{"id":2576,"date":"2017-01-22T21:26:32","date_gmt":"2017-01-22T20:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/?page_id=2576"},"modified":"2020-04-07T14:08:54","modified_gmt":"2020-04-07T13:08:54","slug":"2017-events","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/past-events-archive\/2017-events\/","title":{"rendered":"2017 Events"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Update from SI Harare<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The last donation we made to SI Harare was used to set up a literacy project with the traditional birthing attendants who we have supported and helped in the past.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The traditional birthing attendants can now read and write and we have heard that Canadian Soroptimists have donated funds to provide books for those taking part in the literacy project.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1586263002757-3020c389-5ddc-6″ include=”4502,4503,4504,4505,4506,4507″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland Annual Conference \u2013 Cardiff<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several club members took the opportunity to attend this year\u2019s Conference in Cardiff which took place at the imposing and impressive Millennium Centre.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Well attended and well organised, the Conference afforded all the opportunity to hear inspiring external speakers as well as many Soroptimists from our Federation.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Being part of such an event brings into sharp focus,\u00a0 the work that Soroptimists do in their clubs to fulfil the goals of and participate in the programme action which drives our activities.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0We took the opportunity to present two cups to be awarded to a school girl and boy for \u201cMaking a Difference\u201d to Naina Shah from SI Chennai Downtown in India with whom we have close ties.\u00a0 \u00a0 We were also able to donate much needed funds to assist with provision of toilets and sanitation at a school in Chennai Downtown and Naina reports that the school were delighted to hear of this welcome financial boost.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2747″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We learnt of the important and effective results achieved by many other clubs, focusing on trafficked women, anti slavery awareness, working to combat violence against women in this country and worldwide.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The continuing Mehru Garden Project and its success to date was reported on and Soroptimist support for this will be ongoing for another year.\u00a0 \u00a0 Two members of our club, Michele and Sharon will visit the project next spring to learn first hand of the project\u2019s results.<\/p>\n

Our own STEM Games \u2013 Celebrating our successful STEM Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n

To celebrate the conclusion of our Jobs for the Girls STEM Conference, club members gathered together and with our Conference partners from RAF Leeming took part in a fun evening of STEM games.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0In just an hour, we were guided by the tireless Sgt Kev Stannard to understand\u00a0and apply the principles of bicycle gears and aeronautical engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Some weird and wonderful paper aeroplanes were devised and put through the launcher, let\u2019s say that some flew better than others!\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Our President for this month and catalyst for the idea which sparked the whole venture, Judy Sheahan, thanked all of the team from RAF Leeming in particular Sgt Kev Stannard and Squadron Leader Jayne Lindley for their partnership and tremendous efforts in hosting the event at RAF Leeming.<\/p>\n

It is testament to all the club members involved that RAF Leeming have recognised the value of the Conference to the wider community in Yorkshire and the North East and will be organising a similar event in the future.\u00a0 \u00a0 SI Richmond and Dales\u2019 \u201ccollective hard work as put STEM to the forefront of a lot of schools in the region.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2742″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Above photo:\u00a0 Our Steering Group members and Squadron Leader Jayne Lindley (far left) and RAF representatives with Sgt Kev Stannard (far right).<\/p>\n

STEM Jobs for the Girls Conference at RAF Leeming<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most absorbing and indeed challenging events of our Jubilee celebratory year took place on 5th October at RAF Leeming.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 After nearly two years of planning, meetings, discussion, visits, phone calls and endless emails our Conference went ahead with nearly two hundred girl students attending with their teachers, as well as a Market Place with twenty seven standholders including sponsors present, STEM Ambassadors from corporate attendees as well the RAF, all of our national services both inside and outdoors, Soroptimists, fantastic speakers and workshop providers and several adult day delegates.\u00a0 \u00a0 The programme for the day was ambitious and full of interest for the girls not to mention logistically interesting for us the organisers to keep on track, but \u2026 what a day!\u00a0 \u00a0 One to remember and be proud of.\u00a0 \u00a0 Comments and appreciation from the students and schools have made all the efforts and hard work so worthwhile.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Our thanks to RAF Leeming, our fantastic speakers, sponsors, workshop providers and corporate delegates have been expressed and we will celebrate the achievement as a Club with the \u2018STEM Games\u2019 courtesy of our RAF working partners at our next meeting.\u00a0 \u00a0 Well done and thanks to all our committed Steering Group and Soroptimist Team Members \u2013\u00a0\u00a0Women inspiring action, transforming lives.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1586263286268-1cde4acc-ca36-3″ include=”2702,2701″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]It was a very early start to our day but we had an honorary Soroptimist at the wheel, negotiating our way into the RAF base at Leeming.<\/p>\n

