Meetings Archive 2013

Thursday 17 October 2013

BEING A VOLUNTEER AT THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES

We were delighted when Sue Young, our Programme Action Co-ordinator agreed to tell us about her experience as a volunteer at the 2012 Olympics. Not just one type of volunteer but a volunteer in four different roles, each of which had a different uniform. To prove it she wore one of the uniforms and brought the other three along

Sue’s first role was to recruit volunteers required to be present at each of the seven sports taking place in the five sports halls at the London ExCeL venue [Exhibition Centre London]. That was followed by membership of the Workforce Operations team set up to test procedures and venues for a series of events, including the London Handball competition at the Olympic park’s Copper Box venue. The third and fourth roles were as a member of the same Operations team doing similar testing, first for the Olympic events and then at the O2 [the North Greenwich Arena] for the Paralympic events. As if all that wasn’t exhausting enough, Sue became involved in writing the daily newsletter but those who are aware of Sue’s boundless energy were not in least surprised. What was a little more surprising was that much of Sue’s interviewing work took place in a tent!

To complete a truly fascinating evening, we were shown two splendid  videos giving general views of the Olympic venues.

Thursday 19 September 2013

OUR LOCAL MAGISTRACY

The Chairman of Northallerton & Richmond’s Family Panel, Mr Howard Charles, gave a most interesting talk about his 25 years as a local magistrate explaining how the magistracy had changed and developed from its formation in the 12^th century until the present day.

The court system has existed for 1,000 years. Although manorial courts existed in Anglo-Saxon times it was during the reign of Edward I in 1285 that courts became official in order to ‘keep the King’s peace’. Since then Justices of the Peace carry out the majority of the judicial work carried out in England and Wales.

From very early days until relatively recently, magistrates were from the highest echelons of society by virtue of their position whereas now they are appointed from all social groups as long as none have, or have had, a criminal record. It is interesting that women were not appointed as magistrates until the 1930s.

All magistrates receive training and are advised on questions of law, practice and procedure by a justices’ clerk (formerly known as Clerk to the Court). Mr Charles gave us a wealth of detail about the process of court hearings and the range of sentences available to local magistrates – a completely absorbing evening. He is due to retire from the bench in the next few weeks and we give him our very best wishes for a happy retirement.

20 June 2013

AN ASTONISHING EVENING !

Club members were given a delightful and deeply moving concert by Catterick Garrison’s Wavell Primary School Choir conducted by Headteacher, Cathy Greenaway and accompanied by Wendy Arrowsmith. The children, all of whom are from army and air-force service families, live everyday with the knowledge that a parent is, has been, or will be deployed to Afghanistan or other theatres of war.

The concert began with three of the school’s favourite hymns followed by groups of folk and action songs. The last song was written by the children themselves. It told of their own feelings and concerns, knowing that parents were often away from home and overseas for lengthy periods; the words were set to music by Wendy Arrowsmith. Several children sang solos and we were privileged to hear the first performance of a song shortly to be broadcast and released to a wider audience.

The choir had an additional and very special reason for joining Club members and guests. Elaine Walton, Club President had been the school’s Chair of Governors and, as a direct result, every class in the school had decided to raise money in aid of SI-Richmond and Dales’ charities through a wide range of activities. Each class chose its own event; the amount raised reached an astonishing total of more than £1,000. To honour the children’s enthusiasm and splendid achievement a silver Soroptimist cup was given by Elaine and presented to the class which had raised the greatest  amount. What’s more, Wavell Primary School later announced its intention to run an annual fund-raising event in aid of SI-Richmond & Dales’ charities.

Following the concert and after the children had left, Matt Bylton, North Yorkshire County Council’s –  Education & Development Adviser talked sensitively about the complex issues faced by children of service families and their resilience in dealing with them. Research found that apart from the obvious emotional concerns and anxiety many children moved schools numerous times throughout their school life requiring them to adjust and adapt to different cultures and expectations.

It was an evening not to be forgotten.

The photograph shows the Choir with their headteacher, Cathy Greenaway (left).

18 April 2013

AGM – PRESIDENTIAL HANDOVER 2013-2014

Incoming President, Elaine Walton wearing the Richmond and Dales Chain having received it from Sandra Frier, our President in 2012-13

The previous year had been full of activity. A range of Programme Action events and activities were highly successful in raising substantial funds for the charities, Target Ovarian Cancer and the Teenage Cancer Trust and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and teenage cancers. The two charities were also supported by the fund-raising Antiques Extravaganza hosted by Adam Schoon of the Antiques Roadshow (see the Events and Meetings pages for full details). The Jubilee Tea Party in Richmond Town Hall for almost 100 elderly residents, most of whom lived alone, was a splendid community event, and Richmond Market Place on a busy market day was the focus for raising awareness for Targeting Ovarian Cancer. .

The AGM was a lively meeting at which two new members were welcomed to the Club. Our membership officers and other members were also successful in assisting the formation of a group of interested people who will become founder members of a new Club in Northallerton when it is registered in the near future.

We look forward to another successful year.

21 March 2013

CHOOSE2RE-USE : FUN, FASHION & THE ENVIRONMENT

Emily Reid, Campaigns Officer, North Yorkshire County Council (York & North Yorkshire Waste Partnership) gave a highly entertaining and motivating talk about the variety of ways to re-use even the most unexpected items, from food, fashion and toys to everyday articles. The air buzzed with ideas as Emily gave a new look to reducing waste and enhancing the environment. Members and guests went away enthused to turn out lofts, recycle vintage or newer materials to create something unique, and even to regenerate gardens!

21 February 2013

CARING FOR VICTIMS OF TRAUMA IN BATTLE IN AFGHANISTAN

Soroptimist of Richmond & Dales were very fortunate to have Professor Ian Greaves, as their speaker at their February 2013  meeting.  He shared his first hand knowledge and experience of Caring for Victims of Trauma in Battle in Afghanistan.  His talk so clearly highlighted the bravery of our troops and those who care for the injured, the difficulties which are overcome each day and the excellent care facilities that are available in a very difficult environment.

Professor Greaves is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at James Cook Hospital and the Friarage Hospital Northallerton and Visiting Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Teesside.

He is also Colonel of the Royal Army Medical Core providing advice and technical support to the MoD.

Our sincere thanks to Professor Greaves.

17 January 2013

HEALTH AND NUTRITION