SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF & DISTRICT President Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Mrs Maria Duggan Mrs Sheila Crea Mrs Aine Brown 27 Drumroe Road 103 Road 21 The Craig Rd. Ballyhornan Downpatrick Downpatrick Downpatrick BT 30 9AG BT 30 7AS BT30 7PR

In attendance: President Maria, Deidre Brady, Jane Campbell, Linda Campbell, Sheila Crea, Geri Graham, Miriam Hamilton, Myrea Jenkins, Patricia Kean, Anne King, Bridie McKeating, , Kathleen McKenny, Catherine Milhench, Jill Pepperell, Margaret Read, Christine Hamill, Marion Lewis, Pauline Morgan. Rachel Magee, Pauline Morgan. Apologies: Ann Colgan, Sandra Gorman, Moira McKenna, Liane Hamill, Christine Hamill, Marion Lewis, Nuala MacAleenan, Heather Steele

The AGM began with the pledge followed by the adoption of last year’s minutes proposed by Jill Pepperell and seconded by Anne King

President Maria presented the report for the year 2013/2014. The club has had a successful year and has been active in promoting all the main objectives of SIGBI. Among other events, in the Human Rights area, we have successfully sought signatures for the Purple Teardrop Campaign and we have been involved in raising awareness about Human Trafficking; in the Environment area, President Maria launched the Climate Change leaflet at a well-attended meeting in the Council Chambers; in the Education field, we continue with the annual Public Speaking competition while, in Health, we have supported “ Mums for Mums” through our sponsored walk in Forest Park and money raised by our quiz, went to support Daisy Lodge Respite Care Home for children suffering from cancer.

President Maria then accepted with regret the resignation Maura McKenna who had been a member of Downpatrick since its inception.

Copies of the treasurers Report were circulated to all members. In the Business Account, we have a balance of £328.19 and in the Charity Account, the balance is £ 187.53. Acceptance was proposed by Catherine and seconded by Sheila

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2014/2015

OFFICE NAME PROPOSED SECONDED President Anne King Miriam Hamilton Myrea Jenkins Pres. Elect. Deirdre Brady Maria Duggan Sheila Crea

Vice President Catherine Milhench Miriam Hamilton Myrea Jenkins Past President Maria Duggan Hon. Treas. Aine Brown Bridie McKeating Patricia Kean Hon. Secretary Sheila Crea Kathleen McKenny Linda Campbell Minutes Secretary Myrea Jenkins Sheila Crea Patricia Kean Extension&M’ship Kathleen McKenny Sheila Crea Maria Duggan

Reg. Rep. Anne King Reg. Rep. Proxy Maria Duggan Public Speaking Convenor Sheila Crea Miriam Hamilton Margaret Read Prog. Action Rep. Jill Pepperell Deirdre Brady Linda Campbell Prog. Action Proxy Geri Graham

CLUB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2014-2015

The Club shall be managed by an Executive Committee consisting of: - a) The Officers b) Elected Members c) The Secretary

The Officers shall be The President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Programme Action Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary.

ELECTED MEMBERS FOR 2014/15

NAME PROPOSED SECONDED Catherine Milhench Deirdre Brady Maria Duggan Jane Campbell Deirdre Brady Margaret Read

CONVENORS OF FOLLOWING SUB-COMMITTEES

SUB-C’TEE NAME PROPOSED SECONDED Club Programme Jane Campbell Jill Pepperell Maria Duggan Social &Hospitality Heather Steele do. do. Press & Publicity Jane Campbell do. do. Membership & Attendance Kathleen McKenny do. do. Webmaster Jane Campbell do. do.

Our new President Anne delivered a very reassuring and heartfelt address indicating her determination to promote all the Soroptimist ideals and objectives especially our work in supporting women living in oppressive societies. She included a pledge to that Downpatrick Soroptimists would give their support to the retention of Emergency Services at the local hospital.

Club business matters then addressed the following:

 Pauline outlined the support needed for the fundraising quiz `to be held on Friday, March 21st in the Lakeside Inn. Monies raised will go to support” New Life Counselling”, a charity which helps those bereaved by suicide.  Sheila asked for contributions for “Quick Read” books to be distributed through Home Start. The objective is to attempt to encourage reluctant readers. Members contributed generously and Sheila will purchase and pass on the the books to the Home Start organisers.  Diary Date: 11th May – Conference will be attended by President Anne, Miriam, Catherine, Jill and possibly, Deirdre. . Sheila Crea ` Hon. Secretary.