Soroptimists in South Lancashire came together for their biennial lunch to celebrate their clubs’ achievements.
Region President Denise Parker welcomed the large number of new Soroptimists present, and wished them many years of friendship, fun, and the satisfaction of ‘standing up for women’.
Guest speaker Dr Margaret Emsley reminisced about the opportunities that Soroptimism has given her, both at home and abroad. Taking part in practical service, meeting like-minded women and challenging herself to take on a demanding role in the organisation – these have meant much to Margaret. Concluding, she hoped the newer Soroptimists would find their membership equally fulfilling.
The Region’s Programme Action Officer, Sriya Kulupana, had the unenviable task of deciding on the winner of this year’s PA Award. SI Liverpool scooped the trophy for their ‘Breathe Easy’ project. The Club organised a public awareness-raising event around chronic asthma. It highlighted the work of the Breathe Easy Foundation, which raises funds to help provide life-saving equipment in Nigeria.
Ann Mercer, President of SI Liverpool, was delighted to receive the trophy from Sriya – especially as a special guest at the lunch was Lindsay Green, Programme Director in our Federation (Soroptimist International, Great Britain and Ireland ).
President Denise spoke about her Challenge to clubs – to showcase a project on the theme of ‘Little Things make a Big Difference’.
This year, the independent judge was Patricia Mercer of Runcorn, Frodsham & District Club from our neighbouring region ‘over the Mersey’. A tough task, she admitted. Ultimately she chose SI Crosby’s ‘squares’ project that started in lockdown and still continues. Patricia presented the magnificent rosebowl to Jill Boggan, President of SI Crosby. SI Crosby ‘little things’ 2023 region challenge
One final award – the individual bowling trophy – went to Joan Lunt. Margaret Emsley, who co-ordinates the region’s bowling activities, explained a little of the history, and encouraged members to ‘have a go’ next season.
All the hard work put in by South Lancashire’s joint Membership Officers, Angela Holmes and Ann Clarke (and their team) paid off at this event. It enabled over 90 Soroptimists to get together, to chat, laugh, learn and celebrate. Soroptimist International is a powerful force for good in South Lancashire.