This Year’s Meetings - so far
The Programme Action Committee met on Thursday 4th March to plan our Action for the new Presidential year. Over the winter, we decided to increase our lobbying in support of the Conference motions – Garment Sweat Shops, FGM, Child Marriage, homeless women and sex selective abortion are all iniquitous practices designed to debase women – and must be stopped. Our local MPs are certainly going to be bombarded!
February 15th - Southend Domestic Abuse Unit
Kim and Sue from the Southend Domestic Abuse Unit visited the club this month to talk about the new refuge in Southend.The purpose of the unit is to empower women, so that domestic abuse does not ruin their lives.
Harlow Women’s Aid now oversees the Southend unit, their team of staff and outreach workers. There is now an outreach worker attached to the Police who works with women in ‘lower risk’ groups.
The Refuge eventually ‘moved house’ a week before Christmas and the logistics of moving 12 women with families and staff made it a busy time.
Since Harlow WA became involved, the work has extended and the unit now provides additional courses like Moving On, a creative writing course, leisure courses like salsa dancing, counselling and a Freedom Programme to promote healthy relationships.
Kim thanked the club for their work for the refuge - particularly the toiletries bags, which mean a lot to women who often arrive with only the clothes they stand up in! Support from outside agencies, like food and clothes, mean that the refuge staff can use their funds for the work they have to do.
The new accommodation takes 22 families and can support 15 outreach cases. The accommodation is in self contained flats with kitchens, a large communal lounge and four large garden areas - which still need some work … we’ll be keeping in touch!
January 18th - amid the snow!
I don’t very often miss a meeting, but I missed this one! Sadly, so too did our speaker from the Basildon Rufuge, who had to cancel at the last minute. However, this did give the club members who managed to get there, the time to catch up with Christmas news.
Members heard that 5 members had attended the Amnesty Christmas card signing; Christmas gifts were delivered to the Basildon and Southend Refuges and the Human Rights Day catering had been highly successful - the report of the Day is on the regional website.
December 14th - Our Christmas Meal
What a busy month this has been – with the club involved in both regional and local activities.
Our Social Committee met to plan the catering for Human Rights Day – something we’ve all got out of the habit of doing, since our regional meetings are regularly at the Venture Centre. It reminded us just how much work it used to be – thank goodness we’ve now got caterers, so the host club as well as everyone else, can enjoy the speakers!
Human Rights Day went well – the club rallied round Regional President Margaret and there were lots of volunteers to cook. Margaret did suggest that we should have one pot of rice and one of dhall – so those at the back of the queue could experience hunger – but we couldn’t do that! Especially since many of the regional members had travelled a good distance to get to Canvey Island. So many club members cooked that Sheila was very concerned that the Trades Description Act was severely flaunted – did it qualify as a frugal lunch? But the cooking pots were all emptied and ‘the Essex Girls done good!’
The Christmas meal was as usual, a great success. The meal was great - lovely food of course, as we’ve come to expect at Garons – and so many people! The Social Club decided that a little entertainment was needed after the eating, and scripted a highly original and sophisticated version of Cinderella – well, it WAS original! The costumes added greatly to the performance – so much care and thought had gone into them – lovely! And the performance leaves me speechless!!!!!!!!!! It had to be seen to be believed. Our lovely President Jackie as the Ugly Sister, a very articulate Cathy as Cinders and a romantic and effusive Anne in the role of Prince Charming – hmmm…! Ably assisted by Jan as the Fairy Godmother and very capably narrated by Paddy – the queen of the school assemblies – a formidable cast! A stunning performance, and not too long. The appreciation of the audience was well reflected in our Christmas collection, which followed – we raised £125 for Malawi!
November 16th - Violence Against Women - STOP IT NOW!
Tonight we had a visit from Clare, who came along to receive a cheque for £1000 for the NSPCC. This was collected for Past President Betty’s project, last year. Clare told us about their work in our area, and the club are happy that the money will go towards funding Childline in our neighbourhood.
We kept our business meeting short - mainly focussing on the forthcoming Human Rights Day, which will be held on 5th December at Lake View Hall, Canvey Island.
Our speaker this evening was a PC from the Community Safety Unit at Westminster.
Her work for the Domestic Violence Unit is very victim focussed and she sees women from all walks of life. Sharmaine told us that changes in attitudes towards domestic violence, by the police have had a positive impact.
One effect of this approach is that police do not deal with so much crime of other types. Perpetrators of domestic violence are often involved in other crimes, and women who are victims can sometimes be persuaded to consider the bigger picture when giving evidence. This may mean that it is possible for a women to avoid the trauma of a stressful court appearance, but the perpetrator will still be convicted, sentenced and removed.
