Cannock and District Soroptimists held their Annual Charter Dinner this month at the Moat House Hotel, Acton Trussel. This year was particularly special as the club was celebrating its 70th Birthday. Guests enjoyed a wonderful meal in beautiful surroundings, followed by entertainment provided by the fabulous Lola Lamour.
Club President Carole Holdcroft welcomed guests from other clubs within the S I Midland Chase Region, Cannock Rotary and Probus. She extended a special welcome to ladies who had travelled from S I Port Talbot with whom Cannock has strong friendship links.
Speakers who proposed toasts to the club highlighted the dramatic changes which had taken place over those 70 years, particularly for women. In 1955 women generally stayed at home and had traditional roles and did not have the educational and career opportunities they have today. Soroptimists around the world have contributed to those social changes but there is still work to do.
S I Cannock and District Club was praised for recent projects such as welcoming Ukrainian refugees, supporting Women’s Aid and Pathway, the collection of over 42,000 books for children who cannot afford their own books, gifts to midwives at Christmas and many more.
The evening continued with an excellent performance by singer Lola Lamour with her unique blend of popular vintage songs and humour. It wasn’t long before Lola had the whole room – and sometimes “willing” volunteers – singing along to classics from musicals and artists such as Shirley Bassey, Doris Day and Marilyn Munroe. The words of Lola’s final song “The Wonder of You” were a fitting and poignant end to the evening.
Photos:
1: President SI Cannock & District Carole Holdcroft
2: Organising Team l to r: Soroptimists Carole Holdcroft, Tracey Stokes, Lynne Tuckley, Jill Gooch
3. Lola Lamour entertains!