Sunday 5th August saw a small but merry band of Soroptimists from SI Hertford and District, putting out our stall at the Royston Kite Festival organised by Royston Rotary Club.  It was the first outing for our new banner, seen at the back of the stand and thanks to Kate who lent her superb new pop-up gazebo, we were set for a most enjoyable day, watching kites.  Photos below show our stall and our massive Treasure Hunt board, entry £1, possible winnings £40.  We were raising money for the Women’s Refuge we support – Safer Places and our treasure hunt raised in the region of £200. Once the treasurers have finished counting the money, we can give an accurate figure!  Another very hot day!    

The Soroptimist International of Hertford and District club were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Hertford, Councillor Beryl Wrangles to their annual Tea Party in Bengeo on Tuesday, 24th. July, in aid of the Isabel Hospice. Guests enjoyed afternoon tea on what was once again one of the warmest days of the year.  The Hertford U3A Ukulele Group entertained with a selection of well known tunes from the 1970’s and 80’s. Community Fund Raiser, Cheryl Cusack from the Isabel Hospice, thanked everyone for their continuing support and the afternoon raised just over £600. Below a selection of photos from this very enjoyable occasion.

At our meeting in July, SI Hertford and District welcomed Amy, a Young Carer Support Advisor from Carers in Hertfordshire, this year’s President’s charity. Amy began by outlining some of the difficulties which young carers can face, often without others realising the issues. For example, something as normal as inviting a friend round after school or going to friends’ birthday parties can be impossible if there is a brother or sister with a disability at home or if parents cannot provide transport because they are caring for a disabled sibling. Young carers often don’t want to have to explain the issues to their friends, so they can become isolated because they are unable to participate in social activities. Amy explained some of the ways in which Carers in Hertfordshire can provide support for young carers. Firstly, a support advisor will visit the family and advise

This month we welcomed Stacy Wells, who is a volunteer listener with Samaritans, as well as being a fundraising volunteer for MacMillan Cancer Support and working full time as a mortgage advisor in London! She gave a touching and interesting talk about her experiences, telling us about the support and training she has received to enable her to fulfil her role. She then told us about the type of calls she receives, from suicidal to those just wanting a late night chat because they are lonely. She also added that the charity still receives a number of inappropriate calls from men and explained how she recognises and deals with these. It was fascinating and emotional and members were left amazed at Stacy’s resilience and energy.

Our annual wine and cheese evening was held on 23rd March as close to World Water Day as we could get!  The event is held to raise money for WaterAid a charity we have supported for a number of years.  We raised the amazing total of £1330 with support from fellow Soroptimists, ‘Friends’ of our Soroptimist Club, our local Rotary Club and many other friends.  We held our usual bottle raffle with prizes from bubbly to bleach in fact almost anything that you can put in a bottle.  So a huge thank you to everyone who supported us.  

This presentation by Joan Munden was about a family member in World War Two. Joan and her cousin had been doing some genealogical research into the Rolfe family. They were taken by surprise when a relative of the past Lilian Rolfe came up as a member of the Special Operation Executive . She was parachuted into France from Tempsford aerodrome in Bedfordshire as a radio operator in the Orleans area in 1944. Very few of these brave people survived longer than about six weeks and eventually Lilian was caught by the Gestapo and later executed in Ravensbruck concentration camp. In her memory Joan and her husband have visited the area and prepared a moving talk in Lilian’s memory. Lilian Rolfe MBE. Killed in action. A most interesting and moving evening.  

Congratulations to Kate from SI Hertford & District Paul Harris Fellowships The PHF is the highest award that a Rotary Club can bestow. This Club has a policy of awarding such fellowships to individuals who merit recognition for their significant achievements in the communuity. Kate Belenis Kate is known in Stevenage for her work with the late Cllr. Sherma Batson, PHF, in establishing the Stevenage World Forum with the object of integrating peoples from different countries into the Stevenage Community. The organisation continues to offer an extensive programme of events and activities. Kate is also a member of the Grants Committee of the Stevenage Community Trust which makes decisions on applications for funding by individuals and groups. Her major role is as Chief Executive Officer of the Community Development Action Herts. This body has wide ranging responsibilities for bringing together people and communities on a

Our Speaker meeting on Monday February 5th 2018 attracted not only members but a good gathering of Friends of Soroptimists. The speaker was Dr Mark Buck a lecturer in English at a Beijing University. His subject was “Women in China”. Mark stressed that the culture of China has very little or nothing in common with western ideas and culture and false assumptions should not be made. There is a deep unspoken culture in China which has its roots in Confucian thought. Our speaker stressed that after many years in the country he does not understand this and there is much a foreigner does not know and never will. The sheer size of the country deters this further. The Eastern Seaboard is very advanced and developing at a rapid rate whilst the far West is another world. The two elements in Chinese cultural life are The

At our meeting on 15th January President Pam presented long service award certificates to Ann-Marie and Pam.