OLD GIRLS

Elizabeth has set up a charity there working on cultural, environmental and education projects to support this beautiful but conflict-scarred country.

The projects include working to support traditional Kosovan silvercrafts through a micro-credit scheme and developing sustainable tourism in traditional buildings. The stunning mountain setting is used to develop environmental awareness and photography projects are housed in the 18th century ethnological museum in Pristina.

An article in Albanian about the work of the charity, The Ideas Partnership, to promote the craft of filigree in Kosovo can be found at http://www.fjalaelire.com/index.php/http-fjalaelire-com-reportazhe-php/4138.htm.

Silver filigree Co-operative

Ethnological Museum, Prizren

Elizabeth writes, ‘I have been really lucky to work with some amazing people in this very special place. I now speak Albanian and work part-time as a translator (I have often thought about the grounding in languages I got from the excellent MGC Classics department).

Elizabeth and her bees

With a fellow beekeeper

I am also a writer and have a regular column on the http://www.newkosovareport.com/ newspaper, and have written 'The Land of Blood and Honey' about my experience of becoming a beekeeper while I lived in Kosovo. I am currently working on a book about the Edwardian lady traveller to the Balkans, Edith Durham'.

The town of Prizren

And finally Elizabeth has sent a photo she describes as 'an excruciating moment for everyone as Elizabeth is invited to dance at a Kosovar wedding'. The OGA Secretary thinks they all look wonderful.

Elizabeth would love to hear from Old Girls at . Her website is http://www.elizabethgowing.com/