{"id":1203,"date":"2023-06-30T18:10:41","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T17:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/bilston-and-district\/?page_id=1203"},"modified":"2023-07-30T18:55:03","modified_gmt":"2023-07-30T17:55:03","slug":"club-speakers-2014-2015","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/bilston-and-district\/club-speakers-2014-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Club Speakers 2022 -2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Women Empowering Girls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Women Empowering Women<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

At our July Dinner Meeting we were joined by Jane, an Engineering Recruitment Manager, with In-Comm, an Engineering Apprenticeship Company, and one of her apprentices, Katie who studies engineering.<\/div>\n
Jane is part of a family run training\/apprenticeship provider which has operated for 41 years and their theme is \u201cWomen Empowering Women\u201d to show women and young girls, that even though engineering is classed as a male industry, they can take something new to the table such as design, if they are interested in this practical type of work. They have two engineering sites with phenomenal kits and which large, often local, companies provide appropriate training equipment. Jane often visits schools promoting apprenticeships, pointing out that they can study at the training sites but also learn more by doing things at one of the engineering companies, and also, get paid.<\/div>\n
Katie related her experiences following an Engineering course, but then did a Draughtsman Course and is one of Jane\u2019s successful students and very importantly, has fulfilled her ambition to be doing something practical. Kate is a company Ambassador who has received a number of awards. The ratio of men to women in the industry doesn\u2019t bother her at all. When Apprenticeships are completed, unlike University degrees, there are no financial debts.<\/div>\n
Both speakers were pleased that there are now more young women who feel happy and comfortable to apply for engineering apprenticeships, in fact there is now a 22% ratio of new female apprentices. The evening was most informative and gave members a good understanding of opportunities for women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Photo shows L to R -Joint President Lynne, Katie, Jane and Joint President Cherril.<\/div>\n

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Promise Dreams<\/p>\n

At our dinner meeting on 15th<\/sup> June 2023 we were delighted to welcome Tricia Ward Jones from Promise Dreams.\u00a0 She has been a volunteer fund raiser for 17 years and prior to that she helped to raise funds for the MacMillan nurses charity.\u00a0 Tricia explained that she was keen to work more closely with a children\u2019s charity having been in the teaching profession.<\/p>\n

The aims of Promise Dreams seemed to offer something special and so her journey with the charity started\u00a0 There are few overheads with just a manager and part time assistant plus Tricia as the main fund raiser.\u00a0 So the majority of the money is put directly into children\u2019s dreams.\u00a0 It is a \u2018can do\u2019 charity ! some dreams include a wish for a wheelchair that can get onto\u00a0 beach or a trike to ensure access to the playground at school.\u00a0 They support children from 0 \u2013 18.<\/p>\n

Joint President Lynne gave Tricia a donation for the charity from the club.\u00a0 \u00a0Photo shows L-R Joint President Lynne. Tricia, Joint President Cherril<\/p>\n

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Member Hilary spoke at our March Dinner Meeting<\/strong> on the topic of Lawrence Hodson who was an artist and the owner of Compton Hall, now Compton Hospice. He was a patron of the arts and had a famous collection of Pre Raphaelite paintings. He commissioned William Morris to redesign Compton Hall with his wallpaper that was a new design but sadly William Morris\u2019 last. Hilary showed photographs of art work and designs including William Morris prints. However Lawrence overspent and had to sell Compton Hall in 1939 when it was taken over for the war effort. There is a room dedicated to Stephen Morton at Compton where the William Morris work can still be seen but not open to the public. Stephen Morton was a prime mover in establishing Compton as a Hospice. Several of our members volunteer at Compton Care and we also have a member who sings in the Compton Care Choir.<\/p>\n

Photo shows Hilary with President Barbara.<\/p>\n

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President Barbara with Hilary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the same evening members brought Easter Eggs to be donated to Di’s Kitchen in Wolverhampton, a charity that provides well over 500 meals to vulnerable people per week. We have supported this charity for several years. Over 50 eggs were collected and photo shows President Elect Cherril and Hilary.<\/p>\n

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President Elect Cherril and Hilary with the Easter eggs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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West Midlands Air Ambulance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kay Starkey, West Midlands Air Ambulance Fund Raising executive spoke to members at the February Dinner Meeting<\/strong>. She spends time in schools often teaching CPR to children and attends lots of events to talk about the charity. Kay speaks passionately, stating that \u2018saving time, saves lives\u2019. Air Ambulance receives no funding from Government, NHS, or the National Lottery and depends entirely on donations. It costs \u00a33000 each time a helicopter is launched.<\/p>\n

West Midland Air Ambulance covers 6 counties and has three air bases. Three of the helicopters can reach anyone in trouble in eight minutes and they attend to a child every fourth day. The charity is known as an A&E department in the sky and they can do many procedures on the roadside.<\/p>\n

