Club Projects Archives | Page 3 of 4 | SI St Albans and District

The Hidden Impact of Violence against Women

7 years ago in

charity

Soroptimist St Albans’ Violence against Women Team organised an informative speaker meeting on 25 Sep which focused on: The Hidden Impact of Violence against Women The event was well attended, interactive and very well received. Pictured here are (l to r) Liz, Shaheen, Dee and Sara – Liz and Sara are from the SAHWR and Dee is from the WHWR. Notes from the part of the evening about the Women’s Refuges can be downloaded here: The Hidden Effects of Domestic Abuse notes 1.10.17 Guest speakers included representatives from the “St Albans and Hertsmere” and the “Welwyn Hatfield” Women’s Refuges and Shaheen Manif who is a family worker at a school in Luton.

Girl Guide Sophie back from her Nepalese Adventure

7 years ago in

The Club was delighted to welcome Sophie Hicks back to give us a presentation brought alive with photos of her trip to Nepal in July and August with Girl Guiding Anglia and Projects Abroad where she was working with local schools and orphanages in Kathmandu. While she was there Sophie was able to practise some of her many skills including teaching, science and painting (she taught dental hygiene and decorated the school walls with the periodic table!). It was a truly life-changing experience and we now wish Sophie well as she enters 6th form and studies for her A Levels. This is the link to the news item about her visit to our Soroptimist Club from before she went www.sigbi.org/st-albans/2017/nepal Please see the two photos taken in Nepal and the photo of Sophie with Soroptimist St Albans Club President Rita Andrews plus the Club’s mascot “Sally

Dragons Apprentice Challenge Evening

7 years ago in

charity

Soroptimist International St Albans and District women’s group was delighted to welcome Emma Gamble from CVS (Centre for Voluntary Service) St Albans on Monday 10 July. Emma is pictured here in the centre with Jennie Redford (l) and Jane Slatter (r). Emma gave Club Members a very informative presentation which can be downloaded as a PDF here: Dragons Apprentice Presentation Soroptimists July 2017 Emma explained how the Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge started and how it has grown and developed including the new “Junior Apprentice Challenge” for Primary Schools launched last year. The Club has applied again for 2017/18 and will find out later this year if their application has been successful. The Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge is run by CVS with the aim to “Bring education, business and not for profit together to develop young minds”. This fits well with the Soroptimist mission to “Educate, Empower and Enable” women

Action Needed to Improve the Health of the 51%: Women

7 years ago in

Breast Cancer

Dr Edward Mullins (Ed) was a thought provoking speaker with some authority on the subject of women’s health at our meeting on 26 June. Ed is Senior Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital and Editor-in-Chief of the recent “Annual Report on Women’s Health” and presented the findings of this ground-breaking report prepared for the first female Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Professor Dame Sally Davies. Ed is pictured here on the left with Members of the Club’s Sustainable Environment and Wellbeing (SEW) Team, plus President Rita Andrews on the right (in case you’re wondering Ed is holding the Club mascot Sally Bear). Ed’s presentation can be downloaded here: Ed Soroptimist Health Presentation 260617 and the audio recording of the evening can be played from here: https://1drv.ms/u/s!ArNtdNTFVpB2gz_ig5hQqmAST0R0 He spoke to a well informed audience of almost 50 people (Soroptimists and guests) who asked some searching questions. Some of the highlights

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint One Step at a Time

8 years ago in

Carbon Footprint

On 22 May Catherine Ross from Transition St Albans www.transitionstalbans.org talked to the Club about the impact of their successful district-wide initiative – “SuStAinable StAlbans Week” www.sustainablestalbans.org and highlighted their practical strategy to reduce our carbon footprint street by street. If you click on the link below you can view Catherine’s excellent presentation: SustainableStAbansMay 2017 Cutting your Carbon Footprint One Step at a Time The photo is of Catherine Ross (3rd from left) with the Club’s Sustainable Environment and Wellbeing (SEW) Team. Katherine Clark presented Catherine with a cheque for £25 Catherine for Transition St Albans as a thank you for such an informative evening. The Club had held events in Sustainable St Albans Week for the last 2 years www.sigbi.org/st-albans/2016/sustainable/ and www.sigbi.org/st-albans-/2015/lush-2/ and was using the event as the beginning of the planning process for what to do next year when the event has moved to 21 – 29 April 2018 and also ongoing activities

International Citizen Hazel goes to Cambodia with VSO

8 years ago in

Cambodia

On Monday 8 May Hazel visited our Club to tell us about the adventure that she will be embarking upon in June. She will be volunteering for three months in partnership with the charity Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), working on development projects in Cambodia, which focus on health, education and livelihoods. Hazel is a graduate and has since returned to the area, and volunteered to work for a charity. She applied for and was chosen as a participant on International Citizen Service. International Citizen Service (ICS) is an opportunity for 18 to 25 year old volunteers, like Hazel, to help some of the poorest people in the world and learn valuable new skills at the same time. It’s a programme that brings young people from different countries together to fight poverty. In many poorer countries young people make up the majority of the population. This

