Skip links

98th Charter Lunch

98th Charter Lunch

in

President Sue welcomed over 70 members, friends and guests to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the club’s inaugural meeting. Eight clubs from the South Lancashire region – Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Leigh & District, Liverpool, Southport, St Helens, Stockport & District, and Wigan – were represented. President Sue’s traditional toast to the City and Ports of Manchester referred to the Manchester Bee   The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mary-Liz Walker, replied on behalf of the City and Ports, referring to all the work carried out by our club. Barbara Blaber, Act4Africa trustee, proposed the toast to Soroptimist International and Pamela Wright, President of Soroptimist International of South Lancashire, replied reminding us to Rise Up and Roar – her theme for the year. The Guest speaker was Karen Humphreys, former head of the Junior Royal Northern College of Music, who spoke about her years in office.

16 Days of Activism

16 Days of Activism

in

This campaign against gender-based violence started in 1991 and is run annually from November 25th  (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th  (International Human Rights Day). Many of our projects support women and girls who have suffered or at risk. During this year’s 16 days we were delighted to be able to help Manchester Women’s Aid, Emmeline’s Pantry and WomenMatta MANCHESTER WOMEN’S AID On 28th November members enjoyed another successful evening packing over 100 mugs for Manchester Women’s Aid. Every women arriving at a refuge, after escaping domestic violence,  is given her own mug carefully wrapped in biodegradeable paper and containing sachets of tea, coffee, chocolate and a biscuit. Thanks to Rosemary for hosting the evening. Craft supplies for well-being sessions were delivered to one of the outreach centres. EMMELINE’S PANTRY Emmeline’s Pantry is a foodbank with a difference –

Garden Party

Garden Party

in

About 40 members, family and friends attended our garden party on Sunday 20th August. Thanks to hosts Susan and David for the use of their lovely garden. Over £500 was raised for our charities.

Community Engagement at Worsley URC Summer Fair

Community Engagement at Worsley URC Summer Fair

in

Recently Elaine and I spent a very pleasant few hours at Worsley United Reform Church Summer Fair. We helped at the refreshment and craft stalls but it wasn’t all work – we were entertained by Moorside Primary School Choir, Urban Stage Theatre School and Salford Community Leisure Street Dance Team. Wearing our Soroptimist T-shirts opened up the usual questions about what is a Soroptimist although it was refreshing to have a conversation with a visitor who knew exactly what we do as she had been a member of S I Grange over Sands. A snapshot of a church and local community coming together having fun and enjoying simple pleasures, although a lot of hard work for the dedicated organisers. Our efforts were very much appreciated , we enjoyed the occasion and were able to promote S I Manchester. Carole Swarbrick  

Helen Latto Prize for Singing

Helen Latto Prize for Singing

in

Helen Latto was president of S I Manchester in 1980-81. She left a capital sum to the club which was donated to the Royal Northern College of Music for investment with the interest gained to be used annually as a prize for singing to a student in the junior school.       This is Karen Humphrey’s last year as head of the RNCM Junior School – a long time friend of S I Manchester, she has promised to keep in touch.

Visitor from Armenia

Visitor from Armenia

in

At our June meeting we were very pleased to welcome Natalia, a member of S I Yerevan – a club in the European Federation. Natalia told us about the history of her club and her work as a doctor including her research into the genetics of Mediterranean fever and the treatment of Covid.