Soroptimist International Stourbridge and District Club

Over 100 people attended Stourbridge & District’s annual Literary Dinner held at Hagley Golf & Country Club. The dinner presided over by Ann Middleton was a huge success and the club was able to promise a donation to Top Church Training (TCT) one of the clubs main charities. (TCT offer support and advice including practical advice to young vulnerable adults. Supporting them into homes and jobs via training). Mistress of Ceremonies Jane Flint Bridgewater kept the evening’s event all to time. The first of three authors was Brenda Read Brown introduced by Pat Whalley. Brenda spoke about helping various groups of people with her poetry. Groups included those with health and mental health problems and prisoners. Tanya Bullock was the second author introduced by Barbara Sykes. Tanya spoke about her work with learning disabled and how that work had influenced her written work. The final speaker was Penny Freedman who herself is a Soroptimist and she was introduced by Sue Solly. Penny has written several books and she and the others had their books for sale during the evening. Amongst the audience was club member Sarah Bookey who herself has just published her first novel under the name of S.R. Nicholls called The Lion and The Loom. The club has received many congratulations about the event with everyone expressing their thanks for such a wonderful event.

During the Business Meeting President Ann reminded members that we would once again be having a tree decorated with Soroptimist items at Wordsley Parish Church.

Anyone interesting in joining the club is welcome to come along to the meetings held at Hagley Golf & Country Club on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7.30 or to contact membership secretary on 01384 397565 or by emailing Jane on ejfb51@gmail.com. To find out more about Soroptimist International go to sigbi.org/stourbridge.