For the second year running SI Bilston & District members became midwives to run a stall at the Tettenhall Fete. This year President Lynne asked for any money raised to go to Promise Dreams, one of her chosen charities. Many members spent the day selling children’s toys, clothes and bric -a-brac and the three members pictured here organised games not just for children! The day was most successful in promoting Soroptimism.
Day of Action
Promoting Soroptimism and raising funds for the BIG Project.
During a Programme Action report, officers asked for inspiration for the SIGBI Day of Action. President Elect Lynne came up with the excellent idea of running a stall at a fete in Wolverhampton based on ‘Call the Midwife’. The acquisition of appropriate nurses’ uniforms was a challenge in itself but members borrowed, made and bought from Ebay. So on Sunday 7th July Bilston Soroptimists donned their 1940’s nurses uniforms, homemade nurses caps, crafted stethoscopes and watches to send the message of our work around the fete at Tettenhall. Every visitor who came to the stand was made fully aware of Soroptimism and particularly the work of Bilston Club. Not only did we have displays of photographs but we also gave out SIGBI leaflets. Soroptimism is no longer a secret in Tettenhall. We used the theme of ‘Call the Midwife’ because of Brikama Hospital and birthing in The Gambia. Our efforts created much interest and amusement. St John’s ambulance staff were fascinated by the ‘nurses’ but Bilston members were quick to point out that if there was an emergency they would be sent straight over to St John’s! “Sister Monica Joan” made an appearance and was soon approached by a local vicar who was convinced that she was authentic! Newest member Gill bravely cycled around the Fete on a hired 1930’s bicycle and promoted Bilston’s stall and Soroptimism. She caused many a smile and she was photographed many times.
The whole event was a great success. Many Bilston members dressed in nurses uniforms donated and sold children’s clothing, toys and books. Added attractions were a bran tub, pick-a-stick and name the baby. The prize for guessing the correct name was a signed copy of Miranda Hart’s book. This was donated by Hodder & Stoughton publishers,thanks to persuasive powers of one of Bilston’s members. The club raised £178 for the BIG Project. It was a great club effort promoting Soroptimism as well as a good team building exercise.