Our newest cohort of students from Richmond School for our Sharing our Skills Programme took full advantage of the day and were a great help with the delegate bags at registration.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1586263232119-47428f39-074b-0″ include=”2728,2726″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Market Place was full of interactive, interesting and and informative stands with which the students, their teachers and other delegates could engage during the whole day.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1586263354420-01b529ec-12a2-10″ include=”2718,2704,2719,2709,2714″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Many enthusiastic messages of thanks were received from the schools and students, one of just many \u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cNot only did students have the opportunity to listen to some inspiring speakers, they also took part in fun, but challenging workshops in areas such as crime scene forensics, robotics, computer game design and astronomy. Two of our students placed first in a competition to design the school of the future.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1586263470654-7d33f481-c7cd-6″ include=”2733,2736,2735,2734″][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2697″ img_size=”ful” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]September Club Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our meeting on 21st September was held at the Richmondshire Museum which was founded in 1974 by the Richmond and Dales Soroptimists and opened in 1978.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 From the early years when the fabric of the building in Ryders Wynd was in need of renovation and repair to today\u2019s enhanced display area and interesting exhibits, the dedication of the team of volunteers now running the Museum was evident.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Two of the founding members of the Museum are also dedicated members of our Club and our association with this valuable local resource and visitor attraction continues.\u00a0 \u00a0 An enjoyable bring and share supper was prepared by members and our Museum hosts gave us all an interesting insight to the history and current use of the Museum.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

July Club Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Great fun was had learning (very quickly) to play Croquet at Akebar where members of the Dales Croquet Club patiently put us through our paces. \u00a0 \u00a0 There were some impressive performances and the sunny evening outside was enjoyed by all members who attended. \u00a0 \u00a0 Thank you to Margaret for organising such an active and fun event.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1586263606891-6d66f71a-3077-10″ include=”2674,2673,2672,2671″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]SI Richmond and Dales \u2018Making a Difference\u2019 Cup<\/strong><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s winner of the Soroptimist \u2018Making a Difference\u2019 cup at Wavell School, Catterick Garrison, was year 3 pupil Brooke Hayward. \u00a0Following a homework project Brooke was inspired to raise money for the Marine Conservation Society by undertaking a triathlon! Not only did she manage to complete the event, but she also collected the magnificent sum of \u00a3350 for her chosen charity. Last year\u2019s winner had kept the cup in beautiful condition and she joined President Margaret Clayson in presenting the award to Brooke in the presence of a very proud Mum. Brooke\u2019s ambition is to become a marine biologist. We wish her well.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2677″ img_size=”ful” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]SI Richmond and Dales Patron appointed President of the Supreme Court<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2666″ img_size=”ful” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]It is an honour to be able to congratulate and celebrate our Club Patron Baroness Hale of Richmond\u2019s appointment as the next President of the Supreme Court, so becoming head of the UK\u2019s highest court and Britain\u2019s top judge.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This is yet another first for Baroness Hale having been the first woman and first family judge to sit on the Supreme Court. \u00a0 She was the first woman law lord in the Supreme Court\u2019s predecessor, the House of Lords appellate committee.<\/p>\n

