Blackburn Soroptimists organised a conference on The Local Child in the Web of Poverty. Two members of Rishton and Great Harwood Soroptimists attended with over 60 representatives from different services and charities.   We learned that 34% of children in Blackburn live in poverty.   30% in Hyndburn. In some areas 60% of children are on free school meals. Nightsafe in Blackburn has helped over 500 young people under 21 last year.   The Education service is successful in improving the achievement of pupils but there are lots of other factors which contribute to poor employment prospects. Such accomplishments such  as social skills,  appropriate communication skills and organisation skills.   There was an appeal for Mentors who are prepared to guide young teenagers in these skills throughout their high school and beyond.   There was also a plea from Nightsafe for knickers, underpants, socks and toiletries for

Our Summer Outing was a great success as we went for an Afternoon Picnic at Holden Clough Nursery. 15 of us enjoyed the delightful display of delectable treats served on a mini picnic bench. The conversation was lively and the nursery was open for sales afterwards.    

Jean with the Mayor and Mayoress and Joyce Our Chocolate Tombola at Rishton Festival raised £94 for Child Action North West, a local charity caring for children who can not remain with their birth families. This brings our total up to £155.60 which will be presented to the Charity shortly. Whilst we were at the Festival the Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Mrs Marlene Haworth and her Mayoress, Mrs Dorothy Berry came to wish us success with our stall.        

Another lovely day at Tatton Park as members and friends visited 1000 acres of parkland, the mansion, the gardens  and the farm. The sun shone as we wandered round the beautiful gardens and then strolled around the Mansion taking in the History of the House and its family. The farm provided an interesting look at some endangered species before members browsed the specialty shops and then sat in the sun with a nice cup of tea.  

What a lovely day was chosen to celebrate Accrington Carnival on the new site at King George’s Playing field. Soroptimists like to support our community and therefore we set up our Chocolate and Sweetie Tombola nice and early, raising funds for Water Aid. Our customers were very pleased that ‘Everyone was a Winner’ as punters took a gamble on winning one of the large boxes of chocolates or one of the mini bars. No one was disappointed though and many came back to try again. £186 was raised to provide essential clean water for families all over the world.    

Members of Soroptimists of Rishton and Great Harwood supported Soroptimists of Blackpool as they hosted The Gift Box on Blackpool Front. This is an innovative project created by Stop The Traffik and the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN GIFT).    The Gift Box is a large, walk-in piece of public art aimed at education and raising awareness about the world-wide human trafficking industry. The Gift Box raises awareness about these issues and how people can help.   The day we chose was very cold and windy. However we could say it was a bracing experience!  

Members and their friends have been collecting clothes, toiletries and stationary items for Mary’s Meals to transport to children all over the world in countries such as Malawi and Liberia, Haiti and Kenya. The items are packed into rucksacks to enable the children to go to school clean and smart with the essential stationary items they will need. The children are also provided with a meal at the school to assist in their learning. For more information please go to www.marysmeals.org

  President Pam and members were proud to process and lay a wreath at Great Harwood War Memorial to honour the soldiers from the town who gave their lives for the service of their country.

President Pam was delighted to present the cheque for £600 to the representative of Child Action North West. Members have been running Chocolate Tombolas at Great Harwood Agricultural Show, Rishton Festival and Great Harwood Fair to raise these funds. However raffles and donations are still swelling the funds for this worthwhile cause.  

WOW! WHAT A WONDERFUL EVENING OF CELEBRATION Soroptimists of Rishton and Great Harwood celebrated 60 years service at their Diamond Jubilee Charter Dinner held at Mitton Hall, Whalley. The Mayor of Hyndburn, Munsif Dad was guest of honour as well as the Regional President, Edna Haselden and speaker Harriet Roberts, Ambassador of Child Action North West.                                                                      Harriet Rogers, President Pam Russo, The Mayor Munsif Dad and Edna Haseldene Our President, Dr Pam Russo introduced her guests to Presidents, Past Presidents and members of local Soroptimist clubs as well as members, their husbands and friends.