Good Morning Soroptimist Sisters,
How do I begin to say ‘thank you’ for what happened on Friday, my birthday?
Well, it was the most wonderful day with so many cards with lovely messages, E cards, flowers and gifts. I even received a video message from SI Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and District, with members singing Happy Birthday to me! That was incredible, thank you.
I have my suspicions that you had all been made aware that it was my birthday!
Thank you to Anne Gunning who posted to me one of her NHS Teddies, as well as an ORANGE Face Mask and insisted I took a selfie. So here it is! [1]
Thank you to all of you who wished me well on a day which turned out to be full of surprises!
I feel truly blessed to have such amazing Soroptimist friends!
Your Regional Officers held a Planning Meeting this week, discussing future arrangements to be put in place for the coming months. It would seem that certainly, for the forseeable future, our meetings will continue to be virtual, which means no travelling for any of us.
Our next Regional Council Meeting will be on Saturday, 28 November 2020 – morning only – and you will be receiving details when they are finalised.
FEDERATION CONFERENCE
As you will have heard the Conference will be going ahead as planned, but no Federation Officers or the Conference Committee will be travelling to Northern Ireland as the Coronavirus situation in Belfast will prevent this as their safety should be paramount. How disappointing this will be for all concerned; the planning for a Federation Conference covers three years of hard work. I will still watch the proceedings with great interest.
CLUB NEWS
Members of SI Middlesbrough came together at the home of Kath Sainsbury, on the 11 October for a socially distanced celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. 2020 is a particularly special year because the theme is ‘My voice, our equal future’, focusing on how girls globally are leading the way. Day of the Girl Child is also significant as the Generation Equality Campaign has been launched – ‘a multi-year, multi-partner campaign and movement for bold action on gender equality’. This day in 2020 marks 25 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for working towards empowering girls and their rights globally. The Beijing Declaration is one of the first ‘most comprehensive international agreements on women’s rights and gender equality.’ In a pandemic year, a clear agenda and multi-pronged approach is essential to look after the needs and opportunities of adolescent girls.
No celebration is complete without cake, and this was enjoyed while members watched the film ‘The Book Thief’ , the story of a little girl in Nazi Germany, who through her own determination against the odds, taught herself to read. A fitting story to share.
Members of SI Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and District were inspired by an email sent out by Karen Alexander, PA Chair, advertising the BRILLIANT BREAKFAST. Not able to do it on the day, but they met last Saturday, 17/10, on ZOOM, in their pyjamas with their breakfast and Bucks Fizz [3]. They had a Breakfast Quiz, some silly Breakfast facts and a raffle and raised £200 for The Prince’s Trust. What a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning.
In the latest batch of splendid Soroptimists to be revealed in #WhoisShe on the Centenary section of the SIGBI Website is a remarkable woman – a pioneer named EDITH BASE – founder President of SI Newcastle upon Tyne which was the first club in our Region, chartered in 1937. So Edith was the very first Soroptimist in our Region. I have attached a the biographical notes on Edith which were kindly supplied to me by Christine Lumsdon, our Regional President Elect. There is a very full Club History of SI Newcastle upon Tyne on the Regional website where full details and dates are recorded.
I have an appropriate poem for you this week which was sent to me by Maureen Robson, Associate member, thank you, Maureen.
Most Schools have broken for the Half Term Holiday and I am sure we can empathise with all teachers and parents who must feel exactly as described here! [5]
Until next week, Stay Safe and Keep Well
In Friendship,
Joyce
PRESIDENT
SINE
An Appropriate Poem
