Soroptimist International of Anguilla

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Executive Committee 2010-2011

President	Blondell Rodgiers
Pres Elect	Una Gumbs
Vice President	Olive Hodge
Past Pres	Stella Horsford
Treasurer	Anita Brooks
Secretary	Violet Berry
Councillor	Josephine Gumbs
Prog Action	Brenda Carty
Members	Sylvia McMeen
	Rose Brooks
	Pamela Connor
	Lisa Gumbs

Annual General Meeting April 27 2010

The secretary highlighted the events of the past year. These included the anniversary dinner, the friendship day when members visited the St Martin Soroptimists, the Christmas Fair and the annual concert. Two members went to the regional conference in Grenada and two members went to the Federation Conference in Cardiff, Wales. She also reported on the work of the various committees including fund raising events and the work of the Day Care Centre.

Soroptimist Anita Brooks gave the treasurer's report and Soroptimist Murielle Owen reported on the finances of the Day Care Centre. Programme Action Convener Brenda Carty reported on activities for the year that included a successful Health Fair, visits to the Senior Citizens Home, a summer reading workshop for ten and eleven year olds, the continued anti plastic bag campaign, and the meetings held for Human Rights Day and International Women's Day.

President Blondell thanked the members for their support during the past year and said she looks forward to continuing support. She said that there have been many challenges, especially in connection with the financial situation and the running of the Day Care Centre. She asked members to come together, to share ideas, and together build beyond expectations. She suggested that they look to the Soroptimist Pledge to work together and note that actions and behaviour must reflect what Soroptimism stands for. She urged members to be actively involved in the work of the Club and said that she looks forward to a productive 2011.

The President gave special thanks to persons who have served well during the past year and to the Environment Committee for gaining the Federation Award for the project "Say no to Plastics". The event was ably chaired by Soroptimist Alison Carty and the evening ended with refreshments and fellowship among the members.

Soroptimists partner with National Council on International Women's Day

The feature address was given by Carla Harris-Pascal who urged those present to work with young people, to mentor them, hold forums to talk of the challenges of life, talk about sex, and their responsibility to themselves for good health.

The theme "Equal Rights Equal Opportunities Progress for All" was highlighted by the many speakers who included the newly appointed Speaker of the House of Assembly, Barbara Webster-Bourne, Ernie Hodge-Carty, President of the National Council of Women, Brenda Carty, Programme Action Officer for the Soroptimists, Ken Hodge, Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home and Gender Affairs, Patricia Beard speaking on HIV/AIDS, Emma Ferguson from the Anguilla Teachers Union and Ijahnya Christian. Many of the speakers congratulated the new Speaker as she is the first woman to hold that position in Anguilla. She said that with the support of all more can be achieved and together women can make a difference. "My hope is that we will continue to see progress, advancement, and equal opportunity for women in every part of the world. I trust that we can continue to work together to move beyond the "small talk" and resort to action, to improve the quality of life of women everywhere," she stressed.

Lana Hoyoung, who heads the Human Rights committee of the Soroptimist Club, said that it is time that there is an elected woman in the House of Assembly. "We do have reasons to celebrate some of the strides we the women of Anguilla have made but let it be known we are not there as yet. The road is long and winding but as women we must continue to press on," she urged.

Anguilla Soroptimists presented with top award for environment project

Anguilla was nominated as one of the best projects in the Environment category and at the Conference the Anguilla Club presented a film, produced by Rocklyn Maynard, showing their project. The Club topped the many others that were nominated from around the world and received the Best Practice Award for Environment.

In the meantime members of the Club are urging the public to assist them in their campaign by purchasing and using reusable bags for their shopping and by purchasing biodegradable products in the form of plates, cups, bowls, napkins and garbage bags that are available at the Anguilla National Trust.

Soroptimist Christmas Fair a Great Success

Entertainment included music by the steel band of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School and dancing by the moko jumbies. The many booths provided opportunities for Christmas gifts to be purchased. They included many craft stalls with decorations, jewellery, pet gifts, dolls, napkin holders, candles, soaps and more. Other stalls included cakes, tombola, white elephant, plants, and drinks. There was lots of fun for the children with games and a bouncy castle as well as the popular visit and photo with Santa.

Funds raised at the Christmas Fair are for maintenance of the Soroptimist Day Care Centre and other projects of the Club. The Soroptimist members expressed thanks to the many businesses, restaurants, hotels and individuals who assisted them with donations for the lunch and prizes, and to the Governor Alistair Harrison and Mrs Harrison for allowing the Fair to be held at Government House.

