On Saturday 18th April, a group of members and friends went to Ellesmere Port for the Regional Charity Concert held at the Civic Hall. There was a very good programme of singers and performers, and all the proceeds were donated to the Trussell Trust Food Banks, Regional President Stella’s chosen charity.
The Programme Action Presentation Evening commenced with the presentations of cheques to representatives of organisations who benefited from fundraising during President Pat’s year. The two main charities supported this year have been Handicap International, which sent a video expressing their thanks, and Treasure Chest Breast Cancer charity. The cheques were accepted by representatives from Treasure Chest, the Royal British Legion who benefitted from the sale of knitted poppies, Women’s Aid, and the Soroptimist Benevolent Fund. Members also reported on other causes supported during the year, including backpacks for Mary’s Meals, donations for the Conwy Food Bank, and school visits with the Bees project. The guest speaker was our own member Mary, who visited Lesotho in 2014 to help train health workers in Maternal Healthcare. The club helped Mary to finance her visit and to provide equipment for further training of staff in the clinics in Lesotho.
Soroptimist International of Llandudno & District held a Fashion Show at the Imperial Hotel, in aid of Treasure Chest Breast Cancer charity, and Handicap International, which helps victims of landmines and cluster bombs. Spring and summer clothing from M & Co of Llandudno were modeled by some members together with local Girl Guides. Background music was provided by Ian Turner. Members had donated prizes for a grand raffle which raised much needed funds. Over £1100 was raised in total. President Pat thanked all those who had supported the event and especially M & Co, the staff of The Imperial Hotel, Ian Turner and Rydal Penrhos for their help. Our models for the fashion show were Janet W, Elizabeth, Cynthia, Hilary, Janet M, Celia and Sandra.
Members form six Soroptimist Clubs in North Wales: Anglesey, Bangor, Rhyl, Dyffryn Conwy, Denbigh and Ruthin, and Llandudno, gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday 7th March, by walking along the promenade in Llandudno. We carried banners and posters to raise awareness of our campaign to eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls, and collected lots of signatures for the Purple Teardrop Anti-Slavery petition. The theme for International Women’s Day this Year is ‘Paint it Purple’, so we wore Soroptimist colours, and our sweatshirts and sashes. We met at the Pier in Llandudno at 11 a.m. and walked as far as Venue Cymru. We were very pleased that our local Assembly Member, Janet Finch-Saunders came along to give us her support.
On Sunday, March 1st, 2015, SI Llandudno and District celebrated 52 years of service to transform the lives of women and girls , locally and internationally. We were pleased to welcome guests from far and wide to enjoy our Charter Luncheon at the Imperial Hotel, Llandudno. President Pat introduced Guest Speaker Mrs Janet Evans, High Sheriff in Nomination for Clwyd, who explained the history behind her post, the wonderful costume she will be proud to wear, and the important fundraising events she will support during her year as High Sheriff of Clwyd. Councillor Malcolm Bullock J.P. proposed the Toast to Soroptimist International and Mrs Stella McKay Moffat Regional President of Soroptimist International Cheshire, North Wales and Wirral, responded to the Toast. Here is a round up of photos capturing a memorable day:
Wales Anti-Slavery Conference Friday 23rd January 2015 Venue Cymru, Llandudno The Wales Anti-Slavery Conference took place on January 23rd 2015, with 220 delegates in attendance. The purpose of the conference was to inform leaders from public sector, voluntary organisations and NGOs of the current national and regional actions taking place to address modern slavery. The invited speakers were:- – Chair of the North Wales Anti-Slavery Project : Richard Parry Jones. – Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner, North Wales : Julian Sandham. – The UK Independent, Anti-Slavery Commissioner: Kevin Hyland. – Wales Anti-Slavery Co-ordinator : Stephen Chapman. – Operation Imperial – Gwent Police : Det. Supt. Paul Griffiths & Det. Insp. Lyndon Hawker. – Romanian guests : Aurora Martin and Andreea Gavrila – A survivor of Modern Slavery : Rachel – North Wales Anti-Slavery Co-ordinator : Jim Coy. – Delegates were invited to participate in two
President Pat and President Elect Stephanie represented the members of Si Llandudno at the Charter ceremony of the new Soroptimist International Club of Chester at Rowton Hall Hotel, Chester, on 21st February. The ceremony was followed by Dinner and Dancing. Members of Si Llandudno send our best wishes to Si Chester for every success in the future.
We enjoyed a successful evening at the Italian restaurant, and Club members have been working together on our Programme Action Projects:- The knitters of the Club have been very busy, making poppies for last November and now knitting daffodils for St David’s Day. A total of £1072 was raised for the Royal British Legion which will be presented to a representative in March. Knitters also made miniature cycling jerseys to contribute towards a bunting outside Venue Cymru for the Tour of Britain ending. These jerseys are now being stitched to make blankets for the elderly and homeless. Mary’s Meals is still being supported and 35 backpacks were sent in October. We also support our local food bank with donations, and collect money towards the local Women’s Refuge who are collecting towards a new play area for children in their safe house. SI
Hilary is a retired teacher and complementary therapist, and she was introduced to the Club by her friend President Elect Stephanie.
Members of the “international” Programme Action group were busy in October packing backpacks for Mary’s Meals. Here are Janet, Joanne , Rhian and Helen with some of the filled backpacks and extra items which were also donated. The club members gave all sorts of useful items, including flip flops, balls, crayons, shorts, pencil cases, pens, toothpaste, soap, pencil sharpeners, girls knickers and shirts for boys and girls – for different age groups of children. Mary’s Meals sends these backpacks to needy children in schools in Malawi. This is a very worthwhile project which we are continuing to support.
