President Yvonne was delighted to have the honour of presenting 3 members of SI Widnes with certificates to celebrate their long service to Soroptimism. They have been working to improve the lives of women and children locally, nationally and internationally for a grand total of 90 years between them. Congratulations Ladies!
Friends, old and new, joined us at St Basil’s Social Club on Tuesday 12th December 2017 for our annual Christmas Bingo raising money for our President’s charities.
Forget ‘One man and his dog went to mow a meadow’ and think ‘5 Soroptimists and their dog went on a sponsored walk.’ All in aid of our International Project ‘Meru Women’s Garden Project. After a lovely walk round Spike Island, they had tea and sandwiches in the café at the Catalyst Museum.
President Yvonne and 7 fellow members of SI Widnes accompanied new members Carole, Elsie and Helen to the New Members Lunch at Statham Lodge, Lymm. The main speaker was Barbara Dixon, SIGBI Federation Programme Director, who gave a very inspiring talk to the new members, which included reference to our work with the UN. The lunch was excellent and the company and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was had by all who attended.
An afternoon of fun, friendship and food once again took place at Cronton Methodist Chapel on Sunday 17th October. Soroptimists entertained the young and young at heart at their Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Stories were read to the children, songs were sung and we even had a visit form Murray the Smallest Owl and his friends from Hackback CIC http://www.hack-back.org.uk/ Proceeds raised form the Teddy Bears’ Picnic will be donated to Zoe’s Place Baby hospice http://www.zoes-place.org.uk/ Region President Margaret said, “Thank you Yvonne and all the Club members for a really enjoyable afternoon. The children thought it was great.”
Fun, Food and Friendship The Soroptimist Way! Our Rose Bowl Challenge Entry. Scones, jam, cream, strawberries, tea and coffee! What more could we ask for? How about a raffle, cake stall, gifts and scarves to buy with proceeds going to Cronton Methodist Chapel and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice http://www.zoes-place.org.uk/ Click on the link below to see more about the event! Fun, Food and Friendship
I attended the SIGBI Leadership Day at Aston University with fellow Soroptimists from SI South Lancashire, Region President Margaret Molyneux (SI Leigh and District) and Margaret Baker (SI Bolton). We all agreed that it was a very interesting and thought provoking Day. I attended a work shop facilitated by Dishi Attwood (SI Litchfield) on ‘Make Your Club a Success’ and ‘Media Training (Radio and TV Interviews)’ facilitated by Margaret Hyde (SI Cambridge). Dishi’s workshop was informative and humorous as we learnt about different team structures: the ‘well balanced’ team; the ‘on a mission’ team; the ‘Mickey Mouse Party’ team and the ‘Pacman’ team!. We also learnt about the Seven Deadly Sins (adapted from ‘7 Deadly Sins of Recruiting Volunteers’ by Thomas W McKee). Dishi had some great ways of using glasses of water to emphasise her points! Margaret’s workshop had volunteers practising radio/TV interviews. We
An interesting and inspiring day was had by members of SI Widnes at the recent Regional Conference. First we were welcomed by Ann Hodgson Soroptimist International Federation President, then we were inspired by Emily Rose Yates- Emily Rose Yates Paralympic Games maker and author of Lonely Planet Accessible Rio Guide followed by Mike Hogan Chair of Trustees for Classrooms in the Clouds. Classrooms in the Clouds After a leisurely lunch, we were once again inspired by DS Sharon Smith from W Midlands Police talking about her work around arranged marriage, forced marriage and domestic abuse; Victoria Whittaker from War Child War Child; and last but not least the very lively and energetic Sarah Brook CEO and Founder of Sparkle Malawi, a philanthropic organisation established to create brighter, sustainable futures for vulnerable people around the world. Sparkle Malawi.
SI Widnes would like to wish you all a happy new year for 2016. We will be hosting a variety of events throughout the year, our new programme will be starting in April, when further details will be available. To get in touch or find out more please get in touch on siwidnes@Hotmail.co.uk.
President Paula, presented long term service award to three members, Dot Massey for 25 years service, Lily Woodstock for 35 years service, and Barbara Stott for 65 years service to Soroptimism. Sadly Barbara Stott could not be with us on the night, but we caught our other two members on camera with their certificates!
