8:10am Tuesday 5th May 2009
AT last year’s AGM, the incoming president of Soroptimist International Barry and District, Marie Mantle, suggested members might appreciate a “quieter” year, having had a busy time leading up to the club’s celebration of its 40th Anniversary.
However, when programme action officer Judith Lewis read out her report, it was obvious, even in a “quiet” year, members achieved an incredible amount.
Projects included the quarterly survey of Jackson’s Bay for the Marine Conservation Society; donating items, packing and sending parcels to troops in Afghanistan; providing over 1,000 knitted Easter chicks to support Velindre Hospital; donating items to the local Women’s Refuge; arranging monthly events at a local residential home; and supporting the Christmas Tree Festival in St Augustine’s Church, Penarth.
Members also support recycling projects by collecting unwanted jewellery for a Regional Project – Licking Lassa Fever, as well as stamps, spectacles and ink cartridges. Not bad for a quiet year.
In her president’s report, Marie referred to the considerable amount that had been raised – approximately £2,000 for her chosen charity the Stroke Association, and £150 for the Salvation Army.
The club continues to make donations to its annual commitments that include the support of an orphan in India, the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative and various Soroptimist charities.
Incoming president Iris Hopkins lives in Dinas Powys, is the former headmistress of Dinas Powys Infants School and is well known in the area. She was first the president of the club 17 years ago, and also served as regional president in 1997-98.
She announced that her nominated charity would be ValePlus, an organisation with bases in Barry and Llantwit Major that provides educational, social and vocational opportunities for adults with learning and related disabilities. To find out more about Soroptimism visit www.soroptimist-gbi.org
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