25 November 2017 Despite the driving sleet and cold – plucky members from Blackpool, Blackburn, Garstang, Grange and Pendleside joined Preston Soroptimists on a walk through the town centre to mark the Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The ladies were thrilled that members of Men Against Violence (Preston) joined the ‘throng’ too. It was pretty quiet in the town but the crowd couldn’t really be missed as they were carrying orange balloons, placards and a banner – not to mention the chanting of ‘Stop Violence Against Women!’ No one disagreed to ending the walk at a Costa Coffee in the dry, warm shopping centre! Karen Rainford – SI Preston [new_royalslider id=”30″] #Orangetheworld #16days #leavenoonebehind #Soroptimists

25 November Members have been in Lancaster town centre, along with the Mayor and Mayoress, handing out stickers and talking to people in support of the White Ribbon Campaign which raises awareness of violence against women.  The Mayor’s commitment to join us was very much appreciated as he delayed his visit to hospital to do so.  He had been out pushing leaflets through letterboxes offering assistance to people who have been affected by by the recent local flooding when he injured his finger. Kathleen Coates – SI Lancaster

November 2017 We had an interesting business meeting at our new venue, The Holiday Inn, Lancaster. Isabel Huggett, our Regional Programme Action Officer, spoke to us about Programme Action – we seem to be on track with all our projects which include Story Sacks for Schools, welcome bags for the Women’s Refuge, food provided for The Olive branch food bank. Members say ‘Hello’ – click on the link please!   Lancaster – Nov 2017 Kathleen Coates – SI Lancaster

[new_royalslider id=”29″] A number of clubs in our Region  supported the Mines Advisory Group’s commitment to the world being Landmine Free by 2025. Photos of club members were posted on Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness #LandmineFree2025. Over the years Soroptimists have been lobbying to stop production of landmines.

October 2017 At the SIGBI Cardiff Conference, Grange Soroptimists were delighted to receive the Best Practice Award in the Health category for their Singing for Memory project which has now been running for 3 years. It is entirely run by sixteen volunteers from the club. Club member Janice (singing leader) with the Best Practice award and Grange Soroptimists at Cardiff Conference

[new_royalslider id=”28″] Lancaster University 4 November 2017 At the start of the Regional AGM President Angie presented Sue Biggs, our Federation President, and Judith Grocott, Director of Membership with flowers in celebration of their Federation posts. It is a great honour to have members of our Region on the Federation Management Board. Lesley Smyth gave an update on the Meru Project and was presented with a cheque which makes the total raised in our Region to £3000.00. President Angie reported that unfortunately 2 clubs had closed during the year but a new club had been formed SI Amounderness. She urged us to fill in the evaluation forms and to encourage other members to attend the Regional meeting. She thanked the Regional Executive calling them “a great team”. The accounts were approved and the Auditors were appointed for another year. President Angie then installed President Maureen.