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First graduates from our tailoring training in rural Nepal

First graduates from our tailoring training in rural Nepal

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Yesterday, 14 girls and women from Sarlahi District in rural south Nepal, completed their six months’ training in basic tailoring, organised by Lily’s Leaves. All graduates will leave the course with their own sewing machine as a gift and will be supported with start-up grants and loans towards setting up in business, if they so wish. One of the deaf girls from the Lily’s Leaves centre in Kathmandu, Muskan, went to Sarlahi to distribute certificates and congratulate the new graduates. Muskan was one of our previous trainees and is now on the staff of the Lily’s Leaves production centre, where she specialises in making silver jewellery. Another of the girls, Rabina, is a graduate from the six-month basic tailoring course in Kathmandu and has returned to this village to set up her own little business that she runs from home. She’s keeping very busy with local

Members enjoy a behind-the-scenes studio tour

Members enjoy a behind-the-scenes studio tour

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A visit to the BBC Cymru Wales TV studios was a popular choice for Bridgend Soroptimist’s summer outing. The opportunity to step into the future of broadcasting at BBC’s newest and most advanced studios on our doorstep in Cardiff was very appealing. The 90-minute tour gave members the chance to visit one of the largest BBC newsrooms, packed with cutting-edge technology including augmented reality, virtual reality and robotic cameras. Several members sat in the news “hot seat” whilst others tried their hand at weather presenting! They also had a sneak peek at TV galleries and other broadcast facilities to discover the secrets of making a BBC programme and follow in the footsteps of some of Wales’ famous faces. Following the tour they adjourned to the Parkgate Hotel for a well earned lunch and a discussion on future programme development!

Removing the stigma around homelessness

Removing the stigma around homelessness

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With Homelessness, The Crisis On Our Doorstep as her theme, President Ruth was delighted to welcome Romy Wood from Housing Justice Cymru to join our June meeting. Housing Justice Cymru is a housing need and homelessness charity, launched in Wales in 2016. Housing and Homelessness are devolved issues in Wales and are the responsibility of the Welsh Government. As the only non-denominational Christian housing charity currently working in Wales, they work with and support people belonging to all faiths and communities. In addition to her work with the charity, Romy Wood is an associate lecturer with the Open University and author. Romy gave an interesting talk about the work of the charity, illustrated with stories of recent beneficiaries and the issues they have faced.  

Celebrating with Frances – 90 years young

Celebrating with Frances – 90 years young

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Bridgend Soroptimists had a wonderful evening helping long-time member, Frances Rees, celebrate her 90th birthday. Frances was delighted with the many cards and greetings she received. She said, “It has been wonderful to share this celebration with my Soroptimist friends. The lovely birthday cake and glass of fizz have made the evening very special. Thank you to everyone.” Frances, a farmer by profession, has been a Soroptimist for almost 40 years. She has served as President of SI Bridgend three times, in 1991-1992, in 2000-2001, and in a three-way job share in 2017-2018 with Lily Laesser and Eurwen Richards to celebrate the clubs 70th anniversary. An extremely active member, Frances has been particularly interested in environmental issues, leading the way in getting discussions about food miles on the agenda and encouraging members to shop local. She regularly attends meetings and recently led a nature ramble

new members for SI Bridgend
New Members, Added Vitality

New Members, Added Vitality

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Bridgend Soroptimists were delighted to welcome three new members at their June meeting. Jenny Brick, Helen Baker and Debbie Hiley have visited the Club on a number of occasions and are looking forward to being Soroptimists and getting more involved in a range of projects. President Ruth said, “It is an absolute delight to welcome Helen, Debbie and Jenny to Bridgend. With their significant professional experience and wide-ranging interests, I have no doubt they will make a valuable contribution. Welcome ladies.”

Bridgend Soroptimists support homeless charity

Bridgend Soroptimists support homeless charity

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President Ruth was delighted to welcome Julie Raikes, chair and trustee of Emmaus South Wales and her colleague Del Jones, CEO of Emmaus Wales, to join us for the first meeting of our new Soroptimist year. Emmaus is the club’s chosen charity for the coming year. Emmaus is a homeless charity with a difference and was started after World War II by Frenchman Abbe Pierre. Although it now has a presence around the world, and 30 communities across the UK, Bridgend is the only one in Wales, alongside charity shops in Bridgend and Porthcawl. Julie and Del spoke about the history of Emmaus and how we need to remove the stigma surrounding Homelessness. Emmaus considers itself a charity with a difference because as Julie explains, “We not only offer a bed to the homeless, but also a reason to get out of it too! Our

President Ruth of Bridgend Soroptimists
Bridgend welcomes a new Soroptimist President

Bridgend welcomes a new Soroptimist President

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Bridgend Soroptimists held their AGM at the Heronston Hotel last night and welcomed their new President, Ruth Davies-Kemp. Outgoing president Lesley Davies thanked the members for their support over the last year and said what a privilege it has been to be President. Lesley then presented Ruth with the chain of office, wishing her every success for her year. President Ruth said it was an honour to be taking up this role and she looked forward to continuing to promote Soroptimism with a busy programme. Her theme for the year is the Homelessness – the crisis on our doorstep and we would be working closely with Emmaus and other local organisations. Find out more about President Ruth https://sigbi.org/bridgend-and-district/presidents-message/   President Ruth then welcomed Sue Newton as President Elect giving her the President Elect insignia of the Williamsburg brooch. The gold brooch is a replica of the

A Night to Celebrate

A Night to Celebrate

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For over 75 years, Bridgend Soroptimists have been raising awareness of local, national and international issues, as well as supporting local and international charities. With a focus on education, poverty prevention and human rights, they advocate for positive change and aim to make a difference to the lives of women and girls everywhere. Their Presentation Night in April provided an opportunity to share all that they have achieved in the last twelve months and to celebrate with some of their key supporters and beneficiaries. The first two presentations were made to people that have come along to club meetings as guest speakers. Ian Cole of Porthcawl RNLI accepted a cheque on behalf of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. President Lesley said that living with such a beautiful coastline on our doorstep we sometimes forget how dangerous it

Soroptimists honour pledge to support BAWSO

Soroptimists honour pledge to support BAWSO

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BAWSO has been our President’s charity for 2023-2024. BAWSO is a charity that supports ethnic minorities across Wales affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse. At the start of her year as President, Lesley welcomed Nancy Lidubwi, policy manager at BAWSO, to a club meeting to tell members about the work that the charity undertakes. With a focus on issues concerning violence against women, trafficking, FGM and modern day slavery, BAWSO aligns well with our Soroptimist aims and values and President Lesley was pleased to pledge the Club’s support. Bridgend Soroptimists were able to honour that pledge at a Presentation Night at the end of Lesley’s year in office and to present Nancy with a cheque for £1550.00. Nancy was delighted to receive our donation and confirmed that it would be a huge boost to the work that they undertake. We look forward