Soroptimist conference held in Newcastle hotel

Soroptimist conference held in Newcastle hotel

22 May 2013

OVER 140 women from all over Ireland and the UK were in Newcastle at the weekend for the annual north/south conference of Soroptimist International.

The conference, in the Burrendale Hotel was hosted by Northern Ireland Regional President, Mrs Miriam Hamilton, who is from Downpatrick, Republic of Ireland President, Anne O’Driscoll, and Downpatrick Club President, Maria Duggan.

The special event kicked off on Friday with a round of golf at Royal County Down Golf Club followed by registration, regional and national executive meetings culminating in the official opening of the Conference. Entertainment for the evening was provided by The Glee Singers.

On Saturday, winners of the 31st Public Speaking Competition presented their winning speeches to delegates.

Stormont Minister, Alex Attwood, was the keynote speaker while other conference speakers were Federation President, Pat Black, Federation Director, Sue Williams and International President Elect, Ann Garvie.

During the afternoon delegates and guests were guided by Loretto Coyle along St Patrick’s Trail which took in visits to The Saint Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral and Down County Museum.

Patrick Lynch led the group to Murlough National Nature Reserve for a two mile walk then back to the Burrendale for the gala dinner.

The conference drew to a close on Sunday with progress reports on the projects, ‘Mums for Mums’ and the Kate Community Centre for the elderly.