SI Sunderland proudly presented eight members with Long Service awards on 12 December, ranging from am impressive 25 years to an amazing 55 years – ladies, we are all so proud and fortunate to have you in our Club!
Sunderland’s Christmas Party was extra special this year as it was also the evening when our newest member, Angela Richardson, joined the Club. Angela was warmly welcomed by all members, who are looking forward to getting to know her and introduce her into the SIGBI family.
President Megan Blacklock welcomed Sunderland’s newest member, Denise Hepplewhite, to our club on Wednesday 14th November. Denise is the owner/director of a not-for-profit company, Apextra Ltd, which designs and delivers innovative programmes of Family Learning in and around Sunderland and Durham. Club members are looking forward to getting to know Denise and working with her, to enjoy the new ideas and enthusiasm we know she will bring.
To mark the 80th anniversary of SI Sunderland, its members are planning to commission a piece of art, to stand in the city’s Keel Square. It will be a tribute to Sunderland’s industrious, but largely forgotten, women who worked in the shipyards during World War II. At the time, Sunderland was the biggest shipbuilding city in the world, but when the men went off to war, the brave, industrious women took their place – welding, riveting and burning, as well as operating cranes, painting and general labouring. Seven hundred women carried out this perilous work, even though the shipyards were a strategic target for German bombers. SI Sunderland members are working with a group of talented young female students to design the artwork, which will stand as a lasting legacy and become part of the city’s heritage for years to come.
President Megan Blacklock’s chosen charity for 2018/19 was Northumbria Blood Bikes* and fundraising has been ongoing throughout Megan’s presidential year. At a charity night in September, organised by the Club’s Social and Fundraising officer, Vi Stoker and ably assisted by many other members, a very impressive total of £1,010 was raised for this very worthwhile cause, through a combination of ticket sales, an auction and raffle. * Northumbria Blood Bikes is a registered charity established by local volunteers to deliver essential blood and urgent medical supplies, out of hours, between hospitals and other healthcare sites in North East England. https://www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/
Local historian and public speaker, Bernard Hope, managed to keep club members gripped by his fascinating account of local man “Eddie Chapman, North East Double Agent” at October’s supper evening. Not wanting to give away any of the details, in case anyone is fortunate enough to hear Bernard’s account in future, we can simply say “Wow, what a story!”
Above: Programme Action Lead, Rosemary Jenkinson, practicing her “kissing goodbye” pose in readiness for the 16 Days of Action 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day. The movement was first begun at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, an event sponsored by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. Since 1991, 5,167 groups in 187 countries have contributed to promoting and supporting these 16 Days. Large organisations such as the world-renowned Amnesty International and World Health Organisation support and celebrate the 16 Days, as well as far more local, grassroots projects. Each organisation approaches the 16 Days differently, some, such as the World Health Organisation, promote 16 facts regarding domestic
On a sunny Saturday in July 2018, we gathered in Karen Alexander’s garden for a “Desert Island Discs” afternoon, with special guest, our President Megan Blacklock, invited to be the castaway and to be interviewed by Karen.
On a sunny Saturday in July, Sunderland members gathered at Karen’s home to enjoy a Desert Island themed garden party, a spot of lunch and a few drinks, to raise funds for President Megan’s charity, Northumbria Blood Bikers. Here you can see Hilary Clavering and Joan Downs getting into the spirit of the event.
Megan Blacklock has been installed as President on 11th April 2018 to preside over the Club’s 80th year. Megan has previously held the post of President in 1989-90 almost 30 years ago however has continued to be a stalwart member of the Sunderland Club. Megan wishes her period in office to be a year of celebration through service and friendship.
