{"id":5332,"date":"2024-10-15T11:53:37","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T10:53:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/?page_id=5332"},"modified":"2025-05-04T16:02:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-04T15:02:48","slug":"events-2024-25","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/past-events-archive\/events-2024-25\/","title":{"rendered":"Events 2024-25"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>October Meeting<\/h1>\n<p>At our October Meeting we were given an excellent presentation by volunteer Sheonagh Jones about the work of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk\/\">Great North Air Ambulance Servic<\/a>e.\u00a0 This charity provides emergency medical care by helicopter &#8211; backed up by cars in bad weather and overnight.\u00a0 They cover\u00a0 North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Northumbria and recently added the Isle of Man.\u00a0 This is the largest and most rural area covered by any of the 21 UK Air Ambulance charities.\u00a0 Working with the NHS and other emergency service, plus Mountain Rescue, the GNAAS is an important part of major incident response throughout the North of England.<\/p>\n<p>We saw videos of the dispatchers who are linked to the emergency services, responding to calls, sending out the helicopters and cars.\u00a0 We also saw their teams of pilot, pre-hospital doctor and specialist paramedic (who is also trained as a navigator and to assist the pilot). The sick and injured can be taken to one of four major trauma centres or smaller nearby hospitals according to their needs.\u00a0 GNAAS also operate a &#8220;flexible border&#8221; policy, providing support to the Scottish, Yorkshire and Lancashire Air Ambulance Services where appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>To cover their large territory cost \u00a39.3 million last year, to answer 2,148 calls for help.\u00a0 They are entirely community funded, from fund-raising events, an annual raffle, and a regular monthly subscription prize draw.\u00a0 They also welcome gifts in wills, from sponsored activities such as marathons, and general donations which allow the service to run.\u00a0 Many of their donors and volunteers are former patients they rescued.\u00a0 The motto for the annual raffle \u201cAnyone, Anywhere, Anytime\u201d accurately describes their work.<\/p>\n<p>They also sell on used postage stamps, and we were able to present them with a large collection of postage stamps, accumulated over many months.\u00a0 We also presented Sheonagh and her colleague John with a cheque, and a tin of biscuits for the local Durham base.<\/p>\n<h3>Business Session<\/h3>\n<p>A progress report was presented on the upcoming fundraiser event with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rdasc.org.uk\/\">Richmond Dales Amateur Swimming Club<\/a>, a talk with supper by Olympic Swimmer Sharron Davies.\u00a0 Members volunteered to assist on the night with raffle, tombola, and meet-and-greet of guests. Plans are also moving forward for our International Women&#8217;s Day Exhibition next March, with members invited to nominate their Women of Richmondshire.\u00a0 The members also debated the resolutions being voted on at the upcoming SIGBI Conference in Edinburgh, and mandated Joint President Babs to be our voting representative.<\/p>\n<h3>Soroptimist Cup Presentations<\/h3>\n<p>Our Joint Presidents Babs and Lin recently attended two school prize giving evenings to present Soroptimist Cups for Making a Difference. Babs went to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.risedale.org.uk\/\">Risedale School<\/a>, where she presented a Soroptimist Cup to Ellie McGee.\u00a0 This is the citation from the school for her:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Ellie was a wonderfully positive asset to Risedale. Always smiling, she approached everything she did with positivity and enthusiasm and was a role model for her peers. It is a pleasure to be able to reward Ellie for her uncountable contributions to Risedale School life, and we wish her every success in her future endeavours.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Risedale-Presentaiton.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5348\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Risedale-Presentaiton-300x173.png\" alt=\"Ellie McGee receives Soroptimist Cup \" width=\"300\" height=\"173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Risedale-Presentaiton-300x173.png 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Risedale-Presentaiton.png 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lin&#8217;s attendance at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondschool.net\/\">Richmond School<\/a> presentation to two of our Sharing our Skills students was reported last month, but we now have a photo:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Richmond-School-presentation.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5347\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Richmond-School-presentation-300x245.jpg\" alt=\"Richmond School presentation\" width=\"300\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Richmond-School-presentation-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Richmond-School-presentation.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Rosebush for Judith<\/h3>\n<p>At the end of the business meeting, we were delighted to present a Soroptimist Rose bush to our stalwart member Judith Clark.\u00a0 This was in recognition of her becoming the new Joint President of Yorkshire Region from November.\u00a0 We are very proud of her enormous contribution to Soroptimism.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Rose-bush-for-Judith.