Monthly Meeting Speaker
SI Richmond and Dales met for its monthly Zoom Meeting on 21st February. We were joined by Andy Wilson of Yorkshire Cancer Research who gave us a fascinating talk on the origins, history and current work in Cancer Research. Yorkshire Cancer Research began with a campaign to promote improved cancer surgery techniques in the 19th Century, and in the 20th century pioneered two ground-breaking drugs, the profits from which continue to support their current work. Their focus is now on improving cancer care in Yorkshire, with more pioneering work in developing and running mobile diagnostic, testing and advice services across a range of common cancers, as well as clinical research. For example, there is an exceptionally high incidence of lung cancer in parts of Yorkshire. Old industrial urban areas of deprivation are sadly associated with higher incidence of smoking – and hence high lung cancer deaths. YCR has developed a unique mobile CT scanner and advice service linked to a pro-active programme. Invitations are sent to residents in at risk areas to come for tests and/or advice when the mobile service is in their area. This mobile diagnostic programme is being adopted nationally by the NHS, so hopefully this will help to bring down the incidence of what is still the UK’s biggest killer.
Newsletter
Two of our members, Chris Bowran and Wendy Arrowsmith were congratulated on the first edition of our new club email SIRD Newsletter which they produced earlier in the month, combining contributions received from other members. This aims to share some of the non-business interactions and conversations which would normally be part of our meetings, particularly for those who are not able to join us on Zoom. More items are wanted for the March edition!
Update on Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson
Sue Young was able to confirm that the long-awaited evening with Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson is now planned for 24th March 2022. This is a further postponement due to the Covid-19 crisis of the event originally planned for March last year, and then for this year. Dame Tanni is keen to ensure that she does get to speak to us, and we are all looking forward to hearing her. Ticket holders will be asked if they are happy to wait, or refunds will be arranged.
SI International Centenary – Tree Planting
Sue Young announced that she and Judith Clarke have now agreed tree planting schemes as follows:
- Yorkshire Landscape Trust will plant 3 semi-mature lime trees at their Westfields site in the Autumn using £200 donated by SI R&D to mark the SIGBI Centenary and Richmond 950th Anniversary
- A tree will also be planted in The Memory Garden at the Jonas Centre in honour of “Soroptimists Past, Present and Future”, accompanied by a bench with a plaque.
Members were also asked to submit their personal suggestions for a collection of our own “100 Inspiring and Influential Women”, as part of the Club’s activity associated with Soroptimists International Centenary.
Communication Change
Sue Eastham has announced that she will be standing down as Communication Officer at the end of this Club year after several years in the post. Sue has been assiduous in submitting interesting pieces for the local press, Yorkshire Region newsletter and Soroptimist News. Joint Presidents Jane and Faye thanked Sue for her work, and congratulated her on her remarkable success rate in getting things published.