On 25th June 2025 Bridgend Soroptimists held their monthly Supper/Speaker meeting at the Heronston Hotel Bridgend. They were joined by representatives of SPLICE – the club’s chosen charity for the coming year.
SPLICE is an acronym of Social , Physical, Linguistic, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional development which are all encompassed in the activities of the charity, which is based in Pyle and Kenfig. Originally opened in 2005, SPLICE offers a family centred service which supports parents/carers to play and learn with their children, helping to develop their confidence and raise their self-esteem.
Also on offer is a Baby Bank providing baby essentials for those struggling financially. In addition to the indoor activities an outside space is currently being developed to introduce families to growing simple crops and flowers.
The Soroptimists are giving “hands on” assistance creating this much welcomed outside space and providing enjoyable sessions.
Linda who is the Manager and Tracy who organises the Child and Baby Bank side of the enterprise thanked members for their involvement with SPLICE.
“Thank you so much to Bridgend Soroptimists for the lovely evening last night at the Heronston Hotel and for the interest in the work that we do.
“The Soroptimists have been so helpful to Splice, donating their time helping us set up the community garden, donating funds raised from a recent fashion show and also giving us this fantastic donation of Baby milk formula.
“We are so grateful and know that families who will be receiving the milk for their little ones will be grateful too.”
So far the Soroptimists have had two visits to SPLICE to help sort the community garden, paint tyres and begin the planting.
President Sue said, “At the end of May, we helped to clear some of the garden area and planted strawberry plants, marigolds, lobelia, busy lizzies and geraniums. Another group of our members went along in June to continue the work. It is so exciting seeing the garden starting to develop and we can’t wait to see the SPLICE community reaping the benefits from all the planting.”
Bridgend Soroptimist, Joyce Chatterton, gave the vote of thanks to our speakers on behalf of the club for a most interesting talk and said we were looking forward to developing our relationship over the coming year.