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Spring into Action

Spring into Action

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On Saturday 12th April members of Soroptimist International of Southport held a ‘Spring into Action Walk’ to publicize and celebrate their support of local, national and international projects. Mayor Maureen Fearn, who is a Soroptimist, started the walk off in Victoria Park by the tree planted to commemorate her previous time as Mayor. After a photo shoot the Soroptimists began to visit other venues they sponsor throughout the town. The first port of call was the Mermaid Fountain on Lord Street where the Soroptimists sponsor the circular flower bed around the fountain. They then proceeded to the Sensory Garden in Hesketh Park. The latter was a joint project between SI Southport and Southport Rotary. Finally they walked to the Botanical garden for a final photo shoot at the floral container they sponsor. En route the Soroptimists handed out leaflets explaining the acts of service they

Fair Trade Night

Fair Trade Night

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Fair Trade Fortnight came early to SI Southport this year! Not only did we enjoy one of our wonderful dinners enhanced with the consumption of Fair trade wine but we also enjoyed the company of two Soroptimists who are involved in the Fair Trade Movement. Firstly, we were greeted by Wendy Ross-Barker of SI Widnes with a magnificent array of Fair Trade goods which were on display to be purchased – all money going to the Fair Trade cause. Secondly, we learnt from Ruth Bruce of SI Garstang the steps to becoming a Fair Trade Town and who also demonstrated articles of Fair Trade clothing sold within the area including shorts which displayed the quote  “Life is not fair but my shorts are!” Our club was able to impress our guests as our member Maureen Fearn is the present Mayor of Sefton who, in her civic

Christmas Celebrations

Christmas Celebrations

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Soroptimist International of Southport enjoy an Annual Christmas Dinner and 2013 was no exception. The club’s Social Committee organised a wonderful evening at Hillside Golf Club, Southport. Over sixty people attended the dinner at and a very merry and entertaining evening was had by all!

A Visit to Nepal – Soroptimist-style

A Visit to Nepal – Soroptimist-style

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Last November, whilst on a project to help extend a school in the poor rural village of Salgari in the Terai (lowland) area of Nepal, Gill Ribis from SI Southport Club and her good friend Sandy Cribb took the opportunity whilst in Kathmandu, to visit the recently chartered Soroptimist International club there. They were invited to meet the club members by President Uma Bhandaree and Secretary Deepa Khakurei (pictured with Gill) and were made very welcome.  The members were all really keen to show what they had been doing since the club had been chartered 12 months earlier. Gill said what a fantastic group of enthusiastic young women they were, eager to embrace the aims and objectives of Soroptimism which, in a country that does not have the best reputation for equal opportunities for women, is no easy task.

International Night

International Night

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  The Mayor, Maureen Fearn and her consort, Frank Winrow, recently attended an International Evening hosted by Soroptimist International of Southport. The Chinese theme for the evening was enhanced with decorations, food and even a Tai Chi demonstration. Mayor Maureen, in thanking the club for their hospitality, said “It is a privilege to be part of fund raising for such a worthwhile cause.” All monies raised will provide solar lamps and cookers for women in third world countries.

Federation Conference 2013

Federation Conference 2013

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At the end of October, President Sandra Brookfield and 8 members of the Southport Club – plus some husbands – joined 1,200 Soroptimists from 29 countries at the 79th Federation Conference at the Sage Gateshead. The theme for this year’s conference, which ran from 31 October to 2 November, was: ‘From Vision to Action – Soroptimists Educating to Lead’. The delegates enjoyed a wide range of inspiring presentations, including International President Anne Garvie, Federation President Pat Black and keynote speakers Marie, Lady Stubbs and Baroness Helena Kennedy. The conference also gave an opportunity for members to use their time together to renew friendships and make new ones, working out more ways to make a difference to the lives of women and girls world-wide.  

Gawsworth Hall

Gawsworth Hall

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On Sunday 4th August, a group of Soroptimists with husbands and friends enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Gawsworth Hall. The concert chosen by President Sandra Brookfield was ‘Let’s Hang On’ featuring the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. But this was a Soroptimist visit, so NOT just a concert. With excellent and meticulous planning by Margaret Davies, we all brought components for a wonderful afternoon tea and buffet supper and a sumptuous picnic was enjoyed by all before we danced the night away to some great music from the 60s and 70s.

Change of Insignia 2013

Change of Insignia 2013

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On Sunday 28th April, SI Southport held the Annual Change of Insignia with a luncheon attended by more than one hundred guests at Formby Hall Golf Club. The occasion, true to the ideals of Soroptimism, was full of fun, fundraising and friendship .Following a sumptuous meal, outgoing President Ghislaine Fletcher presented a cheque for £2550 to Amy Cartlidge from he charity for the year, Target Ovarian Cancer. Various fundraising events had been held during the year including a sponsored walk and culminating an ‘Evening on The Orient Express’, a themed dinner with entertainment. President Ghislaine thanked all members for their tireless help and support during the preceding year. Speaking to the assembled guests, the new President, Sandra Brookfield, said she was looking forward to the year ahead and informed all present that she was to have two charities for her year of office. These are Combat

Wining and Dining in France

Wining and Dining in France

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In March 2011, members of our club, accompanied by spouses and friends, enjoyed a three night break in the Loire Valley. Thanks to precise planning by our unofficial ‘travel agent’, Gill Ribis, we journeyed to France by ferry from Portsmouth to our base, Tours. Gill had arranged guides to provide an insight into the wine-making process from press to bottle at the key winemaking regions of Chinon, Vouvray and Amboise. Also included in Amboise was entry to Château Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. Following the success of this venture, the club is embarking on another wine tour in 2014 – this time to sample the delights of the wines on the Alsace Wine Route. For news of this trip, watch this space………