On Saturday 17th August, 2024, Salisbury Soroptimists and invited guests met to celebrate the club’s 5th birthday. Dressing for a ‘summer day by the river’ everyone gathered on the patio of the Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel in Harnham, for pre-brunch drinks.
We were delighted that SIGBI President, Ruth Healey, could join our celebrations, along with other invited guests. Kay Linnell, Southern Region President, also joined us, as did representatives from our two charities. We were happy to see many of the founding members along with others who only joined this year.
A delicious buffet was served in the Orangery, which was perfect for enjoying views of the Avon while dining. A selection of filled bagels, samosas and chicken kebabs ensured there was something for everyone.
On each table were quiz sheets, asking questions about what the club had achieved since its beginning. From the 17 members at our Chartering, we now have 35. We have logged 97 projects on the SIGBI database. We have raised over £5,500 for our two charities Salisbury Women’s Refuge and EdUKaid. In Tanzania this has provided sewing machines, training for women to make reusable sanitary pads and sponsored a girls’ club. We have also collected over 16,000 bras from Salisbury and surrounding areas to be sent to various African countries. Her Salisbury Story has promoted 85 womens’ stories on its website and the Her Salisbury Trail map continues to sell well at the Tourist Office.
President, Michele Smith, spoke about these achievements and also our plans for the future. Ruth Healey, who is more used to attending 70 year celebrations! nonetheless congratulated the club and mentioned a few things which happened 5 years ago. It was of course shortly before the Global Pandemic which changed all our lives. Ruth then ceremoniously cut the birthday cake, made by Michele.
A small raffle raised £119 for the President’s Diamond Education Fund.