For the past 70 years Cardigan’s Soroptimists have served their town with generosity, understanding and an overwhelming commitment but this month its members bade farewell for the final time as a result of a decline in numbers.

And in customary fashion the final meeting saw the Cardigan Soroptimists hand out a total of £3,000 which was shared between six local charities, namely The Food bank, Jig-so, Area 43, Women’s Aid, Alzheimer’s society and Macular society.

“It was a sad occasion but like so many things in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, it’s been difficult for us to regain our numbers,” commented past president, Dawn Davies.

Dawn went on to say that over the past seven decades, the Soroptimists have proved a driving force in a wide range of activities including helping with the town’s Meals on Wheels, regular beach cleans at Poppit which took place four times a year to support the Marine Conservation Society, a 24-hour Biblathon to raise money for Cardigan Castle, a tree planting project for the Afghan refugees and lots of fund raising drives to buy essential equipment for the former Cardigan Hospital.

“The Soroptimists have brought a great deal to the town of Cardigan but they’ve also brought a great deal of enjoyment and fulfilment to the members over the years,” added Dawn.

“It really is an organisation that's going to be greatly missed.”