Tiverton Soroptimists joined with other clubs globally on the 8th of March to celebrate International Women’s Day.
It is a day to celebrate the social, economic and cultural differences of women. International Women’s Day was first
celebrated over a century ago. The first international gathering was supported by a million people. Daphne Dowsing
club President for March commented. “ As a club we have normally, held a street collection on the Loman Bridge in
Tiverton for one of our chosen charities”.” This year we felt that it was not possible to do this, so members gathered
at the Tiverton Golf Club and others celebrated on line using zoom”. “It is about making a positive difference for
women world wide”. The theme for 2022 is to collectively Break the Bias displaying the crossing of arms. Showing support
to free woman of any bias. Soroptimists, feel that we can all help forge equality for women in our schools, colleges, universities
or in the work place and in the home environment.
As a group the Soroptimists in Tiverton are planning some new exciting fund raising ideas to help our chosen charities. These are
currently, Unite Mid Devon Carers, the North Devon Refuge and for over 25 years, CHAT (Churches Housing Action Team)
and other Soroptimist International Charities.
Our organisation has sent emergency funds to the survivors of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Daphne said
“there are several Soroptimist clubs in the country and we are actively supporting them on social media. Janine our very active
Social Media Officer has been in contact with their members. “They have been responding to us with updates on the ongoing
situation in Ukraine” Janine said “ They so appreciate having contact and support from us and other Soroptimist clubs around
the world.
Members have also been collecting items for the Afghan refugees making sure the items get to those in need. Locally this year
we have given donations to Exeter Balloons a charity that helps bereaved as well as Mercy Ships.
Anyone, wishing to join us is very welcome, we meet once a month at the Tiverton Golf club on the second Wednesday of the
month at 7pm to 9.30pm. We have no actual criteria for joining, other than to be a woman who cares and wants to help others.
We have been active in Tiverton for many years and in February 2024 the club will celebrate 60 years of helping to Educate,
Empower and Enable women and girls to reach their full potential, locally, nationally and globally.
We are looking for women of any age to enjoy fun and support from like minded local women. Daphne said “ our next meeting
will be held on the 13th of April, we have a membership/ speakers team who support new members and find interesting speakers”.
“We are looking forward to some face to face gatherings, a cream teas, coffee morning and other visits, as well as a speaker
from Mid Devon Carers in May and other specially selected speakers”.
