Welcome
Welcome to the web pages of SI Tamworth.
SI Tamworth was formed in March 1948 with twelve members and the first Charter Dinner was held at the Peel Arms Hotel on 25th June 1948.
To day we have over 50 members.
Please use the links on the left to see our latest projects and read our news.
You may contact us using the web form, but if you wish additional information, do not hesitate to email us at sitamworth@yahoo.co.uk.
Saturday of Service 2009
This year the Saturday of Service was a recycling event.
Members and friends recycled:-
Used stamps
Used postcards
Foreign coins and notes
Used cartridges (not Epson)
Old mobile phones
Belts
Handbags
Pairs of shoes that are clean and in reasonable order
Quality clothing for men, women and children
Clean bedding / Curtains / Towels
Clean, good quality children’s toys
Videos
CD’s
Jewellery which is no longer required or is broken
Old style sewing machines
Ornaments and china
Good condition tools of any kind, especially carpentry tools
Pens / Pencils/ Blank paper / Exercise books / A4 pads
Knitting wool / Knitted items such as baby clothes, children’s cardigans and sweater
Toiletries
A ‘Bronze box’ full of 1p and 2p coins went to Water Aid.
Money raised from the sale of food and any donations brought a Rotary Life Box.
Items for Purple Salute were also collected.
World Peace Day 2008
SI Tamworth celebrated World Peace Day with a special service held in Tamworth Parish Church. More than 100 children attended the service from local schools. The children contributed to the service by giving vocal performances. Tamworth Ladies’ choir also sang. 12 doves were released at the end of the service.
The event also highlighted land mine awareness.
All schools have been invited to take part in a competition in painting or poetry on the theme of Peace.
The winners were presented with their awards by President Lisa Hardy and the Mayor of Tamworth, Councillor Brian Beale in a ceremony held at Tamworth Library.
Over 100 people, parents, grandparents, teachers and Soroptimists watched as the prizes of book tokens and books were given out. The standard of entries were very high and it was moving to see the winners excitement and the pride of parents, grandparents and teachers.
2009 - 2010
Representatives from Headway, a brain injury association, were guests at our April meeting. This year President Dawn has chosen Headway as her main charity to support. It helps patients with brain injuries and their families.
2008 - 2009
Members and friends enjoyed a thrilling Race Night on Saturday 6th September 2008. A total of £594 was raised for Madam Presidents Charity
Fashion, Style and a touch of glamour helped to raise more than £2000 for the Tamworth Special Needs Nursery at Our Ladies Night on Wednesday 22nd October 2008. Over 200 guests a fashion show sponsored by Caroline Jane and Millarde Fashions and a display of hairstyles by Rage.
Members of SI Tamworth and guests had a fascinating and entertaining evening when Mr John S White came along to talk as a Georgian butler. He dressed in the authentic uniform and laid a dining table exactly as it would have been laid in a rich household in mid 18th Century England.
Everyone was amazed at the amount of accoutrements placed upon the table.
An excellent meal followed the talk and was served 20th Century style by SI waitresses.
SI Tamworth’s final fundraising event for a Special Needs Nursery and other local charities was a Glen Miller evening.
Some of the guests ‘got in the mood’ by dressing in wartime style.
There were some very nostalgic costumes.
Diamond Anniversary
In 2008 SI Tamworth celebrated its Diamond Anniversary as SI Tamworth was chartered as a club on 25th June 1948.
We celebrated with a glittering evening at The Tower Suite, Drayton Manor, Tamworth.
President Lisa, along with past and present members, were joined by SIGBI President Marguerite Woodstock Riley.
The evening included lighting the Candles of Friendship, cutting of the birthday cake and entertainment by Lisa Waddingham who sang songs from the decades.
Every lady received a special gift of a silver lapel pin made by SI Tamworth member Gwyneth Brown.
2008 - 2009
In May, Peter Eddon, a local historian, gave an interesting and informative presentation on the life of Lady Peel.
As shown in the picture above, in the spirit of the talk, members wore hats and gloves to the meal.
In October S.I. Tamworth did not have a speaker but instead learned how to Line Dance with Gordon and Joyce Knight. Just over half the members took part (see picture below) and although some were a bit nervous it was an enjoyable experience. One or two of the novices were excellent - one or two decided not to give up their day jobs!!!
In November Members listened to travel tales from Dave and Nicky who spoke about their VSO work in Ghana where they were involved in teaching and setting up schools. The picture below shows one of the schools they taught in.
