This campaign is run annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This year’s theme is End Femicide.
Members from SI Manchester attended the 88th Federation Conference of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland. The 2 day conference took place in Belfast and was attended by up to 500 Soroptimists. Members enjoyed listening to excellent speakers talking about empowering women and girls, developing technology to be more proactive in health care, creating an environment fit for the future, working towards gender equality and learning about the current work of the British Red Cross. The excellent project work improving the lot of women and girls was recognised and celebrated. There was much fun and friendship in evidence as members met up with friends made at previous conferences. Conversations were shared over coffee or meals often late into the night. Time was made for visits to Northern Ireland’s special places like the Giant’s Causeway and the Titanic Quarter. Despite the cold weather several hardy Soroptimists took the open
Members, family, friends and supporters of the club enjoyed a most successful fund raising lunch on Sunday 16th October. It took the form of a horse race meeting. Everybody dressed as if going to the races so there were some wonderful outfits and splendid hats. There were 8 horses running in each of the 6 races which were run using pre-recorded videos of actual races. There was a Tote so punters could bet on their favourite horse or on a horse which they had sponsored. Betting was fast and furious and there was great excitement and cheering when the race was being run. Winners counted their winnings! The race meeting took place in a very comfortable hotel. Club members had decorated the dining room in a horse racing theme. A delicious lunch was served. There was a continual buzz of conversation of people catching up as this was the first big event the club
African Unite Against Child Abuse (AFRUCA) Afruca works with black and ethnic communities to protect and safeguard children from abuse, modern slavery and exploitation, and tackles cultural and religious practices that harm children. Fabiola, one of our members who works for the charity, spoke at our August meeting with particular reference to county lines – where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, often by children who are coerced by gangs. We were please to be able to give a donation to Afruca. Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH) Our Club has a long standing relationship with MASH – see our Local Projects page for more information. Janelle Hardacre spoke at our September meeting and brought us up to date with the charity’s work. This enabled us to develop a comprehensive Programme Action plan for the year which includes donating a variety of
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution … by choosing to refuse single use plastics. At our July Club meeting Elaine led a discussion on avoiding single use plastic. There are many different types of plastic making it difficult to identify, separate and recycle successfully resulting in most plastic waste going to landfill. Simple tips from SIGBI for the Soroptimist Day of Action Carry reusable shopping bags Drink coffee from a reusable cup Avoid pre-packaged foods by choosing bulk or loose food Avoid bottled water Avoid single-use dental products Try alternatives to single-use tampons and pads Swap liquid soap for bar soaps Members added to these by suggesting toothpaste in metal tubes, butter in blocks rather than tubs, washing powder in cardboard cartons, unpackaged fruit and veg, milk in glass bottles, food
Two capital sums bequeathed to the club were donated to the Royal Northern College of Music for investment, with the interest gained to be used annually to bestow a prize to a student. In the graduate school the prize is the Soroptimist Prize for Composing or Conducting and in the junior school it is the Helen Latto Prize for singing. Helen was President of S I Manchester in 1980-81. Susan Hollick represented President Sue this year – The concert showcased ten very accomplished performances on trumpet, horn, violin, flute, clarinet, piano and voice and the works as varied as Chopin, Samuel Barber, Gabriel Faure and Fritz Kreisler, played and sung by amazing young people between 11 and 16 years old. Susan presented the Helen Latto prize to soprano Alex Wilkinson – Alex said … being awarded the prize truly made my heart sing.
President Sue was delighted to meet Mamta Bajaj from S I Bangkok when she visited Manchester in August. They strolled around the Quays exchanging stories and experiences, then Mamta joined us for our Club meeting. S I Bangkok recently celebrated their 45 years by publishing a book made up of the memories of Presidents and contributions from Presidents’ families. Mamta presented the Club with a copy – Sue suggested that should be our goal for our centenary in 2026.
New Hope Rural Trust, based in Orissa, is a charity we have supported for many years – see our International Projects page for more information. A new project for the senior girls involves the production of tea bags. Each box contains six varieties of Assam tea – bay leaf, lemon grass, cardamon, clove, aniseed and ginger, herbs and spices which have been part of Indian culture food preparation long before tea became India’s national drink. We received ten boxes which sold out immediately raising £50 for the charity as production and postage are funded by a grant from a charity in Australia.
President Sue and Programme Action Officer Rose presented this year’s award – a certificate and cheque – to Yna Montarde, a student at Pendleton College. Yna will study Dance & Musical Theatre at the Urdang Academy in London. The Club established the award in 2018 in memory of the victims of the horrific terrorist attack the previous year.
Liz Hibberd, Manchester City of Sanctuary’s Strategic and Partnership Lead, spoke at our June Club meeting. Manchester City of Sanctuary is part of a network of organisations across the UK. Their mission is to make Manchester a welcoming place for refugees and asylum seekers – most of whom are women. This is achieved in a number of ways – social events, physical activities such as yoga classes, and opportunities to learn new skills. Local organisations are supported to be better able to understands sanctuary seekers. We were pleased to be able to make a donation