Sadly, honour-based violence is on the increase in London, and the Community Safety Unit deals with that as well. The victims are extremely difficult to help since there are strong cultural considerations - different strategies are needed for dealing with such crimes.
On all issues of Violence Against Women - and victims are still mainly women, the police now take action very quickly and firmly. They have a positive action policy to get results, since a domestic violence incident is usually only the tip of an iceberg. Women put up with a lot before complaining and there is still much to be done in raising self esteem and awareness.
October 19th - Programme Action
Programme Action stays very firmly at the heart of our work! PAO Irene led our discussions about our ongoing Programme Action, locally, nationally and internationally and we were delighted to hear that our President’s Project fund for her local charity, Southend Sunflower Trust had reached £1 000. This was boosted by a donation, following our work with the Rotary Club.
Now that we have revised our ’service’ project, our first batch of toiletries bags has gone to the Refuge - we’re still collecting for the next batch.
There was a discussion about the motions for Conference and ten of us will take the club’s views to Cardiff, next week. The plight of our Friendship Links Club in Harare is a cause for concern and Catherine will hold a coffee morning on 6th February 2010 - they also needs soaps and mini-toiletries for their Christmas parcels.
September 21st - Celebration for UN Literacy Day
What a good meeting we had tonight! Two of our own people - Lesley a fairly new member, and Susan a Soroptimist daughter, both spoke about their writing and how much it means to them to be able to enjoy books. Lesley is the author of the historical guide to Hockley, Hawkwell and Hullbridge and described how she had come to write this popular book out of her own interest in the history of Hockley. She read some fascinating snippets including old wives recipes to cure a range of ailments.
Susan is a young writer, just breaking into print. She told of her writer’s journey and the frustrations of trying to get into print. She showed members the proof copy of the soon-to-be-published children’s book Under the Weather - a collection of stories with a slant on saving the environment which includes one of her stories. She also read her poem The Woodpecker from her Birds in Three Dimensions work, which is to have its first performance at South East Essex College on 19th November.
There was a good second hand book sale with proceeds for the regional project in Malawi.
July 20th - Speaker from Street Tough Challenge
At this meeting, President Jackie invited Stephanie Lee to speak about Street Tough Challenge - Stephanie is one of the co-ordinators of the project, which supports the community centre in a very needy area in Westcliff-on-Sea.
The community centre was run-down and dilapidated when Stephanie and her two friends took over the management from Southend council. In the last few years, it has been refurbished from the bottom up, using money from grants from a range of sources.
The project supports children and families from all ethnic backgrounds. The building now provides a meeting place where the community can talk and learn tolerance. Local residents are encouraged to work together, play together and generally just get along. It is a very valuable resource in an area that has residents from a range of backgrounds, who have known fear and fighting before coming to live in Southend.
The project’s aim is for a harmonious future for a multi-ethnic Southend.
June 15th - Memories and Memorabilia
Our June meeting was held at SAVs Centre in Southend - not at our usual venue, but a good place for mixing and chatting. We had a frugal meal but charged everyone the usual price - we shall be able to give £100 - the profit from the evening to Project SIerra .
The evening was an opportunity to have a look at all our bits in the box! The mysterious wooden box that goes from President to President and contains gifts to us from other clubs.
We also had our old photographs on display - thanks to our conscientious ex-archivist Daphne and her new replacement Heather. It was fun … or fascinating … or perhaps foolish … to look back - my goodness, how slim and young ……
The evening was also an opportunity for some of our ‘more experienced’ members to remind us about our club’s past.
Remember the Annual Dinners - long gloves and long dresses? The Regional Meetings in days gone by - with hats? Our anti-landmines campaign - the poster competition and visit to the American Embassy to make the point that landmines were - and cluster bombs still are - horrendous weapons in war that kill and maim young children as well as soldiers? The Peace book and Peace Vigil? The trip to Liege to visit our Friendship Links Club? The memories came flooding back thanks to Sheila and Beryl.
President Jackie thanked everyone for contributing - our oldies and goldies and the young and young at heart. What a great evening!
May 18th - Our President’s Project
On Monday 18th May, our President’s Project speaker, Imelda came along to talk about the Southend Sunflower Trust, which supports children with special needs in our locality.
It was a lively and friendly meeting and members agreed that our President has chosen a good project for SI Southend to support during the coming year.
Fund raising events are organised - our first was the Moonlight Colourthon and on Saturday 1st August, we shall hold a Garden Party - so watch this space!
