At their recent AGM, Kidderminster Soroptimists thanked Outgoing Presidents, Shirley Bonas, Stephanie Ainsley and Denise Carson, who had shared the role for the last year. Reporting on their year it was clear a lot had been achieved and their speaker theme of “Interesting People, Interesting Lives and a Diversity of Skills” could well have been applied to themselves.

Our fundraising events included a lecture by Mark Baldwin, a ‘Royal Wedding Day’ and a Victorian Tea Party. We sponsored members who ‘Pound the Bounds’ in Rock. We have sent money to support birthing attendants in Zimbabwe as well as other local organisations. We are involved with Birchen Coppice School with sponsoring a Bee Project, helping with the school fetes, serving coffee on Friday mornings for the parents after assemblies and helping pupils with reading difficulties. We also presented them with a sturdy bench for the playground.

Taking up the baton as Incoming President, in this Olympic year, is Hilary Thompson. Her speaker theme this year will be “Golden Threads in Women’s Lives”, exploring how women have developed their careers and businesses based on strong vocational personal values and with a common thread of leadership.

Hilary said “I am keen to maintain the momentum we have had this year, combining service to local projects, fundraising, expanding our awareness and, of course, enjoying fun and friendship. Our involvement in Birchen Coppice School has revitalised the club with a long term very practical project. This year I hope to add to our service commitment, helping those affected by the current economic climate through the local Food Bank and also considering the needs of our local elderly women and their carers.

I am delighted that we have new members this year and hope that we can attract yet more. In addition to our regular business and supper meetings we have a Jubilee 1940s Tea Dance, Alternative Olympics and Casino Night all in the diary. We are also hoping to complete at least a small part of the Severn Way Walk. Women of all ages are welcome to join us.”

Gayna Woodland takes over as President-Elect and is also Treasurer, Sue Partridge continues as Secretary, Denise Carson carries on leading the Club's Programme Action work supported by Shirley Bonas, Elke Jury continues as Membership Officer and Linda Cocksedge remains Press & Publicity Officer.

For more details regarding the activities of the Club, please email on Kidderminstersorop@gmail.com or look at our website link on www.sigbi.org