Soroptimists from across South Lancashire Region met up recently for a ‘chain gang’ lunch. Club presidents and their officers ‘in waiting’ accepted Region President Margaret’s invitation to get together and exchange news.
Highlight of the day was a session led by Susan Biggs, President, Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) Federation.
Rather than deliver an after-lunch speech, Federation President Susan posed questions on issues dominating the attention of the team leading SIGBI. These included fees/finances and the changing nature of communications. From such routine administrative topics developed lively contributions from the floor.
Federation President Susan then ‘turned the tables’ and asked members to direct questions to her. Again, audience participation was extensive. News teased out included updates on Soroptimist clubs in schools and on university campuses, and the current state of the proposed African Federation.
Members also raised the need to maximise the impact of projects (by stopping the ‘scattergun’ approach, perhaps), and the practicalities of functioning as a charity (should SIGBI be granted charity status).
“South Lancashire’s Soroptimists gave the Federation President a real run for her money,” said Region President Margaret. “Our questions were wide-ranging and pertinent – just what I would expect from a roomful of lively and committed members.”
