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.