At our May meeting we had a talk from Shona Boyle from Henshaw’s, a charity supporting people living with sight loss.  the society provides services for them and their friends and family to help them live with their disability . The aim is to empower people with sight loss to live an independent life, through development of skills, confidence and self esteem. Shona gave us a history of the charity which started in Manchester in 1833 and how it has evolved and changed over the years, initially for the blind now for anyone with  sight loss. They do great work and it was a pleasure to hear about the history and changes over the years. Rose Marginson

We were delighted to induct three new members – Liz, Sue and Lillian – prior to our Annual General meeting.

Our Annual General Meeting was held on 10th April at the Pinewood Hotel, Handforth. Barbara Blaber was elected President and Rosemary Steven became President Elect.  

In true Soroptimist style, President Rose overcame several challenges to preside over a very successful Charter Dinner at the Marriott Hotel, Hale Barns. Most guests arrived despite the bad weather, including Rose’s family and Past President Molly who braved the trains from London. In her toast to the City and Ports of Manchester, Rose explained how she came to Manchester on a temporary assignment but never left. In response, the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor June Hitchen, praised her beloved city, looking forward to her year as Lord Mayor – especially appropriate for a woman as we celebrate the centenary of the first women getting the vote.  Elaine de Fries, Operations Manager of Manchester Women’s Aid, proposed the toast to Soroptimist International based on working with us on the ‘Women’s Words on Manchester’ project. Guest speaker, Hannah Flint of the Modern Slavery Response Network, encouraged us

A group of Soroptimists and neighbours gathered at Fiona’s home for her traditional pancake party. This has become one of the year’s most popular events and was an evening of fun and wonderful food. We played games, had a quiz, the mandatory raffle and copious amount of chat! Another really friendly evening, hosted happily by the family and which raised over £400.  Thank you all so much. Susan Hollick

It was a great pleasure to welcome Ellie Coult from the Mines Advisory Group (MAG)to our March club meeting. Ellie spoke about the work MAG does, not only removing unexploded mines and destroying them but also providing risk education programmes to help people find ways to live alongside the dangers until the land can be cleared. MAG’s work enables communities to grow more food, access better health services and know that their children can walk to school in safety. More than 16 million people in conflict-affected communitiesin over 40 countries  have been helped since 1989. Rose Marginson

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2018, S I Manchester visited Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH) – a charity that offers advice and support to women working in the sex industry.  Their mission is not only to promote personal safety and health but also to empower women to make positive life changes. President Rose and member Elaine delivered supplies of leggings and underwear donated by the club and were impressed by the facilities and the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff. Elaine Loader

The Manchester Arena terrorist attack last year was both horrific and shocking. Our club received many messages of support both from this country and from round the world, sending sympathy to the victims and to the people of Manchester. Members wanted to do something in memory of the victims and, after much discussion, we decided it would be appropriate to help a girl who wanted a career in performing arts. Pendleton College, a sixth form college well known for teaching performing arts, was approached and it was decided that the award of £250 would go to a girl, chosen by the college, who would benefit from a  monetary award to help with her audition costs. We have committed to five years but hope to extend it. President Rose and President Elect Barbara were delighted to present the first award to Kira McPherson. Kira is a

Five members from S I Manchester attended the annual debate organised by St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – “Portrayal of Sexual Violence in Drama – a Force for Good or a Vehicle for Harm”. Speakers included Dr Catherine White and Rachel Coppock from the centre and Noreen Kershaw, Coronation Street director. A lively discussion followed the formal presentations which addressed the important topic of sexual assault, mainly with reference to women and the need to communicate sensitively in addressing the issue. Appropriate delivery of after care and support was also discussed and all those present agreed on the importance of keeping the issue alive in drama programmes but without sensationalising it. Programmes such as Coronation Street can play a vital role in increasing awareness of the issue and the consequences of such abusive and violating behaviour. It is important, however, to ensure that it

In 2015 Soroptimist International of Manchester was asked, together with the Pankhurst Trust, WordPlay and Manchester City Council, to take part in a literary project in which women would write and share their experiences of living, working and growing up in Manchester. Initially a book was planned but the project changed along the way following advice from the Arts Council who helped fund the project. Four of our members were on the steering committee. The call went out last year to all women from any background to write their words. Workshops were arranged in libraries around the city for those who needed help with their writing. Other workshops were arranged to help the vulnerable and marginalised (victims of domestic violence, refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless) who produced rosettes and aprons with their words on.  All entries will be on display in the Central Library