Good morning sister Soroptimists
A rather duller day today after the warmth and sunshine of the past few weeks. I hope that the rain is making the gardeners among you feel happier. Talking about feeling happier, I hear news of those of you who have not been so well and also hear that recoveries are being made. Immediate Past President Joyce Chesney has asked me to pass on her thanks for all the good wishes that she has received and to say that she has now come out of her isolation period having had COVID-19 and is cleared to resume her usual activities. She reports that she was exceedingly well looked after by the NHS ( at home ) and felt that there were expert staff available whenever she needed attention or support. She has been left with a feeling of tiredness but is regaining her usual energetic approach to life. Joyce asked that a reminder be sent to members that she had been double ‘jabbed’ and had been leading an anti-social life but still caught COVID – so please do continue to be careful and stay safe. Joyce – you have all our very best wishes for a full recovery.
S.I.Carlisle have sent a news item about one of their members who has raised £1,070 for the Carlisle Foodbank. “She’s such a star!” This is the quote from Cath PrescottDevlln, a professional photographer, who is also a trustee of the Foodbanks in Carlisle. She was referring to Olive Cronie who works tirelessly to provide supplies for the food bank. Olive is the oldest member of S.I.Carlisle and. just before her 91st birthday, she took on an impressive challenge at the Sands at Newman. She set out to walk 5K on a treadmill to raise much needed money for the local Foodbank. Since she was unable to continue
delivering the food in person during the pandemic she wanted to raise cash instead, so that she could still help people in need. The photograph shows Olive presenting a cheque to Rachael Rodway, another trustee from the Foodbank. Olive was sponsored by her extended family, members of her church and organisations that she continues to support, including Soroptimists and former pupils. The money poured in and the final total was a staggering £1,070.
Well done Olive, we are all proud of you !
S.I. Stockton-on-Tees have continued their 100 for 100 challenges where 100 items have been donated alternate months to the Rainbow Room at North Tees Hospital and the Billingham Foodbank. Member Julie Everson collected the donations of food, toiletries, clothes and shoes and delivered them to the Billingham Foodbank in July. Photograph shows Julie with her heavy trolley loads being delivered.
S.I. Cockermouth report that on the evening of Saturday 24th July, 6 members joined other women and men in a walk organised by “Women Out West” (West Cumbrian organisation supporting disadvantaged women ). This was a great opportunity to raise awareness for women being able to walk safely on the streets. The bright orange T shirts worn by members certainly carried the message loud and clear !
Cockermouth members also held a “Balsam Bashing” evening on Tuesday 27 July when 3 Soroptimists, a Soropti-mister and a potential member started the fight against Himalayan Balsam along the banks of the River Calder. Himalayan Balsam is a beautiful flower but sadly is highly invasive and shallow rooted, so in winter when it dies back it leaves vast stretches of the river bank bare and therefore highly susceptible to erosion. Removing the balsam as early as possible in 
the year allows other plants to colonise the bare soil and protect from erosion. This is a project that SI Cockermouth will continue
throughout the summer and they now have their own patch allocated to them by the West Cumbria Rivers Trust. The photographs above show what an energetic and necessary activity this is.
S.I.Durham have sent me a long update of their many 100 for 100 Challenges and here is one that is a little more unusual and engages with the public : The Silver Line – 100 metres of Silver Coins – this was started at their July meet-up in Hardwick Country Park near Sedgefield and they covered 3 metres of silver. Over the coming months at meet-ups and events they aim to complete a 100 metre line of sliver coins which will boost their Programme Action Funds. More to come in future Newsletters as they have quite a collection of challenges to commemorate our Centenary.
My last photograph of this newsletter is a very happy one! Past Regional President Shirley Hallam married Peter Gould on Saturday 24 July in North Shields and this wonderful photograph shows how happy
they are and Shirley certainly looks a radiant bride. All our very best congratulations to them with every wish for a long and happy life together. 
Please do keep the news flowing to me as it’s lovely to share these moments of success and positive activity at a time when so many people are still feeling lonely. I was alarmed at reading some stark figures about our Federation recently. In the “frequently asked questions and answers “ section on the Resolution that we are to debate at the Federation’s General Meeting in October – the following membership statistics were noted: 10 years ago SIGBI had 10,000 members in 28 countries with 400 clubs. Now in 2021 we have 5,500 members in 18 countries with 263 clubs.
So our Programme Action activities are the most important part of the work of members and clubs as it is this service to our communities that draws attention to our global organisation and also attracts potential members to us. We need to be seen contributing to our society and offering a friendly and welcoming hand to those who wish to join us. So please do consider projects that engage with the public and spread the word about us. I hope to see some of you at the Regional Coffee Gathering on next Saturday 7th August at 10.30am – ask Margaret at margaretayton40@gmail.com for a Zoom link to join us.
In friendship – your Regional President – Christine Lumsdon