Three members of SI Beverley and District attended Conference this year. The following paragraphs are taken from the www.sigbi.org website where the full text is accompanied by many photographs.
Thursday evening began as the flags of all SIGBI Federation territories were brought on to the stage and lowered respectfully by the Girl Guides. Usually this is very moving but this year as the kaleidoscope of flags from Anguilla to Zimbabwe were lowered it seemed more celebratory, serving to remind us of our vibrant and wide ranging sisterhood.
As the evening closed 1200 participants left eager for the next session.
Listening to the comments of delegates this year’s conference was a great success from inspirational women, young voices, effective policies and procedures, wonderful initiatives supporting the most vulnerable in our world we were immersed in what it means to be a Soroptimist. The exhibition offered information and items to be bought – and I managed to spend loads but then I always do.
On Saturday evening, the Wales Millennium Centre, lit up in Soroptimist colours, was jam packed with Soroptimists and friends done up to the nines. Carwen and Iris led us through with great aplomb. President Ann gave us a short, succinct speech saying how much she had enjoyed her year and thanking those who had helped to make it a great success. Our new president Sue received her chain of office, the new management board was introduced and new regional presidents received their chains of office, we said goodbye to others with some staying put – they must have really enjoyed the role and are not willing to give it up. New President Sue welcomed President Elect Sue (better not get them mixed up!) and set out her hopes for her year as our President.
Our flag is on the way to Liverpool and the evening ended with the Phil Dando Big Band. The final number was a medley of Welsh songs a fitting end to a conference in Wales
