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Quiz Night was a Gem!

Quiz Night was a Gem!

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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

Hats Off to Club Celebrating International Women’s Day

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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

City Station Carols Success – marking Human Rights Day

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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

LUSH Evening Mon 23 Nov – for SuStainable StAlbans Week

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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

Make it Better Please

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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

Twenty Marys Meals Backpacks for Childrens Education

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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

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

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“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

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

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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!

£1275 Raised for the Womens Refuge!

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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

Girls’ cricket continues to flourish

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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!

Quiz Night Success!

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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

Women’s Day Happening in St Albans

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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

Christmas Charity Market Stall Selling Kenyan Jewellery

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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

Carol singing success to mark Human Rights Day

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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

St Albans Soroptimists Successful Support for Girls Cricket

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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

Kenyan evening fun – plus special visitor from Meru

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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!

£1415 Raised for the Womens Refuge!

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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

Quiz Night Success

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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

Wonderful Women’s Day in St Albans

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  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

Top Female Engineers Win Soroptimist Award

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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

Knebworth Win Soroptimist Girls Cricket League

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[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

FAIRTRADE IN ST ALBANS

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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

Top Female Engineering Students

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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

Soroptimists Take Action on Women Prisoners

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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

Refuge Values Club’s Fundraising

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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

Top Female Engineer Wins Soroptimist Award

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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 &

Rewarding Kenyan Jewellery Sales

Rewarding Kenyan Jewellery Sales

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Club Members have been busy selling close to £300 worth of the popular ethnic jewellery handmade by HIV+ve women in Meru Kenya. The Club had a sales stall at Redbourn Fair 3 Nov (pictured here), at the Abbey Theatre Coffee morning in St Albans 15 Nov and at Herts Council Offices on 19 Nov. The jewellery makes great Christmas presents and in addition the timing of the sales coincide with World Aids Day. For more information see www.sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/our-international-project/  Also pictured here are some of the women with the jewellery they have made and their names with messages of thanks for our support.

Harpenden Under 13 Girls Cricket Champions

Harpenden Under 13 Girls Cricket Champions

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Harpenden Under 13s were crowned champions of the Soroptimist Audrey Collins Girls Hertfordshire Cricket League by beating last year’s winners, Hemel Hempstead, in the county final on Sunday 15 July. The triumphant Harpenden Girls U13s are pictured here with Team Captain Becca Mihill being presented with the shield, trophy and a cheque for £150 by Helen Byrne, President of Soroptimist International St Albans & District .  Becca said afterwards, “it was a brilliant performance from the whole team and fantastic to produce our best performance on the day it really mattered”   This competition was sponsored by the St Albans Soroptimists as a lasting legacy and tribute to past member Audrey Collins who died in 2010. Audrey was an inpirational Soroptimist – a pioneer of Women’s cricket and a trail blazer for women. She received an OBE for services to women’s cricket and was one of the first 10 female members admitted

Visit from Kenya – International Peace Initiative

Visit from Kenya – International Peace Initiative

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“International Peace Initiative” (IPI) is our international project, in Meru, Kenya. Dr Karumbu Ringera, the founder of  IPI met with Club Members on a recent visit. Karambu was able to update us on how the money raised by the Club is being spent to eduate and empower women and girls whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS. Karambu showed us pictures of the Amani children’s home  that she has built with help from outside organisations in the UK and USA. Amani means peace in Swahili, and the home is a peaceful place where there are currently 27 children living to carry on their studies. The transformation of the barren wasteland to the lush gardens and organic market garden is amazing. Karambu hopes to create a self-sufficent childrens’ home where produce is grown on site along with some farm animals. The St Albans Club is

Wow – £2930 for Women’s Refuge!

Wow – £2930 for Women’s Refuge!

