Here is an update of what’s happened for our Soroptimists in October.
Monthly Meeting Talk
We met at the Scotch Corner Holiday Inn Hotel, which is likely to become our new regular meeting place. The meeting began with a talk by member Barbara (Babs) Hunt about the Institute of Advanced Motoring (of which she is a member), and the courses offered to brush up driving skills. The IAM offers a range of courses to different types of road users, and the local group, based in Northallerton, is active in promoting its services and road safety concerns. Babs suggested that members consider taking a course, or at least trying a free taster session. Probably a good idea!
Invitations to join activities in the community
Just the Job is holding an Open Day on 6th November at their Gallowfields site, and has asked the Soroptimists for volunteers to help serve refreshment through the day. We have also been invited to publicise and contribute to a Richmond 950 ‘Writing Richmond’ project. Members are invited to write their ‘Richmond Story’ – a single A4 sheet of their history and experiences of Richmond. Over 400 pieces have been written by Richmond’s primary school children and the 950 team are also collecting other Richmond residents’ stories. They will be displayed and archived at the Richmondshire Museum for posterity. They can be hand-written or typed – whichever people wish… and both sides of the paper can be used. All contributions can be handed at Goosewing Gallery in Richmond’s Indoor Market Hall.
Baroness Hale at The Georgian Theatre Royal
A large group of members attended the ‘Evening with Baroness Hale’ at the Georgian Theatre Royal on 20th September. This was part of the Richmond Walking & Books Festival, and SI R&D were mentioned as sponsors of the event. This was a most enjoyable evening, hearing about the life of our Patron.
Programme Action Update
We held our first Coffee Morning since before the Covid Pandemic at the Town Hall on Thursday, 14th October. Numbers attending were modest, but a total of £155 was raised. We also ran a raffle at a Colburn, Catterick & Richmond Libraries (CRACCL) event, a talk about the Royal Jewellery Collection on Saturday 16th October, where £33 was raised. Tickets are also selling well for our Quiz on on 20th November.
Former President Judith Clark (as a member of CRACCL Trust) is proposing to start a regular monthly “Coffee, Cake & Chat” session at Richmond and Colburn libraries as a community get-together. This follows the successful trial at Richmond library recently. Judith asked if SI R&D would like to provide volunteers to take part in these sessions, to be an ear to those who want someone to chat to. She is hoping to start these on Wednesdays. The meeting voted unanimously to support this venture. As we have a quantity of coffee/tea & biscuits left-over from our Coffee Morning and will not have another one for a considerable time, it was also agreed that we pass these on to CRACCL as a contribution to funding.
Remembrance Day
As usual, SI Richmond & Dales will be presenting a wreath on Remembrance Day. Two members attend the commemorative Royal British Legion Service at St Mary’s Church and the Parade to the wreath-laying Ceremony at the War Memorial. A second person was asked to volunteer to join Sharon Hanson-Cooper.
Soroptimist Cup for Making a Difference
Babs Hunt attended the Awards evening at Risedale School to present the annual Soroptimist Cup to the pupil nominated by the school. This year’s award went to Olivia Bainbridge for her services going above and beyond during Covid lockdown. Olivia went to work with her mum every day to their local community centre where she helped make meals and other food supplies for the vulnerable and elderly. Alongside this, she made masks and helped with the organisation of materials used to make scrubs for our emergency services, playing a vital role in helping the community. Congratulations to Olivia!