In January Professor Ian Booth, who is the Leonard Parsons Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, and Dean of Medicine at the University of Birmingham, came to speak on behalf of WellChild. He told members about his work as a Gastro-enterologist and as a Genetic Epidemiologist. The majority of club had little knowledge of this, but Professor Booth explained superbly just what was involved in the work. He was an excellent speaker and everyone commented what an interesting evening it had been.
In March Corinne Knight who lives in Tamworth, came to speak about Purple Salute. Her partner Sergeant Bob O’Connor died while serving with the RAF in Iraq. She set up Purple Salute in his memory, but also to honour those who continue to serve our country – the ongoing efforts of our military and emergency personnel. Now a national charity, SI Tamworth has been supporting Purple Salute as part of club’s Programme Action work. This was another excellent talk.
Corrine Knight centre with left President Lisa Hardy, and right Vivian Khan, SI Councillor and member of SI Tamworth.
Speaker Meetings
Please us the links on the left hand side to read about our recent speaker meetings.
Programme Action
Programme Action is the focus of all Soroptimist clubs.
SI Tamworth has regular Programme Action discussions during its Business Meetings, speakers on Programme Action topics for some of its Dinner Meetings and participates in a number of Programme Action based activities.
Please use the links on the left hand side to find out more about our activities.
World Environment Day 2008
To mark World Environment Day on the 5th June SI Tamworth planted two trees.
A Himalayan Birch tree was planted in the garden at the Sir Robert Peel Hospital,
and rose tree was planted in the Garden of Memories at Two Rivers School.
Useful links
Purple salute
SI Tamworth supports Purple salute by sending items for the soldiers in Selly Oak Hospital Army Unit.
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
This was our main charity in 2004-2005
National Literacy Trust
This was our main charity in 2007-2008
Krizevac Project
SI Tamworth supports this by collecting old sewing machines
Knitting
We have currently started a knitting project. Our first Knit and Natter will be in February 2009.
We are knitting:-
Bears for Burundi.
Each bear is worth 4 bricks in the building of a school. Please use the link below for the pattern.
Burundi Bears pattern
Blankets 3ft x 4ft or 6ft by 4ft
Plain V neck jumpers for ages 6-14 years
Cardigans from premature size to about 32 inch chest.
Recycling
In our efforts not to waste the world’s resources we have started a club collecting and recycling programme.
We collect:-
Spectacles
Used stamps
Used postcards
Foreign coins/notes
Used cartridges
Used mobile phones
Paired shoes, belts and bags
Quality clean clothing
Books
Items for toiletry bags
Toys
Videos/CDs
Clean bedding
Curtains
Towels
Old style sewing machines
Ornaments and china
Tools (especially carpentry)
Books, pens and blank paper
Tamworth Talking Newspapers
Members of SI Tamworth are helping Tamworth Talking Newspapers by reading articles.
St Giles Hospice
St Giles Hospice is our local Hospice and offers medical and nursing care for people living with cancer and support for their families
Throughout the year events are held to raise funds for the hospice.
To learn more about the hospice please click here.
Pathway Project
The Pathway Project provides help and support to woman experiencing abuse in the home.
Members support the project by providing toiletries and other useful items
For more information about the work of the Pathway Project please click here.
Stroke Patient support
Our cookbook, Fabulous Foods – 101 secrets revealed, was so popular that we sold every single copy and made £9,000 profit.
Half of the monies raised was used to buy equipment for Stroke Patient Support at the Sir Robert Peel Hospital.
During February 2008 members paid a visit to the stroke ward to see the equipment our money had brought.
Cecily’s Fund
Cecily’s fund helps Zambian AIDS Orphans.
In August 2004 we raised money for this charity by holding a Jazz in the Park music event.
Later in the year many of our members attended the annual picnic at Woodstock where Madam President presented a cheque for £1310 to Alison Eastwood.
Two of our members were able to visit some of the children supported by Cecily’s fund.
In 2009 members of SI Tamworth and guests had a fascinating and entertaining evening when Mr John S White came along to talk as a Georgian butler. He dressed in the authentic uniform and laid a dining table exactly as it would have been laid in a rich household in mid 18th Century England. Everyone was amazed at the amount of accoutrements placed upon the table. An excellent meal followed the talk and was served 20th Century style by SI waitresses
As regular supporters we are now mentioned on the Cecily’s Fund supporters page.
