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Thank-you from Save the Children

Thank-you from Save the Children

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Bridgend members were delighted to receive this ‘Thank You’ certificate from Anglesey ‘Save the Children’ for all the handbags, ties, scarves and belts donated by members and friends. The items were for sale on the Save the Children stand at the National Eisteddfod held this year on Angelsey. A hugely successful endeavour, they have raised £4500 and as money is still coming in they hope to reach £5000! A big THANK YOU to everyone who donated items.

Supporting with Sunshine and Smiles

Supporting with Sunshine and Smiles

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Once again members of the Bridgend Soroptimists joined the South Wales Branch of the English-Speaking Union for their annual summer garden party at Fonmon Castle. With rain a-plenty before and after the festivities, guests had every reason to bask in the beautiful castle gardens. The Soroptimists Tombola stall, filled with many enticing presents, drew many visitors, as well as the raffle, organised by Soroptimist and ESU member Anne Morgan. Funds raised will go towards the Clubs varied charity commitments. Another very successful and enjoyable event, with guests leaving in the knowledge that the proceeds from the event would be committed to the branch’s charitable activities, in particular, the promotion of public speaking with local primary and secondary schoolchildren.

70th Anniversary Celebration Lunch

70th Anniversary Celebration Lunch

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SI Bridgend celebrated its 70th Anniversary in grand style at an Anniversary Lunch at The Bear in Cowbridge. President Frances hosted the event which with members, guests and friends enjoying a convivial afternoon together. President Frances addressed our guests and gave a potted history of the Club’s activities over the last 70 years. The other speakers were SI Wales South Regional President, Bobbie Sheldrake, and Barbara Dixon, Programme Director of SIGBI. After the formal part of the lunch, guests were entertained with music from the Neath National Trust Choir, the Waterwheel Singers, joined by Sue Jones’s daughter, Rhiannon, who sang beautifully. President Frances then cut our celebration cake which everyone enjoyed.  

Bridgend Soroptimists become Dementia Friends

Bridgend Soroptimists become Dementia Friends

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In line with President Frances theme of caring for the elderly in our society, we were pleased to welcome Norma Morgan from the Alzheimer’s Society as our guest speaker. Dementia is the biggest health and social care crisis facing society today. Someone develops the condition every three minutes and too many are facing it alone. Norma’s aim during her talk was to raise awareness of the condition and the needs of people living with dementia in the local area. Norma introduced us to the Dementia Friendly Communities Programme ‘Dementia Friends’. The programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way people think, act and talk about the condition. Members discovered how small things can make a big difference. From being more patient in shop queues to telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to volunteering to

Midsummer Madness across the Region

Midsummer Madness across the Region

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President Frances, Rayner and Helen joined 70 other Soroptimists from across the region for SI Wales South Midsummer Madness – a day of fun, food and friendship. The Pavilion on Haverfordwest Showground was a lovely venue for this interesting and sometimes crazy day! Regional President Bobbie opened the day with an interactive session in which we were asked for ideas of how to celebrate the Region’s 80th anniversary which is coming up very soon. This was followed by an interesting talk from novelist Helen Carey who told us ‘How The Story Unfolds’ and her approach to writing 8 successful novels in the Lavender Road series. Then it was our turn to “be creative” and decorate a square of fabric as a living petition against human trafficking in the clothing industry. Our squares are part of the Global Blanket campaign – read more about it and

Supporting Girl’s Education in Cape Verde

Supporting Girl’s Education in Cape Verde

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Bridgend Soroptimists have supported girls’ education in Cape Verde for a number of years. The project was originally started by Jill Delgado, a member of SI Cardiff whose husband was a Cape Verdian, and SI Cardiff ran the project. The governance of the project has recently changed – Jill remains fully involved and committed and it has now become the Soroptimist Members’ Education Trust. All trustees are Soroptimists and a deed of variation has been signed on 15th March 2017 to formalise the changes. The Cape Verde project is financially sound and continues to effectively support the education of bright young girls to complete their education and enable them to go on and get higher education. Joyce Chatterton, a member of SI Bridgend, is one of the trustees and an avid supporter of the project. It was a great pleasure to welcome Enid Childs and Joan Payne,

Sustainable Development Goals – From Global to Local

Sustainable Development Goals – From Global to Local

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Steve Kenzie, Executive Director for the UN Global Compact Network UK, opened the session saying, “The Global Goals are going to transform our world and that transformation will create opportunities for new business models to deliver new products and services into new markets. After the largest public consultation eve r undertaken, the Goals were adopted by the UK and the other 192 Members States of the United Nations in 2015. They call for economic growth, innovation, affordable energy, and upgraded infrastructure, as well as providing a path to end extreme poverty, fighting inequality, and protecting the planet.” “Every company, every organisation and every citizen needs to understand this important global mega-trend. This roadshow helps answer the question What are the Global Goals, why should my organisation care about them, and how can we contribute to achieving the Goals and benefit form doing so.” Around 70

May Fair Tombola Success

May Fair Tombola Success

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Once again Bridgend Soroptimists took part in the Lion’s May Fayre, this time held in Cowbridge. The Tombola stall is always a great attraction and a very worthwhile fundraiser. Members donate items throughout the year and Anne Hughes diligently wraps everything adding an element of surprise to the proceedings. Thank you to Christine for her “Lucky Dip” bags which were a great success with the children. Thanks too to everyone who contributes, those who manned the stall and, in particular, to all those who supported us – a very welcome addition to our charity funds enabling us to help more people in more places.

Soroptimist sisters share the chair for a special year

Soroptimist sisters share the chair for a special year

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Bridgend Soroptimists held their AGM recently at The Heronston Hotel and so began a year with a difference! The club is celebrating 70 years since it was chartered in 1947 and will be holding a formal luncheon on July 16 at The Bear Hotel, Cowbridge, to mark this milestone. As this will be a special year it was decided to inaugurate three long-serving members to share the presidential chain and each will officiate for a specific four months of the year, starting with Frances Rees followed by Lily Laesser and then rounded off by Eurwen Richards.All three have served as Club President before – Frances in 2000 – 2001, Eurwen in 2002 – 2003 and Lily in 2004 – 2005. These ladies bring with them a wealth of experience in Soroptimism and a busy year is guaranteed.