Great Harwood Town Gate including the Mercer Clock has had a refurbishment recently costing thousands of pounds.  Each year on St Lawrence Day – August 21st – the “Crying of the Fair” is proclaimed on the Towngate. This maintains a tradition started in 1338 when Adam Nowell was awarded Charter rights for Great Harwood after fighting on the side of Edward III in Scotland. The Great Harwood Branch of the Royal British Legion held a short Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in the Memorial Park to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1 and then everyone paraded down Church Street to Towngate, singing war-time songs. Following the parade to Towngate the Civic Society’s annual Charity Market took place on the newly refurbished Square. Soroptimists ran a Chocolate Tombola and raised another £100 for Child Action North West.

Once again Soroptimists with Rotary assisted the Parade at Rishton Festival by Marshaling the participants to keep them safe, as they processed through the Village. Schools, Scouts, Cubs and Playgroups joined the Procession which had a World War One theme this year.   Members then ran a Chocolate Tombola stall to raise funds for Child Action North West. The whole Village came out to enjoy the Brass Band, Competitions and Charity Stalls at the Festival.      

  On a beautiful summer lunch time 13 members met for lunch together at Salmesbury Hall. The meals were lovely and the service excellent. After lunch most of the members enjoyed a tour of the Hall discovering intrigue, witchcraft and centuries of fascinating history. They viewed the Galleries and original works of art, before browsing through the antique rooms,the shop, and the grounds. A very enjoyable afternoon with friends.  

Helen Tomlinson gave members a talk on the work of the Care Quality Commission with specific reference to Care Homes for the elderly. She stressed that the majority of homes are good and staff are very caring towards their guests. She explained the inspection process and the report format with the implications for any recommendations. Her talk was very informative especially for anyone who may have to choose a Care home in the future. Our raffle raised funds for our President’s main charity Child Action North West.  

Members were delighted to celebrate Isabelle Duckworth’s 50 years service to Soroptimism Isabel has been President of the club on two occasions and treasurer for  over 9 years in three separate terms of office. She has always been an active member and taken other roles throughout the amazing 50 years. Dorothy Casey, Club President,  presented her with flowers and a certificate signed by Pat Black President of SIGBI .  Sparkling wine and a cake  contributed to the celebrations