Club News - Social and Fund-raising Activities
Next Meeting
The next Executive meeting is on Monday 8th March 2010 and our next club meeting is on Monday 15th March. It’s a club discussion about Programme Action and lobbying. We have several things to talk about and need to decide who’s going to contact who! There will also be a report from the Regional Meeting.
President’s Lunch
On Sunday 28th February, club members joined President Jackie at Stockbrook Country Club to celebrate the club’s Annual Lunch.
This year, we joined with President Linda and the Chelmsford Club so it was a large and very convivial get-together. It had been planned to the last detail by our Social organisers, and Southend’s Janet and Chelmsford’s Heather were warmly congratulated on making the lunch such a success.
The food was good, the service excellent and the venue delightful! Both Presidents had personal guests and clubs around the region were well represented.
Regional President Margaret was delighted to join the clubs and the after dinner talk was given by William French, who has been around the world in his job, and over the years has been butler to a number of celebrities - and revealed one or two of their secrets!
It was a pity the weather wasn’t as warm as the welcome we were given by the Presidents - but we can’t have everything!
President Jackie was very pleased, ‘It was lovely to meet our friends from Chelmsford and around the region - I really enjoyed it!’ She thanked everyone for making the day such a success.
Ladies’ Afternoon
On Saturday 10th October, President Jackie hosted a pamper session for members and friends. Cathy, our Vice President is a therapist and she soothed and smoothed, giving members useful information about a range of treatments. Jewellery and cakes were on sale, and a cream tea was served - is this a healthy way to spend an afternoon …. or not!
Over £100 was raised - this brings President Jackie’s project fund to £1 000.
Summer Lunch
The summer Garden Party held this year at Janet’s house in Westcliff, on 1st of August was a huge success!
There was lots of laughter as over thirty members, husbands and friends enjoyed the food and friendship. The social committee had very capably organised the event and the rest of us just enjoyed ourselves.
The tombola and raffle were good fund-raisers and golf and boules provided relaxation and a chance to test our skills - which in most cases left much to be desired! However, worthy winners and unlucky losers all won prizes.
The food was excellent - a hot and cold buffet lunch with a delicious choice of desserts - what a lovely way to spend a summer Saturday - until light drizzle at 3 sent us all home and gave Janet a chance to clear up.
It was good to see so many members of the club just chatting, laughing and enjoying themselves. The event raised about £400 for the Sunflower Trust.
The President’s Project fund is adding up!
Visit to the Tangent Club
The visit to the Tangent Club for their meeting on Monday 24th August went very well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We had a very good meal around three large tables, and we all mixed in together - Sorops with Tangent members. There was a lot of chatting and much laughter. The Tangent members were very interested in what we do and three or four expressed serious interest in how we do things so we shall invite them to one of our meetings to learn more about us. A really good networking opportunity with like-minded women!
Coffee Morning
Many thanks to the members and friends who came along to President Jackie’s Coffee Morning on 5th September - another boost to the President’s Project fund … but more importantly, a real opportunity to relax together and have a chat!
Rotary Club Cycle Ride - Sunday 13th September
Several volunteers turned up to help Janet P’s stirling efforts at the sponsored cycle ride around Foulness Island. As it was a cool day, we were lucky to have jobs on the check-in desks! Organised by Thorpe Bay Rotary Club, this gave us a good opportunity to fly the Soroptimist flag and make friends. Well done everyone - the Rotary Club were very pleased to have our help and delighted with the cash raised for Bosom Pals.
Moonlight Colourthon Success
On 4th July, three members from the club plus a daughter and friend walked the 13.5 mile Moonlight Colourthon in aid of the President’s charity.
The walk started at Chalkwell Park at 8pm. Jan was there to wave us off and take a pic. It was a clear and lovely evening - just right.
We managed to get near to the front of the crowd of 1200 walkers but Jackie, Janet and friend soon powered ahead! Past the Langley - no sign of Pat - around the roads- probably to spread us out a bit, down to the sea-front, which was still very busy, and up to Royal Terrace. When we dropped down to the pier, guess what? We walked all the way back - along the promenade and right to the end of Chalkwell beach.
Under the railway bridge and up past Betty’s flat, where she gave me a cheery wave! By this time, I was abandonned by the rest, who were powering on ahead - Susan even managed to pass the J and J advance party at a brisk pace. Through Old Leigh, where Saturday night diners thought we were mad - up Belton Way east and along Marine Parade westwards- round the Tattersall Gardens block - and past Lynne’s where thankfully I didn’t have to stop for a comfort break, or I may not have got going again!
