SI Richmond and Dales met for their formal Annual General Meeting by Zoom this month.  After such a difficult year, it was good to be able to reflect on the things we have managed to achieve despite lockdowns, remote meetings and social distancing.  Our outgoing Presidents Faye and Jane highlighted: Generous foodbank contributions for the Storehouse foodbank, Richmond, including baby bundles Donations for SI Harare, forwarded by Western Union Curtilage Awareness Raising in August and Just the Job fundraising Successful fundraising refreshment stall at the Open Garden at Mr. Yorke’s Walled garden in aid of Just the Job Guest speakers on Zoom, Steve Biggs from Just the Job, Andy Wilson from Yorkshire Cancer Research, and our own Babs Hunt Participation in 16 days of Activism, Orange the World – Action against Gender Based Violence on line and at our November Meeting where the screen had a

Past President Sue Young asked members if they could make donations to Colburn Food Bank.  Sue had heard they were looking for extra food, household and clothing donations, during her activities as  Trustee for Colburn Library, as part of CRACCL (Catterick, Richmond and Colburn Community Library).  Members rallied round, and Sue has now delivered our donations.  She sent the following: ‘Thank you to all members who took the time to donate a wide variety of food and other items for the Colburn foodbank.  Angie, who runs the project, was very grateful for our fast response at a time when demand for their goods has risen as COVID impacts on household finances.”

March Club Meeting ‘Visitors’ SI Richmond & Dales met for it’s March meeting via Zoom on Thursday 16th. Presidents Faye and Jane started the meeting by sending welcoming our ‘visitors’ – Linda Davis, Yorkshire Regional President and Janette Black & Stella Reynolds from our Friendship Link Club Easter Ross.  It was lovely to see them, even if it was virtual.   Linda Davis spoke about her experience of  her Presidency during lockdown.  She is keeping in touch with Zoom, which – though not ideal – is better than no contact. She hopes that we will be able to have come kind of face-to-face activity during the summer. A ‘proper’ Regional Council Meeting in July is a possibility, and Linda told us to wait and see for details of an event, as soon as confirmation is available.  September RCM has been booked at the Holiday Inn.  Sadly,

SI Richmond & Dales held it’s November monthly meeting via Zoom. Orange for Activism: Members wore orange for a virtual photo opportunity. This was to highlight the SIGBI 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence taking place between 25 November and 10 December. The theme for 2020 is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”.  We have copies of a poster which will be going up in libraries around the area, and in the Town Hall to raise awareness.             Tree Planting:   The trees which we ordered for the SI Centenary tree-planting project have arrived.  More than 200 small saplings have been planted out at the Just the Job site. They will being grown on for planting in the new woodland being created in Richmond in 2021 for “Richmond 950”.  The club is combining the SI Centenary celebration with