We had a very interesting, informative meeting at the Pankhurst Centre. Manchester Women’s Aid has greatly expanded its  services over the past few years. As well as running the five refuges, there are  two houses to help support women fleeing domestic abuse. Counselling services are provided but more are needed and  we were pleased to be able to give a donation for a session. Members also enjoyed a tour of the Heritage Museum.   Thank you to Susan for arranging the visit and refreshments. Rose Marginson

President Sue welcomed members, friends and guests to S I Manchester’s 97th Charter Lunch on Sunday 5th March. In her traditional toast to the City and Ports of Manchester Sue reminded us that ‘In this life things don’t always go to plan … but it is how we respond that matters’ Barbara Blaber, club member and managing director of Act4Africa (one of the club’s projects) proposed the toast to Soroptimist International and Denise Parker, President of S I South Lancashire, responded. The guest speaker was Lorraine Worsley-Carter, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester who gave us a very informative insight into her role. We were please to be joined by Soroptimists from eight clubs – Stockport & District, Leigh & District, Liverpool, Ashton under Lyne, Bolton, Lancaster, Southport and Widnes. Honorary member Kathleen Beavis sent greetings – Success in all your service. Always remember to ensure

We had a fabulous and memorable evening on Saturday 18th February. Many thanks to Fiona, her family and the members who pulled out all the stops to make “ Fiona’s Annual Pancake Party “ a massive success. Lovely Food, Delicious Pancakes, Games and Drinks flowing ! Lots of fun, friendship and pancakes raised much needed funds for the projects we support. I hope for repeat performance next year so all members who missed this year and non members who fancy becoming members for the experience, can join us for Fun Friendship and Fundraising. Liz Aniteye

GM4Women2028 is a charity focused on promoting equality and diversity for the benefit of the community in Greater Manchester and to making Greater Manchester a better place for women and girls. Areas of focus are – employment, safety, participation, education, and culture and active lives. The Annual Pankhurst-Fawcett Scorecard Reveal & Celebration Event on 6th February was attended by seven members of our Club. The results can be seen in the delegate pack on the organisation’s website.

MANCHESTER WOMEN’S AID On 6th December members enjoyed another successful evening packing over 100 mugs for Manchester Women’s Aid. Every women arriving at a refuge, after escaping domestic violence,  is given her own mug carefully wrapped in biodegradeable paper and containing sachets of tea, coffee, chocolate and a biscuit. These are greatly appreciated and members are delighted to be able to help in this way. It was appropriate that we were able to do this during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Thanks to Rose for hosting the evening. WOMENMATTA On 7th December President Sue and Programme Action Committee Chair Sophie delivered 250 diaries, vouchers and toiletries. Diaries were requested by the organisation (part of Women in Prison) to help women leaving the criminal justice system to organise their lives.  Sophie found that they were desperately in need of warm clothes and shoes