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The St Albans & District Soroptimists raised a fabulous £2930 for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge in the club year 2011/12.  The Refuge has used the money to help fund educational programmes for both staff and victims of domestic abuse. This is the third year that the club has supported the Women’s Refuge as the club’s annual charity and the club has decided to support the Refuge again in 2012/13. Soroptimist Club President Judy said “funding is being cut from vital community services like the Women’s Refuge, so it is vital that we support them, particularly in this tough financial climate”. Liz, the manager of the Refuge said to the Soroptimist Club members “This money makes a big difference to us and it’s fantastic that you have decided to support us for another year.”  As well as fundraising, the club has provided tea, coffee and sugar for the Refuge, household items to help women

Jewellery to support women and girls in Kenya

Jewellery to support women and girls in Kenya

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Jewellery to support women and girls in Kenya St Albans Club members have sold hundreds of pounds worth of beautiful jewellery made by HIV+ve women in Kenya. Pictured above are Club Member Joyce Stubbs with Club President Judy Faraday parading their wares at the Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland Conference in Brighton www.sigbi.org/brighton2011 , and pictured below are Club Vice-President Helen Byrne with Club Member Dr Diana Kingham with the jewellery stall. Proceeds from the sale of the jewellery goes to www.ipeacei.org a charity supporting women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Meru Kenya.   Club member Dr Diana Kingham met the founder and President of the charity Dr Karambu Ringera in Meru Kenya. Diana invited Karambu to speak to the club about her charity www.sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/2011/peace-dr-karambu-ringera-speaks-to-club-members/  and following this the St Albans Soroptimists were moved to support the charity.

Top Female Engineers Win Soroptimist Award

Top Female Engineers Win Soroptimist Award

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On the 9th November Shweta Mehta (MEng in Aerospace Engineering) and Peng Zhao (BSc Hons in Multimedia Technology) 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. 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

Grove House Thrilled to Receive £2500

Grove House Thrilled to Receive £2500

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St Albans & District Soroptimists have been supporting the Grove House day hospice in St Albans since 2003. With this year’s activities raising £2,500 that makes a grand total of £12,515 – what a fantastic achievement! Louise Miller from Grove House (pictured on the left) is clearly thrilled to receive the £2,500 from Soroptimist Club President Jean Eaton. Louise said “this is fantastic and will make a real difference to the lives of people being supported by Grove House. Thank you all so much”. Grove House day hospice provides free specialist care and support to people in St Albans, Harpenden and Dacorum whose lives are affected by cancer or another life-threatening illness www.grove-house.org.uk Club members, their friends, families and supporters of Grove House had loads of fun raising the money over year with events including a fashion show, a quiz night, carol singing at St Albans station, a “swap shop” and

Pink Walk for Breast Cancer Campaign

Pink Walk for Breast Cancer Campaign

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Soroptimists from all around the London area took a “Pink Walk in the Park” in Hyde Park on Sunday 30th September. The event raised awareness of Breast Cancer, and funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign. Participants, wearing a potpourri of pink attire circuited the Serpentine raising more money and awareness with every step. Pictured here are 5 of the pink participants from SI St Albans & District preparing for the walk at 63 Bayswater Rd (the London Soroptimist Residential Club and Hotel www.soropclub63.org.uk ) – left to right Hilary Ratcliffe, Indira Biswas-Benbow, Jill Ogley, Jane Slatter and Jean Eaton.

Tetanus Appeal Ted

Tetanus Appeal Ted

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The St Albans and District Club raised almost £300 for UNICEF UK’s Tetanus Appeal for Uganda. Sally Bear, Club members, friends and colleagues filled Smartie tubes with spare change and sent the money to UNICEF. Every Smartie tube filled helped to save 14 lives by protecting Ugandan mothers and babies from tetanus. Soroptimists in SIGBI raised a total of £22,870 for the appeal. Photo: Sally Bear holds a Smartie tube and syringe to show her support for the appeal. She is wearing a City of St Albans tabard and her Soroptimist logo and name pin. Note: Sally and her fellow ‘Fund for the Future’ bears were created by the former Mayor of St. Albans, John Peters to help fund the district’s voluntary sector.  

Women’s Safety Survey

Women’s Safety Survey

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  St Albans Soroptimists conducted a follow-up survey in to find out how safe women feel in and around the St Albans area since the survey 5 years earlier. The results have been published, and show that women do not feel any safer now, and have modified their behaviour to avoid putting themselves at risk. Pictured here is one of our members interviewing a female member of the public at St Albans station. Details can be obtained by contacting the club: sistalbans@hotmail.com