Our Pancake Party is an annual fundraising event held at Fiona’s home. Although held slightly later than usual this year it was a great success and raised over £500 for our charities. There was a lovely selection – Mexican Chicken Enchiladas, Vegan Chilli Enchiladas and French Crepes with Spinach and Ricotta, followed by a variety of dessert crepes. Many thanks to Fiona and helpers.
The speaker at our May meeting was the Reverend Canon Jean Hurlston, founder of Oldham Street Angels. When Jean moved to Oldham Parish Church nearly 15 years ago she questioned what the church did for the town. This started a conversation with Oldham Council, Greater Manchester Police and local businesses, particularly those within the night time economy. This resulted in Oldham Street Angels – a team of volunteers working on Saturdays from 9 pm to 1 am in the town centre greeting visitors to pubs and clubs and looking out for those who may be vulnerable through drink or other substances. They wear a very recognisable uniform and carry a bag of useful items including bottled water, a thermal blanket, sanitiser, hats and gloves, naloxone (an opiate antidote) and several information leaflets. On Wednesday and Saturdays they work with rough sleepers, bringing them back to
Our Annual General Meeting was held at the Pinewood Hotel, Handforth, on 18th April. Carole Swarbrick was installed as President by outgoing President, Sue Underwood. Ann Thomas was awarded Honorary Life Membership for ‘… service to SIGBI … (and) the community’. Three members received long service awards – for 95 years in total!
Angela from the Rowley Project spoke at our April meeting. The charity was founded in 2000 after Angela and her husband, Stephen, visited western Kenya. They found that the greatest need was for clean drinking water so returned the following year to establish a water filter project. Since then they have helped to establish a primary school, a secondary school and a dispensary. We were pleased to be able to make a contribution to their fantastic work.
President Sue welcomed over 70 members, friends and guests to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the club’s inaugural meeting. Eight clubs from the South Lancashire region – Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Leigh & District, Liverpool, Southport, St Helens, Stockport & District, and Wigan – were represented. The Manchester Bee was the theme for President Sue’s traditional toast to the City and Ports of Manchester. The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mary-Liz Walker, replied on behalf of the City and Ports, referring to all the work carried out by our club. Barbara Blaber, Act4Africa trustee, proposed the toast to Soroptimist International and Pamela Wright, President of Soroptimist International of South Lancashire, replied reminding us to Rise Up and Roar – her theme for the year. The Guest speaker was Karen Humphreys, former head of the Junior Royal Northern College of Music, who spoke about her
Members, with a group from the Pankhurst Trust, joined the Walk for Women which takes place in Manchester every year to represent a number of causes relevant to women and girls. This year the theme was ‘Inspire Inclusion’
This campaign against gender-based violence started in 1991 and is run annually from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th (International Human Rights Day). Many of our projects support women and girls who have suffered or at risk. During this year’s 16 days we were delighted to be able to help Manchester Women’s Aid, Emmeline’s Pantry and WomenMatta MANCHESTER WOMEN’S AID On 28th November members enjoyed another successful evening packing over 100 mugs for Manchester Women’s Aid. Every women arriving at a refuge, after escaping domestic violence, is given her own mug carefully wrapped in biodegradeable paper and containing sachets of tea, coffee, chocolate and a biscuit. Thanks to Rosemary for hosting the evening. Craft supplies for well-being sessions were delivered to one of the outreach centres. EMMELINE’S PANTRY Emmeline’s Pantry is a foodbank with a difference –
Four members enjoyed S I Stockport & District’s Charter Lunch on Sunday 1st October – together with members of other clubs in the South Lancashire region.
About 40 members, family and friends attended our garden party on Sunday 20th August. Thanks to hosts Susan and David for the use of their lovely garden. Over £500 was raised for our charities.
Recently Elaine and I spent a very pleasant few hours at Worsley United Reform Church Summer Fair. We helped at the refreshment and craft stalls but it wasn’t all work – we were entertained by Moorside Primary School Choir, Urban Stage Theatre School and Salford Community Leisure Street Dance Team. Wearing our Soroptimist T-shirts opened up the usual questions about what is a Soroptimist although it was refreshing to have a conversation with a visitor who knew exactly what we do as she had been a member of S I Grange over Sands. A snapshot of a church and local community coming together having fun and enjoying simple pleasures, although a lot of hard work for the dedicated organisers. Our efforts were very much appreciated , we enjoyed the occasion and were able to promote S I Manchester. Carole Swarbrick
