On Saturday, September 24th, SI Newcastle upon Tyne was delighted to win the regional Best Practice top award ‘Reach for the Skies’ –  in recognition of its work in the West End of Newcastle with: West End Women and Girls Centre and its farm; Canning Street School ; Canning Street School – Forest Garden West End Food Bank Blue plaque for Ruth Nicholson Patricia, as President Elect and Regional Rep, received the trophy on behalf of the club and was honoured to receive it from International President Maureen Maguire. The club is grateful to receive this award representing as it does a real team effort from all Club Members.  With this work established in the West of the City, we would like to expand into other areas.

Today, Friday September 23rd the Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle ion Tyne (Councillor Veronica Dunn) unveiled a Blue Plaque for  Dr Dorothea Sinton., MB., Ch. B. (1899 to 1987). The plaque celebrates the pioneering work of Dr Sinton in providing medical and well being services for women in the poorest area of Newcastle. SI Newcastle are attempting to redress the imbalance of Blue Plaques celebrating women’s achievements – there are now fewer than 7 plaques for women out of over 100 plaques celebrating men. We were delighted to be joined by Dr Tacchi, a former Chief Medical Officer for Family Planning Services in the city , who had actually worked with Dr Sinton and spoke about her pioneering work.   In addition, descendants of Dr. Sinton, including her children and grandchildren attended and Dr Sinton’s granddaugher, Joanne Friel, spoke of her fond memories of her grnndmother.

It was with deep sadness that Newcastle Soroptimists  heard of  the death of Her Majesty, The Queen and wish to express their sincere condolences to King Charles III and all members of the Royal Family. Our thoughts are with the Royal family and all our Soroptimist sisters at this sad time.                                                                            

Today, eleven happy Soroptimists,enjoyed a splendid afternoon tea in member  Christines’s beautiful garden. We were raising money for the West End and East End Foodbanks. We raised over Two hundred pounds whilst enjoying the delicious food, good company and warm sunshine.

Last Saturday, one of our members’ friends, Lesley, went up to the farm to add a plaque to her mother’s tree. She reported that all the trees which we had planted were doing well – perhaps because of the soaking they received from a downfall just after they were planted!

https://youtu.be/DBmmOKrBNno