President’s message
Tiverton Soroptimist Club has been in existence for many years and although we have seen many changes since incorporation, we remain a small and friendly group. We currently have 27 members, and our main aim is to raise social awareness on issues affecting women on a global basis, whilst also concentrating our efforts wherever possible on local issues.
Our fund raising each year is intended not only to support Soroptimist International in achieving their worldwide goals, but each President has the opportunity to select her own personal local charities. Over the past few years, these have included MASC, Age Concern, Young Carers, the Drop In Centre, CHAT, Fair Trade and many other smaller organisations. One of our members (and a Past President) is very involved with a village project in Sunderban, Bangladesh, and this particular project is therefore very close to all our hearts.
We also try to get involved in hands-on projects wherever possible and have been known to help with planting of new gardens for local charities, to don painting gear for local children with special needs at their activity centre and to bake cakes and arrange concerts for the elderly in care homes locally.
The club is open to all professional women who have a social conscience and along with our good causes, we encourage awareness of social issues within the UK and internationally by having guest speakers or videos with presentations and open discussion groups. Finally, we do try to have fun and have a full social calendar running throughout the year with varied activities such as theatre visits, skittles, barbecues, treasure hunts, etc.
Our Club meetings are held at the Tiverton Hotel on the second Wednesday of each month (excluding August) at 7.30 p.m., and last for approximately two hours. If you would like to come along to a meeting, please contact our secretary, Diane Hill (01395 265996) dkhill@dianehill.plus.com
Ann Walters