These crochet squares are a good example of just one way we inspire action. Maureen,one of our members, is a volunteer with the Charity “Contact The Elderly”. One Sunday, at a Contact Tea,Maureen got talking about what else she does as a Soroptimist,and mentioned the Women’s Refuge. It didn’t take long before Joan ,who is 93,got out her crochet hook and made these squares .The question now is whether to auction, sell them or give them to the Refuge to provide a homely touch for some of the women who have had to leave their homes. Also a brilliant example of one generation helping another.

At our August meeting we were all encouraged to put this number into our mobiles by Russell Oaten,Chair of Dorset Crimestoppers. He gave a very revealing talk about Crimestoppers, relating its history and current use in detecting and preventing crime. The success of this national organisation is down to its reputation for complete anonimity and the use of modern technology which actually prevents any calls made to the number above from being traced.This allows people who do not wish to be identified to report crimes or other suspicious matters without getting involved with the authorities. As a result,the police can use the information in a variety of ways,often adding it to their own intelligence reports. Drugs,Trafficking and Child Pornography have all been reported via the system and numerous arrests are made. We were fascinated to hear that many instances of  fear of  forced marriage were

Well it wasn’t only the families who had fun. We raised £411 for our Bangladesh Projects with a splendid tombola and lolly stall. Plenty of ort members came to help and we all had a great time in brilliant sunshine,persuading people to part with a £ or two. Here are some of the photos from the day.

            Yes, this was Summer,or at least the only really sunny day recently. Here is a selection of unplanned sunhats worn at Val’s Garden Party,in aid of our 75th Anniversary Science Project. We enjoyed the “cold collation” in Val’s beautiful rural garden,good company and a really lovely day out in this scenic part of Dorset.Thanks Val for all the fun and food!

Some of our regular volunteers with Bournemouth Contact The Elderly, provided a very special Jubilee Party on a particularly sunny Sunday afternoon recently at the home of one of our members. A chat,sitting in the garden was an unexpected treat as some of the guests live in flats and are unable to enjoy fresh air as they would wish. Hilda who was the host for the afternoon said, ” It was so gratifying to see this small group invigorated by company. We had a super afternoon” The specially decorated cakes were also appreciated in the usual way.The visitors enjoyed themselves so much that they wanted to keep their party hats as  souvenirs!

Our Club was delighted when we heard that the Friends of Bournemouth Womens Refuge had been chosen by the Mayor, Cllr Chris Rochester as one of his charities this year. To raise funds,a  “Swishing ” event was held in a local hotel-where members of the public bring their unwanted but elegant clothes for sale,and hopefully go home with replacement items for their wardrobes ! Several Members from our Club volunteered to help with the organising and here they are with the Mayor and Mayoress enjoying the evening.   Over £1,500 was raised,and a third of this will go toward the Friends of the Womens Refuge.

Five Club Members went off to Brighton for the Conference at the end of October. The photos show just some of the socialising we did,meeting up with our friends from Penrith,Lurgan and beyond. The whole weekend was packed with opportunities to network,learn more about the organisation and what we are trying to achieve. One of the keynote speakers was the broadcaster and writer Sandi Toksvig who had us rolling with laughter.The traditional gift of fudge from Penrith was accepted on Bournemouth’s behalf by  Carys.The entertainment on the last night was provided by a band “In The Pink” which is actually lead by Debbie Rogers,one of our members.We were all so proud when others told us how much they had enjoyed her play.

  At our meeting on Monday 17th October we celebrated a special event. Joan Bishton has been a Soroptimist for 50 Years. She was presented with a card,a cake and a big bunch of flowers to mark the occasion. Here she is being presented with the flowers. Joan joined the organisation at Slough in 1961 and transferred to Bournemouth on retirement. So congratulations Joan. We think you must hold some sort of record.