Father Christmas recently gained an extra Soroptimist helper. Victoria Smerdon (Immediate Past President, South Lancashire Region) donned her reindeer ‘onesie’ to join members of SI Crosby for the annual Santa float street collection. Victoria – a member of SI Widnes – said, “I’ve always wanted to help with a Christmas event like this. Plus, our Regional President, Margaret Baker, has urged us this year to ‘get out of our clubs’. So I though this would be an ideal opportunity to tick both boxes. “It was a cold, wet night, but my reindeer outfit was reasonably draught-proof. I had my Soroptimist umbrella, too – and SI Crosby’s yellow tabard was a bonus. “I enjoyed calling at local residents’ doors, seeing the delight on children’s faces as they spotted Santa on his sleigh, and feeling my collecting tin get heavier as the evening progressed.” Pam McKee (President, SI Crosby) added,

Soroptimists in South Lancashire Region focussed on violence against women at their autumn Programme Action Meeting.  Guest speaker Kate Brade, of SI Stafford, began by describing her club’s modest awareness-raising vigil in the town centre. In partnership with their local women’s aid organisation, her members then drew up a petition: ‘I call on Government to ensure that perpetrators of violence against women are brought to justice’. The petition attracted over 4,200 signatures; Kate and fellow members delivered it to 10 Downing Street. The project, which involved SI Stafford liaising with local MPs, attracted considerable publicity – both for the broad topic of violence against women and for Soroptimist International. Club members are continuing to monitor the situation and follow developments within the Government’s programme. Locally they have linked this year with a local football team, to make the point that awareness-raising among men is essential. This is

Victoria Smerdon’s year as President of Soroptimist International of South Lancashire ended at the Federation Conference in Harrogate. At the closing event, Victoria handed over her chain of office to the Federation President, Jenny Vince, who then installed Margaret Baker (SI Bolton) as the Region’s new leader. Victoria said, “I have had a fantastic, challenging and eventful year ‘running the Region’. I wish every success to Margaret – I know she will relish the experience.” SI Widnes – Victoria’s club – held an end-of-year party, and invited representatives from throughout the Region. The club’s special present for Victoria was a quilt – made by members, and using photos supplied by various clubs – depicting her year in office.          

Soroptimists in Leigh & District Club met a publicity challenge head-on – with excellent results. As part of the Federation’s 80th anniversary, Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) asked to all clubs to obtain prominent column inches in their local press. SI Leigh members led the Region in promoting Soroptimism in the ‘Leigh Journal’. The article then figured in a PR display at the Federation Conference in Harrogate. The item traced a little of the history of Soroptimist International and of SI Leigh. It highlighted some of the club’s work, including the ‘Just the Job’ project which was nominated for the SIGBI Economic Empowerment Award. Also featured was the club’s long-term support for Dhadon, a child who had fled Tibet and was living in India. This support continued for 20 years culminating in Dhadon’s college graduation in the USA  Margaret Molyneux of SI Leigh

More than one hundred South Lancashire Soroptimists – representing every club in the Region – attended the 80th Federation Conference in Harrogate.[new_royalslider id=”6″] Delegates heard from several impressive speakers, including Dame Jenni Murray, Professor Susan Vinnicombe and Ann Garvie, President of Soroptimist International. Each covered a wide range of key issues. Programme Action took centre-stage at several sessions, giving many clubs the opportunity to present their projects. The opening and closing events at Conference can be quite moving. On stage the flags from every country in the Federation make an impressive backdrop; they are a visual reminder of the significant geographical impact of Soroptimist International. The change of insignia is very special. This year regional interest was focussed not only on South Lancashire’s outgoing and incoming presidents, but also the installation of Margaret Emsley (SI Ashton under Lyne) as the Federation’s President Elect. Conference is a great opportunity to