Club Twins Three Toilets

8 years ago in

The Club has now twinned 3 toilets for Toilet Twinning www.toilettwinning.org following successful fundraising and donations starting last November on World Toilet Day www.sigbi.org/st-albans/2016/toiletday/ We started by having a bottle sale which raised £67.55 and then Members took away disposable recycled coffee cups to “spend a penny” between November and February. Finally Club Members decided to make additional donations so that a toilet could be twinned as a gift for President Denise at the end of her three years as Club President – what else could a girl want? Denise was really chuffed – please see pic where Denise was presented with her certificate of her Twinned Toilet in Nepal at the Club’s AGM. For every £60 raised Toilet Twinning twins a toilet with a loo halfway around the world, in a country of our choosing. Toilet Twinning is particularly close to Soroptimists’ hearts because we know that without toilets girls

60 for 60 – what a diamond year!

8 years ago in

The Club celebrated with events right through the year from April 2016 to April 2017. Events included our inspirational International Women’s Day live radio broadcast, fundraising for the Women’s Refuge from a quiz night, a market bookstall and carol singing at Harpenden station. We learned about and supported St Albans Refugees, Toilet Twinning, Sustainable St Albans, Birth Companions and many other great causes. We ended with a glittering weekend of diamond celebrations! If you click here you will see the full list: 60 for 60 Final List PDF We were very proud to win best photo for Soroptimist Membership Month last year – with this photo in our “Ask Me Why I’m a Soroptimist” T Shirts. To get a flavour of our “60 for 60” projects just scroll down through our Club news and you will see what a busy year it was! www.sigbi.org/st-albans/category/club-news/

Dragon’s Apprentice Challenge Finale – Fundraising for Rennie Grove Hospice

8 years ago in

Soroptimist Dragons Jennie Redford and Jane Slatter were delighted to attend the 2017 Dragons Apprentice Awards Evening at the University of Hertfordshire. Fellow Soroptimist Jean Eaton, also attended as an Ambassador for Rennie Grove Hospice.Team Elite from St Albans Girls’ School (STAGS) were joined by supporting Teacher Helen Glanvill. Team Elite from Year 12 at STAGS completed their fundraising for Rennie Grove Hospice and raised a brilliant £848.75 in spite of loads of setbacks! To quote a TV Apprentice the team had “bouncebackability”. Team Elite also won the award for the best poster on the evening which was very well deserved. To read more about how the girls raised the money please read this news item www.sigbi.org/st-albans/2016/dragons/ They were certainly very busy – impressive at such a busy stage in their school lives! The awards evening was a celebration of the hard work of all the Teams involved – including the

Glittering Diamond Celebrations for St Albans Soroptimists

8 years ago in

Glittering Weekend of Diamond Celebrations for our Club – Women Serving the St Albans Community Since 1957 The highlight of our weekend of celebrations was the glittering diamond gala dinner on Saturday night at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club in Harpenden. Guests of Honour were Countess Verulam Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and Ann Hodgson President of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland, pictured here with Soroptimist International St Albans and District Club President Denise Powell. We were delighted to welcome visitors from all of our Club’s Soroptimist Friendship Link Clubs: Warsaw Poland, Chico USA, Muenster Germany and Osaka Japan (see picture of Osaka Members with Beatriz Sampson and Helen Byrne). We welcomed Soroptimist dignitaries and Members of Soroptimist Clubs from across the UK including Brixham, Bedford, Cambridge, Cwmbran, Glasgow, Southport, Widnes, Winchester, and from many of the Clubs in our Region: Bedford, Hertford, High Wycombe, Oxford, two

Is it Still a Mans World? Yes but… Conclusion of the International Womens Day Debate

8 years ago in

Is it Still a Man’s World? Yes but…… The women’s group Soroptimist International St Albans and District hosted a lively 2 hour long debate marking International Women’s Day and the Club’s 60th Anniversary on Tuesday 7 March at The Maltings Arts Theatre St Albans. It was broadcast live on Radio Verulam and is available to download and listen to now Please scroll through the photos below as you listen and you can imagine you were there! This event marked the United Nations International Women’s Day 2017 [new_royalslider id=”5″] This event was introduced by Denise Powell, President of the St Albans Soroptimist Club and chaired by business expert and academic Roma Bhowmick. The panellists (L to R) were Siobhan Godley tax partner in a London law firm, Aline Bavister from the pharmaceutical industry, Jenny Brown Headteacher of St Albans High School for Girls, Amy Whitehead Commonwealth medallist, Commander Catherine Jordan Royal Navy and Annie Brewster Councillor and

Soroptimists Provide Interview Practice at St Albans Girls School

8 years ago in

Five Soroptimists volunteered this year to take part in St Albans Girls School (STAGS) “Big Interview day” for year 11 (GCSE year) students. Pictured here l to r are Pamela Rochford, Jennie Redford, Denise Powell, Amanda Brown and Barbara Saunders. As part of the careers programme at St Albans Girls’ School, they offer a mock interview to every year 11 student on a day called “The Big Interview”. Each student has a 15 minute interview based on CV’s they have prepared in school and receive verbal and written feedback. The event has been running the for the past 5 years, and it is very well received by students, for some of whom it is their first interview experience. Soroptimists have been involved for the last 2 years and have found meeting the girls a real inspiration – a win win for everyone involved! Soroptimist International St Albans