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5349\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Rose-bush-for-Judith-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Rose bush for Judith\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Rose-bush-for-Judith-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/11\/Rose-bush-for-Judith.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1>September Meeting<\/h1>\n<p>Our September meeting was held, as usual, at the Scotch Corner Hotel.<\/p>\n<h3>Speaker from SIYAMS<\/h3>\n<p>We were very pleased to welcome our fellow Yorkshire Soroptimist Pat Kilbane to speak to us about SIYAMS.\u00a0 This is the Regional group &#8220;Soroptimist International Yorkshire Against Modern Slavery&#8221;, which has been campaigning for many years.\u00a0 Pat gave us a history of the group, and talked about the important work it has been &#8211; and continues &#8211; to do.<\/p>\n<p>This talk was followed by a light hearted quiz about Soroptimism, before the business meeting began.<\/p>\n<h3>Richmondshire School Presentation<\/h3>\n<p>We were delighted to hear that two of our Sharing Our Skills students at Richmond School were selected to receive the &#8220;Soroptimist Cup for Making a Difference&#8221; this year.\u00a0 This recognised their successful project raising fund for Family Help Darlington. President Lin was on hand to present them with their prize at the annual school awards night.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>International Women&#8217;s Day Exhibition<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Our IWD Day Exhibition on &#8220;Women of Richmond&#8221; held earlier this year was Highly Commended at the Regional Programme Action awards this month.\u00a0 Preparations are underway for a second exhibition next International Women&#8217;s Day, in March 2025.\u00a0 This will include women who were not part of the first exhibition, also groups and teams.\u00a0 Members were encouraged to make nominations.<\/p>\n<h3>Smartworks Leeds<\/h3>\n<p>Programme Action Officer Wendy gave an updated on Smartworks, the charity featured in our previous meeting.\u00a0 She delivered our donations to the Leeds branch, where they were gratefully received.\u00a0 Whilst there, she spoke asked about how referrals are made for women who might benefit from the support they provide in getting into employment. She was told that referrals can be made by anyone on behalf of an individual. Although Smart Works Leeds covers a very large area, it does not have much contact with the more rural areas such as the Dales.\u00a0 They recognise that there will be women in these areas who would benefit from their support, so can provide funding to help cover the cost of a client visiting their office. They can also provide considerable support remotely.<\/p>\n<p>Wendy has put them in contact with Spouse Force, the Catterick group with whom we have worked.\u00a0 We think there would be real benefit in these organisations working closely with each other.<\/p>\n<h3>United Nations 16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women<\/h3>\n<p>We will be featuring this campaign at our Coffee Morning at the Town Hall on November 30th, wearing the signature Orange for Activism badges, and orange clothing.\u00a0 We will also display information about the campaign.<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>Award for our Students<\/h1>\n<p>Hannah Slater and Philippa Kind spent the spring term with the Richmond &amp; Dales Soroptimists as part of our Sharing Our Skills project.\u00a0 During this time, they engaged enthusiastically with the<a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/09\/DSC04997.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5323 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/09\/DSC04997-300x245.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/09\/DSC04997-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/09\/DSC04997.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> club and, after discussion, decided that they would like to support a local domestic abuse charity.\u00a0 They settled on Family Help Darlington.\u00a0 To this end they gathered their friends &#8211; male and female &#8211;\u00a0and organised a walk into town in fancy dress, giving out publicity material as they went.\u00a0 Despite inclement weather they raised a lot of interest and around \u00a3500 in sponsorship money for Family help Darlington.\u00a0 Awareness was raised in the town and within the Sixth Form College of both the issue of domestic abuse and the support available from Family Help Darlington.<\/p>\n<p>As a result of these sterling efforts, Hannah and Philippa were awarded the annual &#8220;Soroptimist Cup for Making a Difference&#8221; at the recent Richmond School awards presentation.\u00a0 The cup was given to the girls by Lin Clarkson, our Co-President this year.<\/p>\n<p>We wish both Hannah and Philippa every success in their future endeavours.<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1>Coffee Morning at the Town Hall<\/h1>\n<p>As usual, we had no meeting in August due to summer holidays.\u00a0 However, we did hold a Coffee Morning at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondtowncouncil.org.uk\/\">Town Hall<\/a>.\u00a0 This is one of our regular fund-raising opportunities promoted by the Town Council.\u00a0 A different local organisation hires the Town Hall and kitchen facilities each Thursday morning.\u00a0 \u00a0 These charity coffee mornings are very much a Richmond tradition. The hall is ready laid out with tables and chairs for customers, and for stalls.\u00a0\u00a0Members of each organisation provide coffee or tea and biscuits for a small entry fee, with waitress service.\u00a0 We hold 2 or 3 each year to raise funds for our charities, and to promote Soroptimism in the town. We always put leaflets about our work on the tables, and display our banner.