Soroptimist International Tamworth members are supporting the United Nations Orange the World – 16 Days of Action to end Violence Against Women. To raise awareness for the campaign this year SI Tamworth’s theme, is the face these women often present to the world whilst hiding a life of fear, pain, shame and despair. It is a worrying statistic that 2961 incidents of Violence and Sexual Assault and 1061 incidents of stalking and sexual harassment were recorded in Tamworth in 2023. In order to draw attention to this issue, members have made orange flowers which have been stitched onto the dress of a mannequin ‘Chloe’ symbolising the two faces of women suffering violence. ‘Chloe’ is on display in Ankerside from 25 November to 10 December, the 16 days of the Orange the World Campaign. If you, or anyone you know can relate to this issue please

At our November dinner meeting we had a very informative talk from Dementia Care UK. They run groups for people with dementia and their carers. For more information visit Dementia Caring  

  October is Breast Cancer awareness month and people all over the world show their support for everyone affected by breast cancer.     SI Tamworth promoted the month by having an tombola stall to raise funds for Breast Cancer UK (https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/ ) and to provide members of the public with leaflets about breast care. The Club would like to thank Ankerside Shopping Centre,Tamworth for allowing us to have a stall and everyone who generously donated on the day. We raised £355.

President Elect Gill and members of SI Tamworth welcomed new members Liz and Michelle. Both said they were delighted to be a part of SI Tamworth and are looking forward to becoming involved with Club events.

Caroline Fotheringham of the Sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre (SARAC) Charity gave a talk to Soroptimist International Tamworth members after their recent Dinner Meeting at Drayton Manor Hotel. Members were pleased to learn more about the support that the charity provides to adults and young people. SARAC offers specialist confidential support for people, over the age of 11, in Tamworth, Burton, Lichfield, Uttoxeter, Swadlincote and South Derbyshire who are at risk of or have experienced sexual violence and/or rape at any time in their lives. In the period April 2023 to March 2024 the charity has supported 467 adults and 193 children. Sadly, like many charities they are suffering from a reduction in funding, at a time when demand for their support is increasing, and they are actively seeking company sponsors to help them to continue to deliver their vital support. Following the talk SI

Soroptimist International Tamworth members hosted their 76th Charter Lunch at Whittington Heath Golf Club, in the year that also celebrates 90 years of Soroptimist International having clubs and members in Great Britain and Ireland, Asia and the Caribbean. Club President Alison Allerson, and club members welcomed the Mayor of Tamworth, Councillor Gareth Coates, and guests from other local Soroptimist International Clubs and local charities. The event also provided an opportunity for SI Tamworth to distribute cheques to the local charities that they have raised money for this past year. Former President Vicky Vernon presented cheques to the Phoenix Project at St Giles Hospice, which is the president’s charity, and also other local charities: Cohort 4; Dementia Caring (Lichfield and Tamworth); Home-start Tamworth; the Heart of Tamworth Community Project; St. Giles Hospice, the Staffordshire Pathway Project and the Soroptimist International Foundation.

At our May dinner meeting members and guests enjoyed an entertaining journey through the ages of lingerie given by Susan Powell. Susan, a member of SI Tamworth, previously owned A Touch of Class lingerie shop in Lichfield. Her wonderful collection of items included corsets, nightwear and of course bras and knickers. A highlight of the collection was a pure silk wrap with hand stitched silk flowers and a wedding kimono.   Among the guests was Fajli Bibi. Fajli is the CEO of the Global Centre of Excellence in Sustainabilty, a TV presenter and community activist and philanthropist.

Tamworth Soroptimists held a social skittles night on April 19th. It was a huge success and everyone enjoyed the skittles and food. The event raised a contribution of £380 towards our charity fund that will be donated to local charities.     Pictured left are Vice President Gill Holmes, President Vicky and raffle prize winner Margaret Clarke.

At our AGM on 11th April, Tamworth Soroptimists welcomed Alison (Ally) Allerson as President for 2024-2025 and Gill Holmes as President Elect, whilst thanking Vicky Vernon for all her hard work as president for our 75th year. In our photo is: Vicky Vernon (Immediate Past President), President Ally Allerson and Gill Holmes, our President Elect.