"The 75th Anniversary of our Charter in 1930 fell on Saturday last 25th February 2005.    We celebrated the occasion with a formal dinner, which was attended by Civic Dignatories, and Soroptimists from near and far, including several former Presidents of our Club who had moved away.    It was a happy gathering of old and new friends, and a fine display of Chains of Office and posh frocks!

"After a welcome from Plymouth Club President Mary McNaughton, there was a Role Call of Plymouth Club Presidents from 1930 - 2005, accompanied by a ceremonial lighting of a candle for each decade of Soroptimist Service.

"Following the Loyal Toast, The Lord Mayor of Plymouth proposed a toast to Soroptimist International together with The Plymouth Club.    Federation President of SIGBI, Janet Garnons -Williams responded, reflecting on our past successes, and wishing our Club well in the future.    We were then extremely well entertained by our Guest Speaker, Dame Mary Bridges, DBE, who for many years has held high office in the British Legion.    She is also, amongst other things, a Cricket enthusiast, with many an amusing tale to tell.    In response, our President Elect, Joani Stansell, thanked Dame Mary, using many of the rather arcane cricketing phrases that seem to baffle so many people who have the misfortune to live in Countries where Cricket is not a National passion.    The evening ended with a toast to our Guests."

"From L-R: The Lord Mayor of the City Plymouth, Councillor Claude Miller.    President of SI Plymouth and District, Mrs Mary McNaughton.    Federation President SIGBI, Mrs Janet Garnons - Williams.    South West and Channel Islands Regional President, Mrs Irene Hockin.    Dame Mary Bridges DBE.    The Lady Mayoress of the City of Plymouth, who is wearing the fabulous Astor Diamonds, gifted to the City of Plymouth by Nancy, Lady Astor, a founder member of our Soroptimist Club, and the very first woman to sit as a Member of Parliament (representing a Plymouth constituency) and to speak in the House of Commons.    The Astor Diamonds only leave the Council Chamber on very special occasions, and came to our dinner accompanied by a Security Guard!"

"Chatliner and former President Di Stockwell (1994-1995) lighting a candle commemorating the decade of Soroptimist Service in the 1950's"

"Former Presidents Sheridan Brimacombe(1990-1991) and Debbie Coleman (1991-1992)"
"Sheridan, who is a Chartered Accountant, organizes and runs the 2000 Club which has now raised £23,000 to support our Soroptimist Residential Club at 63 Bayswater Road, London.

Chatliners and Soroptimists who use 63 whilst on their travels who wishes support 63 by joining the 2000 Club to help us to refurbish it, can get further details from SI Plymouth website, www.plymsorop.org.uk or contact Susie at susieanddi@eurobell.co.uk "

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