Twenty two past regional presidents of SI South Lancashire met for lunch at Statham Lodge, Lymm. The current postholder, Margaret Baker, hosted the event, which was organised by her predecessor, Victoria Smerdon.
The after lunch speaker was Margaret Emsley (Region President 1998-99) who is currently the Federation President-Elect, and due to take on the ‘top job’ at the Federation Conference in Glasgow next month. Charged with presenting something short and sweet, Margaret looked at eminent women from the Region who have preceded her in holding senior positions within Soroptimist International.
The international roll of honour includes Dr Elizabeth Hunt and Miss M F Adams of SI Liverpool, Miss B A Burton (SI Manchester), Celia Evans (SI Southport), Kathleen Collin (SI Warrington) and Anne Brian (SI Stockport). Margaret mentioned with affection the late Patricia Fahey (SI Crosby) and Lynn Dunning (SI Ramsbottom), both of whom influenced her Soroptimist ‘career’ over the years.
Past Federation President Kate Fussell (SI Wigan) was unable to attend the lunch: Margaret regretted that she was therefore prevented from picking up a few extra tips before Glasgow!
This annual lunch is a valued and very pleasant regional tradition – conviviality, conversation and companionship.
