6:30 for 7 pm – Friday 6th March 2026
Introduction
Women Who Inspire is a Blyth Valley Rotary event, organised to celebrate the vision of International Women’s Day and was founded by Dr. Cathy Ryan MBE. Celebrating women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. Many women have achieved great things, but there are still those who are struggling and face great difficulties and challenges in their lives. Women can be a driving force to help support those women who are still fighting for their independence and their rights. Our Women Who Inspire suppers bring together women who share stories of how they have used their passion and determination to inspire change, motivate, and encourage others to succeed; to go forward to fight for their rights, justice, independence, or self-worth as an equal. The 2026 event promises to be equally inspirational to help make a difference to the plight of women locally, nationally, and internationally.
Speakers
Sally Williams
Sally Williams was raised in Suffolk and joined the British Army in 1994 at the age of 19, serving for 24 years. Her career included operational tours in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, the Falkland Islands, Iraq, and Afghanistan, with postings at the Ministry of Defence in London and the British High Commission in Canada, as well as exercises in Kenya, the USA, and Canada.
After leaving the Army in 2018, Sally moved into the charity sector, building a career in philanthropy and is now Head of Philanthropy at the Royal College of Physicians.
Sally is Chair of Trustees at Veterans With Dogs, a charity that trains and partners assistance dogs with veterans experiencing mental health challenges such as PTSD. She is also a Trustee of Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool, a Fundraising Advisor to Veterans Can…, and an active member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Major Donor Special Interest Group. She holds an MA in Philanthropic Studies from the University of Kent.
Lorraine Bliss MBE
Lorraine retired as CEO of St Edmunds Society, in Norwich in April 2022 where she had been since 1991 spending most of that time in the role of CEO. In addition to being a Trustee of The Joe Dix Foundation, she currently advises on young people projects in the Voluntary Sector.
She is widely regarded as a champion of young people and has campaigned endlessly for improved opportunities for those that have struggled or been unable to cope in traditional educational settings. Set up in 1966 originally as an accommodation project for young men, St Eds Trustee Board influenced by Lorraine, took the view that to make a real difference to the homeless problem it was necessary to change their outlook completely and find a way of giving those largely without any qualifications, the opportunity to learn a trade or something that would see them able to work, earn money and contribute to society as a whole. Many were talented and had much to offer but had become used to constant rejection and failure. Lorraine has presided over an incredible journey of growth and change and took St Eds to become the largest independent Alternative Provision in Norfolk, offering young people some 150 training places a week in a variety of vocational skills but mainly Construction, at their centre in Norwich and an avid supporter of YouthBuild UK.
Before retiring Lorraine won the CSJ Awards (Centre for Justice) on behalf of St Eds, regarded as the Oscars of the charity world.
Formal recognition of her efforts came when she received an MBE from HRH Prince William, in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List and a celebration of her charity achievements where she was presented to HM King Charles, (then Prince of Wales) at Buckingham Palace, in 2020.
Lorraine was previously acclaimed as one of Norfolk’s 100 ‘Most Inspiring Women’ making a great and positive contribution to lives.
Her energy seldom wanes, and she is regularly found lobbying politicians and striving to identify ways to make the plight of the young people who she describes as the “forgotten generation” that much better. When she finally relaxes, she enjoys travelling in the company of Alan, her husband of many years and spending time with the rest of her family and grandchildren. Her secret vices are her Boxer dog Enzo, and she is a lifelong and passionate “Gooner” (Arsenal fan)
Megan Bray
On leaving school, I went to Loughborough University, for a career in teaching PE, but on breaking my ankle I switched courses and left with a degree in geography. I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 10 years as a Project Manager and Packaging Technologist before then moving to Suffolk. My great grandmother drove a fire engine during WW2 and my grandfather was a firefighter in London. This eventually inspired me to become a retained firefighter and now a wholetime firefighter. I was the first female to join the crew at Beccles and I currently work there and at Lowestoft South station. This is where I found my purpose. I believe it’s never too late to try something new. I am passionate about community, teamwork, and showing others that your path doesn’t have to be linear or restricted in any way. My hobbies include mud running!
Menu
Pan Fried Chicken, Parmentier Potatoes with Bacon and Leek Sauce
Braised Leek, Lemon and Parsley Tagliatelle (V)
Green Vegetables
Lemon Posset with Shortbread Biscuit
Tea and Coffee to Finish
*Please advise of any dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances*
Venue
Women Who Inspire 2026 will be held at the Halesworth Golf Club Restaurant.
The address is
Bramfield Road, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 9XA
info@halesworthgc.co.uk
Tel: 01986 875567
Fax: 01986 874565
Tickets are £45 per person
- Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis.
- As this is a charity function, refunds are at the discretion of the organisers.
- Any refunds that are issued will be less any charges if applicable.
- Organisers have a right to refuse entry. Please ensure you arrive before 7pm. Entry may be refused or delayed once speakers have commenced.
- All profits will go to charities of the speakers and to Blyth Valley Rotary for reinvestment in Women’s projects.
- Tickets will only be allocated once payment has been received.
- We cannot guarantee to seat you at a table of your choice, but every effort will be made to do so.
- No children under the age of 16 will be admitted. Identification may be requested if alcohol is being consumed.
- Smoking is not permitted.
- There will be fun games on the night.
- Please provide the names of any guests and yours and their menu choices using the questionnaire section if buying more than one ticket.
Women Who Inspire is sponsored by …
