Hannah Morowa, CEO of WomenMATTA, spoke at our October meeting. WomenMATTA is a charity which offers help and support to women coming into contact with the criminal justice system. Hannah explained that police custody suites can refer women when they are first arrested; workers visit women in prison and provide support to them on release. Support is available in finding appropriate accommodation, addressing physical and mental needs, benefits and debt issues and domestic abuse. This support not only results in lives turned around and a massive reduction in re-offending, but also saves a significant amount of public money. We were pleased to be able to donate over 100 bras.

A group of members visited Dunham Massey’s  Women and Power event which told the stories of the women (and men) who fought both for and against female suffrage.     They also heard about three women who have shaped Dunham’s history – Lady Mary Booth, the first and only woman to inherit and run the estate, Penelope Lady Stanford who made the decision to open the military hospital during the First World War and the longstanding housekeeper, Mrs Isabella Collins. Thanks to Sue H. for arranging a most interesting and enjoyable visit.

We had a lovely Ghanaian Evening with delicious food cooked by Liz and her family. Everyone enjoyed the food and some managed to eat outside in spite of being buzzed by wasps. Some took part in a dance lead by Liz to music from Ghana. She displayed colourful goods, typical of the country. £270 was raised for our charities.   In all a great fun evening. Thank you Liz. Rose Marginson      

Our Strawberry Tea was held in Susan and David’s lovely garden on 12th August. Over 20 members and friends enjoyed sandwiches, scones, cakes as well as strawberries and cream. Proceeds will go to St Ann’s Hospice.

Eddie Tarry, Community Engagement Manager at Styal Prison spoke at our August meeting. His role is wide ranging and he received the Butler Trust commendation from Princess Anne in 2011. Styal opened as a female prison in 1962 having previously been an orphanage and a refugee camp. Styal offers a variety of activities, including education and vocational training, enabling women to gain employment on their release. Notable among these are the Clink Restaurant, an annual entry in the Tatton Flower Show (for which they have received a number of medals) and Recycling Lives, a waste management company. A most interesting and enlightening insight.

President Barbara inducted Lynne as a new member at our July meeting. Lynne, who is a retired General Practitioner, is now one of our linked members. Rose Marginson

At our July Club meeting our speaker was Cate Allison, Chief Executive of Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH). The charity offers advice and support to women in sex work. It started in 1991 with a small van that provided condoms and clean injecting equipment. Now there is also a drop-in centre and outreach service. MASH services include safety advice, refreshments, free condoms, a needle exchange and support with debts, benefits, homelessness and domestic violence. In addition, activities to build confidence and develop life skills are available. In 2018 the charity received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

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

President Barbara, Val and Rose were pleased to present Charlotte Batra and Claire Fawcett, the children’s crisis worker, with toys for the children who are referred to St Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). The club has supported the Centre in a number of different ways over many years – it is sad that this is needed but we hope the toys  give some enjoyment. Rose Marginson

As May is Membership Month we decided to arrange an event. Thanks to the Pankhurst Trust we were able to have a fairly informal evening at the Pankhurst Centre on 24th May. The event was posted on Facebook and members were asked to spread the word amongst friends and acquaintances. Four people came to hear more about us from seven of our members, including Liz and Sue – two of our newest members –  who were free that evening.  President Barbara and I explained about the organisation and the work we do and then everyone had a chance to chat. It was a very enjoyable evening and our four guests hope to attend other events. Thank you to all who attended and to Gail for use of the venue. It is always a pleasure to spread the word about S I Manchester. Rose Marginson   The