Yvonne was invited to present the Helen Latto Soroptimist Prize for Singing at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music (JRNCM) as usual this year. Unfortunately she was in hospital at the time so I deputised for her. There were two recipients this year, Mia Serracino-Inglott and Imogen Parsley.
Helen Latto was President of S I Manchester in 1980-81. She was an Aberdonian, trained as a pharmacist in Scotland, then moved south and opened her own pharmacy in Moss Side. Helen was introduced to Soroptimism by Ivy Roberts, lecturer in pharmacy at the University of Manchester and Club President in 1941.
During Helen’s Presidency she organised a charity event at a music school in Whalley Range which had a link to the Royal Northern College of Music. The singing of the children during this event enhanced Helen’s love of music and led to her involvement with the JRNCM when it was formed some years later. On her death she left a bequest to the school for a prize for singing. Helen and Yvonne were good friends, hence the annual invitation to Yvonne to present the prize awarded in Helen’s name.
Sadly Yvonne passed away on 14th June. Members of S I Manchester were pleased that last year’s winner of the Helen Latto prize sang ‘Pie Jesu’ from Faure’s Requiem at her funeral service.
Barbara Valcaccia