50 years of membership, what an astonishing achievement. We are pleased to share fabulous news about the recognition of Bonny’s service and we share our congratulations.

We are thrilled to share that Stafford is now officially a Toilet Twinning Town. Spearheaded by our lovely member June and her committee, we now have 49 toilets in and around Stafford Borough twinned with developing countries and we are planning to have more during our 85th year as a club. Last week President Jane, members and guests who have supported us were invited by the Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford to a Civic Reception in acknowledgement. #soroptimistinternational #SoroptimistAtWork #ToiletTwinning #educate #empower #enable #standingupforwomen #westandupforwomen #SanitationForAll #hygiene #menstrualhygiene #supportforwomen #equality

Stafford Soroptimists have been spearheading sanitation and hygiene in developing countries by twinning toilets in Stafford to raise funds for change.  Members and supporters have paid to twin their facilities, because 40% of the world’s population does not have access to clean water, sanitation and basic hygiene. As a result 700 children under the age of 5  die every day in developing nations.  It’s in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 which seeks to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation for all, focusing on the sustainable management of water resources, wastewater and ecosystems.

10th December is the United Nations Human Rights Day. We lit candles for the UN, Soroptimists and communities as we joined together in friendship to share seasons greetings and to have fun.

We have been so proud of our member Judith and of her achievements throughout the past year whilst she's been our Regional President. As we move towards her hand over to President Elect Lyn from SI Tamworth today, we just wanted Judith to know that and everyone else too.  Thank you for your leadership Judith.  Your theme 'Progress not perfection' has challenged and inspired us, we've learned so much about human trafficking and modern slavery, and about ourselves, whilst raising funds and awareness. Wishing Lyn well for her year ahead. President Judith is pictured (centre) with Chris from SI Lichfield who has led our programme work at a regional level, and a representative from Salvation Army.

Sometimes the image of Soroptimists is of mature women with grey hair and there are a number of us who fit that image.  Helen is a newer member and her mode of transport to meetings challenges the norm, she doesn't have grey hair either! Soroptimist International is for every women, everywhere.  We have clubs throughout the world and we have a passion for making the world a better and safer place for women and girls.  What's not to like?  Have a look at us, meet with us, join us.  You won't be disappointed.

We're having a daughter and we are pleased to announce that the proposed new 'North Staffordshire Soroptimists' club Facebook page is now live. Please take a look and 'like'. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086002434440 Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy, you vote on elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.

You know what it's like when women get together! Planning, organising, doing what's necessary, enjoying themselves.... Soroptimist International is a service organisation, supporting women and girls everywhere.   Soroptimist actually means 'the best for women.' Soroptimists are women who want to make a positive difference to everyone in their local, national and international communities.  We do this through creating friendships with others, seeing a need and responding to it wherever that need exists, but we have fun too and that's important because it inspires us to do more. You could too!

Stafford Soroptimists feel most grateful to be asked to attend St Mary's Church each day from today until the days following Her late Majesty's funeral to support our community members to pay their respect. Member Caroline who is pictured with Staffordshire's Lord Lieutenant and member Eileen said "Very humbled to be invited to steward at St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Stafford as the centre for the book of condolences in memory of our late Queen Elizabeth, along with other Stafford Soroptimists."

Soroptimists wanted to recognise, thank and award women and girls in our local community who had gone above and beyond on behalf of others during the Covid-19 pandemic.  We asked for nominations and they rolled in.  Amazing stories , astonishing service, absolute selflessness.  Too many to mention individually, but what a difference they have made to our community.  They are our Super-Heroine's, thank you for everything.