I open this newsletter with a huge thank you to all those Soroptimists and friends who organised and attended my Yorkshire Day Food and Drink Event. Particular thanks go to Julie and Mike Thompson for organising and running the evening along with Andy Kasubee who spoke so passionately about the beers. Mike knew that he had chosen a cracking wine from Italy as the last of our 6 wine tastings – indeed the Pasqua “Desire Lush and Zin Primitivo” will now become a firm favourite of mine! Judith Alce from my own club organised the venue for me and thanks also to the volunteers on the night who ensured that the event ran smoothly: Pat Thornes, Linda Davis, Janine Maw, Jean Thompsom, Susan Mendosa, Sue Glover, Lindsay Green and Amanda Potts. Huge thanks also go to Sarah Barnes from Beer Houses who sponsored the beers and ensured that more monies were raised for the charity.
I was touched that 90 tickets were sold. Ten of the Region’s Clubs were represented with apologies from several others. People from all over Yorkshire celebrated August 1st. There was a fantastic atmosphere in the Community Centre and with large raffle ticket sales I am delighted to announce that the event raised £1500 for Breast Cancer Now. A truly wonderful effort from the Region. I appreciate that we are a service organisation and not a fundraising one but I know that the monies will enable the charity to aid more women, girls and also men.
During the second week of August, I met up with Regional Programme Action Chair Linda Davis. We created the shortlist of projects for the Regional Programme Awards which will be voted for at the September RCM. Twelve of our Region’s clubs
submitted one or more projects to be considered for the shortlist which was heartening. It was a shame that three Clubs had no projects on the Hub and so could not submit anything. I know that attendees at the RCM will be impressed when they hear about the depth and breadth of Programme work that has been undertaken in Yorkshire.
I was pleased to be able to accept an invitation from Chris Lowe and SI Sheffield to visit the food bank on the Winn Gardens Housing Estate. The venture is run by volunteers including those from St John’s Church, the Council, local community and Soroptimists. It was interesting to spend time there and to chat to the volunteers (several of whom are supported by the project) and to other current recipients. What impressed me was the variety of items available in addition to food, including clothing and homeware. A very thought-provoking morning.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the RCM.
In Friendship
President Susie