Cannock Soroptimists meeting was on the evening of the dreadful terrorist attack in Manchester and their first thoughts were for the victims and their families. Members remembered them as the friendship candle was lit; Lynne Tuckley said: “On such an horrific day for our country, we are grateful for friendship everywhere”. When Jill Gooch said grace she said that this awful happening reminded us all of how transient life is and that whilst remembering the people of Manchester in our prayers we should also reflect on our own lives and be grateful for our friends and family.
After the meal, President Val Jones introduced the first speaker of her year in office: Colonel Chris Comport, whose topic was The Army Benevolent Fund – the Soldiers Charity. During his often light hearted talk he managed to pass on some serious and important information about the work of the charity, mainly that this charity, which has been the British Army’s National Charity since 1944, provides a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need. This support ensures that they have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence with dignity.
Support is given within the areas of education and training; mobility; well being; housing; elderly care and provides support to individuals and to families. Chris told us “Adam’s Story” to explain how support can be given over a long period of time (lifetime support) and within many of the areas mentioned above. This gave everyone a much clearer understanding of the excellent service offered by the ABF. The Army Benevolent Fund – the Soldiers Charity has 14 locations within Britain with 85 staff and hundreds of volunteers.
When she gave the vote of thanks, Lynne Tuckley also presented Chris with a small donation towards the work of the charity.
President Val ended the meeting by reminding everyone of her motto for the year, ‘Never Stop Learning’ with a quote from Einstein: ‘Life is like riding a bike – to keep balance you have to keep moving’.
More information about the work of the Cannock club, along with dates for meetings for the coming year can be found on their website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district or on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SICannock
Photos attached: Colonel Chris Comport with SI Cannock President Val Jones