75 Soroptimists and guests from the North West Region enjoyed an inspiring talk by Irini Tzortzoglou Masterchef Winner 2019 on Saturday 16th November at Cartmel Village Hall. Proceeds from the event will go to Growing Well. This is a mental heath charity, organic farm and training centre near Kendal , supporting adults with mental health problems. https://www.growingwell.co.uk/ Irini talked about her Masterchef journey and the fun, friendship and hard work involved. It was great for Soroptimists to hear of the bond between the 3 female finalists and Irini observing that we can achieve so much, not just as women but as women of 60, as she won Masterchef at that age! The afternoon was rounded off with a marvellous afternoon tea and we have raised £415 for Growing Well. Several members then went  with Irini in December to present the cheque to Growing well The

4 Club members visited Barrow women’s Centre to see the centre and deliver Sanitary products purchased with some of the proceeds from the afternoon tea in August. Period poverty is a major problem for women and girls on low incomes and those who attend Barrow Women’s Centre http://www.womenscommunitymatters.org/ can access sanitary items on site and to take home if necessary.

Ten club members went to the SIGBI Conference in Bournemouth and were doubly proud as club member Rosemary Hoyle was installed as Regional President and Singing for Memory won the Federation Best Practice award in the Food Security and Healthcare category. Janice gave an excellent presentation on Singing for Memory to the Conference and really highlighted our project and demonstrated why we were chosen from at least 800 other projects!  Three members acted as stewards over the 3 days. A good time was had by all with excellent speakers, projects and fun including a visit to the Rocky Horror show and walks along the beach.