President Angela chose the idyllic setting of Queen’s Eyot for her Charter Lunch this year and 69 members and guests enjoyed a beautiful venue and a delicious three course meal.  Unfortunately the weather did not play ball and it was a very windy crossing from the river bank to the island which gave the crew a few worrying moments and the movement of the marquee made an interesting accompaniment to the speeches too.  However the whole occasion was quite delightful and enjoyable.  David Oldcorn proposed the toast to Soroptimist International to which past Regional President Penny Dmoch responded.  President Elect Pamela proposed a toast to the Guests and the Keynote Speakers told the audience about he Kori Project which they had undertaken in Sierra Leone which now encompasses a library and micro credit loans to more than 500 women. President Angela presented a cheque for

March has been busy with a Walk on International Women’s Day on 8th March as well as the usual monthly meeting on 18th March and preparations for the Annual Charter Lunch on 29th March. Two new members were introduced at the Business Meeting and this was followed by an inspiring talk about the Rivertime Boat Trust www.rivertimeboattrust.org.uk. The Trust was formed to provide, operate and maintain a specially constructed boat for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults.  The talk covered the lengthy process of raising funding and ultimately building a suitable vessel and the pleasure it is now giving to its passengers.  An amazing vision. Members are also busy organising visits to two Friendship Link clubs:  Amsterdam Amstel in April and Vilnius Old Town in August. .

/SI Slough Windsor & Maidenhead will have a stand at the Retirement Fair being held at Ascot Racecourse this year on 20th August.  We would love to meet old friends and prospective new members at the event so do come along and see us! Full details of the event can be found at http://www.ascotretirementfair.com    

At the July meeting, one of the club members gave an illustrated talk about The Willows in Windsor which was once the home of the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland after the death of the third Duke.  Pat explained how the estate had changed between 1800 when the first house was built and now when the original property has been divided into many separate homes: all unique.  The talk was particularly pertinent as the Annual Garden Party was being held in the garden of one of the properties. The photo shows President Angela with club member Pat. The garden party was held on Sunday 20th July when over 50 members and friends enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch in the riverside garden.  Raffles, a book staff and a tombola helped raise funds for the Presidents two charities.  

At the May and June business meetings President Angela arranged for representatives of the charities which she is supporting this year to visit and tell club members about their work.  In May it was the turn of the Alzheimers Dementia Support group to talk about the support they provide which includes Drop In Centres, home visits, and dedicated telephone support lines. In June there was an added bonus as our visiting speaker from Berkshire Search & Rescue Dogs brought one of their trained dogs along – the photo shows President Angela on right with L to R:  Marilyn Brown, Irene Brooks, Regional President Penny Dmoch and Michele Bennett with our speaker and his Rescue Dog.