In  December 2011 Grange Natty Knitters supported by Grange Soroptimists handed
over £700 raised through knitting poppies to the Cartmel Branch of the Royal British
Legion.  Last year the group raised just under £300. This fantastic amount was the culmination of six weeks frantic
knitting by groups of local ladies meeting twice in the library, at Mothers and Others and the regular Natty Knitter sessions downstairs in “At Home.”  Many husbands and partners had to put up with balls of red, green and black wool strewn around the house as the knitting continued at home.  Packs of wool and the
pattern could be purchased for £2 and donations for the knitted poppies started
at £2.50. The sessions in Grange Library attracted ladies from all over the Furness Peninsula and they took the pattern back to their own areas. Because of this, the actual total raised through the knitted poppies will have been well in excess of the amount handed in to the Cartmel Branch.

Janice Carrick SI/Grange Natty Knitters

 

The club wins the Darwen Shield

The photo above shows the Health Group being presented with The Darwen Sheild in recognition of all their hard work. It was awarded to the club by Soroptimist International of the Northwest and the Isle of Man for their Programme Action work, in particular their public End of Life Planning Day held in March 2011. Many local people attended this event and it was a great success. The day covered issues such as Making a Will, Palliative Care, Lasting Power of Attorney, Mental Capacity and Preferred Prioities for Care. Whilst the Health Group were responsible for the planning of the day and undertook a trememdous amount of hardwork they expressed their thanks to all club members for their work and support, particularly on the day of the event.

 

Inukshuk Trail, 4 September 2011

On a rare warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, groups of intrepid explorers set out to explore the Inukshuk trail in darkest Grange-over- Sands, Kents Bank, Flookburgh and Cartmel. Some of us travelled by car but the more adventurous walked. One set of walkers had a brave and beautiful puppy to escort them!

The refreshments at each venue were items with “rocky connections” or to reflect the different ways rocks are formed. Quoted from the leaflet:

Rocks can be

Sedimentary

- made up of particles of sand, or sea creatures which deposited in layers in built up into layers of rock over thousands of years

Igneous

- made of minerals that crystallise when molten magma or lava cools and solidifies and often contain air pockets

Metamorphic

- igneous or sedimentary rocks changed by high pressure, heat or both.

So with this information ringing in our ears we embarked upon this journey of a lifetime.

We could start at any point along the route but the majority seemed to begin (as suggested on the tickets) on the high northern forested slopes at Penny Ward’s home, The Boulders in Charney Well Lane, where the first Inukshuk to be created in Grange was decked in balloons to welcome us. I have known this familiar figure for around a year and I previously named ‘him’ Boulder Bill because he’s a sturdy welcoming chap. We took in the view, learnt about Inukshuks, ate delicious meringues (to reflect an

igneous rock – a mixture aerated and then heated and cooled) to give us sustenance and then set out to find the next figure in Sue Fleetwood’s garden. This chap named Michelin, for obvious reasons, was lord of all he surveyed. Having travelled a great distance we were hungry and enjoyed some of Sue’s lovely currant pasty -Fly Pie (to reflect a metamorphic process where sedimentary pastry layers have had an intrusion of currants and then subjected to heat and pressure), to set us up for the next leg of the journey, which took us up the mountain trail to the dizzy heights of Kilmidyke Drive where Denys Vaughan greeted us. Denys had recruited Nancy and Peter Mallinson to serve liquid refreshments, (drinks reflect the water which has shaped and eroded many of our rocks) whilst he provided us with the geological information about his creations which were lovely table-top specimens meant to be displayed indoors. We were also given an opportunity to build our own Inukshuks but most of us seemed to be too tired after the steep climb and preferred to lounge in the sunshine. Rehydrated, we proceeded across the high plateau to our next stop at Mollie Bell’s home to be greeted by a woolly looking Inukshuk that directed us into the rear garden. Here we found a beautiful sculptured figure that looked disdainfully at the foreign intruder placed next to her. Nevertheless we admired his macho image and again took more nourishment to give us energy for the ascent to the next venue. This time it was Millionaires’ shortbread (to reflect a sedimentary rock altered by heat, with an igneous toffee on top covered by chocolate). Energised, we duly arrived at Windycote, at the invitation of June and Don Gabbitas who live in this mountainside residence. Not only were we challenged to walk along the steep goat tracks to find the exhibits, we also had to think of suitable names for them! Some were hardy and evidently coped with the mountain air and wind and some were more delicate and lived indoors. In recognition of the physical hardship we had endured so far, we were plied with drinks and sausage rolls and spicy cheese straws (made and served by Janice Carrick) to prepare us for the next stage to Flookburgh. (Pork pies reflect a conglomerate rock, a mixture of different rocks from different sources bound together, and cheese straws represent a rock altered by heat and folding).