Lady Hale has been a champion of diversity in the judiciary throughout her career.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On becoming the first female Law Lord in 2003, she created her new coat of arms bearing the motto \u201comnia feminae aequissimae\u201d, meaning \u201cwomen are equal to everything\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Something Soroptimists everywhere would surely endorse.\u00a0\u00a0 Lady Hale says she plans to use her new role to \u201cdevelop closer links with each part of the United Kingdom, for example by sitting outside London, and improving the ways in which we communicate our work to the public\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is obviously fitting and a matter of pride that many of our own aims and those of Soroptimism internationally echo those of our Patron.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We wish Lady Hale a continuation of her outstanding and remarkable work in a much deserved appointment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jubilee Weekend \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>SOROPTIMIST RICHMOND & DALES celebrate 60 years!<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2651″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our Friendship Supper started the Diamond Jubilee celebration weekend with an International flavour. \u00a0Friends from SI clubs in Harare, Basel and Scotland, as well as Soroptimist friends from many local clubs, joined us as we enjoyed a lovely supper and musical entertainment by our very own folk singer Wendy Arrowsmith, accompanied by a specially formed singing group comprised of Richmond & Dales members.<\/p>\n

Saturday was \u00a0busy day with a coach trip through our beautiful\u00a0Yorkshire Dales and lunch at Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, and then in the evening a private film show and supper at Leyburn (The Old School House), \u00a0a showing of South Pacific. \u00a0 Just about as old as the club!<\/p>\n

Sunday was a celebration lunch in the wonderful new Cloisters at Tennants in Leyburn. 80 members and special guests were welcomed by President Shirley Thubron, and enjoyed an\u00a0interesting talk by Maurice Bates on his experience of walking The Appalachian Way. \u00a0The fire alarm and evacuation during lunch only added to the excitement!<\/p>\n

A wonderful weekend enjoyed by friends old and new, and a busy, exciting year ahead for the club.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1586263896855-12940203-93ff-5″ include=”2650,2652″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We were honoured and delighted to be joined by Soroptimist friends from around the world as well as the United Kingdom.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1586263839908-c2c1819f-249b-5″ include=”2653,2649″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Flower Festival at St. Mary\u2019s Parish Church Richmond<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some of our talented club members designed and entered our own Soroptimist display at the Church in June to celebrate groups and individuals in the community and Church coming together. \u00a0 \u00a0Entries were much admired and our display was immediately recognisable by the vibrant colours, blue, white and yellow.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2644″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Press Launch for the Club\u2019s STEM Conference at RAF Leeming<\/strong><\/p>\n

After months of meetings and hard work, our \u201cSTEM: Jobs for the Girls\u201d Press Launch at RAF Leeming was deemed a great success.<\/p>\n

Girls from five local schools threw themselves into the workshops and delighted their teachers by their obvious enthusiasm and competence to complete the challenging engineering problems. Team work was in full evidence and they worked very effectively together. Richmond school won the most points, their chair construction the strongest, so they were pronounced the winners. \u00a0 Local MP Rishi Sunak MP threw himself into the morning and was a great hit. He thought it was a fantastic event and congratulated our club team for what we have achieved so far and for our goal to inspire more girls to follow STEM learning. We were delighted that Air Vice Marshal Sue Gray attended enthusiastically and the RAF were also delighted with how much she enjoyed it all. \u00a0\u00a0Our funding and sponsorship guests all went away excited about their contribution to the October conference.\u00a0\u00a0 All agreed, it couldn\u2019t have been a better launch for the conference and a most impressive and successful start to the Club\u2019s Jubilee Celebrations over the next few days.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2643″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Club Meeting 20th May, 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mary Lovell OBE Club President for May during our Jubilee year was delighted to introduce Jane Bradshaw who is Chief Executive of St. Teresa\u2019s Hospice, Darlington.\u00a0\u00a0 Mary is a long serving and founder trustee of the Hospice herself as well as a dedicated Soroptimist.<\/p>\n

Jane gave a most interesting and heartwarming insight into the hospice\u2019s background as well as her life helping to develop the organisation in to the highly regarded and vital service it is today.\u00a0\u00a0 She explained how the hospice is about life and giving people the help they need to live with their illness.<\/p>\n

