Soroptimists from all over South Lancashire met in Wrightington for the Region’s new members’ and awards lunch.
“For some recently-joined members, this may be their first opportunity to attend a regional gathering and to meet Soroptimists from other clubs,” said Margaret Davies, Membership Officer for South Lancashire, who organised the event. “It’s always a very friendly occasion, though with an ‘edge’ of suspense about the regional awards.”
President Jenny presented the trophies for 2011. In bowls, SI Liverpool triumphed in the team competition so, once again, took home silverware. Hilda McAllen of SI Bootle won the Tricia Fahey Cup in the singles competition.
South Lancashire’s Programme Action trophy is a crystal globe held in a crystal hand – representative of our worldwide organisation. The Region’s PA Officer, Eileen Griffiths, had looked closely at clubs’ report forms when judging the year’s work. “It was really a tough call again this year. I chose Oldham because, despite the level of their membership, they have worked hard in the area of PAC – which is not always easy with small numbers.” SI Oldham & District had devised and hosted a highly successful community ‘Caring and Sharing’ Day, a project that had involved all club members.
The final trophy was the crystal Rose Bowl, awarded for the President’s annual challenge. This year clubs were challenged to grow their own ‘nest egg’, in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. (MS is a condition that affects women disproportionately more than men.) Judith Grocott, President of North West England & the Isle of Man Region, judged the entries. Her criteria included club members’ involvement, planning, publicity efforts, presentation of entry and income earned. The club that comprehensively met the challenge was SI Widnes.
The challenge raised total of £1,800. On receiving the cheque Ken Johnson, Chairman of the MS National Council for England, promised that the money would be used by the Society in the North West.
The after-lunch speaker was Sameem Ali. Initially in verse, and then in prose, she touched on her own experiences of overcoming adversity. Taking questions, she then ranged widely over issues surrounding forced marriage, cultural challenges and community cohesion. President Elect Denise Baldwin thanked Sameem for such a thought-provoking address.