With the easing of COVID restrictions on 29 March, two of our club members, Christine and Pam were finally able to receive their regional Chains of Office. On 30 March, Christine, now Regional President of Northern England was able to meet up with Immediate Past President, Joyce Chesney at the picnic tables outside McDonalds in Dalton Park Shopping Centre ( not yet open !). They were joined by Joan Heckels and Hilary Clavering from Sunderland S.I., so there were great celebrations as Joyce was presented with her gifts from the Regional Officers Group. Joyce was able to hand over the Regional Presidential chain of office – keeping to social distancing.
The following day, Christine was able to visit Regional President Elect Pam Turner (another Newcastle Soroptimist) at her home in Morpeth and Patricia Gatherum (another Newcastle member) acted as photographer for the handover of the SINE President Elect chain of office. On both occasions, the sun shone and all said it was an absolute pleasure to meet up with friends and take part in the ceremonies albeit in a very different way this year.