Walking back along Marine Parade, I was pleased to see that there were still people coming the other way - I wasn’t one of the last, then! Only two and a bit miles to go, from now on, it’s just a shopping trip.
Into Leigh Broadway and along Leigh Road - by now the feet were just plodding and some people were blistered and sore - thank goodness for the training walks on Sunday mornings. At the end of the Broadway, we were pleased to hear that it was only going to be another quarter of an hour - it didn’t seem like it.
The real killer was the last bit - no short cut by the back gate into Chalkwell Park, oh no - down to the cross roads and up-the-hill (aghhh!) to the main gate so we could circle round through the rainbow to receive our medal.
Susan was waiting with a hug, she’d been there about twenty minutes and Janet and Jackie had arrived ten minutes after her - I was the last one home at quarter to midnight.
It was a superb evening - lovely walk - great camaraderie - wonderful! Extremely well organised by the Round Table with warm encouragement all the way along …. but next year …. hmmm not sure, I think I’ll make this one my last!
Many thanks to our sponsors - not sure of the total as yet, as money is still coming in. All sponsorship money will be donated to the President’s Project charity - The Southend Sunflower Trust - Thank You!
Our Club at the Federation Conference
As well as being part of the London Anglia Region, our club enjoys its involvement in Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland - though several Commonwealth countries are included as well, so maybe it should be SI Commonwealth, Britain and Ireland!
Each year, SIGBI holds a Conference and this year was no exception. Ten members of our club went along to Cardiff to join with 1 800 fellow Soroptimists at the Cardiff International Centre. The Welsh flavour of the Conference was set from day 1 - and it was great to be so near to the second largest John Lewis in a shopping mall in the UK!
Over the three days of the Soroptimist Conference we listened, ate, had a glass of wine, talked, ate, had another glass of wine, debated, cheered, laughed, ate and had some more wine! What a noisy lot we were … but what a lot we learned!
The best thing for me was the friendship, closely followed by Chris Moon, Glynn Rankin from the UK Human Trafficking Centre - the Blue Blindfold and the PA Awards. There were so many names that deserve a mention - Pat Black, Hillary Ratcliff etc etc … and of course SIGBI President Carwyn and our new SIGBI President Jackie Mosedale, who joined our region for Sunday breakfast, her first official appointment!
There’s lots to tell the members who didn’t go - some serious stuff like finances and some fun stuff like Bras in the Bay!
Oh! And I suppose, too that we mustn’t forget the Saturday evening Banquet to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of SIGBI, when our own club web manager became Regional President for London Anglia Region.
Many thanks to Janet who handled all our bookings at the Park Inn Cardiff City Centre, where everyone was really friendly and helpful - and to everyone else, who just made the event so memorable.
Roll on next year’s Conference in Manchester!
Our Presidents’ Projects
Each year our President asks the club to support a local charity. We hold social events to raise funds and over the last few years, these are the charities we have supported:
2008 - 2009
President Betty has always supported NSPCC, and chose this charity again for her President’s Project. When the cheque was presented to Clare from NSPCC, she spoke of Betty as ’legendary’ and praised her magnificent work in Essex for NSPCC - she was delighted to meet her at last!
We have previously supported NSPCC’s Child Witness Support scheme, now based in Colchester, which enables children to give video evidence in court. During 2008 - 2009, Betty asked members to support NSPCC again, and £1 000 was raised for their projects. This will probably go towards funding Child Line in our neighbourhood.
The money was raised in two events - a summer barbecue and a lunch. Soroptimists do like their food!
2007 - 2008
President Jan was delighted that the club’s fund-raising activities for Fair Havens were well supported through the year and we raised £1 600 for the local hospice. Events included a Weekender’s clothes party, the sale of President Jan’s handmade jewellery, a successful BBQ and a Silent Auction. A big fund raiser was our Indian meal at the Maharaja Indian Restaurant and a new event this year was a wine tasting - an evening much enjoyed by all!
The total raised for Fair Havens was £2 000.
2006 - 2007
At the beginning of the year, President Janice set out to enthuse the club in raising funds for MIND - a charity that supports those with mental health issues.
A range of events was organised – a Fashion Show, a lunch on Canvey Island and spectacular Musical Evening, when talented harpist Camilla Pay came to Southend and entertained Soroptimists, friends and guests. She was ably supported by organist David Sandercock and the programme was varied and light-hearted.
President Janice was touched by the support given by friends, family and the club to this so-called ‘Cinderella’ charity - as mental illness can’t be seen, it doesn’t raise the sympathy that some other charities do.
