2022’s Charter Lunch was held in a new venue, the Copthorne Hotel, on Newcastle’s Quayside. The room looked beautiful especially as the tables were adorned by lovely flower arrangements created by Progamme Action Officer, Christine Lowthian.
Forty-eight Soroptimists and guests were welcomed by Joint President Christine who also delivered the Soroptimist Grace. A number of local clubs were represented including S.I. Durham, S.I. Tynemouth and Whitley Bay & District, S.I. Tynedale. We also had visitors from further afield: S.I. Dumfries and Galloway, S.I. Glasgow City and S.I. Greater London.
Lunch was delicious!
Following lunch, the Loyal Toast was proposed by Joint President Christine. After a short break, Dame Vera Baird DBE KC spoke about her working life: ‘A career supporting women and girls’. Dame Vera’s story is a fascinating one. From a childhood in Oldham, being given ‘suitable’ girls’ toys and wanting to be a boy as they have more fun, to developing a sense of female solidarity from her friendship groups, and realising that a girl can do anything they want to do, to a law degree and being called to the bar. There is a strong sense of purpose and wanting to right injustices interwoven throughout her career choices.
As one of a select group of female barristers, she proved to be popular with the ‘criminal classes’. Soliciters were frequently asked to get ‘that great ginger wifee’ to represent their clients. Her first client was a 72 year old female, habitual criminal, who twenty or so years before, had been found guilty of forging ration books. A number of her cases were ‘protest cases’ such as defending women accused of super-glueing newsagents’ doors where they had been selling ‘men’s magazines. From there, she became a MP for Redcar and Solicitor General for England and Wales. She served as Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria Police. In this capacity, she instigated a system of observing rape trials which were carried out by a group of Soroptimists including some from S.I. Newcastle. This system of monitoring has now been taken up by other Police Commisioners. InShe was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2017 for services to women and equality. June 2019 she was appointed as Victim’s Commissioner, but resigned in 2022, as she felt the victims’ interests were being downgraded. She has written a number of books on rape, female murderes and women’s experience in court. She is now a Visiting Professor at a number of Universities and working with the Official Opposition in Parliament on victims’ rights with a number of other projects in the offing.
In her response to Dame Vera’s talk, Pam, Immediate Past President. S.I. Northern England, remarked that she was an exceptional woman – something which everyone present I am sure would agree on.
Christine Lumsdon, of S.I. Newcastle upon Tyne, read a message from S.I. Northern Regional President Martha Davies who unfortunately was uable to be with us.
Coucillor Doreen Huddart of S.I. Newcastle upon Tyne toasted our guests and this was followed by a response from Janet Heal of S.I. Dumfries and Galloway. Janet is a Past President of S.I. Newcastle upon Tyne.
Our eighty-fifth Charter Lunch concluded with closing remarks from Joint President Christine Tomkins.
Chris Jones was a very able Toastmaster who kept everything to order in a timely manner.
Here is a selection of the people attending:
Our Joint President Christine certainly moves around!
All guests will be able to enjoy some wildflowers in their garden next year as the place markers were made from seeded paper.
