Soroptimist International Manchester members enjoyed another successful evening at Rose’s home packing mugs for Manchester Women’s Aid.       Every women arriving at a refuge, after escaping domestic violence,  is given her own mug carefully wrapped in biodegradable paper and containing sachets of tea, coffee, chocolate and a biscuit. These have come to be known as a ‘Hug in a Mug’ and are greatly appreciated.   The items for the mugs were donated by Novotel Manchester West Members wore orange – a bright and optimistic colour, it represents a future free from violence against women and girts.

For our centenary in 2026 we aimed to raise £10,000. Thanks to the generosity of members, family and friends we soon exceeded our target and were able to make grants to six local charities – one of which was Manchester Women’s Aid, a charity the club has supported for many years. The grant was used to fund a series of art workshops culminating in a display of the work at a drop in event during the 16 Days of Activism.  

For our centenary in 2026 we aimed to raise £10,000. Thanks to the generosity of members, family and friends we soon exceeded our target and were able to make grants to six local charities. One of these was WomenMatta, a charity supporting vulnerable women affected by the Criminal Justice System. We used the grant to buy toiletries, diaries and chocolate all of which were wrapped individually and packed in gift bags – 100 in total.                   Hannah and the team from WomenMatta were so grateful – they had been worried that, due to limited funding, they wouldn’t have been able to do gift bags this year. Thanks to Rachelle for hosting the packing morning.

Members of SI Manchester have enjoyed several most delicious, not to mention sociable, suppers across the past few months, at member’s homes, to raise money for our Centenary fund. Our latest supper, hosted by Rachelle and Helen, at Rachelle’s home, was no exception. A dark, wet, windy evening in November was brightened up by their gracious hospitality – we all, in fact, were almost blown to Rachelle’s door in the teeth of the latest winter storm in the shape of Storm Claudia! The stormy evening could, however, do nothing to dampen the spirits of the assembled company – 14 Manchester Soroptimists and their partners, “The Soroptimisters”. We all enjoyed plenty of wine, delicious food, good company and good conversation.  Rachelle’s cats were unwilling to be left out and naturally revelled in all the attention! Many thanks Rachelle and Helen for a most enjoyable and entertaining

This international 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 ongoing projects support women and girls who have suffered or at risk. During this year’s 16 days we will be helping Manchester Women’s Aid and The River Manchester. In addition, we will plant a tree in Alexandra Park – a small contribution to help combat climate change. According to the United Nations an estimated 80% of those adversely affected by climate change are women and girls. This year’s theme is End Online Violence Against All Women and Girls  Day 1 – Online Violence is Real Violence Day 2 – Online Violence Doesn’t Stay Online Day 3 – Challenge Harmful Behaviour Online Day 4 – Use Reporting Tools Day 5 –

The opening ceremony on 31st October was followed by three interesting and very different speakers – Suzie Imber, Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Leicester. She dedicates much of her time widening opportunities for disadvantaged children to study science Alison Hitchcock, co-founder of the cancer support charity From Me to You which helps to ease the isolation and loneliness experienced by patients having treatment for cancer. Sharia Choudry, Professor in the Faculty of Law at Wadham College, Oxford. Her research focuses on gender human rights and violence against women . She talked about how the safety of victims of domestic abuse is being compromised across family law jurisdictions. Saturday was a day of workshops  including – Membership – presented by Sandy Taylor MBE, SIGBI Director of Membership. Sandy’s theme was ‘Does size really matter?’ with discussion and questions throughout the session Good Citizenship

A dark, cold, late October evening proved to be an ideal time for SI Manchester’s latest Centenary fundraising event – A Greek evening. Heald Green Village Hall was transformed for the evening into a Greek Taverna, decorated with Greek flags and full of tables decked out in a Greek theme. Soroptimists from Manchester and guests from our sister clubs, husbands, partners and friends, more than 65 of us in total, gathered together to conjure up warmer nights with an informal evening of Greek music, food, wine, Ouzo and……Circle Dancing. SI Manchester’s Carole Swarbrick and friends from her Circle Dancing group expertly led the dancing and most people needed no persuasion to get up and try it out. The dance floor was soon filled with dancers of all abilities stepping out as if they had been dancing in Greece for years!     A break for

To further celebrate S I Manchester’s Centenary year President Fiona hosted a centenary supper and was joined by six Soroptimists,  two Soroptimisters and two delightful young people. Storm Amy raged outside but inside we enjoyed a feast of flavours. The pork with crackling and accompaniments was delicious as was the aubergine and lentil parmigiana. We had a choice of desserts and some could not resist a slice of both the bittersweet chocolate creation and the apple strudel. A moment of pure indulgence! Cheese lovers also enjoyed a mix of flavours perfect for sharing over good conversation. President Fiona used the occasion to present a Soroptimist badge to new member Denise who has joined at a very special time in the history of the club and we hope her Soroptimist journey will be one of service but also fun and friendship. Carole Swarbrick Immediate Past President

Thanks to a legacy from our late member, Yvonne, we started supporting Ashton on Mersey Chiefs under 12s – a girls’ football team in the South Manchester League – by providing home and away kits.  It’s a new team and they have been making steady progress. The team’s name was subsequently changed to Tigers to avoid a clash with another team.   President Fiona and Immediate Past President Carole attended a recent match. Although they lost 3-2 Carole explained – They had most of the possession and were unlucky. The coach explained that some teams will only field their best players whereas our team is inclusive. All the girls will be included regardless of ability. Vice President Cathrine commented – I like that they are inclusive – so important in enabling girls and young women to enjoy sport which we know carries on through to

President Fiona attended the Junior Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) on 28th June to present the Helen Latto Prize for Singing. Helen was president of our club in 1980-81; she left a capital sum to the club which was donated to the Royal Northern College of Music for investment with the interest gained to be used annually as a prize for singing to a student in the junior school.           Fiona said – Every year we are privileged to attend the prize giving ceremony at the Junior RNCM. On 28th June I attended as Club President with club member Lorraine and presented the award to Madeleine North. At tea we were able to meet many of the students who are being honoured for their expertise and commitment. Many of them are getting ready to move on to an undergraduate course,