Outstanding achievements
At the beginning of the Gulf War, one of our founder members Dr Frankie Walters went as a volunteer to RAF Munster in West Germany to look after the medical needs of service families.
In 2009, one of our members, Josephine Chexal, was awarded the Cross of Merit by the German government. She served for 18 years as German Honorary Consul for the North East and Cumbria.
In 2019, one of our newest members, Helen Milner, was awarded the MBE for services to education and the community in the North East in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Service to the northern region
Although we are a small club, seven of our members have taken regional office including four Regional Presidents.
International goodwill and understanding
In 1995, one of our members had been giving financial support to a young Ghanaian man providing him with a wheelchair. This extended to helping his school in Yelwoko and providing hand-controlled sewing machines and sewing requisites for the ladies of the village to earn a living.
We have worked with a local nurse who supports charities in Malawi, providing first aid equipment, toys and school jumpers.
Meeting highlights
We meet monthly for dinner and invite a speaker to address the group. Some of our most interesting topics have included polar exploration, mountain rescue, beekeeping, art and local history. Numerous charities have also taken time to talk to us, including Shelterbox, Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service, the Hextol Foundation and Northumbria Blood Bikes.
Celebrations
1996 – Several members attended a buffet lunch at the House of Lords to celebrate 75 years of Soroptimist International, where we were welcomed by Baroness Miller who is also a Soroptimist.