IT was a somewhat depleted meeting at the Southcrest Manor Hotel on July 9 due to holidays and seasonal commitments.

Consequently the speaker had been postponed till a later date, and therefore much business was able to be discussed and dealt with.

After the meal greetings and apologies were accepted and the minutes of the last meeting agreed.

With regard to our decision to provide medical equipment to Chalala Hospital in Zimbabwe, Gail and Margaret visited Boots the chemist and they kindly donated a blood pressure sphygamomanometer, We still require an otoscope, artery forceps, cheatles, needle holders, thermometers and pill holding trays. Hopefully some of these will be sourced during the next few months.

Sarah’s BBQ is to be held on August 1, 12.30pm at her home £10 per head. All proceeds to go to the Basement Project, our local charity for this year.

The group have planned a sponsored walk on August 22 to raise funds for Water Aid.

It will be a 10.30am start, meeting at Tardebigge Church. Lunch has been arranged for those who want it at the Queens Head Stoke Pound.

The walk will then continue back along the side of the canal to Tardebigge Church.

Gail’s tea party is to be held on September 6,at her home, where Bromsgrove and Redditch Soroptimists will be presenting a cheque for £6,000 to Stephen Thrush, from money raised for the Worcestershire Breast Cancer Unit. Any prospective new members are welcome to come along to this event, a contact number is given below.

Hazel informed us that the Friendship Link with Burton upon Trent Soroptimist’s is now in place, and we will be inviting them to join us at one of our summer functions. The first of these takes place on July 19 with a steam train outing followed by lunch.

Membership of Soroptimist International gives the opportunity to:- Undertake local, national, and international projects that Educate, Enable, and Empower women to reach their full potential.

Enjoy service, friendship and fun with women locally.

Lobby, influence and make a difference for women at home and abroad.

Bromsgrove and Redditch Club meets every second Thursday, monthly. New members are always welcome and further information for anyone considering joining us is available on sigbi.org or we can also be contacted on 07812 985 927 or 07799 482 444.