Anguilla Soroptimists hold Health Fair

The Health Fair was held on a Saturday morning in a central part of the main town. Each segment was held in a separate booth under a tent. There was a variety of health information ranging from cancer prevention, dental diseases, nutrition, blood sugar tests, blood pressure tests, massage, HIV/AIDS prevention, eye care and First Aid.

One of the island's top doctors was there to give advice on cancer prevention and she recommended tests necessary for women such as mammograms and pap smears and also suggested regular breast examinations and a colonoscopy every ten years. A local optician offered complete eye tests that included distance and near vision checks, muscle imbalance, colour vision and horizontal field test. The Government dental surgeon advised on dental diseases and the treatment necessary. The diabetes booth was very popular where people were given blood sugar tests and blood pressure tests. Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, the Mental Health Association, an osteopath and the Red Cross were also present at the Fair.

One of the highlights of the Fair was a drum circle led by a local resident who had just returned from attending a drum circle workshop in the USA. .She says that drum circles are fun and promote self-expression, reduce stress, create social interaction, build community, provide exercise for the mind body and spirit and can be for persons of all ages.

Top table at the 28th Anniversary Dinner

Soroptimist International of Anguilla Executive Committee 2009-2010

President	Blondell Rodgiers
President elect	Una Gumbs
Imm Past President	Stella Horsford
Vice President	Olive Hodge
Secretary	Lana Hoyoung
Treasurer	Anita Brooks
Councillor	Josephine Gumbs
Programme Action	Brenda Carty
Members	Carmencita Davis
	Violet Berry
	Sylvia McMeen

Soroptimist International of Anguilla Annual General Meeting

Outgoing President Horsford said the year has been one of delights and challenges. She said that the Day Care is always a challenge and there have been a few incidents during the past year. She spoke of the Federation Conference in Barbados as one of the delights and the first Caribbean President Marguerite Woodstock-Riley who is the daughter of Ena Woodstock, a former Magistrate in Anguilla who founded the Anguilla Soroptimist Club. She urged committees to function and to re-commit to the work of the Club. She thanked her secretary, Margaret Mitchell, who she described as very supportive, as well as the members of the Executive. The outgoing president wished the new president a fruitful and productive year.

New President Blondell Rogers and Outgoing President Stella Horsford

The Secretary outlined some of the events of the year including fund raising efforts and speakers the Club has had. She spoke of the Anniversary Dinner held at the English Rose Restaurant and the Christmas social and farewell for the past patron, Mrs George. She reported that the Programme Action committee has continued to support education on the island and through the environment committee is trying to ban the use of plastic bags and introduce biodegradable items. She also noted that the Health Committee has continued its anti-cancer campaign by encouraging mammograms and pap smears for women and the Human Rights committee held two interesting functions on Human Rights Day and the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day.

A report on the Day Care Centre was given by Donnette Richardson who spoke of the upgrade the Centre has received. She noted that there is still a need for playground equipment for the children to enjoy the garden of the Day Care Centre.

The Treasurer, Anita Brooks reported on the various fund raising events and congratulated the committee for their efforts. She also thanked the business community including Gulf Insurance for its support.

President Blondell Rodgiers thanked members for putting their confidence in her and promised to do her best for the Club. She asked for the support of all and thanked the Past President for her work. "Everyone must pitch in," she admonished, "so that the work is not a burden for a few."

Soroptimists plant oleanders for World Environment Day

The oleanders were planted along the south fence of the Soroptimist Day Care Centre to provide privacy from the adjoining property. President of the Club, Blondell Rodgiers said, “I am very happy to see the Environment Committee of the Club planting shrubs to beautify the Day Care Centre grounds. I hope that other groups will also be planting trees and shrubs today or in the near future, to help the environment of the island.”

Say no to Plastic Presentation

Soroptimist members contributed to the evening by starting the programme with some lively songs and ending it with a dance. Included in the programme were well-known Bankie Banx, Hot Shot, Una Gumbs, Wycliffe Robinson and Evan Webster. The young talent came from the All Ah Wee Dancers, musicians Krystal and Krystie Webster who played a saxophone and clarinet duet, Elizabeth Orchard who read a poem that she had written, and three children from the Philippines who touched the audience with their singing about peace in the world. Kenn Banks and Carl Harrigan created much laughter with their skit, and Walter Vanterpool and Melanie Ortega again appealed to the audience. MC for the evening was Gilda Samuels with Lennox Vanterpool as the accompanist and Titanium Sound providing sound equipment.

