On Tuesday 31st May Soroptimist International Skipton in Craven will have a stall at The Share Our Community Story event at Skipton Library on Skipton High Street. We will be showing people what Soroptimists do and informing them about current Local,National and International Projects. This event is free to attend and runs from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

 JAN TAYLOR is the new President of Soroptimist International Skipton-in-Craven Club At the last meeting of Soroptimist International of Skipton in Craven out-going President Betty Mendoza handed over the Chain of Insignia to Mrs Jan Taylor for the coming year 2016-2017. President Jan is looking forward to working together with the new officers, and hoped she had arranged a variable programme where there will be something interesting for everyone. President Jan hopes to welcome new members during the course of her year, and the Club will be showcasing what Soroptimism is about at an event to be held in the Library on 31st May, 2016 between 10am and 3pm. Any ladies interested in joining the Skipton Soroptimist Club, or requiring further information, should contact siskiptonsecretary@gmail who will be happy to put you in touch with the Membership Officer. The Club meets twice monthly in their

Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland is partnering with CHILD.ORG to create the Meru Womens’ Garden Project. This 3-year project was launched on March 8th 2016, International Women’s Day. It will educate, empower and enable the women of Meru County, Kenya, to feed their families, generate income and become self-sufficient. Women will be taught how to train other women, ensuring that knowledge is passed on for generations. The legacy will be change that lasts. As a result of living in healthier and more stable environments, girls will be more likely to stay in school and receive a good education. Soroptimist International (SI) Skipton in Craven will be supporting this project. For more information please click on the following link: https://sigbi.org/2016/meru-womens-garden-project/            

On the eve of World Water Day, Skipton Soroptimists listened intently to a presentation by Susan Riley – a Volunteer Speaker from WaterAid – whose talk highlighted the plight of people living in remote areas of third world countries without a water supply. Every minute, every day, people suffer and lives are lost needlessly because of a lack of safe water and sanitation. Water Aid is endeavoring to end this global crisis and transform lives. Around 315,000 children under-five die every year from diarrheal diseases caused by dirty water and poor sanitation. That’s 900 children per day. Diarrhea caused by dirty water and bad sanitation is the second biggest child killer worldwide. A lack of clean water and toilets keeps girls out of school, stops women from working, and traps people in poverty. Right now, the world’s poorest people do not have access to safe

Three embers of Soroptimist International of Skipton in Craven are supporting Care International’s Sponsored Walk 2016, in recognition of the world’s poorest countries where women and girls have to spend their days walking for water. This daily trek prevents them from going to work or school, and means they can’t fulfil their potential. So, with 10,000 steps a day Members of SI Skipton are hoping to raise a goodly amount. The “Walk In Her Shoes” project is part of Care International’s “Help Her Live Learn and Earn” campaign meaning every pound raised, between now and 4 June, will be doubled by the UK government – with the extra funds going directly to water, sanitation and women’s rights projects in Ethiopia. All funds raised from “Walk In Her Shoes” will be used as part of Care International’s “Help Her Live Learn and Earn” project: a campaign

Burns Night in aid of Soroptimist International President’s Appeal – Educate to Lead in Nepal Soroptimist International Clubs of  Skipton-in-Craven  and  Ilkley celebrated Burns Night with a joint Supper which was held at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley on 25th January. As it happens, both Club Presidents this year hail from Ayrshire in Scotland – Burns Country.  The Selkirk Grace was said by President  Betty Mendoza of SI Skipton, followed by  the  Address to the Haggis by Mark Clarke. The traditional  Bill of Fayre, prepared and served wonderfully by members of both clubs, was followed by Agnes Tomlinson, President of SI Ilkley giving the Immortal Memory and sharing memories of an Ayrshire childhood and the works of Robert Burns. Margaret Cook  of SI Ilkley then proposed the Toast to the Lassies as the beneficiaries of the evening were to be the women of the International Presidents

Soroptimist International Clubs of  Skipton-in-Craven  and  Ilkley celebrated Burns Night with a joint Supper which was held at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley on 25th January. As it happens, both Club Presidents this year hail from Ayrshire in Scotland – Burns Country.  The Selkirk Grace was said by President  Betty Mendoza of SI Skipton, followed by  the  Address to the Haggis by Mark Clarke. The traditional  Bill of Fayre, prepared and served wonderfully by members of both clubs, was followed by Agnes Tomlinson, President of SI Ilkley giving the Immortal Memory and sharing memories of an Ayrshire childhood and the works of Robert Burns. Margaret Cook of SI Ilkley then proposed the Toast to the Lassies as the beneficiaries of the evening were to be the women of the International Presidents Appeal in Kathmandu. Guest of Honour, The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor, Joanne Dodds replied to the toast before

  Another lovely evening at The Castle for our Carol Service which was enjoyed by all who attended. Sadly we had competition with other events at the Parish Church and the induction of the new Minister at Christchurch on the same evening, but we were festively entertained by the Cobbydale Singers and readings based on Christmas from around the World.  

  Jan Taylor writes: The Carers Party was a great success with 13 children and 2 of their helpers attending. We had a good response from Club Members who all agreed what a good time had been had by all. The children did cake decorating; made some calendars, and played games. all enjoyed their tea and the presents they were given. I would like to thank all the helpers and a big thanks to Valerie Ludlam for organising the food. Happy New Year.

  President Betty writes:- This year, as well as providing refreshments for visitors to the Market, we had, thanks to Chris and her links with Worcnet, four craft stalls. Chris also organised a Tombola which raised £60. Overr £160 was raised towards  the Charity account. A big “thank  you to everyone who helped .