On the 23rd. of June, five members visited The Fountaindale Special Needs School built in a Woodland setting,on the outskirts of Mansfield. A perfect sunny day, showed the new buildings and grounds to its advantage. Our lives are enriched, by the sharing with  less able members of society. Inspiring is the only word you could use to describe the staff,  from the Principal, catering staff , physio, teaching, play coordinators and everyone involved, are happy smiling people! Positivity radiates from everyone, and many staff have been involved for years, and only leave due to retirement. This facility is quite unique in the Country, in that now, children from the area,(Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire, and Leicestershire), are referred from infancy to the school, and are catered for with a Curriculum Approach. Special attention is paid to early sensory stimulation,which can be described as, ‘Busy, Noisy, Messy and Fun!’ Key Stage

Dress A Girl Around The World is a program that discourages traffickers from kidnapping young girls from developing countries. Traffickers prey on young girls who are dressed in shabby clothing, because shabby clothing usually indicates that the girl is not well cared for or maybe is orphaned. No one will miss her in other words. A girl that’s wearing a nice dress sends a signal that someone will miss her, thus discouraging the trafficker. The other benefit to giving these girls a nice dress is that it improves their self-esteem and gives them hope because someone far away, that doesn’t even know her, loves her and wants her to have a better life. The girls are then able to go to school and get and education. The photo above left  shows a young girl’s clothing before she received her new frock, pictured right. Members and friends

A visit was arranged for members and friend to visit this historical Hall. Thoresby Hall is a grade I listed 19th-century country house in Budby, Nottinghamshire. It is one of four neighbouring country houses and estates in the Dukeries in north Nottinghamshire all occupied by dukes at one time during their history. It is now a hotel. The Pierrepoint Family first built the hall in the 17th century. To minimise a perceived threat from coal mining subsidence the buildings were sold to the National Coal Board in 1979 and sold on the open market ten years later. After a number of owners it was acquired by Warner Leisure Hotels and opened as an hotel in 2000 after extensive refurbishment A Warner’s guide showed the party around the renovated hall and gardens, giving us an insight into the past and present. Another successful outing which we enjoyed.

Blue skies and sunshine was the order of the day for this Trent River cruise on the Trent Lady. Members, relatives and friends came together to enjoy this day which also included an afternoon tea and a birthday celebration for Mary Howe a members mother who was 91 years young. Setting of from Colwick the boat  cruised to Wilford where the Trent Lady turned round at the Toll Bridge. She then sailed down to Holm Pierrepoint, where she then return to Colwick Dock. A Perfect day raising funds for Breast Cancer Care Kings Mill Hospital Photo showing Mary with her birthday cake, and members enjoying the day.

Another successful Charter which was recently held at the Hostess Restaurant. President Kathy welcomed members from around the region. Dr John Dale toasted Soroptimism and the response was given by Regional President Vivienne Galloway. After a 3 course meal, members and their guests were entertained by King Henry V111 recounting his life and tumultuous relationships with his wives and children. The presentation was given by John White. Photo’s show Kathy welcoming guests and  conversing with Regional President  Vivienne Galloway.  

NIDAS, received a cheque for £1,012.70p from the proceeds of the clubs annual quiz. Mike and Anne Bull organise this annual event which takes place at the Oakham Suite in Mansfield. Two quiz games, an enormous raffle plus a Pie, pea and chip supper. Tickets sell out as soon as the Box Office opens and this year Women’s Aid in Mansfield were the chosen charity to receive the cheque.

During the last year members have been beavering away raising funds for local charities. Back in November the club hosted a concert by the Carlton Male Voice Choir, held at the Queen Elizabeth Academy in Mansfield. Ticket sales and donations on the night generated over £2.000. pounds.                   The photograph shows President Sue presenting the cheque to Ruth Braby( on the left.)  Ruth gave a short presentation about the Charity’s association with the Teenage Cancer Trust.    

On the 13th February SI club Mansfield and District held their annual Sale and Fashion show at the Sherwood Welfare Centre, Dunsil Rd, Mansfield NG19 7GDt.  Half priced clothes from major High St stores includes fashions for all ages and size range from 8 to 26. Over £300 was raised and this paid for books and toys for the Children’s ward at Kings Mill Hospital. Photo shows President Sue on the right presenting the toys to the Play Co-Ordinator, Nicola Armstrong