Re-orientation

Speeches on mapping your career, an overview of China's job market for overseas returned alumni, and a mini recruit fair, will be jointly organized by the Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy, the British Chamber of Commerce in China, HR Association for Chinese and Foreign Enterprises, Beijing, and China HR.com. Free of charge to all British Chamber members. 1 to 5:30 pm, Mar 19 at the Grand Ball Room, Landmark Hotel. 8525-1111 ext 707 or e-mail to britcham@pek.britcham.org

Belgian desert

Experience one of Belgium's most well-kept culinary secrets by enjoying its unique desserts at"Le Palais," one of Beijing's first dessert lounge bars. Delicacies under the guidance of its Belgian Pastry Chef are freshly prepared to offer you a unique taste of luscious desserts. 100 yuan (US$12), including 2-hour free flow of Cinzano sparkling wine and all night desserts. 8 pm onwards Mar 29 at Le Palais, 25 East Third Ring Middle Rd, just North of The Kerry Centre. 6508-4209.

Maximum impact speech

A training course on doing presentation will coach you on how to overcome nervousness and become a truly convincing speaker. Featuring experienced trainers, videotaped practice and feedback, it also focuses on using gestures, eye contact and other skills to maximize the impact of public speaking. Designed for professionals who must make presentations to managers, public media, customers and investors. Limited to 18 students, 3,300 yuan (US$407). Classes run from 9 am to 5 pm Mar 29, 30 at Plaza Business Centre, 5/F, China Life Tower, 16 Chaoyangmenwai Street. 8519-1922. 16

Invest in Shunyi

An investment promotion of site-research for the members of SwissCham in Shunyi District is co-organized by Invest Beijing International (IBI) and Investment Promotion Bureau of Shunyi District. Representatives from the Swiss Embassy will also attend. It consists of briefing on Shunyi District's investment climate, preferential policies, introduction of available projects, industrial park and relevant enterprises. 8:20 am, Apr 6 at Shunyi District. 6641-0700 ext 28. Visit www.bjinvest.gov.cn, or e-mail: liuhx@bjinvest.gov.cn.

AustCham meeting

Please note that the 2006 Annual General Meeting and election of new Board Members has changed dates. Annual appreciation dinner is to be held afterwards at 7: 30 pm. Those interested in nominating for the Board please contact Auslan at the Chamber for further details. Free for AustCham members. 6:30 pm, Mar 21 at the Swissotel Beijing. 6595-9295 (Mary Yu) or e-mail to events@austcham.org

Only child, only parent

A free workshop talking about being an only child or an only parent (even in a part-time capacity) can create a dynamic that can significantly impact on your relationship with your child and their behaviour. The session identifies some of the common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 10:30 am-12 pm, Apr 19 at the Founder's Theatre at the Elementary School of Western Academy of Beijing, 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District. 10

School information

A Information Day for parents, will be held, with different sessions on issues concerning kindergarten, school lunch and admission information and early childhood education, at the Lower Elementary School of the International School of Beijing. 11: 30 am-3 pm, Apr 14 at the school's Black Box Theatre, 10 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District. 8149-2345 ext 1061 or e-mail to secles@isb.bj.edu.cn. 10

Help in swim

Once a month the YMCA opens its pool up to a community group that would not otherwise have the opportunity to swim. In April it is the Bethel Foster Home for visually impaired orphans. Each child needs a sighted caring volunteer swimming partner. Some 25 volunteers and donations to provide lunch for 70 people are required. 9 am-1 pm, Apr 8 at the Beijing YMCA Nolita Branch, clubhouse of Xingfujiayuan, Guangqumennei, Chongwen District. 6714-0541 ext 805 or YMCA_awm@yahoo.com.cn.

Olympic aim

A special Olympic Family Day will feature clinics, demonstrations, special displays, games, food, free swim and special prizes. Angela Ruggiero, a top scoring defence person for the bronze-winning USA Olympic woman's ice hockey team, will attend. 10 am to 4 pm, Apr 1 at the Beijing YMCA Nolita Branch, clubhouse of Xingfujiayuan, Guangqumennei Dajie, Chongwen District. 6714-0541 ext 805 or e-mail to YMCA_awm@yahoo.com.cn

Irish Ball

To mark the end of St Patrick's week, the Irish Embassy and Irish Network China will throw a big party, with an all-new seven-piece Irish band playing. 900 yuan (US$111). 7 pm Mar 18 at the Kerry Centre Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. 1

Leaving Beijing

Meet new and old friends here at the International Newcomers' Network meeting, this time on essential information for leaving Beijing. Topics include practical issues and formalities of relocating. 30 yuan (US$3.7) including entrance fee, coffee and pastries. 10 am, Mar 27 at the Athletic Club, Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. 135-5261-1887. 6

Scottish Barn Dance

The Caledonian Society of Beijing is pleased to announce a Scottish Barn Dance for an evening of Scottish dancing and singing in a pub atmosphere. Cash bar and food available. Non-smoking event. 50 yuan (US$6). 7:30 pm Apr 8 in the marquee at Dulwich College Beijing, Beijing Riviera. 139-1146-8169.

Make car life easier

A website on car service, www.bitauto.com, opens with new items of second-hand cars to trade on line and membership service for drivers. Visitors can get information on the car market, transportation service, auto fashions and decoration, price consultation and on-line car orders. Free service.

Third culture kids

A third culture kid is generally defined as someone who is living outside the home culture or the culture of his or her parents. Welcome are parents who are interested in learning more about this unique group and how to support them. 10:30 am to 12 pm, Mar 22 at the Western Academy of Beijing, 10 Laiguangying Donglu. 10

Lady golfers save lives

On Thursday, 18 May at Beijing Country Club one hundred lady golfers will be rallying for a cure for Breast Cancer. The inaugural Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament is open to all lady golfers, and raise much needed funds to fight Breast Cancer in Beijing. All the monies raised by this charity event will go to the Breast Disease Centre of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. For more information about participating in, or providing sponsorship for the Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament, contact the Beijing Ladies Golf group at beijingladiesgolf@yahoo.com

(China Daily 03/17/2006 page19)