\u00a0 We also have a raffle and a tombola, a book stall and often a cake stall to add to the funds raised on refreshments.\u00a0 On this occasion we were able to make a profit of \u00a3150.<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1>July Meeting<\/h1>\n<p>Last Thursday, members met at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.guestreservations.com\/holiday-inn-darlington-a1-scotch-corner-richmond\">Scotch Corner Hotel<\/a> for our July meeting.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>SmartWorks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Our PA Officer gave a presentation &#8220;Learn about<a href=\"http:\/\/SmartWorks\"> SmartWorks<\/a>&#8220;, which is one our charities for this year.\u00a0 SmartWorks is a UK Charity that has helped over 35,ooo women with free career coaching, interview dressing and preparations for them to help get a job.\u00a0 The charity started in North London in 2013 and has spread out across England and Scotland.\u00a0 Leeds was opened in 2019.\u00a0 The charity provides not only the free coaching and clothes for the interview, but they also continue the relationship with the client.\u00a0 They help to provide a wardrobe for the 1st month, to get through to their first pay day.<\/p>\n<p>Leeds SmartWorks has over 100 referral partners in Yorkshire, including HMP Askham Grange. They have supported 888 clients in 2023\/24.\u00a0 Wendy showed the video story of 2 clients.\u00a0 They explained how the charity has helped them to not only get the job they went for, but also built up their confidence.\u00a0 The following statistics show what great work SmartWorks is doing:<\/p>\n<p>69% of people get a job in the first month of working with SmartWorks<br \/>\n47% had been unemployed for over a year<br \/>\n14% had applied for over 50 jobs<br \/>\n20% are over 5 years unemployed<br \/>\n43% are Ethnic minority<br \/>\n19% are disabled<\/p>\n<p>SmartWorks is always looking for donations of good quality clothes, shoes and accessories to give out, and for Volunteers to help.\u00a0 SI Richmond &amp; Dales was proud to present a large selection of items which members have donated.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Smartworks-donations.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5308\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Smartworks-donations-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"Donation for Smartworks\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Smartworks-donations-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Smartworks-donations.jpeg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Event at Scotch Corner in November<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Details were confirmed for the event we are holding at the Scotch Corner Hotel in November.\u00a0 This is a talk with supper being organised in conjunction with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rdasc.org.uk\/\">Richmond Dales<\/a> Amateur Swimming Club.\u00a0 They are our main charity for this year.\u00a0 We are helping to raise funds for especially adapted swimwear. This enables women and girls to continue their training during their periods.\u00a0 Without this, they lose up to a quarter of their training time every month, setting them back and discouraging them from continuing.\u00a0 We are delighted to announce that the famous British Olympic swimmer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sharrondavies.com\/about-sharron\/\"><strong>Sharron Davies<\/strong><\/a> will be the speaker at this event.\u00a0 Tickets are on sale, and we hope that all 200 will be sold.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Sanitary &amp; Incontinence wear<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Members also donated a large quantity of sanitary and incontinence wear.\u00a0 This will be given to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.colburnhub.org\/\">Colburn Community Foodshare<\/a> for distribution.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Sanitary-90-for-90.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5307\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Sanitary-90-for-90-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Sanitary-90-for-90-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Sanitary-90-for-90.jpeg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Women of Richmond<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Our recent exhibition for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.internationalwomensday.com\/\">International Women&#8217;s Day<\/a> celebrated women who have contributed to the Richmond Community. We have been asked to show this again at<a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk\/\"> St Mary&#8217;s Church, Richmond<\/a> over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.\u00a0 Members are invited to nominate women for next year&#8217;s exhibition on the same theme for all of Richmondshire.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Long Service Awards<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Two 30 Years Long Service to Soroptimism Certificates were recently presented to members Sue Fenwick &amp; Sandy Baxter. This was during an outing to local beauty spot <a href=\"http:\/\/thorntonhallgardens.co.uk\">Thornton Hall Gardens<\/a>.\u00a0 At this meeting a presentation was made to Margaret Clayson for 40 Years Long Service.\u00a0 These ladies have been important and active members of SI Richmond &amp; Dales throughout.\u00a0 We are very grateful for their contributions.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3-1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5290\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3-1-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Long Service Presentations\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3-1.