Coffee for the Refuge at the Wesley Coffee Shop‏

8 years ago in

Soroptimist Baristas at Wesley’s Church Coffee Shop High Street Harpenden Pictured here are St Albans Soroptimist baristas Joan WIlliams, Allyson Walker, Jean Eaton, Denise Powell and Janet Audley-Charles. Coffee mornings at the Wesley Coffee Shop are a great way for us to swell the coffers for our Club’s charity – this year it’s the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge – we raised £75 on 7th January! We’ll be doing it again on 18 March between 10am and 12.30 so please drop in for Coffee and Yummy Cakes at Wesley’s Cafe High Street, Harpenden – www.highstreetmethodist.org.uk/wesleys/ fundraising for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge Soroptimist International St Albans and District – Women Serving the St Albans Community Since 1957 The Club will celebrate its Diamond Anniversary in April 2017, and these events are a “60 for 60″ production……..

Carol Singing Success at Harpenden Station for Womens Refuge

8 years ago in

Soroptimist Carol Singing at Harpenden station – fundraised more than £500 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge – and marked Human Rights Day. This year the group had to switch to Harpenden Station instead of St Albans at late notice so the £501.87 feels more like a million dollars! Thanks so much to the generous Harpenden Travellers, and to all the singers including some extra friends and supporters who joined us on the night. Recent funding cuts and increased demand mean that the Refuge needs additional funding now more than ever before. This news was also reported in the St Albans and Harpenden Review Afterwards many Club Members went to Pasta Cibo in Harpenden for a delicious meal, a welcome warm up and to wish one other season’s greetings! Club Members also made donations of £58, in lieu of sending one another Christmas cards, to the International

Dragons Apprentice Challenge Update

8 years ago in

The Dragon’s Apprentice Challenge Team Elite from St Albans Girls’ School STAGS (the team the Club is Dragon to), have got their fundraising off to a great start for Rennie Grove Hospice raising nearly £250 already. They held a fashion show, and also sold amusingly packaged sweets at the school Christmas Fair. Scroll through the images in the slideshow below and you will see two of the girls modelling, plus a brave teacher Mrs Glanvill and Soroptimist Dragon Jane Slatter – and some sample packets of sweets. [new_royalslider id=”3″] In November, Team Elite from the St Albans Dragons‘ Apprentice Challenge were awarded an invitation to the launch of Fair Life Charity in Portcullis House Westminster with a visit to Parliament – with Soroptimist “Dragon” Jennie Redford (pictured centre). Dragons Apprentice Challenge were awarded a certificate for their work with students in local schools. The other team there was from Oaklands College. The Fairlife Charity raises

SuStAinable St Albans Evening – FoodCycle and Spice Drops

8 years ago in

The St Albans Soroptimist Club had an inspirational evening as part of SuStAinable St Albans 2016. Group Members plus many guests explored sustainability with informative talks from FoodCycle and Spice Drops – this event was part of Sustainable St Albans Week 19-26 Nov Ellie Jenkins from Sustainable St Albans said “I had a great time, everyone was very welcoming and I thought the quality of talks was fantastic-thank you so much for being involved in the week!”

World Toilet Day, 90th Birthday and Refuge Gifts – busy Club meeting!

8 years ago in

It was a busy Club Meeting on Nov 7th – the Club Marked “World Toilet Day” by having a bottle sale which raised £67.55 for “Toilet Twinning” www.toilettwinning.org – in addition Members took away disposable recycled coffee cups and will “spend a penny” between now and our Meeting on Jan 16th. For every £60 we raise we can twin a toilet with a loo halfway around the world, in a country of our choosing. On the same evening we celebrated Sheila Chadwick’s 90th Birthday with a beautiful cake. Sheila also gave a “life talk” – filled with so many stories of how she has benefited the St Albans Community with her career in social health and still continuing her support of the Armoral Hill Day Centre for the elderly to this day. Every year Club Members donate lovely Christmas presents for the clients at the St Albans and

St Albans Soroptimists are in Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge 2017

8 years ago in

The Dragons Apprentice Challenge is run by CVS St Albans (Centre for Voluntary Service) . Over 80 ambitious students have taken up the Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge this year across St Albans and Harpenden; 11 different teams will compete over the next few months to increase their £100 start up cash into over £1000 by mid-February. There are 11 Teams of Year 12 students from schools across St Albans and Harpenden this year. The launch which was held on Tuesday 4th October and hosted by Loreto College, where the teams were matched with a Dragon and with a charity partner. This is the first year that St Albans Soroptimists have been Dragons and we are delighted to be matched with St Albans Girls School (STAGS) and the charity Rennie Grove Hospice The Club has close links with the school and has supported the charity for many years. Soroptimist Jennie

Soroptimist helps StAR and HWSF sort donated goods for refugees

8 years ago in

#refugeeswelcome

Soroptimist Pamela Rochford (pictured 3rd from right at the back) spent a busy morning at the garage sorting out items with Herts Welcomes Syrian Families and StAR to take to refugee camps. The Club recently held a meeting to find out more about the refugee crisis from StAR and HWSF www.sigbi.org/st-albans/2016/hwsf/ and also supported a Curry-night fundraiser www.sigbi.org/st-albans/2016/curry/ Soroptimist International St Albans and District – Women Serving the St Albans Community Since 1957 The Club will celebrate its Diamond Anniversary in April 2017, and this event is a “60 for 60″ production……..

