Cheryl Williams from the Alzheimer’s Society was our guest speaker and part of her work is to help people understand dementia. She explained how we could become Dementia Friends joining the UK’s biggest ever initiative to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia. More details about this initiative at www.dementiafriends.org.uk .
Gareth Roberts of Menter Fachwen provided a humorous and informative talk on the history of Bangor, from Neolithic period to medieval times, Roman and druid places to wartime bomb sites…. all was captivating! Whilst the plan had been to walk along the high street, Gareth shared instead a PowerPoint presentation inside Hirael Community Hall whilst the rain came down. He also shared the new walking guide which focussed on Bangor’s Jewish community and history. Warm soup, crusty bread and freshly made Welsh cakes were enjoyed by all, including members of SI Anglesey club who joined for the evening. Soup was later taken to the local homeless shelter
In February 2019, Jules Peters spoke about the Love, Hope and Strength Foundation and her own experiences. She discussed stories about growing up in North Wales, caring for her husband Mike Peters, when he’d been having treatment, playing in the band whilst undergoing treatment herself for cancer, IVF struggles and being a mother, and also reflecting upon her University days in Bangor. She commented that she hadn’t realised how important a part Bangor had played in her life. It’s where she grew from a girl to a woman at University, received the news of Mike’s cancer diagnosis and watched him receive chemotherapy in the Alaw ward for years and years and then in 2016, she stood on the steps of Bangor Hospital, reeling from the news of her own breast cancer diagnosis. Jules gave heartfelt thanks to everyone at Bangor and District Soroptimists for welcoming her
Jenie Dean was warmly welcomed as a new member by President Andy Hawkins at the club meeting held on 22.1.19.
Lis Perkins provided an expllanation of one of President Andy’s nominated charities ie the Umeed Partnership. Giving hope and opportunity by fundraising for disadvantaged children and women through education and vocational training of any faith in Pakistan eg with embroidery and tailoring skills. Umeed has also developed a support system for women who are victims of domestic and gender based violence. In addition Lis Perkins advised on Fair Trade including its history and certification labelling that ensures producers and workers are paid fairly for their products. Fair Trade week is from 25th February and members were encouraged to support through a variety of ways including shopping by paying a fair price and requesting the stocking of fair trade items at supermarkets. Through various activities that had been undertaken during the year President Andy was pleased to present a cheque for £700 to the Umeed Partnership.
Gary Frost and Paul Kennedy presented the work of the voluntary organisation Blood Bikes Wales. Highlighting the amazing savings that the group have provided for local NHS services in the transportation of blood specimens and other items. Club members were impressed with the dedication of these skilled volunteers and were delighted to make a donation to their fundraising.
Members joined together at Teras restaurant, Bangor University, to enjoy an evening meal together. Instead of a raffle, this year we had a Christmas bran tub and the Club made a donation to the SIGBI International President’s fund.
We combined our ever-popular chocolate tombola with a sale of Christmas crafted goods. It was a lovely seasonal event and we made almost £300 for our main charity this year, Dementia Care in Ysbyty Gwynedd .
Members enjoyed a practical evening assembling bags for the Women’s Refuge, families in the community and a large box of coats, jumpers, scarves, gloves and socks to be taken to St. Mary’s. Four bags of food, together with bags of toiletries were made up for the Women’s Refuge, 12 bags of food for the families in the community and 20 bags of toiletries. Members thank Tesco for their donation of colourful Christmas gift bags to contain the gifts. In addition, members supported the Stop the Violence against women and children across the world campaign wearing orange items of clothing. It was lovely to be joined by Catherine Baldwin, who has recently undertaken a three week trip to Guyana for which the Club had contributed sponsorship. She gave a short presentation of the work she had undertaken and her plans for future study. She thanked the
Soroptimist join with Bangor Mother’ Union – Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign 30/11/18 President Andy, Mavis Evans and Joan Wynne joined members of Bangor’s Mothers’ Union for a short but very moving Vigil in Bangor Cathedral for women across the world who are victims of gender-based violence of different kinds. We then jointly raised awareness of the issues with posters and leaflets outside the Cathedral in the centre of Bangor.