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Maragaret-40-year-cert.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5306\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Maragaret-40-year-cert-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"Long Service Presentation Margaret\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Maragaret-40-year-cert-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/Maragaret-40-year-cert.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Member Sandy Baxter also highlighted news of another active and long-term member of our club, Ann Morton.\u00a0 Ann has been celebrating her 64th wedding anniversary alongside her husband Gordon.\u00a0 Congratulations were offered for this alternative &#8220;long service&#8221; achievement.<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>Afternoon Tea at Thornton Hall Gardens<\/h1>\n<p>Some of the members of SI Richmond and Dales met earlier this week for a social outing to local beauty spot <a href=\"http:\/\/thorntonhallgardens.co.uk\">Thornton Hall Gardens<\/a>.\u00a0 These gardens are entirely the work of the current owners of the hall.\u00a0 Parts of the building date back to 1550. This is a renowned local &#8220;gem&#8221;.\u00a0 \u00a0After exploring the lovely displays of flowers and shrubs, the members had an excellent afternoon tea.\u00a0 This was produced by local catering firm <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DavinaLovegreenCatering\/\">Davina Lovegreen Catering<\/a>, who works with Thornton Hall&#8217;s owners on the limited number of days each summer that the gardens are open to the public.\u00a0 The occasion also provided an opportunity to present two members with their 30 Years Service Certificates &#8211; we are very grateful for their commitment to Soroptimism over so many years.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3_1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5288\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3_1-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"Soroptimists at Thornton Hall Gardens\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3_1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3_1.jpeg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image2_1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5289\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image2_1-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image2_1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image2_1.jpeg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3-1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5290\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3-1-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image3-1.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image7.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5292\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image7-139x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"139\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image7-139x300.jpeg 139w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image7.jpeg 473w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 139px) 100vw, 139px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3617.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5293\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3617-300x268.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3617-300x268.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3617.jpeg 534w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3622_1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5295\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3622_1-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3622_1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3622_1.jpeg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3625_1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5296\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3625_1-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3625_1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/IMG_3625_1.jpeg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image1_1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5297\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image1_1-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"Soroptimists at Nunnington Hal\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image1_1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/07\/image1_1.jpeg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>SI Richmond &amp; Dales and The Richmondshire Museum<\/h1>\n<p>On Thursday 20th June, Soroptimist International Richmond and Dales held its monthly meeting at the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.richmondshiremuseum.org.uk\">Richmondshire Museum<\/a>.\u00a0 This was in celebration of 50 years since the inception of the Museum led by members of SI Richmond and Dales.\u00a0 We were joined by our guests for the evening, Regional President Susie Westwood and Regional PA Officer Linda Davies.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5266\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5266\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Celebration-of-50-years.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5266\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Celebration-of-50-years-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Celebration of 50 years\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Celebration-of-50-years-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Celebration-of-50-years.