Our 63rd Charter dinner was held at Foxfields Hotel in Billington with guests from other Soroptimist clubs and the Regional President. After a delightful meal The Regional President Angela Christopher responded with a toast to Soroptimists by comparing our club to a long tailed tit who is by nature hardworking, quiet and works with others as a team. 15 members of our club attended the dinner to celebrate the activities and successes of the club over the last 63 years. Our President Lyndsay thanked all our guests for coming to our charter dinner and wished them a safe journey home.

Kathy from The Community Falls Team came to speak to our members about keeping safe by following their Steady On Programme. She was able to point out common causes of falls  such as slippy rugs and badly fitting slippers as well as useful gadgets and tips for keeping safe.

The Rosebowl competition this year, which is set by the new Regional President each year, was to write an amusing Limerick about Soroptimists. All the Regional clubs submitted one Limerick and then voted for their favourite. The winner was announced at the Regional Lunch and we won! The said Limerick was An amusing limerick is our goal          To win the Soroptimist Rosebowl But we must confess This verse is a mess Helping women is really our role Delighted Members with the Rosebowl  

Twelve of us went out for lunch to Bashall Barn and chose from an extensive menu which was delicious.  The views were also spectacular enhanced by the goats!               We then went on to a conducted tour of Browsholme Hall which was informative and very enjoyable.

Our Regional President Margaret set a ‘Rosebowl’ competition for all the clubs in the Region to make a Dementia Cushion. The idea was to raise awareness of dementia and also provide a cushion to stimulate someone’s mind. Our members met to plan the cushion and then designed and sewed individual squares. Maureen sewed the squares together and then submitted it for judging. Each club in the Region voted for their favourite cushion and we won! We were presented with the Rosebowl which was filled with yellow roses. The cushion will now go to a home for use with someone suffering from dementia.  

Members ran a chocolate tombola at Great Harwood Agricultural Show and raised over £140 towards Nightsafe and Blood Bikes. It was a lovely day and brought out the crowds who enjoyed the animals and attractions. We also had a display of our club members and our work in the Community Tent.    

  Members rounded off a very busy year by getting together to enjoy a Christmas Party at The Hyndburn Bridge Restaurant. After an enjoyable three course meal with plenty of wine and laughter, the group exchanged secret Santa gifts. A surprise visitor to the restaurant was Father Christmas who complete with sleigh and ably assisted by Rishton and Great Harwood Rotary , was collecting for their various charities. The evening ended with the presentation of two long service awards to club members. Club President Dr Pam Russo presented the awards to Lesley Duckworth who has been a Soroptimists for 45 years and to Anne Lankshear who has completed 30 years service.