“Come for afternoon tea and be tempted by delicious fashions

and jewellery!” – an invitation that seventy members and friends of SI Elmbridge and SI Woking found irresistible on a sunny Saturday afternoon in May.  This was another successful joint event organised by Programme Action members of both clubs to raise awareness and funds for SI Southern England’s regional charity, House No 1 at SOS Mamelodi Children’s Village.  The house, which needs £7,000 a year, provides ‘a loving home’ for eleven AIDS’ orphans in Pretoria, South Africa.

Guests, some of whom arrived in afternoon hats, were seated at tables laid with pretty tablecloths and potted geraniums displayed in Soroptimist colours.  As the show opened they were served a sumptuous afternoon tea of homemade sandwiches and cakes by members of both clubs dressed as ‘Nippies’ – something perhaps older Soroptimists will remember! 

Two favourite boutiques, Mad Jak’s of Shere in Surrey and Maia of Woking, were thrilled with the opportunity to showcase their clothes and had happily arranged for a number of outfits, from sportswear to sparkling evening wear, to be modelled by five members from both clubs.  Guests were equally delighted that the clothes were not only modelled and described from the stage but that the models themselves walked around the tables, allowing the fabrics and designs to be seen at very close quarters! 

All the outfits were fully accessorised with bags, scarves and jewellery and a selection of jewellery from Mad Jak’s was available for sale, as well as 15% discount vouchers from Maia.  Also available were lovely – and some quirky – items of locally-made jewellery and scarves from Flora Lou in Chobham, owned by Kim, the daughter of Woking Club’s Immediate Past President Elaine.  Kim thought it was a delightful event and was thrilled by the enthusiastic reception of their jewellery.

Many of those who took part in the event, whether behind the scenes, on stage or enjoying the tea, have commented on the happy ‘buzz’ in the hall that afternoon.  One guest said how nice it was to see models who were of a realistic size and shape!  We are delighted that so many of our objectives were met: fun, friendship, awareness-raising and, of course, the money for Mamelodi.  The final figures are still to come but, including the raffle and gratefully-received donations from Mad Jak’s and Flora Lou, our efforts raised well in excess of £800, bringing the total raised so far to over £3,000.

Alexis Neville, who was President of Southern England region 2004-2005, had
a big birthday last month and decided to celebrate in style.  She invited
some friends, including other Soroptimists from the region, to join her in a
champagne ride on the London Eye.  Attached is the official photograph of
the occasion, taken as the capsule was completing its 30 minute circuit.
While they were admiring the views over London in the twilight, the group
had noticed that there was a traditional merry-go-round set up along the
South Bank.  This had to be ridden as well, adding a surreal journey (on
wooden horse-back) to a sublime flight!
Never say Soroptimists don’t know how to have fun!

 

REGIONAL PROGRAMME ACTION AWARD 2007-2008

During her year as Regional President, Joyce Boorman suggested that the Region should have a Programme Action Award as there were both International and Federation ones.

Following the end of the 2007-2008 Club year, Joyce (then IPP), President Carole and President Elect Sue considered around 100 Programme Focus Report Forms. From these was drawn a short list of 10 projects. It was not an easy task as projects were varied – small, large – short term, long term – involve a few members, all the club etc etc. But whatever they were there was certainly a sense of ‘passion’ in them all.

In their deliberations, Joyce, Carole and Sue found that in the final few there was a very narrow margin between them.

In her presentation of the inaugural award Joyce commended the two clubs in joint 3rd place – S I Reigate and District and SI Kingston-upon-Thames and District; Reigate for its support of Shambalai School, Tanzania in raising money to improve buildings, and Kingston for its unique meeting with the Home Secretary to discuss trafficking, policing, drug and alcohol abuse and other topical issues. In second place was SI Gosport, Farham and District for its refuge outing; they organised a visit to a local farm park for 7 families (with 14 children) followed by a picnic.

But the Club to which she presented the 2007-2008 Regional Programme Action at the Council meeting held on 20 September 2008 was SI Southampton and District for its work with the safehouse for trafficked women in partnership with the Medaille Trust.

Many congratulations to members of SI Southampton!