As Club members take a break in August, our activities over the past few months show the enthusiasm, interest and support for the local community. Several members raised £100 for the West Midlands Air Ambulance when they ‘Pounded the Bounds’ in the annual walk around Rock Parish in May.

We are supporting the newly formed Kidderminster Food Bank with members volunteering their time to help with the distribution of goods and donating non-perishable foods. Since opening the Foodbank, based at Baxter Church in Kidderminster, has already helped a number of needy families in the area.

Members continue to donate much needed toiletries for Nightstop, which provides emergency accommodation and support for young people aged 16 to 25.

We continue our campaign on Violence Against Women – Stop It Now! with the distribution of a bookmark ‘She Loves Me – She Loves Me Not’ predominantly to primary and high schools in Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport-on-Severn together with other agencies and charities throughout the area. As a means to raise awareness and educate people to create and sustain positive and safe relationships, the bookmarks give a simple message that no-one has the right to harm or control you in a relationship.

During a three day weekend in May, we welcomed from our Friendship Link Club SI Heidelberg members, Doris, Margaret and Cornelia and friends. The numerous activities were co-ordinated by Mrs Elke Jury, included sightseeing and hospitality together with Club members took in the sights around Bewdley, Bridgnorth, Clee Hills, Cleobury, Ironbridge, Kinver, Ludlow, Much Wenlock, Stourport, Worcester before they departed following a tour of Birmingham City Centre. Our visitors made a generous donation to our charity funds as a big thank you for giving them such a wonderful time.

In June, as our Summer Outing, we were entertained at the production of ‘Daisy Pulls it Off’ staged at the Rose Theatre, Kidderminster. Club President Hilary Thompson was on stage as one of the ‘girls’. The performance was very enjoyable and bought back memories for some of their own schooldays.

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