We are extremely proud to have nominated Dr Ruth Nicholson for a plaque commemorating her life and work as a pioneering surgeon in WW1(awarded the French Croix de Guerre) and later as a founder and a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologist. Our Lord Mayor (Councillor Habib Rahman) unveiled the plaque Friday, August 27th 2021. Several club members there were President Christine, Christine Lo., Christine Lu. Doreen and Heather. The main speakers were Professor Alison Murdoch ( representing the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists)  and Baroness Joyce Quin.    About 10 relatives of Ruth Nicholson attended including Rosemary who was married to Ruth’s nephew. They were thrilled and very pleased that this honour had been given to their relative and very proud of the plaque.   Further details of Dr. Ruth Nicholson’s life and work can be found on our website.

  September 1st has been designed as a Day of Action for Afghanistan. We stand in solidarity with our sisters during this difficult time. @sinewcastle @sigbi @sibangkok#askmewhyiamasoroptimist We stand with Afghanistan @soroptimists @siesperance @soroptimist_intl_bangkok @soroptimistgbi @streetwise_newcastle @strongwomenuk #askmewhyiamasoroptimist

Sadly Tuesday’s meeting started with Pres. Christine informing us of the sad passing of Dorothy Sisterson, a long serving club member and a former President.   Dorothy was passionate about supporting the education of girls and women and was also a driving force behind the club’s Sensory Garden Project.   A very kind and generous lady, she will be greatly missed.  The club held a minute’s silence to remember Dorothy. We were then pleased to welcome a new linked member, Riette, who is a language teacher and we hope that she will enjoy her time with our club. After a brief business meeting, we welcomed our evening’s speaker, Ed Chivers, Volunteering and Engagement Coordinator, from Urban Green who gave a stimulating presentation about the work of his organisation in looking after the 33 parks and 66 + allotment sites in Newcastle.    His presentation generated numerous questions based

At tonight’s meeting, Programme Action was the focus with plenty of exciting projects covered. These included: Trauma Teddies, support for the West End Women and Girls’ Centre, the Gardening Project, the Blue Plaque update, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Survey, Climate Change Day of Action on July 17th, managing Programme Action, the 500 Miles Big Dinner proposal, supporting a member as Regional Treasurer, the club’s accounts to our Friendship Link with SI Bangkok. Phew! And all in 2 hours… @soroptimist_intl_bangkok @soroptimists #sigbi #soroptimist #soroptimistinternational #femaleempowerment #femaleleadership #strongwomen #askmewhyiamasoroptimist​

Yesterday afternoon SI Newcastle upon Tyne President Christine visited Gosforth East Middle School’s Gardening Club to see the progress in the school garden. The club and individual members had donated money to buy tools, together with pallets, potato sacks, seed potatoes, nets, hoops and top soil. The children brought enthusiasm and enjoyment! The produce will be used in Food Technology lessons. We are now working towards supporting another school in Newcastle. @soroptimist_intl_bangkok @soroptimists #sigbi #soroptimist #soroptimistinternational #askmewhyiamasoroptimist