\nThere have been many changes within the Trust, resulting in her being slightly disillusioned with the mentor.\u00a0 However, business continues to be excellent, and they are going from strength to strength.\u00a0 Members of\u00a0 SI Bromsgrove & Redditch met Lauren at one of their events and have been supporting her by buying compost.
\nWe all came home with a free sample!<\/p>\n
Claire Cassidy<\/strong> is Chair of Wyre Forest Refugee Support. The group supports 12 families and 7 individuals from several different countries. Some have permission to stay, and some are still waiting for a decision. Claire spoke about the many issues and difficulties they encounter.<\/p>\n Javina Green<\/strong> grew up in East London, the daughter of\u00a0 a MET police officer. Sadly, she became involved with drugs, alcohol, and fraud and was the victim of physical and sexual abuse. After a particularly bad beating by her partner, she decided to escape and literally ran for her life. She was moved to a West Mercia Women’s Aid shelter supported by SI Bromsgrove and Redditch.\u00a0 Amazingly, she has turned her life around and studied a degree in music production. She now runs Females About Music, which has gone from three members to seventy, ranging from 18 to 67 years. It provides\u00a0a safe space for women to embrace music and\u00a0talk about their wellbeing, black heritage and women\u2019s\u00a0rights. The women wrote a song specifically for our event on International Women\u2019s Day, which was played and had us on our feet singing. Her infectious zest for life was a delight, and although she says her trauma is still with her, she is paying back by helping\u00a0others.<\/p>\n As always, there were many items on sale for the Kori Development Project, handmade by Rose Hutchinson.<\/p>\n Saturday 7th December:\u00a0 MAR Meeting, Chesford Grange, Kenilworth<\/p>\n The meeting began with a presentation to Regional President Liz Every, who stepped down from her role at the end of this Soroptimist year.\u00a0 Liz’s positivity and professionalism as President will be greatly missed,\u00a0 but we were all delighted to hear that she intends to continue As the meeting continued, we heard some amazing statistics about how Soroptimists have supported the work of the Hamlin Fistula Clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Over the past two and a half years, Soroptimists have raised \u00a36086 \u2013 which has contributed to:-<\/p>\n The enrolment of 122 new medical students And helped over 74,000 women to achieve safe birth deliveries. Highly pertinent to 16 Days of Activism within which the MAR meeting fell, was Jean Lockley’s presentation on Technically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence.\u00a0 In her role as Regional Safe-Guarding Officer, Jean\u2019s description of how \u2018smart\u2019 technology, so useful, perhaps essential to the smooth running of our lives, can be weaponised for use by perpetrators to control, coerce or abuse, was disturbing but ultimately empowering by raising awareness. The key to safeguarding in this respect is knowledge of the technology\u2019s potential for use We heard more about SI Solihull\u2019s focus for the 16 Days of Activism, which was children affected by the repercussions of domestic abuse. *************************************************************************** Thank you to Julie Pemberton for writing this account of the meeting,<\/p>\n This was the last meeting presided over by President Liz, who has put so much time and energy into supporting and representing the Region during the last two years.\u00a0 Although she is now bowing out as President, Liz will remain on the Regional Committee, where her experience will prove invaluable.<\/p>\n The meeting included our AGM which was concluded swiftly, the main event being the Programme Action Awards.<\/p>\n Six clubs gave amazing professional presentations. The judges were Bev Houghton, Community Safety Manager for Bromsgrove District Council, Monica Carden, a retired Prison Governor, and\u00a0Elaine McDonald from SI Midland East. The Regional Meeting commenced with a warm welcome from Regional President Liz, to members and guests. Grace Hampson, representing SI Solihull,\u00a0 recited our Vision & Mission Statement, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the Peace Candle, symbolising our steadfast commitment to peace and harmony throughout the World<\/span><\/p>\n A solemn moment was observed as we paid homage to our departed members, Suki Rai and Audrey Bond. Plans were announced for a comprehensive Memorial for Suki during the Change of Insignia meeting scheduled for 17th May. Additionally, Pat Kirby shared an informative obituary for Audrey, ensuring their memories were honoured with dignity and respect.<\/span><\/p>\n In the realm of updates and announcements, Liz provided insights gleaned from the Three Region Membership group meeting, encouraging a culture of idea sharing and collaboration among members.