Over 1400 women from around the world to the Manchester Central Convention Centre – for the 76th Conference of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland. Federation President Jackie Mosedale hosted the event: her theme was “Accept the Challenge – Secure the Future”.
The two-day Conference attracted several high-profile speakers. Lesley Abdela, the political journalist, gave a call to all women to strive for equality in global decision making, based on the UN Resolution 1325; and Satish Kumar re-energised delegates on the quest for global peace. Other highlights included broadcaster Bill Turnbull on the Bees for Development Trust, which promotes sustainable beekeeping in developing countries and Dr Ian Oliver, a UN consultant on narcotics, who spoke about the global issue of “drug affliction”.
Allan Beswick of BBC Radio Manchester interviewed Incoming Federation President Liz Morgan-Lewis on his morning show prior just to Conference. This in turn has led to a further interview with the BBC, which is scheduled to be broadcast on Radio 4 in January 2011.
Soroptimists from South Lancashire Region were involved in planning and administration, assisting the Conference Committee with local liaison and media contact, as well as many other tasks. On the opening night both Regional President Sriya Kulupana and the President of SI Manchester, Sophie Kennedy, had the pleasure of welcoming delegates to the north-west. Many South Lancashire members (wearing red roses, of course) acted as stewards, in particular for delegates with special needs; and several local Clubs set up stalls to publicise their Programme Action work. These were SI Ramsbottom, who were selling toilet rolls in aid of “Loos for Lynn”, SI St Helens selling Sunflower Seeds, SI Ashton-under-Lyne selling Knitted Poppies for the British Legion Appeal and SI Crosby selling handbag holders.
This was the first time the Federation Conference has been held in Manchester and it has proved to be a resounding success.