Good Morning Soroptimist Sisters,
With the Road Map out of Lockdown unveiled this week, could we be seeing the beginnings of recovery from the restrictions which we have endured for almost 12 months? I really hope that we can now look forward with some cautious optimism and that summer this year will be so much better than summer 2020! The downside is that there are members who have had a further letter from Matt Hancock, instructing them to ‘shield’ again until the end of March, and I can imagine how frustrating this must be! I send my thoughts and best wishes to any members who are shielding and also to any who are ill, either at home or in hospital.
CLUB NEWS
It is always a joy to hear from Jess Sinclair [SI Carlisle] about their work to support Homeless Women in the Women’s Shelter in Water Street, Carlisle. Their efforts have been tremendous when help has been most needed. Jess tell me that a craft project has kept her happily occupied during lockdown, and has raised £150 to buy much needed clothing – leggings and tops – for the ladies.. Jess’s craft project was to knit a set of 25 gnomes which are going to be taken to Australia by a friend, for her little granddaughters next
Christmas. They replace an Advent Calendar and are a great deal more fun! The gnomes’ hats can be removed and there is space inside to hide little presents. What a super idea! Several Carlisle members are joining Jess in making draw string bags which have been requested by the Manager of the Shelter. It was decided to make 100 of these in total before the Autumn to last just over a year. They are used to discreetly hold sanitary products, which are laid out in every room prior to occupancy. Jess says she is continually surprised at the attention to detail to make every lady feel welcome and valued. You will see some of them at the front of photograph along with towels, face cloths, [bought the day before lockdown], also pants and socks, coffee, long life milk and snack foods, all donated by Carlisle members. 
Further news from Linda Smithson of SI South Shields on the Blue Plaque for Amy Flagg, reported previously. This has been approved due to the efforts of South Shields members. Permission to install has already been granted and this will be done in the very near future on the house where Amy lived, and will be paid for by the Council. Linda says this tribute is long overdue for a remarkable lady. We look forward to seeing the photographs when this happens.
Cris Young [SI Newcastle upon Tyne] reported on their club Zoom meeting held this week which was a meeting with a difference. It was with a wonderful Well Being Coach – Jenny Evans – who runs her own company called Rainbows End; she and her colleague have written an Emotional Well Being Handbook. The purpose of the evening was to promote member’s Well Being by taking part in a workshop. Members were given small tasks and 
questions to think about and the answers were then discussed; the main topics were motivation and positive thinking. The session was very uplifting and Cris tells me they had fun with much laughter and felt better about themselves. Contact Jenny if you would like something similar for your own club. jenny@rainbowsendcoaching.com
There is a fee charged for this workshop to be agreed with Jenny, but Cris feels that it is worth the investment in ourselves.
Information from Pam Cooper [SI Middlesbrough] on an International Women’s Day Regional Virtual Festival organised by the University of Teesside; commencing on 5 March 2021 with a number of interesting events. News Releases | Media centre | Teesside University
Also from SI Middlesbrough is an invitation to join their Zoom meeting on Tuesday, 9 March 2021 at 7.00pm when Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson will speak about ongoing work to combat domestic abuse. This meeting is restricted to Soroptimists only. Contact Pam Cooper at:cooperpageo21@aol.com for joining details.
We are currently in the middle of Fair Trade Fortnight when individual groups and companies come together to celebrate the people in developing countries who grow our food but who are often underpaid and exploited. Many Soroptimists support Traidcraft and have done for many years. Kath Sainsbury was kind enough to send me their recent order form (this is a spreadsheet which was sent in weekly email) with currently available products from Jenny Medhurst. SI Middlesbrough members will donate all items purchased to Middlesbrough Food Bank. I am sure we all look for fairly traded products when we shop, not just this fortnight but all year round.
Finally, a reminder about the Regional Coffee Morning, next Saturday, 5 March 2021 at 10.30am lasting one hour. All welcome! To register and receive the link to join, contact Margaret Ayton of SI Newcastle upon Tyne – margaretayton40@gmail.com
Quote this week is from Michele Ruiz:
If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them any more!
Until next week – Stay Safe and Keep well
In Friendship,
Joyce
JOINT REGIONAL PRESIDENT
SINE