Centenarian Sheila Pantin received the Club’s Honorary Membership when President Sheila and Immediate Past President Christine visited Sheila at her home on the 15th May 2025. Sheila truly deservers recognition for giving a lifetime of service.
VE DAY CONCERT – in the Royal Box
Just back from her trip to London, with her daughter Helen, to help celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE day. Sheila recounted her attendance at the VE Day concert on Horse Guards Parade on the 8th May 2025, with humour and animation. Sheila attended the event wearing the original Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) uniform.
As Sheila and Helen neared Horse Guards parade they were informed they would be in the “Royal Box”! This did not phase Sheila whatsoever. As one of the last people to enter the Royal Box and seated on the 2nd row, she noticed that a few seats on the front row were empty. Sheila was pleasantly surprised to see the King and Queen walk in and sit directly in front of her!
Recognised by the Prime Minister
Sheila wasn’t particularly enamoured with the concert itself, but really appreciated the hand warmers and red blankets given to keep warm. Also sat on the front row of the Royal Box was Sir Keir Starmer, who on his way out turned to Sheila and said “You are Sheila Pantin, you live in Harrogate”, to which Sheila replied “Yes I am and yes I do”. The Prime Minister had remembered Sheila from his brother’s funeral held a few years ago at St Peter’s Church in Harrogate.
BBC Interview for VE Day Celebrations on 6th May
Sheila’s also featured in an interview with the BBC as part of the VE Day celebrations on 6th May. There are few people left who can now give a first hand experience of active service during the war.
A Life of Service
Once you meet Sheila, you do not forget this amazing, inspirational and fascinating lady. A woman who has spent her life making a difference to women and girls / children, has smashed glass ceilings and keeps giving her voice to those who no longer have one with regards to the atrocities of World War II. A true Soroptimist.
It was an honour and a privilege for President Sheila to present our new honorary member Sheila Pantin with her Honorary Membership certificate. President Sheila looks forward to introducing Sheila to members over the forthcoming months, that is once Sheila P’s diary has been cleared a little.
Sheila is one of our Women Winning. She spoke about her life at the International Women’s Day Event in March.