16 - 18 April

Friendship and Study Weekend in Pembrokeshire College

Hosted by Regional President Marilyn, SI Milford Haven's President Erene Grieve and her team, the weekend combined the best aspects of Soroptimism - friendship, work and relaxation.

The informality of a Friday evening supper in The Mariners Hotel, followed by a Beetle Drive, allowed members to chat with their weekend guest speaker, UK Co-ordinator for the SIAM project, Elizabeth Hughes (SI Ilkley).

A surprise visitor bearing an uncanny resemblance to the PAO for SI Milford Haven introduced herself as 'Wee' Philly McWilliams.

On Saturday morning in Pembrokeshire College Principal Glyn Jones, escorting a group of business visitors from Hiroshima, was surprised to find amongst them yet another Soroptimist - Kazuko Hayashi, vice-president of Tomo Railway International. RP Marilyn, Erene Grieve and fellow Soroptimists gave her a warm welcome.

RP Marilyn's aim for the weekend was to bring in an element of fun yet at the same time do something which would develop and extend members' skills and inter-club friendship.

Her idea of 'going back to the classroom' proved immensely popular. College lecturers were on hand to give expert tuition in aromatherapy, hair care, Japanese cooking, keeping fit and the basics of using a computer. The Japanese cookery group prepared authentic Sushi under the guidance of Yoriko Omae.

The fitness enthusiasts had to be weighed, measured and subjected to seemingly harsh physical torture to assess their health and stamina.

Enthusiasm in Wales South for learning IT skills is becoming infectious. With 21 of their 25 Clubs now with an email facility the computer group were eager to find out how to explore the Net and access the Region's website.

The afternoon session saw Elizabeth Hughes presenting her report on the winding-up of the SIAM Project.

The original target of funding for this Quadrennial project has long been surpassed. The names Soroptimist International and 'SIAM' are now well-known in Chang Rai province. On her most recent visit Elizabeth was gratified to see that in the villages where Soroptimists have been working "behaviour modification" is now taking place. 'SIAM' has brought AIDS and anti-CSI education to whole communities and as Elizabeth said "the project has picked up the lives of so many victims of CSI and given them back".

What of the future when our support ends? The work will carry on by well-trained Village Co-ordinators backed up by an Endowment Fund to be set up in Chang Rai. Educational Scholarships for girls will provide vocational training, development will continue in extending the skills of weaving jewellery making, agriculture, etc.

Every Soroptimist feels proud that the achievements of the SIAM project will continue to be financially supported to enable young girls to grow to adulthood, have an education, a healthier life-style and a future unsullied by AIDS and the CSI.

Elizabeth concluded with a poignant reminder of seeing a poster with the words "Please wear a condom so I'll hear my sons call me mother".

....There was nothing more that needed saying.

Note: A full report on the background and achievements of this Quadrennial project will be reported on the Soroptimist International website when it eventually comes on line.

Saturday evening's formal Dinner, prepared by the catering students at Pembrokeshire College, was preceded by a reception hosted by Cllr Alwyn Luke, chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council.

RP Marilyn presented her guest Ann Hughes, Mayor of Milford Haven with a painting by a local artist which she hoped could be used to raise funds for a charity of Mayor Ann's choice.

An after-dinner performance by Milford Haven School Jazz Band set toes tapping and Soroptimists dancing. President Erene Grieve remarked there was only way to describe it - "fantastic!".