Linda was overwhelmed. She thanked the club very warmly for their support. “The money will go a long way in helping our clients - but it isn’t just the money. The status you give to us - as a nationally based organisation - in supporting us, is vital when we are negotiating for grants to continue our work.”
2005 - 2006
The club raised over £1 000 by holding a Music Quiz, a Silent Auction, a curry evening and several smaller functions.
2004 - 2005
In 2004 - 2005 President Lysette supported the Eastwood Ward of Southend hospital - our picture shows Lysette with newly installed President Sharon and two of the Eastwood Ward nurses.
Protected: Members Only Page - News and Views
Welcome to the Southend Soroptimist Club
Welcome to the website of the Southend-on-Sea and District Soroptimist Club.
The Southend-on-Sea and District Club was founded in 1953. We are a lively and friendly group of women, with a strong sense of purpose! We have around 35 members from all walks of life and meet regularly - all our meetings and our social events are well attended. Our club is in the London Anglia Region and we enjoy meeting Soroptimists from across the region whenever we can.
Please take time to browse our site. You will find our Programme for the Year as well as news about all our club activities. You can find out about the meetings we have already held and things we have already done and members can get up-to-date messages and club news.
Programme Action is the heart of Soroptimism and we keep ACTION at the top of our agenda. Locally, we have held our own Peace Vigil at Hadleigh Castle and we fully support Project SIerra and raise funds for this Soroptimist International project on a regular basis. We also support our regional project in two Malawi schools - so far our club has purchased football kit and winter clothes for the children, and chairs for a classroom and are planning to do more.
The club also works hard at our own local projects. Each year our President nominates a local charity for us to support and we are also involved in supporting women and girls in our area. We like to think that every club member can do something - no matter how much or how little time she can give to Soroptimism.
We welcome new members! Women who live in our area and think Soroptimism sounds interesting, can contact us, come along to one of our meetings and check us out!
You can contact us at southendsoroptimists@blueyonder.co.uk
We update our pages regularly with information about our projects so please visit again soon.
Club members are asked to visit regularly so that we don’t need to contact everyone individually - thank you! Visit the Members Only page for the most recent club minutes. It’s password protected so - Southend members - get in touch if you haven’t got the password!
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.
Club Officers 2009 - 2010
The business of the club is conducted in accordance with Soroptimist International procedures. We have an Executive Committee, who meet every month. They make sure that business is properly considered and conducted, so that our club Business meetings use time efficiently and don’t become tedious!
| Club Officers: | ||
| President | … | Jackie Daniels |
| President Elect | … | Janet Reynolds |
| Vice President | … | Cathy Cottridge |
| Past President | … | Betty Finch |
| Programme Action Officer | … | Irene Tyson |
| Treasurer | … | Jan Payne |
| Membership Officer | … | Cathy Cottridge |
| Executive Committee: | ||
| Secretary | … | Sharon Spivey |
| Social Committee Chair | … | Janet Reynolds |
| Press PR and website | … | Margaret Sandercock |
| Additional members: | ||
| Lynne Smith | Paddy Fairhead | |
| Regional Representatives: | ||
| Sue Sincock | Heather Garnett | |
| Friendship Links | … | Catherine Negus |
| Meal Bookings | … | Diana Sandell |
| Web Manager | … | Margaret Sandercock |
Last Year’s Activities
UN International Women’s Day
7 March 2009 - Women Working Together To Make A Difference
The Southend club joined other women’s groups at Southend College to celebrate UN International Women’s Day. Two members had been involved in the planning meetings and several members were present during the day.
President Betty Finch was there for the opening, when her old friend Gwen Horrigan - now Mayor of Southend-on-Sea welcomed exhibitors and visitors to the second Southend celebration of International Women’s Day - the first to be held in the magnificent central atrium of the new South East Essex College.
The Soroptimist exhibition showed the club’s local work, the LAR regional project supporting two schools in Malawi and the international project - Project SIerra.
Others taking part included the Dove Project, women’s health support groups, a local Asian dance troup and a range of leisure and pleasure activities for local women.
Commemorated by the United Nations, the day gave an opportunity to reflect on the progress that women have made in their struggle for equality and acknowledge the challenges that continue to confront them.
Whilst women around the world occupy positions in every conceivable profession, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that there are still many women who face serious challenges. In many countries women do not even enjoy the most fundamental of human rights.
From 2003 – 2007, Soroptimist International joined forces with Women for Women International to support some of these women.