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5266\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Celebration of 50 years<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The business meeting was followed by a fascinating talk by Museum Trustee Mike Wood about the origins of the Museum. This was followed by a \u201ccustom\u201d tour of the museum led by 3 of the Trustees.\u00a0 We were delighted to be joined by our Honorary Member Shirley Thubron, who was one of the original group of Soroptimist activists and is still a Trustee of the Museum 50 years on.<\/p>\n<p>In 1974, the Soroptimists of Richmond &amp; Dales noted the sad fact that Richmond \u2013 despite its magnificent history \u2013 had no Museum to celebrate it.\u00a0 Being Soroptimists, they decided to do something about it.\u00a0 Led by then President Molly Faulkner, members Shirley Thubron, Sheila Harrisson and Shirley Dick set out organising a meeting in the Town Hall to promote the idea and gather volunteers.\u00a0 They contacted every organisation they could think of, lobbied the District Council, and involved their husbands and friends.\u00a0 As a result of the meeting, a Steering Committee was established &#8211; including our Soroptimists.<\/p>\n<p>The first task was to find a home. After exploring options, the District Council agreed to make available a derelict former Joiners Shop &amp; flat above in Ryders Wynd, where the Museum is to this day. \u00a0Grants were applied for to help with the building work, and much was also carried out by volunteers. The Museum opened its doors in 1978, and has been expanded by incorporating neighbouring property over the years.\u00a0 Another wing was created by rescuing the timbers of a medieval \u201ccruck\u201d house demolished in Ravensworth and rebuilt on the site.\u00a0 Construction assistance also came in the form of stairs built by boys at the local Approved School, and plastering &amp; wiring carried out by inmates of the local prison!<\/p>\n<p>Ryder\u2019s Wynd is unfortunately not the easiest place to find, so in the early days visitors had to be encouraged by the volunteers.\u00a0 Shirley Thubron would leaflet tour buses on arrival in the town, helpfully pointing out that the Museum had toilets.\u00a0 Currently the Museum gets about 3,000 visitors a year, many of them school visits, and has been awarded a \u201cBest Small Museum\u201d title.\u00a0 Ticket income is still the main source of revenue, together with donations, occasional legacies, and grants &#8211; in particular from the Town Council and the Guild of Fellmongers, but the Museum is far from well off.<\/p>\n<p>COVID meant two years with next to no income, whilst at the same time heating costs rose dramatically.\u00a0 (Maintaining a suitable temperature is essential for conserving the items held in the Museum.)\u00a0 Mike confirmed that the Museum is just holding its own, but cannot afford to innovate or modernise as they would like.\u00a0 They have only one \u00bd-time professional employee, so depend heavily on the team of volunteers and the Trustees to keep going.\u00a0 More volunteers are always welcome.<\/p>\n<p>On our tour we saw fascinating displays covering many aspects of Richmondshire history, ancient and modern: through the Iron age, Roman occupation, Anglo-Saxon settlement, Norman Conquest, Medieval growth and Georgian splendour, to a new display depicting 1960\u2019s popular culture. \u00a0\u00a0There are domestic interiors of various periods, industry from lead mining to lacemaking, retail trades &#8211; including a complete pharmacists shop from 1950\u2019s, and many more. The gradual expansion of the building has resulted in many \u201ccompartments\u201d which have led to it being called a Tardis.\u00a0 It is a remarkable institution, and well deserving of its high reputation.<\/p>\n<p>We finished the evening off by sharing wine and a large celebration cake with the Trustees, and wish them well for the future.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5267\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5267\" style=\"width: 263px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Musuem-Now-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5267\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Musuem-Now-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The Museum Now\" width=\"263\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Musuem-Now-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Musuem-Now-1.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5267\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Museum Now<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5273\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5273\" style=\"width: 181px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Now-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5273\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Now-2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Museum Now - Entrance\" width=\"181\" height=\"241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Now-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Now-2.