Summer Solstice Celebration

This memorable regional meeting brought together 34 members from seven clubs for a truly enriching day of inspiration, connection, and recognition.

Didn’t we have a lovely day—the day we went to the National Botanic Garden of Wales! Against the backdrop of midsummer sunshine and the stunning Carmarthenshire landscape, members from across the region gathered for a very special occasion: Celebrating Celebrities, Greeting Presidents, and Awarding Club Members.

We were honoured to welcome SIGBI President Ruth Healey as our distinguished guest. President Ruth updated us on current developments within SIGBI, shared insights into the organisation’s direction, and took time to listen to the fantastic work happening within our own regional clubs. Her presence, engagement, and open dialogue truly made the day feel collaborative and forward-looking.

Our guest speaker, Eve Sherratt, was nothing short of a revelation. A charismatic, award-winning vocalist and entertainer, Eve held us spellbound as she shared her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in a local butcher’s and baker’s to international stages.

Her story included:

Studying drama and singing at Swansea College
Being spotted by Kiri Te Kanawa
Supporting Max Boyce on tour for five years
Performing with numerous celebrities on cruise ships worldwide
A heartfelt tribute to her late friend Ruth Madoc, including singing at her memorial
Being among the first to perform music from The Greatest Showman at sea—before the film was released!
And finally, how she reimagined her career during the pandemic, leading to her current role as Community Rail Officer with Network Rail
With warmth, humour, and honesty, Eve reminded us how life’s unexpected turns can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

 

Celebrating Our Members

President Helen then led a beautiful moment of celebration, recognising the dedication, impact, and longevity of our members. Certificates and cards were presented to those marking milestone years of service—a visible expression of the strength and continuity within our region.