Blog by Angela Hulm, SI Bromley, South East England
SIGBI’s 89th conference was opened by Hilary Ratcliffe OBE.
Ann Dawson conference chair welcomed us, explaining that members had asked for iconic or capital cities to host. London certainly ticked both those boxes. President Cathy Cottridge welcomed members and guests, and explained that 80 first time attenders were wearing yellow lanyards. Thanks was given to past members. We heard King Charles best wishes congratulating us on our focus on sustainability, violence against women, & microfinancing.
Where’s Anguilla? Is it an island? Were my first thoughts as conference opened with a flag ceremony. We are just one of five federations but great to see Soroptimists from Africa, America, Europe, & Asia who make up Soroptimist International.
The Roll call included not only all the countries but each region present. Overall Soroptimists International (SI) President Maureen Maguire declared SIGBI’s ‘Climate for Change’ conference open.