The funds raised were for the Soroptimist international project in Sierra Leone that was described by President Stella Horsford. Funds will also go towards the maintenance of the Soroptimist Day Care Centre.

Soroptimists hold symposium on Human Rights Day

Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office, Foster Rogers spoke of the right to move freely, own property, vote, the right to education, health care and just to enjoy life that in Anguilla is taken for granted. He noted that this is not the case in many countries around the world where there are many issues. He said that there is a whole section in the newly proposed Constitution dealing with human rights and the Ministry of Human Rights and Gender is very keen to protect the people of Anguilla and citizens must make sure that their human rights are protected.

Opposition member of the House of Assembly, Hubert Hughes stressed that justice and love underpin all human rights and the two main obstacles to fundamental rights are politics and religion. He spoke of the freedom of assent, the freedom of religion and the freedom of association.

Soroptimist Lana Hoyoung, formerly in charge of gender affairs in the Chief Minister's Office, spoke of the need for Anguilla to go forward. She said that there are still violations remaining and gender imbalance. She noted that Anguilla as a developing nation must preserve all rights and they must be embraced politically, socially, economically and morally. Human Rights must also be reflected in the laws of the island and be prevalent in the work place, in homes, family and religion. She applauded the Chief Minister for pushing the right to self-determination forward.

2008 Programme and Projects

Programme for Meetings

July 8 David Carty-Environment/Alternative Energy
August No Speaker
Sept 9 Darlene Baptiste, CEO of Health Authority
Oct 14 Ivor Hodge-Photography (bring your camera)
Nov11 Jo Burns-Flower Arranging
Dec 9 Christmas Social
Jan 13 Financial Planning-Marie Rey
Feb 10 Dr Hughes, Skin cancer/coping with old age
Mar 10 Una & Countess---Bridge for beginners
April 14 Preparation for AGM

Other Events
August 16 Anniversary Dinner
December 3 Christmas Fair
April 28 AGM

Dates to be announced
Thailand evening-Mrs George
Breakfast at Overlook
Bird Watching walk around Sandy Ground pond
'Recommend a Book' to other members

Project in Sri Lanka

Funds raised in the Anguillian community for Tsunami relief resulted in the building of a pre-school in the small coastal village of Pandura in Sri Lanka for children aged 3-5 years. The building is completed and the children are now enjoying their new surroundings. The funds were managed by KPMG in Anguilla and through association with the Soroptimist Club in Colombo, Denise Romney of KPMG was able to find an exciting and rewarding project. Sri Lanka was chosen for the funds as several Sri Lankans had worked at KPMG and also in the Attorney General's Office in Anguilla during the past few years. It was decided to have a capital project that would assist in a rural area. The project was identified by the Soroptimist Club of Colombo and the pre-school is for children affected by the Tsunami and the Street Children, whose families cannot afford pre-school education. The cost of the pre-school building is US$15,000.00 and it is estimated that operation costs will be approximately us$2,500.00 per annum. The Anguilla Soroptimist Club is funding the latter that will include the cost of educational materials, salaries, food and maintenance. The pre-school is named "Anguilla and SI Colombo Friendship Pre-School". There are currently 35 children in the school that is open from 8.00 a.m. until 12 noon. Two meals are provided daily, breakfast and lunch. There are two teachers, a caretaker supervisor and a cook to provide nutritious meals. The building has been constructed so that there are two classrooms with divider cupboards so that when necessary for a concert or meeting there can be one room.

Soroptimists celebrate anniversary with a dinner and church service

Chairing the proceedings at the dinner, Soroptimist Audrey Rogers welcomed the guests that included the Governor Andrew George, Mrs George who is Patron of the Soroptimist Club and Minister of Finance, Victor Banks. Toasts were given to Her Majesty the Queen, by the Governor, to the island of Anguilla by Victor Banks, and to Soroptimist International by Louise Franklin. Banks spoke of the important work the Soroptimists do in the community. A visiting Soroptimist from St Vincent & the Grenadines, Zeitha Hadaway, gave a toast to the Anguilla Club congratulating them on the work they are doing and urging them to continue. Soroptimist Olive Hodge, thanked the guests for coming and proposed a toast to the guests.

