Last Year’s Meetings
Our AGM in April 2008, saw President Betty take office from last year’s President, Jan.
Jan presented a cheque for £1 600 to Fair Havens, her charity for the year. She said, ’I have enjoyed my year and look forward to a more relaxing time to come’. She said she has happy memories of her year in office and has learned a lot. Jan thanked the club for their support.
Our Speaker in May 2008 was Lucy Lock, who introduced us to the problems encountered by the local branch of NSPCC.
In the past, the club has supported the ‘Child Witness’ scheme, which allows young children to give video evidence in court rather than facing their abusers. Fund-raising this year will enable their work to continue, not only with this project, but with their other work to ensure that the abuse of children will stop - FULL STOP!
Later in the month, Membership Secretary Jackie held a Membership Information Evening. These meetings are part of our successful membership drive - Jackie is an enthusiastic Soroptimist and a great hostess and both new and prospective members are invited along to meet ‘older’ Soroptimists and to find out about the organisation.
In June 2008, our meeting was not held at our regular venue - We went to the SAVs Centre in Southend for a busy and practical evening.
Following a business meeting that included Lynne’s job talk, on being an Infant School headteacher for the last ten years, and the changes she has dealt with - we ate our frugal meal. Actually we all agreed that it was more than adequate - But the reduced cost of the meal, whilst paying our usual charge, gave us a profit of £120! This was divided between the President’s project and the regional project in Malawi - our £60 bought tables and chairs for the classrooms.
Later, we were very busy addressing the envelopes to send out the information about our U N International Day of Peace Vigil, and making our peace scrolls - this gave the club an opportunity to work together in a cheerful and convivial atmosphere - we got the job done swiftly and enjoyed a good gossip!
The GARDEN PARTY at South Woodham Ferrers in August was delightful. Ros and Steph would have preferred full sunshine but never-the-less there was lots of fun for all the family!
Ros said, ‘Whilst we were very unfortunate with the weather on Sunday, I hope a good time was had by all. We were very pleased with the amount raised - £178.40 in total.’ The proceeds were donated to the local Women’s Refuge and Project SIerra.
Later in the month, Roz accompanied Sue Sincock on the usual ‘Refuge Run’ to deliver supplies, and whilst there, presented them with a cheque for £90.
The cheque for Project SIerra was sent to HQ. Well done everyone!
September’s meeting was dominated by our final preparations for our Peace Vigil and the Vigil itself.
Our talk by member Margaret Sandercock reminded everyone of Soroptimism’s long association with peace initiatives and the club’s own previous campaign against landmines, when six members visited the American Embassy to ask why they are still using these devices.
The club had also worked hard in 2006 to support the Book of Peace - enlisting the help of local school children and presenting prizes to the successful local winners.
The Peace Vigil was well supported and the club’s efforts paid off. Please look at our Peace Vigil page.
In October 2008 we had a club Programme Action meeting. Irene and her committee had reviewed the club’s activities over the past year and relayed their feelings about projects completed and work still to be done. The committee had already discussed the club’s enthusiasm (or not!) for particular projects and the new tri-fold gave information about those we shall continue to support, activities that are on the way and projects, like recycling, that have become so much part of our lives, that we need to just get on with them.
Two interesting job talks were given under the Membership Report. We have recruited well at Southend, and it was good to hear what some of our newer members actually do!
In November 2008, we held our own Can-Do survey based on SIGBI guidelines about what Soroptimist clubs do. Chris - whose job entails training young nurses - started off our meeting with an ice-breaker that involved every member - it centred around a large bag of ribbon … I won’t tell you the rest … but it led us very nicely into our survey!
Our club has been very successful in recruiting in the last couple of years - but with lots of new members, changes in our schedule for meetings and some changes in our Programme Action, we needed to take stock and to get everyone’s views.
Based on the SIGBI Can-Do survey, we compiled questions about:
- what the clubs gives to members - are we really as friendly as we think we are? are there sufficient opportunities to get involved?
- what happens at club meetings - is the programme right for us?
- Programme Action - is there something for everyone?
As usual, our December meeting was a very successful Christmas Dinner at Garons Park Golf Club. It was great to see so many members, Soroptimisters and friends. The room was filled with pleasant chatter and when the food arrived, a contented hum of approval! Janet and her social committee were thanked for organising yet another successful social function.
Members and friends were asked to contribute to our Christmas ’sock’ - this year to support our Friendship Links club in Harare, who continue to run their projects, in spite of tremendous difficulties. A goodly sum was collected and handed over to Catherine - thank you everyone!
In January 2009, our Soroptimist year seemed to be drawing to a close. What a great evening we had! Our Regional President, Margaret Hyde visited the club and we were able to discuss the outcomes of our club Can-Do survey. The Programme Action Committee and Social Committee are using the results to influence our 2009 programme so that the club caters for everyone.
After lots of laughter during the meal, our meeting was brief but business-like so that Margaret could talk to us about Soroptimist involvement in UN International Women’s Day. Lynne has been attending the Southend meetings and reported on the progress towards the Southend event on 7th March.