Soroptimists End 30th Anniversary With Grand Dinner At Viceroy

The Anguilla Soroptimist Club closed its 30th Anniversary celebrations with a dinner at Coba Restaurant of Viceroy Resorts. The event on Friday 26th August was attended by more than a hundred friends and supporters including Governor Alistair Harrison and Mrs Harrison and Chief Minister Hubert Hughes.

Olive Hodge with President Josianne Gibbs of the St Martin Soroptimist Club

In making a toast to the Club, the Chief Minister noted that the Soroptimist Club of Anguilla has distinguished itself by keeping its pledge of service to others. He outlined some of the achievements of the Club including the Day Care Centre which he described as a huge undertaking, the annual reading workshop and its community and global outreach to those in need. “Continue to keep up the good work and may you prosper in all your future endeavours,” he commented.

Molly Hodge receiving gift from president Olive Hodge

Governor Alistair Harrison also praised the work of the Soroptimists and in particular mentioned Ena Woodstock who founded the Club 30 years ago. Mrs Woodstock was in Anguilla for some of the events but due to the postponement of the dinner was not able to attend it. In a message to the members, read on her behalf, she said,” I congratulate the members of Soroptimist International of Anguilla, past and present, for their work in supporting their Club over the past 30 years, and especially for their effort in supporting women, children and needy persons during that period.” She praised the charter members, some of whom are still actively involved in the work of the club: “I encourage the present active members to continue the good work they are doing in service of their country and Club for another 30 years and find enjoyment therein,” she concluded.

President Olive Hodge and Violet Berry with celebratory cake

President of the St Martin Soroptimist Club, Josianne Gibbs, brought greetings and congratulations from the Clubs in St Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique. She noted that members are making a better living possible for women and girls and are living the motto daily by serving and loving each other.

Head table L – R: Josianne Gibbs, Governor Alistair Harrison, Olive Hodge, Chief Minister Hubert Hughes and Patron Rosena Brooks)

A plaque was presented to President Olive Hodge by Irma Richardson on behalf of the Chesterfield Club in the UK which is linked to Anguilla. And President Olive Hodge made a presentation to Molly Hodge, the first President of the Club, and they both cut a cake made by Soroptimist Violet Berry to commemorate the occasion.

During dinner the Mayoumba Folkloric band performed and afterwards delighted the guests with lively songs and dances. The event was chaired by Soroptimist Oluwakemi Linda Banks.