Our President Barbara chose this as her main charity as she herself had been saved by the West Midlands Air Ambulance. (See separate post on Barbara\u2019s story). A cheque for \u00a3500 was given to Kay. Photo shows President Barbara presenting a cheque to Kay.<\/p>\n

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Barbara presents a cheque to Kay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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President Barbara was able to attend her first meeting since her second surgery to completely replace her aorta. President Elect Cherril read out her story (below) as Barbara\u2019s voice is still adversely affected by the surgery and she is experiencing breathlessness.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIt was 5 years ago that my life was saved by the team work of Walsall Manor Hospital, Cosford Air Ambulance and Liverpool heart and Chest Hospital. Before that time the Air Ambulance was something I romantically watched on Television programmes or occasionally\u00a0flying over my house.\u00a0 Never in a million years did I think I would be in one!<\/p>\n

The first of July 2016 is a day I will remember for\u00a0the rest of my life. I went into work like any other day, delivered a training programme and soon after felt very thirsty and lacked coordination. My colleagues found me and sent me down to A&E at about 1.30pm<\/p>\n

There they found a Type A, Aortic dissection. There were no local hospitals that could take me, but with the persistence\u00a0of one of the Cardiac consultants in A&E, Liverpool said they “would do us a favour”. My family was told to wait until I got there and not to follow on. This was because I may never have got there!\u00a0 An ambulance with my Cardiac consultant was blue lighted\u00a0to Cosford where a helicopter\u00a0was waiting for me. I could see the consultant holding his breath. We both\u00a0knew how serious the situation\u00a0was, I was in denial that I could go at any second. He later told me that if I bled out they couldn’t save me.<\/p>\n

It took 40 mins to get to Liverpool by air and we landed in a field\u00a0of long swaying grass, apparently\u00a0it was Ken Dodds field in Knotty Ash. I couldn’t\u00a0see out, only the clouds and bits of landscape. I don’t remember much, just landing to a waiting ambulance and the next thing I remember was that it was 11pm at night and I was being wheeled down to the theatre with my family sharing their best wishes as we went.<\/p>\n

Now that I am on the other side, I will be eternally grateful to the NHS, its Doctors and Nurses\u00a0and supporting (silent) services like the Air Ambulance who are there just when we need them. But like all NHS services they experience\u00a0major shortfalls in funding which have to be made up by fundraising\u00a0and charitable\u00a0donations.<\/p>\n

I am proud that tonight as a Club we can publically donate further funds to support the service.<\/p>\n

.To our silent and often unsung heroes, l hope that the funds we raised will go some way to supporting your work and the saving of countless lives\u201d.<\/p>\n

Thank you\u00a0 \u00a0 .President Barbara .<\/p>\n

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Club Salutes Jackie Brookes\u2019 55 years of service.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jackie joined Bilston Club in January 1967 and has served the club and Soroptimism for an amazing 55 years. At the club\u2019s meeting on 20th January there was a celebration in her honour. Sadly President Barbara is still recovering from major surgery so President Elect Cherril led the excellent tribute to Jackie\u2019s work. Jackie has been Club President on three occasions including the Golden Jubilee. In 2007 she was awarded Honorary Membership of Bilston. Jackie is passionate about service through Programme Action and is adamant that she is part of a team.<\/p>\n

Cherril shared some highlights from Jackie\u2019s service, too many to mention in this post. In the Golden Jubilee year Jackie challenged members to create a cameo of each decade as part of a Pageant. She was complimented on her drive and creativity. At the end of the year many Region Soroptimists enjoyed a great performance.<\/p>\n

Who can forget the Bilston Camels! In Barbados the club was presented with the International Best Practice Award. Other notable projects led by Jackie include Mass Balloon releases, the United Nations Gift Box, Cardiac Screening at the Wolves, Forced Marriage and the Spoon Campaign. This year Jackie, with President Elect Cherril, led the Centenary celebrations working with a Bilston School to plant trees.<\/p>\n

A very proud moment for Jackie was receiving the MBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in 2014. This was in recognition of her work for Soroptimism.<\/p>\n

Cherril thanked Jackie for 55 years of service and said how proud club is that she is member of TEAM Bilston. Jackie will never take credit for her amazing dedication for club and PA.<\/p>\n

Using the song \u2018If I were not a Soroptimist something else I\u2019d like to be \u2026<\/p>\n

four members sang and danced showing Jackie\u2019s other interests of Art, Guiding, a Physical Education teacher and Cricket umpire. The production was hilarious rounded off the celebration so well. Congratulations Jackie!<\/p>\n

