Greetings from Friends in Finland
Celebrating International Night
Bridgend Soroptimists got the festive season off to a great start by celebrating International Night yesterday. A Carol Service was held in St David’s in Laleston followed by a lovely buffet at the Mackworth. President Sharon said, “That’s what I love to see – Soroptimist’s enjoying festive fun and friendship. And we raised money for the International President’s Appeal “The Road to Equality”. Thank you to Anne Hughes and her team for organising a great evening. Happy Christmas”
Fabulous picnic!
Bridgend Soroptimist members enjoyed a picnic to remember on Saturday. The picnic, which was held at Frances’ home, was part of a UK-wide event promoted by ‘The Fields in Trust’ charity aimed at getting people out of the house to promote friendship and physical and mental well-being. At the same time members of our friendship link club, SI Moreton North Inc in Queensland Australia hosted their own picnic – a shared picnic worlds apart! SI Bridgend’s Montreal Conference bear was happy to join in too!
Club members meet new member Cecilia
As one of our newest members, it was a delight to hear from Dr Cecilia Hannigan-Davies as our guest speaker at the end of the business meeting in June.190612 Cecilia gave us a very interesting illustrated presentation about her early life in Drogheda and her career to the present day. President Sharon presented her with her Soroptimist badge and welcomed her once again to the Club.
Fundraising success at St David’s Summer Fete
Once again Bridgend Soroptimists have supported the Summer Fete at St David’s Church Laleston with a White Elephant stall. Carys organised the event for us and President Sharon was joined by Sue B, Sandra and Joyce to sell the ‘goodies’ donated by members. The stall made £113 which will go towards the Club’s charitable donations – very well worth the effort!
Project shortlisted!
SI Bridgend is delighted that our project with ChoraChori has been shortlisted for the SI Wales South Regional Programme Action award. Club members have been invited to make a presentation on the project at the Regional AGM in September to inform other clubs about how Bridgend is supporting the charity.
Support for Bereavement Charity
President Sharon, Carys and Rayner, together with Programme Action representatives from Soroptimist International Neath and Soroptimist International Swansea, attended a meeting arranged by SI Port Talbot to discuss collaborating on a fundraising campaign over the next four years for the children’s bereavement charity, Cruse Morgannwg. It was agreed that each club will arrange a fundraising event, inviting the other clubs and supporters. SI Port Talbot have already hosted an event with a fashion show held in Margam Orangery. SI Swansea will host an event next year, with SI Neath and SI Bridgend following in subsequent years. President Sharon was delighted that Bridgend members had agreed to participate in this joint venture. She said, “It is a very worthwhile charity and an excellent way to encourage collaboration and friendship between the clubs.”
Soroptimist Region celebrates 80th anniversary
Four members of Soroptimist International Bridgend joined over 70 members from across South Wales to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Soroptimist Region of Wales South. Carys, Helen, Joyce and Rayner, who was the Master of Ceremonies at the lunch, were joined by two former Federation Presidents who were also past members of SI Bridgend; they were Dorothy Jamieson and Liz Morgan-Lewis. Other attendees of note at the event were past Soroptimist International President Ann Garvie, past Soroptimist International Treasurer Anne Ainsworth and Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Finance Director Ruth Healey. SIGBI Federation President Elect Isobel Smith was the guest speaker, congratulating the Region on their achievement and wishing us well for the future.
A jolly afternoon tea with friends
Members of Soroptimist International Bridgend hosted an afternoon tea last Sunday at President Sharon’s home. The tea is part of the Contact the Elderly programme and offers older people who are often isolated an afternoon out with contact and companionship. President Sharon said, “It was a lovely afternoon and we helped two of our guests celebrate their birthdays with cake, candles and Prosecco! There was lots of laughter, chatter and a good time was had by all!”