In this weeks SoroptiVoiceBlog, Ann Garvie, International President looks at the history of the Federation plot within the National Memorial Arboretum and commemorates 80 years of service for Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland.

 “I was extremely privileged
one week after International Day of Peace, to join my Federation, Soroptimist
International of Great Britain & Ireland, at the United Kingdom’s National
Memorial Arboretum (NMA), in Staffordshire England.

Celebrating 80 years of service to local, national and
international communities, Federation President Margaret Oldroyd joined members
of the Federation to witness the unveiling of a plaque at the Federation’s plot
within the Arboretum.

 

Picture:  A commemorative plaque reads: ‘Planted to commemorate 80 years of service to the women of
the world by members of SIGBI 1934 – 2014’ 

The sowing of seeds

2001 saw the purchase of the Federation plot, due in no
small part to the conviction of Laurie Swift, then Region President Soroptimist
International of Midland Arden. Region President Laurie delivered a passionate
and compassionate presentation at her Region Conference, illustrating reasons
why the Federation should grasp the opportunity to purchase a plot on behalf of
the Federation within the newly acquired site of the National Arboretum.

Conveying passion both for the project and for her Region, Laurie
aimed to convince Members of the Federation’s Management Board, in particular Federation
President Lynn Dunning, Federation Treasurer Pat Carruthers and Chair of
Finance Ann Garvie of the projects possibilities. The Federation Board embraced
the proposal and many Clubs willingly donated, and with the balance funded from
reserves, the plot was successfully purchased.

The dedication of the plot took place on Sunday 22^nd
September 2002. The site known as the Soroptimist Garden was planted with
laurel, oak and golden privet and was established within the United Nations
Circle. It was hoped that the garden plot would prove a lasting
legacy for Soroptimist International and the organisation’s ideals – human
rights for all, equality, development and peace through international good
will, understanding and friendship. As the Arboretum grew and developed the plot was moved and rededicated
in October 2007.

Reaching maturity

On Sunday the 28th of September 2014, some 12 years on, a dedication
service proved poignant and thought provoking. The peace pledge was read out and all
present were very aware of the significance of remembering 100 years of those
who have died in conflict, as well as the 80 year Anniversary of the Sl of Great Britain and Ireland Federation.

Following the service, everyone spent an afternoon digging holes and
planting bulbs (no easy task), with some much more successful than others!

 

Picture: Ann Garvie planting bulbs at the Federation plot at the National Memorial Arboretum

The success of this project must be accredited to the vision
of Laurie Swift, now of SI of the South West Pacific, and for this I offer my
warmest thanks and congratulations.

We must too acknowledge that the long term sustainability of
the plot is achieved by the partnership and joint working of the three adjacent
Regions of Midland East, Midland Arden and Midland Chase. The garden continues
to thrive and mature and this serene and tranquil place is something we can all
be very proud of".

Ann Garvie

International President 2013 – 2015