No fewer than ten of our members attended the Federation Conference in Manchester last weekend. Here we enjoyed meeting hundreds of other Soroptimists, including many old friends. Meals out, parties and a banquet with over 1,000 guests kept us socialising. We were also inspired by speakers such as Dr Ian Oliver who gave us a global view of the connections between the illegal drug trade, trafficking of women and girls , the spread of HIV/Aids and terrorism. Dr Oliver said, “Aid to the developing world is essential to combat the effects of terrorism and the drug barons who infiltrate poor communities”. An update on  United Nations Resolution 1325 from Lesley Abdela highlighted that women are still excluded from top level peace talks in post conflict situations around the world, a matter of great concern since many of us were involved in the Campaign for the

The surprising sum of just over £536 was raised by a Team of members who made and served tea at a Bridge Afternoon held on Saturday 16th October at All Saints Church Hall, Branksome Park. The event was organised by a local couple John and Jan CROWE who just love playing Bridge. Home made cakes and raffle prizes were made by members. The sum raised will be divided between The Friends of Bournemouth Womens Refuge and Our Dhaka Fund. Oddly enough none of those who volunteered to help actually play bridge!

On 20th July, we had our Club Meeting and a cheque for £1,600 was handed over to Tania Waite of Bournemouth Womens Refuge. This was from a fundraising event held earlier in the year. Instead of the usual cheque presentation we thought a reminder of the fun filled evening we had at the Cumberland Hotel would look more interesting

In June our Region hosted a Soroptimist from Estonia, Anu Ulp. Here she is on a specially arranged visit to Bournemouth Town Hall. Mr Mayor heads the table and Anu is second on the left. We will have fond memories of Anu’s visit.

Winton Carnival was held on a very hot and sunny day, at the end of June. The Cementing Futures Team had an excellent site with three fundraisers going at one.There was a tiger tombola ,a general tombola and arm painting which proved popular with children. Over £300 was raised towards the school in Bangladesh, with awareness raised of the issues of education in poor areas of Dhaka. Useful contacts were also made with staff and students at Bournemouth University. Debbie Rogers,leader of the group, said “We had an amazing day”

This cake, iced ready for a fundraiser, bears the logo and colours of the Cementing Futures charity. A novel idea making use of the bright colours and eye catching design. Just a small contribution towards the target which is to build a school in Bangladesh.

A very generous cheque for well over £1000 was presented to our club by the President of SI Oxford, Margaret Norwood. Oxford have been busy fundraising for our Cementing Futures Charity. Margaret is a former member of our own club and the occasion brought smiles all round as you can see. Thank you to everyone at Oxford who contributed to the sum raised.

At Cardiff, in October 2009, members from SI Dhaka and SI Bournemouth received a Soroptimist International Best Practice Award from SI President Hanne Jensbo This was for the work undertaken on  project called, ‘Cementing Futures—Literacy in Bangladesh’ Bournemouth members were inspired by the urgent need for education to support SI Dhaka in their work in Bangladesh, after meeting members of SI Dhaka at the SIGBI Federation Conference. Some club members visited Bangladesh and decided to support the literacy project started by SI Dhaka by building secure premises where they provide primary education and other oppor-tunities for the young pupils.A business plan was put in place and a separate charity named-Cementing Futures– was formed.A website, a DVD and other promotional materials were produced. Much fundraising has taken place – working closely with SI Dhaka and their partner organisation Nijera Sjikhi to realise intended outcome of the

The Fun Fundraising Evening held at the Cumberland Hotel  on 19th March was a huge success.With a toastmaster in a red coat,an Elvis impersonator to help us dance,and excellent food what more could you want.? Well of course there was a splendid raffle and lots of extra games to persuade people to part with a little more money and of course the incomparable Debbie Rogers and her band TartN’trouble.We were delighted to have raised over £1,400 which will all go to “The Friends of Bournemouth Womens’Refuge”. Of course the organising took lots of hard work but the committee,ably lead by Yvonne Fairchild,can be well satisfied with their efforts.

A well known local Elvis Impersonator,Willard Ford, has been secured for our fun fund raiser on 19th March at the Cumberland Hotel.The event will also have music provided by “Tart’n Trouble”.Tickets at £29.50 include supper,a drink on arrival at 7pm and lots of laughter.This is our fundraiser in aid of The Bournemouth Women’s Refuge.If you would like to come please ring either 01202 759921 or 01202 390986,or email us via the get in touch with us section of the website.