Girls Cricket – Abbots Langley U13 – Winners of Soroptimist Audrey Collins Trophy 2016 – for the 3rd Year Running!

8 years ago in

A grey start turned into a nice sunny morning as we watched 2 talented teams of U13 Girls battle it out for the Soroptimist Girls Under 13’s Audrey Collins Cricket Trophy. The finalists this year were the holders Abbots Langley and Stevenage. Soroptimist Club President Denise presented the Abbots Langley team with the shield and trophy and in the 2nd picture both teams of girls are intermingled as suggested by the girls’ coaches. A 20 over game based on the rules of Kwik Cricket, this is enjoyment for, and fair play by, all players in the team. Teams start the innings with 200 on the board and runs are added either by the batting side scoring runs or the bowlers bowling wides or no balls (2 run penalty awarded to the batting side). 5 runs are deducted when a batter is deemed to be out but the batter

£2075 Raised for the Womens Refuge!

8 years ago in

Liz Perry, Manager of the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge was delighted to receive a cheque for £2075 raised by the St Albans & District Soroptimists in the Club Year 2015/16. Liz is pictured here (centre) receiving the cheque from Club President Denise Powell (right), and the Club’s liaison with the Refuge, Jennie Redford (left). Liz said the money would pay for their annual trip to the seaside and for a visit from the amazing Ark Farm to the Refuge. She was very appreciative of the personal donations of refreshment items from the members. As well as fundraising, the club provides tea, coffee and sugar for the Refuge (because “there is almost nothing that can’t be made better by a cup of tea”) household items to help women leaving the Refuge get started in a new home and Christmas gifts. Liz said how grateful the Refuge is for

Revealing Refugee Update for Soroptimist Club and Guests

8 years ago in

#refugeeswelcome

What is happening about the refugee crisis in St Albans and Hertfordshire? was the question being answered at the Club’s meeting where Soroptimist Members and guests heard revealing updates from Herts Welcomes Syrian Families (HWSF), STAR (St Albans Refugees). A presentation about the Badael report on women’s peace initiatives in Syria gave context to the humanitarian crisis and hope for the future in Syria with women as the key to peace and rebuilding. In the photograph are Soroptimist Members of the SEW Team (Sustainability, Environment and Wellbeing) who hosted the evening, Liz Needham and Farhat Zia from STAR plus Catherine Henderson and Katie Seaton from HWSF. Catherine Henderson from “Herts Welcomes Syrian Families” hwsf.weebly.com #refugeeswelcome explained the scheme, sponsored by the Government’s Depertment for International Development (DfID), to resettle Syrian families with vulnerable family Members who will have the right to remain in the UK for 5 years. HWSF started out

Successful Theatre Charity Night Raises £1000 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge!

9 years ago in

The Charity Night at the Abbey Theatre St Albans raised almost £1000 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge! Huge thanks to Soroptimist Jean Eaton who organised the event (pictured introducing The Charity Night at the Abbey Theatre St Albans raised almost £1000 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge! Huge thanks to Soroptimist Jean Eaton who organised the event (pictured introducing the evening) and everyone who supported us! The picture below is of Soroptimist Club Members helping on the night – including adding £150 to the proceeds from the raffle – great work ladies. Charity Night in aid of www.stalbansandhertsmerewomensrefuge.org.uk . Soroptimist International St Albans and District Women Serving the St Albans Community Since 1957 The Club will celebrate its Diamond Anniversary in April 2017, and this event is a “60 for 60” production……..

Birth Companions: Pregnancy in Prison – the harsh truth

9 years ago in

St Albans & District Soroptimists and guests had an excellent evening where they learnt about what it’s like to be pregnant in prison. Both speakers were subject matter experts, and were keen to tell us about the Birth Charter for women in prisons in England and Wales being launched on May 26th www.birthcompanions.org.uk/Birth-Charter – there is a link on the page to get on the mailing list to receive the document. Pregnant Mothers often feel dehumanised, many already have mental health issues and the way they are treated through pregnancy, birth and postnatally can lead to worsening mental and physical wellbeing. Our speakers (pictured right) were Laura Abbott, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, University of Herts who shared her research which provides a vivid picture of life for pregnant women in prison and Naomi Delap, Director of the Charity, Birth Companions www.birthcompanions.org.uk who explained how their volunteers seek to alleviate some

Quiz Night was a Gem!

