On Saturday 11th March, we celebrated International Women’s Day with a Walk along the Promenade In Lldndudno. We had a great time, We assembled at the Imperial Hotel for coffee and sorting out the placards. The weather was kind and we were able to collect lots of signatures for our petitions. 45 people signed the petition for Handicap International against cluster bombs. 81 signed to Por;ple teardrop campaign petition against Human Trafficking. The mayor of Llandudno, Carol Marubbi, joined us, as well as other local councillors, a policeman and even some birds of prey!

Presidents Helen and Janet and Llandudno Soroptimists were delighted to welcome special guests, members from other Clubs in the Region, and friends of the Club to the Annual Charter Lunch at the Imperial Hotel. The Mayor of Llandudno. Councillor Carol Marubbi and Regional President Denny Owen responded to the Toasts. The Entertainment was provided by the Colwyn Bay Ukulele Group who gave us a lively performance of well-known songs As usual, the flowers and table dceorations made the tables look very spring-like  in Soroptimist Blue and Yellow.

“Tools with a Mission” is a Christian charity, sending tools to developing nations across the world. Llandudnog Soroptimists collected sewing materials and equipment, but the charity accepts tools of all kinds. All the tools collected are repaired and refurbished, if necessary, and made up into kits. We donated four sewing machines, which were tested and made fit for purpose. The charity accepts items, both large and small, including buttons, reels of cotton, zip fasteners, needles, scissors, crochet hooks, knitting needles, and other haberdashery goods. Cotton and cotton/polyester materials are needed for making into clothing and household items. The Club supports international, national and local charities. “Tools with a Mission” appealed to us because it benefits women and girls, helping them to set up their own businesses. MERU GARDEN PROJECT – another of our International Projects. At the Regional meeting on 25th February, Presidents Helen and Janet

At our February Speaker meeting , we were pleased to welcome Aaron Pritchard to talk to us about the ongoing Rural Health Project in Lesotho. We began supporting this project when Mary, one of our members, was invited to go to Lesotho to help train health workers, specialising in maternal and child health issues. The link between the Betsi-cadwaladr Heallh Board in North Wales and  the medical services in Quthing, a region Lesotho, is well established. We were pleased to present a donation to Aaron for the nest visit of the team to Lesotho.

Our December meeting was devoted to the packing of gifts for the women and children spending Christmas at the Women’s Refuge, as part of our project activity against domestic abuse.                               This was followed by a pre-Christmas social. We wore our “Christmas sweaters” and enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies. On Saturday 10th December, to mark United Nations Human Rights Day, our Programme Action team arranged a coffee morning. The proceeds from this event were donated to the charity Handicap International, which helps disabled and vulnerable people in 59 countries worldwide.   Thanks to all our knitters, we have raised £1095 for the British Legion Women’s branch by knitting poppies. This money should cover two or nursaries.  

The November Regional “Change of Insignia” meeting was held at Coleg Cambria. As usual, we took the opportunity to fund raise for the Presidents’ charities by holding a blue and yellow tombola stall, We also raised money for the Meru Garden Project in Kenya, by running a raffle with six lovely prizes, which raised £57.             To the November Business meeting, we brought plant pots, compost, bulbs, and trowels in order to bring some colourful flowers to the garden at the Women’s Refuge next Spring. Members have already spent time renovating the garden and the bulbs will make a lovely show. You can see the bulb planters  working hard,

Om Remembrance Sunday, club members attended the church service at Holy Trinity Church and then marcned , with other local organisations, along the promenade to Llandudno Cenotaph. Presidents Janet and Helen were proud to lay a wreath on behalf of the Llandudno Soroptimists. Members raise money for the Royal British Legion by knitting and selling poppies.

Presidents Janet and Helen are keen to represent SI Llandudno at events around the Region: Cheshire, North Wales and Wirral. At all Regional meetings we run a fundraising effort to raise money for the current SIGBI Project: Meru Women’s Garden Project, which helps women in Kenya to make a living and support their families. At the Regional meeting in September at Cheshire View, we heard inspiring talks by International President Yvonne and SI Director of Advocacy Pat Black.   Presidents Janet and Helen have also attended many celebration lunches and dinners, including SI Wallasey’s 70th Anniversary Charter Dinner on 15th October. As this was a special occasion, Federation President Margaret was a guest speaker..  

Mid-October has three significant dates in the United Nations calendar of special days 16th October World Food Day. 17th October International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. 18th October Anti-Slavery Day. Llandudno Soroptinists try to mark all of them by arranging a variety of events to raise awareness, to raise funds and to have fun. The Fashion Show at the Imperial Hotel raised £800 for the Presidents’ charities. The clothes, from M&Co, Llandudno, were modelled by members and friends. We are very grateful to the staff from M&Co and all who supported this successful event President Janet was one of the models on the catwalk. SI Wallasey organised a special dinner to celebrate their 70th Anniversary. Presidents Helen and Janet received a warm welcome and were pleased to meet International President Yvonne, from New Zealand, who was also attending the Charter Dinner.      

On 29th September, members gathered for a cheese and wine evening at Adlington House in Rhos-on-Sea. We were pleased that some of the residents joined us for a very pleasant evening, helping to raise funds for our charities.       On 1st October, President Janet represented our club at the 70th Charter Luncheon of SI Hoylake and West Kirby. This special event took place at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake. We congratulate Club member Maureen on her special day recently, when she became a British Subject. Well done, Maureen!