On Tuesday 8th March, International Women’s Day itself, I went to a performance of Sheridan’s ‘The Rivals’ and at the end of it Mrs Malaprop came forward and told the audience that it was International Women’s Day, there would be a collection for the Women’s Refuge.  The Women’s Refuge in our area, Colchester and Tendring, had been informed that their budget would be cut by £34,000 this year.  The cast then made a bucket collection for the Women’s Refuge as the audience exited the theatre.  I hope they did well.

The week finished with a meeting of East Anglian Regional Soroptimists clubs in Cambridge where we demonstrated ‘no women – no peace’.  10 years ago UN Resolution 1325 on women and peacebuilding was passed, yet women in conflict are still waiting to feel its impact.  We ask the Government to prioritise women in conflict and make 1325 its new year’s resolution.  

There were 100 Soroptimists and friends on Silver Street bridge with wonderful blue and pink placards to illustrate how things should change.  

Pictured here are the Colchester members in front of the huge banner.

All in all an eventful ‘International Women’s Day’ week.  Here’s to us all

Dilly Meyer

The Colchester Club was delighted to have Talat Pasha http://soroptimist-gbi.org/our-work/apd-information/international-goodwill-and-understanding/ join them on Thursday 22nd July for thier business meeting.  Talat told the club about the work she has done in Karachi and Hyderabad and listened to all that the Colchester Club had achieved over the last few years.  Including our recent donations to the local Women’s Refuge and the Acorn Village Centre.  Thank you Talat for a very informative talk.

Dilly Meyer, PAC

July 2010

OPEN EVENING

Thursday 25^th February 2010

19:30

AT THE

OAK TREE HALL,ST. ANNE’S COMMUNITY CENTRE, HARWICH ROAD, COLCHESTER, CO4 3DH

We are a group of women in business, professions, management and administration who would love to meet like-minded women to tell you about our organization. Our activities include social events and involvement in matters affecting women and girls in our local community, nationally and internationally.

St Helena Hospice Project 1979

A long time ago now, but the Colchester and District Soroptimist Club which was instrumental in the setting up of the Colchester St Helena Hospice still provides service in this area.

History:

Miss Irene Overton was club President for the year 1979/1980 during that year several members had experienced many problems and difficulties when caring for friends and family suffering from terminal illness.

At that time the hospice movement was being considered in many parts of the country. Irene Overton, Enid Macaulay, Gladys Bustard, Gwyneth Jefferies and Betty Lyes formed a group to consider the possibility of organising an open meeting for the people of the town of Colchester to study a proposal to start a hospice in Colchester. The open meeting was held in the Town Hall and hundreds of townsfolk attended.

Fund Raising:
Funds were raised in many ways, including a Fashion Show organised by Betty and Eric Lyes (proprietors of Lloyds of Colchester) and over one thousand pounds was raised that night alone. Fund raising continued in aid of the St Helena Hospice. Betty Lyes, Soroptimist; Peggy Spark, Altrusa Club; David Butcher, Rotary and a member of the Colchester Lions Club formed a group known as the A.L.R.S. committee. Bi-monthly Antiques fairs were held at the Marks Tey Hotel and thousands of pounds were raised over many years until the St Helena Hospice was opened and running.

Continued Support:
The Colchester and District Soroptimist Club continues to support the St Helena Hospice in Colchester by manning the reception desk on Sundays. Members have recently been given Roses to commemorate their continued support.

Betty Lyes
Colchester Soroptimist Club

Sure Start continue to carry out activities in the purpose built hall with excellent catering facilities and function rooms.

The Colchester Club hosts its monthly meetings in the main room and also has an office for members to use.