Jamiliya Clifford is the latest local young woman to be awarded a cash Bursary by the Club to help with her expensive costs as she studies Medicine at Liverpool University. Members were impressed with her commitment to helping others. Two years ago she saved up and flew to Venuatu in the South West Pacific where she worked as a teacher. She later went into the jungle and lived with a tribe for a month teaching them basic health issues and literacy skills. She later went on to another small island on work placement helping in the Maternity unit. This inspired her to study medicine on her return home. She told the members of her hopes to return overseas once she is qualified and experienced in obstetrics.

Nine members of SI St Austell attended the Region AGM and Friendship weekend in Bristol. A welcome reception and buffet was held at The Penny Brohn Centre on Friday evening. President Sue, chaired the Annual General Meeting at Redwood Hotel on Saturday. President Elect Kay from St Austell presented a fascinating review of the year from club reports. Excluding Programme Action (144 programme focus report forms)  our 500 members in this region raised £72,807. for wide variety of charities organisations and individuals, locally and internationally. 10 clubs were invited to display their Programme Action activities for the year and we were proud to show off just some examples of our projects including See Solar Cook Solar, knitting for the BIG project , Endometriosis awareness, pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa, Commemoration of the Suffragettes and a local Beach clean. International President Ann Garvie addressed the

Members hosted a See Solar Cook Solar Stall at the recent Childrens Hospice South West Craft Fair in St Austell. As well as explaining and demonstrating the project a raffle of Fairtrade products was held. Members of the public were offered free Fairtrade maltesers.

The day after the State opening of Parliament local MP Stephen Gilbert joined us at our Business Meeting to discuss “Women’s Issues ” The Modern Day Slavery Bill, Social Media, FGM and Violence Against Women  Internationally and what influence the British Government has. His knowledge of current issues concerning Soroptimists and candid answers impressed the members. He was of course given one of our special ‘Pasty” tea towels. 

And the winner is Wendy Higgins – a prize winning Victoria Sandwich. £202.15 for the Merlin MS Centre    

Club Presidents Catherine & Liz at the first Social Event of the year a supper evening at the Bosuns Diner in Charlestown on Sat 26th April. The proceeds from the Tombola will go to the Merlin Centre which is the Presidents Charity.

The club held its Annual General meeting at The Burrows St Blazey on 24th April. The Treasurer, Kathryn was able to report on a very successful year.  Over £10,000 was raised for many charities. President Carole was able to hand over a cheque to Iris from Tanyas Courage Trust before handing over the Chain of Office to Catherine & Liz who will be joint Presidents. Jane and Maggie stepped up to become joint President Elects. Kath is now our Club Secretary and Barbara our Treasurer