SI Sheffield didn’t let the current restrictions prevent them from preparing their traditional gifts. Although it was more complicated than normal, Sarah and Eva organised a wonderful collection for the Sheffield women’s refuges and altogether over 50 gift bags for women and children were put together. In addition, a range of toiletries and cosmetics was collected for the Snowdrop project. Thank you to all members for supporting this initiative, especially to Eva and Sarah!

We were very pleased to welcome Dr Samia Husain as the speaker last Tuesday when over twenty members and friends joined our virtual meeting.  We are all becoming quite adept with Zoom and it is lovely to be able to see so many Soroptimimsts regularly. Samia spoke enthusiastically from her own experience, suggesting that simple changes to our lifestyles would give us optimum health and that our choices matter.  Her Functional Medicine approach, which takes into account Diet, Lifestyle, Environment and Stress, gave us all food for thought.

Twenty members met using Zoom on Monday.  We were delighted to welcome Ann and Gill to SI Sheffield.  As well as our normal business matters, Hilary, Chris, Daphne and Elaine gave us a taste of the very interesting presentations from the ‘Belfast’ Conference.

SI Sheffield didn’t let the restrictions on getting together spoil our annual Pink Party. Jenny organised a speaker – Olivia – from Breast Cancer Now and members (all wearing pink) were joined by several guests from SI Hallamshire for an informative talk on the charity’s aims which are Support for Today and Hope for the Future.  Olivia talked about Research, Care and Creating Change on which this charity focuses.  She also mentioned how difficult the Covid situation has made their fundraising this year.  Fortunately, members were – as always- very generous.  The Sweepsstake and Auction, combined with several donations raised £600 for this important cause.

Although the Supper Meeting did not include supper, President Hilary welcomed 29 members, sisters from SI Hallamshire, our Share Our Skills students and friends to a Zoom meeting on the 22nd.  As well as spending time together and catching up, we listened to a fascinating talk from Katie Alcock who is a Toilet Activist and a Blue Badge Guide in London – an expert in loos! This was a very appropriate topic as earlier in the year, Soroptimists enabled Sheffield to become only the second Toilet Twinned city in the UK.  Katie gave us a most informed and entertaining talk on the history of toilets – as well as glimpses into the future – not just within the UK – but the wider world. If you are in London and fancy a tour with a difference, check out London Loo Tours – ‘Not your bog

After several months with no Business Meeting, Sheffield Soroptimists got together on 7th September – virtually. As well as discussing volunteering and contributions to their regular charities, SI Sheffield decided to offer additional support to IDAS – a group which supports victims of domestic violence. The month’s Supper Meeting will also take place virtually, with a talk on The History of the Toilet, while the group’s regular lunches resume on 15th September. See Calendar page for details of all upcoming events.  

Plans had to be amended, but that didn’t stop SI Sheffield members celebrating Yorkshire Day in style! A small group met in the city to model hats made from recycled materials.               Because the club could not all get together, several socially distanced tea parties were arranged and enjoyed by all who attended.

Several SI Sheffield Soroptimists who are taking part in the Scrub Bag Sewers S10 programme have been joined by Wendy’s grand-daughter, Cait, who has been in lockdown for longer than most following her heart surgery in March.  To date she has contributed 12 of the bags, which will enable medical staff to wash their scrubs with reduced chance of  contamination.  A huge thank you to Cait and to all of those who are taking part in this project.

It was lovely for members to meet up for coffee, a chat and lots of fun, using Zoom.  It was also super to catch up with Chris who has had to extend her holiday in New Zealand.

SI Sheffield member Anne Jones told the group about the challenges of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the planned building programme at Sheffield Children’s Hospital at the January supper meeting.