At our October meeting we were delighted to welcome members from Bewdley Rotary Club. President Hilary Thompson reflected that working in partnership was very much a part of the Soroptimist service ethos and makes the best of unique characteristics of different groups. Having recently walked part of the Severn Way together with the Rotarians, there is enthusiasm for working together in the future.

Our speaker was Gail Quinton, Director of Children’s Services in Worcestershire, who recounted her unplanned career journey. She started out as a youth and community worker in Bradford then went on to deliver children’s services in other parts of the country including Merseyside and Somerset before taking up her current role in 2009.

Her strong beliefs in the power of education in making a difference to a child’s life choices and if a job is worth doing it is worth doing well, resounded with both the Rotarians and Soroptimists present. Gail recalled the people who had been strong influences during her journey. She felt they had given her the ability to recognise the value of experience, belief in oneself and many opportunities to demonstrate her abilities, all attributes she used in her present role.

For more details regarding the activities and membership of the Club, please email on kidderminstersorop@gmail.com or look at our website link on www.sigbi.org