Photos show the \u2018Performers\u2019 and Cherril & Jackie<\/p>\n

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The Bilston thespians<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Use the link to see the ‘performance’ on You Tube\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 https:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?V=RZn5FCRszLk<\/p>\n

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SI Bilston\u2019s Christmas Party<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Like all clubs, last year\u2019s Christmas was \u2018cancelled\u2019 so this year President Elect Cherril was determined that we should enjoy ourselves but with safety in mind. Sadly President Barbara is still recovering from her major heart surgery and couldn\u2019t be with us but her What\u2019s App message connected us to her.<\/p>\n

We enjoyed a lovely Christmas meal during which we taxed our brains to complete a Christmas quiz and played pass the Sprout! At the end of the meal Cherril presented long service award certificates and beautiful flower arrangements to three members, Lesley who has given 40 years service, Nerys 35 years and Jean 25 years making a total of 100 years service. What a coincidence that those 100 years of service reflect our organisations Centenary! Unfortunately Jean was unable to be present and Nerys is poorly. The photo shows Lesley receiving her certificate and flowers from President Elect Cherril.<\/p>\n

A raffle with a difference was held. Winners were asked to collect their prize which included a number. That number between 1 and 12 then required the recipient to sing the matching verse from Twelve Days of Christmas -accompanied of course by the whole room to avoid embarrassment. The final part of the evening was entertainment by members Pat, Lynne, Joan, Jenny and Denise who all read poems finishing with the one printed below. This poem is a combination of lines from anonymous poets and linked by Denise\u2019s own words.<\/p>\n

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Lesley completes 40 year<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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I met you as strangers now look on you as friends<\/p>\n

and hope that our friendship never ends<\/p>\n

Right now, this second, this minute, this day<\/span><\/p>\n

our sisterhood is here, is here to stay.<\/p>\n

The best kind of people are warm and kind.<\/p>\n

They are always there and never mind.<\/p>\n

The best kind of people smile and embrace<\/p>\n

and always support you with strength and grace.<\/p>\n

The best kind of people share your joy<\/p>\n

laugh with you, joke and enjoy.<\/p>\n

The best kind of people are honest and true<\/p>\n

The best kind of people, my sisters are you.<\/p>\n

So may your Christmas be perfect through and through<\/p>\n

one that\u2019s filled with things that mean the most to you,<\/p>\n

and hoping that the year ahead will bring you nothing less<\/p>\n

than all the special things that give you happiness.<\/p>\n

This poem conveys Bilston members message to all Soroptimists everywhere.<\/p>\n

Stay safe, keep well and have a fantastic Christmas.<\/p>\n

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The first day of January 2022<\/strong> was a very special date for SI Bilston member, Deacon Betty Vaughan, as she reached a milestone birthday of 95 years. An amazing achievement- well done Betty.<\/p>\n

On Saturday 8th January Club members and friends treated Betty to an afternoon tea at Bantock Park to celebrate such a wonderful occasion and all enjoyed a lovely afternoon together with good food.<\/p>\n

Photos of the birthday girl with President Elect Cherril.<\/p>\n

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Betty celebrates with the club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Our Dinner Meeting in November 2021 was devoted to the performance of Sue Challoner’s play depicting the 100 years of Soroptimism.\u00a0 Past Region Presidents Pat & Cherril recruited ‘actresses’ to play the parts and Pat held rehearsals.\u00a0 The result was a very good production and we all learned something more about our organisation and the performers had great fun doing it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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SI Bilston budding Thespians.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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YMCA\u00a0 -Open Door and Hosting<\/p>\n

At the Dinner meeting on 21st<\/sup> October,<\/strong> President Barbara invited Rachel from YMCA who operates the Open Door project, to talk about what this actually involves.\u00a0\u00a0 When the words \u201chomeless person\u201d is mentioned, very often there is a misconception as to who this might be.\u00a0 In fact a very large percentage of homeless people are young and have become homeless because they\u2019re unable to live at home due to things like family breakdowns, abuse, bereavement, etc.\u00a0\u00a0 At this point they are very lonely and vulnerable and can be coerced into criminal activities or sexually exploited.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0This is where the Hosting comes to the fore.\u00a0\u00a0 Caring people who have a spare bedroom, offer their help and are then on call to step in when contacted by Open Door.\u00a0 When they volunteer for this, they are fully trained for four weeks, and obviously go through all the necessary Safeguarding checks.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Sometimes the young people require the provision of accommodation overnight, a few weeks or even in some cases, a few months.\u00a0\u00a0 YMCA receives referrals from local Councils and before they\u2019re allocated to a Host, there is a meeting to ensure both are happy to be together.\u00a0 Rachel then introduced Gary and Pat who have now been hosting for ten years and in that time have helped over 70 young people.\u00a0 The majority of those who have been helped, are still in touch which pleases them to know the care and support they were able to provide has enabled the young people to become good citizens. Members were very impressed and thought how lovely it was that one couple could have such a positive influence on so many young lives.<\/p>\n

