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From Port Talbot to Hollywood: Remembering Richard Burton Over Coffee

From Port Talbot to Hollywood: Remembering Richard Burton Over Coffee

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The Port Talbot Soroptimists were delighted to host a successful Charity Coffee Morning recently at Aberavon Beach Hotel, bringing together members, friends, and supporters for a wonderful morning of conversation, cake, and community spirit. Our special guest speaker was Andrea Edwards, Chair of the Richard Burton Centenary. Andrea gave a fascinating and heartfelt talk about the life, legacy, and local roots of Richard Burton, one of Wales’ most celebrated actors. Her passion for celebrating Burton’s remarkable contribution to stage and screen-and his enduring connection to our area-was truly inspiring. World-renowned actor Richard Burton was born Richard Walter Jenkins in Pontrhydyfen, near Port Talbot, in 1925. The twelfth of thirteen children, he grew up in a close-knit Welsh mining community where his natural talent for language and performance first shone.  Richard’s mother tragically passed away whilst he was only 2 years of age.  Richard was taken

Think inside the box – Blythswood Shoe-box appeal

Think inside the box – Blythswood Shoe-box appeal

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On a chilly Thursday marking the end of Summer, SI Port Talbot Members were treated to a wonderful presentation by Glenys Jones from Blythswood shoe-box appeal.  The Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal is a charitable initiative organized by Blythswood Care, a Christian charity based in Scotland. The appeal collects gift-filled shoe-boxes from donors across the UK. The donated shoe-boxes are then shipped and distributed to people in need across Eastern Europe and other regions in time for Christmas. Their key purpose is to provide joy and practical support to people living in poverty, especially children, the elderly, and families in crisis.  Doners fill shoe boxes with items such as toiletries, school supplies, hat and scarf or new underwear, toy and treats.  Some boxes are allocated genders and age ranges to help doners fill them with appropriate items. The boxes are typically collected around October/ early November,

Strut for a Cause, Annual Fashion Show

Strut for a Cause, Annual Fashion Show

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This Year on the 10th June we hosted our popular Fashion show at Margam Orangery. Yet again our event was a fantastic sell out and showcased designs provided by Miss Jones Boutique of Neath.  We also welcomed Lord Lieutenant Louise Fleet and Neath, Port Talbot Mayoress Carol Carpenter. As always, our event was paired with a craft fair providing an array of beautiful crafts and unique products.  This year the wonderful team at Margam Park, provided a delicious 2 course meal which was yet again accompanied by the angelic voices of Cwm Brombil school choir. Our Charity of choice this year was Neath Port Talbot Stroke Society. This is a community-based support group in Neath Port Talbot, dedicated to helping stroke survivors and their families. It offers a welcoming space for members to connect, share experiences, and support one another through recovery. The group provides

From Nappies to New Beginnings – Bethel Trust

From Nappies to New Beginnings – Bethel Trust

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This evening, we were given a wonderful talk by Liz Hill O’Shea Founding Director of the Bethel Trust, located in Aberavon, Port Talbot. Bethel Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation dedicated to alleviating poverty and empowering people through practical, compassionate outreach. We were given an overview of the many activities and offers that they provide within our local community such as: Drop-in centre – that provides debt advice, job searches, IT access, printing etc. Food bank & community shop – bags of free food are provided by the food bank without the need for vouchers, however in the community shop, customers can shop and make a donation. Baby Bank – Offering essentials such as formula, nappies, clothing, prams etc. completely free. Community Church & Spiritual Support – the trust welcomes people from all backgrounds and provides Worship services, leadership training initiatives as well as many

Water Water Everywhere – not a drop to spare. UN Water Day

Water Water Everywhere – not a drop to spare. UN Water Day

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SI Port Talbot gathered together to celebrate UN Water Day, officially known as World Water Day. Members were treated to a water buffet at fellow soroptimist ‘Peggy’s’ home.  UN Water Day is observed every year on March 22. It was established by the United Nations in 1993 to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. During our get together we were presented with a very thought-provoking talk on water given by Elizabeth followed by a quiz.  All proceeds from the day were donated to Water Aid. Each year, World Water Day focuses on a specific theme related to freshwater (e.g., water and climate change, groundwater, accelerating change, leaving no one behind).  This year’s theme focused on “Glacier Preservation”, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard glaciers amidst accelerating melting driven by global warming Water United. This

