SI Southend on Sea and District Diary
Our diary for 2008 - 2009 is now complete. President Betty has finalised the programme, which was distributed to members at the AGM in April.
Our programme for last year was interesting and very focussed on our own Programme Action as well as national and international Soroptimist interests - look at our 'Latest News' and 'Projects' to see what we did.
All our meetings start with a short business meeting and a meal. We hold a raffle to build up our general charities account and during the year there are several social functions to support our club President's Project or other Soroptimist projects.
Programme Action Report
Type of meeting: Business Meeting
Date: 19 November 2007
Time: 19:15
Venue: Garons Golf Club
Postponed from last month this evening gave all members the opportunity to discuss our Programme Action activities in the coming months. We have changed our regular monthly support, so that we shall now support the Shoebury Women's Refuge, rather than the Homeless Project HARP, which we have supported for a number of years. Our almost-final gesture for HARP was to collect blankets and sleeping bags for winter distribution and these were taken straight after the meeting, to their home in York Road. We are extending our involvement in both the Regional Project in Malawi and the international project, Project SIerra and are keeping up our support for Amnesty - signing Christmas Cards - and for Fair Havens - gardening.
The new A4 triple-fold is available from PAO Irene.
Friendship Links Coffee Morning
Type of meeting: Social Event
Date: 12 January 2008
Time: 10:30
Venue: Catherine's home
In support of our Friendship Link Club in Harare - members were updated about the situation in Harare and got to know more about why and how we are involved.
Lunch on Canvey Island
Type of meeting: Social Event
Date: 27 January 2008
Time: 12:30
Venue: Margaret S's house
Lunch at Margaret and David's house overlooking Tewkes Creek and Hadleigh Downs was again a convivial affair - with sunshine, a spectacular view and several visitors from other clubs.
This year, the proceeds are for Project SIerra and a total of £380 was raised - well done!
Programme Action Evening
Type of meeting: Business Meeting
Date: 18 February 2008
Time: 19:15
Venue: Garons Golf Club
Our half yearly chance to catch up with what we've all being doing for Programme Action over the last year and what we CAN do in the future!
Annual Lunch
Type of meeting: Social Event
Date: 24 February 2008
Time: 12:30
Venue: Chichester Hotel
Around 60 guests joined President Jan and her family for this year's Annual Lunch at the Chichester.
Everyone enjoyed an excellent meal and great company and after the meal, our Regional President Maggie spoke about the Regional Project in Malawi. Our friends, families and guests were delighted to hear that Southend's £200 had been well-spent on winter clothing for every child and football shirts for four teams!
Many thanks to Social Secretary Janet for all her help in organising this event!
See our news article for more information.
Day of Service
Type of meeting: Federation Event
Date: 1 March 2008
Time: 09:30
Venue: Fair Havens Hospice
Our Day of Service was held one week early, when a small but dedicated band of gardeners went to Fair Havens to sort out the gardens for the spring!
Regional Meeting
Type of meeting: Regional Event
Date: 15 March 2008
Time: 10:00
Venue: Venture Centre, Lawford
It was a great delight to be a member of the host club for this new venture - our regional meeting was held at a central venue, making travelling easier for everyone.
Sue, our Regional Rep and Janet, our Social Secretary had worked hard to co-rdinate the event, encouraging 16 members of the club to attend. We served morning coffees and afternoon tea and hired caterers to serve the lunch - and everyone agreed the food was excellent.
I was extremely proud to be a member of the club - all our members, including six 'first-timers' enjoyed the meeting, chatted with everyone and were enthusiastic about the Project SIerra speaker - it was a very convivial meeting!
Everyone agreed that a regional meeting sets Soroptimism in context and makes our projects far more vivid.
Thank you Sue and Janet for your hard work, which will make it easier for the next host club at Lawford.
Life as a Theatrical Costumier
Type of meeting: Speaker Meeting
Date: 17 March 2008
Time: 19:15
Venue: Garons Golf Club
After a short business meeting, Ann Witchells joined us to speak about her career as a Theatrical Costumier. This was our last meeting in President Jan's year and was something of a break from our usual themes.
Ann's life as a seamstress quickly developed into an exciting journey through films, plays and TV epics with fittings for a range of famous names.
The meeting was interesting and fun - not least because Ann brought with her several photographs of Sean Bean as Sharpe!
Annual General Meeting 2008
Type of meeting: Business Meeting
Date: 21 April 2008
Time: 19:30
Venue: Garons
All members should now have received their papers for the AGM. We shall dine at 7.30pm and the AGM will follow at 8.30pm. Please be prompt!
The programme for next year will be distributed at the meeting and members are reminded that subscriptions of £80 should be paid at or before the meeting. Thank You.