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The inaugural session of the Diamond Education Grant Leadership Academy garnered heartfelt feedback from participants, with a call for mentors to provide ongoing support. |Please contact Dishi Atwood for more information).<\/span><\/p>\n Jean Lockley and Liz’s participation in the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Partnership meeting via Zoom highlighted our commitment to contributing to this vital cause.<\/span><\/p>\n Looking ahead, Liz expressed her eagerness to visit the Region’s clubs throughout the year, urging clubs to extend invitations for engagement. The enthusiastic response to Programme Action Ideas shared in News and Views was celebrated, reflecting the collective passion for community impact among members.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Furthermore, the announcement of the No 63 Soroptimist Hotel in London being fully booked for our June visit, with 18 members signed up, was warmly received<\/span><\/p>\n The<\/span> Change of Insignia and afternoon tea is to be held at Wolston Community Centre Coventry on May 18<\/span>th<\/span>. Lindsay Green (SIGBI Programme Action Officer) will be joining us.<\/span><\/p>\n Programme Action initiatives were discussed, including the distribution of Safety Cards & Personal Contact cards for member feedback, with reproduction details available on the Trello Board. Plans for the\u00a0 Regional PA awards focusing on the theme of SECURITY were unveiled, scheduled for September 28th, encouraging members to explore Personal Safety resources provided by Liz & Jean. Catherine Williamson introduced her book “Gobsmacked-The Podcasts,” featuring extraordinary stories, adding a creative dimension to our initiatives.\u00a0 SI <\/span><\/p>\n Coventry presented their PA work on the Lily Project: https:\/\/sigbi.org\/ukpac\/files\/2023\/09\/The-Lily-Project-Impact-Report.pdf<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Looking ahead, discussions centred on the survey findings regarding Regional Meetings, with proposed changes by the Committee set for voting at the AGM in September. The next meeting is scheduled for September 28th, 2024, at The Abbey Hotel Redditch, marking a pivotal moment for collective decision-making and progress.<\/span><\/p>\n The guest speakers were then introduced, with Wendi Momen MBE & PhD addressing\u00a0 \u2018Climate Crisis and Women, Challenge and Challengers\u2019, while Katinka Weber shared reflections on her fieldwork experiences in the Bolivian Amazon, enriching our understanding of global issues.<\/span><\/p>\n Dr Momen has been a magistrate in the criminal court since 1982 and a lay family judge since 1984<\/span>; she is currently vice chair of the Family Panel. She is co-founder and chair of Ebbf (Ethical Business Building the Future) and a board member of the International Environment Forum, both Bah\u00e1’\u00ed-inspired organisations.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/wilmetteinstitute.org\/faculty\/wendi-momen\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Dr Weber <\/span>is an Anthropologist with interests in Medical Anthropology, Political Anthropology, the Anthropology of Development and Social Change and political ecology. Her research has focused particularly on Latin America and, more recently, western Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.birmingham.ac.uk\/staff\/profiles\/applied-health\/weber-katinka<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Members convened at the Chesford Hotel, Kenilworth, for the December meeting and Christmas lunch, radiating a joyful atmosphere with a shared determination to make an ‘orange splash’ in honour of the UN 16 Days of Activism.<\/span><\/p>\n The peace candle was lit by Donna Lewis, and Angela Pocock recited the Vision and Mission statement, both representing SI Kenilworth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n President Liz, commencing her second year in office, announced plans to continue visiting clubs across the region. A highlight of 2023, according to Liz, was the establishment of a friendship group spanning Midland Arden, Midland Chase, and Midland East, emphasising the value of collaboration and mutual support across the broader region.\u00a0 Liz also highlighted the upcoming trip to No. 63 in June 2024 and expressed gratitude to Barbara Bennett for seamlessly assuming the role of Club Secretary at short notice.<\/span><\/p>\n The meeting delved into discussions on modernisation proposals from SIGBI, with a consensus favouring the retention of regions to foster camaraderie, idea-sharing, and club support.\u00a0 Strong agreement was expressed for maintaining PA and Membership Officers, Another advantage of regional meetings is the ability to attract high-profile speakers due to higher numbers attending.\u00a0 Other suggestions included organising more training days and utilising Zoom for breakout groups.