May 2019 Visit to our Dutch Friendship Link SI Hoeksche Waard Ijslemonde   Beverley members arrive at Europort  greeted by Riksien, for their International Friendship weekend. Other Soroptimist guests came from Georgia, Hungary and Austria.   Soroptimists learnt about the work of the local hospice supported by our Dutch Sisters, followed by a visit to another project, a former church being converted into supported living accommodation for physically disabled young adults. There was a busy sightseeing and social programme too!          

The photograph shows Jenny Heppenstall presenting a cheque for £200, on behalf of Soroptimist international of Beverley and district, to the Beverley social club for people with learning disabilities which meets at Millers in Beverley every Thursday evening. Pictured are Jenny Heppenstall (Si Beverley and district), Sue Edwards and Trish Bailey (volunteers) and club member David Booker. The club was started in 1965 with 6 members. It now has 200 and each week, over 100 club members meet to enjoy an evening of fun, with music, craft making and other activities. The club is a voluntary group and nobody is paid to work there.

  Once again the Fashion Show organised by Liz Hallett was a roaring success.  Clothes from four local ladies ware outlets were paraded for our attention. There were outfits for day and night, casual and formal, weddings, proms and the races.  Something for everyone.  The models in all shapes and sizes and ages showed us how to dress to make an impression. Members of SI Beverley and District  were among those modelling the outfits, and ensuring a welcome for over one hundred ladies and gentlemen. Our Charity this year is Sight Support (formerly RNIB) and a magnificent donation of over £1000 was raised for this deserving organisation. Well done to all involved – a wonderful result.

Twelve members of SI Beverley and District met at the Spa Bridlington to ‘go to the pictures’ and to enjoy afternoon tea. The film was ‘To Have and Have Not’ starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall!  What a trip down memory lane, or even before living memory for some of us!! The romance between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall is one straight out of old-time Hollywood. One year before they were married, Bogart and Bacall met during the filming of To Have and Have Not. It was in this movie that Bacall spoke the words: “You don’t have to say anything, and you don’t have to do anything. Not a thing. Oh, maybe just whistle. You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.” The lines made the world fall in love with her—and Bogart, too. They don’t write films

The Club welcomed Bjorn Risi, a Representative of the Princes Trust to tell us about the work they undertake.. Mr. Risi has been a Northern Representative of the Princes Trust for 16 years and is based in Leeds. The Trust provides Programmes and Support for young people both nationally and locally. The Trust believes that every young person should have help to succeed, developing their confidence to live, learn and earn. 3,500 young people in Hull and East Yorkshire are being supported. There are 8 special programmes altogether. ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME. Ages 18 – 30 Four day courses to help with business plans. £7000 is available + mentor help before & during the Programme. There is a 70% strong survival rate from this programme. Criteria has been recently relaxed to widen targets. DEVELOPMENT AWARDS. Ages 18 – 25 Cash award of £150. (if financial problems) eg.

SI Beverley and District were delighted to welcome Yorkshire President Pat Kilbane to our first meeting of the year.  Pat spoke to us about her plans for the year and the projects she hopes to promote. “The Power of a Second Chance” is a rolling programme in the Yorkshire region. The Askham Grange women’s prison has had its Craft Room “re-vamped” by Yorkshire Soroptimists. Margaret Cook’s Club (Ilkley) are helping refugees in their area. At the September RCM, speakers will speak on mental health issues in women, hopefully raising awareness. Pat expressed her hope that we can attract new members this coming year.  She was able to present our latest member with her badge and certificate.  Welcome Judy.

   SI Beverley and District held a Coffee Morning at Tickton Village Hall in aid of the local Sight Support group. As always there were plenty of willing volunteers to welcome our guests, man the stalls and serve the coffee. The event raised an amazing total of over £900.  Many thanks to all those who contributed in any way.  The community spirit was alive and well  on this very successful occasion.

Once again, Club members came together to celebrate Christmas and the end of another successful year.  Here’s to 20019 and further Programme Action, Fun and Friendship!

Members of SI Beverley and District have a busy time ahead. We spent a sociable evening making Christmas decorations for friends and family.  Much cutting, sticking, curling, and folding produced Christmas trees, Cards, Gift tags and boxes in preparation for the festive season. As has become a tradition for the Club, we decorate two Christmas trees. One at St John’s Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival in Bridlington recognises the wide area served by the Club. As well as information on the activities of Soroptimism, the Smoothie hats knitted by members for the Age UK project make a bright and colourful display.                The second is in Beverley Minster where it sits among some 150 trees representing the organisations that serve the town.    

  Members of SI Beverley and District met at the Memorial Gardens in Beverley. Berna Moody spoke on our behalf in recognising the journey of women’s emancipation.   We are here to commemorate over 50 year of the Soroptimist International being in Beverley, but primarily  we are here to commemorate the 100 years since women got the vote. We remember the suffragettes as our forerunners. We remember them with great reverence because it’s thanks to them that we can stand here as independent women who can choose what to do with their lives, who can choose to own property, whi can choose to run our own financial affairs. I think back to when I was newly married and I went to the Electricity Board to buy an electric fire, and the gentleman said, ‘I’ll need your husbands signature. I said, ‘Well I’m paying for it!’ and he