Bilston & District – Charter Dinner
18th September 2025
Members of Club together with guests from other local Clubs gathered together at The South Staffordshire Golf Club to celebrate the 82nd year since the creation of the Bilston & District Club. To begin the event, member Jayoti Patel lit the Peace Candle, and then Barbara Emanuel proposed the toast to Soroptimist International. Grace was said by Deacon Betty Vaughan, and then everyone enjoyed a wonderful three course meal
At this point, Michelle Dawes, the Regional Immediate Past President, presented member Jenny Lupton with a Certificate recognising and thanking her for 30 years voluntary service to the Club. Jenny took the opportunity to thank everyone for the support she’d received during her recent health problem.
Current President Pat Cross then introduced Speaker Christine Cox who gave us a reflection on her life. She had trained as a Secretary and worked for a company of Surveyors where she met customers like Robert Maxwell and Paul Raymond. She then moved on to work for Ladbrookes, and later even worked for Rolls Royce. These stories were embellished with humour and caused lots of smiles and laughter.
In 1989 her life changed – her 23year old brother died suddenly from a brain tumour. Following his tragic death his organs were donated to 17 people, which was life changing for them. In 1990, she and her Mum campaigned for the NHS to create an Organ Donor Registrary. Help was received from people like the Wolverhampton Wanderers Trust but it took a long time for the Law to be passed. In 2021 her Mother was given a Lifetime Achievement Award and Christine was awarded an MBE which was presented by Princess Anne.
Another challenge was after she had developed an allergic reaction to an insect bite she had encountered in water when abroad. She became aware of the shortage of water and the condition of what was available, which people in South Africa had to endure. She then worked to provide a roundabout of water pipes at a school in memory of brother Peter. Another roundabout was provided at an Orphanage in South Africa where Prince Harry did his gap year. These roundabouts created a children’s play area and at the same time generated vital clean water to the local people.
Christine is happy to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Organ Donor Register and she is adamant about the importance of transplants. However, she is still campaigning as not enough people register or let their families know it is something they want to do. There is a huge waiting list and sadly not everyone can wait for long.
Member Lynne Moran then gave a vote of thanks to Christine and thanked her for all that she does for such a good causes.
Annual Charter Lunch -September 2020
Sadly due to Covid 19 this event had to be cancelled
Annual Charter Lunch – September 2019.
By way of a change President Jenny decided to alter the venue for our Charter Lunch taking us and our guests to South Staffordshire Golf Club. The day was very wet but we managed to gather with our friends for a most enjoyable lunch. With members from all clubs in Midland Chase region we celebrated our 75th Charter and we were delighted to welcome Margaret Inett and her daughter Jane from SI Brixham. Margaret before moving south had been a member of Bilston Club for over 50 years. The speaker, Reverend Allen Roberts gave an amusing account of his ‘job’
Annual Charter Lunch -September 2018
On Sunday 30th September over 100 Bilston members, Soroptimists from other clubs, Rotarians, guests, family and friends celebrated the 75th anniversary of the club Charter at Patshull Hotel. We were delighted to have Federation President Sue and husband David with us. Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Lichtenstein, Her Excellency Jane Owen, honoured us by kindly accepting President Gill’s invitation to be the after lunch speaker. After we had enjoyed a very pleasant luncheon Her Excellency Jane, who was born in Bilston, gave us an interesting insight into the role of an Ambassador. Jane’s mother was a previous member of Bilston Soroptimists. Ambassadorial responsibilities are numerous and include trade, safety of UK citizens, cyber safety to name but a few. Jane had previously served in London, Norway and Japan in the Diplomatic Service and is one of a small number of women to hold the role of Ambassador. Regional President Jan expressed our heartfelt thanks. The birthday cake was created and made by our newest member Denise.
ANNUAL CHARTER DINNER – SEPTEMBER 2019
[]The Annual Charter Celebration this year was a cocktail party followed by a buffet. Excellent entertainment was provided by K-Lo a versatile personality vocalist who really created a party mood and encouraged lots of people to get up and dance. Towards the end of the evening Regional Presidents Pat & Cherril inducted our new president Ann who takes over from Jan to complete the year.]
Annual Charter Lunch -September 2020
Sadly due to Covid 19 the event had to be cancelled.