Despite President Barbara\u2019s health problems of late, she has for the past two and half years, hosted a young girl, who has now gained her confidence and wellbeing and qualified to attend University.\u00a0 Well done Madam President.<\/p>\n

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At our first face to face meeting after lockdown in September<\/strong> our speaker was Georgie Westwood who is the Charity and Fundraising Manager for Walsall Manor Hospital. She was very knowledgeable and shared how the NHS intended to cope with the Winter pressures over the next four months and the current increase in COVID figures, particularly amongst the 30-40 age group.<\/p>\n

Georgie\u00a0shared\u00a0how they spent donations and informed us that two houses had been gifted to the charitable fund which was a welcomed boost! We added to the cheque and raised\u00a0\u00a380. The monies will be used in honour of Lesley`s mother and will go towards something special to care for the elderly, possibly in the Dementia Ward.<\/p>\n

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The month of MARCH 2021<\/strong> brought with it another Zoom speaker meeting.\u00a0 Our speaker was Hannah from the British Food Box.\u00a0 She and her partner John, both farmers children, decided to make some money to help with university fees and set up an open farm shop attached to the farm, producing and selling cheeses.\u00a0 This proved to be very successful and when lockdown came along they diversified into home delivery and on line delivery.\u00a0 At the same time they broadened their produce to include, veggie boxes and other dairy products.\u00a0 Hannah is a likeable, vibrant and energetic young lady and congratulations to her for her success so far and good luck to her and John in the future. \"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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At our most recent Zoom Business meeting, 5th January 2021 <\/strong>we welcomed two staff members from the Black Country Women’s Aid, Deborah & Rose,\u00a0 who spoke passionately about their work.\u00a0 \u00a0Currently there are 245 clients, women & men, and 300 living in ‘safe houses’ on \u00a337 per week.\u00a0 Members were very interested to learn that the type of problems experienced by the clients include not just domestic violence but also, sexual exploitation, forced begging, modern slavery, baby farming, domestic servitude, organ harvesting, human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and female genital exploitation.\u00a0 More recently added to that list is a support service for stalking when the charity works with the Home Office.\u00a0 When clients leave the Refuge they receive \u00a3300 but they are always short of goods such as kitchen utensils and bedding.\u00a0 As Soroptimists do, we offered our help but sadly at this time due to Covid the charity cannot accept second hand goods and have no where to store those donations.\u00a0 Bilston’s\u00a0 thanks were ably expressed by Leslie with a promise from us that we will\u00a0 seek material ways to help the clients.<\/p>\n

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By December 2020 the Zoom host, our President, was\u00a0 becoming more familiar with Zoom technology and we held another speaker meeting.<\/p>\n

At our December Zoom meeting<\/strong> we were honoured to welcome Federation President Elect, Cathy Cottridge who had kindly agreed to talk to members about Tree Planting. Cathy explained why tree planting had been chosen to be a part of Soroptimist International\u2019s centenary celebrations and that all clubs, Regions or individuals, would hopefully be involved in their own areas. Already 10 clubs have showcased their projects. The essential starting point is for clubs to seek permission from local authorities or landowners to plant trees. Cathy provided examples of how to apply for trees and sources from which to obtain them. Applications can be made but because of COVID applications will be held over until March 2021. Following Cathy\u2019s inspirational talk, members were unanimous in their wish to be part of the Tree Planting project and a number of members volunteered to be part of a working group with work to start in the New Year.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0 Federation President Elect Cathy Cottridge
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The speaker at our Zoom October<\/strong> 2020 meeting was Simon Archer the founder and editor of the Bilston Magazine.\u00a0 \u00a0Simon has been very supportive of\u00a0 Bilston Club, publishing much of our news complete with photographs.\u00a0 His presentation was excellent and he told us the history of the Town magazines that he has founded and how he had come to be involved in this work.\u00a0 \u00a0Simon chose to give his speakers cheque to Let’s Play a charity supporting children with disabilities.<\/p>\n

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Simon Archer<\/p>\n

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COVID 19 interrupted our normal meetings.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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In January 2020<\/strong> Leanne Harper spoke to us about the charity for whom she works, Changing Lives.\u00a0 The charity is a national charity providing specialist support for vulnerable women every month.\u00a0 Leanne described the local situation where dedicated outreach workers look out for women who are sexually exploited or involved with sex work across Wolverhampton & Walsall.\u00a0 The staff do not have an easy task but they build up positive relationships with the women to help them with personal safety and a range of practical issues.\u00a0 Often the staff are working during evenings in a non judgemental way with one to one support.\u00a0 Members agreed to provide items of clothing for the women as identified by Leanne.<\/p>\n

