For our annual picnic meeting members of SI Tamworth we were invited to the home of member Debra Giulietti and her husband Mitch Giulietti. They shared the benefits and challenges of a vegan lifestyle. Debra told us of her journey while giving a cooking demonstration and Mitch shared some very interesting and thought provoking facts.   They then provided us with an amazing buffet of vegan food to include homemade ice cream. Animal Aid provided booklets for members to take home.

The ladies of Tamworth Soroptimists are very proud of our very own Vicky who created a beautiful arrangement of flowers for the St Edith’s Church Tamworth Flower Festival displays. The Flower Festival was part of the Athelstan 1100 week-long celebration, held from 23 to 26 July 2026. There were also floral displays in Tamworth Castle and the Town Hall. Vicky said “It was an honour to represent Tamworth Soroptimists at the flower festival in St Editha’s church. Blue and white were the colours of course!”

Tamworth Soroptimist International club celebrated their 78th year with a wonderful Charter Lunch at Drayton Manor Hotel. Club members were joined by Soroptimists from across the region as well as supporters, friends and family.         A highlight of the afternoon was the distribution of cheques to our designated charities for which we have raised funds for throughout the year. Amongst other fundraising, a special Afternoon Tea was organised to specifically raise money for the Eve Appeal.   Organisations receiving cheques were immediate Past President Gill’s nominated charity The Eve Appeal and other local charities Home Start; St Giles Hospice; Pathways Project; Tamworth Talking Newspaper and The Soroptimist International Foundation. The event concluded with a great musical set by guitarist and singer Steve Brazier        

The speaker at our May Dinner Meeting was Caroline Marshall, daughter of Joint President Barbara. Caroline spoke enthusiastically and knowledgeably about the other services and projects that Amazon deliver. These included their Amazon Web Services (AWS), their satellite network which provides access to the internet for users in remotes areas and their sustainability projects. In the UK they have a thriving STEM project for children and adults (https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/impact/community/stem-education) and also provide upskilling and training options and grants (https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/workplace/upskilling) The presentation included the many aspects of the Amazon business, how it got its name, and its humble beginnings in his family garage selling books from a family garage to becoming the global company it is today. Members were amazed about the different areas, services and projects Amazon are involved in and admired its commitment to staff training and innovation.

We started our new Presidential year with speakers from the President’s chosen charities The Tamworth Family Hubs and Shining Starz. The Family Hubs support families and children, while Shining Starz provides addition support for SEND children.   Both Kerry Heath from Tamworth Family Hubs and Melissa Welsby spoke passionately about the work that they do and how it makes such a difference to families, children and young people.       For more information about Tamworth Family Hubs please go to:- https://www.staffordshireconnects.info/kb5/staffordshire/directory/service.page?id=M78U6XBEwk0 or visit their Facebook page:- https://www.facebook.com/Tamworthfamilyhub/ For more information about Shining Starz please goto:- https://www.staffordshireconnects.info/kb5/staffordshire/directory/service.page?id=H115tJsAwIc or visit their Facebook page:- https://www.facebook.com/p/SMDA-Shining-Stars-100071965777358/

SI Tamworth held their 78th AGM on 9th April 2026. Unfortunately our Madam President Gill Holmes was ill, so Past President Ally Allerson did the honours of the change of insignia. We would like to welcome our new team of presidents: Christine Arrowsmith, Gillian Pallet and Barbara Tarpey We look forward to their year ahead. Their strap-line is “Children are our future”. It was a wonderful evening filled with kindness and friendship.

SI Tamworth have been busy collecting for our local foodbank. In April, Programme Action Lead, Liz Bates and Chris dropped the collected to items off to the Tamworth Foodbank ( https://www.facebook.com/TamworthFoodbankUK )

SI Tamworth enjoyed a a very interesting talk at their March dinner meeting.   They were joined by Yvonne Zena Stone, who spoke about Florence Nightingale and her links to Atherstone. They talk was informative and enjoyable and we all learnt a great deal about her life.

SI Tamworth would like to congratulate Chris Fulwell who has been a member for 25 years. That is an outstanding achievement and we thank you for your service.  

Tamworth Soroptimists hosted an Afternoon Tea where guests enjoyed food and friendship and raised over £600 for The Eve Appeal and their other nominated local charities. The Eve Appeal, the President’s nominated charity, raises funds for research and raises awareness of gynaecological cancers. Monies raised at this and other SI Tamworth events throughout the year will be distributed to their charities at their Charter Dinner and cheque giving in June.