Midland Chase
For information on the work of the 14 clubs in this Region, see the individual clubs' links below. For information on this Region visit their website
Welcome to the Midland Chase Regional page!
Our Regional President this year is Cherril Pritchard, a member of West Bromwich club. This is the challenging message she gave to this Region at the start of her Presidential year.
"Inspiration at Work
Throughout the ages there have been ‘special women’; Cleopatra, Boadicea, Joan of Arc, Elizabeth I, Marie Curie. Recently Indira Ghandi, Margaret Thatcher, astronaut Helen Sharman. But these are the exception the majority have to fight for their rights.
"These rights have come in part through wars. In the Crimea Florence Nightingale and her nurses broke with tradition and went to the front. World War 1 saw women taking over male roles and World War 11, in uniform and heavy industry. The Suffragettes however were the brave who endured the dire state of the prisons, force feeding and brutal treatment. They stood firm and we eventually got the vote for married women followed by all women over 18.
"The first really truly democratic step but how far have we really progressed?
"We still have in the world, and at home in the UK, unchecked domestic violence, genital mutilation, honour killings and forced marriage; also sex traffic on an increasing scale. In the world of business few women have the top jobs and equal pay is still a long way off.
"We must strive to make all women equal and use our voice and vote to secure democracy and education for women worldwide."
Midland Chase Region is made up of 14 clubs and these span a spectrum of urban, suburban and rural areas. Our clubs are always keen to recruit new members. Please contact our Regional Membership Officer, Pam McGauley, if you would like to know more about a particular club in our area, with a view to joining our organisation, or contact the club direct.
SI of Staffordshire Moorlands held their annual candle-lighting meeting on December . This simple and moving meeting has become an established tradition in the club to mark Human Rights Day and is increasingly attended by members from clubs across the Region. Photographers from Staffordshire Life attended and we look forward to seeing their article and pictures.
Soroptimism seems to run in families in this Region. Taking one club, Cannock & District as an example, they have one second generation member, two third generation members and one fourth generation member. This member is currently on leave of absence having recently given birth to her second female child. Maybe this is one way to increase membership! It certainly shows the appeal of our movement to women of a range of ages.
Regional President Cherril is holding a Regional Conference at the Himley Hall Hotel on Saturday. The theme for this day is ‘Women in Business’ and surely it will be as well attended and successful as those of previous years. A report and photos from the day will appear here after the event.