outside the entrance to the Kapaleeshwara Temple, Myplapore, Chennai - 600004.
We expect the tour to end by about 6:15 PM.
Some of the places we visit will require you to remove your footwear, so we would recommend footwear that you can put on and take off easily. A leaflet on this trail, including a Map of the area can be got from http://www.storytrails.in/ot_peacocktrail.aspx
The tariff for this tour would be Rs 495/- per person. You may pay either in cash or by cheque, drawn in favour of 'Storytrails India Private Limited'.

LOCALLY ENGAGED VACANCIES IN VISA DEPARTMENT, CHENNAI

2008-03-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

See below. For application form and security questionaire, email natalievh@gmx.net (I cannot attach this to the blog notice).

1. The Visa Department in Chennai is recruiting for the posts of Locally Engaged Entry Clearance Officers. We will recruit three full-time Officers and the start date will beis to be confirmed. …If you are selected for a position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:
· Pass a demanding and comprehensive training course; and
· Receive the appropriate level of UK national standard security clearance; and
· If appropriate, have permission from the Indian immigration authorities to take employment; and
· Are available to join on our stipulated start date
· Are a minimum age of 18;
· Educated to A level standard (or equivalent) or have other relevant experience which would make you a suitable candidate
2. These are opportunities for portable careers. These jobs may particularly appeal to you if:
· Your spouse or partner works for the Foreign Office, Home Office, British Council or for a company which sends its staff to work in different countries; and
· You would like to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment as part of a large and diverse team of people, committed to achieving clear service delivery goals.
Background information
3. UKvisas is the overseas arm of the UK's immigration control. We have visa offices in 160 locations throughout the world. The largest handles 180,000 applications a year; the smallest less than 10.
4. Chennai is one of the busiest and most high profile Visa Departments in the world. Our team is committed to providing a first class service, and we are expected to be flexible, and make fair and defensible decisions on visa applications quickly, balancing the need for a high level of customer service with the requirement to maintain the integrity of the immigration control. We are at the forefront of innovation, always prepared to react positively to change and try new ways of working.
Duties and responsibilities:
· Assessing the full range of visa applications and interviewing applicants in a fair, objective and courteous manner. Making quick and pragmatic decisions to issue and refuse visas in accordance with the Immigration Rules and within agreed timescales.
· Dealing with correspondence and other enquiries from applicants, sponsors and members of the public. Preparing well-presented and accurate replies, written in plain English, within target times.
· Preparing written statements and paperwork related to the appeals process and making sure that they are also well presented and accurate.
The skills we are looking for
5. The ideal candidates will be:
· Good communicators with excellent spoken and written English;
· Computer literate with accurate typing skills of at least 25 words per minute;
· Able to remain customer focused, polite and courteous under pressure;
· Able to work quickly and reliably with little supervision and meet challenging targets;
· Capable of making quick decisions in accordance with set rules and able to show that these decisions are fair and just;
· Able to work well under pressure;
· Excellent team players; this is an all for one, and one for all environment;
· Flexible and positive about working in a forward thinking, modern and motivated department, which is working at the forefront of visa work. We are committed to improving standards and procedures - and we are looking for like-minded employees;
· Excellent representatives of the Visa Department, the British Deputy High Commission, and of the UK Government.
Salary & employment
6. We can only offer you a job if you are in India legally. Employment by Her Majesty's Government in an India-engaged capacity, does not afford employees any special immunities or privileges, or protection against legal action. Conditions of service for all locally employed staff in India are consistent with Indian laws and regulations.
· The vacancies are full-time and on a two year contract. If selected you will be required to serve a probationary period of six months before your contract status is confirmed.
· The starting salary is £20,060 per annum. Salaries are set in London in sterling, paid in rupees and are subject to tax abatement in line with HM Treasury rules.
Making your application
7. You should submit your application on the attached application form, making sure that you read the instructions carefully. Please e-mail the completed form to mailto:gauri.srinivasan@fco.gov.uk and title your e-mail ‘Locally Engaged Entry Clearance Officers‘. Alternatively, please forward your application form to HR Support Assistant, British Deputy High Commission, 20 Anderson Road, Chennai 600 006. Your application must be received by Friday, 28 March 2008.
Only those applicants who are selected for skills test / interview will be contacted. Furthermore we will not enter into any correspondence with those not selected for skills test / interview.
8. The British Deputy High Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applications irrespective of race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, creed or age.
9. The attached document is the Security Questionnaire for reference, which needs to be completed if successful after interview.