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Leanne with President Jenny<\/p>\n

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SPEAKERS – PRESIDENTIAL YEAR 2019\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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President Jenny presents a cheque to speaker Jan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the\u00a0 July<\/strong> Dinner Meeting we welcomed speaker Jan Kellond from Di’s Kitchen (Tabs) Wolverhampton linked to the Tabernacle Baptist Church.\u00a0 \u00a0She spoke passionately about her work in the kitchen based in Whitmore Reans.\u00a0 Every Thursday the volunteers provide a meal between 4pm and 5pm.\u00a0 Everybody is welcome to enjoy a hot meal.<\/p>\n

The kitchen was started by Diane Henry 6 years ago and has grown in numbers since its inception. She first served 6 guests and this has now increased to some 50 guests each week.\u00a0 It is hoped that a lunchtime meal can be served during August mainly for children whilst on school holidays.\u00a0 Guests can include homeless, people with mental health issues and sofa surfers.\u00a0\u00a0 Local supermarkets are very helpful in providing food that otherwise would be wasted, these include ASDA, Iceland and ALDI.<\/p>\n

It was a most interesting evening and Jan was presented with a cheque for Di’s Kitchen<\/p>\n

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At the June<\/strong> Dinner Meeting, the guest speaker, Keith Oram, talked about two artistic ladies who had seriously impressed him.\u00a0 Keith had been an art teacher for 30 years and worked at the Art Gallery for 10 years.\u00a0\u00a0 He was pleased President Jenny had invited him to join us and share his knowledge.<\/p>\n

The first lady he spoke about was Artemisia Gentileschi (from Italy) whom he thought to be a very important female artist who operated in the early 1600s.\u00a0 \u00a0Because she had suffered sexual abuse by the artist Agostine Tassi who, at the behest of her father, was teaching her to paint, her artwork reflected the sadness and anger she felt.\u00a0\u00a0 Because of the era, she was deemed to be the guilty person, but fortunately, after years of investigation by her father, evidence was provided to prove she was the innocent party.\u00a0 She went on to create many beautiful paintings some of which are still on view today.\u00a0\u00a0 Bearing in mind the fact that women artists were seen as monstrous for exercising a creative talent thought to be exclusively male, she did extremely well to continue her good work.<\/p>\n

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President Jenny with speaker Keith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The second lady, Ana Maria Pacheco is from Brazil and was born in 1943.\u00a0\u00a0 She worked in the UK from 1973 and she became Head of Fine Art at Norwich School of Art.\u00a0\u00a0 She is best known for sculptures carved from wood, as well as her paintings.\u00a0 Some of her work is currently exhibited at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.\u00a0\u00a0 Her work deals with issues of tensions between people and the saying \u2013<\/p>\n

\u201cAll that is necessary for evil to succeed<\/p>\n

Is that good men do nothing\u201d is one of her favourite quotes.<\/p>\n

(Written by Edmund Burke in the 1700s)<\/em><\/p>\n

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Our May<\/strong> dinner meeting proved to be very enjoyable and most secretive (!) with an informative and entertaining speaker from Bletchley Park.\u00a0 John spoke to us about his involvement with Bletchley as a volunteer for 25 years and how he also gives talks on cruise ships.<\/p>\n

In 1883 Sir Herbert Samuel Leon purchased the building. During the Second World War the estate housed the British Government Code and Cypher School which regularly penetrated the secret communications, importantly the German Enigma and Lorenz cyphers.<\/p>\n

In 1939 there were 39 workers and by 1945 there were 8500. \u00a0Three ladies to every man, Baroness Trumpington and Lady Fforde had both worked at Bletchley Park.\u00a0 There were 200 plus signals per day to be dealt with. Maria Lever broke the code that forewarned the UK troops at the Battle of Matapan.<\/p>\n

Arrangements are in hand for club members to visit Bletchley Park for a guided tour with John in August.<\/p>\n

We were delighted to welcome to the evening members from SI Wolverhampton and the President of SI Stourbridge who is also a guide at Bletchley Park.<\/p>\n

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President Jenny with speaker John<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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At our dinner meeting on 18th<\/sup> April<\/strong> newly elected President Jenny welcomed Georgie from The Samaritans.\u00a0 We heard about the amazing work of the organisation and Georgie herself has been a volunteer for 34 years. Over that time she has listened to many hundreds of callers.\u00a0 The base in Wolverhampton has 77 volunteers and training is available for call handlers to help deal with any incoming problems.\u00a0 The handler\u2019s main job is to listen. Clients who phone in will be wanting a friendly voice to help them with their problems which include mental health issues, debt, relationships,alcohol and drug addiction.\u00a0 The Samaritans rely entirely on donations and it costs \u00a330.000 per year to run the office in Wolverhampton.\u00a0 Part of their work is to liaise with prisons and the rail network.<\/p>\n

