Welcome!

Hi! I am Sue Cotton and I am very much looking forward to the challenge of being President for 2009/2010. My career has been in Education at most levels of primary schools. I am now retired but I do some consultancy work which helps me keep active and interested.

I am married and have two grown-up children and two grandchildren. The latter keep me busy too but also keep me young! Needless to say, my theme for the Year has been influenced by both my personal and professional experiences.

My theme is Hearts and Minds for two reasons. First, if we are to succeed in any venture we need to have our hearts in it but also to use our minds creatively. Secondly, emotional, mental and physical well-being are key to positive development. For many people this well-being is hard to achieve. My main charities will be Childflight, Young Carers, Elder Abuse and Book Aid.

The Clubs international links with Port Elizabeth and the charities in South Africa will continue as strongly as ever. Some members are visiting Port Elizabeth in August this year. They will be taking with them the following:

School uniforms donated at a St. Trinian’s Night when members dressed up but the entrance fee was school uniform. What a great night! Fun was had by all and the charity was well supported.

Packets of seeds which will be used in a garden at a home for severely handicapped children.

Clothes made and donated by other clubs such as SI Angelsey.

Money to support the HIV/Aids Clinic, the Street Children Project and the Breakfast Fund for young girls at school.

Already this year we have had a theatre night at Gladstone Theatre and more events are planned. Last year, the Midnight Walk raised £15,500 and was a huge success for a first effort. This year it took place on June 6^th. Fortunately the rain stopped for us and all walkers completed the distance in very good time. Sponsorship money is coming in and we are hoping for good results as more of the money is going to local Breast Cancer Charities this year. Thank you everyone who helped or walked for this great cause.

Finally, I hope that the fund raising and awareness raising we do will benefit as many people as possible but that along the way there will be a wealth of shared experiences, laughter and enjoyment. We can do it!

If you wish to contact me please email me at suecotton1@ntlworld.co.uk

The 76th Annual Charter Dinner was celebrated in June at The Grange. In attendance was the Mayor of Wirral, Cllr. Andrew Hodgson, who made a witty and entertaining speech. The dinner was also attended by the regional President Anne MacDonald OBE and Presidents and members from other clubs in the region