<\/span><\/p>\n However, a concern was raised about a shortage of volunteers for key Regional Officer roles, including Treasurer, Communications Officer, and Benevolent Fund Officer for 2024. With no President-Elect either; future meetings will need to be hosted and organised by clubs.<\/span><\/p>\n There were two PA presentations, the first being SI Bromsgrove & Redditch, who created a wonderful sensory garden for West Mercia Women’s Aid in Worcestershire in partnership with Regal Compost.\u00a0 The second was by SI Stratford upon Avon who organised a display in the local library, explaining the message behind the ‘UN Orange the World’, campaign, which says no to Domestic Violence.<\/p>\n Before lunch there were three presentations, the first given by\u00a0 Jean Lockley, Regional Safeguarding Officer.\u00a0 She drew members attention to the SIGBI Safeguarding video (https:\/\/youtu.be\/OiXJVQSha9k<\/a>)\u00a0 and the training provided by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust (https:\/\/www.suzylamplugh.org\/<\/a>)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Isobel Smith, Chair of SI Global Communications Committee, elucidated SI’s role as one of the four NGOs at the UN focusing on women and girls. She encouraged members to sign up for the SI newsletter, Global Voice, and emphasised the significance of comprehensive Programme Reports which are used to inform the UN about SIGBI’s work.\u00a0 <\/span>You can sign up by following this link: https:\/\/soroptimistinternational.us2.list-manage.com\/subscribe?u=4c7867996d6229f393f039603&id=68f0d4e8d4<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The final presentation by Greg Morris, Chair of Trustees of Hamlin Fistula UK, (https:\/\/hamlinfistulauk.org\/<\/a>)\u00a0 highlighted the charity’s work in Ethiopia to eradicate obstetric fistula. <\/span>The charity is named after its founder Dr. Catherine Hamlin who established the first hospital in Addis Ababa.\u00a0 Today the organisation has expanded to 5 regional hospitals and a college of midwifery. <\/span>Despite its small staff, the charity donated \u00a3800,000 to the hospitals in Ethiopia this year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The subsequent festive lunch and pre-Christmas shopping were enjoyed by guests, and a raffle raised over \u00a3300 for Hamlin Fistula UK.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Greg wrote to President Liz to thank Soroptimists for their continuing support.\u00a0 You can read the letter here:<\/p>\n Letter from Greg Morris<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The meeting was held on 23rd September 2023 at the Abbey Hotel, Redditch<\/span><\/p>\n The Guest Speakers were <\/span>SI President Maureen McGuire and\u00a0 Salvation Army <\/span>Major Kathy Betteridge\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n AGM<\/strong><\/p>\n The meeting opened with acceptance of the previous AGM minutes, after which President Liz gave a report of significant events that took place during her year.\u00a0 She thanked the officers on the Regional Committee, especially Barbara Bennett (Secretary) and Andrea Kingston (Treasurer).\u00a0 She reminded the meeting that the posts of President-Elect and Communications Officer are still open. <\/span>Other committee members’ reports were noted at the meeting.\u00a0 <\/span>The accounts are still to be adopted subject to examination, but the balance sheet was accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n The next AGM will be on 24th September 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Business Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n The minutes of the March 4th meeting were accepted and there were no matters arising.\u00a0 The officers’ reports were noted. \u00a0 Jean Lockley will take up the post of Regional Programme Action Officer in October.\u00a0 Sbe issued a brief note in her absence signalling her intention to introduce herself to club Programme Action officers via Zoom by mid-November. <\/span>There followed brief reports on no. 63, and some fundraising events taking place around the region.<\/span><\/p>\n It was noted that the 20th anniversary Public Speaking Competition will be held on 16th March 2024 at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre.<\/span><\/p>\n Guest Speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n SI President Maureen McGuire gave a presentation on the’ Bright Future’\u00a0 \u00a0President\u2019s Appeal.\u00a0 She thanked SI Americas for the $230,000 donation given to the project.\u00a0 She updated the meeting on the progress at the 6 project locations – Cambodia, Malawi, the Caribbean, Georgia, Uganda and Paraguay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Working in partnership with local organisations the project\u2019s vision is to equip young women and girls with life skills through education, mentoring programmes, increasing access to information and resources and SME business training.