9 years ago in

charity

St Albans and District Soroptimists had a packed house for their gem of a charity quiz night! Denise Powell, Club President, took the opportunity to announce the start of the Club’s Diamond Anniversary year – the Club has been serving the community since April 1957! The evening sparkled with the diamond theme put together by Member and Quiz Master Helen Byrne and her family. We raised £1160 on the night which was brilliant! There were lots of Club Members on hand plus friends and supporters to ensure the evening dazzled! Funds were raised for “International Peace Initiatives”, a charity in Meru, Kenya transforming the lives of girls and HIV-positive women www.ipeacei.org Money raised will pay for 2 girls to attend secondary school for a year.The evening was also to raise funds to support local educational causes including seed money for the “Dragons Apprentice Challenge”. Club Members will work

Hats Off to Club Celebrating International Women’s Day

9 years ago in

club

To mark International Women’s Day Members were asked to bring and wear head gear making a statement about womanhood so we could learn and share something about women from all over the world. Please view the images on the Flipagram here: https://flipagram.com/f/lcED8Cg6Hc As the old saying goes if you want to get ahead you’ve got to get a hat! We celebrated with a candle lighting ceremony and shared food from around the world. The traditional Japanese doll pictured was a 50th Anniversary gift from our Friendship Link in Osaka in 2007. The Burka was lent to us by Jackie Paling former Soroptimist Interntational Great Britain and Ireland Assistant Programme Director for Violence Against Women who visited Afghanistan many times. As you can see the evening was fun and inspirational! Across the world thousands of Soroptimists mark International Women’s Day with hundreds of activities and events on and

City Station Carols Success – marking Human Rights Day

9 years ago in

charity

This year’s annual Soroptimist Christmas carol singing at St Albans City Station was a great success raising a massive £576.04 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge – this is the most we’ve every collected! We are sure that our four legged friend Fiona made all the difference and she would like to send a big thank you and wish the generous St Albans Commuters a very merry Christmas. Recent funding cuts and increased demand mean that the Refuge needs additional funding now more than ever before. This event is timed on the closest Monday to Human Rights Day when Soroptimists all around the world take action www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday An article appeared in the Herts Advertiser: www.hertsad.co.uk/news/dog_boosts_charity_takings_at_st_albans_carol_service_1_4352688 Over supper Club Members made donations of £100, in lieu of sending one another Christmas cards, to the International President’s annual December 10th appeal ‘Educate To Lead: Nepal‘ addressing the human rights issues that follow

LUSH Evening Mon 23 Nov – for SuStainable StAlbans Week

9 years ago in

club

On 23 Nov we enjoyed a fabulous Lush evening – we Learnt, we now Understand, we Sampled and took Home! www.lush.co.uk This was part of SuStAinable StAlbans Week www.sustainablestalbans.org Charis and Alex came from Lush St Albans to explain Lush sustainability policies, ethics and products – including sourcing, providing work for women in a safe environment, recycling and much more! About 40 people came along to the evening. Lush products are vegetarian, fair trade, with no animal testing and the environmental goal is for zero waste. We learnt about the projects they fund all over the world from their charity pot of “sLush Funds”. The evening came to life because not only did we learn about these lovely products but Charis and Alex gave hand and arm massages using Lush massage bars. We were also able to buy some of the Lush products. Pictured above are (l to r) Janet, Charis, Alex, Clare, Maria and Denise. Janet

Make it Better Please

9 years ago in

club

On 26 Oct the Club’s “Health” team held an evening called “Make it Better Please” with speaker Paul Regan from Health Watch Hertfordshire (the independent consumer champion for health and social care in Hertfordshire) and John Wigley from the St Albans & Harpenden Patient Group (This group was established to ensure that local people and organisations have a voice in health and social care matters). With all the changes from the implementation of the Clinical Commissioning Groups and more to come in social care the evening included some lively discussions! John provided a handout which can be downloaded here: St Albans And Harpenden Patients Group Talk Oct 2015 Pictured here with John Wigley are Health Team Members Helen Byrne, Jean Eaton, Sheila Chadwick, Joan Williams and Pamela Rochford. Report of the evening by Pamela Rochford: We had two speakers; the first was Paul Regan, the communications officer from Healthwatch Hertfordshire. Paul

Twenty Marys Meals Backpacks for Childrens Education

9 years ago in

charity

The Club has now filled 20 backpacks and they are ready to start their journey to Africa – see the Marys Meals Backpack project www.marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/the-backpack-project/ Mary’s Meals provides life-changing meals to some of the world’s poorest children every day they attend school. Many children receiving Mary’s Meals don’t have basic learning tools such as pencils and notepads. To help them to get the most out of their lessons you can donate a backpack full of the things they need. For many, a Mary’s Meals backpack will be the only gift they’ll have ever had. We are sending 20 backpacks – 10 for boys and 10 for girls – containing pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, notepads, tennis balls, T shirts and shorts or leggings, sandals, soap, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste and a spoon – so that 20 children won’t miss out on getting an education. Pictured here with the backpacks are (l

