December 2000

SI Milford International Night

Reporter Phyllis Williams, SI Milford Haven

A candlelighting ceremony to mark United Nations Human Rights Day has been a tradition in west Wales for many years. The first ceremony took place in 1958 hosted by the then Milford Haven and District Soroptimist Club and continued annually until 1962 when the two independent clubs of SI Haverfordwest and SI Milford Haven were formed.

Since then, the two clubs have hosted the event on alternate years. The lighting of candles by SI club members, friendship link correspondents, representatives of other countries and international organisations is always a moving experience and one that highlights Soroptimists' continuing support for Human Rights.

L to R Pam Howells, president elect SI Milford Haven,
Pam Maggs, Sadie Morton, Janet Watson

During their International Night, SI Milford Haven lit candles to honour their overseas links with clubs in the USA, Austria, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. Guest speaker Pam Maggs, SI Tenby, spoke of her walking treks along the Great Wall of China and the Inca trail in Peru to raise funds for charity.

Wales South Regional President Sadie Morton gave an update of the work being done for the SI Quadrennial Project "Limbs for Life" to which all donations from the evening were being sent.

SI Milford president Janet Watson was enthusiastic about the support given to this memorable evening by her guests and members of her club.

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