SIGBI London Conference 2023
The 89th SIGBI Federation Conference was held at the Friends Meeting House in London on 3rd – 4th Nov 2023
There were more 1st time attendees this year approx. 80. Several Midland East members attended including the region president Kam. Kam was truly inspired and proud to be part of Soroptimist International.
Day One
Chief Steward announcement – Jean Lockley
Opening Ceremony – Hilary Ratcliffe OBE
Welcome by Conference chair – Ann Dawson
SIGBI President Cathy Cottridge – Greetings
Reception of Flags – Vision Mission – Roll Call
Keynote speaker – Maureen Maguire
Replacement keynote speaker Monty Halls – he was brilliant, a former British Marine Biologist now a Broadcaster and Life Coach.
Membership session – Introducing 6 new clubs – one of them was from our own Region – SI Northampton and featured Heather Korbey
Day two
Programme Action – Chris Corless UKPAC Deputy chair
Speakers
Louisa Rolfe OBE, Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police Service
Hasina Safi – Civil Society and Women’s Rights Activist
Divya Arya – BBC Women’s Affairs Reporter (Delhi) BBC World News
Eradicate Cervical Cancer Project – President Cathy and Lindsay Green
Keynote Speaker – Tracey Horner CEO Lendwithcare – Microfinancing
Programme Action awards – Best Practice Awards went to SI Stafford – Women’s Prison in England SDG 1 & 17
Handover of SI Chain of Office – Cathy Cottridge
Welcome to incoming Regional/National/Network Presidents and SIGBI Board Members
Welcome SI President Siew Yong Gnanalingam by outgoing SI President Maureen Maguire
Incoming Federation President Address – Ruth Healey
Two challenges were set by our incoming SIGBI Pres Ruth Healey.
As next year is our 90th can we have activities including 90
And
Every club to recruit one additional new member
Entertainment
Farewell to delegates from outgoing President Cathy Cottridge and incoming President Ruth Healey
NEXT CONFERENCE 90th SIGBI Federation in Edinburgh at the Assembly Rooms
Save the date 1st – 3rd November 2024