President’s message
Welcome to SI Burnley
I am delighted and privileged to be President in this our 67th year. There is an illustrious list of past presidents and as a relative newcomer, joining The Soroptimist’s in 2006, I hope I can live up to their exemplary standards!
The club has a long history of supporting local, national and international projects and working with a wide range of organizations including the Woman’s Refuge, Contact Centre, Fair Trade and Project Sierra
As well as continuing to support these organizations I have chosen three projects that are particularly close to my heart and express what Soroptimism is all about.
· Burnley SI has very close ties with the Pendleside Hospice and I don’t think anyone would have spoken to me again if I didn’t choose them as one of our main charities! Not that I wouldn’t want to. The hospice has an outstanding reputation in East Lancashire caring for and improving the quality of life for its patients. The dedicated staff provide specialist nursing care and the provision of social, emotional and spiritual support for the patient and their family and carers.
· Emmaus communities offer homeless people a home, work and the chance to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment. Emmaus is a secular movement, spanning 36 countries, with 19 Communities in the UK. Terry Waite CBE is their President. This is a new venture in Burnley and is still in the developmental stage so there is much to do.
· The club is truly international in its outlook and has been supporting a school for disabled children in Osogbo, Nigeria, helping provide educational equipment and improving facilities, many of the things that we take for granted in the UK.
As a fairly new Soroptimist I must admit to feeling a little apprehension on assuming the responsibilities of President. When Past President Barbara Murray approached me two years ago it all seemed a long time off. But time has flown and now that it’s here I’m really starting to enjoy myself. I am being well supported by my fellow club members and am looking forward to working with them in the coming year. I’m sure it will be hard work but by working together I’m sure it will be a happy and productive one.
In friendship,
President Pauline Frost Hardwick