Soroptimist International Bath and District

To celebrate this day, an event was put on by the local councils in the Bradley Stoke area which included interesting talks, singing and some very interesting speakers including the ‘Red Dress’ which has been touring the world with ladies from impoverished areas adding their sewing skills and stories to the dress. An amazing achievement.

On 8th March International Women’s Day, 2 members visited Trowbridge County Hall where Julian House were exhibiting art work created by the ladies and children living in their refuges. The art work was truly amazing and thought provoking. Doing art work has really helped these ladies move forward and we look forward to seeing more in the future.

It was a pleasure to be able to teach ladies at the local refuge to sew and knit, some of them trying their hand at it for the first time. We were made very welcome and we hope to do this on a regular basis.

This is the time of year when we can relax and enjoy ourselves without thinking about the work that we do throughout the year. Lovely meal and great company.

On a very hot day we managed to make up a stall highlighting our club activities and also raising money for Mummy’s Star with a chocolate tombola and book sale. Perhaps it wasn’t the best choice for a scorching day but it brought people to the stall who were happy to take the choclate away!

A good meal was enjoyed by members and partners when we met up with Alex and Anne from the SI Goulburn club in Australia. Some of us had already met Anne at the Dublin convention so it was nice to catch up again and hear about the UK tour that they have been enjoying over the past 2 months.

The weather held out for members of the club to hold a tea party at one of our member’s house to raise funds for the charity Across (Jumbalance) and  HCPT (Hosanna House Children’s Pilgrimage Trust) which provides trips for disadavantaged adults and children to go to Lourdes each year.

Helen provided scrumptious cakes and scones which were eagerly devoured and £130 was raised.

A whole host of nations came together to attend the 2023 S.I. convention in Dublin over 3 days. We had inspiring speakers such as Former Irish Prime Minister Mary Robinson, the former President of the Republic of China Mr Ma Ying-Jeo, various representatives who have worked with the UN in the past and the present to name just a few. All very interesting and thought provoking.

At our regional meeting in Taunton, a beautiful handmade quilt was raffled off to raise money for our charity for this year called Mummy’s Star. Our club President Di was very happy to hand over the quilt to S.I. Jersey’s President Jean-Marie who had the winning ticket.