There is no doubt that Georgie is very committed to her role and she spoke passionately about The Samaritans.<\/p>\n

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At the final Dinner Meeting of the Soroptimist year in March<\/strong> President Gill presented cheques and a gift to representatives of her chosen charities or individuals that club has supported during the year. Linda, representing a hostel for the homeless in Wolverhampton, received a small part of a bigger gift of outdoor play equipment and outdoor furniture. Trisha, manager of the Excel Centre in Bilston received a cheque for her niece to help towards her further education as she starts her university degree in Panama City this month. Young people in Panama do not enjoy the financial support for further education to which young people in the UK have become accustomed. We have contacted SI Panama to ask if they can also give Sugheily support. A cheque was given to Wendy, Guider in charge of 1st & 2nd Bilston Girl Guiding Units specifically for new camping equipment. Lorraine, Headteacher of Green Park Special School in Bilston, received a cheque to go towards the purchase of a ‘Mud Kitchen’. Club members have been beavering away making Fiddle Quilts for the pupils at the school until member Julie, who is the shining sewing light in club, fell and broke her wrist, bringing the sewing to a temporary halt!\u00a0 More money was raised on 29th March at an evening with Dandy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recipients of cheques with President Gill.to be given to Green Park School for a Mud Kitchen.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Our February<\/strong> Dinner Meeting is usually a celebration of Soroptimist International and it is a good time for us to stop and reflect on Soroptimists worldwide.<\/p>\n

The evening started with four candles being lit to represent the four Federations. All the countries of our own Federation SIGBI were read out as small coloured tea lights were lit by members. Flags of the countries of SIGBI adorned the tables.
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Following the meal we were delighted to welcome Talia and Ebony who are twins. They performed 2 dances both of which involved complex sequences that they had choreographed -they were a delight. Following this we listened to Kuli Kohli reciting some of her poetry. She lives with cerebral palsy and her poetry reflects her determination to be successful and to live a life like anyone else. She spoke with passion and great courage.<\/p>\n

A lovely evening was had by all.<\/p>\n

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President Gill, President Elect Barbara and our entertainers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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President Gill and Keeley our speaker on Anti Slavery in Wolverhampton.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A most interesting speaker at our January<\/strong> Dinner meeting informed club members of the work of WASP, Wolverhampton Anti Slavery\u00a0 Partnership.\u00a0 Although members try to keep themselves informed about these very serious matters Keely Gibbs gave us plenty of information about the current situation in Wolverhampton.\u00a0\u00a0Keely works as a police officer within the Wolverhampton Anti Slavery Partnership (WASP) tackling Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking. WASP is part of a multi agency group who work together to support victims and ensure their welfare needs are met. Keely explained the complexity of the problems and how her work involves training agencies eg schools, social services. Her training involves raising awareness to various groups and also systems of support. The Modern Day Slavery can include victims who are sex workers, people forced into labour, drugs,begging, domestic servitude to name but a few. The whole area is complex and difficult. It was clear to members that Keely has a very good understanding of the problems and is very proactive in her role as a police officer. She proved that she is a great asset to the Wolverhampton Police Force.\u00a0 Keely answered many searching questions.<\/p>\n

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At our dinner meeting on Thursday November 16th<\/strong> we had the great pleasure of welcoming a real life chocolatier Jackie from Nova Chocolates and her very able assistant Jill who was also her sister and great at passing round free samples. Jackie gave a history of chocolate which goes way back to the 15th century and cocoa butter was then used for a wide variety of things both medically and also if spread around rocks it keeps snakes away ! Jackie brought us right up to modern times and the difference in chocolate production now, the most famous chocolate bar of all Cadburys dairy milk was first produced in 1905. Chocolate is very good for you especially dark chocolate but of course moderation in all things. club member Denise then volunteered to make a chocolate lollipop from scratch, melting chocolate, decorating everything and very professional it looked too.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>One interesting fact for a quiz night if all the cr\u00e8me eggs made and eaten in a year were placed together they would reach 12000 miles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jackie brought some of her Christmas range and we were able to purchase some very different and unique gifts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Feast your eyes on all that chocolate!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our speaker for October<\/strong> was Hannah Squire who came dressed so appropriately, in a dress with a William Morris inspired print, and talked to us about the role of the Mander family and their support of Women’s suffrage.Her extensive research ensured that we enjoyed a very detailed factual account of the suffragists within the family, and how they promoted their message.\u00a0 A young enthusiastic and talented lady working for the National Trust is sure to rise steadily and become very much more widely known. This was an evening to remember.<\/p>\n

