Once again, SI Beverley and District have decorated a Christmas tree as part of the Christmas celebrations in Beverley Minster. This year we hung some of the many miniature hats that have been knitted for the Innocent Smoothie appeal. For each hat received, the Innocent company contribute 25p to Age UK to help older people during the cold winter months. Last year the Big Knit, as the appeal is called, raised over £215,000, and we are proud to be a part of that.  

For the first year, the Anti Slavery Group were invited to attend the fresher’s fairs at both Bridlington and Beverley campus of the East Rioding College. Jenny Heppenstall and Andrea Hunt of the Beverley and District Club and Val Mickie from SI Yorkshire came along to share information and Soroptimist guidance materials with students..   Photo shows Jenny with some of the Loves me Loves me not bookmarks that were handed out.  

Founder member, Barbara Newton and current President Trish, cut the cake at the celebration lunch for the club’s 50th year. On the 25th September the Beverley and District Soroptimists Club celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a 3 course lunch at Tickton Grange, Tickton. Nr Beverley. With 94 quests attending including the Yorkshire Region President Liz Lyle, the Mayor and Mayoress of Beverley and 9 Presidents from our region and a Past International President Thelma de Leeuw  and Beverley Soroptimists founder member Barbara Newton. The following clubs were also welcomed:- Bingley, Derby (our link club), Doncaster, Garforth Elmet, Hallamshire, Harrogate, Hoicks Varrd Iissel Monde (our Dutch link club), Ilkley, Retired club Kingston upon Hull, Linkoping (our Swedish link club), Retired Club Malton and District, Penrith and District, Richmond and Dales, Scarborough, Selby (our daughter club), Wakefield and York Ebor. The Birthday cake was cut by the founder

Beverley and District members enjoyed a Pre 50th Anniversary meal at The Bay Horse, Cherry Burton. The photograph shows 7 Beverley and District members and 3 of their Dutch  Link Club members and Frank.

About Meru Women’s Garden Project Meru District is in Tigania East with a population of 136,000. 90% live in rural areas with HIV/AIDs prevalent in the region.   Meru Women’s Garden Project will support some of the poorest women-led households in Kenya, and is entirely focussed on providing opportunities to women and girls who may never otherwise be given the chance to earn an income, and gives them status within their community. It fully embraces the three key areas at the heart of SIGBI’s Programme Focus Goals – Educate, Empower and Enable. Improved food production and education will support women and girls to transform their lives and those of others through a process of cascade learning and mentoring thereby reducing poverty, improving health and increasing employment. The following data gives a clear indication of the need for this project: 41% of women and girls are grossly

On April 23rd a coffee morning was held at Sewerby to raise funds for the Meru Women’s Garden Project We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the wonderful cake stall, the bric-a-brac, the raffle, and the tombola not forgetting the enormous and varied plant stall. Many thanks also to all of you who came to help it was a lovely venue, and the sun was shining! The profit from  the Coffee Morning was £155 to be contributed to the Meru Women’s Garden Project  

  Members of SI Beverley baked cakes and mince pies for Home Start Goole’s Christmas Fair.  We have been supporting this organisation this year and are delighted to use our skills to help them raise the necessary funds to continue their valuable work in helping families in the area.     The Soroptimist Christmas Tree in Beverley Minsters Festival.                             Wrapping 200 chocolate boxes to be distributed to young people attending the Millers Club Christmas party took some time but was greeted with glee by the recipients.  

Guided by the expret advice of Margaret J, members constructed decorations using seasonal greenery, candles and Christmas glitter.  We were able to take home beautiful creations to enhance our Christmas tables.

Several members of the Beverley Club took part in a presentation at the Yorkshire lunch, illustrating the many facets of President Liz’s life.  To a script written and narrated by Margaret J, we saw Liz as a chemist, bird watcher, traveller, Scottish lassie and Wonder Woman.  Who would have guessed there were so many hidden personas in this one woman!!

Our nimble fingered knitters have continued to create beautiful and useful items for the Knitting for Nowt Charity and the Innocent Smoothie Challenge. Knitting for Nowt distribute the donated items to needy families and individuals in this area.   Innocent Smoothie Company ‘dress’ the Smoothie bottles on sale in Sainsbury shops and donate 25p for each one to Age UK.