The new President of Soroptimist International Cannock & District is Carole Holdcroft. She was given the chain of office by out-going President Lynne Tuckley at the AGM held in April.
In her final words to the Club Lynne reminded members of the highs and lows of the year: two of their much loved and well respected members had died, bringing sadness to the Club, but one member had married and others had become grand-parents, bringing much happiness. She thanked everyone who had worked to make the year such a success and enable the club to send donations amounting to £1,200 to Cannock Friends of St Giles and to Pathway, the local project helping women victims of domestic violence, as well as the lobbying about trafficking and FGM and the service given to aid local groups. She ended with her motto for the year: “Carpe Diem” – encouraging everyone to “Seize the Day”.
As she took up her new position and addressed the Club, new President Carole first of all congratulated Immediate Past President Lynne and the Club for all that they had achieved over the year and Presented Lynne with flowers as a token of the Club’s appreciation.
Carole told everyone that she felt very proud to be elected President of such a positive and hard working club and outlined some of the ideas she has for the year. Her chosen charity for the year is the Pathway Project – Carole has worked in a voluntary capacity to support them for over 20 years.
Carole’s theme for the year is “Create some Smiles” – she told everyone that her wish for the year ahead is that it creates lots of smiles not only for club members but also for the women and girls that we will support this year. She promised to give 100% – and with a smile. Club members know Carole very well and know that this will indeed be the case.
Carole has been a Soroptimist for almost 30 years – she became a Soroptimist in November 1986 – and has been involved in projects at local, national and international level. She has held many offices within the club including Treasurer, Membership Secretary; Programme Action Officer and the Club’s representative at Pathway. She is involved in other voluntary organisations including a First Responders group. Her professional background was as an accountant; she has also held positions as Company Secretary and Director of Engineering.
All club members wished President Carole well and assured her of their support over the coming year as they continue to educate, empower and enable women and girls locally and globally.
The first major event Carole and her team have organised is an evening to raise awareness of issues around the theme of “Feel Good, Look Good”. It will be held at Calf Heath Village Hall on May 27th and it is free to attend. More information is available by emailing si.cannock@outlook.com, by phoning 07971 494510 or by looking on the website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SICannock
Photo: l to r: Lynne Tuckley, President, SI Cannock & District 2015 – 2016 receiving flowers from new President Carole Holdcroft