We had a fun evening packing 100 mugs for the Women’s Refuges. Each woman who arrives at the Refuge after a very stressful time is given their own mug with sachets of tea, coffee, sugar , hot chocolate and a biscuit. This time we had some of our newer members and prospective member Soo helping . We all enjoyed the evening and loved doing something small that hopefully gives pleasure . Rose Marginson Thanks to Rose for hosting the evening

Fiona’s Pancake Party was again great fun with plenty of good food, a quiz and nice wine at the same raising money for our charities. Thank you Fiona for a lovely night and to the club members who helped her – and of course Gus our Soroptimister barman. Rose Marginson

Gemma Griffin from the Red Box Project, City of Salford, was the speaker at our March meeting. The project was founded in March 2017 to combat ‘period poverty’ – a lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints – which results in girls having to miss school. Red boxes, filled with tampons, pads, underwear and tights, have now been set up a locations all over the country. We were delighted to donate to this much needed project. Rose Marginson

On 3rd March President Barbara welcomed members and guests to our 93rd Charter event which, this year, was a Sunday lunch at Swinton Park Golf Club. 66 members and guests attended including members of S I Ashton under Lyne, S I Bolton, S I Leigh & District, S I Southport and S I Stockport & District. The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor June Hitchen, attended and was accompanied by her sister, Julie Hampson. It was the second year she had joined us and she showed a great interest in our work with local initiatives.   Gail Heath, Chief Executive Officer of the Pankhurst Trust, proposed the toast to Soroptimist International recognising the contribution our Club has made to the Women’s Words project. We were entertained by students from the Pendleton School of Theatre – three very talented young ladies, one of whom is this year’s 

Julie Smith, from Cornerstone, pictured here with President Barbara, came to our February meeting to talk to us about the work done by the charity. People who are homeless or disadvantaged can attend the day centre for meals, eye checks, benefits advice and help with budgeting – now particularly needed with the change in benefit payments. Refugees are now attending needing baby clothes and equipment. A very inspiring talk. We are so glad we support Cornerstone. Rose Marginson

Anne-Dore Quack, from our Friendship Link Club S I Essen came to Manchester in December. She visited the Pankhurst Centre and attended a fundraising evening.

Olive was inducted as new member at our November meeting.Olive was born in County Meath and moved to Sale after her marriage. She had a challenging but rewarding career as a probation officer which enabled her to work and empower women caught up in the criminal justice system with issues of mental health, domestic violence and substance misuse. She has two children and two grandchildren and her interests include theatre, music, travel and crown green bowling.

Our Christmas Party, held at Manor Court in Sale, was a fun evening with plenty of great food and chat. Val was presented with the Soroptimist Rose by President Barbara. Val is moving away from Manchester and we will miss her very much; she has had a huge impact on the Club having taken on many roles including those of President and Programme Action Officer, as well as having been Regional President. Rose Marginson  

On 14th December members were among thousands who turned out in the freezing cold to march from the Pankhurst Centre to St Peter’s Square for the the unveiling of the Emmeline Pankhurst statue. The ceremony marked 100 years since some British women received the vote. Tea and cakes were enjoyed at the Clink Cafe in Chepstow Street afterwards.  

Rosemary hosted a buffet supper for members to meet Michelle from our Friendship Link Club – S I Fort-de-France Alizes Sud