Members of S I Hallamshire recently enjoyed an afternoon trip to Elsecar Heritage Centre. We learnt of the remarkable history of the centre, from the engine house to the workers cottages, the iron ore smelting works and the personal railway for the Earls Fitzwilliam. A Yorkshire village built by rich aristocrats, it was an international centre of iron making and coal mining. Our guide made the visit and the centre come alive with many stories how the village was ahead of its time with its cottages and school for the workers and their children.

In recognition of our fiftieth charter anniversary in in 2021, our mother club SI Sheffield gave us a monetary gift. After discussion with our members we decided to add a centre piece to our insignia. A local jewellers designed and made a silver Yorkshire rose with a blue stone in the centre to match the existing blue stones around the edge of the insignia. They also added yellow gold between the petals to commemorate our fiftieth anniversary. It was worn for the first time at a recent meeting by President Angela. We invited two members of SI Sheffield to join us at the the meeting to view the new insignia.

SI Hallamshire celebrated International Women’s Day by meeting for a pub lunch after our regular business meeting. Everyone enjoyed their meal and we toasted our sister Soroptimists world wide during the course of the lunch. We all agreed that this gave us an opportunity to spend time together in a social setting. We hope we will be able to find the opportunity to repeat this in the future.

SI Hallamshire have agreed to purchase some trees for planting at Whirlow Brook Park in recognition of the club’s 5oth Charter Anniversary and the centenary of Soroptimist International. Whirlow Brook Park is a district park in south-west Sheffield, which is cared for by the Friends of Whirlow Brook Park who work with Sheffield Parks & Countryside to maintain this tranquil and scenic area. Some members of SI Hallamshire recently attended the planting of the first new tree, which was planted by President Angela. The following is an extract from the post on Whirlow Brook Parks FaceBook page. ‘We had a lovely group from Hallamshire Soroptimists in the Park today to plant the first of five trees to be planted in the sunken garden to celebrate 50 years since the club was charted in 1971 and also 100 years since the International Organisation was formed. The tree,

President Angela recently visited long standing member Paddy at her home to present her with a long service certificate recognising 45 years service to Soroptimist International. Paddy was unable to attend our recent 50th Anniversary Charter Dinner where long service certificates were also presented to Jean (45 years), Angela (35 years) and Pamela (25 years). A total of 145 years service between four members. What a wonderful achievement! We send them our congratulations and thank them for their commitment to SI Hallamshire and Soroptimist International.

SI Hallamshire was chartered on 23rd September 1971. Recently the club held a special charter dinner to celebrate this event. The dinner was held at the Inox restaurant at the University of Sheffield. The guests enjoyed a special three course ‘Taste of Yorkshire’ menu. The principal guests were The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Gail Smith; Pam Liversidge OBE, FREng, who was the guest speaker; SI Yorkshire President, Linda Davis and Thelma de Leeuw who signed our charter. We were also joined by Soroptimists from our Friendship club, SI Sutton Coldfield, our mother club, SI Sheffield, other Soroptimists, past members and friends. Three members of the club were presented with long service certificates. They were  Jean Thompson Banks – 45 years, Angela Karck – 35 years , and Pamela Goff – 25 years. Everyone who attended has agreed that it was a most enjoyable evening with