To find out more about the work of Cecily’s Fund please click here.
Our projects
SI Tamworth supports several projects both home and abroad.
To find out more about our projects please use the links on the left-hand side.
Social and Fundraising Events
Our forthcoming social events are listed below.
To find out more about these evnts please use the links on the left-hand side.
Meeting dates
Venue of meetings, unless otherwise stated:
Hamilton Suite
Drayton Manor Family Theme Park
Fazeley
B78 3TW
All meetings and events start at 7:30 pm unless otherwise stated.
MAY 2009
14th BUSINESS MEETING
Please note change of venue to the California Room
28th DINNER MEETING
Rachel McLafferty, West Midland Regional Co-ordinator and Vicky Evans, Development Manager for Headway South Staffs.
JUNE 2009
11th BUSINESS MEETING
26th 61st Annual Dinner Anniversary of Charter
President Dawninvites you all to join us at our 61st Annual Dinner
JULY 2009
9th BUSINESS MEETING
23rd PICNIC MEETING
At Sarah’s Wood. Meal at Conkers
SEPTEMBER 2009
10th BUSINESS MEETING
24th DINNER MEETING
Angela Reynolds - women’s health
OCTOBER 2009
8th BUSINESS MEETING
22nd DINNER MEETING
The magic lantern show. Ray Sturdy introduces traditional Victorial amusements and entertainment.
NOVEMBER 2009
12th BUSINESS MEETING
26th DINNER MEETING
Gwyneth Brown is… Eleanor of Aquitaine
DECEMBER 2009
10th CHRISTMAS PARTY
Come along and join in the festive fun of our annual Christmas Party
JANUARY 2010
14th BUSINESS MEETING
28th DINNER MEETING
Dr Amanda Green on the benfits of Chiropractics
FEBRUARY 2010
11th BUSINESS MEETING
25th DINNER MEETING
Garry Jones - RSPB Middleton Lakes
MARCH 2010
11th BUSINESS MEETING
25th INTERNATIONAL EVENING
April 2010
8th AGM Annual General Meeting and Change of Insignia
22nd JOINT BUSINESS and DINNER
This is a joint Business and Dinner meeting. The business part of the evening will take place after dinner.
President’s message
President Lisa’s message:-
It is both an honour and a privilege to take up office as president of S I Tamworth. My theme for the year is “Remembering the past and embracing a bright global future”. The reason that I have selected this phrase is that it marries the 2 essential elements of my year. I am the sixtieth president to take office. Since 1948 ladies have been striving for global peace, high standards in the professions and providing service in so many ways.
We are a service organization. Are we going to make a difference this year? The world is a smaller place now, and that is why I refer in my slogan to a global future. It is my hope that we continue our excellent international work. As a club I am proud of the work which has been done through the bursary to aid girls in Kampala. This is our global work. It ties in beautifully with the Soroptimist peace pledge “we pledge to work in a world where education is accessible to all girls”. We are working towards that. On 10 December 1948 the general Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We are about 8 months into our quadrennial project which seeks to support children and their families in Sierra Leone. Soroptimists are brave to aid a place where the life expectancy is 41, where 50% of the population is under 15 years of age and where 70% of girls have never been to school.1 in 8 women die in childbirth. Project Sierra is important. We will be working towards helping this project this year.
What about at a local level? For my charity this year I have chosen Tamworth Special Needs nursery. It is a project which is going to see great change this year. It is moving from the Leyfields to a new site. There is an opportunity for we Tamworth people to affect the lives of fellow Tamworth folk. As an educationalist and recent Mum this seems to be appropriate. We will have the chance to buy new equipment for the new site and enterprise in our 60th year. But for me also it is the way that some meetings do leave you with a better sense of perspective, and feeling re energized and invigorated. So It is my intention, that we do put the O back into Soroptimism. We put optimism into Soroptimism. We do great work. Optima means hopeful. I am hopeful. Let’s make this 60th year one to remember…lets celebrate in style…let’s make this a positive year for both new and existing members.
Club Officers
L-R Immediate Past President: Lisa Hardy; President: Dawn Perry; President Elect: Julia Goodall Vice President: Jackie Edwards
President: Dawn Perry
Immediate Past President: Lisa Hardy
President Elect: Julia Goodall
Vice President: Jackie Edwards
Secretary: Kath Jones
Treasurer: Jan Morris
Programme Action Officer: Viv Khan