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 181px) 100vw, 181px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5273\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Museum Now &#8211; Entrance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5269\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5269\" style=\"width: 218px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Then-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5269\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Then-1-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"Museum Then - derelict workshop exterior\" width=\"218\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Then-1-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Then-1.jpg 744w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5269\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Museum Then &#8211; derelict workshop exterior<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5270\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5270\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Then-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5270\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Then-2-300x218.jpg\" alt=\"Museum Then - derelict workshop interior\" width=\"300\" height=\"218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Then-2-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Museum-Then-2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5270\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Museum Then &#8211; derelict workshop interior<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5268\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5268\" style=\"width: 218px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Early-Volunteers-at-Work.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5268\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Early-Volunteers-at-Work-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"Early volunteers at work\" width=\"218\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Early-Volunteers-at-Work-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Early-Volunteers-at-Work.jpg 744w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5268\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Early volunteers at work<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>On our tour we saw fascinating displays covering many aspects of Richmondshire history, ancient and modern: through the Iron age, Roman occupation, Anglo-Saxon settlement, Norman Conquest, Medieval growth and Georgian splendour, to a new display depicting 1960\u2019s popular culture. \u00a0\u00a0There are domestic interiors of various periods, industry from lead mining to lacemaking, retail trades &#8211; including a complete pharmacists shop from 1950\u2019s, and many more. The gradual expansion of the building has resulted in many \u201ccompartments\u201d which have led to it being called a Tardis.\u00a0 It is a remarkable institution, and well deserving of its high reputation.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5274\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5274\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Cruck-House-interior.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5274\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Cruck-House-interior-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Cruck House interior\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Cruck-House-interior-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Cruck-House-interior.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5274\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cruck House interior<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5272\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5272\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Pharmacy-Display.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5272\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Pharmacy-Display-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"1950s Pharmacists Shop\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Pharmacy-Display-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Pharmacy-Display.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5272\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">1950s Pharmacists Shop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5271\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5271\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Social-Culture-of-1960s.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5271\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Social-Culture-of-1960s-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Display: Social Culture of 1960's\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Social-Culture-of-1960s-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Social-Culture-of-1960s.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5271\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Display: Social Culture of 1960&#8217;s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5264\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5264\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Early-History-Display.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5264\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Early-History-Display-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Early History Display\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Early-History-Display-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/06\/Early-History-Display.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5264\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Early History Display<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1>Meeting in May<\/h1>\n<p>We held our usual monthly meeting in May at the Holiday Inn, Scotch Corner.\u00a0 The meeting began with short talks by two members about their lives and careers &#8211; it is always interesting to find our more about our diverse group.\u00a0 \u00a0One was a working class girl who succeeded in pursing a career in languages as a University academic, the other talked about her expertise as a teacher of Dance and local pioneer of Nordic Walking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Wider Scene<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The focus of discussions this month was the wider Soroptimist community.\u00a0 Joint President Lin attended the Yorkshire Region President&#8217;s Lunch, and we will be receiving a visit from the Region President at our next meeting.