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Hannah showing off her William Morris dress.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Continuing the club interest in Alzheimers\/Dementia, Karen Perry from \u2018Fiddle Fingers Quilts\u2019 www.fiddlefingersquilts.co.uk<\/a> was invited to speak to members at the July dinner<\/strong> meeting about her quilts.\u00a0 Karen brought with her fine examples of her work intended to calm and soothe someone with dementia.\u00a0 They are small quilts which are designed to help sufferers recall the past through individual interests, and various tactile patches.\u00a0 Members were able to handle quilts made previously and to admire the craftsmanship of each quilt.\u00a0 They are made to fit on a lap, for someone in a wheel chair, or lying in bed.\u00a0 Many of the quilts are made to reflect personal interests of sufferers and also to help carers to be aware of some of the sufferers\u2019 memories. Additionally the quilts are being used with children with autism and other special needs.\u00a0 Several members who have sewing skills were already making their own plans to make contributions!<\/p>\n

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Photo shows President Gill with speaker Karen<\/p>\n

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President Gill and Trisha & Sugheily.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Our June<\/strong> dinner meeting took us on a ‘trip’ to Panama.\u00a0 Trisha Gallardo, who had lived in Panama for three and a half years, and married a Panamanian, spoke to us about the economic and inequality issues that divide Panama.\u00a0 Panama is a small Republic in Central America with a small percentage of indigenous population.<\/p>\n

These groups are marginalised and discriminated against, they have been given isolated areas of valueless land to call home, with few facilities and limited access to education.\u00a0 Women in Panama are seen as physically weak sex who need to be protected and governed by men, they are seen as home makers and their role is to support their husbands and for the indigenous women this is even more so.<\/p>\n

Education is hit and miss and to make any change to their lives they need to go to university and even then a good wage is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n

However Trisha said that change was happening slowly and for the indigenous women it was very slow. She said that Mona Foundation, Few for Change-Unidos Por El Cambio and Fundacion Calicanto\u00a0 were organisations working to improve Education and quality of life for these women.<\/p>\n

Trisha\u2019s talk was full of facts and information that left us all stunned about the lives these women have and grateful that we live in Britain, but also wondering if we can help these women in any way.\u00a0 She was accompanied by her niece, Sugheily, who is visiting this country for a few months and she was able to speak about her experience through Trisha\u2019s translation.<\/p>\n

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At our May<\/strong> dinner meeting we were delighted to welcome Angela Butler. She is a fantastic ambassador and fundraiser for CRY and she updated us on the work that she does to raise the profile of CRY, the charity(Cardiac Risk in the Young).<\/p>\n

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President Gill, Angela and Bilston member Jean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the tragedy of suddenly losing her son Nathan, CRY was a great help in bereavement counselling to Angela and her family.<\/p>\n

We got to know Angela through her great friendship with Jean and Peter Jones.\u00a0\u00a0Angela is very thrilled that Bilston Club has raised sufficient funds to host a free screening for 100 youngsters on 14th<\/sup> July in memory of Nathan Butler and Peter Jones.\u00a0 Nathan was a very keen cricketer and Peter, who sadly passed away, organised many cricket trips for young county players and Nathan was a member of the squad.\u00a0 Member Jean\u00a0 has supported CRY for many years and she with husband Peter organised many\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0cricket tours.<\/p>\n

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Angela has worked tirelessly to raise the awareness and accessibility of screening youngsters aged 14 \u2013 35 years old so no other parents have to endure what her family went through.<\/p>\n

She set up the Nathan Butler Memorial fund in memory of her son and she has raised a tremendous amount of money and arranged many screenings, at the moment the total is ten \u2013 amazing.\u00a0 \u00a0Angela is now a bereavement Councillor for CRY to help other families faced with tragedy.<\/p>\n

We are all geared up for our screening session in July where, as well as vital screening, we will also raise awareness and continue Angela\u2019s dream of screening all youngsters.<\/p>\n

We are grateful to all our donors whose generosity has enabled us to host this event.\u00a0 It will be held at the Wolves ground on 14th<\/sup> July 2018.\u00a0 Angela told her story and all club members applaud her for bravery in telling such a traumatic story and also for her wonderful work to support other parents and the charity CRY.\u00a0 \u00a0Despite both Angela and her husband coping with illness lately Angela takes life with sheer determination and we are so proud to know her and for giving us much more insight on the work she does.<\/p>\n

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President Gill welcomed our speaker to the first meeting of the new Soroptimist year on 19th April 2018.\u00a0 <\/strong>Pat P is a retired social worker who spoke passionately about her time working with young people who had sexualised behavioural problems.\u00a0 Pat had opened and run a home for boys 11- 18 years old who had often experienced horrendous upbringing, resorting to sex offences with siblings or even neighbours. In the Home the boys received 24 hour supervision and individual and group therapy sessions as well as education.\u00a0 Pat and her team provided a safe place within a constant and secure environment and the young men who came with nothing left with many good things.\u00a0 After success with the rehabilitation of boys Pat had started to receive girls who had similar sexualised behaviour problems but it was soon realised that girls had much more complex issues than boys.\u00a0 Members were most impressed by Pat’s dedication and passion for her work and asked many searching questions.<\/p>\n

