Over 1400 women from around the world came to South Lancashire – to the Manchester Central Convention Centre – for the 76th Conference of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland. Crosby’s Soroptimists took advantage of this ‘captive’ market to book one of the sales’ stalls available.
Led by President Maggie and President-Elect Sandy, club members sold bag hangers. These simple devices enable handbags, cameras, etc. to be hung from a table – an excellent security feature when out in a public area such as a restaurant.
“We had a selection of designs on sale”, said President Maggie. “Some were decorative while others were specially made with the Soroptimist logo. To our delight the bag hangers sold out completely and so we have gained a tidy sum for this year’s charities.”
The two-day Conference attracted several high-profile speakers. Lesley Abdela, the political journalist, gave a call to all women to strive for equality in global decision making, based on the UN Resolution 1325; and Satish Kumar re-energised delegates on the quest for global peace. Other highlights included broadcaster Bill Turnbull on the Bees for Development Trust, which promotes sustainable beekeeping in developing countries and Dr Ian Oliver, a UN consultant on narcotics, who spoke about the global issue of “drug affliction”.
This was the first time the Federation Conference had been held in Manchester and it proved to be a resounding success.