21st SI CONVENTION KUALA LUMPUR 19th – 21st July 2019 Immediate Past President Kam’s Feedback The theme was “Soroptimists Enable a Sustainable World – Global Connections, Empowered Women”. The Convention delivered the opportunity for approximately 1,000 members from across the globe to come together, to meet friends, new and old, to experience fun/friendship and exchange good practice and ideas. The importance of working as a global team and the emphasis on grassroots level involvement were cascaded to the delegates present. The programme brought passionate speakers like Christina Lamb (Author & chief foreign correspondent of the Sunday Times) and panelists, Mariet Verhoef-Cohen SI International President, of new ideas and solutions, and inspired perspectives on the future for women and girls. Informing and celebrating the work of Soroptimist International. I was truly honoured to be part of something extraordinary and memorable. It was very special for me

SI Mansfield & District presents Colours Fundraising fashion show. All proceeds for The Eve Appeal and British Acoustic Neuroma Association. The venue is at Ravenshead Village Hall, Vernon Crescent, NG15 9BN – Doors open 7:00 p.m. Tickets: £5.00 which includes a welcome drink. For information and tickets sale please contact: Sue on 01623 490622

Immediate Past President Kam Britland was pleased to finalise all the fund raised during her year in office 2018/19.  The representatives of her 2 chosen charities were able to attend the May & June Club meetings whereby she presented the 2 cheques – totalled to £2,428.82 which were equally divided to Mercy Malaysia & MIND Nottinghamshire. Mrs Ranji Kent, a trustee had visited Mandalay to see the work on cleft palates being successfully performed on children and older patients. They have very basic equipment and few staff and no facilities for recovery or painkillers even for the children. The money raised will be used to provide equipment & medicine including milk as many of the patients are malnourished. Mrs Kent was grateful for our support, and will be making a trip to Nepal end of the year. She has agreed to keep us posted of

At the May Club Meeting, Programme Action committee invited a speaker from Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid, Christine Conroy who gave us a comprehensive talk about the numbers of women and children they support. The services offered to assist the healing of the families they look after and the increase they are seeing in the numbers of younger people affected by Domestic abuse and sexual violence.   Our Programme Action officer, Lynn Dale on the left and Christine Conroy on the right.

Presentation of a cheque for £2,105.00 to Fountaindale Principal, Mr Stuart Cameron by our current President Sue Manchester and past President Diane Miller. Proceeds of fund raising by members during 2017 – 2018. The money will provide, 2 Bluetooth speakers with all necessary electrics and fittings, lights and patio style heaters including wall mounted sensory play equipment and convex mirrors. These will enhance 2 areas designated as ‘chill out’ spaces for the teenage students.  Mansfield Soroptimists were able to see the benefits, the equipment will provide now and in the future. 

President Kam welcomed new member Kath Whittingham – former Head of Democratic Service of a Local Authority. Retiring President Kam Britland welcomed new President Sue Manchester. Some of the memorable initiatives were noted as follows during President Kam’s year 2018/19 Over £2,000 were raised from the Annual Quiz & during International Womens day’s at Springwater Restaurant for the two charities (Mental Health & Mercy Malaysia). The hosting of the March Regional Meeting received positive comments. Two new members joined our club. The Centenary of the end of WW 1 Remembrance Sunday. Pres Kam laid a wreath on our behalf at the Mansfield Civic Cenotaph and some of us followed the parade to the St Peter’s & St Paul’s church. An official roof slate with our club’s name inscribed was purchased after the summer trip to Wentworth Woodhouse to help with the preservation of the grand

Laura Furness nee Britland, is our last speaker for President Kam’s year.  Laura is her step daughter and is an extremely determined individual.  Laura spoke to us twelve years ago in 2007 when Kam was president then. Since then, Laura has got married and now is the Head of Funding at the National Lottery Community Fund, responsible for the Fulfilling Lives Programme.  This is a £112m programme, working with 12 areas across England over 8 years to understand how better to support individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage. It focuses on supporting individuals facing 2 or more of homelessness, substance use, mental ill health and offending and generally not currently working with other organisations. Mental Health is part of Kam’s charity which is relevant to her theme. An inspirational speaker that kept our members enthralled throughout the supper meeting.  

Over 160 people attended the IWD event at the Spring Water Restaurant with members, friends and other Soroptimist clubs from Chesterfield, Dukeries, Nottingham, Lichfield, Sheffield and Stratford upon Upon all enjoyed a delicious Chinese meal – listened to an inspirational speaker Hilary Ratcliffe, OBE highlighting the importance of IWD & Soroptimist’s objectives. Generous Raffles prizes donated by members. Auction items donated by Mansfield Palace Theatre, Mansfield Football Club and Chesterfield Folk Club. Fair Trade chocolates donated by Tesco Oak Tree Lane. A grand total of £1,159.00 was raised on the night for President Kam’s two charities MIND & MERCY MALAYSIA. A delightful Pres Kam was extremely pleased with the outcome and thanked everyone involved for a successful and enjoyable evening.    

In order to celebrate the Spring Festival aka Chinese New Year – the year of the Pig we were requested by President Kam Britland to wear Red and Gold.  The members look absolutely gorgeous with their outfits to receive Kam’s special speaker, Elaine Kimberley.  Elaine is a retired teacher and had embarked on a hobby some 25 years ago and now teaches and demonstrates Chinese Arts/paintings particularly in Water colours.