SIGBI President’s August 2019 Blog
Hello Ladies,
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. For those members who have just returned from Kuala Lumpur, you certainly brought the sunshine back with you. From looking at the photos and reading the blogs I think the 21st International Convention can be declared a resounding success!
Now it’s time for members to make sure that they check in for the next great Soroptimist event.
Do you want to pick up new challenges? Are you hoping to extend your social networks? Meet up with long standing friends?
Then the annual SIGBI Conference in Bournemouth (24th-26th October 2019) is for you. The conference theme continues Federation President Sue Williams challenge to all of us to #ThinkOnIt, raising awareness of Mental Health Well Being.
Registration for the Conference is open until the end of September. https://sigbi.org/bournemouth2019/
Awaiting you is a stellar line up of speakers who will inspire and motivate, make you question and generate discussion.
Conference chair Eileen Hunter writes “As the planning for conference comes to its final stages the excitement is mounting. A huge warm welcome of friendship and fun awaits everyone. Do remember to pack your green outfit, celebrating mental health, ready for the photo call!”
Looking even further ahead to Soroptimist International’s 100th Anniversary in 2021, I’m delighted to confirm that SIGBI’s plans for its centennial celebrations are well under way and I would like to thank members for all the ideas you have submitted. There are four commemorative items being produced for sale, complete with the S.I centennial logo. These will be showcased at the Bournemouth conference.
The working Group is currently looking at organising an event at the House of Commons. It would be wonderful if we could hold 
an event at every Parliament in the Federation. It also seems appropriate to have a ‘planting’ event throughout the Federation, as that is where it all began with S.I Oakland’s project to save the Redwood trees!
I look forward to continuing to receive your thoughts on how we should celebrate our wonderful organisation and raise awareness of all that you as members have achieved.
In friendship
Cathy Cottridge
Director Without Portfolio
Read previous blogs from President Sue Williams and the FMB:
- July 2019 – Isobel Smith, President Elect and Director of Organisational Development
- June 2019 – Shirley Jones, Director Without Portfolio
- May 2019 – President Sue
- April 2019 – President Sue
- March 2019 – Judi Chaddock, Director Without Portfolio
- February 2019 – Cathy Cottridge, Director Without Portfolio
- January 2019 – President Sue
- December 2018 – Ruth Healey, Director of Finance
- November 2018 – President Sue