Events Archives

News from GITPA (April 2018)

April 30, 2018

News from GITPA (April 2018)

Membership Renewal Exercise 2018

The GITPA Membership Renewal Exercise 2018 was successfully completed. We sincerely thank all of YOU for your continuous support to GITPA. The results and the full GITPA membership list will be announced shortly. For those who are not our members yet, please DO consider joining GITPA – the only official staff association that represents YOU. To do so, you may contact your site representatives or send us your completed membership application form with payment in cheque. Further details and the application form are available at our website: www.gitpa.org.hk > About Us > Join Members.

Annual General Meeting cum Annual Dinner

Thank you for your support over the years. Time flies. It is time again for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and get-together in May every year. In addition to sharing with you our work this year, the current and the to-be-elected Chairmen, as well as other Ex-Co members, are keen to meet you on this occasion.

The AGM cum Annual Dinner will be held on 16 May 2018 (Wednesday) at Club House, the Hong Kong Medical Association (香港醫學會宴會廳). All GITPA members are cordially invited to join! As always, your participation is instrumental to the success of GITPA. If you cannot attend the meeting in person, please submit your e-proxy form, which will be sent to you under Lotus Notes email.

Lastly, to sustain and develop GITPA to better serve AP grade colleagues, we would like to invite members to join the new Ex-Co of 2018-19. If you are interested to join, please don’t hesitate to send us an email before the AGM.

Looking forward to seeing you at the AGM cum Annual Dinner.

GITPA Ex-Co 2017-18

Events

News from GITPA (March 2018)

April 3, 2018

GITPA 新春行大運

The GITPA’s Lunar New Year hiking activity (GITPA 狗年新春行大運 (鶴藪、沙螺洞、鳳園)遠足活動) was held on 3 March 2018 (Saturday).

A total of 26 colleagues and their family members had joined the activity. Departing from the Hok Tau (鶴藪) barbecue site in Fanling at around 2p.m., we walked along Hok Tau Tsuen (鶴藪村), Hok Tau Reservoir (鶴藪水塘) and Sha Lo Tung (沙螺洞), and arrived at Fung Yuen (鳳園) at about 4:30p.m.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle, we enjoyed peace and fresh air. It was quite cloudy and foggy in the beginning, but sunshine started to greet us during the hike. The 2.5-hour hike was relaxing and refreshing. We even got the chance to have “afternoon tea” at Sha Lo Tung!

Consultation Exercise – Extension of Service of Civil Servants

As you may have learnt from the circulation from the administration unit or personnel section of the B/D that you are serving, the Secretary for the Civil Service has launched a consultation paper on extension of the service of civil servants who joined the Government between 1 June 2000 and 31 May 2015. The consultation paper sets out the proposed implementation framework of the new initiative. (The paper is available on the website of the Civil Service Bureau at http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/publication/2695.html).

If you would like to provide your views and comments on the consultation paper through GITPA for us to present them in one go to the OGCIO, you may send them to us at GITPA/OGCIO/HKSARG on or before 9 April 2018 (Monday). Looking forward to hearing from you!

GITPA Ex-Co 2017-18

Events

News from GITPA (Mar 2017)

March 30, 2017

Glass engraving Workshop

Did anyone of you ever face the challenge of choosing a gift that you hope it will be appreciated? Choosing a gift that is unique, memorable, or even with a message that will last forever is always a challenging task, especially in those festive seasons. Glass engraving is surely a way to make a gift that can create a moment truly special.

A glass engraving workshop was organized by GITPA on 27^th February. Basic skills on glass engraving through abrasion, together with the use of the rotary drill for engraving were introduced. It was then followed by the demonstration of the artworks provided by the trainer. We also had the time to exert our creativity and imagination to create the decorative glassworks of our own.

Here were all we needed: a marker pen to draw our design, some alcohol tissue for erasing the sketch on glass, a piece of wet cloth to wipe away any dust or water as we work, and black cardboard to rest our glass on to see our design better. And the most important thing was a handy rotary drill with diamond ball burr.

We started by sketching our design on the glass with the marker pen. Design varies from some simple dot and line art to far-fetched ideas that are beyond anyone’s imagination. With the design finalized, we started engraving our glasswork using the rotary drill. The drill is so handy that even a primary school kid can handle it with the help of his parent. With some trials and assistance from the trainer, some of us started to be able to manage the engraving tools skillfully, and the final products were simply gorgeous.

As a wonderful way to end the workshop, we held a little competition to choose among ourselves the best 5 pieces of glassworks. Most of the selected artworks were, out of our expectation, produced by little kids.

Upcoming Event

The 2017 GITPA Annual General Meeting (AGM) cum Annual Dinner will be held on 17^th May 2017 (Wednesday) at the Hong Kong Medical Association Club House (Wanchai Premises). We will share our work and activities in the year 2016-17. New GITPA ExCo for year 2017-18 will be also elected.

All GITPA members are cordially invited to the AGM to participate in the election of the new GITPA ExCo and meet other colleagues. Please join us.

