Approximately 70 delegates from around the country, including 11 from our region, attended an interesting and thought provoking Leadership and Development Day at the Hilton Manchester Airport in July. Sarah and myself from Fylde Soroptimists decided that it was too good an opportunity to miss especially given the fact that we live only an hour away. SIGBI had compiled a programme which should appeal to individuals from a range of backgrounds and I’m sure most people would get something from it. One startling fact that I took away with me was that Soroptimist clubs across the country are missing significant representation from not one but two generations (Generation X and younger), if the show of hands around the room was anything to go by. Generation X covers those individuals born between the early 1960s and early 1980s. Although I must point out that Sarah is

Sunday 26 June [new_royalslider id=”9″] We enjoyed a lovely lunch at The Crofters Hotel, Cabus on Sunday, 26th June, with 75 members representing the majority of the Clubs in the Region. Nicola Cheetham, who is Manager at The Crofters, and is also a member of Garstang Soroptomists, always ensures that we are well looked after. The presentation of Regional awards was made by Regional President Margaret Hammond after the lunch as follows: Haslingden Trophy (new members & retention thereof) Preston Darwen Shield  (best Programme Action Project)Blackpool Carnforth Award  (best long-term PA Project)Blackburn Rose Bowl  (sensory cushions competition) Rishton & Gt Harwood Windermere Grange-over-Sands   Rosemary Hoyle (Grange-over-Sands)  

27 July 2016 Grange Soroptimists are holding a “Grease” film and Singalong, in aid of the Meru Women’s Garden Project in Kenya. Come and enjoy an evening of fun and music, singing along to your favourite songs with Olivia Newton John! No musical ability required! £5 – Pay on the door on the night.  Film starts 7.30pm. Dressing up optional but prizes for the best outfits! Venue: Victoria Hall, Main St, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6DP For further information see Website for SI Grange www.sigbi.org/grange-over-sands/.

Saturday 25 June 2016 Members enjoyed a stimulating Regional meeting with reports and updates on forthcoming events including the Regional walk and the Barn Dance. Lynn Yates and Tricia Coll updated members about PIES (Partners in Education Swaziland), following their recent visit. The building work for the new centre has started. The high rate of HIV and child poverty means the work of PIES is so important to improve the life chances for the children. Ruth Bruce (Programme Action chair) congratulated them on their continued commitment and enthusiasm. Ruth Bruce highlighted a number of projects and called for 2 new members for the Committee looking at PA forms for awards next year. And for an Ambassador for the Meru Women’s Garden project. Isabel Huggett from SI Grange spoke re the Grange Club experience with the White Ribbon campaign for the last 3 years. (See White

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION SWAZILAND is special because: We work directly with our partners SOS Children’s Villages We encourage the community to get involved in our work and try to empower them to become self-supporting Every penny we raise goes to those who need it – there are no UK costs, salaries or expenses Four Trustees – including Regional President Margaret Hammond – have recently visited the project in Swaziland and full details of the current and planned work is contained in the PIES May 2016 Bulletin here.