We were fortunate to celebrate Christmas before new guidelines were suggested and enjoyed a dinner at The Park Hotel in Great Harwood. The food was excellent, the service superb and the company delightful. A secret Santa also added to the excitement. President Wyn enjoyed the company of our oldest member, Isabel who recently celebrated 60 years as a Soroptimist.
How good are you at knitting Poppies to celebrate our heroes and let them know ‘We will not forget’ ? Displayed around Great harwood Town Hall
At last we were back to raising funds for our charities and taking part in a community activity. We raised £70 for Sightsavers and Accrington Womens Centre, and had lots of fun with all the other charity fundraisers. It was wonderful to get together again with our friends. We also congratulated Soroptimist International on her 100th Birthday
As with other clubs our business and social meetings have been held on Zoom. It has been wonderful in keeping us in touch with each other during Lockdown. Who knew that we would be using such technology!!
Members have enjoyed two summer outings already this year. One to New Brighton with a ferry crossing to Liverpool. The second trip was to Haydock Races where nearly all of us lost money on the betting but it didn’t spoil an excellent day.
Members collected toiletries, underwear and female hygiene products to pass on to HARV; Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Domestic Violence Team, and NIGHTSAFE; who support homeless young people. We held fund raising events throughout the year and presented £120 each for these charities to assist them in their work.
Our Autumn trip was with Moving People to BBC Media City in Manchester. Agnes and Julie examined the studio of the Breakfast program and the North West News Joyce was impressed by the acoustics of the Manchester Philharmonic Orchestra. Dorothy had the experience of reading the news from the red sofa. After lunch we wandered round the Lowry Gallery and shopping centre. A good day with good friends.
Great Harwood Charter Fair started with soggy parade through the town center but as the weather picked up so did the crowds. Soroptimists were dressed a Suffragettes celebrating 100 years of women gaining the vote. We walked up to the Town Gate where the Town Crier announced the Fair and then the Mayor and Mayoress opened the fair. We were accompanied by the Lord and Lady of the Manor, our MP and local Councillors. Our stall was a Chocolate and Sweets Tombola where everyone was a winner. Funds were divided between HARV, our local Domestic Abuse Team, NIGHTSAFE, for homeless youngsters and The PAHAR TRUST, building schools in Nepal.
Members enjoyed an evening meal at The Dog and Otter for the Installation of their new President Lesley. Past President Lindsay passed on the chain of office to Lesley and wished her every success in her Presidential year. Pam then passed on the Past President’s badge to Lindsay thanking her for her leadership over the past two year.
Members were invited to view the new Raza jamia Masjid Mosque in Accrington. Councillors Munsif Dad and Noordad Aziz explained the building and the various rooms which were all magnificent, with beautiful marble on the floors and walls, and plenty of gold decoration. We were also served with refreshments after the wonderful visit. Thank you members of Raza Jamia Masjid.