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The project has been a success overall, but President Maureen gave an honest assessment of the disappointing outcome of the Uganda project, where most of the girls on the project failed to catch up with their missing school years, mainly because they were not given sufficient time to make up the lost ground.\u00a0 However, some succeeded and it is hoped that they will continue to be supported<\/span><\/p>\n Major Kathy Betteridge is the Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for the Salvation Army.\u00a0 She is now also a Soroptimist having recently joined SI Enfield!\u00a0 The Salvation Army is working to defeat slavery in the UK (the second highest incidence of slavery in Europe) Historically the S.A.\u00a0 were instrumental in raising the age of consent from 13 to 16 years old.\u00a0 They continue to lobby the government on behalf of trafficked people and asylum seekers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She explained how victims are supported legally, and financially, with accommodation and counselling. \u00a0 Exploitation is found in the areas of labour, sex work, domestic service, criminality and organ harvesting.<\/span><\/p>\n Si Leeds and Bradford have provided support in the form of donating welcome packs to rescued people.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More information can be found at savationarmy.org.uk\/modern-slavery<\/span><\/p>\n In the final presentation, Si President Maureen spoke about the SI Convention which took place in Dublin in July.\u00a0 The Convention was a great success with a packed agenda and many keynote speakers,\u00a0 foremost amongst whom was Mary Robinson talking about women in leadership and Project Dandelion a women-led environmental charity. <\/span>https:\/\/www.projectdandelion.com\/\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n The convention closed with a display of Irish music and dancing.<\/p>\n The new Soroptimist emblem was unveiled at the conference, and there will be a virtual meeting about this topic on 27th September at 5 pm BST.\u00a0 President Maureen\u2019s statement on the emblem can be found here https:\/\/www.soroptimistinternational.org\/statement-on-the-emblem-president-maureen-maguire\/<\/span><\/p>\n An online webinar will be held at <\/span>17:00 BST<\/b> on <\/span>28 September 2023<\/b> when Soroptimist International will describe how the concept evolved and the ways in which it should be used. Details will be shared via the Global Voice newsletter and social media.<\/span><\/p>\n The controversial proposed cruise to Alaska for the 2027 SI Convention was also briefly mentioned.\u00a0 There have been protests about the choice of a cruise ship as a venue, therefore a final decision has not yet been taken,<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The spring meeting was held at the Abbey Hotel Redditch and hosted by SI Bromsgrove & Redditch.<\/p>\n As International Women’s Day was just a few days later, members celebrated in customary fashion by wearing Purple and Pearls!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n President Liz reported that because of resignations there are vacancies for the post of Regional Programme Action Officer, Regional Secretary and Regional Benevolent Fund Officer.\u00a0 Jean Lockley intends to stand for election as Regional Programme Action Officer at the AGM in September.\u00a0 On behalf of Region,\u00a0 President Liz thanked all the former post holders for their hard work and dedication.<\/p>\n We also still need a Regional Secretary and Regional Vice\/President-Elect.\u00a0 Liz volunteered to continue in post for another year in order to facilitate a new President-Elect in planning her year.<\/p>\n After the business meeting, members were treated to two inspirational speakers, as befitting the forthcoming International Women’s Day.\u00a0 The first was Sheila Rollison, the now ‘retired’ manager of Derby County Women’s Football Club.\u00a0 She spoke of the advent of ladies’ football in the 1890s, her support for Coventry City and then playing for Burton Wanderers.\u00a0 She gradually made her way up as a player, coach and then finally into management.\u00a0 She never gave up the struggle for recognition of women’s football.\u00a0 Sheila was awarded the\u00a0 UK Points of Light in 2015 for services to women’s football<\/p>\n Aderonke Apata was an asylum seeker from Nigeria, she is now a barrister and LGBTIQ activist and founder of Both speakers took questions from the floor and received small gifts and flowers as thanks for talking at the meeting.<\/p>\n SI Solihull<\/strong><\/p>\n Jackie Atkinson spoke about how the club had been supporting families in their area who had fled from Ukraine and used their friendship links in Germany and Poland to provide funds to help families crossing the borders into Europe.\u00a0 This is a continuing project.