We held our usual monthly meeting in May at the Holiday Inn, Scotch Corner. The meeting began with short talks by two members about their lives and careers – it is always interesting to find our more about our diverse group. One was a working class girl who succeeded in pursing a career in languages as a University academic, the other talked about her expertise as a teacher of Dance and local pioneer of Nordic Walking.
The Wider Scene
The focus of discussions this month was the wider Soroptimist community. Joint President Lin attended the Yorkshire Region President’s Lunch, and we will be receiving a visit from the Region President at our next meeting. This will be at the Richmondshire Museum, to help celebrate 50 years since it’s inception by members of Soroptimists Richmond & Dales. There was also discussion of ideas to submit for a Regional poster to be displayed at this year’s SI Gt Britain & Ireland Conference in Edinburgh, which will be attended by several or our members.
Programme Update
Our new Programme Action Officer Wendy reported on the month. We have donated to another “Lend With Care” business. This time it is a widow from Ecuador who sells second hand clothes to support her family. The final total raised by our Sharing our Skills Students with their walk against domestic abuse has been confirmed as £431 – a real achievement. For those who missed our successful International Women’s Day Exhibition at the Town Hall, it was shown again at St Mary’s Church, Richmond over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Member Sandy also passed on another bag of knitted Poppies produced by Middleton Tyas Craft Group for the Royal British Legion.
Social Media
With help from our friends in Spouse Force, member Lorna has set up a new Facebook page for our club, which all are urged to support and promote. The address is Richmond and Dales Soroptimists.