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  

             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

Thanks to Christina for organising a coffee and cake morning at the Crabmill. It is a lovely way to meet in an informal manner and chat about life. Of course Christina never misses a fund raising opportunity for our charities! Thank you

          We wish everyone a safe and happy 2024. To read our New and Views for January 24,  written by Jane Clarke MBE click on the link below. You will be able to see what has been happening at our club   News and Views January 2024

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’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      

  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

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

  Many of our members are enjoying the conference in Dublin, for those that cannot attend here is a link to see what is happening: https://sidublin2023.com/

Warm congratulations and roses were given to Dr Jane Flint Bridgewater before speaker dinner on 15th June, recognising her recent award of the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) Mackenzie medal 2023 for services to British Cardiology. Jane had been invited to address the Women in Cardiology session at BCS Conference 5 June in Manchester, her topic “Reaching for the Stars”.  Leading team working all her professional life, she appreciated how Soroptimism has focussed her thoughts in recent years.  Her medal appreciated her pioneering role as first Council representative in the Women in Cardiology #WIC @BCSWIC movement in UK, several other preceding Council contributions for British Association for Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) and District General Hospital representation, and not to mention being Founding Trustee of their Cardiac Patient Voice affiliated group Cardiovascular Care Partnership UK (CCPUK) @CardioCarePart.  A champion of several ‘Cinderella’ areas beginning with nuclear

                      Soroptimists Su Roxburgh, Christina Edwards and Linda Sanders prepared & planted the window boxes for the Duke pub Stourbridge. They topped up soil, planted lobelia and watered raised bed. The gaps will be filled with some red & whites annuals