This Year’s Social Events
29th April – Lunch on Canvey Island
The restaurant atmosphere was here again, the tables laid, the menus printed and the ‘staff’ galvanised into action for another Hadleigh View lunch. The weather was kind and the view - across the downs to Hadleigh Castle – lovely!
Everyone enjoyed the discussion, food, wine and hilarity, the food was declared excellent - the beef and Thia curry were particularly complimented and recipes were asked for - though not given!
There were choices at each course so the (co-erced) ’staff’ were, as usual fully employed in gathering orders and from the kitchen, Sharon and Margaret kept service slick. Being a member of Margaret and David’s family carries its responsibilities, as Joe’s new fiancee soon found out!
It was an excellent start to President Sharon’s fund-raising year, raising a total of £350 for her project with a further £100 donation to the Regional Project in South Africa.
12th February – Annual Lunch
Our Annual Lunch on Sunday 12th February was a huge success! Thanks to Social Secretary Janet, over 50 members and friends joined President Cathy and her husband in the Maritime Room at the Cliffs Pavilion to enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch with a good deal of wine. The weather had not deterred our visitors and we were pleased to welcome friends from the Chelmford, East London and Cambridge clubs together with Regional President Heather and her husband.
We were privileged to have the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Councillor David Norman and his wife with us again. After the meal, he spoke about his time in office – his focus on promoting Southend, supporting local people and ensuring that Southend’s children grow up to be proud of their town. Members and guests thoroughly enjoyed this insight into his busy life.
25th January – New Members Evening
Some of our more experienced members joined Membership Officer, Jackie at her house to welcome new and prospective members. It was a delightful evening – getting to know each other and learning the basics about Soroptimism. Programme Action Officer, Margaret explained how our club fits into the big picture that is Soroptimist International, and how we support its aims and activities with our local, national and international work. Long-standing member Sheila, amused us all with her memories of the club from its early years. There was lots to think about and lots to laugh about – a real fun and friendship evening!
5th November – OUR PRESIDENT’S FUND-RAISING LUNCH
President Cathy’s family has long been connected with sailing in Leigh-on-Sea so it was a delight to have lunch on board the MS Wilton, headquarters of the Essex Yacht Club moored at Chalkwell.
Members and guests mingled in a convivial atmosphere and enjoyed a lovely meal. There was a good raffle generously donated by members and friends.
£700 was raised for Cathy’s charity – Southend Young Carers - which brings our total to £1 600. Cathy will present the cheque at the AGM in April.
A great day – a great result!
7th August – SOROPTIMISTS AT PORTERS
Members of Southend club joined the Mayor and Mayoress of Southend-on-Sea for a cream tea at The Civic House, Porters on Sunday afternoon.
Soroptimist President Cathy Cottridge was joined by 50 members and friends in glorious sunshine which allowed members to enjoy the lovely garden.
The club organised the event to raise funds for their year-long President’s project supporting Southend Young Carers – a group that supports young people whose social lives may sometimes be restricted due to caring for a family member.
President Cathy said “It is a privilege to be here. The house and the grounds are delightful and our guests and friends from other clubs were very impressed that the borough has this beautiful Tudor house right in the centre of the town.”
Thanks to excellent organisation by the Social Committee, the event raised £450 for the charity.