www.waspi.co.uk Fights the injustice done to women born in the 1950s (on or after 6 April 1951) regarding the changes to their state pension age. The 1995 Conservative Government’s Pension Act included plans to increase women’s SPA (State Pension Age) to 65, the same as men’s. WASPI agrees with equalisation, but does not agree with the unfair way the changes were implemented – with little/no personal notice (1995/2011 Pension Acts), faster than promised (2011 Pension Act), and no time to make alternative plans. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. They started the campaign with just five ordinary women who in 2015 got together and decided to fight this injustice. THE AIM OF THE CAMPAIGN IS: TO ACHIEVE FAIR TRANSITIONAL STATE PENSION ARRANGEMENTS FOR WOMEN BORN IN THE 1950S (BORN ON OR AFTER 6TH APRIL 1951) This translates into a ‘bridging’ pension to cover the gap from age 60 until State

We stand together in circles because in the circle everyone is equal, no one above, no one below; and everyone is connected to each other.Today our circle is to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace, which is observed around the world on 21 September.   This year the Day’s theme for 2016 is “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.”The Sustainable Development Goals are integral to achieving peace in our time, as development and peace are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.On 16 September 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Secretary General celebrated the Day in the Peace Garden at United Nations Headquarters by ringing the Peace Bell and observing a minute of silence. Women Nobel Peace Prize laureates and the United Nations Messengers of Peace were invited to participate in the ceremony.  We joined together for a minute’s silence to show our support of the 17

 

Having just rattled off a morning of grafting with ‘FRIENDS OF BRIERDENE and several Soroptimist friends I thought I would give a quick summary of our morning. We were kitted out with huge nets to collect, by sweeping, seeds of the yellow rattle.(Rhinanthus minor).The aim was to collect 1kg of seed!  Steve Stone, Friends of Brierdene’ volunteer and organiser, was hopeful that after he sorted through our collection that we would be lucky to have collected 50 – 75g – a great start. The seeds will be sown later on in the depths of the dene and why you may ask?  To keep grass growth under control! Anyone attempting to create meadow lands in their garden will love this plant., for it’s little known practical use, for it is a “hemi-parasite” – a partial parasite – and can be used to reduce the vigour of meadow

Home made preserves and chutneys - with some ingredients from our own gardens. Artisan hand kneaded seeded cobbs. Cocktail inspired table decorations - anyone for a 'Bloody Mary'! President Anne used her knitting skills to produce butterfly brooches. Healthy house plants for sale - at our market style shop. Cheese, cheese and more cheese!

 

What wonderful weather to celebrate SI Carlisle’s 75th birthday with Soroptimists from several neighbouring clubs. A relaxed day included, of course, fantastic food at The Shepherd’s Inn followed by two interesting speakers.  President Alison Jary proudly introduced the celebrations by saying that their aims today are the same as in 1941 to Educate, Empower & Enable women and young girls. Starting with working with wounded soldiers and their families during the war years to more recently fund raising for Mary’s Meals and supporting the many flood victims in Cumbria. Emma Porter, Cumbrian Community Foundation, updated us with the support and help given to Cumbrian flood victims, with devastating floods in 2010 and 2015 with the main focus on helping rebuild communities coupled with supporting the emotional well being of community members.  Let us not forget that 1,500 are still not back in their own homes!

Soroptimists from Northern England, including three from our club, participated in a successful workshop on UK Parliament. Thank you to Margaret Clark APD (Assistant Programme Director) Advocacy for organising this empowering workshop on Lobbying and Campaigning. Lynn Hobson (Parliamentary Outreach) delivered a very successful UK Parliament workshop at the Holiday Inn Scotch Corner. Representatives from National Council of Women and Business and Professional Women were present also. Soroptimists were very encouraged and empowered to take their issues further and progress, raising awareness, advocating and enabling women.