Long Service Awards were presented to ten members of the Club by the Patron, Mrs George. Those receiving certificates were Rose Brooks, Louise Franklin, Molly Hodge, Olive Hodge, Eudora Hughes, Isa Lake, Murielle Owen, Countess Rey, Irma Richardson, Vera Richardson and Ursula Sweeney. They were all charter members of the Club in 1981 and have continued to be active members since then. Brooks, Molly Hodge, Hughes and Rey were absent.

President Stella Horsford outlined some of the work of the Club during the past year. She said that despite many challenges the hard work, dedication and commitment of the members had outweighed the challenges. She noted that the Day Care Centre is the main project of the Club and opened in 1985 as a safe environment for working mothers to leave their children. She praised the charter members for their dedicated service and reported that there are now 42 members in the Club. Programmes during the year have included a Reading Programme, Teen Talks, Mammogram and Pap Smear tests, and donating supplies to the Pediatric Ward at the Princess Alexandra Hospital that the Club adopted in 2004. She spoke of the fund raising events that enable the Club to run the Day Care Centre and to assist in the community in many ways.

The church service was conducted by Rev Clifton Niles who preached on having a healthy church that is growing, learning, inclusive and relevant. The President gave a short account of the Soroptimist Club, the young people of the church sang several choruses and the lesson was read by Soroptimist Irma Richardson.

Soroptimists launch campaign to save plastic bags

Soroptimist members in Anguilla have started a campaign to alert the public to the dangers of plastic bags and to reduce the use of these bags. Members are starting to use re-usable plastic and canvas bags and are encouraging others to do the same.

At the landfill site plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to degrade and then they photo-degrade which means they break down into smaller toxic bits that can contaminate soil and water. Every year hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals die from eating discarded plastic bags that they mistake for food. On land goats, cows, dogs and other animals can die by accidentally eating plastic bags while foraging for food.

The production of plastic bags requires petroleum and often natural gas, both non-renewable resources. The toxic chemical ingredients needed to make plastic produces pollution during the manufacturing process and the energy needed to manufacture and transport bags eats up more resources and creates global warming emissions.

All of these reasons have led the Soroptimists to start this campaign and they are hoping the general public will cooperate. Many countries around the world including several in this region and in Africa, as well as Europe and North America, are having similar drives to reduce the use of plastic bags.

Grocery owners here are cooperating and are investigating sources for supplying the reusable plastic bags. The Soroptimists are also finding sources and plan in the future to produce and sell canvas bags for shopping. In the meantime members are urging everyone to cut down on the number of bags you use, take back clean bags to use for your next shopping or if you have a suitable canvas bag start using that. EVERY BAG SAVED WILL HELP TO REDUCE THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE BAGS ON OUR ENVIRONMENT.

Soroptimists present lively concert

During the evening the All Ah Wee Dancers performed admirably, Melanie and friends delighted the audience as did Evalie Bradley with her monologue of days gone by. Bankie Banx, Harold Vanterpool, Hot Shot, Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, Elizabeth Orchard, Una Gumbs and Audrey Rogers were all much appreciated. Special mention must be made of Walter Vanterpool who has performed at every Soroptimist Concert and always has the audience very amused.

Funds raised at the concert are to be used for the Soroptimist project for women's health. This has already included providing mammograms for more than 20 women in the community and is now being extended to fund pap smears for women recommended by the various clinics.

Soroptimists donate kitchen equipment for WISE programme

Gabriele Klaren, coordinator of the programme, thanked the Soroptimists for their “great contribution” saying that without their donation the kitchen would have taken years to complete. Now the cooking programme has started for some 12 girls and is run by Marnie Emery from England.

Soroptimist Michele Bellers has been assisting with the project for the past two years and Gabriele thanked her for all her help and presented her with a calendar containing photographs of the students at work. “Your contribution has been invaluable and has considerably raised the level of the WISE programme,” she said in presenting the gift.

Deputy Principal of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School, Worrell Brooks, gave warm wishes to WISE on behalf of the Ministry of Education. He said that the ministry appreciates the help of the Soroptimists and other community partners and invited other groups to lend assistance. He noted that all students should have an opportunity to excel in their field of strength.

The programme at WISE started in February 2005 and has grown from strength to strength. Coordinator of the programme Gabriele Klaren is assisted by several staff and volunteers. There are now more than 100 students involved in the programme who attend at least one morning each week. The programme focuses on students at risk with practical inclination who are selected to be part of the WISE programme based on their behavioural problems at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. Projects include carpentry, model boat building, bamboo work, jewelry, ceramics, visual arts, glass, agriculture, gardening and now cooking.