Stay tuned to our coming announcement and see you at the AGM cum Annual Dinner on 17^th May!

GITPA ExCo 2016-17

Events

News from GITPA (Feb 2017)

February 28, 2017

Chinese New Year Hiking

As part of GITPA’s tradition to celebrate the Chinese New Year, 「雞年新春行大運 (黃泥墩，大欖涌水塘)」was held on 5^th February. Colleagues, together with their family members and friends, made a group of some 40 people joining the hiking activity. We all enjoyed the time with our minds refreshed to welcome the Year of the Rooster.

Hiking is one of the greatest ways to enjoy the outdoors, with day hiking being the most popular kind. With different trails you take, the spectacular landscape of different parts of Hong Kong unfolds before you.

Wong Nai Tun Reservoir
We started our journey by hiking to Wong Nai Tun Reservoir. Although the reservoir is small, its surrounding is tranquil and exhilarating with a view of emerald water surface. We took beautiful pictures on the dam.

Tai Lam Chung Reservoir
After around 2 hours of leisure walk, we reached the splendid view named “Thousand Islands” for Tai Lam Chung Reservoir. It looked like there are many small islands resided in the lake. Its sophisticated meandering coastline appeared to be a refined picture from the natural pattern. It’s so amazing that we have such a precious view inside the city! Tai Lam Chung Reservoir gets more and more popular and we even met some hiking friends there!

We ended our journey at Tai Tong with a view of sunset.

Hiking also has a number of benefits for the body. It requires no special equipment and you can simply start no matter how fit you are. It’s easy to adjust to any level of difficulties. No matter what level of difficulties you have chosen, your body will still be exposed to sunshine, and the level of vitamin D within your body increases.

In addition, hiking with a group of friends can feel more like entertainment than exercise. Hiking offers us chance to do away texting at our mobile phones and have face-to-face communications. It gives us some precious moments to chat, and to share the happiness and sadness with our friends and beloved ones.

There is a quote “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” Reaching the top of a mountain is an impressive physical and emotional accomplishment. It reminds us that we can accomplish something in my life if we dream big and put in the work.

Upcoming Event

In February, GITPA will present a glass engraving workshop for you to decorate your favorite glassware and turn it into a personal treasure that is unique and special for you.

GITPA 2016/17

Events

News from GITPA (Dec 2016)

December 30, 2016

Over the past few decades, “mindfulness” has been growing in popularity. It is famous for allowing us to recognize our own thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

As always, GITPA consider members’ mental and physical health as our first priority. We therefore, conducted a mindfulness introductory class, “嘉道理農場靜觀遊” to our members on 3 Dec 2016.

Mindfulness is stilling it to awareness of the flowing thoughts. As a beginner, we cultivate mindfulness through some relaxation exercise which is a systematic method of focusing your attention appropriately. Once you establish the awareness and focus, you observe the flow of inner thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations as they are.

After practising the mindfulness exercise, there was a guided tour around 嘉道理農場 to let us feel through our senses our intimate connection with the planet as a breathing living being, and to cultivate our gratitude and reverence for this miracle. From this process, we gained an understanding of our place on earth and our responsibility to the planet. In fact, cultivating the land, transforming the elements, harvesting the fruits of the season and observing the rhythms of nature are all practices of understanding, love and mindfulness.

All of our members and friends enjoyed a nourishing, insightful and joyous journey on that day.

Please stay tuned for our upcoming activities, and hope to see you soon.

GITPA 2016/17

Events

News from GITPA (Nov 2016)

November 30, 2016

Autumn is always considered as the best time to get outdoors. GITPA recently organized two outdoor activities. They were surf kayaking and snorkeling (獨木舟浮潛體驗同樂日) and eco-cycling tour (錦田南生圍單車生態遊). Let us have a quick review of our adventures.

Sai Wan beach is a great place to practise surf kayaking, snorkeling and to hang out for the weekend. On 30 October, a group of GITPA members and friends joined at Sai Kung to explore its leafy landscape and sandy beaches for an action-packed day of fun! Under the guidance of our expert instructors, though we could not manage a kayak from zero to hero in one day, we all mastered the basic skills to control our kayak to the middle of the sea to kick off our snorkeling adventure, which was definitely a perfect way to get to know the beautiful underwater environment of the Sai Kung sea. Many of us were there the first time to explore the beautiful sights, which have only been accessed by a very small percentage of the population.

After taking a sea adventure, our second adventure explored the natural countryside by bicycle. Our eco-cycling tour was conducted on 13 Nov 2016. This guided tour passed through scenes of an age-old walled village, a mysterious tree house and an internationally recognized bird migration area. The view was so amazing making this an unforgettable bike tour for all of us.

Both are fantastic experience for our members and friends; there are few things more relaxing than navigating on kayak or bike to fully enjoy the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape.

Please stay tuned for upcoming GITPA activities.

Events

News from GITPA (Oct 2016)

October 31, 2016

GITPA cycling adventure

Autumn flies by in a flash. It’s always a good idea to take advantage of the crisp weather and ride into the countryside to meet the authentic scenery.

