In February Sarah Gardner updated us on the work that ATE are doing to help fight poverty in Lawra, Upper West Ghana.  Since Sarah’s last visit to us they have continued and grown in what they have achieved by changing the lives of children and adults living in the poorest parts of Ghana. Through the provision of free school meals for the children, support for small businesses and care for children living with a disability. Educate – Many children in Lawra spend their days searching for food, ATE is relieving hunger, encouraging more children into education and enabling them to learn to the very best of their ability. Through the provision of free school meals, clean water and health insurance.  Attendance at supported schools has risen to an amazing 96%. Educating the children will enable them to become enterprising adults, with a chance to fight

For our September welcome back nibbles evening we all brought along items to donate to the Elizabeth Fry Charity, which helps and supports women who are out of prison on licence or have been released from prison.  The approved premises in Reading provides residents with supervision and structure, which by taking part in activities can help them address the difficulties they face. this also assists them to resettle in the community without reoffending.  The women will be given a pack of donated toiletries for personal use and items that would be useful for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms when they move on and settle in the community.

Eight Bells for Mental Health was the charity chosen by our past President Pam Freeman to support during her year of office.  Kathryn Dundas gave us a presentation on the work and support that they are able to give.  It is an independent charity offering support, advice and friendship to anyone affected by mental health issues.  They run a drop-in-centre in a safe and welcoming environment close to Newbury Town Centre.  Confidential referrals and advice for members to get expert support and counselling is available.  Members are involved in the running of the charity which includes many activities and fund raising events.  We supported them by fundraising for the charity during the year.  

John Holt, Development Trustee at West Berkshire Therapy Centre gave us a presentation on the work that the therapy centre does for people in West Berkshire. they are a registered charity, with a fund raising team supplementing the income shortfall from voluntary contributions.  They aim to deliver a service to as many people as possible by using power-assisted exercise to relieve disability or health conditions under professional supervision, they can take self referrals or referrals from Doctors, Occupational Therapist, Nurses or other Health professionals.

Lily Haig from Action for Children came to our meeting earlier in the year and gave a very interesting presentation on how Action of Children protects and supports children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives, as well as making a difference by supporting their parents, fostering and adoption families in our area.

On the 31st August 2017 we had a party to celebrate Billie’s100th birthday.  Food, birthday cake and entertainment made for a fun evening.  Our guest included The Mayor and Mayoress of Newbury Councillor David Fenn and his wife Marion, London Chilterns Region President Jen Simpson and Billie’s daughter and granddaughter.  President Jen presented Billie & Elizabeth with their 50 year Soroptimist Service Awards.    

Our 62nd Charter Lunch was in April at the Chequers Hotel, guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Newbury Councillor David Fenn and his wife Marion, London Chilterns Region President Margaret Badley and Jenny Gillespie who gave us a very interesting insight into her life as a RAF nurse. President Angela presented a cheque for £1250 to Nick Galbraith for The Rosemary Appeal.  The Good Exchange has agreed for The Rosemary Appeal to double the amount.  

For the first time since we started the Pancakes races this year due to adverse weather conditions the races had to be cancelled.  Teams kindly donated their race fee to our charity for this year, the Rosemary Appeal, which was very much appreciated. The pancake lunches still went ahead in St Nicolas Church hall and was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

Our 61st Charter lunch was held on the 30th April 2017 at the Chequers Hotel, Newbury and was attended by The Mayor and Mayoress of Newbury, Jen Simpson Regional President and our speaker Fiona Humphreys from The Elizabeth Fry Charity  

Doctor Tayton and Nick Galbraith came to our meeting and updated us on The Rosemary Appeal which is a project to build a Renal Dialysis unit on the ground floor and an advanced cancer care unit on the 1st floor at West Berkshire Community Hospital.  This was the President’s charity for 2016 and at our annual lunch Angela presented Nick Galbraith with a cheque for £1,000 for The Rosemary Appeal.