To show their cookery skills some of the students had prepared a delicious meal for the Soroptimists, media members and other visitors to the opening. They had made lasagna and garlic bread and prepared a fruit plate that were all very well made.

Tree planting in memory of Soroptimist Alecia Ballin

The tree was planted by Alecia’s daughter, Alex, President Alison Carty and Soroptimist Violet Berry. Members of the Club witnessed the occasion. A plaque is to be placed at the foot of the tree.

Soroptimist Anniversary Dinner

Governor Andrew George congratulated the members on their achievements and proposed a toast to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming said that organizations like the Soroptimist Club aid the Government and that he is grateful for all the work that they do in the community. “I hope you will go from strength to strength,” Fleming noted. He proposed a toast to the island of Anguilla.

Timothy Hodge, Director of the Social Security Board, spoke of the achievements of the Club over the past 26 years and proposed a toast to the Club. He made mention of the loan that the Soroptimist Club asked Social Security for when building the extension to the Day Care Centre saying that they are the only group that has ever offered to pay back a loan, and this they did, which he described as admirable.

Soroptimist Stella Horsford proposed a toast to Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI). She explained that there are four Federations and the Anguilla Club belongs to the SIGBI which has 398 clubs in 30 countries and includes women of all ages and ethnic groups whose aim is to give service to others.

Soroptimist Josephine Gumbs proposed a toast to the guests, thanking them for their support of the Club over the years and for attending the anniversary dinner.

President Alison described some of the programmes of the Club including the literacy programme, the teen talks to youth groups and the classes for Spanish speaking persons, and thanked Stella Horsford for organizing these projects. She also referred to WISE (Workshop Initiative for Support in Education) and the plan to set up cooking classes, and asked for support in supplying kitchen equipment for the group. She reported that a new Director has been appointed for the Day Care Centre and thanked Murielle Owen for all her work in keeping the Centre running. Other projects mentioned included raising money for Survivors of War which is an international project, supplying five benches to the arrival gallery at the Wallblake Airport, the annual Christmas Fair and the anniversary stamps.

Music during the evening was supplied by Boss and Company and after the speeches some lively dancing completed the evening.

New President and Executive for Soroptimist International of Anguilla

Secretary Josephine Gumbs reported on the 25th Anniversary and read reports from the fund raising, hospitality and other committees of the Club. During the year there have been several fund raising events including a concert, the Christmas Fair, lunches and an auction. The Club has continued to work in the community and organized teen talks, the annual reading workshop, work at WISE (Workshop Initiative for Support in Education) and health promotions for women. Soroptimist Murielle Owen reported on the Day Care Centre and gave details of the expenses for the year.

The Patron of the Club, Mrs Andrew George, wife of His Excellency Governor Andrew George, gave special thanks to the President Carmencita Davis and Secretary Josephine Gumbs for their work during the year. She thanked members for the warm welcome she has received and said she is pleased to be a part of the Club and looks forward to working with members for the good of the community.

The new President received her chain of office from the Patron and thanked the past President for her fine leadership. She spoke of re-energizing members to their responsibilities and urged them to keep to the ideals of "sincerity of friendship" and "joy of achievement" that are outlined in the Soroptimist Pledge. She said that members have different strengths and weaknesses and it is important to work together so that more can be achieved.

The new Executive Committee is Alison Carty (President), Stella Horsford (President Elect), Carmencita Davis (Immediate Past President), Diane Sheehan (Secretary), Raheema Sharma (Treasurer), Stella Horsford (Programme Action) and members Olive Hodge, Donnette Richardson, Josephine Gumbs and Patricia Gumbs.

Sponsorship of Mammogram tests

Five ladies over 50 years old, were chosen by the nurse in charge at each of the five clinics in West End, The Valley, East End, Island Harbour and Welches Polyclinic. They were persons deemed to be in need of the test. The mammograms are being carried out by Gloria Bennett and the radiology technician is Patrick de Reu from St Martin who visits the Medical Centre once a week.

The mammograms cost US$90.00 each and a cheque for US$2250.00 was handed over by Soroptimist Pamela Connor, the chair of the Health Committee, to Nurse Bennett. Connor told the Daily Herald that the Club hopes to extend the mammogram support especially during the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, and funds for this are now being raised. There are also plans to expand and include pap smears for women and to put out a leaflet encouraging women to take these two tests regularly.

