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Diary of the Month – May 2022

Diary of the Month – May 2022

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Phrase of the month- We promote, uphold and defend the ideals of Humanity. This is the month of the Susfest. This festival has been organised by The Green Alliance group in the Wyre Forest Area. Many separate organisations have taken part putting on different events throughout the two weeks in and around Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport. It’s an ideal way to get our name out there and to showcase what we do to help communities both locally and nationally. 5th – the speaker at our business meeting tonight was Sarah Lange of PACT: 9th—On a glorious day we walked from Springfield Park to Wolverley Lock, picking up litter as we walked and then back again. Tea and cake was involved as usual.  We walk near water once a month and donate to WaterAid recognising the miles women and girls walk to collect water for their

Kidderminster Soroptimists – Water Walk and Litter Pick – 9 May

Kidderminster Soroptimists – Water Walk and Litter Pick – 9 May

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As part of the Wyre Forest SustFest activities, Kidderminster Soroptimists combined a Water Walk with a Litter Pick to highlight protecting the environment and raising awareness of women and girls who have to walk for their water every day. We started in Springfield Park, Kidderminster with 7 Soroptimist members, 1 Soroptimister and 1 lady from U3A. There were also 3 Pick Up Artists,  ladies who concentrated on Springfield Park.  We carried on and joined the Staffs & Worcester canal up to Wolverley Lock.  The group stopped at the Old Smithy Tearooms where Steff served a welcome cuppa and delicious cake. We collected about 2-3 bags of litter along the way – helping to keep the waterway and surrounding area clear of litter that can often be harmful to wildlife. We were impressed that there was so little litter to collect, which may indicate that people

Speakers from West Mercia Women’s Aid

Speakers from West Mercia Women’s Aid

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Our speakers at last night’s meeting were Claire and Gail from West Mercia Women’s Aid. Claire spoke about the services now offered by Women’s Aid in West Mercia covering Worcestershire & Herefordshire and Gail spoke of her role as a support worker at the Kidderminster Refuge. It was interesting to hear that the services for women and children escaping domestic violence have expanded and now include a 24/7 helpline, online group programmes, one to one and community support as well as providing safe accommodation within the Refuges.  They are also now providing a range of services to support men who are suffering domestic abuse. What came through was the commitment and passion they both have and the rewards that come from helping women and children through their difficult journeys away from abuse. There are now two houses in Kidderminster with one currently still being refurbished.

Diary of the month – March 2022

Diary of the month – March 2022

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Phrase of the month:  Soroptimists call for gender equality first to ensure a sustainable tomorrow March 2022: 3rd     Next year, three members will be sharing the President’s role doing four months each.  Roles and content were planned.  Each President will have a “buddy” to help during their months in the role.  With the Planet and People as their theme and what effect this has on climate change. 5th     Regional Meeting with a theme of purple and pearls Whilst still being concerned with the effects of Covid, we again held the occasion on Zoom.  Three most inspirational speakers talked about their very different roles and professions. Louise Bennett OBE, DL:  is the High Sherriff of the West Midlands – the oldest role from Saxon times and representing the Monarchy.  She is also the Chief Executive of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Helen Marriott:  CEO Hamblin

Kidderminster Soroptimists – Sewing Sisters

Kidderminster Soroptimists – Sewing Sisters

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Having been inspired by our recent speaker, Candy Cooley from SI Stourbridge and an Ambassador for the Buddy Bags Foundation, several members have delved into their own and donated fabric stashes and start sewing much needed items for them. Calling ourselves ‘Sewing Sisters’, we are meeting regularly to sew toiletry drawstring bags and pencil cases. We are welcoming other Club members to join even if they can’t sew! This offers the opportunity to use our skills as a service project to help women and children. A Buddy Bag is a backpack that contains all the essential items a child needs when they arrive in emergency care. They include toiletries, pyjamas, socks and underwear, in addition to comfort items such as a book and a teddy bear. This gives the child something they can call their own, no matter where they go. For more information on Buddy Bags

Kidderminster Teen Wins Second Place at Public Speaking Event

Kidderminster Teen Wins Second Place at Public Speaking Event

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In a world where it feels that everything takes place online, local teenager Eva Carter, 14, from Baxter College has taken second prize at the Midland Arden Region Public Speaking Competition. On Saturday 19th March, Eva – one of the youngest competitors, spoke on the topic “How do we know global warming is real?”. Eva’s four-minute talk was well thought out, well developed and concluded with passion, earning her second place in a talent pool of exceptionally high standards. The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Anne Millward, presented the winners with their trophies and remarked that it had been the highest standard of public speaking competitions she had attended in 20 years.   Pictured below (l to r):  Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Anne Millward, Eva Carter and Midland Arden Region President, Anne Rogers. Held at the old coroner’s court in Dudley, the competition was initially started by

Diary of the Month February 2022

Diary of the Month February 2022

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1st           A donation of sanitary products was made to Homestart, to help tackle period poverty in our local area. 5th          Reflection Day – once a year we meet at a member’s house for an informal get together to discuss upcoming events and plan for the next year with everyone taking part.  Members are asked to take on the roles of officers of the club and our Programme Action is planned with a theme to follow throughout the next twelve months.  It was a lively meeting with great ideas suggested.  We then had lunch together and have a chat in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  Thanks to Elke for your hospitality. 8th          A lunch was arranged by a long-serving member at Lord Morton’s restaurant near Droitwich to raise money for the Three Roses home in Clent.  80% of the residents are women with learning difficulties and

Useful recycling?

Useful recycling?

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Kidderminster Soroptimists have been making items from recycled materials for a midwifery unit in Hoima, Uganda since 2015.  We make 1 metre square birthing sheets for use in the delivery room, by recycling bedsheets.  We also recycle pillowcases and make them into dresses and shorts for the children living in the orphanage next door.  Today we have sent: 49 Birthing sheets;  262 Hat and vest sets and 34 vests.  Below are a few of the items we sent: Some local knit & natter groups have helped with knitting the hats and vests as well as our own members.

Diary of the Month – January 2022

Diary of the Month – January 2022

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Happy New Year to all Soroptimists Phrase of the month:  Soroptimists are a group of women helping women 6th         Our January Business Meeting was held once again on Zoom with 17 members in attendance – a great result.  What with rotten weather and people still being nervous about Covid, we thought Zoom would be better.  We were correct. It was noted that the women in the Refuge had each received a new teddy blanket from us for Christmas. Our planned Reflection Day was altered to a different location due to the virus. 10th         Our Book Club took place today.  Over the last 6 weeks we had been reading “A Woman is No Man” by Etaf Rum.  This is a heart-rending read which covered three generations of one family which had emigrated to the UInited States.  It described how they coped, or didn’t,