<\/p>\n SI Stourbridge<\/strong><\/p>\n Jane Clarke, Lyn Saunders and\u00a0 Sue Roxburgh described how their club had formed a partnership with a local school and was able to provide help and support where it was needed most.<\/p>\n This was done by supplying laptops, and supermarket vouchers, helping with language skills, encouraging STEM subjects, reading support, and mentoring the public speaking contest entrants. This is a continuing project.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our Christmas meeting with lunch was held at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth and hosted by SI Stourbridge & District and Regional President Liz Every.\u00a0 \u00a0Her theme for the year is ‘Even Better Together’<\/p>\n It has become something of a tradition at the December meeting to celebrate the Unite campaign to end Violence Against Women and Girls by wearing orange, which was enthusiastically embraced by members.\u00a0 Continuing the theme, there was an orange raffle and a guess the weight of the orange cake!<\/p>\n The guest speakers were Emily Johnson from Anawim Birmingham Women’s Centre, anawim.co.uk<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span> Emily gave an interesting talk about the work of Anawim supporting women survivors of physical and sexual abuse and other traumas.<\/p>\n Jane Clarke from Hamlin Fistula UK\u00a0 hamlinfistulauk.org<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span> spoke about midwife training and Dishi Attwood SIGBI Director of Membership spoke about the drive to boost membership.<\/p>\n Following on from the talk by Emily Johnson from Anawim, President Liz has obtained a\u00a0 report by the Charity Women in Prison. This report highlights the importance of Women\u2019s Centres.\u00a0 The Report is attached here for members to have a look at. The Value of <\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>Womens’<\/a><\/span><\/strong> Centres<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n SI Kidderminster and SI Rugby gave updates on their clubs’ Programme Action work.<\/p>\n After the talks, members enjoyed Christmas lunch, festive shopping and a chance to socialise with friends old and new.<\/p>\n 64 Members registered to celebrate International Women’s Day at the meeting, which unfortunately had to be held on Zoom once again.\u00a0 We were proud to be joined by members from outside our region and by SIGBI President Cathy Cottridge and SI President Maureen Maguire. The theme of the meeting was #Break the Bias.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>President Anne opened the meeting by narrating a brief history of IWD and Past President Elaine read the Mission and Vision statement.<\/p>\n There followed In Memorium tributes to Sarah Little (SI Coventry) Betty Bullivant (SI Kidderminster), Jackie Flynn (SI Solihull), June James (SI Leamington & Warwick) and Jane Roberson (SI Worcester & Malvern)<\/p>\n The first guest speaker was Louise Bennett OBE DL.\u00a0 Louise outlined her duties both as High Sheriff of Warwickshire and also\u00a0 Chief Executive of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. She also touched on her voluntary work as a bereavement council and her involvement with young people and being a parent and foster parent.<\/p>\n The second speaker was Helen Marriott the CEO of Hamlin Fistula UK\u00a0 \u00a0https:\/\/hamlinfistulauk.org\/<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Helen spoke in her introduction about how the charity was founded and then spoke movingly about the plight of women giving birth in rural villages in Ethiopia with no antenatal or obstetric care. Many of the women sustain terrible childbirth injuries and are then often shunned by their husbands and relatives.\u00a0 She updated us on the achievements of the charity to date, including the establishment of five regional hospitals, the Hamlin College of Midwives and Desta Mender, a rehabilitation centre for long-term patients. To date, Hamlin has treated over 60,000 women and the centres are run sustainably in liaison with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our final speaker was Jen McClelland QPM who told her personal story of Breaking<\/span> the Bias as a young police officer during the 1990s when there was a lot of sexism in the police service.\u00a0 Jen found that she had to overcome many obstacles during her career, despite this, she persisted and eventually achieved the post of Superintendent.\u00a0 \u00a0Jen spoke with passion about working in Thailand following the Thailand Tsunami and leading Child Abuse, Domestic Abuse, and Missing Person Teams.\u00a0 Jen is also a Soroptimist and is a member of SI Lichfield!<\/p>\n The final part of the meeting saw Jean Lockley (SI Kenilworth & District) updating us on safeguarding and presentations by SI Bromsgrove & Redditch and SI Kenilworth & District of their recent\u00a0 Programme Action work.