Through Project Independence, they helped women who had suffered the traumas of war, genocide and other horrors, to reclaim their lives. Soroptimists contributed over $1 656 000 to help women develop the skills they need to rebuild their lives after war and provided more than 1 500 women with opportunity and hope through Project Independence. Our efforts were directed towards women in Bosnia, Rwanda, Herzegovina and Afghanistan.
Our new international quadrennial project, working with Hope and Homes for Children, is Project SIerra, which supports women in Sierra Leone.
Annual Lunch 2009
After the meal, our Regional President, Margaret gave us a humerous account of her years with the BBC. Everyone agreed they had enjoyed an excellent meal, a lively talk and great company!
Canvey Island Lunch
Margaret and David again hosted a lunch on Canvey Island, with the very capable assistance of Sharon, our catering member.
Last year, they supported the international Quadrennial Project - Project SIerra. This year, the proceeds were for the President’s Project, NSPCC.
25 members and friends enjoyed a hot and cold buffet lunch with wine. The smaller-than-usual numbers meant that everyone could be seated, though we moved around for dessert! There was a raffle and a Bring-and-Buy and altogether with donations, £550 was raised for NSPCC. It was good to see our friends Mary and John, from Sudbury, who joined us again this year.
Our Peace Vigil - September 2008
WOW! What a day!
Sunshine, white doves circling over Hadleigh Castle, people …. and a great desire for PEACE!
A Great Success!
Look at our UN International Day of Peace page (click the link on the left) for more information.
Our Friendship Links Evening - July 2009
In July, our members gathered at Catherine’s house to meet our Friendship Link from Zimbabwe, Shirley. The evening gave us lots to think about and to plan for, to keep up our support for our Friendship Links Club. Life is hard out there, and much of the work for the children and adults they support must be done very quietly.
President Betty was delighted to present to Shirley, some contributions to help with their important work with the elderly, young children and babies back in Zimbabwe.
July 2008 - BBQ for NSPCC
The barbecue on Monday 28th July was a huge success - the food was excellent, thanks to chef Steve and members who supplied ‘extras’, and the company was good. Three prospective members came along to sample the club’s hospitality and also enjoyed the evening.
LAR President Maggie and IPP Ineke both enjoyed their visit and Maggie took away another cheque for £60 to help swell the funds for Malawi. Ineke was, as always full of praise for the club, which she declared ‘friendly and lively!’
Thanks to Janet P and Steve for hosting the evening and to Janet R for organising the whole event. A total of £428 has been raised for President Betty’s project - NSPCC.
One of our highlights from the past
Our Musical Evening
On Friday, 30th March, Southend Soroptimists held a Musical Evening at St James Church, Leigh-on-Sea. Their guest was the young and talented harpist, Camilla Pay.
Camilla Pay, formerly Principal Harpist in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra now enjoys a freelance career. She appears on television and accompanies artistes like Aled Jones, Barry Manilow and Katherine Jenkins.
She shared the stage with David Sandercock, a well-known local organist, who played the recently installed Viscount organ.
The two performers held the audience spell-bound with their light classical pieces. Both introduced their own items, giving the evening a delightful and informal air.
Camilla played a range from her repertoire including Debussy’s Clair de Lune, Pachelbel’s Canon in D and the film music, Cavatina.
David complimented her programme with several short pieces including Greensleeves and Richard Hall’s Berceuse. The evening ended with a rousing arrangement of Jerusalem, which the audience joined in.
Club member Sue Sincock, who organised the event, said afterwards ‘It has been a most enjoyable and successful event.’
The profit from the evening goes towards the Southend Soroptimist President’s charity, which this year, raises funds for MIND, supporting those with mental health problems.
Our Programme Action
Our Programme Action Officer and Programme Action Committee are just what they say they are - ACTIVE!
At the Southend club, we hope that every Soroptimist has an opportunity to DO SOMETHING in the name of Soroptimist International.
The Programme Action Committee meets regularly to consider our projects, set dates and plan events or service activities. We have a brilliant little A4 tri-fold that keeps our members up-to-date with what’s going on.
Recent News
The Programme Action Committee met to plan our Winter and Spring Action and a new tri-fold was distributed at the Christmas meal.
We’ve decided to increase our lobbying in support of the Conference motions – Garment Sweat Shops, FGM, Child Marriage, homeless women and sex selective abortion are all iniquitous practices designed to debase women – and must be stopped. Our local MPs are certainly going to be bombarded!
We’ve also made contact with the Basildon Refuge – so as well as continuing our support for Southend Refuge, we’re talking with the manager at Basildon, to see what we can do there. All the women in both refuges will get Christmas presents, and we’ll continue to provide welcome packs. Club members are very generous – thank you Sue and Jackie for co-ordinating this work.
