38 members attended the June meeting at a new venue, the Holiday Inn at Rochester. The day was planned by Regional President Alison. She promised it would be a full and interactive time.
Dr Roli Degazon-Johnson spoke on Female Genital Mutilation. A culture of secrecy and silence exists around FGM. She asked, ‘How can we save them? : –
- Identify perpetrators.
- Ensure you speak out about FGM.
- Learn as much as you can to stop it.
- Useful videos on YouTube.
- You can protect any child or young woman who may be vulnerable.
- FGM is happening in the UK.
Vice President Roxanne StClair gave the vote of thanks for a thought-provoking presentation.
Christine Corless, SIGBI Finance Director was welcomed. She took us through the SIGBI Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025. Looking 2025 onwards, a George Bernard Shaw quote is relevant: –
‘Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.’
Membership is key and they are looking at trends and forecasts. There are declining numbers on recruitment and retention across the Federation, which has 5100 members with 1000 being overseas. However, Christine noted our Region was bucking the trend as our numbers were up by 5%.
Christine presented Julia Search from SI Medway and Maidstone with her 25-year long service badge.
We were then treated to something different with Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads’ monologue ‘Soldiering On’ performed by Dot Pullan.
After an enjoyable lunch, we heard from 4 clubs, Folkestone, Lewes, Medway & Maidstone and Whitstable with short presentations highlighting Good News Stories on their club activities.
Feedback on the day from SI Canterbury: –
‘Fabulous regional meeting, great to hear from other clubs and their projects. Good venue too and very thoughtful catering at the Holiday Inn.’