You Can’t Beat a Woman – evening to understand Domestic Abuse Services

9 years ago in

club

“You can’t beat a woman” an evening to understand Domestic Abuse Services in Hertfordshire The Soroptimist International St Albans Club hosted an evening focusing on a key women’s issue of our time – domestic abuse. For too long this has been a forgotten, even a taboo subject, but now it is at the top of the agenda. Members and guests were joined by 4 expert speakers to explore the issue in detail and find out what Hertfordshire is doing to help. (Notes are at the bottom of this news item). In the picture l to r are (front row) : Angela Silver, Trustee and Volunteer – Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline Sara Jackson, Manager – Outreach, St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge Liz Perry, Manager – Emergency Accommodation, St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge Sam Fielden, Independent Domestic Violence Adviser The event was organised by Liz Tillett

Girls Cricket – Abbots Langley U13 – Winners of Soroptimist Audrey Collins Trophy 2015

9 years ago in

abbots langley cricket

Abbots Langley beat Knebworth Park Under-13 girls cricket team by just 5 runs to win the fifth annual Soroptimist Audrey Collins Hertfordshire Cricket League. This year’s final was again held at Knebworth Park between two sides at full strength with 16 County players involved so a close match was always anticipated. The game was played in good spirits and the event was very well organised with a well prepared wicket which encouraged the good standard of cricket played with refreshments available for players and spectators alike through the day. The shield was awarded to the winners as in past years by Denise Powell, President of Soroptimist International St Albans and District who have supported girls cricket in the County for five years now. Reflecting on his side’s success, lead coach Phil Lewins said: “I believe the League and competition had been a catalyst for the girls’ cricket

£1275 Raised for the Womens Refuge!

9 years ago in

charity

Liz Perry, Manager of the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge was delighted to receive the BIG CHEQUE for £1275 raised by the St Albans & District Soroptimists in the Club Year 2014/15. Liz is pictured here receiving the cheque from Club President Denise Powell, She said the money would go towards their annual trip to the seaside. She was very appreciative of the personal donations of refreshment items from the members. As well as fundraising, the club provides tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits for the Refuge, household items to help women leaving the Refuge get started in a new home and Christmas gifts. Liz said how grateful the Refuge is for the continued support of Soroptimist International St Albans and District Members. The money is raised during the year from events including the bookstall on St Albans market for International Literacy Day www.sigbi.org/st-albans/2014/bookstall/ , coffee mornings at the

Girls’ cricket continues to flourish

9 years ago in

Audrey Collins

On Sunday 24th May a girls’ U13 cricket festival was held at Abbots Langley Cricket Ground. 8 teams took part in the tournament with between 85-90 girls playing throughout the day. Phil Lewins (Abbots Langley U13 Coach) organised the day and despite it being a Bank Holiday weekend and the start of Half Term was determined that it would be all girls (with no boys to make up the numbers). Played under Kwik Cricket rules, the girls’ enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment epitomised the game’s main aim, namely ‘the enjoyment for, and fair play by, all players’. Every member of every team regardless of size, strength or ability is actively encouraged to take part. The vocal encouragement both on the field of play and from the many family members watching echoed around the ground all day. I spoke to family members and coaches as I walked

Quiz Night Success!

10 years ago in

charity

The Soroptimist Quiz Night on Sat 18 April was a great success raising a fabulous £1014.58! This money will educate teenage girls in Kenya. The Quiz Night was great fun again with a packed hall of quizzers at Homewood Rd, St Albans. The money raised will pay for the education of 4 teenage girls in Kenya where all secondary education has to be paid for. These girls are supported by the Club’s International Charity – International Peace Initiatives – a Kenyan charity transforming the lives of girls and HIV-positive women – see www.ipeacei.org www.sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/our-international-project

Women’s Day Happening in St Albans

10 years ago in

#makeithappen

To celebrate International Women’s Day St Albans and District Soroptimists were joined by Penny Williams JP, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Kate Belinis (also a DL of Herts), members of the Hertfordshire Asian Women’s Association, members of Amnesty International plus many more friends and supporters and their children who came to “Join Women on the Bridge” in Verulamium Park St Albans. The theme for the day was “Make it Happen”. The second part of the celebrations were at the “Inn on the Park” cafe where there were speeches, presentations, tea, cake and networking – perfect! Denise Powell, President of Soroptimist International and District spoke and said “We are lucky to be able to do this in safety, sadly in some countries just gathering like this puts women’s lives at risk. Many groups have ‘Join Women on the Bridge’ events like ours to highlight our symbolic support and connection with

Christmas Charity Market Stall Selling Kenyan Jewellery

10 years ago in

charity

Soroptimists had the charity stall at St Albans Christmas Market on Friday 12th Dec selling Kenyan Jewellery made by HIV +ve women in aid of International Peace Initiatives (IPI) www.sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/our-international-project/ www.ipeacei.org a charity helping Kenyan women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. The money from the sale of the jewellery goes to the women who made the jewellery because it is their own sustainable business. In addition 10% of sales goes to educating girls from the IPI Amani Children’s home. The IPI tools are education, enterprise and empowerment.