Pam Baines and Rosemary Hoyle were waiting for us at Pam’s home, The Old Dairy. We had some respite from the physical hardships we had experienced previously but our mental capacity was in demand again because we were asked to name ten, yes, ten specimens! Although nearing exhaustion we cheerfully proceeded to do what was needed and were given another reward for our efforts in the form of rock cakes. (Reflecting a

metamorphic rock with a mixture of various ingredients including fruit that has been heated, simulating granite – but hopefully a lot softer)! This energy boost was essential because we had to find our way along the valley to a river crossing at Cark and then followed the river to Cartmel where the end of our journey was in sight.

On the point of collapse we arrived at Greenfield House to find David and Isabel Huggett waiting for us with yet another task to be completed. Here we found a collection of Inukshuk figures that had to be given suitable names before we were allowed to sit down to rest our weary bones. One figure in particular raised a few smiles and inspired a selection of names that were highly appropriate given ‘her’ physique – Isabel said afterwards, “I am still amused by our voluptuous one being called Venus, Angel of the North, Aphrodite, Marilyn Munroe and Fatima Whitbread!” Having completed all our tasks we enjoyed tea and marble cake and shared our experiences of a lovely afternoon. (Marble Cake reflects the dramatic swirly texture of

blastomylonite with the mixing of two different types of rock). It should really be called blastomylonite cake but might not look too good in a recipe book!

This unique fundraiser resulted in £131 for the club’s Members’ Efforts.

Penny, Sue, Denys, Nancy, Peter, June, Don, Janice, Pam, Rosemary, Isabel and David, thank you for organising the afternoon. All the explorers enjoyed the experience. Guess who didn’t want any dinner that evening!

PS: For any of you who were unable to join in the trail, and who are completely in the dark as to just what an Inukshuk is – then copies of the leaflet produced are still available! The explanations of the refreshment/ rock relationship are taken from Penny’s leaflet.

Jane Strawbridge

 

Ascot Picnic

On Saturday 25 June 2011  Margaret Dennis, Norma Robinson and Grete Hughes organised a picnic as a members’ effort.  We planned this in the glorious weather in April, but we thought we had better prepare for rain, so although the original idea was to be in Fell Foot Park, Margaret offered her house and garden as a venue. Just as well…..

We thought that we would have a theme and although Wimbledon had just started it was decided that Ascot provided more possibilities for entertainment.  So, with black and white much in evidence and some wonderful hats, we went to the races!!  A sweepstake was organised with Stan Robinson proving to be a very persuasive bookmaker.  He invented 50 horse’s names and we were off.  Each horse cost £1 per bet with 50 per cent of the money raised going for prize money.  Stan even brought a bottle of bubbly for the punter who guessed which of the invented horses names had given Stan most satisfaction (Ludlow Housman)

Members brought their own savoury picnic and we provided a drink, puds and coffee and tea. There was a charge of £5 per head.  The afternoon raised £131. So thanks to all members who participated, and to the husbands who helped create this fun event

Grete Hughes

Edwardian Festival

At the annual Grange over Sands Edwardian Festival, this year held on 11th June, Soroptimist International Grange-over-Sands had its usual stall in Park Road Gardens selling hot drinks, sandwiches and pastries together with assorted cakes and biscuits, all made or provided by local Sorops members.

The day was warm and sunny and our stall, which was manned during the event by teams of enthusiastic club volunteers, was kept very busy, particularly over the lunch time and early afternoon period when the volume of visitors to the festival was at its peak.  The event attracts a variety of stall holders selling everything from soft toys to gardening requisites and prospective purchasers who come to browse the goods on offer are not only residents and holiday makers from Grange and the surrounding area but often from far afield.

Our usual plot near the bandstand has proved very popular with visitors who enjoy refreshments whilst listening to the jazz band or watching the morris dancers, or who simply want to soak up the atmosphere of gaiety, banter and fancy dress which the participating stall holders and their customers share.

The Soroptimists stall, whilst always doing well, this year excelled itself by raising over £500 from the day, all of which will go towards supporting our President’s charities.

Lynda Johnson

Cumbria Clubs Friendship Visit May 2011

Martha Björnström was our choice for the grant of Friendship because she sounded lively and fun. Grange was the fifth venue on her Cumbrian itinerary and Mollie, Grete and Janice met her Penrith hosts at Rogan’s in Cartmel for lunch on Tuesday 17 May. When I arrived home from work she had settled in well and later thirteen members met her for an excellent meal at The Pheasant in Allithwaite where she gave a short talk about her club and Soroptimism in Sweden.

The following day Carol, Grete and Janice took her to Sizergh Castle for a tour of the gardens and castle as well as lunch. Penny and Sue provided a wonderful Wine and Cheese evening at which several other members had the opportunity to meet Martha.

