The first few months of 2014 have been a busy period for Futures for Women. You can read all about an exciting forthcoming BBC programme featuring our founder, Jessie Boucherett, and the current activities of ex-grantees in our latest newsletter.
Our Trustees were once again impressed with the quality of potential grantees short-listed for interview on 18 March 2014. Firstly we met a jewelry designer who is in the final year of her practice-based PhD and saw some examples of her African-inspired work. We then heard from a young woman who will be studying an MA in Critical Theory at the University of Sussex. The candidate who will be studying Russian at the University of Oxford gave us some background information on the current situation in Crimea and finally we met a woman whose career ambition is to work for the United Nations on international development issues.
On 14 January 2014 the Society for Promoting the Training of Women officially changed its registered name to Futures for Women following acceptance of a members’ resolution proposing the new name. We will continue to use the name Futures for Women – the work of SPTW on all stationery to acknowledge the history of the charity.
Futures for Women has been used as a working name for 6 months and was widely accepted by our supporters and members alike.
The name change was proposed by a strategy group to better reflect the work of our charity today.
Wednesday 20 November saw our Board of Trustees meet 5 candidates short-listed for interview following their application for an interest-free loan to help them with their educational fees. All of the Trustees were very impressed with the quality of the candidates and were interested to hear how these women are striving to become lawyers, a university lecturer, an industrial designer and a socio-political journalist. We applaud all of these women for working so hard to achieve their career ambitions and congratulate them on reaching our short list stage.
Futures for Women Secretary, Jane Hampson, sorting through applications for loans.
Alice Clay (centre), Vice Chair Joanna Murray (left), Chair Elspeth Richards (right)
Our annual Development Day for 2013 took place on 1 October, kindly hosted by ING Bank in London. Our topic for the day was fundraising and we were delighted to welcome Alice Clay, Head of Development at the City of London Festival, as our speaker. Alice is responsible for overseeing income generation for the Festival from a variety of sources and as she is also a keen supporter of Futures for Women she was well-postioned to speak to our Trustees about raising funds to extend our own work. We would like to thank Alice for sparing the time to join us and for guiding and inspiring us in the right direction.
Following Alice’s presentation our Trustees reviewed the applications for loans received in the previous three months. Nearly fifty applications had been received and it was a very difficult task to short-list potential candidates. Interviews with short-listed candidates will take place in November.
Left to Right: Rosemary Feenan, Guest Speaker, Rosie Parr, Trustee
Our AGM for 2013 was held on Wednesday 12th June at the Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS), Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London.
Following the successful completion of the formal business, members and guests expressed their gratitude and best wishes to Mrs Michelle Bennett, the Society’s Secretary for almost six years, who was leaving her post for pastures new.
Left to Right: Joanna Murray, Vice Chairperson, Michelle Bennett, Elspeth Richards, Chairperson
In making a presentation to Michelle, Mrs Elspeth Richards, Chair, paid tribute to her excellent work and in particular her sensitive understanding of the needs of those seeking assistance.
Those present were pleased to meet and welcome the Society’s new Secretary, Jane Hampson.
Left to Right: Amy McVittie, Trustee, Joanna Murray, Michelle Bennett, Jane Hampson, Elspeth Richards
After refreshments the guest speaker was Rosemary Feenan, International Director of Jones Lang LaSalle. In her enlightening talk Rosemary gave a fresh insight into urban planning and development. The number of questions asked and the animated discussion afterwards was proof of how interesting and engaging the talk was. Those present gained a new perspective on how cities can work today.
Dear Friends of SPTW,
Our Strategy Group has been considering future developments and funding for the Society. It has recognised that our name SPTW is not easily remembered and recommended that we should find a shorter title. After considerable discussion the Trustees have chosen a new operating name which has been well received. We are to be known now as:
This means that we keep our history and have an easier name for those who are not familiar with the Society. We hope you approve.
On February 17th 2013 the Society held a fund-raising literary lunch.
Our new Patron, renowned biographer and novelist, Victoria Glendinning CBE, FRSL, Hon D Litt spoke on ‘Women and Some Men.’
110 people attended this very happy and successful occasion on a beautiful spring day. We raised £4,000. We also raised our profile, made new friends and new members. We are very grateful to Victoria for her erudite and sparkling contribution.
You can read about the event in our Newsletter.