Carol Bailey, Region President of SI Midland Chase visited Cannock Soroptimists to tell them about the recent International conference held in Istanbul which she had attended as their representative. One of the things she had particularly enjoyed was the opportunity to meet with members of SI from all over the world, seeing and hearing at first hand the wonderful projects being undertaken to enable, educate and empower women and girls on all of our continents. The SI theme for the next four years was confirmed as ‘Educate to Lead’. An important item on the agenda was information on the White Ribbon Campaign which has been running for over 20 years and with which Cannock Soroptimists have been actively involved. This is the campaign to engage men in action to stop domestic violence and to encourage gender equality in the workplace – women cannot do either

Many guests joined members of SI Cannock at their September speaker meeting, one of those guests being David Clay who had been invited along to celebrate his retirement as Restaurant Manager of The Barns. President Lynne Tuckley described David as “our honorary Soroptimister!” David had hosted our meetings and greeted everyone by name and with their favourite drink for the last 10 years. His presence had provided a warm and efficient welcome that will be greatly missed. He lit the Friendship Candle and told everyone how much he appreciated their friendship over the years and their good wishes on his retirement. The speaker was Cannock artist and embroiderer Sylvia Everitt who spoke about and showed slides of her Cannock Millennium Embroideries. She explained that The Bayeux Tapestry was the inspiration for her 11 panels depicting the main historical events, products, people and properties of Staffordshire

One of the charities President of Soroptimist International of Cannock & District Lynne Tuckley has chosen to support this year is St Giles Hospice; she has asked Cannock Friends of St Giles to be involved in events and all monies raised for the Hospice will be donated through the Friends’ group. A well attended coffee morning was held at the home of Soroptimist Jenny Holmes: there was a bring & buy stall; a raffle; scarves and Christmas cards were on sale -and of course, delicious homemade cakes and scones to enjoy! The weather was kind and people were able to enjoy sitting out in the garden to enjoy their coffee and cakes. Members, friends and neighbours went along as did Amanda Milling MP who is a great supporter of SI and of St Giles. There was a super atmosphere and a great buzz of conversation

For the last few years a collection of tents, chairs, beds, sleeping bags, un-opened food etc has been organised by Rotary International at Weston Park in the two days following the V Festival. This year, as in previous years, Soroptimist International of Cannock & District was involved. Festival attendees leave so much behind which, if it can be collected, can be used by people at home and overseas. No matter how many volunteers go along they are never able to collect all of the items left behind. This year 7 Soroptimists from SI Cannock & District and one Soroptimist’s son went along to help with the grand ‘clear-up’ at Weston Park following another very successful, but muddy, V Festival. Wearing wellies and other appropriate clothing members set to work dismantling and re-packing tents, rolling up air beds, collecting chairs, buckets, bowls, sleeping bags and unopened

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,

The winner of the competition to find the Midland Chase Inspirational Woman 2015 was announced at the Region AGM held at the Chase Golf Club. 11 Clubs in the Region had each nominated a woman who they felt fulfilled that title and the panel of 5 judges reached their decision following presentations held in June. She is Fiona Ford, nominated by SI Newcastle. Fiona’s own experience with hair loss following chemotherapy inspired her to set up a bespoke service for wig fitting in the Stoke area: she now has a salon called ‘Fresh Hair’ housed in the Royal Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent. Member of SI Newcastle Sandra Mellor introduced Fiona again to Region members, explaining how she had first met her when looking for possible speakers for club meetings. She and all club members realised that Fiona was very special; they were so impressed by her positive

Members of SI Cannock enjoyed our summer celebration in style with a tour of the National Trust’s Sunnycroft villa, Shropshire, followed by afternoon tea at the Buckatree Hotel, Telford. We discovered the fascinating history of the villa and were delighted to learn that the last private owner of Sunnycroft, Joan Lander, was in fact a member of the Shrewsbury Soroptimist group! Joan’s embroidered gold and blue Shrewsbury Soroptimist table cloth was on display at the villa especially for the Cannock members, who were all delighted to see it and to admire the intricacy of the work. President Lynne, herself an accomplished embroiderer, was particularly pleased to see it. Lynne designed and embroidered cloths for SI Cannock for both their 50th and 60th anniversaries. After the tour, we relaxed at the Buckatree hotel where we enjoyed a sun soaked afternoon tea on the terrace.

On the hottest night of the year-(so far) – members and friends of Cannock & District gathered at The Barns to exercise what Hercule Poirot called their little grey cells. Teams of four grappled with a wide set of subjects, and they were refreshed at the interval with lasagne. The quiz master was Chris Wardle, pictured here with President Lynne Tuckley. This event is one of many that SI will organise in the coming year, with the object of bringing help and support to women and girls in our local and wider areas. Our quiz raised £322. We shall also enjoy many social activities, with the chance to make new friends. Like to find out more? Contact si.cannock@outlook.com

Region President of SI Midland Chase Carol Bailey initiated a competition to find the Region’s most Inspirational Woman. Clubs in the Region were asked to nominate a woman who they felt fulfilled that title and at the quarterly meeting in June, 11 clubs gave their presentations to the Region meeting and to a panel of 5 judges. The presentations showed what a wealth of wonderful, inspirational women we have working in the area of Midland Chase. A number of Nominations were for women working within the area of sexual and domestic violence: Lisa Freeman of SARAC (sexual abuse and rape advice centre); Dickie James, CEO of Staffordshire Women’s Aid; Kathy Coe who began and runs the Pathway Project and Carole Richardson, programme coordinator of a Salvation Army refuge for women. Detective Michelle Lane was nominated for her work for Hope for Justice and the work

SI Cannock & District held its AGM at The Barns on 14th April. The meeting marked the end of the club’s Diamond Anniversary year: the first meeting of interested women was held in July 1954 at the Gas Showrooms in Cannock and the Club was chartered at a formal event held at Eaton Lodge Hotel in Rugeley in February 1955. Dr Janis Lomas was the club’s President for this very special anniversary year and she reported on the successes and achievements of the year, thanking club members for their support. The year had seen some very special events: a visit from Mary, Queen of Scots [Lesley Smith, curator of Tutbury castle], two wonderful visits to Tutbury Castle; an afternoon tea and fashion cavalcade at Ingestre Hall; International Night with a speaker from Bletchley Park followed by a visit to Bletchley; Christmas celebrations at Trentham Gardens