The fashions might have been very different, but in 1954 the founding members of Grange-over-Sands Soroptimists were already rolling their sleeves up. It was still hard times in England and abroad, the cold and hungry needed money and blankets, and the women were determined to do their bit. That year donations were sent to Australia for the relief of flood victims, 2 guide dogs were purchased, and gifts delivered to the elderly and lonely in the town.
70 years on, and Grange members have celebrated their Platinum Jubilee, but still no time to put theoir feet up. According to most of the members “that is what it’s all about”, whether it be swimming to supply shelterboxes with emergency supplies in Gaza, gardening to maintain a sensory garden as a peaceful haven in the town, sewing drainage bags for mastectomy patients, or cantering around Cartmel Racecourse in a silly costume to raise money for the Women’s Centre in Barrow. You know you’re doing something to change things for the better locally and globally… and you’re having lots of fun and a laugh at the same time.
The special anniversary celebrations were spread out over the year using each letter of the word PLATINUM. Beginning with P for Party and Personality (at Holker Hall with Maria Benjamin, they concluded with a M for Music, Meal and movie (our own version of Desert Island Discs, a meal at the Manor House and Movie at Oxen Park Cinema Club). Along the way there was evening Trip to the Theatre as a Treat (T), and a very rainy visit to Leighton Moss (N for Nature and World Environment Day).
According to one member, “It was a tremendous honour to be part of such a significant milestone, a testament to the dedication of so many over seven decades”.
The celebrations may now be over, but the club is starting the next 70 years with a Clothes Swap highlighting the shocking facts of Fast Fashion, a display in Grange library for ‘Orange the world’, the UN-led initiative to end violence against women, packing Christmas hampers for the Women’s Centre, and planning an Open Day during Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2026.
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