SI Widnes was proud to present our joint project with SI Bangalore , the Brindavan Project, at the Gateshead Conference, as an example of good programme work in action. This is a joint project through which we are helping give girls who are disadvantaged a chance to develop and shine through education. As part of our fundraising for the project we undertook a walk to the nearby Dream Monument and an Indian evening and in honour of the project SI Widnes member Wendy Ross-Barker wrote a poem called Dream. “Her name is Dream, she stands up high, against the sky, a sculpture white and bright. We’re walking up towards her, and now our dreams take flight. To India to Bangalore, to young girls who are given, undreamed of opportunities, and hope filled possibilities, supported by soroptimists and nurtured by Brindavan. Child dream your dreams,believe in your

An SI Widnes club member,Victoria Smerdon became the third member of SI Widnes to become regional president, of South Lancashire. Following on in the footsteps of Mrs Dot Massey and Mrs Linda Redhead. She was inaugurated at the Gateshead Conference.