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.
At our June meeting, Caroline Georgiou was welcomed to the club and presented with her badge by President Rose.
A social event entitled ‘What’s a Soroptimist?’ was held at the Pankhurst Centre on 11th May to enable prospective members to meet our members and find out about the club and the organisation. President Rose welcomed everybody and spoke about the Manchester club. Regional President Margaret Molyneux and Regional Membership Officer Pat Williams joined us and gave short talks on Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland and the South Lancashire Region. It was a very sociable and successful evening. Thank you to the Pankhurst Centre for letting us use such an inspiring and historic venue.
Our Annual General Meeting was held at the Pinewood Hotel on 20th April. Rosemarie Marginson was elected President for 2017-2018, Barbara Blaber became President Elect and Rosemary Steven Vice President.
We were delighted to welcome our new member Malgorzata Kmita . She was previously a Soroptimist in Yorkshire and is now living in Manchester. She has already been involved in one of our evenings – Mug Packing for the Women’s Refuges . I’m sure she will be a great asset to our club.
We had a fun evening packing 100 mugs with sachets of tea, coffee , sugar and a biscuit . These were carefully wrapped to be given to the women’s refuges . When a woman arrives at the refuge they are given one and we have been told by Gail Heath the CEO of Women’s Aid that they are greatly appreciated. Joining us on the evening was Malgorzata Kmita who is due to be inducted to the group at our next meeting. Thank you to Pat for offering her house for the occasion and the tea and biscuits .
