We have fun and work on projects with the aim of making a difference and helping improve the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and worldwide
We meet the first Monday in the month for a Business Meeting at the Barnstaple Hotel, Braunton Rd, Barnstaple EX31 1LE
We have a Social Evening every third Monday in the month at various locations around North Devon
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US
EDUCATE EMPOWER ENABLE
Irene has challenged club members to commit to an activity for 2021 minutes in January.
That equates to 33 hours 41 minutes for the month, or just over an hour per day.
The activity should be pleasurable – not necessarily exercise, unless, of course, this makes you feel good.
This is all about feeling better in oneself, but if anyone wants to make a donation to charitable funds whilst doing so, £5 or over will earn you a medal at the end of the month.
She suggests everyone needs something to jolly themselves along, and together say goodbye to 2020 and welcome 2021 with a new heart.
As part of the celebration of the first centenary of Soroptimist International in 2021, more than 100 Soroptimists have been selected to be commemorated as part of the #WhoIsShe? Campaign.
The centenary of the organisation seemed a fitting opportunity to recognise and celebrate the professional and personal commitments made by these outstanding members through the years.
To read more about the #Who is She project and the other amazing Soroptimists click here
For more information about how different clubs are celebrating the centenary by planting trees click here
We are delighted to report that
Irene`s story about her early
life has won joint fifth place
in the Big Story competition
run by SIGBI.
Listen to Irene`s Story beautifully read by
Sagar Radia an actor from the TV
drama Good karma Hospital.
Petal Scattering Monday 7th November
A small group of members, in line with covid restriction rules , met on the Square to tie orange ribbon on the seats.
I had been decided to use orange this year, in line with the UN ‘Orange the World’ initiative.
Then the group crossed to the river and scattered rose petal to remember all the victims pf domestic abuse.
WINNERS OF THE SOUTH WEST AND CHANNEL ISLANDS ELLEN BRAUN TROPHY.
The trophy is awarded each year to a club for their outstanding Programme Action work. Jenny Arnold of SI Barnstaple is seen here receiving the award from Regional Programme Action officer Diane Hill.
We are delighted to report that the late Deri Rundle of,Westward Ho!, from the Barnstaple and District Soroptimist club has been chosen as one of the 100 members to be commemorated for her amazing work in Rwanda. To read about Deri click here
Despite the very bad weather !
Members of SI Barnstaple and District didn’t let driving rain and biting wind deter them from planting seven trees, one for each of their Friendship Links, Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), Bangor (Northern Ireland), Geelong (Australia), Skipton-in-Craven (Yorkshire), Uelzen (Germany), Harare (Zimbabwe) and Pune (India).
The trees were planted on the edge of an apple orchard that has been in the ownership of the family of one of their members for many years.
The apples growing there are used by a local cider maker who makes cider in the traditional way and the site is immediately adjacent to a village which has conservation status.
Trees planted planted were two common Holly, two Mountain Ash, one Holm evergreen Oak, one Silver Birch and one small leaved Lime – all of which were sourced to suit the site. The trees chosen will support a variety of wild life – although rabbit guards were fitted to detract from the nibbling of the bark!
Click here to read our memories of Caroline
The service was adapted in line with covid restrictions and was well attended with people socially distancing.
LITTER PICK in Rock Park, Barnstaple September 2020
To commemorate Mental Health day on 10th October a few members met up by the bench that the club had placed on the Strand Barnstaple in 2019 in order to raise awareness of the issue of mental health.
Sorting used clothing for Knickers for Knowledge
Club members taking coffee during a break from sorting
FUND RAISING During lockdown club members raised a total of £578 with this challenge. Proceeds went to: Age Concern £163, North Devon Hospice £85.50, and Knickers for Knowledge £60.00 Also SI Bulawayo were given £269.50 (to help continue their club`s work during the Covid – 19 crisis)
People often ask, ‘ How can we support the Barnstaple and District Soroptimist club ?’
An excellent way is to register with Easy fund Raising. Then every time you shop online you can raise money for the club. Over 4000 companies are registered with this scheme.
1.Register
2.Every time you shop online, go to easy fundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.
3. After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District at no extra cost to you whatsoever!
The club currently has 28 supporters all signed up to Easy funding. We have so far raised £469,31. You do not need to be a member to register and support us any one can take part.
To register with Easy funding click here https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/sibd/
Left to right in photograph of Picnic and Induction Ceremony in Rock Park Zena, Vanessa, Jane , Mary, Jenny, Sandra, Louise and Freda
