Club members and friends  enjoyed haggis, neeps and tatties at a  Burns night supper on Friday 26th January. Ewan Cameron piped in the haggis and did  a full address to the haggis. The traditional speeches were followed by singing of Scottish songs led by Janice Carrick. A good time was had by all  and £510 was raised for club charities including South Lakeland Mind and Child Line.

The club participated in the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul's Church in Grange. This year's theme was the Twelve Days of Christmas. President Mary Ann decorated the tree with cards depicting rthe Twelve Days of Christmas but also linked each one to the work of the Soroptimists in Grange.

Thirty attenders and voluinteers enjoyed a singing session and Christmas party at the final session of the year  on 14rth December. [new_royalslider id=”8″]

Members enjoyed good food, friendship and a News Quiz at the Christmas Party at the Hampsfield House Hotel. The club also welcomed 3 new linked members on the night

Members and guests enjoyed a fantastic Flower demonstration "The Magic of Christmas" at Ulverston Sports and Social Club. The evening was successfiul with beautiful Christmas arrangements demonstrated , then raffled in aid of Soroptimist Charities. An excellent buffet was enjoyed by everyone . £325 was raised for Soroptimist Charities including ChildLine and South Lakeland Mind.  

4 members wrote letters of support to women in Egypt, China, Jamaica and Turkey who have suffered  Human Rights abuses. Letters were also written to the authorities in those countries, bringing to their attention the  plight and infringement of the Human Rights of these women and calling for change. Club members joined in support  for Ni Yulan, Chinese housing activist  and the photo was posted on Facebook and Twitter as Ni has no permanent address due to harrassment by the authorities, and this was the only way to get a message of support to her.  Christmas cards were also sent to Asylum seekers being held in detention centres in the UK.

Members signed the petition from Handicap International calling on Governments  to Stop Bombing Civilians. When cities are bombed during  armed conflict 92% of the victims are civilians. The petition was shared on Facebook and Twitter.  

On Nov 25th to mark UN Day for Elimination of Violence against Women Grange Soroptimists joined members of SI Blackpool, Blackburn and Garstang on a march organised by Preston Soroptimists in Preston Town Centre. The weather was appalling but we made an impression with orange sashes, banners and a shout of  ” End Violence against Women”

At the North west England and Isle of Man  Regional meeting club member Rosemary Hoyle was installed as Regional Vice President.

Ten members attended the SIGBI Conference and  had a very interesting and sociable conference which ended  in us wilnning the Best Practice Award in the Health Section for Singing for Memory.  Well done to everyone , particularly Janice! We heard about other club’s projects and from  inspiring keynote speakers including Michael Kaufman talking about the causes of male violence against women. Two  inspirational speakers were Mandy Hickson one of the first female RAF Tornado pilots and Dame Katherine Grainger, Olympic Gold medallist. We also saw the installation of  our new Regional President  Maureen Howarth  and  Federation President Sue Biggs who is from our Region. An excellent Conference, renewing friendships, making new friends and returning inspired!