\u00a0 This will be at the Richmondshire Museum, to help celebrate 50 years since it&#8217;s inception by members of Soroptimists Richmond &amp; Dales.\u00a0 There was also discussion of ideas to submit for a Regional poster to be displayed at this year&#8217;s\u00a0 SI Gt Britain &amp; Ireland Conference in Edinburgh, which will be attended by several or our members.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Programme Update<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our new Programme Action Officer Wendy reported on the month. We have donated to another &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/lendwithcare.org\/\">Lend With Care<\/a>&#8221; business.\u00a0 This time it is a widow from Ecuador who sells second hand clothes to support her family.\u00a0 \u00a0The final total raised by our Sharing our Skills Students with their walk against domestic abuse has been confirmed as \u00a3431 &#8211; a real achievement.\u00a0 For those who missed our successful International Women&#8217;s Day Exhibition at the Town Hall,\u00a0 it was shown again at St Mary&#8217;s Church, Richmond over the Bank Holiday Weekend.\u00a0 Member Sandy also passed on another bag of knitted Poppies produced by Middleton Tyas Craft Group for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britishlegion.org.uk\/\">Royal British Legion<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Social Media<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With help from our friends in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/spouseforce\/\">Spouse Force<\/a>, member Lorna has set up a new Facebook page for our club, which all are urged to support and promote.\u00a0 The address is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61558712684346\">Richmond and Dales Soroptimists<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>April Activities<\/h1>\n<p>Here is the update on our activities during April, which featured our AGM.<\/p>\n<h3>Annual General Meeting<\/h3>\n<p>Although much of an AGM is of a formal procedure, we began the meeting reflecting on the success of our International Women&#8217;s Day &#8220;Women of Richmond&#8221; Exhibition.\u00a0 Members of the project team were invited to talk about their favourite featured lady, and why they had chosen them.<\/p>\n<p>Business then continued with the voting in of the new Executive Committee, and the presentation of the Presidential Chain to our joint presidents for 2024-25.\u00a0 The retiring PA officer presented the end of year report.\u00a0 She reflected that &#8211; as always &#8211; when reviewing our year&#8217;s activities, it is always impressive how much we have achieved.\u00a0 It is also notable that this year the raising of funds for charitable work is balanced by equal effort in awareness raising on a variety of issues.\u00a0 Thanks were given to both retiring and continuing officers for their important work, and a 30 Years Service Certificate was presented to member Sandy Baxter.\u00a0 We are fortunate to have several such long-standing members in the Club!<\/p>\n<p>Plans for next year include a meeting at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondshiremuseum.org.uk\/\">Richmondshire Museum<\/a>, which was started by members of SI Richmond &amp; Dales, and is now celebrating its 50th Birthday.\u00a0 We will also be holding a meeting at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.colburnhub.org\/\">Colburn Community Hub<\/a>, with which we have worked for some years. We will also continue our working relationships with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondschool.net\/\">Richmond School<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/spouseforce\/\">Spouse Force<\/a> at Catterick Garrison. Our full programme for the year and list of officers is now available on the website under the &#8216;About our Club&#8217; heading.<\/p>\n<h3>Sharing our Skills Students<\/h3>\n<p>We are delighted to congratulate our two recent Sharing our Skills students for the success of their project.\u00a0 They held their &#8216;Walk to Support&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyhelp.org.uk\/\">Family Help Darlington<\/a> raised both awareness of this charity in the school and the town, and raised funds for their work.<\/p>\n<h3>Coffee Morning<\/h3>\n<p>On Thursday 25th April we held one of our Coffee Mornings at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondtowncouncil.org.uk\/\">Town Hall<\/a> in Richmond to raised funds for our charity work.\u00a0 Between serving refreshments, a raffle, tombola and stalls we made a total profit of \u00a3197:80.\u00a0 This goes into the &#8220;charity pot&#8221; for our new year.<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>The Students&#8217; Successful event<\/h1>\n<p>A group of over 30 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondschool.net\/\">Richmond Sixth Form College<\/a> students took part in a \u2018Walk to Support\u2019 event on Monday, 22nd April to raise money for local charity and shelter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyhelp.org.uk\/\">Family Help Darlington<\/a>, an charity which supports people who have been affected by domestic abuse.\u00a0 The event was organised by our Sharing our Skills students, Philippa Kind and Hannah Slater.<\/p>\n<p>Students were encouraged to look fabulous by dressing up with pink accessories in order to draw attention to themselves on the walk and hopefully raise more money. Some students were wearing QR codes that could be scanned by members of the public who wished to donate \u2013 an excellent idea.