Emmeline Pankhurst was born on 15th July 1858. As in previous years a birthday party was held at the Pankhurst Centre – involving cake, activities, quizzes about the legendary leader of the suffragettes and an opportunity to explore the museum. Members of Soroptimist International Manchester made and served the cakes.

Heather Roberts, RNCM Archive and Museum Manager, spoke at our July meeting about the history of the Royal Northern College of Music, with special reference to Hilda Collens and Ida Carrol, both of whom were Manchester Soroptimists. Hilda was a piano teacher and founded the Manchester branch of the Matthay School which become the Northern School of Music, merging with the Royal Manchester College of Music to become the RNCM. There is a memorial window in her name in St Ann’s Church. Ida studied piano at the Matthay School, becoming secretary after leaving school and later succeeding Hilda as President.

Stalking isn’t just unwanted attention — it’s a pattern of repeated, intrusive behaviour that can leave you feeling frightened, distressed or unsafe. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust defines stalking as: A pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent and intrusive, causing fear, alarm or distress to the victim. If you think you may be experiencing stalking, you don’t have to face it alone. Support is available. National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 ️ Online tool: suzylamplugh.org/am-i-being-stalked-tool Soroptimists continue to take action to improve women’s safety in our communities. Learn more about our work: sigbi.org/what-we-do/our-work/womens-safety. #StandingUpForWomenAndGirls #Soroptimists #Stalking #WomensSafety

Soroptimist International of Manchester’s charter was signed on 16th June 1926. To celebrate the occasion an informal supper was held at Fiona’s home with attendees providing the food. President Sophie presented Susan H. and Val with long service award certificates – for 30 and 25 years respectively. Thanks to Fiona for hosting. Sue S. for co-ordinating the food and Val for running the raffle. Liz said – Thanks Fiona and Paul for another lovely evening. Really enjoyed it. Susan said – Thank you Fiona and Paul .. it was a lovely evening sharing it with lovely people. Hilary said – Such a lovely evening, great company, great hosts! Thank you Fiona and Paul. Val said – Thank you Fiona and Paul for hosting. It was such a lovely evening of good food, fun and friendship. 

In the aftermath of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017 Soroptimist International of Manchester decided to set up an annual award to a performing arts student at Pendleton Sixth Form College. Many young girls attended the concert and were affected by the events of that terrible night. This year the Performing Arts team nominated Gwen Flint. The award was presented when the class graduated on 25th June by Rose, our club lead for the award. Rose was accompanied by member Liz who couldn’t resist asking for a photo with actress Catherine Tyldesley; Catherine was student at Pendleton College and was also presenting an award.    

Quilts Beanie hats and blankets IPP Fiona presenting the Centenary Grant certificate

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

Thanks to a legacy we started supporting Ashton on Mersey Chiefs under 11s team in 2024 by sponsoring home and away kits. To avoid a clash with another team they were renamed Ashton on Mersey Tigers and are now under 12s. We are very pleased to be able to continue our support this year by sponsoring new zip training tops and received lovely messages from centre back Scarlett, and Scarlett’s mother Amy. Playing for the U12s Tigers is something that I will never forget. The second I get onto the pitch with the team, all of my worries just disappear. We get to run around, get really muddy, celebrate our wins and learn from our losses. It helps with our physical and mental health. I have made so many new friends that I feel like I can talk to. We’ve learned how to work together

Do you ever worry that your children or grandchildren might be in an unhealthy relationship? Every young person deserves a relationship built on respect, trust and safety — free from abuse. Talking openly about what’s healthy, reasonable and acceptable is one of the most effective ways to prevent harm before it starts. Simple tools can help start those conversations. Resources like the Loves Me / Loves Me Not bookmarks, shared by many Soroptimist clubs in their communities, have become powerful conversation starters for young people and families alike. Women’s Aid has also produced some excellent information on healthy relationships here. Soroptimists continue to take action to improve women’s safety in our communities. Learn more about our work: sigbi.org/what-we-do/our-work/womens-safety. #StandingUpForWomenAndGirls #Soroptimists #WomensSafety #HealthyRelationships

Members of Soroptimist International Manchester were among the 78 delegates who attended the Regional Conference on 16th May hosted by Sue Underwood, Region President and member of our club.