Money raised for the hospice is used to, pay those who provide the care at the hospice, maintain and develop the physical buildings, manage 400 volunteers (some in the hospice all through the day, some acting as ward hosts, drivers, counselors, and the visiting service).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The hospice was started following the inspiration and determination of Darlington resident Yvonne Rowley brought attention to the need for people to be cared for with dignity.\u00a0\u00a0 The charity was registered in 1987 and quickly developed to provide free care and support for everyone at the time of the greatest need.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jane was appointed St. Teresa\u2019s first Head of Fund Raising and then took on the role of Chief Executive shortly afterwards.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Following a major appeal, The Woodlands, a large house in grounds was purchased and the hospice facilities, staff and volunteers moved there in 1998.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With 150 staff (not all at the hospice itself), the facilities have expanded over the years and now has a new in-patient unit, a family support team, complementary therapies, bereaved children support, volunteer visitor service, and a rapid response team on duty 24 hours per day.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In addition to 33 per cent of contracts from the National Health Service, the main income is provided from the hospice shops, personal donations, a small number of corporations and special events. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Jane was warmly thanked for attending and providing such an informative talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Club AGM, April 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

Soroptimist Richmond & Dales held their AGM at Richmond Cricket Club on 20 April. President Sue Young and her team were thanked effusively for all their hard work in making this past year a huge success with interesting speakers, excellent social events and more seriously, \u00a35000 raised for local and international charities. A\u00a0highlight of the year was Baroness Hale of Richmond agreeing to be our Patron.<\/p>\n

Members were delighted to welcome Katrina Templeton to the club, as our first member of the new year. \u00a0 \u00a0 We are all\u00a0looking forward to a special year ahead, which will be the Club\u2019s 60th Jubilee and many celebrations are planned. Invitations have gone out to our friendship groups in Zimbabwe, Switzerland, Scotland and Durham, and we look forward to welcoming them to Richmond.<\/p>\n

No less than ten Presidents were introduced for the year! The Jubilee committee invited long standing members to be president for one month, and each was presented with a white Yorkshire rose. The programme will be varied and interesting, as each president puts her personal stamp on the month, and as usual, fun and social too!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

New Member Katrina and President Sue \u00a0\u2013 \u00a0Sue and one of our Jubiliee Presidents,Shirley Thubron<\/h6>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1586264099340-012aef77-3293-5″ include=”2627,2626″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Our Jubilee Presidents<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2628″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Certificates of Appreciation<\/strong><\/p>\n

SI Richmond and Dales have decided to create Certificates of Appreciation to present to the many supporters of our Club in the wider community who engage and cooperate with our fundraising and Programme Action events. \u00a0 \u00a0 Several have been awarded recently to the willing knitters of baby clothes for Zimbabwe as well as to the very supportive staff at Holiday Inn Scotch Corner who have assisted in collecting\u00a0mini shampoo and shower gel bottles. \u00a0They were delighted to hear from President Sue Young that the toiletries were\u00a0going to Kenya to go with the sanitary pads to encourage school attendance all month and that we had given donations to the food banks at Northallerton, Influence Church, Catholic Church in Newbiggin as well as sending a batch to the Beacon and asylum seekers in Cardiff.<\/p>\n

Sue is pictured here with with Darren Hoare and Laura MacTaggart of the Holiday Inn.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2624″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Certificates were also awarded to the wonderfully skilful Quilters of \u201cThree\u2019s Company\u201d who sewed the impressive quilt which was the first prize in our major 2016\/17 raffle to raise money for Homestart Richmond and IDAS. \u00a0 \u00a0 Our thanks to Jane, Pat and Janet for their time, generosity and outstanding\u00a0handiwork.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2625″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our SI Richmond and Dales Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our gardening team have created a colourful and vibrant spring display in the Friary Gardens, Richmond.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2618″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Club Meeting March 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

