Bangor Soroptimists have been delighted to welcome a variety of speakers following their successful summer supper in the garden fundraiser. Jayne Huskinsson spoke of the amazing work which she brought together in the wonderful Birds of Wales Art exhibition to Oriel Ynys Mon (16.9.17 – 5.11.17), providing examples from 11 talented female artists utilising a variety of media from felt embroidery to silk painting and sculptural pieces. In addition we welcomed Sheila Roberts who informed of the incredible charity work taking place across the world and locally with the World Peace Flame which was born over 18 years ago as 7 flames from 5 continents were united as a symbol of peace and unity.

Soroptimists Lin Macdonald, Sian Kent, Olga Evison and President Gwen Ellis Jones again went to Festival number 6 at Portmeirion this year to collect leftover tents, sleeping bags and lots of food for St Marys homeless hostel in Bangor. It was well worth the trip!

Members and guests enjoyed a superb  3 course meal prepared by Vicki Williams and Jenny Watkin Jones, in a delightful marquee setting in Jenny’s garden during the summer. Laughter and smiles combined with good company and a few table games, equated to a very successful and enjoyable fundraising evening.

Members Olga Evison, Ciss Lloyd and Enid Griffiths enjoyed their time in the Soroptimist International tent of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod…. serving tea with a smile 😊😊😊!

  We had fun and helped others at our recent annual outing. President Gwen Ellis Jones organised a local treasure hunt featuring clues around local Bangor land marks. Each member took along a Teddy Bear which were then collected as gifts to be shared amongst local Dementia Centres. A delicious home made Teddy bears picnic was enjoyed by members and also shared with the local St Mary’s hostel for the homeless. £85 was raised for the Presidents Fund which will go towards the £200 needed to buy a well in Cambodia. Photo : left Liz Taylor  centre President Gwen Ellis Jones  right Sian Kent

Membership Officer, Vicki Williams arranged a successful member recruitment event at Bangor’s Deiniol shopping centre on 19.5.17. Interest was sparked by a colourful display of the various projects that had taken place recently both locally and internationally including the award winning Itala project.  Members also collected in donations of hats, scarves and gloves for a local homeless centre as well as bras to recycle in support of breast cancer  https://www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/recycling/bra-recycling/

‘Bangor and District Soroptimists marked World Fair Trade Day with information on the benefits to producers when we buy Fair Trade goods. Member Andy Hawkins arranged a stall selling a range of Fair Trade drinks and food. Tea, coffee and chocolate were best sellers with over £70 worth of sales! Members also had the opportunity to order Traidcraft goods which support fighting poverty through trade. The same evening we enjoyed a fabùlous presentation from multi Chelsea Show gold award winning local vegetable grower Mr Medwyn Williams

The AGM, held on 4th April at the Cricket Pavilion, Bangor celebrated the highlights of service and fundraising which had been undertaken during the year of Olga Evison’s presidency.  These included supporting North Wales Society for the Blind, Ogwen Mountain Rescue, Ty Gobaith, Mary’s Meals, Itala project, Alzheimer’s Association, Cambodian well project, Breast Cancer as well as many others with a wide range of events and activities. Gwen Ellis Jones became the President for 2017/18 and named her President’s charities as Bangor Samaritans and Gista, whilst also continuing ongoing support for many other local, national and international causes and charitable work.

We recently enjoyed a friendship evening on a St David’s Day theme, with homemade soup and cake shared with members of other local clubs from Anglesey and South Caernarfon. We were beautifully entertained by club member Alecs Peate on her classical harp playing a medley of Welsh Folk dance tunes. Members supported a raffle which included gifts of sensory cushions to local dementia care homes.

On Wednesday March 8th Sian, Lin, Gwen and President Olga met members of SI Anglesey to walk over Menai Bridge for International Women’s Day and raise awareness of the Purple Teardrop Stop Trafficking campaign.