Our first 25 years
Our founder, Kathleen Moore continued her association with Soroptimism for many years. During her life time she held a plethora of membership and office positions in many business and community organisations. But it was said, ‘her special interest and the one she was most proud of, was her involvement in Soroptimism’. In 1957, Kathleen was to gift a specially made President’s ‘badge of office’ to the club but sadly passed away a short time before the presentation.
During the early 1950s membership waned, and the club struggled to attract members. However, by the end of the 1950s the club was flourishing again and very active in the community. Each milestone of the club has continued to be celebrated in style.
During the early 1950s membership waned, and the club struggled to attract members. However, by the end of the 1950s the club was flourishing again and very active in the community. Each milestone of the club has continued to be celebrated in style.
25th Anniversary celebrations
From an article in the Evening Post on 21st November, 1964, it was reported a dinner was held at Hallmark House in Kilbirnie to celebrate Soroptimist International of Wellington’s 25th birthday. The President at the time, Miss Dorothy Hamilton, said a “dazzling collection of career girls from all over the country will celebrate our 25th birthday”. Other women to attend the 25th celebration included Miss Clare Burger, first Secretary (in Australasia) of the Wellington Stock Exchange, Mrs Hazel Wright, chief Pharmacist to the Wellington Hospital Board, Miss V.O. Tyler, matron of Alexander Hospital and Miss Sylvia Spear, head teacher at Kimi-Ora School for Physically Disabled Children. Founder members of the club were also among the guests, Mrs Vera May, Miss Sylvia Smith and Miss Challis Hooper. Mayor Frank Kitts and Mayoress Kitts also attended the gathering.
To commemorate this anniversary, on 3rd December 1964, a beautiful President’s badge (made of gold and topaz with the Soroptimist International emblem in its centre) was presented to Dorothy Hamilton. Made by well-known Wellington jeweller, Mrs Ida Hudig, it is proudly worn by club Presidents to this day. It was insured at the time for £55. (Mrs Hudig also designed and made the New Zealand Central Region President’s insignia in silver and paua shell).
To commemorate this anniversary, on 3rd December 1964, a beautiful President’s badge (made of gold and topaz with the Soroptimist International emblem in its centre) was presented to Dorothy Hamilton. Made by well-known Wellington jeweller, Mrs Ida Hudig, it is proudly worn by club Presidents to this day. It was insured at the time for £55. (Mrs Hudig also designed and made the New Zealand Central Region President’s insignia in silver and paua shell).
