For many years SI Cannock has been linked with SI Perth, Australia and the clubs have been in regular correspondence. In 2007 a member of SI Perth, Margaret Lobo, became the organisation’s International President – Cannock Soroptimists were so pleased when they had the opportunity to see her take office and to enjoy her company when she visited Cannock in 2008. They were even more thrilled to have the chance to deepen that friendship when Margaret visited Cannock again recently. 20 club members joined her for lunch and spent a very happy few hours chatting about so many things: life in Australia compared to life in the UK; Soroptimists role within the UN; our advocacy and action within issues such as FGM and trafficking; the work we have done internationally to provide birthing facilities where none existed – and so much more!
During the visit, Dora Leighton presented Margaret with a banner from SI Cannock and a gift which commemorated the club’s 60th year.
Meeting Margaret has brought the two clubs closer and enabled everyone to understand more fully the important part Soroptimists play in educating, empowering and enabling women worldwide. The two clubs will continue their correspondence and sincerely hope that they will meet again – maybe in Australia next time!!
More information about the club and the organisation is available on the website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SICannock
Photo: Margaret Lobo, Past International President, Soroptimists and member of SI Perth, Australia [5th from right] with members of SI Cannock & District
