The Soroptimist 23rd birthday dinner was held last week at the bowling club, where members and friends enjoyed a very good meal.
Pru Hutchinson from the Walgett Shire Council was present, and toasted the members.
The next function will be the street stall on Thursday November 27, and hopefully we will have Christmas "goodies" for sale, so all members please have articles on the stall.
Our Christmas party will be held on Saturday December 6 at the bowling club at 12pm, and everyone is asked to bring a gift to the value of $10. Hope all members and friends attend.
It's hard to believe this year is on the countdown to Christmas already.
SI Lightning Ridge has been very busy as usual during the year.
Among out fundraising ventures was an Italian night that raised more than $1000 for one of our chosen beneficiaries this year - Meals on Wheels.
An overseas charity in need of our assistance was brought to our attention by one of our members.
Samaritans for Asian Kids is an organisation that fundraises to pay for operations for children in orphanages.
With no government assistance available, operations are very expensive and without external help, many of the children would either die or go through life with disfigurements that would make them outcasts.
SI Lightning Ridge members were pleased to take a soft drink can, made into an ideal collection can, to be strategically placed in offices and shops.
Our Mother's Day raffle, with a lavender theme, again proved to be popular and helped raise funds.
This year's Biggest Morning Tea was a great success.
Although the venue was changed the customers were still glad to buy a generous morning tea for a good cause (the Cancer Council).
The club sent president Pat Law and president elect Maj-Britt Forsberg to the SI convention in Sydney.
All members of the club were pleased to hear the informative report of President Pat on her return and it made us all wish that we could have accompanied her.
SI Lightning Ridge was also pleased to assist with sponsoring a delegate from Mongolia to attend the convention.
We have continued our support to the Lightning Ridge Safe House by purchasing a range of new underwear for women who have nothing when they arrive in crisis.
The local business from which we purchased the clothing was very generous and we were able to provide an extremely generous parcel for the clients.
SI Lightning Ridge has welcomed several new members this year and sadly farewelled long-standing member Val Tarlton who is now living in Melbourne.
Out Friendship Links have now been revitalised and Winn White is now corresponding with a Soroptimist in Japan and another in England.
Respite the downturn in the economy, SI Lightning Ridge continues to enjoy companionship and work in the community.
Margaret Gleeson
Soroptimists International
of Lightning Ridge
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