President Pat joined Soroptimists in Performance Square, outside the Sage, on Friday morning to make a sea of red in raising awareness of endometriosis. The Mayor of Gateshead, who had enjoyed himself at the opening ceremony, came along in his official – red – robes.

Thankfully, the forecast rain never materialised and it was a gloriously sunny, if rather chilly morning. Everyone was presented with a keepsake red rose, which they then waved in the air and shouted for less ‘silence’ and more ‘noise’ to be heard in support of sufferers.

Delegates then returned to the Sage for warming mugs of coffee before hearing from the morning’s first speaker.