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.

The members of SI Poole were very pleased to have an update on the work of Out of Afrika, a Kenya-based charity long-supported by them. Desmond and Kerry joined Poole Soroptimists at their January meeting and took members through the work of the charity over the past two years. Out of Afrika’s main aim is to reduce poverty and they achieve this through: Sponsoring children through their education Running a vocational skills college They have an impressive 90% employment success rate with students working across a wide range of industries both in Kenya and further afield. Locally, the college’s fire training programme has been a huge success and has been called upon to put out fires in the vicinity whilst agricultural and health projects have also enjoyed acclaim. Sourcing equipment is ongoing and Out of Afrika is currently in need of: Unwanted laptops Unwanted catering

Santa rode in his colourful Christmas Train around the streets in Creekmoor on 19th December. Delighted children came out to see him and generous residents donated over £400 when Poole Soroptimists did a door-to-door collection for local charities.  

Poole Soroptimists celebrated Christmas in style over a delicious American supper. After a busy year, it was good to chat and eat. Food, friendship and fun are things SI Poole members excel at! Merry Christmas everyone.

November saw two great fund raisers for local charities. On 20th November, Soroptimists and friends were amongst the audience who enjoyed Broadstone Players’ ‘Educating Rita’ at Broadstone Memorial Hall. The performance was excellent and the evening’s proceeds, £145, are for the Montacute School’s Monty’s Appeal, supported by Soroptimist International Poole. And on the following evening, over 80 guests gathered in St Ambrose Church Hall in Westbourne for a fund-raising quiz. Quiz master Peter Thomas had formulated some challenging questions for the quiz teams and he also entertained guests with his magic. The evening, including a raffle with star prize from Brittany Ferries, raised a brilliant £578 for Gully’s Place at Poole Hospital.