On behalf of SIM, two wreaths were laid in commemoration of all those who died in the great wars; one at the Cenotaph Middlesbrough (near the entrance to Albert Park) and another at North Ormesby. [new_royalslider id=”11″]
500 bluebells bulbs were planted in a dynamic ‘S’ shape in a prominent location in the centre of the Albert Park, Middlesbrough, near to the Pine Wood and the Fountain, in aid of Daft as a Brush – Cancer Patient Charity. [new_royalslider id=”10″] Thank you to all those who helped to plant the bulbs, Casper Scallen, and Apprentices Brook, Alex and Daniel from Middlesbrough Environment City, and Middlesbrough Council. It was a lovely afternoon in Albert Park and we look forward to a wonderful display in 2019.
David Allred, Project Manager of Middlesbrough Council, had given a fantastic talk related to the regeneration of Middlesbrough. It was good to know how Middlesbrough has progressed over the years as far as buildings are concerned. The areas, including Middlehaven, has seen some major improvements over the years, such as the: New Middlesbrough College and its sixth form centre. Boho Zone, including the Boho One headquarters and the BoHouse live and work units Boho 4 prestige office development at Gibson House Stages Academy, providing a new start in life to homeless people New Middlesbrough Police headquarters Waterside office development at Manhattan Gate 80-unit residential development at Community In A Cube (CIAC) Myplace Youth Centre Boro’s Riverside Stadium Most exciting project we found was of the Middlesbrough Railway Station. Moreover, David talked about the increase in employment in the area which was very satisfying to learn. After
Lynn Allinson and Katherine Fox from Norton Flower Club gave a wonderful demonstration and talk with beautiful flowers and foliage. [new_royalslider id=”9″] 13/9/2018 – ADVERT SIM celebrates International Day of Peace and Anti-Slavery Day with on Thursday, the 20th of September 2018, from 7:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. at Acklam Green Centre. Floral Demonstration will be given by Lynn Allinson. Light refreshments will be available. For any queries, contact Pam Cooper at cooperpageo21@aol.com. It is free to attend and all are welcome. Click here to see the flyer.
Our dear member, Kath Sainsbury, gave a very interesting talk on Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI), a campaign of women directly affected by the Pensions Act 2011 which has plunged many women into poverty, and/or forces them to work longer. Also, a cheque of £45 was given to our Treasurer, Alwyn Kraus, to send it for three Indian school children to take them out of poverty and get them into education, thus, transforming their lives. The money was raised from the sale of gift bags in May’s meeting.
UPDATE (18/05/2018) We had a great time celebrating the centenary with the lovely speaker, Vyvyenne Mack, delivering an insightful presentation on VOTE 100 that is 100 years since Parliament passed the Act which allowed some women, and all men, to vote for the first time. A huge thanks to Vyvyenne for her wonderful presence, cherished by all the SIM members. [new_royalslider id=”8″] ADVERT (28/04/2018) Join us in the celebration of the centenary of women’s suffrage on the 17th of May 2018 from 7-9 p.m. at the Acklam Green Centre. Vyvyenne Mack from Soroptimist International Durham will be speaking on the evening. There will be light refreshments available. Also, gift bags worth £2 will be available in support of Indian school children’s education (Vidya Jyothi Scheme), supported by St Vincent de Paul Society – Registered Charity Number 1053992. For any queries, contact Pam at cooperpageo21@aol.com. Click here
SIM offers Aim High, a FREE 5 week course, for the young women of Middlesbrough, aged between 15 and 25. The course will commence on Tuesday, the 1st of May, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m at the Acklam Green Centre, Stainsby Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4JS. These flexible and fun workshops will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout May and include: Confidence-building Looking good Feeling good Sex matters There will be opportunities for leisure, learning and personal progression. Book your place now – Numbers are limited! To book or enquire, contact, Pam on: cooperpageo21@aol.com or 0771 044 9823 Click here to view the Aim High flyer. Please, feel free to circulate the information among your contacts.
We had Emma Chesworth, a campaigner tackling period poverty, for our March speaker meeting. In the words of Emma, “Period poverty is a reality and forces many women to choose between buying food and buying sanitary products. That is a choice no woman should have to make.” She mentioned how girls miss out on their education for not being able to afford sanitary protection. Moreover, she talked about the Free Period Campaign, a Tees Valley wide initiative calling for free sanitary products in all secondary schools and colleges as well as free for women who cannot afford them. “To date Middlesbrough and Stockton Councils have supported the campaign and Public Health are also on board. We are currently trialling free sanitary products in three community hubs and they have been very well received“, said Emma. Following to Emma’s talk, SIM members, including, Pam Cooper, Gill DeCosemo,
Judith Varley is a volunteer of Redcar and Cleveland Real Opportunity Centre (ROC) which is run by disabled people for disabled people. Their services include information, scooter hire and sales of mobility aids, promotion of self-advocacy and personalised services and support. ROC’s main focus is to change the way that people in society think about disability right across the board and try to change people’s attitudes and perceptions regarding disability and also to be inclusive of all disabled people.
It was a well-attended event, enjoyed by all. President Pauline pays a huge thanks to all SIM members who made the afternoon tea a success, including Geraldine Nuttall for fantastic food, Gill DeCosemo for baking scones, and Mary Rodgers for working tirelessly in the kitchen. Moreover, a big thank you is paid to the friends and families of the members without whose support this event would not have been imagined. It was a great pleasure to have Regional President, Jane Inman, and her husband, John, with us. Jane spoke about the Global Blanket which was displayed at the event. Moreover, NEPACS HMP Holme House Visitors’ Centre manager, Hilary Askin, came to represent the charity. The money raised by the raffle and some donations for NEPACS was £300. Well-done to all involved to make Afternoon Tea a success. ADVERT (28/05/2017) SIM holds a fundraising Afternoon Tea
