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We are 95!

We are 95!

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Our club has turned 95 - and we have celebrated in style! A chilly morning in beautiful Duthie Park saw members and friends handing out pots of spring bulbs in order to mark International Women's Day. Of course this was followed by coffee and chat in the warmth of the Winter Gardens. Later we attended a wonderful Civic Reception in the elegant surroundings of the Town House, where a fantastic spread was hosted by our Lord and Lady Provost, David and Hazel Cameron. It was so nice to see our own Margaret Smith's portrait from when she was Lord Provost displayed so prominently.   A wonderful Diva tribute show at the Tivoli theatre was the evening's experience, with stars such as Annie Lennox, Blondie, Adele and Madonna portrayed on stage in all their fabulousness! Impossible not to sing and dance along with the music. The
Turning Aberdeen Orange!

Turning Aberdeen Orange!

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We were delighted to see so much support for the UN "16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence" throughout Aberdeen and in particular in the Rosemount area. Shops and businesses throughout Rosemount and beyond, showed their support by displaying Orange bunting, balloons and posters to raise awareness of this important issue. Carole Baxter of the BBC's Beechgrove Garden chose her favourite display on Friday December 1st and the winner was "Wool for Ewe" who receive a £200 donation to a charity of their choice. Club members joined other Aberdeen women's organisations on 25th November, the first of the 16 Days, taking part in the annual "Reclaim the Night March". Marischal College and His Majesty's Theatre were also lit up in Orange. "We are so pleased that the people and businesses of Rosemount have risen to the occasion in supporting the challenge of ending violence
Coming soon……

Coming soon……

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Members have been exceptionally busy over the last few weeks making bunting and posters in preparation for the United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. The campaign runs from the 25th November to 10th December and uses the colour Orange, a bright and optimistic colour, to represent a world free from gender – based violence.  

Meeting students and staff at RGU

Meeting students and staff at RGU

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Members of the club had a really enjoyable visit to Robert Gordon University on Thursday 9th November to attend their volunteering event. It was lovely to speak to so many students and staff who are interested in joining us to support women and girls. Many thanks to those who have signed up to our mailing list to find out more about upcoming events such as the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. We spoke to several students who live in the Rosemount area of Aberdeen. They will be looking out for the Orange displays to highlight this event in 50 Rosemount shops from 25th November. We look forward to welcoming them to our next Orange Cafe which will take place at Bonnymuir Green Community Garden from 10.30 - 12 on Saturday 25th November. Many thanks to Annabelle from RGU for organising this
Donations to Grampian Womens Aid

Donations to Grampian Womens Aid

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Following a recent request from Grampian Womens Aid in Aberdeen members collected together a number of toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant which will be donated to them this week.   Grampian Womens Aid , established in the city in 1977 provides support and safe refuge to women experiencing domestic abuse. The charity is funded through a variety of funders including the Scottish Government, Aberdeenshire Council and donations to allow it to provide the best service it can for women, children and young people who have the right to live free from abuse.http://grampian-womens-aid.com

Honoured at Holyrood

Honoured at Holyrood

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  As part of the coronation celebrations for King Charles and in recognition of the exceptional work done in their communities, 500 Coronation Champions were awarded special pin badges, signed certificates and invitations to join the new King and Queen at one of their celebration events. Some of these inspiring volunteers in Scotland were invited to a garden party in the grounds of the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh. Our member, Alison, was one of them! Many congratulations to her! Alison has been a volunteer for over 40 years, a member of our Soroptimist club for 25 years and was the Chair of the Aberdeen Soroptimist Housing Society for several years.  She has held many positions in the walking charity, the Ramblers, locally, nationally and UK wide, and was more recently Convenor of Ramblers Scotland. Alison was also with the Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS)

A Scottish Welcome to Canadian Soroptimists

A Scottish Welcome to Canadian Soroptimists

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During the summer months club members welcomed two Canadian Soroptimists to the city. They were accompanied by  groups of members on tours around the city visiting Seaton Park and Duthie Park where they enjoyed the beautiful gardens and viewed two of the forty different 6 foot hare sculptures which are on display throughout Aberdeen and the north of Scotland as part of the 'Big Hop- Wild in Art' trail in aid of Clan Cancer Support.  Stained glass windows, rescued and restored by our club in 1971 to mark our club's Golden Jubilee, renovated in 2004 to celebrate our 75th anniversary and on permanent display in the Winter Gardens at the Duthie Park, were much admired. The visitors enjoyed views of the newly refurbished Union Terrace Gardens, paid a visit to St. Machar's Cathedral where they attended an organ recital, and spent some time in the
Dublin Days

Dublin Days

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22nd SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, DUBLIN, IRELAND From 26th- 29th July 2023 members representing a host of countries from five Federations were welcomed to Dublin to participate in the 22nd Soroptimist International Convention to hear a range of speakers on a wide selection of challenging subjects, to exchange ideas and to not only meet up with friends again but to make new ones. The theme of the Convention was ‘Challenge the Future’. Members of the Aberdeen club were joined by another nine Scottish members from Glasgow, Perth, Crieff, Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, Paisley, Inverness and Nairn.   The Convention Programme included a talk from Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland who spoke of her deep concern for climate change, and her message to delegates was to take personal responsibility for our actions to combat it. The former president of the Republic of China spoke of the government

Our Summer Days of Action

Our Summer Days of Action

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  This month as part of our support of the East Grampian Coastal Partnership – Turning the Plastic tide, and Paws on Plastic, groups of members spent time beach cleaning at nearby Stonehaven and Balmedie. The weather was kind and on both occasions a number of bags of rubbish were collected.http://egcp.scot   Wrapped up, armed and ready to tackle the job on Balmedie beach! #onlyleavefootprints

Cake and Strawberries for Stella’s Voice

Cake and Strawberries for Stella’s Voice

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Members produced lots of tasty cakes and loads of strawberries for a recent strawberry tea held in a local church hub. There were also items of craft, books and plants for sale. The proceeds from the event will be donated to an organisation based in Moldova since 1996, now called AIM Moldova and previously known as Stella’s Voice. The organisation provides protection for the most vulnerable from human trafficking. It also collects a wide variety of items for refugees including bedding and blankets, essential baby items, toiletries, clothing and non perishable food. http://stellasvoice.org.uk http://aimmoldova.org