Here is the club’s update for February. After a very busy planning meeting in January, February was rather quieter.
‘In-House’ Speakers
Instead of an outside speaker, this month we heard from two of our newer members about themselves. One talked about living in Australia, and her recent work as a writer and poet. She stressed the importance of sharing words of encouragement and affirmation with and about each other, to spread positivity. She then read her poem “The Power of Words”. The other member talked of her journey to becoming a nurse, and agreed about the importance of words – and of listening. She was drawn to her career by a desire to care for others, which is also why she became a Soroptimist. Soroptimists are all united in caring and trying to help the less fortunate.
Swap Night
Members had also brought along books, DVDs and CDs for a swap evening in aid of our charity funds. All unclaimed items will find a home on the bric-a-brac stall at our next Town Hall Coffee Morning on 25th April.
Business Notes
For those who were unable to attend our planning meeting, we confirmed the charities we will be supporting in the 2024-5 year. The first is Richmond and Dales Amateur Swimming Club, helping in their campaign to fund special garments for their female swimmers to continue to train during periods. In its 50th Anniversary year, we will be working with the Richmondshire Museum, who are delighted to hear we want to be involved in their celebration. We will also supporting the charity Smart Works with gifts of clothes and accessories for their clients attending interviews.
Members also handed in the packs of Smarties filled with 20p pieces which we have been collecting since last year (after eating the Smarties, of course).
The PA Officer fed back news from the Regional Programme Action meeting which included invitations to take part in a Beach Clean at Scarborough with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, join the Big Plastic Count, and to consider joining UK Programme Actions Committee Workgroups. Attention was also given to a paper circulated from the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) about the disproportionate impact of climate change on women. WEN is also looking for members to get involved in its campaigning.
We were also delighted to confirm unanimously our support for the nomination of our Club President & Treasurer to be the next Yorkshire Region Treasurer.
Lend With Care
We have been able to re-invest further repayments of our Lend With Care micro-loans. This time we are helping a lady farmer in Ecuador, and – since the meeting – another lady farmer in Rwanda.
International Women’s Day 8th March
Plans for our International Women’s Day event were discussed. We are holding a free exhibition in the afternoon and evening of the day in Richmond Town Hall. The exhibition highlights “The Women of Richmond”, and the contribution they make to our community. Details of approximately 80 local women will be on display, and light refreshments will be provided. The project group have been very busy, and other members signed up to to support them as stewards/hosts on the day.