Soroptimists in Leigh recently celebrated 70 successful years of service in their community.
The Club was chartered on 17th February 1947, with support from the existing clubs in Bolton and Wigan.
At this year’s Charter Dinner, Region President Margaret Molyneux spoke of her pride, as a Leigh Club member, in celebrating on the exact same day, 70 years on.
The event was held at Haydock Golf Club and guests included local MP Rt. Hon. Andy Burnham, who proposed the toast to Soroptimist International.
Principal speaker was Warren Smith, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester. He spoke of his fond memories in his formative years of being a ‘Leigh Lad’ with school and church being central to family and community life.
Former members of the club were able to recall memorable projects undertaken by the club in past years. Leigh Soroptimists have always been proactive in networking, forging friendship links, and addressing controversial and contentious issues of the day.
Soroptimism offers opportunities for community service at many levels – locally, nationally and internationally. Leadership and learning, fun and friendship, are integral parts of the Soroptimist experience. And, as SI Leigh’s honorary member Alice Judge (with nearly 50 years’ membership) says, “To be a Soroptimist provides the opportunity to meet people from many walks of life.”