Skip links

Grange Soroptimists go International for Women’s Day

Grange Soroptimists go International for Women’s Day

in

What better time than 8th March to celebrate the contributions two of our members are making to the worlds of science and medicine? Sarah Neill, Marine Biologist and Honorary Member of our club, is currently in Antarctica. Following in the steps of Shackleton, she and the rest of the all-women team are on a mission to document climate change, study marine life and of course honour female polar explorers. The team will document the warming of the  Southern Ocean, conduct underwater research and promote STEAM*  leadership for women. To describe the fascinating things they are doing and seeing would take too long here, but you can follow their progress, and see some truly inspiring photographs here: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.neill.1612 Helen Cooper, one of our newest members has recently returned to Africa for two months to work with disabled children. An occupational therapist, Helen has recently spent a

For auld lang syne, and a better future.

For auld lang syne, and a better future.

in

Robbie Burns was well and truly celebrated by Grange-Over-Sands Soroptimists and their guests this year. There wasn’t a spare ticket to be had and the 73 revellers present made sure every single tradition was marked with quite a lot of respect and even more humour. The fun really started when our piper, Ewen Cameron led the solemn procession of the haggis into the dining room. He it was who also gave the great chieftain of the pudding race* its address. After that, there was nothing for it but a recitation of  The Selkirk Grace followed by the clatter and chatter as the assembled company fell to, giving full justice to the famous dish, with its accompanying neeps and tatties. A wonder it might have been that diners had room for their creamy Cranachan, that favourite Scottish desert but somehow they managed it. Mike Gibbons, the

When it comes to combining business and pleasure…

When it comes to combining business and pleasure…

in

… Grange-Over-Sands Soroptimists are all for it. Specially when it takes the form of a fund raising wine and cheese event. So on 30th October, sixteen guests, a mixture of Club members and their friends feasted with a purpose in mind. A satisfying £175 was raised, which will go towards funding the Christmas Hampers the Club prepares each year alongside Women’s Community Matters in Barrow. With thanks to the two members who hosted the event, and of course in advance to everyone who will be there to help us provide some seasonal fare (basics and some treats) for people in our region who need a little bit of extra support. Like to help out with the hampers? Watch this space or CONTACT US 

Celebrated!

Celebrated!

in

The fashions might have been very different, but in 1954 the founding members of Grange-over-Sands Soroptimists were already rolling their sleeves up. It was still hard times in England and abroad, the cold and hungry needed money and blankets, and the women were determined to do their bit. That year donations were sent to Australia for the relief of flood victims, 2 guide dogs were purchased, and gifts delivered to the elderly and lonely in the town.  70 years on, and Grange members have celebrated their Platinum Jubilee, but still no time to put theoir feet up. According to most of the members “that is what it’s all about”, whether it be swimming to supply shelterboxes with emergency supplies in Gaza, gardening to maintain a sensory garden as a peaceful haven in the town, sewing drainage bags for mastectomy patients, or cantering around Cartmel Racecourse

Train training – Grange Over Sands action for safer travel on our networks

Train training – Grange Over Sands action for safer travel on our networks

in

Time was when the cry of Oh Mr Porter might have helped a woman or girl in distress on the rail networks. Not any more. A report by British Transport Police (published in Police Professional last year) stated that violent crimes against women had increased by 20% in the foregoing year. The problem persists, and to Grange Over Sands Soroptimists, it was a clear call to action. In recent weeks our members have been present at stations in the region – with due permission from the Network of course – to hand out some pithy, portable advice. Printed on business size cards the message is simple, but vital. And judging by the reception we had, very welcome.    

Club members celebrate the Domestic Abuse Bill gaining Royal Assent

Club members celebrate the Domestic Abuse Bill gaining Royal Assent

in Tags
 The Domestic Abuse Bill is now law!  Members of SI Grange have lobbied the Ministry of Justice and their MPs re various changes including the successful addition of non fatal strangulation as a new offence. In particular, this Act will, amongst other things: 1. Create a new statutory definition of domestic abuse, emphasising that domestic abuse is not just physical violence, but can also be emotional, controlling or coercive, and economic abuse. 2. Establish in law the office of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and set out the Commissioner’s functions and powers. 3. Clarify by restating in statute law the general proposition that a person may not consent to the infliction of serious harm and, by extension, is unable to consent to their own death (the so called “rough sex” defence). 4. Create a new offence of non-fatal strangulation or suffocation of another person. 5. Extend
Walk from Sedgwick May 5th

Walk from Sedgwick May 5th

in
Six members enjoyed a walk in glorious sunshine from Sedgwick, through Levens Park to Levens Hall and then along the  route of the disused canal, and back along the River Kent.  Views of snowy peaks were an unusual sight in May! We enjoyed coffee at Levens Hall,  saw the Bagot goats, deer and  beautiful wild flowers. The old canal bridges straddling the footpath  and the  quay at Sedgwick where gunpowder was loaded were a reminder we were walking along the route of the old canal.   Anyone interested in finding out more about our activities or how to join please contact us
Talk by Susannah Bleakley from Morecambe Bay Partnership May 4th

Talk by Susannah Bleakley from Morecambe Bay Partnership May 4th

in Tags
The club was delighted to welcome Susannah Bleakley from the Morecambe Bay Partnership to speak at the club meeting.  She spoke about the many activities of the organisation including cycle ways,  education of the public particularly around birds ,  beach cleans and conservation. The work trying to  protect curlews is very active at the moment as curlews are nesting currently and at risk in fields about to be cut for silage. Morecambe Bay has 50% of the UK curlews. Susannah thanked the Club for their support with beach cleans and urged us to help such as reporting possible curlew nests so that they can be protected.