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

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.