19/12/24 Christmas Presents
Ann and Eva organised the conversion of Christmas donations, whether in cash or kind into 32 beautifully wrapped delivered presents for the refugees and refuge.
Remaining funds were reserved to buy necessities for Women’s Aid Refuge.
Congratulations to both.
18/12/24 Jingle MINgle at MIN
Daphne enjoyed Mums in Need’s Christmas Jingle MINgle, she was able to explore the new offices and meet members staff and case workers.
19/11/24 Past Lord Mayor of Sheffield
Sioned-Mair Richards braved the snow to describe not only highlights of her year as Lord Mayor of Sheffield but also used archived logs to detail experiences of past President Mrs Longden the first Lady Lord Mayor of Sheffield (1936-1937) Many thanks to a great speaker.
22/10/24 Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust
Professor Liz Sharp gave an engaging and informative talk on the work of the Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust.
Thanks to the organisers for providing such an interesting subject.
17/09/24 Jane Cholmeley
Jane Cholmely, an author and key figure in female publishing, gave an entertaining and informative talk about her experiences as a feminist publisher and bookshop owner.
06/08/24 Summer Tour and Tea at Buxton
The sun shone, the guide, ‘Dame Lily’, both informative and amusing, our cream tea at No.6 delicious.
Thanks to Hilary for organising a truly delightful trip.
18/07/24 Friendship Outing to Cannon Hall
18 Soroptimists (plus three dogs) from seven Yorkshire branches gathered at Cannon Hall on the best summer day so far this year.
After a walk through the park and walled garden, which provided plenty of time for chats, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the restaurant; after goodbyes there was time to explore the house, garden shop and fantastic farm shop individually..
Many thanks to Si Hallamshire for organising such a great day.
06/07/24 Crosspool Family Fun Day
President Sue, Sally and Wendy manned a Soroptimist stall at Crosspool Fun Day publicising our society. A rewarding experience as several people showed a positive interest in our aims, activities and charities.
The gazebo; provided by Sue and Martin; was much appreciated. Not sure if the llamas got the message.
18/06/24 Setting up Safe Places in Sheffield
Chloe Wilkes gave an engaging talk describing her work for Sheffield Council setting up ‘Safe Places’ throughout the city. Safe Places, normally in public spaces (e.g. Libraries, transport centres, shops etc) are designed to help anyone who fells unsafe, whatever the cause (e.g. health issues, abuse, stalking or uncertainty how to move forward). Initially a Safe Place provides a seat, drink and help to access suitable help both immediately and ongoing. Based at Heely Farm she gives training on site to those maintaining ‘Safe Places’ and has produced pamplets to back up this information.
In future Si Sheffield hope to work with Chloe on such an essential project.
Thanks to Chloe and also Eva for organising this informative talk.
09/06/24 Civic Service and Reception for Sheffield’s New Mayor
Attendance at the Cathedral Civil Service and Town Hall Reception for Janye Dunn the new Lord Mayor proved both a significant and joyful occasion for some of our members.
08/06/24 Litter picking with Si Hallamshire
Great fun when the intrepid few joined Si Hallamshire litter picking along the Porter Valley – one of the city’s beautiful walks
21/05/24 Cervical Cancer Prevention
Dr Julia Palmer gave a superb talk on national and global challenges of eradicating cervical cancer, she certainly sparked off a long and lively discussion.
Thanks to Sheila, Hilary and Group to for organising such an enlightening event.
Summary
The topic for the evening was the Prevention of Cervical Cancer and our speaker was Miss Julia Palmer, Consultant Gynaecologist in Sheffield. The focus was the current situation here and the especial challenges in Africa, where the incidence and mortality are the highest in the world. This cancer affects women of all ages and exacts a terrible toll on women with young families. The cancer is accessible and potentially preventable and awareness of the causes, means of early diagnosis and treatment has increased greatly. The challenge now is to apply this to populations.
The key advance has been the recognition that a basic cause is infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus is widespread, easily acquired and particularly causes cancer in the cervix and in the mouth and throat of men and women. There is a vaccine against it. Vaccination of young people (both girls and boys) offers hope for the future but will have to be accompanied by surveillance, early diagnosis and full treatment facilities of early cases to make an impact.
WHO has set out ambitions and targets even aiming at eradication though these are acknowledged to be aspirational rather than practical. Even in S. Yorkshire, vaccination of youngsters is only a little over half. The Covid pandemic has had a large negative effect and early diagnosis and treatment by smears and follow-up have taken a hit especially in deprived populations. Efforts have been made with some success in some areas (e.g. Barnsley) to take the facilities into the community by mobile units in shopping centres but this has not been successfully pursued in Sheffield. The resources required get diverted from other needs.
In Africa, the challenges are immense, ranging from attitudes to women’s health and needs, to lack of infrastructure for early surveillance and to the wide circulation of harmful myths and beliefs. Education and, of course resources, are the key. Our speaker mentioned some of the outreach expeditions that professional groups had made.
Our talk was most informative and provided many items for discussion and understanding.
By-Line Sheila
17/05/24 Wendy’s Coffee Morning
Those members who attended Wendy’s Coffee Morning were delighted not only with the delicious cakes but also the new flat and it’s great outlook.
Many thanks Wendy
23/04/24 Meet the Presidents – Buffet Lunch
Si Sheffield and Si Hallamshire joined forces to greet Sigbi President Ruth, Si Yorkshire President Susie and Programme Director Lindsey.
Si Hallamshire displayed items that they make for Baby Basics supplemented with a display board of their projects. Si Sheffield President Sue introduced Laura (CEO) and Heather from MINS, who defined the charity’s aims and motivation.
Chris described Winn Gardens’ needs and the support given to it’s food bank.
16/04/24 Trafficking
Pat Dale M.B.E.; a fellow soroptimist; gave an interesting and informative talk covering both People Trafficking and her career in the Home Office.
16/03/24 Charter Lunch
Our Charter Lunch took place at Tapton Hall.
A good time was had by all thanks to Chris N, Hilary, Angela, Chris L and Daphne who ensured everything went smoothly even after a late cancellation by the speaker.
25/02/24 Rhubarb Farm
Lynne and President Sue joined Sigbi members from eight other branches for an informative and fun visit to Wakefield’s Rhubarb Triangle at Jonathan and Sue Westwoods’ Rhubarb farm followed by lunch at an Italian restaurant
10/02/24 Iffat’s Friendship Evening
Thanks and congratulations to Iffat for her Friendship Evening, described by a guest as magical. Everyone enjoyed a wide variety of her most delicious foods, the good company and interesting conversations..
Happy faces all round.
19/01/24 Farah’s Curry Night
Farah’s very popular Annual Curry Night was, as usual a great success. Delicious food, good company and money raised a magnificent £931.30 for the women of Karachi.
Congratulations to Farah and her helpers
