It has been a busy month again. I have been to Haworth, Keighley, Halifax, Bradford, Selby, Garforth, Bingley and Wakefield. Plus 2 zoom meetings, the Regional Presidents meeting with SIGBI President Cathy and a communications meeting.
I have also been to the 2 PR & Marketing Facebook Lives arranged by Rachel Weinhold held on using Face book and using twitter which were both really useful.
The Yorkshire Conference on Saturday 21st was rearranged and took place on Zoom. Although initially disappointed, it was totally the right decision to move it to a virtual platform, as 57 Soroptimists were registered, of these 31 were from outside of Yorkshire and it would have been difficult for them to attend if we had been face to face. Feedback has been very positive and the speakers were excellent. I personally was really pleased with how it went. The tickets sales have meant each of the 5 speakers will be receiving £60.00 each for their charities. Presentations and other papers have been circulated to participants.
We also launched the Orange the World campaign and you will be hearing more about this at the RCM.
Yesterday we had the Incoming Regional Presidents Lunch and as Linda and I have shared the 5P theme we made the decision to invite the Presidents from last year and this. So here are those who managed to make it. We were joined by President Elect Jane and Vice President Susie. Selby club members looked after us well and worked hard to ensure everyone had a lovely afternoon. Thanks to everyone who came.
The Regional Council Meeting at Askham Grange Prison, is next, taking place on the 18th June. Soroptimist International President Maureen Maguire is joining us and it should be a good meeting. Please see https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/ to learn more about Soroptimist International and the 2 year Presidential charity appeal, I am sure Maureen will give us an update on both. The final numbers are being submitted this week.
Please reacquaint yourself with the joining instructions, as we need Photo ID to get in and NO electronic devices including Smart watches are allowed into the prison. Please car share if possible as parking is limited.
We now know Maureen’s travel plans and Judith Clark has circulated an invitation to clubs to join Maureen and myself for afternoon tea on the Friday. I am planning on taking her into York on the Sunday and members can join us for a walk around the city and brunch, if they would like to. Please come and show her a Yorkshire welcome.
The residents at the Prison have continued with their craft making and they have had a big push to encourage the women to pick up a book and read even if it’s for a short while. I have listed at the end what we have been asked for.
I have had a planning meeting today and we have been finalising the plans for the Jonas weekend, these will also come out to you this week. Please send in your workshop preferences and bookings ASAP.
Don’t forget that the Yorkshire “Whats On” Whats App group is available for clubs to publicise their events, just send your name and mobile number to Linda Davis if you would like to join.
Items for the Residents. (Askham Grange)
Books, novels, short stories or non-fiction.
Material including scrap pieces, as they have been doing a project with a PHD student.
Wool they are running low as they have been making baby hats for the local Special care baby units.
Any embellishments that can be put onto home-made cards, especially if it is glittery.
Any nice casual clothing items. They have been working with Smart Works for Interview clothes, but items in good condition in a clean state would be appreciated.
I hope you enjoy some time with your families and friends over the extended Bank holiday at the end of this week.
Looking forward to seeing you during the weekend of 17-19th June.
President Lindsay