The South Lancashire bowls final was exciting and entertaining for bowlers and spectators alike. This year’s event focussed on individual players, each of whom had won at least one game over the season. On the day, eighteen Soroptimists from the region competed for the Tricia Fahey Cup. Tension mounted as the elimination rounds led to semi-finals involving Crosby, Widnes and Southport clubs. The final – Christine Fone (SI Widnes) v Miriam Lucy (SI Crosby) – kept all spectators ‘on the edge’, and resulted in a win for Christine. Regional President Victoria Smerdon opened the celebrations by presenting the President’s Rose Bowl to SI Leigh, for coming out top in the season’s team competition. Margaret Molyneux and her squad were absolutely delighted to take home the silverware. President Victoria then invited Shirley Smith (SI Crosby’s bowls captain) to join her in presenting Christine Fone with her well-earned trophy.

The team of Soroptimists from South Lancashire* was on Eggheads on Wednesday 3rd September. Result?   *SI Ramsbottom – plus a reserve from SI Bolton    

Two of South Lancashire’s Soroptimists report their experiences at the Global Summit ‘End Sexual Violence in Conflict’, which was held recently in London. Margaret Molyneux (Regional Programme Action Officer) helped on the SIGBI (Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland) information stand. Many visitors from war-torn countries – including Syria and Afghanistan – spoke graphically about being a woman in such distressing circumstances. Margaret attended a breakout session to listen to the launch of the UK National Action Plan ‘Women Peace & Security’, which has been signed by senior Government ministers. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published the summarising document. Security was very tight at the Summit as so many ministers and foreign dignitaries were present. However, this intensified as the Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt visited the stalls! Meanwhile, Molly Byrne Robinson (SI Manchester) attended SIGBI’s panel session ‘Building a Future after Conflict’,

The packed agenda for South Lancashire’s June meetings meant a day of concentration and debate for the region’s Soroptimists. Guest speaker Jenny Lloyd, Research Intern with Unchosen, explained the charity’s work. Its aim is to raise awareness of modern day slavery through the medium of film. The three short films that followed (‘The Trip’, ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ and ‘Nicu’) illustrated different aspects of human trafficking. Statistics cannot demonstrate the humiliation, deprivation and cruelty of modern day slavery: films can. Margaret Molyneux, Programme Action Chair, included in her report her experiences as a volunteer at the recent ‘End Sexual Violence in Conflict’ Global Summit. The afternoon’s Council Meeting focused on the proposals for Associate Membership. Sue Williams (Federation Director of Membership) gave a comprehensive presentation on the topic. The debate then widened as Pat Williams (Regional Membership Officer) marshalled clubs to ask questions that had

Regional President Victoria Smerdon added another medal to her already-impressive tally when she completed the inaugural Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. The race started and finished at the Liverpool waterfront. Crowds gathered to cheer on the runners, and to enjoy live music from bands strategically placed along the route. Three members of SI Crosby were at the finishing line to greet her. President Victoria said, “It was great to see familiar faces as I came down the home straight. “I’m delighted with my performance. It was a lovely course – apart from the tough climb in Upper Parliament Street – and there were crowds of well-wishers everywhere. I aimed to finish in under 2½ hours, and actually clocked 2:20:13. A personal best!” This was the latest in President Victoria’s year-long, self-imposed challenge to ‘run the region’ – and to publicise Soroptimist International by wearing her ‘Ask Me Why I’m A

Power walking for 10 hours! That’s what Regional President Victoria faced when she entered the annual London MoonWalk, organised by the charity Walk the Walk. The event, staged through the streets at night, offers both a ‘Half Moon’ (half Marathon) and ‘Full Moon’ (Marathon) challenge. As the focus is ‘uniting against breast cancer’, walkers traditionally wear decorated bras to raise awareness. President Victoria, who undertook the ‘Full Moon’ (26.2 miles) made sure she was correctly (and flamboyantly) dressed. Spot the SIGBI logo! Partnering President Victoria on the MoonWalk was fellow Soroptimist Laura Redhead, the Federation’s Assistant Programme Director (Environmental Sustainability). Conditions on the night were described as “freezing” and both walkers were extremely tired at the end. However, it was worth it – together they have so far raised over £800 for the charity. Plus, President Victoria has another medal to add to her collection. Walk the

Over 130 Soroptimists gathered in Liverpool for the inaugural conference organised by South Lancashire Region.[new_royalslider id=”5″] Regional President Victoria Smerdon opened the event welcoming delegates, especially those from adjacent regions North West England & Isle of Man and Cheshire, North Wales & Wirral. The speakers, she promised, would present varying interpretations of her theme ‘Mum’s the Word’. Federation President Elect Jenny Vince challenged delegates to think outside the box as they develop Programme Action, publicise their work and build the future of their clubs. ‘Keeping mum’ about Soroptimism is not an option, in a world saturated with competing attractions. Jenny’s presentation prompted a large number of questions, primarily on associate membership. Laura Redhead, Federation Assistant Programme Director (Environmental Sustainability) highlighted women’s relationship with the environment. Crises in living conditions – whether through a changing climate or pressure on energy sources or imbalance in food production

Regional President Victoria Smerdon has taken part in the ‘Run the Bridge’ race in Halton. This is another milestone in her 2013-14 ‘Run the Region’ project – to race in areas near all the South Lancashire Soroptimist clubs during her presidential year, and to promote Soroptimist International. The road race, over 5 miles, includes a crossing of the famous Silver Jubilee Bridge across the Mersey, linking Widnes and Runcorn. President Victoria completed the course in 46 minutes 28 seconds, crossing the line 448th out of 663 runners. Cheering her on at the finish were members of her own club (SI Widnes), led by President Paula Fox.    

South Lancashire’s bowling Soroptimists met for their annual pre-season meeting. This is a chance to make arrangements for the forthcoming matches, and fine-tune any local rules. Six Soroptimist clubs have entered teams in the regional competition: Bootle, Crosby, Leigh and District, St Helens, Southport and Widnes. Matches will take place up to the end of August; the final will be in September. Dot Massey (SI Widnes) – who coordinates the regional competition – said, “Our pre-season gathering is always an enjoyable social occasion. We had an excellent supper, and I must thank Eileen Gilbert of SI Liverpool for the catering. “The region’s bowlers get to know members of many other clubs. The competition is keen, but we play in a spirit of friendship; and I know we are all looking forward to the new season. I just hope the weather on finals day will be

Soroptimists from South Lancashire recently visited Styal Prison in Wilmslow. Three members of SI Manchester (Shena Cuttle, Val Moss and Susan Hollick) joined Debbie Rogers (SI Stockport), Margaret Molyneux (SI Leigh and District; Regional Programme Action Officer) and Margaret Carr (SI Warrington) to tour the unit. This is the second such visit. These links developed as a result of a UK-wide joint initiative between the Prison Reform Trust and Soroptimists, aimed at reducing the level of women’s imprisonment. Liaison with Eddie Tarry (Environment and Community Outreach Manager at Styal) led to the invitation to meet staff and prisoners – and for staff to attend a club meeting in Manchester. The prison currently has an operational capacity of 460. The Soroptimists learned of the vocational courses available; also about how the women develop transferable skills, thus preparing for employment opportunities on release. Margaret Carr reported: “We had a really interesting