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Seaside, sunshine and Soroptimist friends

Seaside, sunshine and Soroptimist friends

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Members of Soroptimist International Bridgend hosted a summer outing to Southerndown Golf Club for a small group of our elderly friends. The outing was part of the Club’s Tea with Friends programme which offers older people who are often isolated an afternoon out with contact and companionship. The project started some 15 years ago when Club members became aware of the issue of loneliness amongst elderly people living in the local area. These people lived alone, didn’t drive and often had mobility or other significant health issues which meant that their opportunities for companionship and social interaction were extremely limited. Bridgend Soroptimist, Joyce Chatterton explains, “Through a very simple activity – hosting an afternoon tea – we were able, in a small way,  to address this often overlooked issue. We host a tea in one of our members’ homes every couple of months and invite

Hands-on support for local charity

Hands-on support for local charity

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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

Children inspired by High Sheriff’s visit

Children inspired by High Sheriff’s visit

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Mount Stuart Primary School in Cardiff Bay were very lucky and privileged to have a visit from the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan, Sharon Dixon, last week. Sharon had the kind permission of Janet Davies, High Sheriff of South Glamorgan to undertake this visit as the school is not in Mid Glamorgan. The visit was organised between two Bridgend Soroptimists – Donna Brocklehust, Assistant Head Teacher at Mount Stuart Primary, and Sharon Dixon, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan for 2025-2026. As Sharon says, “I was delighted to meet an incredibly smart and interested group of young people and able to share my story and my heritage. The children asked lots of interesting questions, especially about my love of hats. Thank you for the invitation Donna.” Donna says, “Sharon talked to the children about the role of High Sheriff and how she was honoured to take

A new President for Bridgend Soroptimists

A new President for Bridgend Soroptimists

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Bridgend Soroptimists held their AGM at the Heronston Hotel on 30th April and welcomed their new President, Sue Newton. Unfortunately outgoing president Ruth Kemp-Davies was unable to attend the meeting. President Sue expressed her thanks to Ruth for all the work she has done to make the last year so successful. Highlights have included the organisation Ruth has brought to the role, including running very effective Club and Executive meetings and the Summer garden party Ruth hosted at her home. Ruth’s chosen President’s Charity was Emmaus South Wales. She had really good engagement with the team there and we all enjoyed an inspirational talk from one of their companions, who had turned his life around as a result of the support Emmaus provided to him. Ruth has been professional and dignified throughout the year and is a terrific representative for Soroptimism and for us in Soroptimist