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Midland Arden Region 20th Public Speaking Competition: March 16th 2024

Midland Arden Region 20th Public Speaking Competition: March 16th 2024

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  We were delighted to sponsor two representatives from Pedmore High School at the 20th annual public speaking competition in Bromsgrove. Staceys topic was Artificial Intelligence – Friend or Foe?  Saffa spoke about The Influence of Social Media.   They both did really well, public speaking is something many adults would shy away from    

Welcome to The New Hotel in Stourbridge: Welcoming bees, Spiders and Hedgehogs

Welcome to The New Hotel in Stourbridge: Welcoming bees, Spiders and Hedgehogs

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  The Woodland Trust have a plethora of information about the benefits of bug houses – the link is here: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/09/how-to-build-a-bug-hotel/ Decaying wood is really important for wildlife. To make a log pile, simply collect small logs, large sticks and pieces of rotting wood. Pile them up in a damp, shady area of your garden, then stuff some dead leaves in the nooks and crannies to make it cosy. Good for: centipedes, woodlice and beetles who like to burrow into decaying wood. Log piles may also attract birds, frogs and hedgehogs looking for a tasty snack  

Invest in Women – Accelerate Progress: International Women’s Day March 8th 2024

Invest in Women – Accelerate Progress: International Women’s Day March 8th 2024

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             Here are five key areas that need our joint action to ensure women are not left behind: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/announcement/2023/12/international-womens-day-2024-invest-in-women-accelerate-progress#:~:text=International%20Women%27s%20Day%202024%3A%20%27Invest,progress%27%20%7C%20UN%20Women%20%E2%80%93%20Headquarters Investing in women: A human rights issue Time is running out. Gender equality remains the greatest human rights challenge. Investing in women is a human rights imperative and cornerstone for building inclusive societies. Progress for women benefits us all. Ending poverty The COVID pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, climate disasters, and economic turmoil have pushed an extra 75 million people into severe poverty, since 2020. This could lead to more than 342 million women and girls living below the poverty line by 2030, making immediate action crucial. Implementing gender-responsive financing Due to conflicts and rising fuel and food prices, recent estimates suggest that 75 per cent of countries will curb public spending by 2025. Austerity negatively impacts women and crowds out public spending

Christmas Tree Festival at the Red House Cone

Christmas Tree Festival at the Red House Cone

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The Red Cone sparkling Christmas Tree Festival will open on Saturday 25 November 2023. Previous years have seen unique and innovative trees decorated by local schools, uniform groups, charities and organisations. SI Stourbridge tree is shown here decorated in orange to highlight 16 days, hoping to  “Orange the World” through activities aimed at raising awareness of, or eliminating violence against women.    

SIGBI London Conference 2023

SIGBI London Conference 2023

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SIGBI’s 89th conference was opened by Hilary Ratcliffe OBE. Ann Dawson conference chair welcomed us, explaining that members had asked for iconic or capital cities to host. London certainly ticked both those boxes. President Cathy Cottridge welcomed members and guests, and explained that 80 first time attenders were wearing yellow lanyards. Thanks was given to past members.   We heard King Charles best wishes congratulating us on our focus on sustainability, violence against women, & microfinancing      

The Importance of Good Communication: By Anne Rogers

The Importance of Good Communication: By Anne Rogers

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  We all know that the world’s connections are ever-growing, so effective communication is a vital factor for social interactions and achievements, whether that is online or face to face. When communication is effective, it leaves all people feeling satisfied and content, which is essential in both professional and personal environments. Misinterpretations within these settings may lead to conflict. This could be avoided if strong communication is maintained and acknowledged by all taking part in the conversation, and if they utilise the known skills of effective communication. Online presence is a huge part of our lives. That is why promoting effective communication will ensure better online safety and improve working relationships. The way we communicate is essential for experiences like getting a job, maintaining healthy relationships and self-expression, so this blog will talk more about why effective communication is important. What Does Good Communication Mean?  To put

New and Views July 2023

New and Views July 2023

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News and Views July 2023 Jane Clarke MBE has written a summary of our clubs news for July. You can read the pages and see what the club has been up to  by clicking on the links below. News and Views July 2023 (dragged)   News and Views July 2023 (dragged) 2