Two Stamps released to celebrate 25th Anniversary

Two stamps released for Soroptimist Anniversary.

ANGUILLA-The first stamp issue for 2007 is in recognition of one of Anguilla's prominent service organizations, the Soroptimist Club's 25th Anniversary. There are two stamps; one has the Soroptimist logo and is EC$1.90 and the other features Alecia Ballin, a charter member of the Club and is the $2.75 stamp. A short ceremony, chaired by Soroptimist Violet Berry, took place at the Post Office on Monday January 29.

At the launching, Minister of Finance, Victor Banks, said that the Soroptimists have given 25 years of dedicated service to the island and started a Day Care Centre at a time when women were getting more involved in the work force and needed care for their children. He said that it was fitting to have one stamp to celebrate Alecia Ballin's voluntary work and as an entrepreneur on the island. He closed by thanking the Soroptimist members for being partners with the Government.

Postmaster General Jacqueline Niles congratulated the Soroptimist Club on the 25th Anniversary and for their hard work in the community during that time. She pointed out that although the postal service is not used as much as previously because of other means of communication, stamps are still used a lot on parcels, for official documents and for collectors. She invited the Soroptimist members to assist in the sale and promotion of the stamps and urged other organizations to suggest some creative themes.

President of the Club, Carmencita Davis said she was very happy the stamps were produced and especially for the stamp of Alecia as it was originally her idea to have a stamp in honour of the anniversary. She urged all to buy the stamps and thus advertise the Soroptimists and Anguilla.

The Deputy Postmaster General, Marcia Richardson, said that Anguilla's stamps have received international acclaim since the 1970s. At that time they were a major source of revenue for the government. She described how the art production of a stamp is approved by the Post Office's agent in London, John Lister, and then by the Anguilla Stamp Advisory Committee. After approval by the Palace in London the stamps are then printed, so the process takes some time to achieve. She said that the Post Office is particularly pleased and honoured that the first stamp issue for 2007 is the Soroptimist issue and grateful that the Philatelic Bureau can play a part in the 25th Anniversary. She then unveiled the two stamps that were being released and invited persons to purchase the first day covers or the individual stamps.

In attendance in addition to the speakers, were Alex Ballin, daughter of Alecia, Judy Ruvumna, stepdaughter, many members of the Soroptimist Club, friends of Alecia and post office officials.

Soroptimist Christmas Fair

Christmas Fair at Government House attracts many people.

ANGUILLA-The Annual Christmas Fair organized by the Soroptimist Club was enjoyed and supported by many persons and held in the beautiful grounds of Government House.

The Soroptimists organized lunch, drinks, games and several stalls. There were many stalls with attractive crafts, art, pottery, toys, gifts, plants, cakes, books and other items. Organizations with booths included the Anguilla Craft Group, the Anguilla Beautification Club, the Devonish Gallery, individual artists and others. Santa was there and many children spent time telling him what they want for Christmas and posing for photographs. Christmas music supplied by Bob Rieman filled the air and Christmas songs by Catherine Rieman put everyone in a happy Christmas mood.

The Soroptimist raffle was won by Ms J Lloyd who won a trip for two to Puerto Rico on American Eagle, the second prize of a Pebble Phone was won by Rhona Richardson and the third prize of a DVD player was won by Barbara Oberly who donated it to the Soroptimist Day Care Centre. The Craft raffle of the nativity scene made with knitted figures was won by Ingrid Estrada, Judy Bardfield won the hand painted tray and third prize went to Judy Carmichael who won a hand sewn flower.

Funds raised by the Soroptimists will be used for the Day Care Centre and other projects of the Club.

Soroptimists donate benches to airport

President of the Club, Carmencita Davis said she was proud and happy to hand over the benches on behalf of the members of the Club for the use of the public. She pledged the Club's voluntary service to the community and said there will be other projects this year to celebrate the Club's 25th Anniversary.

Airport Manager, Remington Lake thanked the members for the donation saying that he hopes the travelling public will appreciate the benches and treat them carefully. He suggested that other non-government organizations should take similar action to assist the community and said that he hopes all the Soroptimist projects will be beneficial to the community.

Bancroft Battick, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure echoed the sentiments of the Airport Manager and thanked the Soroptimists on behalf of the Ministry and the Government. He commended them for their act of kindness as he had noticed there was nowhere to sit in the area and the benches will be particularly good for older persons.

