President Tina is pictured above with Chris Evans, Bournemouth Borough Council’s Horticultural Manager, who spoke about his work managing Bournemouth’s beautiful gardens at our October meeting.  We learnt about the many varieties of plants, trees and shrubs but also about how influential residents in the past helped build the gardens that they have become today. Chris willingly shared his extensive knowledge of the development of Bournemouth to the town it has become today and reminded us of some of the famous names linked to the town such as Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson and Charles Rolls (Rolls Royce). Four million people walk through the many gardens each year when visiting our stunning town.

                                 Bournemouth Soroptimists, friends, family and some members from Poole Soroptimists kept Bournemouth Marathon runners hydrated in their 2015 race by manning one of many hydration stations.  5300 runners ran past, they did not all need water – but more than half did! £450 was raised for the club charity, ‘Cementing Futures’, as gratitude from the marathon sponsors. Hydration Station Manager, Steph Atkins, said “a huge THANK YOU, am so proud of you all, as a team we totally rocked BMF2015, you are such a pleasure to work with; tirelessly cheerful, reliable and man you deliver good hydration!”

From time to time we persuade some of our members to give a ” My Job Talk”. On Monday last, Sylvia Fox was invited to speak about her role as a Trustee with the Royal Voluntary Service. Sylvia gave an interesting presentation which covered the history of the R.V.S, her involvement with the organisation and current role as a Trustee.  An overview of their current strategy, and issues facing the R.V.S today provided an insight into some of  the challenges involved in running a major charity.  We were pleased to welcome our Regional President Jackie Theobald to this meeting who is shown here with Tina Crosby.    

A selection of photos from our AGM on 27th April which proved to be a very happy occasion. Tina Crosby, shown wearing the chain of office took over as Club President from Kirsteen Harding.One of her first tasks was to introduce a new member, Sandra Ambridge (third from the left) who looks happy to have joined us.Then it was the presentation of long service certificates to four Soroptimists who have given service to their Club and Community for many years. Finally we enjoyed a meal, a chat and each other’s company for the rest of the evening. g. 

The Gate of India Restaurant in Lower Parkstone hosted a fabulous curry evening for us recently  in aid of our Dhaka literacy project.Thanks to their generosity and the appetites of our friends and guests who joined us we raised just over £400 which will help many Bangladeshi children learn to read.

SI Bournemouth members and friends recently enjoyed the renowned comedy ‘Father’s Day’ by Eric Chappell and performed by the notorious local Broadstone Players.  SI Bournemouth is very grateful to the amateur dramatic group who generously donated a percentage of ticket takings to the club’s charities. A great way of raising funds and having an enjoyable evening out.

Becky Chalk, Community & Event Organizer at Autism Wessex, gave an informative talk to members about the factors of autism and how the work of the organization supports sufferers and their families.  Support includes e.g. advocacy, advice, parent training, education, residential and day care.  The organization’s vision is that “While there is no cure for autism, we believe that with appropriate education, support or care and by making the world an easier place to understand, the impact of autism can be reduced and people with autism can be active citizens enjoying maximum independence and a good quality of life.” Anyone interested in supporting Autism Wessex are encouraged to take part in the Big Brekkie event on Thursday 2nd April in support of ‘World Autism Awareness Day’.

On Monday 19th January we held our first meeting of 2015. We lit a candle and held a short vigil in remembrance of the children of Pakistan who were massacred recently.We condemn the violence and think of their grieving families.. Here you can see some of us as the vigil ended. Also pictured is Tina Crosby, President Elect who chaired the meeting together with the speaker, Michelle Challis. She gave a very interesting talk on the work of the S.A.R.C ( sexual assault referral centre) in Bournemouth. We had been involved in in lobbying for the setting up of the centre so were glad to have an update on the current situation. Michelle said that more publicity was needed to make the public aware of the centre and the services it provided for victims.      

Just as it got dark one evening near Christmas, children in the Talbot Village area were excited to hear seasonal music and carols being played in their streets. A small train with Santa beaming and waving on top, wound its way around the estate whilst his helpers knocked on doors and collected money for our Cementing Futures Charity. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Poole Bay, who provided the train and driver, we raised £310.81p, and probably lost some weight running up and down peoples paths. A good fun evening on a not very cold night.

In November, a strong contingent went to the Harrogate Conference. Apart from listening to the inspiring speakers, taking part in the A.G.M. and absorbing the atmosphere, we enjoyed a meal with some of our Friendship link Clubs at the famous Betty’s Tea Room. Bottom left shows some of us sitting in the Conference Centre, writing post cards for the children in Dhaka, Bangladesh that we support with our education projects. Some of the funds we raised for this during the year were handed over directly to the S.I. Dhaka President. Opposite, we make an appearance in a large picture fame positioned in the gardens opposite Bettys.