"Have you ever thought you would like to do something to help towards the problems in the world, both at home and abroad, but didn't know where to start?"

That's the question asked by Jean Brockbank, of the Keighley branch of the Soroptimists, in a bid to let local people know just what the group does.

The international organisation is open to all local women working in a business, professional or voluntary position.

Jean says that the Soroptimists work across all geographical, cultural and ethnic boundaries in order to raise the status of women worldwide.

The Keighley branch raises money for local charities and regularly supports the Talking Newspaper for the Blind. Members help up to eight separated families twice a month by running Keighley Contact Centre, which allows children to spend time with other family members in a safe and friendly environment.

Some Keighley members are today attending the Soroptimist's annual Federation Conference in Dublin where many issues and problems will be debated by women from all over the world.

Local solicitor Hilary Shaw will be installed as the organisation's President Elect.

Internationally, recent successes have been the Soroptimist International Aids Meditation which gives women and girls in Thailand an alternative to earning their living in the commercial sex industry.

Any woman working in a profession, business or voluntary position who would like to know more about the Soroptimists, or offer support, should phone 01535 607704.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.