South Lancashire Region held a Celebration of Soroptimist Service to recognise the diversity, talents and friendships amongst all members. The event – held in Leigh at an Anglican church – had a multi-faith focus. Three Soroptimist ministers from different churches led the service, and members from the Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths gave poignant readings. Almost all the clubs in the Region had at least one member in a participatory role. Diane Mackley (SI Southport) sang Cherubino’s aria ‘Voi Che Sapete’ from Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro; and Eunice Woof (SI Bootle) led a small Soroptimist vocal group to sing the aptly-titled ‘I am a small part of the world’. A collection was taken, part of which will be donated to the Federation’s Meru Women’s Garden Project. Afternoon tea was served by members of SI Leigh & District at the end of the service.

“Our mission is to inspire and empower girls …” Does that sound familiar? That is the mission of The Girls’ Network, a very young UK charity. As Soroptimists we, too, have similar aspirations. Therefore, the guest speaker at the recent Regional Programme Action Meeting, Hayley Misell (Network Manager – Manchester), had a keen-eared audience. The Network addresses the needs of girls who just ‘coast’ along. For so many in the least-advantaged communities there is a gap between girls’ dreams and their expectations. Many of them do not have the self-belief necessary to make the best use of their capabilities. For one year girls are each linked with a mentor, a professional career woman who acts as a positive female role model. This ongoing relationship helps the girls develop in confidence. It opens their eyes to the possibilities – and opportunities – available to them. They

Soroptimist Phyllis Bayley, a building surveyor, has won the National Trust (Northern Region) Award for her garden design at Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire. As project lead for the upper gardens and greenhouse at the mill, she worked in partnership with the head gardener (Sarah Witts) on the ‘Special Places’ project. Phyllis is a member of SI Leigh and District. Several fellow members of the club are volunteers at Quarry Bank transcribing personal papers from the Greg family, who once owned the mill.      

Stockport and District Soroptimists have raised funds to refurbish two video interview rooms and waiting rooms for Greater Manchester Police. The facilities (at the Hazel Grove Unit) are for adults and children – victims and witnesses, as well as those accompanying them. For the interview rooms the Soroptimists provided pictures, cushions, small tables and lamps. The aim is to make the rooms user-friendly – to offer a calm and comfortable environment for the victims of crime. Many are feeling especially vulnerable; many have suffered serious assault or domestic violence. The waiting rooms are now fitted out with pictures, cushions and lamps; plus, TV-DVDs and a selection of films suitable for children. Books, toys, games, colouring books and pencils have been added for children, along with magazines and paperbacks for adults. In addition, the Soroptimists have provided crockery and basic supplies. They will replenish the tea,

Any Soroptimist getting married is a cause for celebration in her club; but when it’s your Immediate Past President (IPP), it’s something else again! Eleanor Reakes (President of SI Stockport and District) therefore decided to organise a ‘surprise’ bridal shower for IPP Ingrid Whiteman to celebrate her forthcoming wedding. Regional President Margaret was invited as the club’s special guest. To say that Ingrid was speechless to be faced by a group of club members wearing ‘wedding hats’ is an understatement. She thought she was going for coffee with a friend! A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all.  

Soroptimists from South Lancashire attended the conference organised by our neighbouring region, North West England & the Isle of Man. “Change Me for We” enabled delegates to consider the strength of collective effort, of co-operation and of shared goals. Speakers included: Ann Hodgson, Federation President, Soroptimist International (Great Britain & Ireland) who challenged delegates to promote active involvement – of club members and of the wider community – in all Soroptimist projects. Emily Rose Yates, adventurous wheelchair user, Paralympic gamesmaker and outspoken advocate for access-for-all. Mike Hagen of ‘Classrooms on the Clouds’, a charity supporting education in remote areas of Nepal. Sharon Smith, a police officer with responsibility for adult safeguarding and the investigation of so-called ‘honour-based violence’. Victoria Whitaker of ‘War Child UK’, working on child protection and the reintegration of former child fighters and forced ‘wives’. Sarah Brook, from the Sparkle Foundation, currently supporting vulnerable people in ten

Soroptimist bowlers from South Lancashire Region met recently for the annual pre-season supper. It was organised by Dot Massey (SI Widnes), who co-ordinates the regional competition. Five Soroptimist clubs are participating in the forthcoming season: Crosby, Leigh & District, Liverpool, Southport and Widnes. After a fine meal, courtesy of SI Southport, the bowlers discussed the current rules and agreed minor revisions. Region President Margaret Molyneux made the draw for matches, which must be played by the end of August. The team results will determine the winners of the President’s Trophy. Finals day – the individual bowlers’ competition for the Tricia Fahey Cup – will be on Sunday 3rd September. Dot Massey said, “The current holders of the team trophy, SI Leigh & District, will be keen to defend their title; the other clubs will be equally determined to win. So here’s hoping for an enjoyable,

Soroptimists and friends recently enjoyed a fundraising quiz night. Organised by SI Bolton, and held in the local Masonic Hall, the event attracted over 60 participants. These included teams of Soroptimists from Bury and Leigh & District. Jane Hemingway, who set the challenging questions, was delighted that £500 was raised on the night for Soroptimist charities. Midway through the evening a welcome ‘Pasty & Peas’ supper helped to sustain the quiz teams in the lead-up to a tense finish. And the worthy winners? Four members of SI Bolton – Eileen Watson, Frankie Hahlo, Eveline Bridge and Jennifer Hindshaw. They were presented with wine and chocolates by the quiz organisers. South Lancashire Region President, Margaret Molyneux, attended with her Leigh Club colleagues. “It was a great evening”, she said. “Friendship and fundraising – with that ‘edge’ of competitiveness adding to the atmosphere.”    

The purpose of the day was to learn how to strengthen Soroptimists’ voice and influence, and achieve our ambition to be the leading international organisation for today’s women.  Speakers: Ann Hodgson, Federation President, with her theme ‘Step and Lead’. Jasvinder Sanghera, CBE, the founder of Karma Nirvana the UK charity that supports victims of ‘honour’ crimes and forced marriages. How she got her voice heard and how she works in partnership with other organisations to achieve the change she wants to see. Workshops: Understanding our relationship with the United Nations and strengthen our voice Getting our voice heard – media training (radio/TV interviews) Make your Club a success – new ways of enriching members’ experience A packed day – valuable to all and in particular to officers, or those thinking about taking office, at Regional and Club level.      

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,