Breakfast For all Women and Girls; a serving of Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

Breakfast For all Women and Girls; a serving of Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

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SI Port Talbot members gathered on a warm Saturday in March to host a Breakfast in aid of International Women’s Day.  It was a very successful morning celebrating the achievements of Women locally, nationally and globally.  Our inspirational speaker for the event was Pam Kelly, retired Chief Constable of Gwent Police.  She highlighted the difficulties often faced for women in the workplace and how to promote equality and opportunities for all. International Women’s Day champions universal gender equality, power, and opportunity, with a focus on uplifting youth-especially adolescent girls-as key agents of change. This year’s official theme focused on “Accelerate Action” and also marked the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995-2025).  This milestone marks three decades since the adoption of the most progressive global blueprint for women’s rights, guiding progress in areas such as education health, political participation, and stopping

Orange the World, 16 days and Coffee

Orange the World, 16 days and Coffee

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Members of SI Port Talbot gathered together to host an event in Aberavon Shopping Centre to mark the start of 16 days of activism, as part of the Soroptimists global campaign to raise awareness of violence against women.  The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls. It runs from 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10th December, Human Rights Day.  This Years theme coincided with the Towards Beijing +30 UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls, which commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and calls for increase efforts to achieve gender equality and end all forms of violence against women and girls. Thanks to Costa Coffee for slowing us to host the coffee morning on their premises. Soroptimist

Rock of the Night – Visit to Craig-Y-Nos Castell

Rock of the Night – Visit to Craig-Y-Nos Castell

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Members of SI PT enjoyed a very interesting yet spooky tour of Madame Patti’s home at Craig-y-Nos Castle, a Victorian-Gothic country house, near Swansea in South Wales.  Madame Adeline Patti (1843-1919) was a renowned Italian opera singer, celebrated as one of the greatest coloratura sopranos of the 19th Century.  Although she was born in Madrid, she moved at the age of three to America and made her operatic debut in New York City at the age of 16. In 1861 Patti debuted in London’s Covent Garden as Amina in Bellini’s La sonnambula.  Her pure agile voice and impeccable technique was sensational and lead to her 23-year association with the venue. Beyond her vocal prowess, Pattie was known for her strong business acumen, commanding substantial fees for her performances.  She invested wisely and gained financial stability throughout her career.  In 1878 she purchased Crag-Y-Nos Castle in

Defying Cancer, NPT Cancer Challenge

Defying Cancer, NPT Cancer Challenge

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Following our very successful fashion show at The Orangery Margam Park.  The funds raised, a whopping £3000, was donated to Neath Port Talbot Cancer Challenge (NPTCC). The Neath Port Talbot Cancer Challenge is a dedicated local charity established in 1997, focused on enhancing cancer care in the Neath Port Talbot region. Operating entirely through volunteers, NPTCC raises funds to provide essential equipment for hospitals including Neath Port Talbot, Singleton, Morriston, and Bridgend. Their contributions have significantly supported the early detection and treatment of various cancers. For more information or to support their initiatives, visit the official website: nptcancerchallenge.org.uk/

Home is Where the Start Is – Speaker Evening

Home is Where the Start Is – Speaker Evening

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Our Club Secretary Mrs Margaret Poston introduced speakers from both Llamau and Housing Justice Cymru. Both organisations focus on tackling homelessness in Wales. Llamau is a leading homelessness charity dedicated to ending homelessness for young people and vulnerable women. Founded in 1986, it has supported over 100,000 individuals – offering more than just accommodation by providing tailored, person-focused support to help rebuild lives. Llamau provide key services and initiatives such as; Supported Accommodation, Holistic Support, Youth Homlessness Helpline and End Youth Homlessness Cymru. Housing Justice Cymru, launched in 2016, is the Welsh branch of the Christian housing charity Housing Justice. It’s the only non-denominational Christian housing charity operating in Wales, with a mission to ensure everyone can access a home and community where they can flourish. Housing Justice Cymru provide a range of services such as a citadel: a volunteer-led rapid rehousing and tenancy support