Members of SI Preston joined staff and students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) for an annual gathering to make a stand against violence to women and children around the world. The One Billion Rising for Justice (VDay) campaign, held every year on the 14 February, is a global event that brings people together to stand, sing and dance to demand an end to violence against women.  It is the fourth year in a row that UCLan, has organised the Preston event for participants to join in the ‘Break the Chain’ dance at the same time as other One Billion events around the globe. The Secretary of Preston’s Soroptimist International women’s group, Lynn Yates, said: “We are currently lobbying the government about funding cuts to domestic violence services so it’s fantastic to see UCLan organising this event and helping to raise awareness.” Another participant,

The Victoria Hall  Grange over Sands rocked to the music of the 50’s and 60’s when Grange Soroptimists held a disco on 11th Feb 2017. A great time was had by over 100 people (locals and visiting Soroptimists) and £1,515 raised for club charities which include Partners in Education Swaziland (PIES) and International Justice Mission. PIES is a charity supporting a school in Swaziland giving children an education and better nutrition and a better start in life. International Justice Mission works internationally to fight Trafficking and Slavery. Isabel Huggett (Grange-over-Sands)  

SI Grange enjoyed a Burns’ Night supper raising £255 for WaterAid. There was entertainment with the address to the Haggis, speeches and excellent haggis,neaps and tatties with whisky. Afterwards there was singing and a little impromptu dancing. Three potential new members enjoyed the relaxed evening to meet Soroptimists and their family and friends.

Samlesbury War Memorial Hall – Sunday 15 January 2017 This was the first event in my year as President and I was thrilled that 60 members travelled from across the Region, through rain and fog, to attend the Regional Afternoon Tea.  Our afternoon was soon brightened by the Sing It Big choir from Chorley who entertained us with songs ranging from Cole Porter to David Bowie.  We all joined in the last two songs but I don’t think any of us will be auditioning for the choir anytime soon!  The delicious tea, which was provided by the members of the Blackburn club, where I am a member, was vast and varied and almost everyone went home with a doggy bag.  The afternoon ended with a raffle and all the funds raised on the day will go to the International President’s Appeal, Educate to Lead: Nepal.

25 November 2016 Grange and Windermere Soroptimists joined forces to mark International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women by handing out 800 White Ribbon stickers to men and teenage boys in Kendal.  The White Ribbon campaign calls on men to pledge never to COMMIT, CONDONE or REMAIN SILENT about violence against women. Isabel Huggett (Grange-over-Sands)

Saturday 19 November 2016 AGM and Regional Meeting Another successful year was celebrated at this year’s AGM and Regional Meeting. President Margaret reviewed a very active year and thanked all the clubs in the region for their hospitality at the various events that she had attended. The continued efforts and hard work of all the clubs in the Region was highlighted by President Margaret much of which had supported the President’s charity, Partners in Education Swaziland (PIES). She presented a cheque for £4478.90 to Lynn Yates, a PIES trustee, which brought the total donations made for the year to £6327. Regional Officers summed up their year and Grange and Windermere Clubs were congratulated on the recognition they had received at the Conference in Malta for the projects that they had managed this year. The highlight of the AGM was the transferring of Chains from the