President’s Blog – From President Christine Anderson
W.A.W.W.- What A Wonderful Way to start our 91st charter year, at our AGM on 17th April 2024, here’s a quick resume of the evening:
- Thanking President Pat for her leadership and support through our amazing 90th year, I personally could not have imagined celebrating our 90 years without Pat at the helm
- Seeing Val receiving her honorary membership, it is really well-deserved as Val is a truly inspirational Soroptimist, who I have learnt so much from.
- Receiving the chain of office and the warmest of welcomes and support as the Club’s new President
- Welcoming President Elect Sheila and Vice President Heather and electing this year’s new Team Members, Jennifer, Liz F, Janet M and Irene
- Launching our theme for this year. The 3 Fs – Focus, Friendship and Fun
- Celebrating a collective 195 years of service by our Club members Janet H, Nicola, Judith, Liz S, Sylvia, Sue W. Each member was presented with a certificate by our Yorkshire President Susie Westwood. What an achievement and thank you ladies for your service.
Theme for the Year
Our theme for this year is on Focus, Friendship and Fun. Focussing on being the best we can be, making a positive difference, building and expanding strong collaborative friendships, having a lot of fun, laughter, creating happy memories together and just as importantly staying healthy and young. So here is to our 91st year.
ANZAC DAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
I joined Val and Judith at the Anzac Day on Sunday 21st April at the Harrogate (Stonefall) War Graves Cemetery. It was an absolutely moving and emotional remembrance service, honouring those men from Australia and New Zealand who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us.
This year particular remembrance was given to the four World War II aviators from Wellington, New Zealand – Charles Agnew, Alfred Churchill Lockyer, Terence McKinley and John Matthew Stack. It was also a pleasure to meet Squadron Leader Sara Potter of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Val has shared photos / video clips taken on the day and the memorial programme with our Friendship link SI Wellington.
TRUSSELL TRUST – RACE AGAINST HUNGER
On Saturday 27th April , Ozzy my Soroptidog and I took part in the walk raising funds for the Trussell Trust Race against Hunger campaign. With Val, Heather and Val’s Soroptimister Jonathan we completed just over 5 miles. The route started in Hookstone, then along the old railway line to Bilton, passed the Gardeners Arms, up towards Bilton Nursing Home, then back onto Knaresborough Road and home. We even managed to record some video footage and Val as always had her camera ready to take those all-important photos.
Please check out our Facebook page to see lots more information, this is the link to our justgiving page. So far £540 plus gift aid has been raised, huge thank you to everyone. I know times are tough so all donations are greatly appreciated.
SI BINGLEY DINNER
On Saturday evening President Elect Shelia and myself went to SI Bingley to help them celebrate their 75th charter year. It was a a lovely evening and I was sat on a table with our sisters from SI Bingley and SI Bradford. I was really interested to hear about one of their joint projects working with women who were either on probation or had just come out of prison. And of course we talked about the upcoming Regional Council Meeting at Askam Grange prison. Members from SI Bradford told me about the links they have with the Prison. It was also an opportunity to have a quick catch up with SIGBI President Ruth Healy and Yorkshire President Susie Westwood. Thank you Sheila for your company and driving
Malawi School Project
I am delighted to say we are nearing the final stages of the Malawi School project led by club member Christabel. Letters have gone to President Harriet at SI Blantyre and the Head Teacher of Seyema School confirming our final donation to the building work. And, asking them to provide feedback on what impact this will have on the school and community.
Progress really has been made, the electrics are in, the plastering has been done and the concrete floor is going down. I didn’t think I would be so pleased to receive photos of plastered walls and a concrete floor, but those pictures show how our contribution is being used. I cannot thank Christabel and our sisters at SI Blantyre, President Harriet and Lennie enough for making this happen. I am excited to see the completion of the building and how this will make a difference to the community. And, of course, what the opening celebrations will be, so as they say, “watch this space”.
Website – President’s Blog
We are working on the format and content of our website. The monthly President blogs will become part of this year’s web content.
Diary Dates
A date for your diaries. Our 91st Charter lunch on 12th October 2024, the save the date” flyer, has been circulated. Thank you Maureen and Geoff for doing this. Lesley has very kindly agreed to be our Charter Lunch secretary so a massive thank you from me. I’m looking forward to start planning the event in May with our Events Tean led by Janet M.
Generators for the Ukraine Coffee Morning
As Brucie used to say, “didn’t they do well” !! I am referring to the Ukraine Generators project’s recent event at Rachel R’s. Over £500 has been raised, really well done to Tricia, Rachel and everyone who supported the event. We already know the money raised is making a difference in Ukraine.
Thank you once again for your support and here’s to our 91st year and the 3 F’s – Focus, Friendship and Fun.