July saw the launch of our new Lobbying Group.This group has been formed to follow up work in support of the issues brought to our attention by the United Kingdom Programme Action Committee( UKPAC). We hope to be able to find a way to disseminate issues to club members and enable them to lobby MPs, MEPs and Government Ministers as well as Local Authorities to achieve our organisation’s long term aims.We are looking at the Map of Gaps, www.mapofgaps.org , dealing with the issue of the provision of Womens Support Services,and supporting the UNICEF Campaign for improving sanitary arrangements in the developing world. …

Here is our “outgoing” Past President Debbie Rogers in celebratory mood as she handed over to her successor,Lynne Lacey

Some Members Ready For the Pirates Party in Barbados

Soroptimist International of Bournemouth will be represented by two members at the “Four Faces of Domestic Violance Conference” which will be held in  Bournemouth on 26th February.Speakers include Neil Blacklock from Respect,DC Yvonne Morgan of the Metropolitan Police who will make a presentation about Honour Based Violence and Dr Walter Busuttil from Combat Stress.The Commonwealth and Foreign Office will provide imput about the Forced Mariage Act.The Chair of the Conference will be Abigail Smith Barrister at Law and Deputy District Judge.

At our last Club Meeting on 16th February,we had a presentation from two members who had just returned from a factfinding mission to Dhaka,Bangladesh.They visited some of the poorest parts of the area,escorted by friends from amongst the Soroptimists there,and gathered film and information to help with the promotion of the Cementing Futures Charity.

One of the youngest authors ever to have published a book will be our guest speaker on Saturday 7th March at our Annual Lunch.Libby Rees was only 10 when she wrote about the impact of her parent’s divorce.With another title already added to what we hope will be a steady stream of literature,Libby has now been awarded a prize in the BT Internet Ranger of the Year Competition for her work helping older people to go on line.Still a Student,we look forwards to hearing what Libby has to say. The Lunch will be held at the Cumberland Hotel,Bournemouth with the usual coffee,reception and Bucks Fizz

Our Christmas Social raised some useful funds for our charities.The raffle made over £99.Members donating in lieu of Chrismas Cards provided in excess of £170 which will be split between Project Sierra (Hope and Home for Children Parnership),Cementing Futures and the International Prsident’s Appeal in aid of the Addid Abbaba Fistula Hospital.Well done to all who contributed.

Here we are enjoying the Sari tying demonstration at Forest Spice .Debbie was a good model,and we raised £536 towards this project

We are launching our new website to coincide with our Club’s 70th Birthday.The women who founded our club would be amazed that we have a website and can communicate our enthusiasms to the world and all women who share our ideals.The technology may have changed but not our deep held belief that we can make a difference.Here we are celebrating with  Regional President Carole Atkinson about to cut the cake