On-Screen Charter Celebration
Soroptimists in Bolton were the first in the Region to celebrate their Charter Anniversary – virtually. Newly-installed Region President Josie Carter joined Bolton’s members, and Soroptimists from all over South Lancashire, for a Zoom-call evening. Club President Carole Swarbrick welcomed her special guest, the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Linda Thomas. The Mayor was delighted to add SI Bolton’s event to her list of ‘virtual’ engagements. She spoke of her belief that organisations such as Soroptimist International send out a powerful message that women can challenge and can achieve. Region President Josie echoed this theme, emphasising the life-changing impact of Soroptimists, whether in Bolton or worldwide. Guest speaker was Andrew Graystone – a self-confessed ‘everyday activist’. He spoke engagingly of his ‘tiny acts of rebellion’ that have propelled him to worldwide media attention. Anecdotes from his book ‘Faith, Hope and Mischief’ were thought-provoking and entertaining. President
Soroptimists go ‘Virtual’ at Conference
In a first for Soroptimist International, Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), a two-day conference brought 1,000 members to a ‘virtual’ Belfast. Full reports on the keynote speakers, including Lady Hale and Jane Garvey – and all the other events – are on the conference webpages. SI South Lancashire featured in a session on membership. It focused on staying connected and supporting each other during these difficult times. Anne Grimes (Region Membership Officer) contributed a presentation ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ on clubs’ activities including … SIGBI’s Best Practice Awards are given annually for clubs’ service projects. SI Liverpool won the award in the ‘planet’ category, addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 12-15. The change of insignia celebrations saw Yvonne Gibbon bow out after a momentous year as Region President. Leading SI South Lancashire for the next year is Josie Carter of
Soroptimist is ‘One in a Hundred’
South Lancashire’s Soroptimists convened recently (via Zoom) for their regular quarterly meetings. Members were delighted to hear that a former local member – June Wilson of SI St Helens – features as ‘one in a hundred’ in a #WhoIsShe? campaign. 2021 sees the centenary of Soroptimist International, our worldwide parent organisation. As part of the commemorations our own Federation (Soroptimist International, Great Britain & Ireland – SIGBI) is documenting the centenary through ‘a bright past’ and ‘a brilliant future’. The contributions to society by one hundred Soroptimists – past and present – are acknowledged. These #WhoIsShe? campaign members have all been nominated by Soroptimist clubs for their noteworthy contribution to society in the furtherance of the aims and objects of the organisation. Her citation shows that June – a trailblazing solicitor – was a Soroptimist from 1955 until her death in 2015. The region –
Local Soroptimists feature in International Report
South Lancashire Region’s President, Yvonne Gibbon, was delighted recently to see her own club (SI Widnes) mentioned in a major international document. Soroptimist International’s ‘Report for the High-Level Political Forum 2020’ was compiled for the United Nations (UN). Entitled ‘The Road to Equality’ the report looked at the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Women & Girls. It demonstrated how the work of Soroptimist International has contributed towards progress in achieving the Goals. The report highlighted Soroptimists’ worldwide project work aimed at women and girls. SI Widnes appeared in the section on Soroptimists’ response to COVID-19, aiding victims of violence: Hygiene Poverty: UK SI Widnes The resources available to women and children in shelters has always been limited. Many of those staying in shelters do not have a stable income, which can mean they experience hygiene poverty – where they are unable to afford items for personal