<\/p>\n SI Bromsgrove & Redditch<\/strong><\/p>\n SI Bromsgrove & Redditch have been busy creating gifts for women and children fleeing domestic abuse and supporting the Princes Trust initiative ‘Women Supporting Women’,\u00a0 https:\/\/www.princes-trust.org.uk\/support-our-work\/major-gifts\/women-supporting<\/span><\/span>–<\/span><\/span>women<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0as well as finding time to celebrate our centenary with a tea party for members, friends and supporters.<\/p>\n SI Kenilworth & District<\/strong><\/p>\n SI Kenilworth showcased how they use their website to raise awareness of their activities to the local community and beyond and thereby attract new members.\u00a0 Recent activities include supporting the charity Lend With Care https:\/\/lendwithcare.org\/ <\/strong><\/span><\/span>turning an initial investment of \u00a3100 into \u00a3540 and raising \u00a3500 at two social events for Friends of Sick Children in Malawi.\u00a0 http:\/\/www.friendsofsickchildreninmalawi.org\/<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Current President Julie Pemberton has chosen to support the Parenting Project https:\/\/parentingproject.org.uk\/<\/span> <\/span><\/strong>\u00a0during her year, and the club has raised over \u00a31500 by holding tombolas and selling scarves at Kenilworth Market.<\/p>\n Finally, SIGBI President Cathy Cottridge thanked President Anne for inviting her to the meeting, which broke up after we all made the Break the Bias hand sign!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/midland-arden\/files\/2023\/10\/Christmas-Candy.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h4>\nRegional Meeting and Christmas Celebration December 2024<\/h4>\n
\nher considerable contribution to the work of Soroptimists in her home club, SI Bromsgrove.<\/p>\n
\nThe achievement of 52 Master’s degrees and 71 Bachelor’s degrees.<\/p>\n
\nWhether by raising funds or making the blankets so highly prized by women recovering from fistula surgery, our clubs continue to support this vital care for women and their babies.
\n***************************************************************************<\/p>\n
\nin gender-based violence. Hopefully, there will be opportunities in clubs for all to become familiar with this knowledge \u2013 to become empowered and thus able to empower others.<\/p>\n
\nRuth Tennant, Director of Public Health with Solihull Council, described\u00a0the multi-agency approach to tackling domestic abuse.<\/p>\n
\nAfter the speakers, we enjoyed an excellent lunch \u2013 with cracker jokes! \u201cWhat did one plate say to his friend? \u2018Tonight dinner\u2019s on me\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/h4>\n
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Regional Meeting and AGM at the Abbey Hotel, Redditch September 2024<\/h4>\n
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\nThey had a tough time deciding, but in the end, Bromsgrove & Redditch won with their project on Romance Fraud. Second was Solihull with their Art & Well Being Programme in support of Ukrainian Women, and third was SI Kenilworth with the Love Grace Handbag Appeal. There were two projects on \u201cLending with Care,\u201d micro-financing, and\u00a0one on a sustainable water project.
\nSubsequently, Jean Lockley, PAO, and Barbara Bennett, FCC, had the unenviable task of explaining and clarifying the details of the resolutions and\u00a0amendments for the Conference.\u00a0 Members debated and voted on how they would like to see the region managed in the future.\u00a0 It was agreed at the meeting that clubs will take the lead in organising regional meetings.<\/p>\nRegional Meeting at the Abbey Hotel Redditch,\u00a0 March 2024<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Christmas Meeting 2023<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Regional Meeting 23rd September 2023<\/h4>\n
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\nAfrican Rainbow Family. Having described her life in Nigeria, where being gay was taboo, Aderonke was forced to leave her country and family.\u00a0 Aderonke described the long and arduous process of applying for and finally getting asylum in the UK.\u00a0 \u00a0It took her 13 years, which included nearly being deported,\u00a0 two terms in prison and being sectioned in a psychiatric hospital.<\/p>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/a><\/a><\/p>\nProgramme Action Round-Up<\/h5>\n
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Regional Meeting 3rd December 2022<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/a><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/h4>\n
Regional Meeting 5th March 2022<\/span><\/h4>\n
<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/a><\/a><\/h4>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/a><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\nChristmas Regional Meeting 4th December 2021<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/a>](\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/midland-arden\/files\/2022\/12\/Orange-Guess-the-Weight-of-the-Cake.jpg\"){kind=link}