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Supporting Llamau

Supporting Llamau

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Sharon Dixon arranged a joint meeting between Bridgend Soroptimists, Llamau co-ordinator Bex and ladies from the refuge. The purpose of the meeting was to ascertain how SI Bridgend members could continue to support Llamau. A very successful meeting generated lots of ideas. Firstly, items are still required – currently Llamau have asked for the following: single bedding, towels, cleaning materials, school uniforms (navy sweatshirts/jumpers/cardigans, grey trousers, red/white polo shirts), a bookcase (supplied immediately after the meeting) and garden furniture. Sharon explained that Bridend members had a very wide range of skills and talents that they would like to share with the ladies. This was very well received and it was agreed that we would organise sessions on Confidence building, management of change, building self belief and self esteem, the preparation of healthy meals on a budget, pamper sessions, craft sessions to include knitting, literacy and numeracy

Jubilee Teas for Elderly Friends

Jubilee Teas for Elderly Friends

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Joyce Chatterton and Sue Bennett, together with their planning group invited and organised a jubilee tea for our elderly friends and some members of SI Bridgend in Joyce’s beautifully decorated garden. We were greeted by Joyce who offered a variety of sparkling/non sparkling, alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks. Members and friends paid ten pounds for a superb tea of sandwiches, a variety of cakes and trifle, jelly and pink blancmange rabbits! These were fondly remembered by many. Ladies were splendidly dressed and hatted as befitted the occasion. The free raffle was a great success. Joyce has reported that the party raised approximately £150 towards the friends summer outing. Thank you Joyce!

Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse

Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse

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Last night, Sian Morgan, Chief Executive of Hafan Cymru spoke to Bridgend Soroptimists about her work on domestic abuse and about breaking the cycle of abuse to help people regain their independence. Sian’s career has spanned 40 years working in a variety of government agencies, specialising in growing and developing organisations, building partnerships and getting more people involved. She was Welsh Businesswoman of the Year 2019. Hafan Cymru supports people who find themselves in situations that mean they can’t or don’t know how to live safely. Hafan Cymru helps them find their feet and find independence. Sometimes it is by finding somewhere safe to live, sometimes it’s through a range of services they develop and tailor to each individual situation. The association has been doing this for over 30 years helping women and families to build the confidence to lead the life they hope for.

New Year, New Faces

New Year, New Faces

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Bridgend Soroptimists held their Club AGM last night with high hopes of a year of re-connecting, face-to-face meetings and a welcome return to Soroptimist activity. Gaynor Hoare is continuing for a second year as Club President. In welcoming Lesley Davies as President Elect and Ruth Davies-Kemp as Vice President, President Gaynor was delighted to declare that the Club is truly set fair for the future. President Gaynor expressed her thanks to members for their support and efforts throughout the last year. Although we continued to be disrupted by Covid restrictions, the Club met regularly throughout the year both virtually on Zoom as well as on a number of occasions face-to-face. We have enjoyed a wide range of speakers, discussion sessions and gatherings with members of our Friendship Links across the world – and the Saturday morning Well-being sessions have become a permanent fixture in the

Easter Eggs for Llamau

Easter Eggs for Llamau

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Llamau collected this fantastic haul of Easter eggs, kindly donated by members and friends of Bridgend Soroptimists. The eggs are making their way to the mothers and children who are spending Easter in the refuge in Bridgend. Thank you to everyone for their fabulous generosity to those in need.

Women in Wales Fundraising Event

Women in Wales Fundraising Event

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A number of Bridgend Soroptimists attended the 2022 Women in Wales in Cardiff today. The event was originally planned for April 2020, but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Bridgend Soroptimist, Felicity Ladbrooke was the chair of the organising committee and said, “It was a relief to finally see the event go ahead after 2 years of delays and was fantastic to see so many ladies supporting three great causes –  2 Wish, Noah’s Ark Children’s hospital, Dylan Thomas school.”

Afternoon Tea in Laleston

Afternoon Tea in Laleston

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A sunny afternoon, delicious food and a wealth of friendship and chatter contributed to a very successful afternoon tea hosted by Bridgend Soroptimists. Held in the recently refurbished Laleston Church Hall, members and guests enjoyed an excellent array of sandwiches and cakes, supplied by Southerndown Golf Club and served most graciously by local Scouts. The Maesteg Ukulele Band provided the entertainment. The event raised almost £500 which is to be donated to Young Carers Bridgend to enable youngsters to participate in a Young Carers Festival later in the year.

Fashion Show raises over £1500 for Charities

Fashion Show raises over £1500 for Charities

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Bridgend Soroptimists hosted a very successful 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. As well as a raffle, there was an auction of three amazing lots generously donated by Southerndown Golf Club, Felicity’s of Bridgend and Ruth Davies-Kemp’s parents. The event raised over £1500 which will be split between The Rosa Foundation, President Gaynor’s charity for 2021-2022, and Young Carers Bridgend. Thank you to everyone who contributed to a wonderful evening.

Practical Support for Victims of Domestic Abuse

Practical Support for Victims of Domestic Abuse

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At the Club meeting last week, we were joined by Rebecca Stones, Project Manager for Llamau Bridgend and Merthyr. Rebecca gave a general overview of Llamau’s work with victims of domestic abuse and extended her grateful thanks for our support both financially and, of course, with the gift bags, pamper bags and selection boxes at Christmas. Club members have also donated clothes, shoes and bags for the ladies in the refuge. Rebecca was also keen to explore other ways in which members could offer hands-on support and a discussion ensued outlining the areas in which we could help. This included providing craft and chat sessions, confidence building and interviews skills, as well as many other areas. Rebecca will now ask her clients which activities  would interest them and will come back to us to take this project forward. SI Bridgend has supported Domestic Violence services