12 March 2008

Wanted: Driver

2008-03-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

My driver is decided to leave after this Saturday. I was paying him 5500 for a 9:30 to 6:30 job and overtime 25. The salary can be worked out if I like the driver and he comes with good recommendations. If any of you know of any good driver please contact me asap. He should be able to speak okay kind of English.
Sangeeta Ghosh
Sangeeta mobile: 98841 49490.

For Sale: iPod

2008-03-12T21:33:00.001-07:00

Apple iPod 4. Generation 20GB whitewith black leather pouch and in a very good condition R 4500 please call Tatjana 99400 30488 or via emailtatjanakaiser@hotmail.com

DAKSHINACHITRA : CHANGE OF DATE

2008-03-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

PROGRAM NOW FRIDAY 14TH MARCH (not Sat.15 as mentioned in Newsletter).THIS PROMISES TO BE A LOVELY PROGRAM FOR ALL THE FAMILY.TICKETS ARE RS.200/- EACH - CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE.A FOODCOURT WILL OPERATE AND WILL BE OPEN FROM 5P.M. ONWARDS. SO A NICE WAY TO COME AND HAVE AN EARLY DINNER, THE CHILDREN CAN ENJOY THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CENTRE AND THE PROGRAM STARTING AT 7.30P.M. WILL BE A KOREAN MIME PROGRAM, WITH JAPANESE DANCE AND FLUTE TO FOLLOW. A SPECIAL EXHIBITION OF JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTS WILL BE ON SHOW.IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO DAKSHINACHITRA, EAST COAST ROAD, MUTHU KADU (JUST AFTER Dizzy World) THIS IS A GREAT CHANCE TO ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL HERITAGE CENTRE.PLEASE CONTACT MAUREEN or ARUNA FOR TICKETS: 98402-93027 OR 9884120150. TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE AT OWC MEETING ON WEDNESDAY 12TH

Wanted: Riding Instructor

2008-03-12T21:02:00.001-07:00

Wanted: someone to teach horseback riding lessons, English or Western, for 3 children and one adult. Anyone with connections to the horseriding community in Chennai, please help us find an suitable teacher and/or horses. We have already tried CEA (their schedule is full) and the Madras Riding Club (can't get anyone to even answer the phone). Contact Teresa at 9940031487, or e-mail me at mitchell-st@hotmail.com.

Wanted: ESL Instructor

2008-03-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

Seeking ESL instructor. If you are qualified or can recommend a qualified ESL instructor, please contact Danie Barkhouse at danie@cheerful.com.

In Search of: Maid/Cleaner

2008-03-04T02:16:00.000-08:00

We are looking for a maid/cleaner to come approx 4 hours per day. We live in Gandhi Nagar. If you have anyone to recommend, please call meon 979 086 19 21.

Thanks so much!

Sofia Nilsson AltafiCell: +91-(0)979 086 19 21 (India) E-mail: sofia.altafi@gmail.com

Board Certified Doc

2008-02-28T00:29:00.000-08:00

Cosmetic surgery is coming up in India in a big way. But there are very few true plastic surgeons. If anybody is interested there is a cosmetic surgeon who has recently relocated to India after 22 years of practicing exclusive cosmetic surgery in Chicago. At present he is the only American board certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon in India. His name is Dr. Ari and he practices at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery Center, Teynampet, 044-39139139 and Mumbai, 022-32066000.