On Thursday Martha and I were able to enjoy a more leisurely breakfast before she left with Sue, Penny and Mollie for Cockermouth.

A 64 year old dentist working part time in a government clinic, she proved to be an ideal considerate guest who fitted easily into our home life. Clearly she regarded her visit to Cumbria as a fact finding mission and the amount she had learned was phenomenal. On her return to Sweden she will be able to convey a great deal of information about Soroptimism and life in Cumbria in general.

She made a lasting impression, the Grant of Friendship is a two-way process and I would like to meet her again.

Sheila Phizacklea   6 July 2011

 

     Lunch at Sizergh Cafe

 Parliamentary Workshop

On April 2nd 22 members of Soroptimist International Grange Over Sands, Windermere and Carlisle met in the URC Hall to attend a Parliamentary Workshop. The session lasted from 10 am to 2 pm. A few of us were aprehensive as we were giving up a large part of a Saturday! but we needn’t have worried. The session was most informative, quite inspiring and good fun. It was led by Chris Blanchett and he put us all at our ease imediately with a quiz about parliament and none os knew it all! A super buffet lunch was provided by  members of the social club. The workshop gave us all a much greater insight into the workings of parliament and the government and guided  us in ways of contacting and interacting with them. Ad one member commented. ” This is at the heart of Soroptimism.”

Janice Carrick April 2011

 

End of Life Planning – a great success

On March 9^th the Grange Soroptimists held a very successful meeting in the Victoria Hall ,  attended by over 100 members of the public keen to find out about issues relating to the End of Life. The meeting was described as “Upbeat” by an attendee and “really informative and professional”.  The topics covered included legal topics including making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney (nominating someone to make decisions for you) and the Law regarding Mental Capacity. Aspects particularly related to health included Preferred Priorities for Care documents (where you can write down your wishes and views and Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (formerly a Living Will) where you can make specific refusals of treatment.

The meeting started with a DVD recounting the experiences of Cumbrian people faced with illness and death in a loved one and their advice to think carefully about wishes in your final illness or that of a family member. Mary Matthiesen from Stories to Change set the scene in a thought provoking way, encouraging people to talk to their family about their wishes about medical treatment or place of care as they may be unable to express those at the relevant time leaving the Medical Profession and families uncertain about their wishes.

Dr Helen Clayson talked about palliative care, St Mary’s Hospice and the benefits and limitations of Preferred Priorities for Care documents which are used in Cumbria and Lancashire and are a useful start documenting in general terms wishes for future care. Copies were provided in the packs given out and are available on the internet.

Solicitors Shirley Evans and Sarah Murphy  answered a series of “Frequently asked Questions” on Wills in their presentation including the particular need to alter your will if you are getting married or divorced.

District Judge Gordon Ashton  OBE  who has extensive experience in the field covered the issues of Mental Capacity, the Court of Protection , Lasting Power of Attorney  ( financial and health and welfare ) and  Advance Directives strongly advised  we should make a Will and  consider a Lasting Power of Attorney, the latter particularly as we get older.

There was a lively question session at the end and discussions continued over Refreshments with all attendees positive and informed and able to visit information stalls provided by local organisations.

Organisers which included June Gabbitas and Isabel Huggett said they were delighted with the Public’s interest and participation in the meeting and comments which had included “I was only interested in the Wills and thought I would just sit through the rest but it was all really good and told me things I didn’t know I needed to know”

 

The meeting was financed by the Grange Soroptimist Club with assistance from the Grange and Cartmel Neighbourhood Forum and Soroptimist International NW England and Isle of Man. If you missed the meeting the information packs from the event are available in Grange library or ring 015395 36378

 

 

SWIMARATHON

The Grange Soroptimists team at the Swimarathon at  Kendal Leisure Centre on Sat 19^th March raised over £400 for the charity Shelterbox  swimm lengths in 55  minutes.  Shelterboxes are sent to disaster areas and contain a tent  and other vital equipment for twelve people

 

 

 

CEILIDHOn Saturday, 19th February 2011, the Club organised a Ceilidh to raise funds for Club Charities.  This was great fund with over 50 people dancing the night away to a wonderful Ceilidh Band and an excellent pie and peas supper.

 

BEST PRACTICE AWARD We were thrilled to be nominated for a Bes

t Practice Award at the Annual Soroptimist

International of Great Britain and Ireland Conference, held in 2010 in Manchester Central, for the Education Category.  Our Club had visited local schools to raise awareness of illiteracy and lack of access to books and educational materials for thousands of children, especially girls in Africa.  The photograph shows President Isabel and President Elect Judith (2nd & 3rd from right), on stage at Conference, collecting their certificate.