\u00a0 \u00a0 The weather on the day of the walk was typical for spring 2024 so far \u2013 cold and wet, but spirits weren\u2019t dampened. After a group photo, the students set off toward Richmond town centre with the aim of raising as much money as they could and also getting back for their lessons. Phillipa said \u201cThe number of students who turned up for this cause was amazing! The pink outfits that everyone wore so enthusiastically really drew attention to us on the streets so that we had members of the public clapping and taking photos of us, as well as asking to donate.\u00a0\u00a0The event has so far raised \u00a3379 for Family Help Darlington, which I think really emphasises how great a cause this is&#8221;.\u00a0 \u00a0Soroptimist International Richmond and Dales are very pleased and impressed with the work Philippa and Hannah put into this event.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to donate, go to https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/WalkToSupport<\/p>\n<p>For more information about Family Help Darlington, go to this link\u00a0https:\/\/www.familyhelp.org.uk\/<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/SOS-Walkers.jpg\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5238\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/SOS-Walkers-300x123.jpg\" alt=\"The Student Walkers\" width=\"300\" height=\"123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/SOS-Walkers-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/SOS-Walkers.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image3.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-5244\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image3-224x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"151\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image3-224x300.jpeg 224w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image3.jpeg 478w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image2.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-5243\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image2-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image2.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image0.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-5241\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image0-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"SOS Walkers\" width=\"263\" height=\"175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image0-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/image0.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1>Walk to Support Family Health Darlington<\/h1>\n<p>With the guidance from Richmond and Dales Soroptimists, this year\u2019s two Sharing our Skills students are organising a fundraising and awareness event against domestic abuse.<\/p>\n<p>With the support of the Head of Richmond Sixth Form College, they have arrange a walk for the Sixth Form students into Richmond Market Square on Monday 22nd April 2024 at 9am. Walkers will be wearing pink clothing, as well as high heels and fun accessories = boys included!\u00a0 Non-walkers can wear suitable clothing to school in support or the walkers, in return for a \u00a31 donation.<\/p>\n<p>QR codes will be printed out so the general public will be able to donate and read about the cause in more depth. The event will be captured by the Richmond School photographer and will also be advertised on the Soroptimists and Richmond School websites and social media pages.<\/p>\n<p>The students contacted Family Help Darlington about their project, and conducted a photoshoot to make advertising posters for this event.\u00a0 Thy have also set up a Just Giving page with\u00a0 QR codes linking to the page in the posters.<\/p>\n<p>You can donate direct by following this link:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justgiving.com\/page\/walk-to-support-1712830533893\">https:\/\/www.justgiving.com\/page\/walk-to-support-1712830533893<\/a><\/p>\n<h1><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/4.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5226\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/4-212x300.png\" alt=\"Walk to Support Poster\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/4-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/4.png 724w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5224\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/2-212x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/2-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/2.png 724w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5223\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/1-212x300.png\" alt=\"Walk to Support Family Help Darlington\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/1-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/1.png 724w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5225\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/3-212x300.png\" alt=\"Walk to Support Family Help Darlington\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/3-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/richmond-and-dales\/files\/2024\/04\/3.png 724w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/><\/a><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>October Meeting At our October Meeting we were given an excellent presentation by volunteer Sheonagh&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":128,"featured_media":0,"parent":1881,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5332","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Events 2024-25 | SI Richmond and Dales | SIGBI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"SIGBI : SI Richmond and Dales : Events 2024-25 : SI Richmond and Dales is part of a worldwide organisation of women, find more information regarding the Events 2024-25 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\/events-2024-25\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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