Each year our Region organise a hospitality tent for the International Eisteddfod held in Llangollen at the beginning of July in order to raise awareness of Soroptimist International and give support to the event. The first International Musical Eisteddfod was held in Llangollen in 1947. In the 70 years since then it has become one of the world’s great music festivals. It began as a way of healing worldwide wounds following the end of the Second World War. This year SI Cheshire, North Wales and Wirral raised funds to help sponsor the Aichurok folk group from Kyrgyzstan and many clubs from the area including Bangor volunteered in the tent during the four days.

A great time was had at Vicki’s Strawberry Tea on 2nd July and thankfully the weather was kind to us during the afternoon.  Many of our members helped with the event and we have received a cheque from Vicki for the sum of £1,820 to be donated to Ty Gobaith – Well done Vicki and her team!                                                   Also, thanks to Julie, we were able to setup a Pop up shop in Bangor and other members volunteered to raise over £420 for Ty Gobaith. Thank you to all the helpers.

SI Bangor enjoyed their Annual Luncheon at the Cricket Pavilion, Bangor on the 26th June. Our Regional President, Jean Pentecost, joined us and the guest speaker was Mark Roberts from the North Wales Society for the Blind. He was accompanied by his wife, Elaine, and guide dog, Kira.

A great time was had by all on our annual outing on 21 June – a Cruise on the Starida’s Island Princess from Beaumaris Pier to Puffin Island to see all the fantastic wildlife. Many thanks to Eirwen and Gwenda who provided a fabulous buffet and of course we all enjoyed a glass or two or three of Prosecco!  An amazing £465 was raised for our local charities.

On the 17 May 2016 whilst on our club visit to Pontio we surprised Mavis at the end of the tour with cake and prosecco to celebrate her 80th birthday. Mavis was surprised but I’m sure she enjoyed her treat. Thanks to Andy for organising the cake and prosecco. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAVIS.

President Olga arranged for the ladies to have a tour of Bangor’s Pontio building. The building holds theatres, cafe, restaurant, lecture halls and even a cinema. The building had mixed reviews from members. Thank you Olga for organising it and thank you to the staff at Pontio.

Soroptimist Anne took part in the Llandudno 5k Colour run on the 15th May 2016. Anne took part to help raise money for St Davids Hospice ( Hosbis Dewi Sant). Anne had to wear white along with other runners and had colours thrown at her during the event. Well done Anne.

As May is membership month SI Bangor had a stand set up in the Deiniol Centre, Bangor. Thank you to all ladies who volunteered there time. Special thanks to the management of the Deiniol Centre for allowing us the use of an empty shop for six weeks to display information and images about what we do. 

Paul D Smith came to talk to us at Hirael about his time in Afghanistan. Paul used to work at the University before travelling to Afghanistan to help locals with various livelihood projects. Paul Smith helped introduce water irrigation systems, helped plant trees, gave business lessons and helped some ladies to read and write. Thank you Paul Smith.