On Monday 13 Sep 2021 Members of Soroptimist International St Albans and District held a face-to-face Club meeting for the first time since February 2020.
Because Members hadn’t seen each other for such a long time the Club decided to make it more of a social event with lots of time for people to catch up with one another. To mark 100 years of Soroptimist International 
and the International Day of Peace there was a candle lighting ceremony. The Club was also delighted to be able to welcome new Member Nicky Bloom.
President Barbara Saunders OBE welcomed everyone and Debbie Tankard read the vision and mission.
Candle Ceremony – words spoken by President Barbara
“Tonight, we are lighting candles in celebration of the achievements of Soroptimists Worldwide during the past 100 years. Thousands of other clubs will be starting their ceremonies on 21st September, the United Nations International Day of Peace.
The 2021 Theme for the International Day of Peace is
“Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”
I’m sure we all support that sentiment after the pandemic of the last 18 months. At our first face to face meeting, we are joining Soroptimist Clubs worldwide in lighting up the world in the hope for a better future for all women and girls.
We have seen this weekend, how a firm foundation, determination and strong financial and emotional support can help one female tennis player achieve her dreams, but we also know from recent events in Afghanistan and many other places that a Bright Past does not automatically lead to a brilliant future, and there is still so much more work to be done.
I would now like to call on Joan, our longest serving member to light her candle and make a wish for our Club
On behalf of our Region I call upon Denise, the Immediate Past President of London Chiltern Region,
Ameeta could you please light at candle and make a wish for SI Great Britain and Ireland
As your President this year, it is my pleasure to light a candle for Soroptimist International, and its 72,000 members in 121 countries. May the Celebration of 100 years action for Gender Equality and Women Rights begin.”
What a great event for welcoming new member Nicky Bloom to the Club. President Barbara led the formal welcome and Nicky introduced herself. Nicky believes the organisation is aligned with her personal values. She feels passionately about trying to get more women/girls from diverse and lower economic backgrounds into finance (she works in product development for a Swiss asset manager). She is also interested in the environment and would love the opportunity to focus some energy and contribute further. Her decision to join was cemented when Nicky participated in some of our amazing zoom meetings and heard about the “Lend With Care” loan scheme, and our support for Nazanin and Richard Ratcliffe. Welcome Nicky!
The evening was arranged as a “pot luck” supper with everyone bringing a dish each – the table was laden and it was a veritable spread! (see photo!). Barbara kindly arranged refreshments so that everyone could raise a glass – a toast to the future 
and a celebration of the Soroptimist International Centenary!
What a wonderful get together after 18 months apart!