The February meeting saw a good turnout of members plus several guests. We were also joined by our new cohort of 5 students from Richmond School. They will be joining us for the next 3 months for our ongoing ‘Sharing Our Skills’ project. This gives the students an opportunity to see how we work – see the structure of Executive and business meetings, and take part in charitable and campaigning activities.
Upcoming Events
Our International Women’s Day event will be on 24th March. We will at long last be able to welcome Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to speak to us at the Scotch Corner Hotel. Due to the pandemic, this event has been postponed for 2 years! Over 130 tickets have been sold. We will also be selling copies of “Spider Woman”, the autobiography of our patron, Baroness Hale, at the event, and running a raffle.
Regional representatives will be attending the next Yorkshire Regional Conference at The Bridge, Walshford on 19th March. The theme for the session if “People & Planet”, with speakers from Mary’s Meals and the Trussel Trust.
Invitations have been received to attend the Richmond Civic Service and Procession on 20th March, and the Mayor’s Charity Dinner fundraiser on 30th April.
Bookings are still available to join those of our members attending the Yorkshire President’s weekend at the Jonas Centre at Redmire. This takes place on Friday & Saturday, 1st/2nd July.
Donations
It was agreed to send £22 left over from our “sanitary levy” to Foodshare in Colburn/ We will also donate £38.52 received from Easyfundraising to “Mary’s Meals”, as requested by Yorkshire President Lindsey Green.
Dorothy, having had a clear-out at home, is donating a large bag of teddy bears to the Garget-Walker House Dementia Care Centre.
Sharing our Skills Students
The students reported back on their planning meeting. They have decided to focus their activity during the project on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence. They will be proposing to the Student Council holding a fundraising colour-themed “Dress Down Day”. Proceeds will go to a charity chosen by the students, such as IDAS, KYRA Women’s Project or Togetherwomen. They will also develop a Powerpoint presentation on ‘Healthy Relationships’. This will be shown on the school’s information TV system.
Sandy Baxter commended the students on behalf of the club for their enthusiasm and research.
Fundraising Opportunities
We have been asked if we would be prepared to provide refreshments at two separate functions:
- Adrian Bramley (father of Eleanor, an SOS student from a previous year) is proposing to set up Afternoon Tea Dances at the Town Hall, and would welcome provision of tea and cakes
- James Naughtie, the journalist & broadcaster, will be speaking at the Walking and Books Festival in September, offering another opportunity for selling refreshments
Time to get baking?