Throughout February the Unsung Heroine project group worked on the organisation of the event that was to be held in March. Soroptimist Kay led the planning for this event and kept everyone abreast of developments as the month progressed. Soroptimist Dawn raised over £1000 in sponsorship and Soroptimist Jennie worked with the team to develop a new branding strategy. The event photos will be in next month’s news page.
The first meeting of our new Book Club took place on 2nd Feb at the Merlin Centre in Hewas Water. The best seller and funny book, Lessons in Chemistry about a gifted woman scientist and TV cook and the prejudice she encountered in the early 1960s received high marks from all of the group. The Return by Hisham Matar was not so popular, a memoir from the prize winning novelist about his obsession to find what had happened to his father, who had opposed Gaddafi and been kidnapped, then imprisoned. The book scored some low marks but provoked some valuable discussion on world events. When we posted our views on social media we were surprised to hear from author Bonnie Garmus (Lessons in Chemistry) who was glad that we had enjoyed her book.
The big event of the month was our Charter Dinner! It was held at Trenython Manor and was well supported by club members. We were pleased to welcome Soroptimists from across the South West region. Regional President Margaret addressed the room, praising us for our club achievements. Gail Mathers, representing the St Austell Lion’s Club toasted Soroptimist International and Mistress of Ceremonies Soroptimist Jane made sure that everything ran smoothly. Rebecca Smith from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission gave an excellent presentation on the roll of local women during conflict. Our thanks to the club members and Trenython staff who handled all of the organisational side of the event, it couldn’t have been better!! Well done all!
In February, Soroptimist Jennie announced to the club that she had been selected to be part of the SIGBI delegation to New York, for the Commission on the Status of Women 68. Throughout the month Jennie has been working hard with the other delegates to prepare for this prestigious event. Club members were very supportive and congratulated Jennie on her achievement. We are hoping to follow her on social media throughout the event in March.
Throughout February we have also been collecting children’s books ready for the big book giveaway at the library next month. Soroptimist Diane is leading on this project and invited club members to her house for a big ‘book sort’ ahead of the event. This event is designed to support World Book Day.
We had a great turn out for our February Sunday Lunch Orange Cafe. Par Garden Centre did us proud with a range of roast dinner options, our crochet tutor Soroptimist Zillah continued her tuition and it was lovely to be joined by some ‘soroptimisters’ too! Thank you to everyone that attended and to the staff at Par Garden Centre who are always so accommodating. The next cafe falls on Monday 25th March and will revert to our usual timings 10.30 – 12 p.m.
