In her Regional President’s Message – July 2022, Judith describes a very busy and successful month of fun and friendship when we were able to get together on several occasions, and catch up and make new friends. It’s been a very enjoyable month.
Following all the restrictions with the pandemic (and I know we still have to be careful), one of my ambitions was to create as many opportunities as possible to reconnect with each other and to meet up socially. The more we can do this, the more we can share and put our energies into our Programme Action work .
2nd July was the date of my much anticipated Garden Party. I do hope you have read Marisha Place’s super report about the afternoon – if not it’s here. Despite the rain, in true Soroptimist style we all participated and raised £1,500 for my regional charity ‘Voice of Hope.’ We will hear more details about how our donation will help at the final Regional Meeting of my year on 10th September.
I received many cards of thanks , but one of them contained a quote from W.B Yeats:
There is nothing worth the joy of living, but laughter and the love of friends.
How very true……
Thank you SI Lichfield for loaning me your marquee and for all those who put all the gazebos up and took them down. Michelle Daws and her husband Nick were just amazing! Katie Taylor’s sandwiches were the best ever as were husband Philip’s scones! A wonderful team of helpers who have all received my personal thanks.
Our first face to face Regional Meeting on 9th July not only gave members the chance from other clubs to chat and share good practice, but to hear three inspiring and extraordinary speakers. Members of my own club provided much needed refreshments and Maureen Little’s quiz (presented by Nichola in her absence), refreshed our memories and educated us more about Modern Day Slavery. Nichola also reminded us about easyfundraising and how we can earn money for our clubs on our everyday shopping online. This will be relaunched in the Autumn so look out for the webinars and supporting material.
I cannot emphasise enough that REGION IS FOR EVERYBODY and not just for a mythical “chosen few”. We really are all of equal importance and in this together. There are a number of Regional roles open at the moment so please consider putting yourselves forward for them. If you’d like more information contact Regional Secretary Maureen Little.
I was delighted to welcome members from eight of our clubs to the Three Regions Picnic on 16th July at the National Memorial Arboretum. It was a great opportunity to meet up with members from Midland Arden and Midland East too. It was very hot, but a most enjoyable and productive day.
As we looked at various memorials we did wonder if any of our wonderful Soroptimists from the past had been involved during World War Two. If anyone has any ideas how we could find out, please get in contact. SIGBI holds no records unfortunately. Perhaps some of you know of members from your own clubs?
Last Thursday 21st July I was privileged to attend SI Bilston’s meeting and received such a warm welcome from President Cherril and her members.
This is a very strong and committed group of ladies who are still grieving the very recent loss of two of their members Elaine and Jill. They have lost four members recently which is so sad. This month also saw the sad death of Hilary Page MBE, past Federation President in 1989-90. They will be greatly missed.
The meeting focussed on their Programme Action achievements and there are very many of these. So many of the photographs were of Elaine and Jill , both such vibrant ladies who contributed very fully to everything that Bilston did. We will hear more about them both at 10th September’s Regional Meeting. 
I was especially delighted to induct new member Cherry and hope she enjoys being a part of such a hard working and forward thinking club.
How are your poems progressing ladies? They don’t need to be ‘perfect’ but please keep sending them in to Nichola Balmer at poetrycomp@simidlandchase.org.uk.
This will be a lovely way to bring my year to a close and the prizes are worth having too. Remember the closing date is Sunday 21st August and you can enter as many poems as you like! Just have a pad of paper handy and keep jotting down your thoughts and ideas. You might surprise yourself. The winners will be announced in September at the AGM & Regional Meeting by Mel Wardle Woodend, our county Poet Laureate.
If you’re free on Monday 15th August please come to our regional day out at Wollerton Old Hall Gardens, near Market Drayton. A flyer has been sent out with booking details.
This is such a fabulous place and you’re welcome to bring any future Soroptimists too.
Finally, continue to be kind to everyone in your club. Listen to members and communicate with each other. Be open to change whilst not disregarding good practice from the past. Focus on your Programme Action work , but remember this is NOT a competition between clubs. Always ‘Progress not Perfection’ in everything we do.