Gwenda explains: "I was really excited this year because I was asked to give a talk at the newly opened Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich - anyone who knows anything about art history will know this was the birthplace of the Dada movement in 1916. Here I am giving my 40-minute Powerpoint presentation which I spent ages learning off by heart. Of course the reaction of friends and family was 'Great photo of you, but who's that odd woman on the left?' Pride goes before a fall. The next photo I send round of myself will be strictly edited."

For interesting contributions from Gwenda visit these sites:

Barbara wrote: "Jim and I at our wedding July 3 1955 and Jim and I at our 50th wedding anniversary 2005! The ravages of time! The Club catered for the luncheon. This way, both of us benefited. I was assured of lovely food for the occasion, and the Club received a substantial cheque!"

Barbara sends regular contributions to the Chatliner's Activities pages:

Joann Kelly, has been a Chatline member since the early days of the Chatline. She is originally from the USA, but was already living in Hobart, Tasmania when she joined the Chatline.

For more information about Joann's Soroptimist activities visit these pages:

Joann has a relatively new acquisition - a 4-year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, called Hunter, who was given to her. Joanne writes: "He is the most GORGEOUS thing, and takes the meaning of 'lap dog' to whole new heights.

"These dogs were bred to be lap dogs for Kings and Queens, and Hunter takes his breeding very seriously. The closer he can snuggle, the better he likes it!"

****************************************** In addition to being a committed Soroptimist Joann also started a Red Hat Chapter in Hobart. Joann wrote: "When I canvassed interest in starting a Red Hat chapter, I invited many of my fellow Soroptimists; seven jumped at the opportunity and are enthusiastic Red Hatters. It works both ways. I talked about Soroptimists, and one Red Hatter is being invited to join SI Hobart. Also, two potential Soroptimists heard about the Red Hats and are joining both clubs. So everyone is a winner. Those who belong to both, as eloquently stated, get the pleasure of service with Soroptimists and the fun with no strings attached as Red Hatters.

And just a slight point of order (VBG). The founder of a Red Hat chapter is called the Queen Mother, not the Queen Bee."

Joann Kelly
SI Hobart,
Tasmania, Australia
AND
Queen Julep Magnolia Blossom (very tongue-in-cheek, you understand)
Hobart SCARLETT O'HATTERS
(because frankly my dear, we don't give a damn)

Betty McKerrow wites:
"Greetings to all Chatliners, especially those in need of cheering up!! Hope these lovely flowers help in some way."

Betty writes further:
"These beautiful pictures were sent to me by Olga's nephew and his wife who are voluntary wardens in the Park - they do all sorts of good work there especially on the educational side, hosting groups of disadvantaged children for week-end courses.

"Flower season is August and September, this is beautiful time in South Africa, we have been privileged to see the flowers on two occasions!

"The park is on the West Coast of South Africa, north of Cape Town, near Langebaan on Saldhana Bay. There is a very interesting website: www.nature-reserve.co.za/west-coast-national-park.html which gives information on all activities and accommodation. Olga and I have not actually visited the park, but been south of there where there are plenty of wild flowers at this time of the year."

For more information about Betty go to:

Betty writes: "I have had this lovely photo sent to me from Alice Gregory, my 80+ (40yrold Soroptimist) friend. My message: With my love and thanks to all my wonderful Chatline and other Soroptimist friends for their friendship and thoughts in my times of need during this last year."

Betty McKerrow
SI The Fylde
North West England
SIGBI.

Stella Funk sent feedback from Marty Thompson (formerly of SI Cook Inlet, Alaska, currently charter member of SI Keizer in Oregon) Marty writes: "Gosh, this pix sure brings back memories..........this pix was taken at the NWR Conference in 1999 and right now I cannot remember where it was held but anyway we were receiving an award for our "Young Women Facing Choices Conference" a SI Cook Inlet project of which I was one of the founders of this great conference. All of us in the pix worked so hard every year to make this conference a success and I think it shows in our faces.
Pictured are - Mary Cassell, Mary Fisher, then president, Kathy Lorec, one of my best friends and myself - Gov Connie is standing above us."

Mary uses a wheelchair, but attends many Soroptimist Conferences. She does a great deal of travelling with her husband.

Some photos that Mary took when they visited the famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada:

Soroptimist Mary and Maggie











Mary Cassell, ambassador
Soroptimist of Cook Inlet
NWR
SIA

Pam writes:

"'Three generations of Soroptimists' was taken at SIGBI Belfast Conference in 2003 when my mum, my daughter and I managed to get to the conference together. Mum has been a Soroptimist for over 30 years and is a past Regional President, while my daughter Zoë joined 3 years ago and I've been a member for about 17 years and was honoured to be Club President for 18 months."

More family photos from Pam:

Shown on the photo from Left to right: John, Zoë, Pam & Alan

The photo on the right is of "The other deliriously happy couple!!"

Pam concludes: "Tim and Elle chose a Registry office wedding then a buffet in the local pub. We had a band in the evening - showing my age - which was very loud!!!!"