Sandra Heyward’s BBQ Party On a very wet summer evening Sandra Heyward held a barbeque to thank the volunteers who help her with Gover Community Larder and members of Soroptimist International St Austell & District for their support. It was a lovely evening and no one minded the weather.
Cheque Presentation to Merlin Centre Club member Sandra Heyward, Treasurer of St Austell Torchlight Carnival, presented a cheque to Club member Catherine Hannaford, a volunteer at Merlin Centre, Cornwall’s Neurotherapy Centre, for £1263.89 who received the cheque at a recent club meeting on behalf of the centre. Catherine Hannaford and Sandra Heyward
Soroptimist St Austell and District at the Regional AGM of South West and Channel Islands, 13 July 2024 in Taunton Presidents Diane and Kay, Regional Membership & Development Officer Jane, PAO chair Claire and Finance chair/Vice President Catherine spent a great day together at the Regional AGM. Regional President Jackie Collins presided over an informative and interesting meeting, featuring Andrew Wiley of Yeovil Freewheelers Blood Bikes and Hilary Edwards from Cardiac Risk in the Young. (CRY) in the morning session. After a tasty lunch and comfort break, we heard from Jennie Walker of SI Kernow who spoke of her amazing trip to New York when she attended the CSW 68 back in March 2024. Then came the AGM reports and Ellen Braun Award presentation. This year the award went to SI Swindon for their sterling work and efforts for the Nelson Trust. Finally the change
July 2024 Club Meeting Speaker Ange Collins came to our July Club meeting after club member and fellow sea swimmer Julie Hobba invited her along to speak to us. She shared her expert advice and experiences on cold water swimming on behalf of Salty Swims which she founded in 2021. The presentation showcased the hazards and helpful safety tips of this extreme sport alongside the camaraderie and health benefits of communal sea swimming. Ange also showed a short video of members of her swimming club at Porthpean enjoying the freedom of this popular activity. Ange holds swimming starter groups at Porthpean Beach on Sunday mornings throughout July. Joint President Diane Walker, Ange Collins and Joint President Kay Turner Ange Collins
Stem Sisters Presentation, 4 July 2024 at Porthpean Golf Club A ‘FIRST’ for the Soroptimist Club of St Austell and District presenting 2 x STEM bursaries via an international ZOOM link to REBECCA and NATASHA. (Received on their behalf by their grandmother, Shirley Anderson, who was delighted to surprise them on the ZOOM link!) In another ‘FIRST’ for our Club, Rebecca, studying Mathematics and Economics at University of Bath, who is currently volunteering in Pennsylvania for the Summer, and Natasha, studying Physiotherapy at Worcester University, are in fact SISTERS! Special thanks to STEM committee member Liz Frier for organising this unique presentation. Joint President Kay Turner, STEM committee Liz Frier, grandmother Shirley Anderson and Joint President Diane Walker
25 June 2024 Orange Cafe Every 25th of the month is “Orange Day” – a day when the United Nations and Soroptimists call upon activists, to mobilise people and highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and girls. In June, we have two special guest who join us: Tricia Hird from SI North Canterbury which was co-ordinated by Heather Bishop and Rachel Castillo, sister of Rowena Castillo-Nicholls from Montreal, Canada. Thank you to Liz Jenkin and Cornwall Signs for the beautiful Orange Cafe’ banner. Soroptimist St Austell and District group photo Soroptimist St Austell and District group photo Soroptimist St Austell and District group photo Heather Bishop, Tricia Hird from SI North Canterbury, Rachel Castillo from Montreal, Canada and Rowena Castillo-Nicholls Tricia Hird from SI North Canterbury and Rachel Castillo from Montreal, Canada Heather Bishop, Tricia Hird from SI North Canterbury and
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.
