Soroptimist International Wales South - Study Weekend in Llandrindod Wells

6 April - 8 April 2001

Study Weekend in Llandrindod Wells

Soroptimists take the spring waters Despite stormforce winds and rain, representatives from 23 Wales South clubs made their way to the Hotel Metropole in Llandrindod Wells to attend a Regional Study Weekend with a theme of "Women making a difference".

Guests and speakers for this weekend were impressive! Clearly due to advance planning by RP Sadie Morton, delegates were able to welcome Federation President Hilary Shaw, SI Programme Coordinator for Environment Olive Newton, SI Project Coordinator for 'Limbs for Life' Ann Garvie and Chief Executive of Powys County Council Jackey Tonge.

Speaking after Friday night's informal dinner, Jackey Tonge got the weekend off to a good start, both with her amazing sense of humour and her constructive comments on ways in which 'women can make a difference'.

Jackey Tonge with RP Sadie

Gillian Gauntlett, president SI Llandrindod Wells, welcomed the Conference on Saturday morning and gave an excellent public relations report on the attractions of her town, though she recommended that one visit to 'take the waters' might be more than enough! Introducing Hilary Shaw she echoed everyone's feeling that it was a great honour to have the Federation President at a Study Weekend.

Federation President Hilary gave a wide-ranging account of her future plans which are now developing well under her theme of 'You can't beat a woman' - to be taken through to the Federation Conference in Durban in October this year.

In common with many Soroptimists, Wales South realise the need to streamline their admininstrative and working methods to fit in with today's demanding lifestyle of members who work in the professions or in business. Using projective techniques and intensive focus groups delegates thrashed out dozens of new ideas for future development in the Region. Summaries of the main issues were pulled together by RP Sadie and will be passed back to Regional Council and clubs for further discussion.

There was an extremely positive feeling among members that they were at last getting to grips with practical ways to cut out some procedures which have been in existence for many years by replacing them with a fresh new approach.

Carwen Wynne-Howells, Helen Nicholls and Helen Murdoch
acting out rôles of Soroptimists old and new

Carwen as an old-style 'traditionalist'

One of the focus study groups

After lunch Olive Newton reported on the United Nations Vienna Conference where she had been representing Soroptimist International at a seminar on 'Trafficking of Women and Children'. Ann Garvie summarised current achievements on the 'Limbs for Life' Quadrennial project.

After a day of satisfying hard work, delegates relaxed in the evening for dinner and a spirited concert of songs and monologues provided by the Rhayader Male Voice Choir.

FP Hilary and RP Sadie relaxing at the dinner

Soroptimists surrounded by the Rhayader Male Voice Choir

Regional President Sadie and all members of the SI Llandrindod Wells club were congratulated on organising an instructive, stimulating and enjoyable Study Weekend.