Good Morning Sister Soroptimists
Yesterday, I listened to a local radio station programme, which featured Pam Cooper and Kath Sainsbury of SI Middlesbrough, talking in an interview about their Lockdown Project Book ‘Overcoming the Odds’. The whole programme was built around women and their achievements in female non traditional professions.
I was proud of how Pam and Kath promoted Soroptimism and hope that from this, more copies of their books can be sold, and maybe some women may be interested in joining our organisation.
The radio station was http://www.levenonline.co.uk to catch up on the programme.
Copies of the book are still available from Pam at cooperpageo21@aol.com
CLUB NEWS
First, some news to share from December 2020 which I have recently received, and I am delighted to report some positive action and service.
I have an update from SI Penrith and District, about their continuing activities in their Personal Challenges and their efforts to raise money for the Calvert Trust, near Keswick. This excellent residential facility is for people with disabilities to enable them to participate in outdoor activities, adventure breaks for both adults and children on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. Penrith members have made ‘Santa Hats’ for chocolate oranges (pictures to the right), teddies and snoods to sell, produced a CD of Christmas music, donated birthday money, organised walks, played the piano for 20 hours and walked or cycled 100 hours in one month. By asking their friends and families to donate money they have raised over £1,300 so far with some money still to come in. In common with all charities, the facility is struggling to raise sufficient funds to operate. Viewers of BBC Breakfast may have seen recently the efforts of 13 year old Oliver who smashed his target on a campaign to help the charity which has saved his life. Oliver’s Calvert Army went viral encouraging others to join him in a series of 13 themed challenges to mark him becoming a teenager.
Jess Sinclair of SI Carlisle updated me about their second delivery to the Hostel for Homeless Woman in Water Street, Carlisle. The photograph shows the huge amount of food and presents before it was packed. Some of the items were breakfast cereals, non perishable foods, selection boxes, packets and boxes of sweets, a large collection of everyday toiletries, coffee, long life milk and sugar. Sharon Sanders at the Hostel was absolutely delighted with everything and kept saying, ‘this is exactly what I wanted’ and was able to pack a hamper for each of the ladies living there over Christmas. There was also some money donated for any food they may be running short of.
Jess feels that this is a common purpose which had brought some new life into the Club which is to be welcomed. She has also benefitted personally, enjoying short chats outdoors with members as they delivered their bags.
Well done, Penrith and Carlisle ladies, for your amazing efforts, and thank you for keeping in touch.
Kathy Warrick [SI Middlesbrough], supplied me with useful information on Ask for ANI – the domestic abuse codeword scheme launched by the Government earlier this month. Link to ANI The acronym stands for ACTION NEEDED IMMEDIATELY and people at risk of domestic abuse during the Coronavirus lockdown will be able to seek help discreetly by giving this codeword to pharmacies. This is a UK wide scheme available now in 2,300 Boots stores and in 255 independent pharmacies. Other pharmacies are being asked to sign up to the programme.
Kathy also draws our attention to a UKPAC page published on 22 January on an Open Consultation – Violence Against Women and Girls [VAWG] Call for Evidence, England and Wales – Link:
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Call for Evidence – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The consultation closes on 19 February 2021.
It is International Women’s Day on 8 March 2021. Sadly SIGBI are not producing a Tool Kit but you are referred to http://www.internationalwomensday.com for further information.
The theme for this year is ‘CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE’. If clubs would like to let me know if they have anything planned, I will be happy to share here in a future message.
I attended the Annual General Meeting of Number 63 [Soroptimist] Ltd [our small hotel in Bayswater Road, London] on Saturday, 23 January, along with 116 other Shareholders, including five SINE members who formerly served on the Board of Directors.
In common with many small businesses, Number 63 is struggling to survive and losing money at an incredible rate through not being able to operate. They have claimed all of the Government grants which have been offered since the beginning of the Pandemic. Four staff have been made redundant.
The 500 Club Draw still exists for Shareholders and there was an appeal at the meeting for more to sign up for £13 per annum for one number to be entered into the 12 monthly prize draws. More information on the Number 63 website including the forms to register for the 500 Club.
Don’t forget about our virtual Regional Coffee Meet on Saturday, 6 February 2021 at 10.30am. Contact Margaret Ayton at margaretayton40@gmail.com for a link to join.
I end with a lovely photograph of some of the first snowdrops of the year at Wonersh Church, Surrey, sent to me by Jane Katsambis. It was taken by her daughter, Antonia, who lives in this idyllic part of the world.
I found the following appropriate quote by E. Sirrell to accompany it –
SNOWDROPS – Always remember that if a small delicate flower can find the strength to push its way through hard frozen ground, year after year, then the possibilities for humans are endless.
We have so much more strength and potential than we realise. We just need to learn how to use it in the correct way.
Until next week. Stay Safe and Keep well,
In Friendship,
Joyce