84th Federation Conference, Liverpool 25-27th October 2018. I attended this excellent Conference with members Helen Davies & Di Hill who, unlike me, were working extremely hard behind the scenes to make sure that everything ran efficiently and to time.
The keynote speakers were: Emily Rose Yates, wheel chair bound, inspired us with her work to improve travel facilities for disabled persons, Terry Waite needs no introduction, talked of his kidnapping and how he survived mentally with the loneliness, Dr Annemarie Wilson, a psychologist working hard to persuade 28 countries in Africa to adopt anti FGM laws. Ellie Bird Lena-warungu retired from the Police Force to work in Africa advising on stopping sexual and gender based violence and empowering women and girls to make changes based on what they want for their families. Sally Kettle the first woman to row the Atlantic twice from East to West, the first time with her mother and no experience in rowing! Dr Helen Pankhurst, great granddaughter of Emmeline and granddaughter of Sylvia reflected on how far we had come since gaining the vote and what we need to focus on now. Sir Ranulph Fiennes entertained us with anecdotes from his career as a ground-breaking adventurer.
There were further talks from clubs in the Federation. It was wonderful to hear of the impact that Soroptimists make locally and internationally and to talk to them socially between the sessions.
I was delighted to meet up with our Friendship Links of Halifax, Bootle & Chester who send their best wishes to all SI Bristol.
Photos to follow