What We’ve Been Doing This Month
June has been another lively month for Soroptimist International Richmond & Dales, with plenty of friendship, local community involvement and practical action to celebrate. From hearing the remarkable life stories of newer members to supporting awareness campaigns and planning future fundraising, the club continues to bring women together to make a positive difference.
Inspiring Stories From Our Members
One of the highlights of our June meeting was hearing from two of our newer members, Beki Bulmer and Kate Cozens-Wythe, who shared stories from their lives, careers and travels.
Beki reflected on the importance of sharing family stories after a recent visit to her mother, who has dementia. She then took members on a journey through her childhood in Kenya, her years connected with Army life, and her work supporting children from military families. Her warmth, resilience and practical approach to problem-solving shone through, especially in her favourite phrase: “Where there’s a will there’s a way.”
Kate shared an equally colourful story, from qualifying as a corporate lawyer to living and working in Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia and Uganda. Along the way she worked with baby elephants and rhinos, trained as a museum guide, met fascinating people and built a life full of adventure. Since moving to Masham, Kate has thrown herself into volunteering and community life, and we are delighted she has found a home with SI Richmond & Dales.
Community Connections in Richmond and North Yorkshire
Members have been active across Richmond and the wider North Yorkshire community this month. Club representatives attended events marking the Freedom of Richmond for the Royal Lancers Regiment, the Yorkshire Regiment parade, Richmond Meet celebrations and the Regional New Presidents’ Lunch, helping to strengthen links with local organisations and fellow Soroptimist clubs.
Pic: Club Joint President Babs Hunt (right) with Richmond Meet President Emma Fulton
The club also continues to support local cultural and charitable activity. Following the successful Baroness Hale event, Station Singers will support The Paul Curran Celebration Trust at a forthcoming concert, and Baroness Hale is kindly donating her fee from a Walking & Books Festival appearance to the same trust.
Action for Women, Girls and Safer Communities
Programme action remains at the heart of SI Richmond & Dales. This month, members discussed upcoming UN and Soroptimist awareness days, including plans to highlight Anti-Stalking Day through social media in July.
We were also pleased to hear about the launch of the SIGBI Railway Station Safety Survey report. The campaign has attracted excellent publicity, including national media coverage, and has helped open constructive conversations with train operators. Members noted recent improvements to lighting at Northallerton Station, a practical example of how local action can support safer public spaces.
Our commitment to supporting women globally also continues through Lendwithcare, which helps entrepreneurs build stronger futures for themselves, their families and their communities. It was lovely to hear how this work has inspired newer members too.
Looking Ahead: Friendship, Fundraising and Future Events
There is plenty to look forward to over the summer. Plans are progressing for the club’s 70th Charter Anniversary weekend, and members are preparing for a coffee morning on 15 August.
At our July meeting, we look forward to welcoming Angie Stirk, who will speak about Ukraine. Members are planning a raffle and will consider how best to support a future trip once details are confirmed.
We are also continuing to welcome interest from potential new members. SI Richmond & Dales is a friendly, active club for women who want to make a difference locally, nationally and internationally while enjoying friendship and shared purpose.
Would You Like to Join Us?
If you are interested in friendship, volunteering, community action and supporting women and girls, please contact us. Soroptimist International Richmond & Dales meets monthly and welcomes women who would like to find out more about what we do.