Our Secretary Carole, was too ill to attend this meeting but she left an excellent report to be read to us. We all agreed that she has stepped into the roll of Secretary very well and has control of things. Myra, Acting President and Lesley, Minutes Secretary, made sure the evening ran smoothly and we covered everything in good time. We expressed our thanks to Myra for looking after all aspects of our finances. She has been a calm, committed Treasurer for years. Veronica had agreed to pass on the Secretary’s responsibility to Carole and worked on the Programme Action work for a time. She now takes on the roll of Treasurer. Veronica has been a Soroptimist for many years and deserves congratulations for still keeping so keen and enthusiastic. Sheila Parissien, a new member, has agreed to become the Programme Action Officer for which

At ten o’clock five Soroptimists arrived at Rosegarth, in sunshine! Soon five lovely ladies and a gentleman joined us for a Coffee and Craft Morning. Cheryl had raided her home craft collection and tables were spread with a variety of pleasing activities. After coffee and a few introductions we all joined in and had a really creative session. It was good to hear a buzz of conversation as pebbles were painted, cards were decorated and intricate pictures were coloured in. We had another drink and Gaynor’s scones were brought out. This break was a chance to swap ideas, gain support and to just chill and have a general chat with each other. Then it was back to crafting. There was a relaxed and happy atmosphere and the ladies were pleased with their creations which they took away with them. We hope to see them again

Marks and Spencer introduced a SPARKS card for members. Each time it is used M&S give a penny to the member’s chosen cause. Since 2001 £20 million has been raised to fund pioneering research on Breast Cancer. Many causes are helped by the SPARKS initiative and all equally worthwhile. M&S donate surplus food, clothing and unwanted equipment to a range of charity partners. Food that cannot be donated or recycled is sent to anaerobic digestion plants to create electricity and M&S buy it back. They support the Marine Conservation Society and their work is amazing. They have cleared over 9 million items of litter from our coastline. Every item is recorded and analysed, then experts are able to campaign for change at government and industry level. A charge was brought in for single use plastic carrier bags in the UK and now there are 40%

Linda found this report which cheered her up and wanted to share it with you maybe you will be pleasantly surprised! Amongst the doom and gloom and snow there are positives to be found. Today, 20th March, the English Football League Community Trusts are holding a Day of |Action . . . . weather permitting. Seventy two clubs are working together to highlight their community work that happens every day of the year. There will be a variety of events all over the UK which will involve managers, players and members of their community. Clubs deal with education, health, inclusion and participation. Current innovative projects include mental health, disability and obesity. Each club supports the work in their own community. Together, clubs are having a wonderful impact on millions of young people. In one area not only boys and girls are playing football but Mums are

Sainsbury’s main concerns are Health, Food, Family and Children. Some impressive achievements so far – £2.3m raised in in-store fundraising for Local Charities in 2016/17 £100m donated to Comic Relief since 1999 £3m to Royal British Legion and Poppy Scotland £1.95m for Local Charity of the Year votes received in 2017 Since 2005, through Sainsbury’s support the community has raised £186m worth of equipment and experiences to UK schools and clubs and provided training for 9,000 teachers. With the aim of keeping children active the Active Kids project was started. Since 2007 the charity has provided £5.1m of equipment to over 7000 Scout groups, 3,200 Sports Clubs and £4.2m to 9,100 Girlguiding groups. 200,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities have benefited from the Sainsbury’s Inclusive PE Programme. There’s a Fab Food programme which helps schools waste less food and save money. Tool kits and

Flashdance A group of ladies decided on a diversionary tactic from Soroptimist responsibilities – we went to the Theatre. We met for lunch at Breezers, then went through to our seats in the Princess Theatre. The show was Flashdance. The actors performed with pizzazz and created a great atmosphere.The singing and dancing was top quality and was evident throughout the whole cast. The show was thoroughly entertaining and just what we needed.

Charitable Superstores We often complain about our superstores but Soroptimist Linda Churchward has found some exceptional information about their charitable work that should be applauded. She is going to share some of their positive news on this website. The Cooperative Local Community Fund. Since 2016, £20 million has been raised. All the money goes to community projects. As a co-op member 1% of what you spend on selected own brand products goes to the local community fund. Money raised from the sale of shopping bags is also added. Members can choose which cause they want their 1% to go to. New causes are chosen every 12 months as long as they are not for profit. Spring 2018 is the next chance to apply for a share of the fund. One of the projects in action at the moment is called ‘Belong.’ One in three young