At the end of my presidential year – a chance to look back.
Our 15 Soroptimist clubs in South Lancashire have continued to work passionately to improve the lives of women and girls during the last 12 months.
For me it has been ‘eye opening’ joining clubs for their annual charter celebrations and seeing the work which they have been supporting for many years, as well as their new projects.
I have always been made welcome, and I have enjoyed the company of members at their lunches and dinners. Four clubs had a wonderful afternoon tea to jointly celebrate their 80 years of Soroptimism – Bolton, Bootle, Crosby and Stockport.
The Meru Garden project in Kenya, which started in 2016 and will continue until November 2019, has developed hugely to help women and girls understand how they can grow their own crops. This is a great example of empowering women and girls to raise their skills and standards. It will enable them to sell their vegetables, herbs, flowers and – crucially – gain respect in their families and community.
Our regional conference was, as I hoped, a great success; the venue and speakers were excellent; the atmosphere was thought-provoking, informative and very friendly.
I have taken pride in being SI South Lancashire’s President 2017-2018. Thank you all for the opportunity to be of service.
In friendship, Margaret Davies, Immediate Past Regional President.
