SI Cannock &Districts glittering Diamond anniversary celebration at Rodbaston Hall was attended by 120 members, past members and friends including Soroptimists from other Clubs in the Midland Chase Region. The evening marked the 60th Anniversary of the Club’s charter which was presented at a dinner at Eaton Lodge Hotel, Rugeley on February 10th 1955.
The theme of diamonds ran through all of the decorations and embellishments, guests made sure they wore something that glittered! President Dr Janis Lomas and club members were delighted to welcome everyone to this special event and were particularly pleased that so many Past Presidents were able to join them.
Margaret Lyons, President 1984 – 1985 gave the toast to Soroptimist International Cannock & District, remembering with fondness members and activities of the past and telling current members of her pride in all of the work they are still carrying out, 60 years after their charter. Region President Carol Bailey responded, congratulating Cannock Soroptimists on so many positive aspects of their work: their involvement with difficult issues such as domestic violence, trafficking, child sexual exploitation, FGM as well as the support they continue to give to local charities and to international appeals like Birthing in the Gambia, Cook Solar, See Solar. She congratulated them on the publicity they receive; Cannock Soroptimists and their work are well known.
Speaking on behalf of the guests, Past President Betty Howard-Evans [president 1999 -2000] thanked President Janis and club members for organising such a wonderful event with an excellent meal and the usual wonderful friendship and for the commemorative gift of an inscribed pen.
The speaker at this special event was Sheila Dibnah who spoke about her life with steeplejack Fred. Her stories kept everyone hugely entertained and created a lot of laughter. Soroptimist and Past President Carole Holdcroft gave the vote of thanks, saying that Fred always came across as a humble man, admired by many, including herself and her husband, also an engineer.
As the evening ended, President Janis thanked everyone for their support for the Club in the past but particularly during this, their Diamond Anniversary year.
Photo: l to r: Dr Janis Lomas, President SI Cannock & District; speaker Sheila Dibnah, President Midland Chase Region Carol Bailey
2nd photo: the glittering room at Rodbaston