Bridgend Soroptimists celebrated International Women’s Day with a (blustery) photo and a convivial lunch. Sharing fun and friendship, the ladies were very conscious of the many strong, amazing and dedicated women across the world and renewed their determination to continue standing up for women everywhere.
Bridgend Soroptimists once again hosted a very successful fundraising Fashion Show at the Heronston Hotel. A range of beautiful outfits from Samantha B in Ewenny were shown at their very best by our glamorous models, all members of SI Bridgend. Together with a raffle on the night and contributions from Samantha B for sales after the event, £1500 was raised for BAWSO, our President’s charity for 2023-24. Thank you to everyone involved and all who supported this fabulous evening of fashion, fun and friendship. Particular thanks go to Samantha B for her amazing support. We are delighted that local media took such interest in this event with the story featured in the Glamorgan Star, Seaside News and other local publications.
Bridgend Soroptimists were delighted to welcome Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail, winners of the BBC’s 2023 Race Across the World, as guest speakers to the February meeting. Cathie and Tricia, who have been best friends since they were 15, gave a behind-the-scenes account of their adventure, highlighted the challenges they faced and explained how they overcame these to come out on top. As one of five teams, the pair spent 51 days racing across Canada from west to east, travelling almost 10,000 miles. They had a budget of just £2,500 and were without smartphones, internet access or credit cards. As Cathie explained, “The fact that we have a wonderful, wonderful friendship and can be completely ourselves with each other without worrying what the other one thinks, really helped us during the race. We’ve always done bonkers things and saw this as another adventure! We
Bridgend Soroptimists had a busy run up to Christmas with a festive itinerary beginning with the Christmas Tree Festival in All Saints Church in Porthcawl. This year our tree was decorated with stars that highlighted some of the projects members have been involved with in 2023, with a QR code appearing on the accompanying poster to direct those interested to further details on our Club website.Members enjoyed a Christmas Carol Service at St David’s Church in Laleston on 6 December, rounding off their celebrations with a fish and chip supper at the adjoining Blandy Hall. A total of 35 Christmas Selection Boxes were provided for children currently under the care of Llamau Women’s Refuges in Bridgend, Caerphilly and Merthyr. There were also pamper bags full of toiletries and Christmas goodies for the mothers. A further 25 Selection Boxes were delivered to SPLICE, a children’s charity
Bridgend Soroptimists and guests enjoyed a fascinating talk from Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat this evening. Thank you to John and Ian, two members of the Porthcawl Lifeboat team, and to all who volunteer to keep our coast safe.
President Lesley Davies laid a wreath at the centotaph in Bridgend on Remembrance Sunday on behalf of memebrs of SI Bridgend. Despite the rain, there was a wonderful turnout.
Two members of Bridgend Soroptimists attended the packed Light a Candle event at Llandaff Cathedral organised by BAWSO to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. It was inspiring to hear from such powerful speakers and to see so many united in seeking to make change. Helen and Judith joined Tina Fahm, CEO of BAWSO, to light a candle beginning our 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
Congratulations, Sharon on an amazing year as Regional President for SI Wales South. You have had a fantastic year and we are very proud of you. We wish incoming President Rachel the very best for her year in office.
As many of you may be aware, as Soroptimists we hold 16 days of Activism from 25 November through to 10th December. In addition we join with many other Soroptimist clubs to hold an Orange Cafe on 25th of each month – raising awareness of Soroptimism as well as our ‘Say No to Gender-based Violence’ Campaign. On 25th September, a group of Bridgend Soroptimists met in Cowbridge for coffee and a chat – with our ever-present Orange Shoe and Poster. We generated a great deal of interest and enjoyed fun and friendship.
Members of SI Bridgend gathered at the home of Joyce Chatteron to celebrate Honourary Membership being awarded to Lily Laesser. Lily has been a valued member for 37 years and has served as a club officer on several committees and was Club President twice. Lily continues to be involved in club matters and attends club meetings and functions whenever possible. Always smiling and full of fun, Lily was delighted to receive her Honorary Membership Certificate from President Lesley.