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President Gill with Pat our speaker<\/p>\n

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15th March Dinner Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n

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President Ann presenting the cheque to Zoe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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At our final dinner meeting of the year in March\u00a0<\/strong>President Ann had invited Zoe Bagott form the Alzheimers Society to receive a cheque from the club.\u00a0 Alzheimers was Ann’s main charity.\u00a0 The photo shows Ann presenting the cheque to Zoe. During Ann’s 6 months as president she has steered the club to support a local homeless hostel in Wolverhampton, completed the project on Mary’s Meals and raised sufficient funds to support the Cardiac Screening to be held at the Molineux on 14th July 2018.<\/p>\n

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Bozena with President Ann<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Traditionally the February<\/strong> Dinner meeting is a celebration to recognise that Soroptimism is international.\u00a0 This year was no different.<\/p>\n

At our dinner meeting on 15th February we were delighted to welcome guest speaker Bozena Benton President of SI Sutton Coldfield.\u00a0 She joined us for our International Evening and spoke about the global dimension of Soroptimist International. Two members of SI Wolverhampton also joined us for the evening.<\/p>\n

The evening began with a candle lighting ceremony giving us all the opportunity to think about and celebrate the work of Soroptimist International. \u00a0Candles were lit for the four Federations and each country of SIGBI was read out as coloured candles were switched on.<\/p>\n

Bozena has travelled to all the Federations and enjoyed their conferences as well as travelling to the UN SI Conventions.\u00a0 She was well placed through her previous roles in SIGBI and SI to share with us her experiences and to highlight the differences and similarities between each of the Federations.<\/p>\n

Her presentation was very interesting and enlightening with many anecdotes along the journey. It was good to hear firsthand about the development of an African Federation although many hills to climb on the way. We heard about a new club which consists of Jews, Palestinians and Arabs all working in harmony.<\/p>\n

In the South West Pacific a long journey is not unusual for members to attend region meetings. \u00a0In the American Federation 53% of members are Japanese and 6 men have also joined SI Americas. The SI Europe conference was held in Florence and much enjoyed by Bozena.<\/p>\n

In her summary Bozena commented that, although our practices can differ across globe, the fundamental focus for us all is very definitely improving the lives of women and girls and we all have the same\u00a0 Soroptimist \u2018DNA\u2019.<\/p>\n

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President Ann with Zoe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At our January Dinner<\/strong>\u00a0 meeting the speaker was Zoe Baggott\u00a0 who spoke about Alzheimer\u2019s research.\u00a0 She gave us factual information about the disease and how Alzheimer\u2019s Research UK is working to find out more about how the disease develops and to develop drugs to help and eventually cure dementia<\/p>\n

Despite the fact that women are much more likely to suffer from dementia there are things we can do to help ourselves. We need to foster a healthy life style, which means more exercise, keeping the brain active ,going out, meeting people, healthy eating, no smoking, and no alcohol. Not so sure about the latter but socialising and alcohol come together rather well.<\/p>\n

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Bilston angels -I don’t’ think so!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What a lovely Christmas Party we had\u00a0 on 21st December at LInden House.\u00a0 Club members welcomed guests and partners to an evening of Christmas fun, food and carols.\u00a0 Our guest speaker was Kath Reynolds who took us all down memory lane as she talked about Christmas past.\u00a0 This included types of decorations, gifts and toys.\u00a0 We all fondly remembered the sock hanging on the mantelpiece and leaving mince pies and whisky for Santa.. Everyone present could relate to this blast from the past and enjoyed seeing some of the memorabilia that Kath had collected over the years.<\/p>\n

The evening included a quiz which was both challenging and fun.\u00a0 The winning team included Pat & Rowland, Lynne & Phil,Josie & Bob, Cherril and Lesley. Didn’t they do well!.<\/p>\n

The evening was completed with an alternative version of Good King Wenceslas sung by President Anne and 3 Bilston ‘angels’!! (Photo)<\/p>\n

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Dementia Friends Training.<\/p>\n

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Lee Allan, a trained volunteer Dementia Friend Champion came to speak at our November<\/strong> Dinner Meeting and delivered Dementia Friendly training.\u00a0 Alzheimers Research is President Ann’s chosen charity.<\/p>\n

He began by telling us that out of the top 10 diseases Dementia is the one that has no cure. He emphasised the 5 things we should know about Dementia<\/p>\n