Croquet Afternoon, 22 June 2024 at Cornwall Croquet Club, Porthpean Members, partners and friends had a lovely afternoon at St Austell Croquet Club. Following a picnic, when President Kay Turner kept up standards, they took to the lawns. There was a lot of laughter and some serious play (well not too serious) and the winners were two Soroptimisters Alan and Colin. A huge thank you to the Croquet club members who gave up their time to help.   Everyone is having a wonderful time. President Kay Turner Soroptimisters Alan Moore and Colin Hamilton

Red Dress Exhibition, 15 June 2024 at Somerton, Somerset Seven Soroptimist Sisters from SI St Austell and District, travelled in two cars on Saturday 15 June 2024 to Somerton in Somerset to see the Fabulous Embroidered Red Dress. 380 Embroiders and 52 Countries took part. The project took place from 2009 to 2023 and was conceived by the British artist Kirstie Macleod. It provides an artistic platform for individuals (majority women) from around the world. Many who are vulnerable and live in Poverty, it tells their story through embroidery. Wonderful exhibition, we loved the dress and the story of how it evolved.

Race for Life 2024 On 12 May 2024, Soroptimist Jean Oswald completed “The Race for Life” in Falmouth. She raised a total of £480 for Cancer Research UK. Thank you to all her generous sponsors. Congratulations Jean!   Jean Oswald

Geoff Oswald’s Plant Sale, 18 and 19 May 2024 Geoff Oswald, husband of our Soroptimist sister Jean Oswald held his annual plant sale on the 18/19 May 2024 and raised £1000 for Sticker Memory Cafe. Well-done Geoff.   Geoff Oswald’s spectacular array of gorgeous plants.

Presentation to Kathryn Tucker President Kay Turner presented Kathryn Tucker with a gorgeous rose plant at our monthly club meeting. Kathryn Tucker (also a member of our club) and her husband Gary has been our hosts for many years on our monthly club meeting at Porthpean Golf Club. We wish them all the best on their well-deserved retirement.   President Kay Turner and Kathryn Tucker

25 May 2024 Orange Cafe The 25th of each month is seen as “Orange Day” – a bright and optimistic colour. Orange represents a future free from Violence Against Women and Girls. A great number of Soroptimist sisters came together for the monthly Orange Cafe. Everyone had a fantastic and fabulous time. Soroptimist St Austell and District group photo Soroptimist St Austell and District group photo Soroptimist St Austell and District group photo President Kay Turner, Shirley Cousins and Barbara Trenerry Brenda Morton and Carole Gardner Jeanette Gay and Rowena Castillo-Nicholls Julie Hobba and Heather Bishop

Bluebell Walk in celebration of May Membership Month, 11 May 2024 at National Trust’s Lanhydrock May is Membership month. This was celebrated on Saturday, 11 May 2024 by an event organised by our new Membership Officer, Rowena Castillo-Nicholls. Rowena invited members to Lanhydrock National Trust to enjoy a Bluebell Walk. Members, (some with their four legged family members) explored the various paths around Lanhydrock estate in the sunshine, under dappled shade of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and loads of bluebells. It’s made for a perfect spring morning which ended of course with coffee and cake! For more information on who we are and what we do please visit our website https://sigbi.org/st-austell-and-district/ or message Rowena on ilovecornwall8@yahoo.com.   Libby Moore, Kathryn Tucker, Caroline Nash-Smith, President Kay Turner, Rowena Castillo-Nicholls and Maggie Hamilton Rowena Castillo-Nicholls, President Kay Turner, Caroline Nash-Smith, Libby Moore, Kathryn Tucker and Maggie Hamilton National

Presentation of Membership Certificate, 5 May 2024 Regional Membership and Development Officer and previous Club Membership Officer Jane Bridges has met with linked member Shirley Cousins and was delighted to present Shirley with her 5 year membership certificate. Shirley was unable to attend the AGM where certificates were given by Jane to all members on their respective years milestones.   Shirley Cousins and Jane Bridges