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
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.
