Guide Leader Bethan Hughes Evans, Guide Leader from Y Felinheli, provided a brief talk on the experiences she had gained at Sangam in India. The Club had provided a donation towards Bethan’s travel costs to the Girl Guide House in India to attend the International event in September 2023. Bethan gained enormously, not only in experiencing the culture of India but also in personal confidence which has also strengthened her leadership skills and appreciation of life in general. She spoke enthusiastically about her trip highlighting the Ganesh festival, riding in a TukTuk and visiting a Muslim Girls Orphanage. She has now made it her mission to encourage friends and colleagues to appreciate all they have.    

Our lovely caring Julie passed away on 18th April and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. She was a dedicated, compassionate Soroptimist for many years and her legacy will live on at our Club. Julie became a Soroptimist in 1989, was Club President in 1995/1996 and again in 2005/2006. Julie also forged many friendships with clubs and members in Region over many years, especially her friends in Ellesmere Port. Recently Julie had developed the role of Wellness within the membership of our club, which she passionately led with calls, cards and compassion.  Julie looked after many of us with her beautiful smile and encouragement which we will all very much miss.

          Another beautiful soul who sadly passed away on 13th April, Caren will be sorely missed by all her Soroptimist friends.  Caren had been a very active member of SI Bangor for many years.  A kind, gentle and compassionate lady and as a qualified Solicitor had contributed so much to our Club.  Another true Soroptimist. Caren joined in 1988, was club President in 2001/2002 and again jointly in 2011/12. She was the Club’s Press Officer for many years before the days of computerisation. Caren was also our Club’s Safeguarding Officer and provided very sage advice on all such matters. We will miss Caren greatly.

A kind and gentle lady who will be sadly missed by all her Soroptimist sisters, Sian passed away on 21st March. Her leadership as President and Programme Action Officer was an inspiration to us all at SIGBI – a true Soroptimist.  Sian worked tirelessly for the Itala Project in Zambia raising awareness of the importance of friendship links and international education culminating in SI Bangor winning the 2016 International Best Practice Award – Learning Opportunities. Sian became a Soroptimist in 2001, was Club President in 2014/15 and also served many terms as Club Regional representative and Programme Action Officer inspiring and supporting many different activities eg walks, awareness raising and support for the homeless and women. She was Region Programme Action Officer for a number of years and was very well respected by all the clubs. Sian had recently been made a club honorary member and was

President Marianne welcomed Lesley Hall as a new member to the club having been introduced by Mavis who would continue to mentor Lesley as a member. President Marianne shared with club members: “I set out this time last year that my key theme for the year would be how to support our existing members – friendship, kindness, inclusion – the membership & wellbeing committee led by Julie would be central to this – and my did she deliver! Cards, telephone calls, little chats…..I have certainly felt the warmth and support at our meetings and its true to say I’ve had many a hug! I hope you’ve enjoyed our programme of speakers this year – again we tried something different – reducing to one business meeting has given us an opportunity to slot in extra contacts – orange café every month – although a serious message

    At the February Orange Cafe planning for the club’s 75th club celebration, members were joined by pupils and staff from Hirael School President Marianne presented a cheque of £1,500 on behalf of the club to provide some furnishings and items for their wellbeing room ( Y Nyth ).     Sofas, beanbags and various items were provided to make a cosy nest at Y Nyth :