WELCOME TO SI BARNSTAPLE AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMISTS

EDUCATE EMPOWER ENABLE

Knickers for Knowledge Project

Recently our members sent just 640 US dollars, or £530, to our “sister” Soroptimists in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. These amazing women operate our Knickers for Knowledge project in two rural schools there. This may not seem to be a substantial amount of money here in the UK but there, it certainly is. The members spent the money and delivered essential supplies to these schools – sanitary towels for the older girls, pants for all the girls – both primary and secondary age – and exercise books for all the students, both boys and girls. The students were absolutely delighted! Their joy at receiving such gifts that almost all of our children here would consider to be mundane, is extremely humbling.

Tombola at The Turning on of the Barnstaple Christmas Lights

Many customers came to the SI Barnstaple and District’s tombola stall at the switching on of Barnstaple Christmas lights. One and a half hours later all prizes had been won and funds raised for local charities

Stamp out Spiking Campaign

Lovely for SI Barnstaple and District members to meet with Dawn Dines of Stamp Out Spiking at our Regional meeting – and for Dawn to acknowledge the work we’re doing to support her with our anti- spiking campaign.
And this is what the founder of Stamp Out Spiking thought of her day!
“Today I have the pleasure of being a guest speaker at the regional conference of the Soroptimist International organisation
These are amazing ladies who have been helping me on my mission to Stamp Out Spiking across North Devon the wonderful Irene Hockin and colleagues
We will be sharing our work with the 15 regions to help share our knowledge and resources to safeguard on spiking.

Petal Scattering in the River Taw

At the end of a busy week members of SI Barnstaple and District held their annual petal scattering event. Always a poignant time to think about those men, women and children who survived domestic abuse, and to remember those who didn’t. Our aim was to raise awareness.

Remembrance Day 2024

Jenny Arnold , a long term member of The Barnstaple and District Soroptimists just about to lay the SI Barnstaple and District wreath last Sunday morning. in Rock Park The rare November sun shone down on the ceremony.

World Mental Health Day

On World Mental Health Day members of Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District were joined by the Mayor as they celebrated the permanent signage of a bench, encouraging those in need of company to sit and chat.

Raising Awareness of Drink Spiking

Another chance for members of Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District to raise awareness to the dangers of drink spiking. This time at the Welcome Festival for students at our local Petroc College.

International Literacy Day

SI Barnstaple and District had a busy few hours, giving away books in recognition of International Literacy Day, The chit chat with people about their choices of books and what they mean to them made the giving up of our Saturday morning worthwhile.

Raising Funds for Local Charities

Raising Awareness

Oceanfest Croyde

We three members of SI Barnstaple and District distributed 200 bags of Spikeys and StopTopps at the annual Oceanfest, held in Croyde. We listened to stories of spiking from some people and educated others in how to avoid being a victim of the crime, by using the deterrents that our club has been giving away for free for several years. If we save one person we will have done our job

Picnic in the Park

Welcoming Diana as a member of the club

In the absence of President Barbara, Susie welcomed new member Diana to the club.

Meeting with Regional President Margaret

The club AGM and Knickers for Knowledge AGM was followed by a meal.

Collecting for Water Aid

Club members collected for water aid at Ashford Garden Centre, Barnstaple.as well as collecting money they were aiming to raise awareness that not everywhere in the world has access to clean water from a tap.

The Anti-Spiking Campaign

Below a picture of supplies of spikeys and stop tops ready to be bagged up before distribution in the club`s ongoing campaign against drink spiking.

International Women`s Day

Raising funds for The North Devon Hospice

A Human Rights Day Brunch

AWARD

The club`s anti-spiking campaign won an award at the Soroptimist Conference in London under the category of working with partners to deliver a successful project.