CHOCOLATE FAIR

On 27th November, 2010, SI Grange-over-Sands held their 3rd Chocolate Fair at the Victoria Hall in Grange.  This has become a very successful event for the Club.  Father Christmas visits the fair, to the delight of the children, who also get the chance to listen to stories and do activities, whilst their parents have time to look at the many stalls and purchase Christmas presents.  There is a chocolate themed cake stall, mulled wine and coffee, as well as a tombola and raffle. During the day, a group of young musicians played Christmas music, led by our President Elect, Judith Pool.  This year we were able to send £777 to St Mary’s Hospice.

 

FRIENDSHIP QUIZ

 

On Saturday evening, 20th November, the Club held at Friendship Quiz in the Victoria Hall.  This was very well attended and enjoyed by all who participated.  We had a good number of teams, with good prizes to the winners, and a pie and peas supper was enjoyed by all.

 

 

 

 

 BEACH CLEAN AT HUMPHREY HEAD, ALLITHWAITE

A group of 15 Soroptimists joined members of the Morecambe Bay Partnership in a Beach Clean at Humphrey Head, a popular tourist spot on Morecambe Bay, near to Grange-over-Sands.  The group picked up 8 large bags of litter.  Anything that could be re-cycled was separated from the general rubbish.  Apart from the usual drink cans and plastic bottoes, a duvet cover, sleeping bag, builders’ merchants canvas bag and pillows were among the more unusual items!

On December 10th 2011, three members of the club and two of their husbands once again joined the Morecambe Bay Partnership for a Beach Clean. Despite previous days of rain it was a sunny and mild morning and it was a pleasure to be outside rather than braving the shops for Christmas Shopping.

 

 

Celebrating International Literacy Day

September 8^th was International Literacy Day. To celebrate this day and to promote the Soroptimist International aim of every child’s entitlement to be literate, nine members of Soroptimist International of Grange -Over –Sands presented a cheque for £1000 to the Headteacher, staff and children of Sandgate School in Kendal. This excellent school caters for children from 3 -19 with severe and profound learning difficulties many of whom have multiple difficulties. The children attending are mainly from south Cumbria but this ranges from Cartmel Peninsula in the west to Penrith in the north and the Yorkshire border in the east. The school gives them a broad, stimulating and individualised curriculum that meets their needs. The school is open 52 weeks of the year and for 3 weekends out of 4, and works closely with other local schools and the local community. The Soroptimists were given a tour of the school and had the opportunity to meet many of the staff and children. The warmth, care and happiness of everyone shone through. The school was thrilled to accept the cheque and the £1000 is to be spent on two computer workstations with touch-screen facilities for the refurnished school library and to purchase computer software that helps the children with reading and communication. The donation was part of a bequest from Edna Martland, a founder and honorary member of the Grange Club, who passionately believed in education for all.

 

PARK ROAD GARDENS

On Sunday, 12^th September 2010, the new Oystercatcher Pavement in the Sensory Garden of Park Road Gardens was unveiled.   Members of Soroptimist International of Grange-over-Sands had spent several months planning this pavement, which has an oystercatcher engraved on slate as its central feature, the oystercatcher being a bird seen regularly on the Bay.  Donations had been received from local businesses in Grange, but the major expense of the engraving had been covered by a very generous donation from the family of Ethel Ripley, a founder member of the Grange Club who spent many hours sitting in the gardens.  One of her nephews, Ian McCandlish, with his wife Jane had travelled from Harrogate for the occasion, along with other members of her family.

The Soroptimists are grateful to the following:

Clare House                            Gedye & Sons                         Grange Gallery

Grange Hotel                         Grange Plant Centre               Proctors Butchers

Lloyd Saunders                       Station Bookshop                   Trenouths

Watchers                                 Wilson Robinson

Also present at the unveiling were The Mayor, Councillor Tom Harvey, Councillor Bill Wearing representing SLDC, members of The Friends of Park Road Gardens, and local residents.

New Seat in memory of Edith Mortimer

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Day of Peace – 21st September 2009

 

The 21^stSeptember was declared by the United Nations as an International Day of Peace, with the intention that the entire world observe a day of peace and non-violence.  To mark this day, members of Soroptimist International of Grange have presented a peace lily to each of the Churches in Grange and District, the Library and to the Town Council.   They have also invited each of the primary schools and Cartmel Priory School to join in this observance by including a prayer for peace in their school assemblies on this special day.  Copies of the prayer have been sent to both the churches and the schools:

 

Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth,

Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.

Lead us from hatred to love, from war to peace.

Let peace fill our hearts, our homes, our town, our country, our world.        Amen

 

The Grange members have mounted a display in the showcase window next door to Mulberrys, and a special flag will be flying!

Penny Ward (12 August 2009)

 

**************************************************************