New Members Lunch

New Members Lunch Report

On 3rd April  thirty two members of CNWW Region met at Bromborough Golf Club for a new members lunch.

This was organized by the Region Membership officers to engage new club members with regional officers and fellow new members from within the Region to inform them of the bigger picture and structure of Soroptimist International, from Federations including SIGBI to Club level. Due to Covid this was seen as crucial to retaining new members who had not had the opportunity to meet the regional officers or attend regional meetings. It was also an opportunity to fact find and make new friendships

Not everyone could attend and some had to decline at the last minute due to Covid still being prevalent in the Region.

The day started with an introduction to the day and members meeting socially over a drink, this was followed by a two course Lunch which every one enjoyed. A table quiz was organized by the President Elect on Federation and SIGBI matters and a prize was offered to the table coming top. This kept everyone focused on the day and encouraged newer members to ask the more experienced officers questions during courses ‘All Officers attending were asked to stand and   introduce themselves and give a brief of their role.

After the meal we all withdrew to comfortable seats, theatre style for Presentations on Federation and SIGBI given by Anne Mc Donald, who left no one in any doubt about the advantages if being a member and the benefits. She also explained the Capitation we pay to SIGBI nd the SIGBI Charities ending with the Conference planned this year for Belfast.

This was followed by a brief   role of the Federation Councillor given by Hilary Laidler so members knew what she had been doing over her term of office.

Gillie O Rourke then explained a little of the importance of PAC work and why the two presentations from the Barbara Dixon award were on display and pointed to some program action leaflets she had left out.  This was followed by Presentations to all the new members present with a recycled China cup and saucer, which had a bee’s wax candle inside. This she explained was in keeping with President Yvonne’s theme of New Beginnings and the Climate Change where we were being encouraged to be aware of the environment and recycling. Finally, the two Clubs – runner up SI Bebington and winner SI Rhyl of the Barbara Dixon award received their certificates.

A vote of thanks was made by the President Elect Susan Hayward for such an interesting and enjoyable day.

President Yvonne then gave the result of the Lottery funds raised for Mental Health across CNWW   and named the three charities which would benefit. The meeting was then closed at 3-30pm but many stayed on to chat with fellow members they had met. It was seen to be a very rewarding and informative day enjoyed by all.

Yvonne Johns Region President CNWW