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!  

Members enjoyed  a creative evening at a pottery workshop  kindly run run by Phil Lubelski.

Members enjoyed a delicious and sociable afternoon tea  at Hampsfell House Hotel and celebrated the 63rd anniversary of the Chartering of the Club. Angie Christopher Regional President attended.    

Grange Soroptimists were out in Barrow Market Hall and outside the Coop surveying the public’s knowledge of  Trafficking and Modern Slavery. Many thanks to all who took part and to Grange Coop and Barrow Market Hall for looking after the Soroptimists ! For further information see the page regarding Trafficking survey.

Midwife Cath Holland came to talk to the club about FGM and her work in Kenya particularly in Pokot where she  is working with all of the community raising awarenewss about the dangers of FGM and has set up an alternative rite of passage course and ceremony as an alternative to FGM. The girls receive gifts including bracelets made by Grange Club. At the club meeting Cath was presented with 1,000 bracelets made by club member Chris Butler and also a cheque for £240 fot the charity beyond FGM raised at  a garden party held in August.. Infoirmation on FGM is  on a You tube video    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN1mulqwv5g    

Club members support the Mines Advisory Group’s commitment to the world being  Landmine  Free by 2025.