March has been an interesting and challenging month. It has also been a succession of social engagements.
Thank you again to everyone contributing to and engaging in International Women’s Day whether that be donning odd shoes, joining in theatre events, enjoying a walk or joining in various Zoom webinars. Please note that the Flash Mob will now take place on Wednesday 11th October, United Day of the Girl Child, at the Trinity Centre in Leeds. More details to follow before the end of April.
The 11th March found me at the Scarborough lunch after needing to dig ourselves out of our knee deep snow covered lane. Well worth the exercise for the company and entertainment experienced. We came home with not a cobweb in sight having had a bracing walk along the beautiful beach of Whitby.
The 19th March found more than 70 of us at the Regional Council Meeting in Barnsley. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day. Congratulations to SI Scarborough and SI Skipton for the breadth of projects you are actively engaged in and shared with us. An engaging talk after lunch from Jill Taylor of Participate kept us entertained and informed. I look forward to hearing the accounts of what it was like when you became a Dragon.
The 25th March and once more I was eating. This time at SI Sheffield’s lunch which passed all too quickly in good company.
In and amongst the wining and dining there has also been times of seriousness.
The group working on the Yorkshire Welcome Pack are now handing their draft to the Comms Group for fine tuning. Thank you to those involved for the extensive thought and discussion that has led to the draft.
I contributed to a Zoom led by Cathy Cottridge. She gave a little more information about the Conference in London on the 3rd and 4th November 2023. Namely – Doors open at 9am for a 10am start on Friday and the day will finish at 4.30pm. The closing ceremony on Saturday will finish at 7.15pm. The conference will be interactive and will not include workshops. Dame Vera Baird is one of the speakers and she will be involved in a panel discussion with two other speakers who are high profile people. Registration will open at the end of April. There will be no exhibitions. The venue is beautiful and easily accessible. Perhaps that helps if you haven’t yet decided if you are going.
I have been involved with a submission made by the SIYAMS (Soroptimist International Yorkshire Against Modern Day Slavery) for the BBC Radio 4 Guest Editor Initiative. Having written and rewritten many drafts and redrafts the permitted 250 words were sent before the deadline on the 31st March. Wish them luck everyone. Let’s hope we can get Yorkshire on the radio.
It is only fair to state that I know that UKPAC have also submitted an entry for the BBC Radio 4 Guest Editor Initiative. Whilst we would love to beat them in being selected, I do also wish them luck with their submission.
Last night I had the privilege of attending the event organised by SI Richmond and Dales where Dame Vera Baird gave us an insight into issues around violence against women. I will be raising this at the Programme Action Meeting this weekend and suggesting that now is a good time for Soroptimists to reconsider training to observe the experiences of women involved in court hearings.
I would like to thank all the Club Presidents who are about to step down from this role for their vision, hard work and energy over the past 12 months.
Equally, I welcome all the incoming Club Presidents to the start of their year. I hope you will be able to join myself and other officers at your welcome lunch on Sunday 14th May hosted by SI Bingley. Your invitation will be sent to your club secretary this weekend to be forwarded on to you. Have a fabulous 12 months ahead.
The next Officers Meeting takes place on Saturday 15th April at the Ramada Hotel Wakefield. Anyone is welcomed to join us as a silent observer. If you would like to do so, please let Judith Clark (secretarysiyorkshire@gmail.com) or myself know.
I hope you have received the flyer and booking form for the Yorkshire Day of Friendship at Newby Hall. I look forward to seeing you and your friends there for a day that is relaxing, interesting and full of the warmth of good company.
