More than one hundred South Lancashire Soroptimists – representing every club in the Region – attended the 80th Federation Conference in Harrogate.[new_royalslider id=”6″]
Delegates heard from several impressive speakers, including Dame Jenni Murray, Professor Susan Vinnicombe and Ann Garvie, President of Soroptimist International. Each covered a wide range of key issues. Programme Action took centre-stage at several sessions, giving many clubs the opportunity to present their projects.
The opening and closing events at Conference can be quite moving. On stage the flags from every country in the Federation make an impressive backdrop; they are a visual reminder of the significant geographical impact of Soroptimist International.
The change of insignia is very special. This year regional interest was focussed not only on South Lancashire’s outgoing and incoming presidents, but also the installation of Margaret Emsley (SI Ashton under Lyne) as the Federation’s President Elect.
Conference is a great opportunity to catch up with friends in other clubs, and to strike up conversations with fellow delegates. The stalls in the ‘market place’ – charities and commercial – also enable a little retail therapy between sessions. With over 1,400 Soroptimists on-site business was – unsurprisingly – brisk.