President Joyce Message – Week Seven

Good Morning Sister Soroptimists,

I hope that you are all keeping safe and well and coping in these challenging times?

We await today the Government’s plans for us in Phase 2 of Lockdown, although signs are that there will be little difference to us than in Phase 1!

Those who will see no difference between what they can do today and what they will be able to do tomorrow, are those 1.5 million people who are ‘shielded’,  due to severe medical conditions, who are at high risk of developing complications from COVID-19. The restrictions they face are more stringent, they must isolate for 12 weeks [which may well be extended] they are not allowed any face to face contact or even permitted to go outside for a daily walk. I am aware that some of our Soroptimist members are classed in the ‘shielded’ category and I hope that these members are being supported and are kept in touch with what is going on in their Clubs either by a card or letter in the post, an email or by telephone or if they have the equipment, to join online meetings. A quick chat can cheer greatly and reassure members that someone is thinking about them.

Please let me know if you wish me to ring or write to any of your members – I would be happy to do so.

It is gratifying to hear that telephone rotas have been established in some clubs to keep in touch with more vulnerable members. A SI Middlesbrough member has been teaching people how to communicate using SKYPE or ZOOM. [Remotely, I am sure].

I too am becoming familiar with these methods of communication; this week I have attended a ZOOM Club Officer’s Meeting and a SKYPE Regional Officer’s Meeting, both extremely successful. Some of us are learning skills which were unknown to us at the beginning of the year and which we never expected to have to use.

CLUB NEWS

This week I was delighted to have news of SI Penrith [in their re-launch year] and what they have been busy doing during the emergency. One member is making masks to be purchased by members and friends; several have taken up the 2.6 Challenge – skipping, playing the piano, gardening, walking, exercise class and running upstairs and through all these activities are supporting charities of their choice.  The Club is also working in Partnership with Eden Forum against Domestic Abuse who were awarded a £1,000 grant to provide essential items and toiletries for victims of Domestic Abuse. Two members, who are not self-isolating, are buying goods and making up the bags. During this pandemic report of Domestic Abuse are soaring so this is so worthwhile and needed.

SI Cockermouth were happy to update me with the news that their 2.6 Challenge, reported last week, has now resulted in £1,000 raised for Hospice at Home, West Cumbria.  Hospices are really struggling financially at this time as I know from personal experience so this brilliant amount will be most welcome.

SI Stockton-on-Tees has a new President – Sue Scott, and since we were unable to meet to have a Change of Insignia, Sue lacked a chain of office – but provided her own paper chain. So, Julie had to replicate Madam President also with a paper chain! Julie has delivered 30 bags for nurse’s uniforms and 20 headbands to Teesside Scrub Hub this week. I think her 43-year-old sewing machine needs a rest now!    

To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, Patricia Gatherum held a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in her garden in Morpeth. I am sure that there would be other celebrations regionally and hope many of you were able to enjoy the glorious weather of Friday.