The guest speaker at the March meeting was Chris Lloyd, Chief Feature Writer of the Darlington & Stockton Times\/Northern Echo who gave a most entertaining and informative presentation on \u201cAttacking the Devil and Sinking the Unsinkable\u201d \u2013 \u201cW.T. Stead and The Titanic\u201d.<\/p>\n

Chris interwove the events of W.T. Stead\u2019s remarkable life which at one point did lead to the first Child Safeguarding Legislation.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Born in 1849 and although starting his working life as a shipping clerk, he was at a very young age socially and politically aware.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Desirous of having a career in journalism, with no experience, amazingly, he landed the job of editing the then new Northern Echo at the age of just 22.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 His ambition, to use his position to \u201cattack the devil\u201d, the \u201cdevil\u201d being any cause of injustice, unfairness or perceived wrong doing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Then proceeded a colourful and illustrious life as an editor, exposing and pursuing many important national cases. \u00a0 While at The Pall Mall Gazette (forerunner of the Evening Standard)\u00a0he uncovered the abuse and forced prostitution of young working class girls.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This man of conviction had indeed become one of the greatest social reformers of his period and the actions he took to expose the widespread exploitation of young girls at this time lead to the age of consent being raised from 13 to 16 and the first Child Protection Act.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Over time he had also developed a deep interest in Spiritualism which in 1912 brought him to be on the maiden voyage of the Titanic to America where he planned to talk on this great passion.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He did not survive the sinking of this great vessel, a remarkable end to a remarkable life.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2611″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The evening saw the drawing of the prizewinners of our Raffle. \u00a0 Many months of ticket selling by Club members had resulted in raising approx. \u00a31000 for President Sue\u2019s charities, Homestart Richmond and IDAS. \u00a0 Chris kindly drew thirteen winning tickets, all winners have been contacted with the good news. \u00a0 Amandeep, the winner of first prize is shown on the right, she was delighted![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1586264480911-07bc00b1-f37a-3″ include=”2615,2610,2678″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]STEM Jobs for the Girls Networking Conference
\n<\/strong>and SI Richmond and The Dales Jubilee Year<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0website is now live\u00a0for our Girls Networking Conference on 5th October 2017 and our many other Club Jubilee Year celebrations will soon be underway. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0We are all looking forward to welcoming many existing Soroptimist friends, as well as new friends and working partners to our varied events during the months ahead<\/p>\n

Visit our website to read all about the Conference:<\/p>\n

www.STEMjobsforthegirls.co.uk[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2602″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]International Women\u2019s Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

We celebrated International Women\u2019s Day on 8 March, with afternoon tea in Richmond Town Hall and were privileged to listen to two inspiring guest speakers.<\/p>\n

Esther Swaffield, is the Northern Executive with the International Justice Mission (IJM) whose talk not only reported on the very different and desperate lives of those in poverty and slavery in parts of the world but also emphasised hope, giving examples of some of the successes they had achieved as well. \u00a0 The IJM work hard around the world to eradicate slavery and Esther reported many harrowing stories of those who are enslaved in this, the 21st century. \u00a0There are thought to be 46 million slaves at this time, but the number could be much higher.<\/p>\n

IJM work in the worst areas of the world, their mission to rescue and free the men, women and children and give some restoration to their lives. Their aim is to prosecute the criminals who perpetrate this horrendous crime, and ensure the broken Justice system in these countries can be fixed. In the world their are over 4 billion people who live outside the protection of the law.<\/p>\n

Esther is pictured with some of the items for sale in aid of[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2594″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2597″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our\u00a0second speaker, Val Hills, from South West Wales, works for \u2018Women4Resources\u2019 in her area. This group have links with Liberia and also Kenya, where they help set up libraries and support the communities. Sadly these countries have been devastated by HIV, where in some villages as many as 80% of the children are orphans.<\/p>\n

Val\u2019s ethos is never say \u2018We can\u2019t\u2019 \u2013 always say \u2018How can we make this work?\u2019<\/p>\n

Both speakers, and the 50 guests were thanked by President Sue Young, and over \u00a3350 was raised for International causes; \u00a0 those\u00a0attending enjoyed a much praised afternoon tea provided by club members.<\/p>\n

