Friendship Links
An important part of all Soroptimist clubs is the links that are formed with fellow Soroptimists all over the world. Some of these links are informal, friends met at various conferences and conventions or by visiting another club when on holiday or working. Some of the links are more formal – and these are known as Friendship Links. Clubs pledge to maintain contact and here in Guildford, we have six Friendship Links. These are (in alphabetical order)
Bombay West, SIGBI. Guildford and District pay the capitation fee or subscription for the members of Bombay West which in turn releases more funds to Bombay West to enable them to continue their work.
Coleraine, N Ireland, SIGBI
At the celebrations for Guildford’s 50 years, we were joined by guests from three of our Friendship Links -Soroptimists Roberta, Ingrid and Branka from Coleraine, Vienna and Zagreb respectively. Above, Soroptimist Roberta brings us greetings from her club, Coleraine.
Freiburg, Germany, SI Europe
In June 2010, we were delighted to welcome nine members of Freiburg club for a friendship visit. We held a joint meeting on Friday and in particular discussed service to our respective communities and ways of fundraising. In particular, we were interested to learn that the German government gives tax relief on donations raised by the Club, a privelege not afforded to Clubs in England.
By contrast, Saturday was a day to explore some of the delights of the Surrey countryside.
Ribe, Denmark, SI Europe
We were lucky enough to be invited to visit our friendship link club in Ribe, Denmark. Ribe is one of our friendship link clubs which help us as Soroptimists forge links over the world. Ribe had invited all of its friendship links, and a good weekend was had by all.
The picture above shows member Moira demonstrating international friendship with the aid of a few glasses (which all seem to be empty)!
Vienna 1, Austria, SI Europe.
Zagreb, SI Europe. With effect from 19 March 2009, and inspired by Guildford member Marta, a former member of SI Zagreb, our then President Carole, signed the friendship charter with Branka Zovko-Chilar of Zagreb Club (pictured on the right).
In May 2011, we were delighted to visit SI Zagreb. Nine members of SI Guildford and Ditrict attended a meeting of SI Zagreb, which like us, holds its meetings at the local University. On Saturday Club members visited the local area and saw some of the work Soroptimists are carrying out before relaxing and enjoying Zagreb on Sunday. The intention is that the two Clubs are able to work toogether on a joint project.