Minister of Infrastructure, Kenneth Harrigan described the occasion as special and said the Government is very appreciative of the positive impact the Soroptimist Club is having on the lives of the people in Anguilla. He mentioned the Day Care Centre, the lessons for Spanish speaking persons and the Reading Workshop held annually. He said that the travelling public and visitors will appreciate the benches and wished the members every success in their service endeavours for the island.

Soroptimist Olive Hodge thanked the persons who spoke and for their appreciation, and also thanked the businesses that have supported the Club during the 25th Anniversary.

Soroptimists Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Twelve of the original 23 charter members are still active members of the Club and most were able to attend the events. Founder of the club, Ena Woodstock honoured the club with her presence for the weekend. The church service was held at the Emmanuel Methodist Church at West End on Sunday August 13 and was conducted by Rev Lindsay Richardson. That evening a dinner was held at the home of Molly Hodge, the first President of the Club.

Soroptimists and visitors after the church service

The retreat on Monday involved all members of the club and the visiting Soroptimists from Antigua, Barbados, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Jamaica, Marie Galante and St Martin. An address by Candis Niles on the topic "The Role & Challenges of Women in the 21st Century" was followed by a lively discussion on the problems in the community and how these can be addressed. In the afternoon there was a motivational talk by Jerry and Bethany Riskin that inspired members to continue their work. Following this, members discussed future projects and made plans for work in the community in the coming year.

As part of the Retreat on Monday Caribbean President Kathryn Cyrus spoke to members on the importance of retaining members. She noted that members will stay if they are felt valued and if they are welcomed warmly. She suggested clubs must know the potential of each member and use them. She also said that meetings must be planned with an interesting, flexible programme that includes stimulating speakers and also allows for socialization among members. "Let us all wake up with new vigour and go that little extra mile to bring new life into our clubs," the President said. "We can then bring a better quality of life to more of the less fortunate citizens in the many projects out there waiting for us to take on."

President Carmencita Davis with founder of the Anguilla Club Ena Woodstock

The Anniversary Dinner, chaired by Soroptimist Olive Hodge, was held at Koal Keel Restaurant where a delicious dinner was followed by toasts. His Excellency the Governor, Andrew George toasted Her Majesty the Queen saying that it was a special year for her as she celebrated her 80th birthday. Acting Chief Minister, Victor Banks praised the work of the Soroptimist Club over the years noting that members have made a difference on the island, especially for women and children and have contributed to the development of Anguilla. The Hon Deputy Governor, Stanley Reid spoke of the advocacy and action of the Club and the various projects including the Day Care Centre, the Reading Workshop and work with the Senior Citizens. "Many people have noted the visionary ladies and their dedication and commitment," he commented as he toasted the Club.

Soroptimist Brenda Carty toasted the Federation of Great Britain and Ireland and the Federation of Europe and Soroptimist Blondell Rodgiers toasted the guests that included Soroptimists from St Martin, Marie Galante, Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, and St Vincent & the Grenadines, as well as friends and family of members. The Club President Carmencita Davis said that as part of the Anniversary celebrations, benches have been placed in the waving gallery of Wallblake Airport so that persons will be more comfortable when meeting flights and the Club is to adopt an area opposite St Mary's Church in honour of deceased Soroptimists.

Top table at the Anniversary dinner

Awards were presented to Ena Woodstock, the founder of the Anguilla Club, to Molly Hodge the first President of the Anguilla Club, to Irena Bailey who was patron in the early days of the Club and worked very hard and to Alecia Ballin, a hard working member who recently died. A special award to a "Woman in the Community" was given to Mabel Gumbs, a well known and outstanding figure in the Anglican Church and the community who has worked with many groups and associations. A Presidential plaque was presented to the Club by Dr Rona Hodge and visiting clubs presented several gifts.

Caribbean Regional Council

Member countries are Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Tortola, Turks & Caicos.

This year the secretariat is in St Vincent & the Grenadines.

The CRC was officially formed in 1973 in Jamaica with Dr Kathleen Henriques as President. The Council meets every two years on a rotation basis. The original aims of the Council were:-

• To unite all clubs and national associations in the region.
• To foster formation of new clubs in the region.
• To act as a court of appeal within.
• To provide a link with government, national, regional and international bodies.
• To promote the objects of Soroptimism by voluntary service to the community within the region.