The month of May began in style at SI Wakefield’s Coronation Party.
This was swiftly followed by SI Selby’s lunch where Hilary demonstrated her acting/modelling talents. Excellent food, good company and a fascinating speaker made for a relaxing afternoon.
On the following day SI Bingley hosted a lunch for Incoming Presidents. The sun shone and the room buzzed with conversation and smiles. I hope the incoming presidents found the event useful and I wish them well in establishing their chain gang and benefitting from the fellowship this can bring.
The 17th May found 48 members (and friends) from across the region enjoying the Friendship Day at Newby Hall. I was delighted that Rita was able to join us as our honorary guest. Thank you for wearing your blue Soroptimist t shirts and fleeces. These led to several enquiries as to who/what we were from other visitors enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Another delicious lunch and interesting and relaxed company followed; this time courtesy of SI Halifax at their lunch to celebrate their 95th year.
In and amongst these events, I have visited Sam, our Development Officer, who is now home and receiving physio for her broken leg.
I have met with Avis and Judith, the Regional Membership Officers, to look at membership for 2023-2024. Although still waiting for 7 clubs to send their names in, at this point in time it appears that overall, the fall in numbers for Yorkshire will be less than in recent years. I am sure their report for the forthcoming RCM will give more detail.
Chris Clark, Pat Kilbane and I met to add more detail to the planning of the RCM at Askham Grange. Chris and I then met again to look at the overwhelming list of applications for this event. Thank you to all the clubs for responding so promptly when asked to reduce their numbers for the day. The names of those who couldn’t be accommodated this year have been kept on file and they will be given priority if they wish to attend next year.
I have also met with Christina Gabbitas and communicated with Dishi Attwood and I am excited by what the day has to offer.
For those who are attending, please remember that the prison has asked for donations of the following :-
- Card making items (glitter, stick on jewels, card etc)
- Things to paint (plates, mugs, bowls, plant pots)
- Sewing materials
- Toys for the Mums and Baby Unit
- Distraction/stress relieving equipment (tangle relax toys, stress balls, Pop It fidget toys, etc.)
- Clothes in larger sizes suitable for work wear
Take care and stay safe.
Yours in friendship,
Jane.
SIyorkshirepres2223@hotmail.com 07505294382 or 01274427303