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Soroptimists support domestic abuse charity

Soroptimists support domestic abuse charity

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We were delighted to welcome Katie Davies as our guest speaker to the supper meeting on 26th September. Katie is the Regional Manager for Calan DVS which merged with Bridgend Women’s Aid in 2015. Katie gave a most interesting overview of the work currently being undertaken in Bridgend and across South Wales to support the victims of domestic abuse. Calan DVS merged with Bridgend Women’s Aid in 2015 taking on the services and support previously provided by Women’s Aid. Katie explained that there has been a marked increase in the need year on year to help individuals – male and female – experiencing domestic violence. Since the merger they have created a working partnership with South Wales Police, Bridgend County Borough Council, Calan DVS’ Integrated Domestic Abuse Service and other agencies to deliver the best support to those in need. The team is based int

Charity cafe opens at prison

Charity cafe opens at prison

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  Visitors to Parc Prison near Bridgend will have a warm welcome thanks to a new café opened by charity volunteers. Barnardo’s Cymru has opened the café at the G4S-run HMP Parc which will be run by members of Bridgend Soroptimists. Both professional visitors and prisoners’ relatives, some of whom have travelled long distances, will be able to get hot and cold drinks and snacks while they wait to enter the prison. Around 400 visitors a day pass through the Susan Ellis Visitor Centre which has been run by the children’s charity Barnardo’s Cymru on behalf of G4S for some time. The Barnardo’s team has an important role to play alongside prison staff in ensuring families have the right documents to enter the prison for a visit. Families have made positive comments about the experience of working with Barnardo’s staff who are easily identifiable in

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Soroptimists swap Smarties for support

Soroptimists swap Smarties for support

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When President Helen’s friend, Siobhan, suffered major brain trauma as a result of a winter sport’s accident, she was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where she received the best care possible. Siobhan, an Intelligence Officer in the RAF, was representing the RAF in the Tri-Services Winter Games and competing in the luge when the accident happened. Siobhan’s parents, who live in Porthcawl, rushed to be at her bedside and as well as dealing with the shock and trauma of the accident and Siobhan’s condition, had to find somewhere to stay in Birmingham as close to the hospital as possible. Siobhan’s parents weren’t aware that they could stay in Fisher House, the home away from home for military patients and their families, which has provided free accommodation for forces families since 2013. Helen explains, “Beryl and Jake, Siobhan’s parents, were amazed and incredibly grateful when

Bridgend Soroptimist have nothing to “wine” about!

Bridgend Soroptimist have nothing to “wine” about!

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Bridgend Soroptimists visited Glyndwr Vineyard in Llanblethian and enjoyed a delightful evening in glorious sunshine. The vineyard is the oldest and largest established vineyard in Wales, established in 1979. Members were given a comprehensive presentation of the wine-making production process and enjoyed sampling the differnet varieties on offer. A superb home-cooked supper followed with yet more sampling and a tour of the vineyard which included meeting the pet llamas. The visit was the last meeting before the summer recess and ended the term on a perfect note.  

Giving Women a Voice

Giving Women a Voice

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Following up on an interesting and enjoyable evening a few weeks ago finding out about how women campaigned to have the vote, several members of SI Bridgend joined Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon and other local organisations to march as part of Porthcawl Carnival. Some members wore period costume, whilst others donned green, white and violet sashes, to lead the carnival as part of the 100 women marching for the vote. They were followed by a carnival float created by Porthcawl Museum celebrating the achievements of women in the last 100 years and which included Welsh broadcaster Roy Noble as Lloyd George.

Fundraising in the sunshine

Fundraising in the sunshine

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Members of Bridgend Soroptimists once again supported the English Speaking Union and basked in the sunshine at Fonmon Castle at the ESU traditional summer garden party. As well as raising money for Soroptimist Charities through a Tombola, the event is an excellent way to raise awareness of the service undertaken by the Club. Soroptimist values align well witht eh English Speaking Union which focuses attention on raising levels of education, particularly in areas of need.

Supporting the Community and Raising Money

Supporting the Community and Raising Money

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Once again members of Bridgend Soroptimists supported St David’s Church Fete in Laleston with a bric-a-brac stall. Although the weather was not the best, the stall raised £115 – all of which will go towards projects and charities supported by the Club. In addition, the remaining items were donated to the British Heart Foundation, making it a win-win for everyone. Many thanks to Carys, Sandra, Inez, Christine and Sue B who all helped on the day, and also to all those members who donated items for the stall.

Soroptimists Spreading the Word

Soroptimists Spreading the Word

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SI Bridgend was invited to put up a display in Cowbridge Library for the month of June to spread the word about Soroptimist International. This was an excellent opportunity to publicise Soroptimist International as well as highlight the many local, national and international service projects that the Bridgend members are involved in. Under the headings of ‘Educate, Empower, Enable’ a number of projects were highlighted including the Literacy Project with Barnardo’s at Parc Prison, our International Women’s Day walk, our Toilet Twinning activity – and sponsorship of a toilet block in Pakistan – the Knitting project for Mothers for Africa, our regular Teas for the Elderly and sponsorship of young girls’ education in Cape Verde. Fun and friendship was also conveyed with photos of members celebrating our 70th anniversary as a Club, visiting the annual SIGBI conference in Cardiff last October and our Christmas Tree

100 years of Votes for Women

100 years of Votes for Women

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Bridgend Soroptimists enjoyed an informative and amusing talk from Ceri Joseph of Porthcawl Museum about Women and the Vote. Ceri’s talk was wide-ranging, covering not only the history of what was happening over 100 years ago on the national scene, but also some of the lesser-know facts about how women made their voices heard across Wales and locally in the Bridgend and Porthcawl area. An excellent evening, topped off by an invitation from Ceri to join other women marching as part of the Porthcawl Carnival in July. Watch this space as members celebrate this milestone for women and acknowledge the sacrifices made by women on our behalf.

Meet our new President Elect

Meet our new President Elect

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President Helen was delighted to install Sharon Dixon as President Elect for 2018-2019. Sharon, a management consultant, is a fairly new member to the Club and has already served as Membership Officer. She is looking forward to taking on the role of President next year and taking the Club forward towards our centenary. President Helen presented Sharon with her badge of office together with a gold brooch, a replica of the Williamsburgh Mace. The brooch was bequeathed to SI Bridgend by a past member, Kathleen Snell. The brooch was given to Kathleen by members of SI Williamsburgh (in Virginia in the USA), one of Bridgend’s friendship links, when she visited the Club. President Helen explains, “Instead of letting the brooch hide away in its box, some years ago we decided to use it as the President Elect’s insignia – a lovely reminder of our friends