PRESIDENT’S JUNE NEWSLETTER
The Bank holiday and first week of May were calmer for me after the hectic end to April and I was able to spend some quality time with my family. The first Soroptimist event of the month was my New Presidents’ Lunch on the 11th which was kindly hosted at the home of Linda Phillips with other members of my club in attendance. The weather was glorious and we were able to sit in the beautiful garden. I was able to welcome new presidents, officers, other club members and there were 11 clubs represented. The food was delicious and I will definitely be asking for some of the recipes! The photo below is from this event.
The following day I was pleased to attend SI Halifax 96th Charter Lunch, the club being the 3rd to be formed in our Region. The toast to SI was made by Mrs Geraldine Carter, President of Halifax Calder Rotary Club. It was lovely to hear from someone who was knowledgeable about our organisation. I was delighted to respond to this and speak about my year thus far and thoughts for the future of SI Yorkshire.
On Saturday 17th I attended SI Keighley’s 90th Charter Celebrations. A delicious meal in a beautiful relaxed location with musical entertainment and intelligent conversation, what more could I want? Well add an inspiring speaker -Michelle Hands, engineer, film maker and podcaster – and you have a perfect afternoon. Michelle has now left her successful career in the male dominated construction industry and has founded ‘She who Dares wins’ – a brand of women for women. Her podcast “celebrates business women who’ve forged their own path in life- guests offer advice and storytelling on daring to be different.” Her presentation was inspirational and mirrored Soroptimist aspirational ideals. Unfortunately I had to leave a little early, but I am sure that everyone would have enjoyed the Q and A session.
The following day my husband Jonathan and I attended SI Selby’s Charter Lunch. It was a delightful afternoon and poignant when club member Olwyn Fisher lit a candle for all their Friendship Links including SI Dnipro in the Ukraine. A lovely meal was followed by a talk and visual presentation from Helen Butters, one of the “4 mums in a boat.” In 2016 Helen and three friends participated in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. Enduring two hours on and two hours rest twenty four hours a day, they rowed 3000 miles across the Atlantic in 67 days 5 hours and 2 minutes. At the time they rowed into the record books as the oldest females to cross the ocean. She told us that mental resilience was the main reason they succeeded and this was achieved in part by looking after one another rather than themselves. I think true Yorkshire grit also played a part, as did their boat “Rose” that brought them safely home. Rose went on the win the race the following year with a team of Dutch men. What a motivating, inspiring, fascinating and emotional presentation.
The following Tuesday it was lovely to visit SI Bradford with our Regional Programme Action Officer Linda Davis. The welcome was very warm from the Club. We were able to discuss their past and their intentions for the future along with discussing their work with Shine. A very enjoyable evening of Soroptimist Friendship was had by all. On the 24th I joined members from S I Hallifax, Sheffield, Hallamshire and Dewsbury for a guided Halifax Heritage Walk around the historic town centre and Piece Hall. We then had an ‘orange café’ lunch. It was a very enjoyable day.
I look forward to welcoming many of you to the RCM at Askham Grange on June 15th when SIGBI President Ruth will be in attendance again. I am also looking forward to our Speaker Erica Amende. Just a quick reminder for everyone to car share if able, to bring cash for the shop and to remember to bring their I D.
The booking forms have just gone out for my Yorkshire Day fundraising Food and Drink Event on August 1st and I hope that many of you will be able to attend along with family and friends.
In friendship
President Susie
susiewestwoodsorops@outlook.com 07761910795