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S.I. Newcastle upon Tyne’s 85th Charter Lunch Saturday November 12th 2022

S.I. Newcastle upon Tyne’s 85th Charter Lunch Saturday November 12th 2022

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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

Working on the farm …

Working on the farm …

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On Tuesday, October 11th, several of our members went up to the West End Women’s and Girls’ Centre Farm in rural Northumerland to carry out some jobs which included checking on the trees which we planted earlier in the year. I am happy to report that all are flourishing; as can be seen from the photograph. An additional task they performed, was to adddedication plaques to some of the trees, including one to our late member, Dorothy, who was a dedicated Soroptimist. She is greatly missed by all members. Joint President Christine was delighted to induct a new member, Helen, at the farm. She is a very welcome addition to our Soroptimist community.

‘Reach for the Skies’ – Regional Best Practice Award for S.I. Newcastle upon Tyne!

‘Reach for the Skies’ – Regional Best Practice Award for S.I. Newcastle upon Tyne!

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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.

Unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque to Dr Dorothea Sinton – September 23rd 2022.

Unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque to Dr Dorothea Sinton – September 23rd 2022.

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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.

Unveiling a Commemorative Plaque for Dr.Dorothea W.Sinton – All are welcome

Unveiling a Commemorative Plaque for Dr.Dorothea W.Sinton – All are welcome

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THE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE FOR Dr. DOROTHEA  W.  SINTON  M.B., Ch.B.       1899  to  1987     On Friday September 23rd at 12 noon, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle at 18 North Avenue in Gosforth.  This plaque marks the significant contribution of Dr. Dorothea W. Sinton to the medical and wellbeing services of the poorest women in Newcastle; particularly in providing birth control advice which was in its infancy in the 1920’s.    This event welcomes members of the public to come and honour a pioneering woman in our city.   The plaque is sponsored by Soroptimist International Newcastle upon Tyne, a voluntary women’s organisation dedicated to educating, enabling and empowering women to have an equal voice in our communities. Further details about  Dr. Sinton M.B., Ch.B. can be found on our website: https://sigbi.org/newcastle-upon-tyne/    Please visit us soon.

Sending our deepest condolences to the Royal Family!

Sending our deepest condolences to the Royal Family!

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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.                                                                            

Fish and Chip Social in Whitley Bay

Fish and Chip Social in Whitley Bay

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Tuesday, August 9th, saw thirteen hungry Soroptimists meet at Trenchers Restaurant in Spanish City, Whitley Bay, for a delicious ‘al fresco’  fish and chip supper. We were joined by Shirley, from S.I. Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, on on a beautiful, balmy August evening. We all enjoyed the warm and friendly conversation. Catherine updated us on her latest knitting, embroidery and crocheting projects, while Doreen shared her photographs of the work of Dale Chihuly, which she was fortunate to see on her recent American trip. We are all looking forward to our next social event; an afternoon tea at the home of one of our members, Christine.