Have you ever thought that “Cycle touring sounds like fun but it isn’t really for me”? “I am not in shape”, “I don’t want to do it alone”, or “I simply don’t know how to get started” are exactly the reasons to go for our cycle tour, not your excuses.

GITPA is now organizing a guided cycle tour. This guided outing is not just a workout on two wheels. First you’ll cycle to Nam Sang Wai, a place where you will be surrounded by a landscape of farms and glistening fish ponds, a place that makes you feel a world away from urban Hong Kong. After that we will visit the mysterious tree house (Kam Tin Tree House), and wind our way along Kam Tin River for a reviving Farm Flavor lunch, which emphasizes on fresh, seasonal food that is locally grown.

2016oct_news1 — The Kam Tin Tree House is an ancient Banyan tree. According to folklore, the stone structure beneath the tree used to be a Tin Hau Temple or a Q’ing dynasty village study hall. It is considered one of Hong Kong’s most important living trees.

Cycle touring is very different from car travel. It is not just cycling for exercise; a cycle touring should be a journey. Please let the autumn sun warm your cheeks, and stay curious as we believe each road should bring breathtaking vistas.

If you’re ready for a cycling adventure, grab your helmet and stay tuned to our coming announcement!

GITPA ExCo 2016-17

Events

News from GITPA (Sep 2016)

September 30, 2016

Grab your running shoes and join us for a run!

People run for different reasons. Some run because of weight concerns, while some others run for a sense of achievement, to relieve stress, or simply to win. No matter what the motivation behind is, running brings us enjoyment and fills us with energy.

Like any sports, it’s possible to get injured at some point on a run. A good running coach can help to reduce injury risks. Just like the last year, GITPA organized a running training class that covered both theory and practical sessions by Mr. Lai Ho Ki (黎可基先生) in early September.

Rather than simply learning the technique that is being offered in the theory session, it’s essential that we can apply it in the real world. Therefore, we arranged two practice sessions for our members.

Running brings us joy. In the practice sessions, we saw not only sweating but also enjoyment and satisfaction on the faces of our members and friends.

There is a saying, “The reason we race isn’t so much to beat each other… but to be with each other.”. We all had a wonderful experience as we gained health and we made friends.

Upcoming event in October

Kayak and snorkelling fun day is coming back! Please refer to our email with subject “ GITPA 獨木舟浮潛體驗同樂日” for details.

GITPA ExCo 2016-17

Events

News from GITPA (Aug 2016)

August 31, 2016

Balloon Twisting Workshop

Balloons are a budget-conscious, yet colorful, means for decorating any events. Having these lovely balloons at the venue will just lift a party to a whole different level of fun and excitement. On 14 Aug 2016, GITPA members and friends learnt how to make simple decorations and toys with twisting balloons. In a few twists and ties, we all mastered the basics of balloon twisting in no time!

It all started with making dog balloons. A dog balloon is a fundamental sculpture in the art of balloon twisting and balloon animals. Many animal balloons such as deer and giraffe are just variations of the dog balloon.

After the warm-up exercise, it came to our first challenge in making the fantastic heart-shaped flower, which is a perfect gift idea for Valentine’s Day.

With the mastery of the basic techniques, it’s time to release our unlimited creativity. Beautiful flowers and magic wands were all created at the drop of a hat and even cool characters jumped out from mobile phones. We all had a FUNtastic time.

Is it fun? Stay tuned for the upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you there!

GITPA Ex-Co 2016/17

Events

News from GITPA (July 2016)

July 31, 2016

Craft Brewing Workshop

There were 34 GITPA members and friends enjoyed a three-hour craft brewing workshop on July 10. In this workshop, we tried our hand at brewing beer from scratch with raw ingredients. We got hands-on experience while the whole brewing process was taken through, from mashing to transferring to the fermentor. We also had a chance to explore the world of craft beers together with a beer tasting session.

Here’s how to brew your own beer at home…..

20160702 — Here’s the equipment required.

20160703 — Malt extract was heated until it looked like thin oatmeal. Hops were then added and boiled with the malt extract for an hour. Hops were used primarily as a flavoring and stability agent in beer.

20160706 — The hot mixture was rapidly cooled to room temperature with a sink of ice to avoid contamination of bacteria where wild yeast could occur.

20160708 — The mixture was then transferred to fermentation bucket by spooning. This provided the dissolved oxygen that the yeast need.

Although our beer is now still being fermented in the workshop, it is still not ready to drink yet. No matter how it turns out, it is still taste better than those available in the market, because our homebrew was brew with Friendship, Family, Love & Laughter.

Discount Sale of Mooncakes

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon. We continue the discount sale of mooncakes for members this year. We have sourced special offers from five bakeries – Taipan, Wing Wah, Maxim’s, Arome, and Häagen-Dazs – and a total 47 choices of moon cakes for members to select.

Moreover, GITPA Ex-Co would like to take this opportunity to wish all colleagues a cheerful and enjoyable festival with your beloved family and friends!