Club Meeting February 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We\u00a0were very pleased\u00a0to welcome Zoe Beaty, a journalist on Style magazine to talk to us on a very harrowing subject, the mutilation of women in many countries of the world. \u00a0 \u00a0We were also joined\u00a0that evening by Margaret Clark, APD and\u00a0Kathy Warwick, Communications Officer, Northern Region \u00a0(Both from SI Middlesbrough)<\/p>\n

The barbaric act (now known as Female Genital Mutilation \u2013 FGM) was not new to members, but Zoe gave us a more personal insight, describing the experience of her close friend Nimco, who had been taken home to Somalia age 7, to have\u00a0this ritual \u2018cutting\u2019. It is often carried out by a woman of the village, using razor blades and no anaesthetic. The horror of this happening to a young girl is unbelievable, especially the problems she will face in the future, \u00a0pain, infection, difficulties in child birth etc.<\/p>\n

Zoe had persuaded Nimco to be interview for her magazine, in an attempt to make FGM less secretive. Nimco Ali is now an anti FGM campaigner. There are an estimated 3 million women and girls undergoing this practice each year. And change is happening! On her last visit to Mali, Zoe was told that two villages had voted to ban the practice. \u00a0 No more girls would be \u2018cut\u2019, an incredible\u00a0step forward. \u00a0 \u00a0The practice has been illegal in the U.K. since 1985, but sadly, there has not been a prosecution. \u00a0 We were urged to watch Call the Midwife on Sunday 26 February which will have a story line covering this topic and Nimco has been recruited as an advisor for the programme.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2588″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Zoe is pictured second from right along with President Sue Young and our guests at the meeting: \u00a0Margaret Clark, APD, far right and\u00a0Kathy Warwick, Communications Officer, Northern Region left \u00a0(Both from SI Middlesbrough)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Special Delivery to Harare<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks to Club Member Chris Bowran who has been sponsored to complete \u2018Dry January\u2019, we were able to send a substantial donation to SI Harare by special delivery. \u00a0 \u00a0Soroptimist Elspeth Robinson from SI Darlington (and also Soroptimist Nordic Walker along with several of our own Club members) mentioned when walking that she would be visiting Harare, it spurred Chris on to think of something that could be achieved quickly so that Elspeth could help deliver our donation in person. \u00a0 \u00a0Miriam pictured with Elspeth recently\u00a0was delighted and Chris is looking forward to the end of the month![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2574″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The funds donated are to be given to a home for the aged and destitute, SODA as well as to traditional birthing attendants who the Club have supported previously.<\/p>\n

Club Meeting January 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We were delighted to welcome Reverend Lynn Thorius (Chaplain to the Bishop of Leeds) who introduced Canon Rachel Stowe. \u00a0\u00a0Rachel gave an informative and amusing talk on her lifetime battle to become one of the first women to be ordained in the Church of England. From her early days as a Deaconess in the 1960\u2019s, and then working in a women\u2019s refuge. She was encouraged to attend Theological College in the 1970\u2019s \u2013 but even then, she never imagined that she would ever wear the \u2018dog collar\u2019. But finally, after many years and an Act of Parliament, in 1994, 32 women were ordained. \u00a0 \u00a0It had been a difficult journey for the women in the Church, as they come up against prejudice and nastiness from all sides. However, once they had achieved their goal, they were determined to be kind to all those who had spoken against the ordination of women.
\nRachel, now in her eighties, has settled in East Cowton \u2013 and is as busy as ever. Her story is one of fortitude and faith has paved the way for the women of faith today, who wish to become priests.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2578″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Update from SI Harare   The last donation we made to SI Harare was used…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":128,"featured_media":0,"parent":1881,"menu_order":10,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2576","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n2017 Events | SI Richmond and Dales | SIGBI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"SIGBI : SI Richmond and Dales : 2017 Events : SI Richmond and Dales is part of a worldwide organisation of women, find more information regarding the 2017 Events here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/past-events-archive\/2017-events\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" 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