At our meeting on 2nd June, we were delighted to welcome Anne Llewellyn-Knott from Safer Places, who updated us on the various programmes implemented since our last talk on the work of the women’s refuge. We learnt that they provide specialist support for women with alcohol related problems (either their own or those of their partner) and, in those areas where they do not have specialisms, for example drugs, mental health issues, women are referred to the appropriate specialist agencies. Of particular interest, was their successful liaison with Essex Police. Safer Places provide a support worker either to accompany the police when called out to a case of domestic violence, or to follow up on cases referred to her by the police, offering support and advice. They have found that women are much more likely to talk to their support worker than to the police,

President Jenny and Chritine Brown

On 19th August we had a wonderful visit to the National Memorial Arboretum.  President Jenny roganised a coach and a lovely day out was had by all.  The Arboretum quite understandably brought to mind various memories of family members lost in wars of dear Soroptimist friends no longer with us and many more.     A group of members from SI Hertford and District               Our SIGBI sign      

President Jenny with Jenny Munns head of Benington School

FRUGAL SUPPER – SEPTEMBER 2013 This year we combined our Frugal Supper with International Literacy Day. As always, the meal was not so very frugal, with members and friends enjoying lasagne and a variety of desserts, washed down with a glass of wine at the home of President Jenny. Afterwards we watched a DVD which updated us on the work of A-CET (African Children’s Educational Trust), a charity dear to our hearts. A-CET works with their partners EYES (Ethiopian Youth Educational Service), building schools in the rural districts of Ethiopia. Their latest school which opened in September in Metego will provide free places for 800 girls and boys in two shifts.  Since opening the first school in 2006, A-CET has helped to build and furnish schools with places for 6000 youngsters where few places existed before. We are delighted to be sending the proceeds from