Soroptimists from seven South Lancashire clubs supported SI Crosby’s “It’s a Matter of Survival” focus event. The focus – violence against women. In a packed programme, speakers covered a wide selection of topics including domestic abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). Kaya, a young ‘survivor’ (as she calls herself) of forced marriage gave a powerful and emotional account of her circumstances, and explained how she has broken free in order to rebuild her life, her confidence and her identity. Delegates gave Kaya a standing ovation. Representatives of two women’s aid organisations (in Sefton and South Liverpool) outlined personal stories of some clients they are helping, and briefed delegates on the range of support services on offer. A representative from Merseyside Police explained how officers link with aid agencies, and other community groups, to combat violence against women. Afrah Qassim introduced delegates to Savera

Programme Action Officers from 12 of South Lancashire’s Soroptimist clubs attended a ‘get together’ at SI Southport’s clubroom. Publicity – Margaret Carr (Regional Communications Officer) focused on our Unique Selling Point (USP) which is, of course, Programme Action. The way people see clubs in action determines whether women will want to join – so high quality ‘action’ photographs are vital when publicising club events. Membership – Pat Williams (Regional Membership Officer) maintained that nothing promotes Soroptimism better than a face-to-face communication. Members should think of the ‘Elevator Pitch’: 30 seconds to make an impact on who we are and what we do. Website – Jenny Stanistreet (Regional Web Administrator) challenged Programme Action Officers to monitor their club websites and ensure they show up to date news on projects and achievements. In a wide-ranging presentation Margaret Molyneux (Regional Programme Action Officer) looked at the possibility of

Eighteen Soroptimists – all past regional presidents of SI South Lancashire – recently met together for lunch. Hosted by the current Regional President, Victoria Smerdon, this annual event was held at Statham Lodge Hotel, Lymm. Presidents from several decades past were represented. President Victoria was particularly delighted that Anne Brian (Federation President 1988-89) and the current Federation Vice President, Margaret Emsley, were able to attend. Guest speaker was Margaret Baker (Regional President Elect) who recounted her experience of “Eggheads” – the television quiz programme at which her colleagues in SI Ramsbottom were successful. To hear about the amount of preparation for filming was fascinating – not least the laundry, hairstyling and make-up carried out by the studio staff before the Soroptimists even faced the camera! The team had to keep the result secret for nearly twelve months: a serious commitment, but one that they achieved. “The programme was

Soroptimists from Manchester are supporting a National Trust (NT) initiative to plant snowdrops. The aim is to turn Manchester into ‘Snowdrop City’ in spring 2015, as part of the World War I centenary commemorations. Snowdrops symbolise new beginnings and hope. President Stella Kay led her team of club members; joining them were Yvonne Cartey, President of SI Ashton-under-Lyne, and Margaret Molyneux (SI Leigh & District), the Chair of Programme Action for SI South Lancashire Region. The National Trust aims to plant 100,000 snowdrops this autumn at drop-in sessions throughout the city. The Soroptimists chose Parsonage Gardens as their location. The Trust has bought bulbs from Holland that are expected to flower on the first year of planting. Reflective jackets were the order of the day. Guided by NT staff, the team spent a few hours on their knees planting the bulbs in holes cut out

SI South Lancashire’s autumn regional meetings featured a selection of presentations – Soroptimist projects and Soroptimist trophies. Margaret Molyneux (Regional Programme Action Officer) announced the winner of the Programme Action Award – SI Ashton under Lyne. The club has a long-term project, in partnership with Manchester Credit Union, to educate young people in monetary issues. (Details in September 2014 ‘Leader’.) Norma Parry was delighted to accept the trophy on behalf of her club. Four clubs gave presentations about current projects. SI Bolton has a friendship link with the club in Kathmandu. Margaret Baker outlined her club’s ongoing support of five disadvantaged girls through their schooling: this is a five-year commitment. The Nepalese Soroptimists, who themselves support the school, monitor progress to ensure best use of Bolton’s money. Funds for solar lamps (to enable the girls to study in the evening) and home-help (to relieve them of domestic chores that constrain