Skipton Soroptimists recently held not a Beetle Drive – but a DAISY DRIVE to raise funds for their 70th Charter Anniversary Celebrations taking place in March 2020. Joined by many friends, family and other Yorkshire Soroptimists a fun evening was had playing in teams of two, but not always with the same partner! Are you confused? well so were we most of the time but great fun followed by pie and peas. Skipton Soroptimists are marking 70 years of service – locally, regionally, nationally and globally – volunteering, fund-raising, supporting projects such as Contact Centres, Skipton Food Bank and the Meru Garden Project in Kenya, Askham Grange, Toilet Twinning, Bobbie Buddies and many, many more.

Skipton Soroptimists were delighted to welcome North Yorkshire Chief Constable Lisa Winwood to a recent meeting to receive a collection of Bobbie Buddies made by members of the club. The small teddy bears are given to young children who may have been involved directly or indirectly in traumatic situations to give a little comfort. Lisa gave us a fascinating talk on her progress from a Special Constable in York, working in the many sections of the service and the changes, challenges and comparisons between rural areas like our own to city policing to her present role as head of policing in North Yorkshire.

    SI Skipton were delighted to give a warm welcome to Eileen Proud from Friends of Airedale. Eileen has been involved in the hospital charity for many years and in many roles and gave us a fascinating insight into how the charity was formed and has grown to now having 350 volunteers. The many fundraising activities were outlined i.e Car Boot Sales, Shops, etc which have enabled the friends to provide additional facilities for the patients at the hospital but also the many duties the volunteers undertake to make patients visits to the hospital as pleasant as possible – befriending, dignity room facilities, patient feeding, social events, chapel visits, hospital transport, guides and many more. Eileen was truly thankful for the support from all the volunteers which helps to make Airedale the friendly and true community hospital it is.

On behalf of SI Skipton, member Sheila McCarthy welcomed Katie Peacock from Exclusively Inclusive.  They are a small voluntary community group based in the Craven area of North Yorkshire with the aim to welcome people to join in a range of inclusive social activities open to all members of the community to help connect people, develop friendships, build community and reduce isolation.  Some of the activities are family focussed and others specifically for adults.  Katie gave us a wonderfully happy and positive presentation on the groups many activities and how it had enhanced many lives.

Skipton Soroptimists,  with friends and family enjoyed a relaxing  canal cruise  and a delicious afternoon tea with  Skipton  Boat  Trips.