On Tuesday 13th October 17 members of the club enjoyed an extensive tour of the Houses of Parliament and were also able to meet up with Fiona McTaggart, the MP for Slough.  The issue of trafficking was discussed and Ms McTaggart talked about the work that is being undertaken around this difficult issue.  Members were pleased to hear that this is being treated very seriously and has high priority.  Later members visited the Jewel House to complete a splendid visit which encompassed history and current affairs.

Over 60 members and guests attended the annual garden party this year and enjoyed the opportunity to buy raffle tickets, tombola tickets, books, plants and jewellery. Of course there was a wonderful lunch provided by Angela again! Despite a few light showers, everyone stayed in good spirits possibly aided by a few glasses of wine and helped to raise funds for the President’s Charity: the market garden project in The Gambia.

A group of club members went to Waddesden Abbey near Aylesbury recently for a tour of this historic house and grounds. A severe downpour as we all arrived did not dampen our spirits and we had a most enjoyable afternoon viewing the remarkable collections of Sevres porcelain and Gainsboroughs. The gardens were magnificent and we particularly appreciated the lay outs in Soroptimist colours of blue and gold! A delicious cream tea was a suitable end to the afternoon.

On Wednesday 20th May, the club was delighted to welcome Soroptimist International President Margaret Lobo to the meeting.  President Margaret has been in office for almost two years and has visited many parts of the globe to see the work of Soroptimists in action.  On this occasion she came to Slough as she travelled between engagements in Ireland and Ethiopia before returning home to Perth in Western Australia.  President Margaret is no stranger to England as she undertook post graduate studies in radiography in London. A talk with many slides showing her travels during the past two years and the Soroptimist Quadrennial Projects in Thailand and Sierra Leone delighted and informed club members.  Visitors from Thames Valley club and London Chilterns Regional President Laura Redhead were also present at the meeting.

On Monday evening 30 members and friends got together to combine a few of their favourite things:  looking at a selection of clothes and accessories whilst chatting to friends and sipping a glass of wine!  The contents of the Earth shop in Bicester were transferred to Windsor for the evening so that members could browse.  Sales were brisk but time was also found for a soothing hand massage from President Elect Sally.  Of course there was some delicious food provided once more by Angela.  President Judy was delighted with the success of the first fund raising event of her year.

President Judy travelled to Morpeth with three other club members for the weekend of 9th/10th May when the friendship link club was celebrating its 60th Anniversary. Amongst the memorable moments were a special dinner held in the grounds of Ainwick Castle and a Sunday Brunch at the home of one of the Morpeth members. The photo shows President Judy with Morpeth Club President receiving a present of special biscuits from the Queen’s Farm Shop in Windsor.

Cookham Festival added Monday on the Moor to its biennial Festival this year so Monday 4th May saw eight club members setting up a tea tent on a slightly drizzly morning.  Since it was a new event, there was uncertainty as to how many people would be out and about.  So the tea urns were set up and the huge array of cakes laid out ready for business and the crowds turned out!  Everyone was kept very busy right up to 5.00 pm making tea, coffee and serving slices of cake.  Jackie Paling made 100 Funny Face cup cakes which delighted all the children as they chose their own special cake with an individual face.    Cakes ran out and Kate had to dash off on her bicycle to scour the village for reinforcements and finally the queue ran out leaving the helpers to clear up. 

Maidenhead Talking Newspaper for the Blind is one of six recipients in Berkshire of the very prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2009.  A number of local voluntary groups create the talking newspaper every week.  The Soroptimist Group has been part of this rota for 25 years since the Talking Newspaper began.  Phyllis Sigsworth, Barbara Bannister and Ruth Jones have been editing the news and then reading it for the blind residents of Maidenhead and District for the entire 25 years which is quite an achievement so they are really delighted that their work has been recognised.  The photograph shows Barbara and Ruth with the Award document.

The sun shone for the Annual President’s Lunch on Sunday 5th April at Dorney Lake.  75 members and guests enjoyed the occasion which included a delicious three course lunch with appropriate wines.  A cheque was presented to the Chairman of the Management Committee of the Slough Children’s Contact Centre by President Jean.  The Contact Centre is organised and operated by SI Slough Windsor and Maidenhead and various fundraising events have been run throughout the year to fund the ongoing costs of running the centre.  In the event a magnificent £3,700 was raised which will help run the centre for several years.   Members from other local Soroptimist clubs attended the lunch including:  Aylesbury, Oxford, High Wycombe, Kingston, South West London and St Albans.  Regional President Laura responded to the toast to Soroptimist International and congratulated the club on its work.  The guest of honour, Roderick Watson,

The Entertainers lived up to their name at the Old Tyme Music Hall on Saturday 21st February at the Holyport Memorial Hall.  A lively audience enjoyed the music and dance and the accompanying supper of bangers and mash.