Act4Africa is celebrating its anniversary with a ’20 miles for 20 years’ fundraiser. Our Programme Action officer, Barbara, has supported this by walking with Jamie, her Labrador, in 20 of Greater Manchester’s parks – including Dainewell Park, John Leigh Park, Worthington Park, Sale Water Park, Victoria Park, Walton Park, Urmston Meadows, Trafford Ecology Park and, last but not least, Alexandra Park.      

Emmeline’s Pantry – a food bank with a difference – is a charity the Club has supported for several years. It ensures that women in need are provided with the best possible support and the things they need most – including food, toiletries, baby equipment and clothes. Club members responded to the Christmas appeal for warm pyjamas and were able to deliver them and visit the new community garden at the same time.

Although we were able to start face-to-face meetings again in August, it has been a long time since many of our members have been able to meet socially. We decided to arrange a social lunch and a coffee morning. The lunch was held at the Belmore Hotel, Sale, and the coffee morning at President Rose’s home. Both events were very enjoyable and the coffee morning raised much needed funds for our charities.  

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on 21st September. Soroptimists were asked to light candles during to 10 days leading up to the Soroptimist International Centenary Celebrations starting on 1st October and to make a wish for a better world for women and girls. We were able to do this at our Executive Committee meeting on 21st September.    

The Regional Rose Bowl Challenge was based on Regional President Josie’s theme of ‘Facing Challenges, Making Changes, Moving Forward Together’. Josie asked each Club to consider how it did this in its own unique way and to submit an entry that describes what that challenge was, how it was resolved and the impact it had on the community. Programme Action Officer, Barbara, and Communications Officer, Sue, compiled our entry entitled ‘Programme Action Re-imagined’ and we were delighted that it was the winner. The club held its customary Programme Action review in January at which it became apparent, as we encouraged our newer members to embrace Programme Action, that a rethink was needed. The first step was to establish two committees – People & Prosperity and Planet. Members were invited to join one or both depending on time and interests. The People & Prosperity committee reviewed

This popular regional event is held biennially to welcome new members to S I South Lancashire and to celebrate our regional achievements. This year it took place on Sunday 19th September and, once again, was held at Statham Lodge Country House Hotel in Lymm. All members were encouraged to attend – not only to support the new members from our club, but also to take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate together with members, new and established, from other clubs in the South Lancashire region. Over 100 members from the region attended. Our club was delighted to win the Rose Bowl Challenge – President Josie praised the Club for its recent audit of its work in which members assessed challenges and changes and set out a clear plan of action.

Members enjoyed another successful evening at President 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 biodegradeable paper and containing sachets of tea, coffee, chocolate and a biscuit. These are greatly appreciated and members are delighted to be able to help in this way. Thanks to President Rose for hosting the evening.

            Our August meeting was held at Sale FC Rugby for the first time since March 2020 and Zoom was an option for those unable to attend in person. A video entitled ‘Alexandra Park: A short history of the people’s park’ was shown followed by a most interesting talk from Angela Downing of the park’s Heritage Group. We hope to be able to visit the park next year and plant a tree. Val transferred to our club in February from S I Garforth Elmet; she  was officially welcomed by President Rose and presented with her badge.

Our Programme Action Climate group has produced a Collections and Recycling Directory which can be seen by clicking on the link below Collections and Recycling Directory 21July 2021

          On Sunday 11th July, 30 members, friends and family met at the Pinewood Hotel for a very enjoyable lunch. We had been unable to hold our Charter Dinner earlier in the year, so decided to arrange a social occasion as soon as circumstances allowed. It was good to see old friends and identify new ones. Our Honorary Member, Kathleen, had made a special effort to come from her home in Anglesey. As usual, the Pinewood did us proud and the staff were lovely. Maureen Heywood