This month we celebrated the 37th anniversary of our club with the president's annual dinner at the Ladybird Inn, Bromsgrove.

President Judith Green welcomed members, friends and visitors from other Midland Arden Clubs and we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner.

Councillor John Tidmarsh, Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, proposed the toast to Soroptimists International and told us of the projects being carried out by the local authority. Jane Evans, SI regional president-elect, gave a witty response and was thanked by Judy.

Our main speaker was Jeff Evans, chairman of Bromsgrove Carnival Committee, who told us of his seven-year association with the carnival and the wonderful work for charity done by the volunteer committee members and all those members of the public who regularly supported the carnival. Dancing followed completing an excellent evening.

We had an extra meeting last month held at Plymouth Court, Redditch. Jane Drew, of the creative company, introduced members to the story of the leek embroiderers. It was a fascinating evening.

Our business meeting was dominated by reports from the quadrennial convention, held in Sydney, Australia. It was announced that worldwide women had raised $1,200,000 to support the limbs for life initiative.

New projects for the next four years are: To project the independence of women; to eliminate violence to women; to eliminate trafficking of women and women working for women have the power to survive.

The international president's message was: "Weapons can win wars but it is women who can win peace."