Did you know? 80% of women in the UK have experienced harassment in public spaces. 88% of people in the UK have experienced some form of unwanted behaviour on public transport in the past five years. The most common behaviours include staring, intimidatingly sitting or standing too close, and verbal abuse — according to research by L’Oréal Paris and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. You can learn how to recognise harassment and support women safely by joining a free 30-minute training webinar: Stand Up Against Harassment, offered by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust in partnership with L’Oréal Paris. This training empowers you to act as an active bystander when you witness harassment — without putting yourself at risk.

Soroptimist International Manchester’s summer fundraiser arrived in the form of a charity lunch and race day with virtual horse-racing being the order of the day. It was a welcome opportunity for guests to dust off their finest garb and step out in style in support of the numerous charities we support. The event was well attended with members from all South Lancashire clubs in attendance and began with convivial gatherings in the bar, where hats and fascinators were in abundance and friends from different clubs had an opportunity to catch up before the excitement of the racing commenced. Once settled and following a welcome from President Sophie, the betting rules were explained. There were to be six horse races in total with footage from live races projected onto a large screen, some jump races and some on the flat with eight runners in each. Local

The unusually sultry weather we have experienced in Manchester of late has been difficult and uncomfortable for many of us. Electric fans have been flying off the shelves and more difficult to obtain than tickets for an Oasis concert! For women who sex work and/or are homeless, a heatwave presents even greater challenges than usual and particular difficulties, with increased health risk related to sun exposure and greater need for basic items needed to maintain personal comfort, hygiene and dignity.         Following a “shout out” for useful essentials that may be donated for the women at Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), numerous club members donated money to the sum of £200, which was used to fund a delivery of the most needed items including protective sun cream, underwear, body wipes, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. The following messages from Janelle and

Experiencing domestic abuse can feel isolating, and finding support isn’t always easy. That’s why the UK SAYS NO MORE campaign created Safe Spaces — working with pharmacies, banks, and selected jobcentres across the UK to provide private, secure rooms for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Look out for the posters at participating locations. Simply walk in and ask a staff member at the counter to use their Safe Space. Inside, you can: Contact friends or family safely Reach specialist support services Start your journey to safety and recovery Safe Spaces offer a discreet and secure way to get help when you need it most. Find your nearest Safe Space: uksaysnomore.org/safespaces Watch this video from Sussex Police: Do the Right Thing  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 #SafeSpace #WomensSafety #UKSaysNoMore

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. Facebook post from the Pankhurst Centre A big thank you to Soroptimist International Manchester for coming along to our celebration of Emmeline Pankhurst’s birthday. We always value your support and the cakes were amazing! It was a great way to celebrate the suffragette icon and a successful birthday party!

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