The cash for the President’s Project continues to trickle in – well over £1 000 now!
Local Action
We have a range of on-going projects - we keep up our ACTION all year, every year.
- Support for the Womens Refuge in Southend and Basildon - a toiletry bag for every woman
- Christmas gifts for women in both refuges
- 2p coin collection for the UNICEF - Born Free
- Recycling by ensuring that we support our local initiatives
- Lobbying our MPs about issues important to Soroptimists
Each year our club agrees to support a local charity nominated by the President. President Jackie’s chosen charity is THE SUNFLOWER TRUST and we shall raise money for their local work throughout the year 2009 – 2010.
Club fund-raising and social activities -
- Three members took part in the Southend Moonlight Colourthon - and have donated their sponsorship money to the President’s Project
- A Summer Lunch was held in a member’s garden in August
- A Pamper Afternoon was held in October
Look at our President’s Projects page for more information about the club presidents’ projects from the past
Our Friendship Links Club in Zimbabwe needs support. Catherine held a coffee morning in February 2010 to raise much needed cash and was able to send off a generous donation to help with Soroptimist work in Harare.
- We try to send food packets on a regular basis
- We collect money
- We meet our contact when we can
Regional Action
The club continues to support our Regional Project in Malawi
- We had a collection to raise money to kit out two football teams
- We provided enough money for winter clothes
- We had a frugal meal and made a donation for furniture for a classroom
- We held a book sale on UN Literacy Day and donated £41 - our club’s share for the ‘toilets fund’
- We had a collection after our Christmas meal and raised £125
International Action
The club has already donated over £700 to Project SIerra, our international quadrennial project and in 2009 - 2010 we have two fund-raisers planned. We had a frugal meal in June, but charged our usual dining fee and donated the profit to Project SIerra. We shall also donate the proceeds from our regular Canvey Island lunch to Project SIerra - this year, it will be held on 28th March, as it was postponed in January.
We are fully committed to Fairtrade shopping
We support UN World Water Day each year and UN Day of Literacy
We held a major event for UN International Day of Peace on 21st September 2008 and hope to repeat this successful Peace Vigil on 25th September 2010.
Look at our UN International Day of Peace page for information about our Peace Vigil
UN International Day of Peace - 21st September 2008
Soroptimist International has Category 1 status at United Nations, and so, we recognise and celebrate several of the UN’s special days during the year. We particularly draw attention to those that will benefit women and girls.
Our club celebrated UN International Day of Peace on September 21st 2008 in a BIG WAY with a Peace Vigil. We brought the issue of peace as a basic human right, to the attention of people in our locality.
We firmly believe that peace isn’t just the absence of war - it’s about living without fear, being cared for and being educated so that life can be good!
At noon, we held a quiet session of readings at the Salvation Army Training Centre in Hadleigh, near Southend, and then we walked to Hadleigh Castle for our Peace Vigil. Everyone, even the Mayor of Castle Point wore white tee-shirts or tops!
At Hadleigh Castle, we released a cloud of 35 white doves, sponsored by organisations and individuals, symbolising our Soroptimist aim for a peaceful world.
Everyone was given a peace scroll - like those given at the Glasgow Convention. The whole event was extremely moving and worthwhile.
Earlier in the year the whole club had been involved in addressing the invitations and making peace scrolls - as you can see, we got quite a production line going and all really enjoyed ourselves!
The event was a local success and we shall hold another Peace Vigil on 25th September 2010.
At Southend, we’ve always supported UN International Day of Peace - we urged all our local schools to contribute to our UKPAC Peace Book in 2006 and several of us walked for the ‘Women for Women’ project.
And … Living together in harmony is something we practice at this club!
This is a long distance shot of our doves circling around the castle - you can save this image to your own computer and enlarge it - give a right click over the image!
Our Honorary Member
Southend-on-Sea and District Club has honoured Betty Finch by inviting her to become an Honorary Member
Betty has always been a very keen Soroptimist and a hard-working member of our club. Her willingness to take on club office, attend Regional or other meetings has never ceased to amaze. Betty has been a member far longer than most of us can remember and she has fulfilled almost every role in the club – being our President for a second time in our Golden Jubilee year and taking on the Presidency again, to celebrate her Honorary Membership.
Betty has given her time very generously - one could almost say that it has been her life’s work - to further the Soroptimist aim of advancing the status of women.
Professionally, her work included being a superb head of a Girls’ Secondary School. In this role, she was extremely well respected and some of her ex-pupils confirm that she gave many of those secondary ‘modern’ girls hopes and aspirations to achieve far more than their backgrounds would have allowed.
