Immediate Past President’s message
Profile of Presidential Year
The Soroptimist International Club in Stafford was founded on 27 March 1939 and is celebrating its 70th anniversary year in 2008/2009.
As a musician my theme for this year is “Forward in Harmony” and I have produced an exciting programme of speakers including an ex Black & White Minstrel and a real Pantomime Dame.
The objective is to have fun, friendship and to work as a team (together everyone achieves more) to support our chosen charities. I am also keen to raise the profile of Soroptimism in our local area.
The club has supported many initiatives to promote SI objectives over the years, both local and international. I have chosen to support two local charities for my year. These are Staffordshire Blind and The Oak Tree Farm Rural Project for people with learning difficulties. We also give long term support for Stafford Women’s Aid and Wilford House, a residential home for elderly people.
The club is actively supporting Project Sierra, Soroptimist International’s quadrennial project which works with the some of the most disadvantaged children and families in Sierra Leone. My daughter Kathryn has recently undertaken the world’s highest bungee jump in South Africa to raise funds for this.
The club meets at The Moat House Hotel on the first and third Tuesdays in each month (except August). We value S I Stafford’s reputation as a friendly and active club, where we put the “optimism into Soroptimism”.
Judith Carder
President of the Stafford branch of
Soroptimist International