Carol singing success to mark Human Rights Day

10 years ago in

charity

This year’s annual Soroptimist Christmas carols and bucket rattling at St Albans City Station was a great success raising more than £400 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge Commuters were as generous as ever in spite of suffering severe train delays that evening. Recent funding cuts and increased demand mean that the Refuge needs additional funding now more than ever before. This event is timed to mark Human Rights Day when Soroptimists all around the world take action www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday Over a warming supper Club Members made donations of £115 to the International President’s annual December 10th appeal “See Solar, Cook Solar” in lieu of sending one another Christmas cards – see the website for more information: www.soroptimistinternational.org/our-projects/december-10-appeal/see-solar-cook-solar Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful new year.

St Albans Soroptimists Successful Support for Girls Cricket

10 years ago in

Audrey Collins

We have now had 4 winners of the ‘Audrey Collins Soroptimist International U13 Girls Cricket League’. This competition is sponsored by the St Albans Soroptimists as a lasting legacy to past member Audrey Collins who died in 2010* On Monday 10 Nov the Club welcomed cricket coaches, managers, players and parents to give an update and to celebrate the development of girls’ cricket in the county. Presenters were Phil Lewin from Abbots Langley Cricket Club (representing the 2014 winners), Jonathan Cirkel from Knebworth Park CC (representing the 2013 winners) and Andy Knill-Jones from St Albans CC (Audrey Collins SI League Co-ordinator and Girls Coach). Andy said that he believed the League and competition had been a catalyst for the girls’ cricket. A particular highlight were the excellent presentations by Lucy and Evie from Abbots Langley CC – both are wonderful role models for the game. From the

Kenyan evening fun – plus special visitor from Meru

10 years ago in

charity

Club Members and friends had a great time at the Kenyan evening on Monday 22 September. Everyone was delighted that Dr Karambu Ringera was able to join in the fun, adding her warmth and authenticity to the proceedings. The photos tell there own story with Karambu in the first and last pics. We learnt Swahili words, had a quiz about Kenya, learnt how to tie headscarves, sampled Kenyan food, sang and danced. There was an opportunity to buy the jewellery the Club sells that is made by HIV+ve women in Kenya which provides them with a sustainable income – this is just one of the initiatives that Dr Karambu Ringera is behind with her charity IPI International Peace Initiatives www.ipeacei.org . Karambu engaged us in the traditional way of Kenyan story-telling where we all sat in a circle and she told

£1415 Raised for the Womens Refuge!

10 years ago in

charity

The St Albans & District Soroptimists raised a wonderful £1415 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge in the club year 2013/14 – even though the Club supported 2 charities again this year! Sara Jackson and Liz Perry, Managers at the Refuge, were thrilled when the cheque was presented to them by the Club. In the picture in the middle of the Club Members is Soroptimist President Denise holding the giant cheque with Sara and Liz. Also in the picture is a large bag of tea – as well as fundraising, the club provides tea, coffee and sugar for the Refuge, household items to help women leaving the Refuge get started in a new home and Christmas gifts. Sara and Liz said how grateful the Refuge is for the continued support of Soroptimist International St Albans and District Members. They gave an update on the Refuge – there has been a major turnaround in staff in the last year – of 14

Quiz Night Success

11 years ago in

charity

The Charity Quiz Night on Sat 12 April was a great success – we raised a whopping £1,075.50 and everyone really enjoyed themselves. This Soroptimist fundraiser was in aid of the Club’s international project International Peace Initiatives – a Kenyan charity transforming the lives of girls and HIV-positive women see www.ipeacei.org and www.sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/our-international-project The money will keep the 4 girls we help sponsor through their high school education. The event was completely sold out as you can see from the picture below so be sure to put next year’s date in your diary now – 18 April 2015 at Homewood Road Church Hall St Albans.

Wonderful Women’s Day in St Albans

11 years ago in

club

Educate to Empower and Enable Women and Girls To celebrate International Women’s Day St Albans and District Soroptimists were joined by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Councillor Annie Brewster, Margaret Chapman, Head of St Albans Girls School, Girl Guides, members of the Hertfordshire Asian Women’s Association plus many more friends and supporters who had been invited to “Join Women on the Bridge” in Verulamium Park St Albans. The theme for the day was “Educate to Empower and Enable Women and Girls”. Undeterred by the recent flooding, the 50-strong group met on the bridge over the boating lake as a symbol of connecting with women all over the world. Everyone wore blue and attracted much attention as they marched with balloons, banners and placards through the park, singing and chanting with a guitar accompaniment and a megaphone! After the march, at the “Inn on

Top Female Engineers Win Soroptimist Award

11 years ago in

engineering

On the 20th November Yuwei Luo and Zhili Deng were awarded the Soroptimist International St Albans and District: Peggy Hodges Prize for the highest performing female student completing the second year of a full time MEng/BEng Engineering degree at the University of Hertfordshire. Pictured here, following the prize-giving event, from left to right are: Zhili Deng, Jean Eaton Past-President Soroptimist International St Albans & District Club and Yuwei Luo. In the second picture Shweta Mehta (2011 award winner) and Chen Chen Wu (2012 award winner) join the group because they won further University awards this year. Peggy Hodges was a highly acclaimed British engineer who was awarded an OBE for her services to engineering at a time when this was even rarer than it is today for a woman. Peggy was a member of Soroptimist International the global women’s organisation and she left a legacy to her Club, St Albans and District. One of

