Rachelle organised a table for us at the Manchester Histories Event on 6 June which was held in the Rates Hall. This was a really interesting day with a wide variety of exhibitors showcasing many different aspects of life and activity in Manchester from a historical perspective through to the present day. Chethams Library, The Portico Library, The Police, Pre-historic Stockport, The Co-operative Society, LGBTQ+, The Pankhurst Centre, Arts Groups, Film Clubs, Railway historians, The Royal Northern College of Music and many others were there and the hall was full with people eager to talk about their particular interest and the activities of their groups, their archives and history.
Rachelle and I got together some past and present materials for a new leaflet which was prepared for this event. It was then refined by Fiona and laid out by Neil, Susan Hollick’s son with Susan acting as the final editor. Denise then arranged for the printing to be done. A real group effort with a great final result.
Sophie, Susan H, Rachelle, Denise and I then set up the display and table and were on hand to talk to the steady stream of visitors that came through during the day. Only a few people had actually heard of Soroptimism and curiosity about the name and its meaning drew people in and gave us an opportunity to talk about the history but mainly about the work that we are doing now. This was very instructive and I think that it has given much food for thought about what might attract new members to the club and how we might develop our profile and publicity in the future.
Sue Silk