Her work in many fields, including being a magistrate and working for NSPCC has kept her very busy during her retirement.
As a club we started the process to get her rewarded for her life of service, by the award of an OBE. This was given particularly for her work in the prison service, when Bullwood Hall was a women’s prison.
The word Soroptimist means - ‘best for our sisters’. Betty has always sought the best for women - she is a true Soroptimist and the Southend Club has been privileged to have her as a member. We were delighted to offer, and proud that she has accepted Honorary Membership.
We were delighted that Betty was our President during the year of her honorary membership and were very pleased to support her nominated charity, NSPCC, raising £1 000 for their local work.
Our Programme for the Year
This year, our focus is on women, and how our community supports them.
President Jackie has invited a number of speakers to stimulate our discussion and give important information to keep members up-to-date with regional, national and international Soroptimist activities.
☺ these meetings will take place at Essex Golf Complex
April 2009
27th ☺Annual General Meeting
May 2009
11th Executive Committee
16th Regional Development Day at Colchester
18th ☺Business Meeting followed by President’s Project Speaker – Sunflower Trust
28th Programme Action Committee
June 2009
8th Executive Committee
13th Regional AGM and Regional Council meeting - Venture Centre 2000 - Lawford
15th Business Meeting with a frugal meals at SAVs Centre - any profit to Project SIerra
followed by Regional Report and Memories and Memorabilia
July 2009
4th Support the Southend Moonlightathon - in aid of the President’s Project
13th Executive Committee
15th Social Committee
20th ☺Business Meeting followed by Speaker - Street Tough Challenge
August 2009
1st Summer Lunch in aid of the President’s Project
NO CLUB MEETINGS
September 2009
7th Executive Committee
14th ☺Business Meeting followed by Speaker - UN Day of Literacy
26th Regional Council meeting - Venture Centre 2000 - Lawford
October 2009
8th Programme Action Committee
12th Executive Committee
19th ☺Business Meeting – focus on Programme Action
tbc Ladies Afternoon to support Membership
29th Federation Conference – Cardiff - to 1st November
November 2009
9th Executive Committee
11th Social Committee
14th Regional officers and Regional Reps meeting - Ventre Centre 2000 - Lawford
16th ☺Business Meeting followed by Speaker - London Rape Support Unit
December 2009
5th UN Human Rights Day Celebration and Regional Council meeting - Canvey Island
7th Executive Committee
14th ☺Christmas Meal - collection for LAR Malawi Project
January 2010
11th Executive Committee
18th ☺Business Meeting followed by Speaker – UN International Women’s Day
February 2010
8th Executive Committee
10th Social Committee
15th ☺Business Meeting and Speaker from Southend Refuge
21st Annual Lunch
March 2010
4th Programme Action Committee
8th Executive Committee
13th Regional Council meeting - Ventre Centre 2000 - Lawford
15th ☺Business Meeting and PA followed by Club Discussion
28th Lunch on Canvey Island - for Project SIerra
April 2010
12th Executive Committee
19th ☺Annual General Meeting
Future dates for 2010
May 15th Regional Development Day for all club officers
June 12th Regional AGM and Regional Council meeting – Lawford
Sept 25th Regional Council meeting and UN International Day of Peace – Lawford
Oct Federation Conference in Manchester
Our President’s message
Welcome to our website!
I’m Jackie - President of Southend-on-Sea and District Soroptimist Club.
Although our club is based in Southend-on-Sea it covers a wide area and our members come from all over the surrounding districts.
We meet at the Essex Golf Club, Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Thorpe Bay on the third Monday of each month at 7.15pm. We have a meal, followed by our business meeting and then we usually have a speaker about something important to Soroptimists.
Each year the club President nominates a local charity to benefit from our club’s fundraising. This year my chosen charity is The Southend Sunflower Trust, which aims to make a difference to the quality of life for children with special needs in the Southend area.
We also support the things that are important to Soroptimists nationally, like our Violence Against Women – STOP IT NOW project, our regional project to support a school in Malawi and our international project in Sierra Leone, Project SIerra. We all know that if you want something done, you ask a busy woman!
We are a lively, friendly group of women with full lives, who come together to give what time we can to promote the rights of women and girls throughout the world.
Of course there is a lighter side to our programme, and many of our social fund-raising events are where we just have fun and enjoy the chance to develop our friendships.
If you would like to join us we would be pleased to welcome you to our meetings to give you the opportunity to get to know us.
Jackie Daniels
President S I Southend-on-Sea and District