SIGBI’s annual conference was held in Bournemouth this year. We cannot all travel to these events for assorted reasons; however, 900 Soroptimists from 17 different countries, figuring in SIGBI’s federation, did descend on the Conference Centre and many interesting concerns and issues were aired, in addition to the Annual General Meeting. Three of our Middlesbrough members attended (Geraldine Nuttall, Kathy Warrick and Margaret Clark) and, in addition, Pauline Reed went along to man the Middlesbrough stand in the exhibition stall in order to promote The Rosie May Foundation and their “Think Pink” campaign again – building on our fund raising event in June of this year. Two members from SI Brixham (Jane Lancaster and Gill Franklin) were also devoted in manning this display. Their club members have hand embroidered a most beautiful bedspread to raffle in aid of The Rosie May Trust as well. Founder

“Six weeks ago we turned to you to help save the Modern Slavery Helpline. You’ve raised an astounding £373,973, & prevented us from closing on 30th November! The lines WILL be open into the new year. We still need your support but for today, thank you for making this happen!” This is a tweet that was circulated on 30th October 2019: some of our SIM members had written to their MPs and/or donated. This is an independent organisation supported by the charity Unseen and is a National asset. if you have not already done so please write to your MP in support of Government funding in order to sustain this uniquely important service. The Modern Slavery Helpline is fully independent and confidential. It is free to call on 08000 121 700, submit reports online or spot the signs of modern slavery and report concerns using

Soroptimist International Middlesbrough club member, Margaret Clark, attended this year’s convention in her role as SIGBI  Assistant Director of Programme Action – campaigning to eradicate Violence Against Women.  Margaret spear-headed a fundraiser among delegates there for the International President’s Appeal which involved the purchase of diary dates for £1 per chosen date (or 5 Malasian Ringgits) and raised £1000 for the Appeal.  This will provide 3 large water tanks of 5,000 litres including the necessary infrastructure for three women farmers in Kenya. Other photos show Margaret networking with our “Friendship Link” SI clubs from locations across the world.

  20/06/2019: On this June evening, Heather Whyman spoke about “Raising Aspirations” referring to the route and achievements of her own Life Story.  Heather is currently the CEO of Cleveland Fire Support Network, a successful voluntary organisation providing crucial services in our area.

Director of The Bungalow Partnership, which supports vulnerable young people and their families dealing with major problems, presented this “Open evening” on the topic of childhood traumas such as family conflict, parental illness, separation and bereavement; and in particular on the losses of children who have been placed in the care of other family members or close friends, rather than their biological parents.

  SI Middlesbrough wish to thank all of our friends who supported us on Saturday 4th May at our celebration Lunch for Daft As A Brush – Cancer Patient Care. We were joined by SIGBI President Sue Williams, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger, Dave Harrison from Daft as a Brush and friends from SI Tynemouth, Whitley Bay & District and SI Durham. Following an enjoyable meal, we visited the park site also where our club had planted 500 Bluebell bulbs last autumn in aid of Daft As A Brush Cancer Patient Care which provides custom-made vehicles to transport outpatients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy cancer treatment to and from hospital free of charge. A spontaneous collection raised a further £60 for which we are most grateful!

We said a big Thank You, at our AGM in April, to outgoing President Kathy for her hard work and dedication over the past year – it’s been a good one. And extended a warm welcome to President Pam. We wish her good luck for the coming year and look forward to being part of the interesting and exciting programme she has put together.

It was lovely to have Dave Harrison, the Communications Officer at Bluebell Bus, and Cheryl Burnie, the Project Director, telling us about the charity, Daft As A Brush.   Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care offers staffed custom-made vehicles to transport outpatients, free of charge, to and from hospital who are undergoing Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy cancer treatment. The regions to be covered by Daft as a Brush are: Northumberland, North and South Tyneside, Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and surrounding areas. There would be no charge to the patients for our Service. The service would entail collecting and transporting the patients in a safe and comfortable environment, from where they are living, taking them to where they will be having their treatment. If required staying with the patient whilst they have their treatment and then bringing them back home in readiness for their next course

FTF, 25 Feb – 10 March, theme is chocolate and other cocoa products; collection of FT foods for Mary Thompson Fund; Middlesbrough Plans A collection of FT foods has been made for donation to the Mary Thompson Fund. Our member Annabel Young brought campaign postcards which are to be sent to the Prime Minister via The Fairtrade Foundation. Middlesbrough’s plans were outlined, in particular, a walk from Stockton High Street to the Tees Barrage and then on to the Cycle Centre in Middlesbrough Bus Station where a photoshoot will be held with the Mayor and Councillor Rostron between 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. We are invited to participate in the walk, or a section of it, and also attend for the photoshoot.