Members from Soroptimist Clubs in the London Chilterns Region and guests celebrated Human Rights Day at the Region’s meeting/conference on Saturday 30 November. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/ was signed on 10 Dec 1948. A moving Soroptimist tradition to celebrate Human Rights Day is to light candles in recognition of the work of Soroptimists and women around the world in striving to ensure that the human rights of women and children are protected everywhere. Pictured here with the framed preamble to the declaration and the candles they had lit are (l to r) Denise Powell, President SI London Chilterns, Johanna Raffan SI Great Britain and Ireland President-Elect, Kate Bellinis Member of SI Hertford and Ameeta Sabharwal Member of SI St Albans and District. Our main speaker was Rosie Wyllie from Herts Welcomes Refugees – the talented animator of the film “Suspended”

40 Members of Soroptimist International London Chilterns Region attended the Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Conference in Liverpool this year. We were kept well informed with information by Members who attended, the SIGBI Conference website www.sigbi.org/liverpool2018 plus Facebook and Twitter too #SoroptimistLiverpool2018 Let’s hope we can get a good turnout again for Bournemouth 24-26 Oct 2019 www.sigbi.org/bournemouth2019– put it in your diaries now so you don’t miss out! Below is a great report with pics from Denise Powell, Region President-Elect and Member and representative from SI St Albans and District  – thanks Denise! Conference this year followed the traditional pattern. It opened on Thursday night with the Flag ceremony, I find it quite emotional seeing the corners of the world that are covered by our Federation. This was followed by a rousing musical entertainment from ‘The Brothers Of Swing’ – they didn’t sing much swing music, but they did

Two longstanding Soroptimists were honoured by the National Alliance of Women’s Organisations (NAWO) at a gathering in Europe House, London. Zarin Hainsworth OBE, Chair of NAWO, introduced the Elder Awards, which were set up to celebrate the work of feminists who are over 80, are still heavily involved in the women’s movement, and who by their work have inspired others. Hilary Page, a long-time Member of SI Lewisham in London Chilterns Region and Past-President of her Club and her Region (now a member of SI Epsom), was nominated for her many years of service to Soroptimist International at every level including SI Great Britain and Ireland Federation President and Soroptimist International President. The award recognised her work promoting the equal role of women in society including establishing Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS)  GAPS was founded to progress the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women,

New Soroptimist Club Chartered in Milton Keynes Exciting news – A new Soroptimist Club was Chartered in Milton Keynes on 11th June 2015. SI Milton Keynes are bringing focus to the very real, but global issues, which affect women locally. Angie Novell, the new club President said, “Soroptimists are not afraid to tackle the less glamourous and more challenging issues which affect and hinder women locally. From homelessness to trafficking and domestic violence; FGM to opportunities to work and support their families. We are there not just to raise funds, but through our skills, networks and influence, provide practical support to local charities and support organisations. We also hope to celebrate and highlight the economic, political and social achievements of women, and raise awareness of work still to be done to build a better world for women and girls….” Congratulations to our new Soroptimist sisters.

London Chiltern Soroptimists have been out and about learning about and supporting some of our charities and clubs over the last few days. This group photograph shows Johanna Raffan and Rita Beaumont with Campaigners at a workshop run by Breast Cancer Now in London on Saturday 16th April 2016.     The second is of (from the left) Rita Beaumont and Pauline Panter (SI Bedford) and Evelyn Hatch (from SI Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead) at SI Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead’s Charter Lunch on Sunday 17th April 2016 held at The Guildhall in Windsor where 4 days later her Majesty the Queen cut her wonderful 90th Birthday cake.  

Soroptimist International St Albans & District were proud to host a successful Women’s Conference and Regional Meeting on Sat 20th June in Redbourn on behalf of Soroptimist International London Chilterns Region. Forced Marriage was the topic for the morning – with keynote speaker Aneeta Prem, founder of the Freedom Charity. The charity works to empower young people to feel they have the tools, confidence and support around the issues of family relationships which can lead to early and forced marriage and dishonour based violence. Aneeta has been on national TV recently covering these important human rights issues. Aneeta was joined by Sophie Lott from the Home Office Forced Marriage Unit (see picture below Sophie L Aneeta R). Recent law changes haven’t forced this crime underground – in fact there was the first sentencing only last week. Aneeta told some moving stories about individuals’ personal horrific stories of forced marriage –

Soroptimist International (SI) Programme Director, and member of SI St Albans and District, Hilary Ratcliffe, has been made an “Officer of the Order of the British Empire” (OBE) in the UK Honours List , for services to “promoting Gender Equality Overseas”.  Hilary Ratcliffe is pictured here collecting her OBE from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on 21 Nov 2014. After the excitement of the day Hilary said “It was a lovely day – a very very special day – I am so proud. The ceremony at Buckingham Palace is perfect. Meeting Prince Charles and having travelled to Sierra Leone I was able to talk about the wonderful work Soroptimist International is doing there and we agreed on the horror of the current ebola crisis. The day was a celebration – not just for me but for the work of so many of the women who work

The Soroptimist International St Albans & District Club was delighted to be able to welcome six new members to the Club at their first meeting of 2014 – what a great start to the New Year! We hope they will all enjoy their membership and we are sure that as Soroptimists they will inspire action and transform many lives of women and girls in the exciting times ahead for the Club and the organisation.    Pictured are: Front row l to r – new members Janet Audley-Charles, Patsy Cann, Jane Ellis, Back row l to r – Membership Officer Helen Byrne, new members Pamela Rochford, Debbie Tankard, Maggie Gatza.

Johanna, a member of Slough Windsor and Maidenhead Club in the London Chilterns Region has been awarded an MBE for her work with Gifted and Talented Children.

Dr Eileen Alexander OBE 1911- 2014 Eileen pictured here enjoying her 100th birthday at a club meeting. It is with sadness that we have to announce the death of our friend and fellow Soroptimist Eileen Alexander. A Soroptimist for 62 years she held a number of offices. Eileen was a Regional President, Club President (Bedford) , member of Federation Executive and a very active Federation Friendship Link Co-ordinator. Eileen died peacefully in her sleep on 20th January 2014, aged 102 years. Her many friends are invited to her funeral at St Paul’s Church, Bedford on Monday 17th February 2014 at 2.30pm. Eileen trained at Dartford College and taught in two schools before she was appointed Lecturer at Homerton College Cambridge. During World War 2 She was seconded into the ATS in 1941 for War Service in Anti-Aircraft Command organising physical activity for ATS manning searchlights and for NCOs. On