Delegation from the USA

Leading Parliamentarians along with our founder Helene Martin Gee were delighted to host guests from the USA visiting the UK to attend the Queen Charlotte's Ball. 












Organized by the London Season the delegation was given a tour of the Palace of Westminster followed by tea & scones.

Pink Shoes on the Terrace

On two of the Fridays in August Pink Shoe members met for a relaxed lunch on the House of Lords terrace.  A fabulous group of ladies were with us for each occasion and the conversation covered widely diverse and fascinating topics. 

  

These informal events have become a popular institution over the years as we take a summer break from our usual events and activities. As ever we were very well looked after by the river room team and on both days also extremely lucky with the weather!

After a wonderful afternoon on the last Friday in August we also said au revoir to our fabulous summer Intern Dory Gazic who returns to Vienna to complete the final semester of her Business & Economics degree. Thank you Dory for all your help and hard work during the summer months!

Summer Soirée

We enjoyed a delightful summer soirée as members mingled for the final event of the season. The usual splendid Pink Shoe buffet was accompanied by Pimms and Prosseco in abundance.






 

Public Appointments Reception at National Portrait Gallery

As part of Pink Shoe's activities to get more women into public life a number of ambassadors and members attended a reception organized by the Cabinet Office and DCMS at the National Portrait Gallery.

We first heard from Francis Maude about the Government’s commitment to achieving 50% female appointments – an aspiration it is ever closer to achieving. 




Then Secretary of State for Culture Media & Sport Sajid Javid spoke eloquently of the many benefits of taking up a public appointment and the wide variety of roles available. 


Many women present were already in such roles and members were able to gain a realistic insight into the process of application as well as the appointment itself. 

As part of the event guests were also able to view the galleries, which was a real treat, including 'Virginia Woolf: Art, Life and Vision' which is highly recommended (until 26th October).

The evening was useful and enjoyable and great connections were made. These receptions are an excellent opportunity for those considering their first appointment and work well alongside the Pink Shoe 'Women in Public Life' Shadowing Scheme. Especially as recruitment will soon be underway for the next programme. 

For details of how to get involved and apply for a place on the next shadowing scheme beginning in early 2015 please email Programme Director Vanda Green: Vanda@pinkshoeclub.com 

Summer Fayre in Westminster Hall

For the first time a Summer Fayre was held in Westminster Hall with stalls selling branded gifts and sampling tradtional English cider along with delicious new food products which are being sold in the newly created and very smart House of Commons Gift shop. 


It was great fun to see the Morris Dancers in full flow – a contrast to the usual more sedate happenings!

State Opening of Parliament

Ascot hats were the order of the day when Pink Shoe Club Ambassadors met for drinks to view the State Opening procession and arrival of the Queen before enjoying a splendid lunch in the House of Commons. 

Women in Public Life

The first cohort of the Women in Public Life programme have successfully completed their final session.

Pictured here with Programme Director Vanda Green.

The feedback from all involved has been excellent. Recruitment will begin in early autumn for the full programme which starts in early 2015.