Knebworth Win Soroptimist Girls Cricket League

11 years ago in

Audrey Collins

[new_royalslider id=”1″] Knebworth Under 13s were crowned champions of the Soroptimist Audrey Collins Girls Hertfordshire Cricket League by narrowly beating Hemel Hempstead, in the county final on Sunday 14 July. The triumphant Knebworth Girls U13s are pictured here celebrating and being presented with the shield, trophy and a cheque by Helen Byrne, Immediate Past-President of Soroptimist International St Albans & District. Hemel Hempstead Girls were bitterly disappointed having won in 2011, and been very close runners up again in 2012. Jonathan Cirkel, the Knebworth Girls’ Coach (also pictured) said “It is great for the girls to have their own league tournament to play for thanks to Audrey Collins and the Soroptimists. I am so proud that my girls have won this year – they played brilliantly”. Helen said “We hope the league will encourage more girls to join Hertfordshire Cricket Clubs so that the league can go from strength to strengh as

FAIRTRADE IN ST ALBANS

11 years ago in

charity

We had a lively and interesting meeting in July when Claire McCreesh came to the Club to give Members an update on Fairtrade in St Albans.St Albans gained Fairtade status in 2006, but lost it in 2011. Claire was a key member of the steering group that helped St Albans Council to get Fairtrade status back in March this year. There is a need for people and groups to get involved to ensure St Albans doesn’t lose it again. As a Club we were pleased to be able to tell Claire that we have agreed that we will be Fairtrade from now on by always serving Fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits at our meetings. Sadly Claire is moving out of the area, but the Club will keep in touch with the St Albans Fairtrade steering group. Claire McCreesh is pictured here with Helen Byrne, the Club’s

Top Female Engineering Students

12 years ago in

award

The Club was proud to welcome Tatiana Olivieri and Shweta Mehta as guests at the Club meeting on Monday 10 June – pictured here with Club President-Elect Denise Powell. They were both recipients of the Soroptimist International St Albans and District: Peggy Hodges Prize for the highest performing female student completing the second year of a full time MEng/BEng Engineering degree at the University of Hertfordshire in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Tatiana’s 1st Class Honours degree is in Digital Technology and she is now working for Astrium in Stevenage, gaining valuable experience before returning to Brazil. Tatiana remembers spending her prize money towards a new PC which she needed for her work. Shweta’s 1st Class Honours degree is in Aerospace Engineering, She is now looking for work. She reported that she used her prize money to put towards her international tution fees. Sadly the other 2

Soroptimists Take Action on Women Prisoners

12 years ago in

Project

Soroptimists in Westminster for Launch of “Reducing Women’s Imprisonment” campaign Three members of Soroptimist International St Albans & District attended a launch of the joint Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland UK Programme Action Committee (UKPAC) and Prison Reform Trust Project to “Reduce Women’s Imprisonment” was held at the House of Commons on Thursday 25th April 2013. They are pictured here l to r Laura Redhead, Janet Tansley, Jane Slatter. The Westminster launch was a great success with many MPs, Ministers and Peers attending the reception alongside the many Soroptimists who had travelled there from all parts of the UK. Minister for Justice Lord McNally gave encouragement for the work, saying “this will be aligning with the new Government Strategy related to reducing the number of women in prison”. Baroness Helena Kennedy endorsed the work of Soroptimists relating how she had from personal experience seen how Soroptimists

Refuge Values Club’s Fundraising

12 years ago in

charity

The St Albans & District Soroptimists raised an amazing £1430 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge in the club year 2012/13 – even though the Club supported 2 charities this year! Sara and Liz, Managers at the Refuge, couldn’t believe their eyes when the cheque was presented to them by the Club (see picture). Sara and Liz gave an update on the Refuge – advising that the demand for services from the Refuge are at an all time high at a time when their funding has been cut.The women they care for are fragile and vulnerable – often with complex needs including mental health issues and drug and alcohol problems. They have 22 residential rooms for women and their children and their outreach work reaches 120/130 women a month. The Refuge has used some of the money raised by Soroptimists to help fund educational programmes for victims of domestic abuse. This

Top Female Engineer Wins Soroptimist Award

12 years ago in

club

On the 14th November ChenChen Wu (BEng Aerospace Engineering) was awarded the Soroptimist International St Albans and District: Peggy Hodges Prize for the highest performing female student completing the second year of a full time MEng/BEng Engineering degree at the University of Hertfordshire. Peggy Hodges was a highly acclaimed British engineer who was awarded an OBE for her services to engineering at a time when this was even rarer than it is today for a woman. Peggy was a member of Soroptimist International the global women’s organisation and she left a legacy to her Club, St Albans and District. One of the Soroptimist goals is to “improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment or enabling opportunities”. We created this award for these reasons and in honour of Peggy’s life. Pictured here, following the prize-giving event, from left to right are: Helen Byrne President Soroptimist International St Albans &

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