Soroptimist International Bournemouth

04/04/2026

19/03/2026

19/03/2026

🥼🧬🔬The finals of our annual STEM challenge took place on March 12th at Bournemouth University and we were very well supported by local dignitaries. His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, the Mayor of Christchurch, Mayor of Poole, Sherriff of Poole and Deputy Mayor of Bournemouth were all in attendance and very impressed by the standard of work and commitment demonstrated by the participants. Professor Dooley said in his speech:

“To the girls who have taken part today: you should feel incredibly proud. You were not just asked to create something clever, you were asked to think about how your ideas could help people in the poorest parts of the world. That takes imagination, compassion and courage. Those are the very qualities the world needs.”


🏆The winning teams were all from Parkstone Grammar School; they are commended for their thoughtful and creative projects 👏

Photo credits:

16/03/2026

Well done to all the winners😃

04/03/2026

The STEM Challenge 2026 is coming! 🧫🧬🔬⚗️

Historically there has been a shortage of girls choosing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects to study and disciplines in which to base their careers. 👩‍🔬Our club created this challenge in 2013 to inspire girls and encourage them to overcome barriers. We invite secondary school girls to develop initiatives that will improve the lives of women and girls in poorer parts of the world; they work together in small teams to develop the concept, write up a brief and, if shortlisted, create a prototype.

🧪The teams then pitch these to experts in the field and are judged in order to win prizes. This year 11 teams are participating, a total of 57 girls.

🏆 The finals take place on March 12th at Bournemouth University with several local dignitaries attending. Once again, Ellis Jones Solicitors is sponsoring the challenge and judges, who give their time freely, come from STEM areas in commerce, industry, academia and the charitable sector. Watch out for details of the winners!

22/01/2026

🤗 SIB was delighted to welcome Victoria Sim as our newest member at the meeting on January 19th. Victoria’s mentor, Liz Dominey, introduced her to the club and Acting President Lisa Maw presented her with her badge, induction pack and a very warm welcome. Victoria shared some of her past and it was clear that her experience has prepared her to be an excellent Soroptimist. We look forward to achieving things together. 🤝 💙💛

17/12/2025

🎄✨ Christmas is a time for celebrating, and that is exactly what the club did on December 15th at West Hants Tennis Club.

There was a lively group of members, friends and family who enjoyed a delicious meal 🍽️, during which we challenged ourselves intellectually in groups with table quizzes 🧠 including countries and capitals, Christmas words with their vowels missing, and a series of rather perplexing riddles 🤔.

After dinner, we enjoyed a ‘mini panto’ 🎭 where our Treasurer shone as the ‘bad gal’, followed by ‘pin the nose on the gingerbread man’ 🍪 and a raffle 🎟️ raising £220 for club funds and Number 63, the Soroptimist hotel in London.

Prizes were awarded to winners of each activity 🏆, greetings were shared from past members and those unable to attend 💌, and everyone left feeling full of good cheer and festive spirit 🎁✨

02/12/2025