Six Grange members attended the Regional lunch to celebrate the work of Soroptimists of the North West England and Isle of Man .The Haslingden Trophy was awarded to Grange and Rossendale Clubs for recruiting and retaining new members.

Grange Club were delighted to receive the Darwen Shield in recognition of their work on the White Ribbon Campaign 2014. This was undertaken in Ulverston on 25 November 2014 marking UN Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Members are repeating action  on 25  Nov 2015. See White Ribbon Campaign page.

On a chilly evening in May Club members met for games on the Promenade including crazy golf, putting and use of the exercise machines The evening was rounded off by a lovely supper at the Promenade cafe.

On 27th April 2015 retiring President Janice Carrick reflected on the  club’s very successful 60th year. This had included setting up Singing for the Brain to improve the lives of dementia sufferers, fundraising for Mary’s Meals enabling more children in Africa to receive an education and the installation of the Town Crest which was achieved with the support of local businesses and individuals. Cathy Lubelska was installed as our new President and  the club looks forward to this year’s Programme of events which will include  a public meeting about dementia  

Grange Club hosted a lunch  for the Soroptimist Clubs in Cumbria and the meeting was well attended by clubs from Windermere, Cockermouth, Whitehaven  and Penrith.  Margaret Clark, Regional President of SI Northern England  wearing orange presented President Janice with orange gifts  , raising awareness of the problem of  Violence against women.   Claire Louise Chapman gave an interesting talk about the work of “Growing Well”  an organic farm providing a therapeutic environment for people with mental health problems, in Cumbria.

On Feb 7th Club members hosted a lunch for members of other clubs in the North West Region. Some club members and visitors dressed up 50s style! Hilary Stubbs ( local costume expert) gave a talk and fashion show featuring fashions of the 50’s, assisted by club member Mary Ann who was an elegant model .  

    The Grange Soroptimists would like to thank the people of Grange and fellow  Soroptimists from Barrow  for supporting our Film and Singalong again this year. After the success of Mamma Mia last year the Sound of Music was shown  on July 29th with  a very good turnout  and enthusiastic singing in a packed Victoria Hall. Some excellent costumes were made and 1st prize went to Audrey Stainton dressed as “a brown paper package tired up with string complete with a parcel fascinator! £680 was raised  for the BIG project        

 24 members, partners and friends went to  to Dunham Massey, a National Trust property near Altrincham, Cheshire, see the house returned to its Military Hospital status. The house was a Military Hospital during WW1. It was fascinating insight in to how this was achieved. Some members were lucky enough to catch the interpretive enactments which were going on. In the ‘ward’, the use of direct quotes from patients around the room and the talking pillows gave a flavour of the experiences of those who were treated there. This event has been particularly well received by our members.

  On a sunny  Saturday 14 June Grange over Sands enjoyed the annual Edwardian Festival.  As usual Grange Soroptimists had a cake, sandwiches, tea and coffee stall and had a busy day . Members dressed in Edwardian costume, or an approximation of vaguely early 20th century clothing, to get into the mood. President Janice and her husband looked the part in authentic fashion.  In the evening we had organised a music hall evening and various ‘turns’ played to a full house.  Robin Webster acted as compere. Altogether a very successful fund raising day.