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

On 14th January club members, family and friends celebrated Stella’s 90th birthday. Stella was born in the Victoria Park area of Manchester. She was 11 years old when war broke out and went to live in the Vale Royal area of Cheshire where she went to grammar school in Winsford. After the war the family returned to Manchester. Stella didn’t have the chance of further education and took a temporary job with the Ministry of Health. This led to a career in the civil service working in many different departments, eventually becoming Principal Manager for the DHSS and running an office of over a hundred staff. After retirement Stella gave over 20 years’ service as a National Trust volunteer at Dunham Massey. She is widely read about the history of our nation and very knowledgeable about the arts, especially opera. Stella became a Soroptimist in

The club gave a donation to Act4Africa which enabled the charity to buy a goat – named Flossie – for their growing herd at Kathy’s Centre in Mayuge, Eastern Uganda. Goats form a vital part of their Health, Empowerment and Livelihoods (HEAL) programme which equips young women with the skills and training they need to become independent

This year’s International Evening had a Irish theme. We enjoyed a delicious supper, a singalong and a quiz as well as raising funds for our charities.

Thanks to Fiona and Ciara for hosting our packing evening on 22nd November. We provided 30 backpacks for Mary’s Meals, a charity which feeds over a million of the world’s poorest children. Many of these children don’t have basic learning tools such as pencils and notepads – as well as these we were able to supply other items of stationery, toiletries and clothes.

This year’s Friendship Evening consisted of a quiz with cheese, pate and wine. Forty people attended including Regional President Margaret and members of Stockport and Ashton under Lyne clubs.       Steve of Inquiztion provided an entertaining quiz which became quite competitive! The winners – Rosemary, Gus, Elaine and Rosemary’s friend, Valerie – just pulled ahead on the last round; Susan and David’s team came second. Thanks to Anne for preparing the refreshments and to Susan for arranging the quizmaster. As usual we had a raffle. Over £300 was raised for our charities. Rose Marginson

Our Charity Lunch at Swinton Park Golf Club on Sunday 23rd July was a complete sell-out when 121 enjoyed a most successful and financially rewarding afternoon. President Rosemarie had planned and organised with great precision a range of demonstrations and stalls reflecting the theme of Wellness, Health and Beauty. Physiotherapy, manicures and hair and makeup demonstrations were alongside stalls selling handbags, jewellery and more. Regional President Margaret and members from Ashton under Lyne, Bolton, Burnley, Crosby and Leigh Clubs generously supported us, alongside family and friends of club members, especially a huge circle of our President’s personal contacts.  We were welcomed with a glass of Bucks Fizz, followed by a delicious and well presented lunch. Mid-afternoon the tea and cake provided a welcome interval. The guest speaker Wendy, a life coach, gave a ligh hearted message of positivity. The raffle was a great success with

It was a pleasure to have Dr Jane Molloy, Clinical Lead for the Greater Manchester Stroke Service, as a speaker at our July meeting.. She explained the FAST test, what to watch out for and that early diagnosis is paramount. The progress in treatment over the last 20 years or so has been amazing and now includes clot retrieval.  As an organisation we are very good at helping others but sometimes it is good to have advice on taking care of ourselves, particularly as strokes can affect any age group President Rose Marginson

President Rosemarie and President Elect Barbara enjoyed their second experience of being interviewed by Dena from Divas Up North on Salford City Radio. Divas Up North is a weekly show aimed at women in the North West and presented by women in the North West. Rosemarie and Barbara spoke about Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland and about what we do as a club – including promotion of our Charity Lunch on 23rd July at Swinton Golf Club.