Poole, Dorset: Soroptimist International Poole (SI Poole) President, Lynn Butterworth, has been awarded the Community Champion Award by the Borough of Poole for her contribution to the communities of Poole. Lynn, who ran SI Poole’s initiative which placed two public defibrillators on Poole Quay attended the Mayor’s Chamber at the end of May to receive her award.  She was presented the award by the then Mayor, Councillor Peter Adams. Lynn said, ‘I feel honoured to be given this award. It is recognition of all the work SI Poole does for our community. We are all just regular local ladies, with work and family commitments, who volunteer with SI Poole to run projects designed to meet a specific local or international need.’The Borough of Poole Community Champion Awards were set up to recognise those who go the extra mile to help improve life for individuals, or the

Poole Swimarathon is an annual event run by Poole Lions, assisted by SI Poole and Poole Bay Rotary Club, to raise funds for local charities. The presentation evening was attended by many from the 50 teams of swimmers and from the charities benefitting. A number of cups were won by different teams of swimmers, the organisations raising the most money, and even the team in best fancy dress. Additionally the Chairman’s Cup was presented to Pauline Monk of Poole Soroptimists, in recognition of all the work she has put in to enable Gift Aid to be successfully reclaimed on the money raised over the last 3 years.Thanks to Pauline’s sterling efforts, a total of £5170 has been returned by the taxman, enabling Gift Aid cheques to be presented to the benefitting charities. As the Soroptimist-nominated charity, the Purple Teardrop Campaign against human trafficking received an additional

The success of SI Poole’s bid for an Aviva Community Fund grant depends on the outcome of the public vote. A big thank you to everyone who voted for our Loves Me Loves Me Not project. We will know the result at the end of June. About Loves Me Loves Me Not We are running a project to educate people in Dorset – particularly young people – about healthy relationships and respect. A key part of the project will be a competition for school students in years 8-10 to develop printed materials, videos or mobile phone apps to inform themselves and their peers about this subject. We need money for competition packs, which will be distributed online and as printed packs, and also for prizes for the winners in each category. We have printed materials available already and they are in need of updating, so we also need

Poole Quay now has two defibrillator machines, thanks to Soroptimist International Poole. The defibrillators are located at the Boat Haven Marina (opposite Tesco) and adjacent to the old lifting bridge. The defibrillators have clear signage and Poole Soroptimists are currently urging Poole Council for further signage on the quay’s light masts to help locate the defibrillators quickly in an emergency. Every second counts when someone has a heart attack and needs very urgent access to one of the machines. In this event, you should dial 999 for the key code to access the defibrillator and take it to the victim. The defibrillator talks you through the very simple process – you do not need any training. Poole Soroptimists were delighted to welcome SI Great Britain and Ireland President, Jenny Vince, and SI Southern England President, Jackie Theobald, to join the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Peter Adams,

Over the past year, Poole Soroptimists have fund-raised and donated to a wide range of charities, many of which are local.             Cancer Research Chesthelp Bournemouth Miles for Hope, BCHA Bournemouth Montacute School Poole Out of Afrika Poole Bay Rotary Poole Christmas Parcels Fund Poole Quay Defibrillator Appeal Positive Women Royal British Legion Save the Children WaterAid Dorset And at their AGM were delighted to make a donation presentation to Gully’s Place, based in Poole Hospital, see photo.

Poole Soroptimists are delighted to welcome Sue Fortescue as a member of their club. Sue has been a member of Soroptimist International for nearly 20 years, initially in the US, then in Belgium and latterly in northern England. Sue’s international experience, work in the Belgian Soroptimist Union’s scholarship programme, anti human trafficking experience and IT background will prove invaluable in SI Poole’s programme of work going forward. Welcome Sue, we hope you enjoy your membership of our club.

Poole-based artist Kathryn Thomas invited SI Poole members to view her latest exhibition, Kaleidoscopic. Kathryn explained to members how her works are inspired by natural phenomena, vast horizons and the universe. Kathryn’s art is intense in colour and visually and emotionally engaging. We had the privilege of viewing her studio where the natural light is perfect for painting and of enjoying a selection of her stunning canvasses in the tranquility of the viewing room. Our sincere thanks go to Kathryn for an exceptional evening.

Soroptimist International Poole entered two teams into Poole Lions 2015 Swimarathon. Between them, the Soroptimist swimmers raised over £300 for local charities, both teams achieving over 40 laps each. Delighted to have taken part in her first Poole Lions Swimarathon, President Lynn Butterworth said ‘I really would encourage companies, schools and swimming clubs to take part in this annual event. The poolside atmosphere is just amazing and to be able to raise much needed funds for local charities whilst having so much fun is the icing on the cake.’ Poole Soroptimists also help with pre-event organisation and members work poolside and on reception on the day. This year’s Poole Lions Swimarathon Presentations Evening is on Tuesday, 5th May.  

Poole Soroptimists held their ever popular Silent Auction at the Hamworthy Club on 26th February. More than 50 members and guests put in bids for hundreds of items ranging from jewellery to toiletries to toys, books and household goods. The fun of the evening is to keep outbidding on the bargains you really want and the bidding on some items got very lively. Organiser Jackie de Trafford was delighted with how the evening ran, guests enjoying a meal together and also a raffle. Regional President Jackie Theobald attended and came away with a bargain or two as well. The evening’s proceeds of £575 are for the President’s charities and causes which include the Poole Quay Defibrillator Appeal, Gully’s Place and Montacute School.

Nine members of SI Poole enjoyed a superb visit of the Houses of Parliament, thanks to Annette Brooke MP. Mrs Brooke included her personal insights in our tour which took in the Terrace and the Undercroft Chapel as well as the Commons and Lords. A Q&A session rounded off our visit, all on the day the Modern Slavery Bill Report was discussed in the Lords.