Several Chester members attended the recent Federation Conference held in Liverpool from 25th – 27th October. After the usual Flag Ceremony on Thursday evening, followed by entertainment from the Brothers of Swing (which had many of us up on our feet!), the conference got underway on Friday morning. We enjoyed hearing from some interesting speakers (including Terry Waite CBE, Helen Pankhurst and Sir Ranulph Fiennes, all of whom had thought provoking, and sometimes amusing, stories to sell. We also received updates on some of the projects that clubs have worked on throughout the year.
Soroptimist International President Mariet gave us an update on her President’s Appeal, ‘Women, Water & Leadership’ and we also heard from the International President of Advocacy, Bev Bucur, who advised us of the work being done at the UN Centres and the women who represent us at these Centres.
We were particularly proud that one of our own members, Jodie, was chosen to reflect on her recent Study Tour to visit the Meru Women’s Garden Project in Kenya. We contributed to this project by offering an original oil painting which was raffled, raising £520.00 for the project.
We also took the opportunity to transport to Liverpool the huge collection of ring pulls that we have amassed during the year and handed these over to the CEO from the Purple Community Fund.
