Seven members of Stockport club travelled to Guernsey to join the Guernsey club members and the island’s Deputy Bailiff, Richard Collas, on March 2nd, in planting a tree to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the evacuation of women and children from Guernsey to Stockport just prior to to German invasion during the Second World War. The evacuation had already been commemorateed in Stockport last year. A small crowd turned up to watch and the event was well reported in the local press and radio. We had an enjoyable few days there and were well looked after by Guernsey club members. The two clubs hope to work together on joint projects in the future. That evening we joined Guernsey club as some of the 177 attendees at a dinner to celebrate International Womens Day. The speaker was Baroness Jill Pitkeathley and the Deputy Bailiff attended as

The Club held the 72nd Annual Dinner at the Alma Lodge Hotel in Stockport on 2nd October. The Mayor, Councillor Hazel Lees, and her husband attended as did Regional President Srya Kulupani. The toast to the Borough was given by Past President Joy Pilkington who mentioned forthcoming celebrations of the link with Guernsey when many children were evacuated to Stockport just before Guersney was occupied during the last war. After the toast to the Borough  President Marilyn proposed a toast to SI Guernsey. The evening ended with a lively performance from students and staff of Poynton High School and Performing Arts College.

The club hosted a very successful craft fair at Woodley Civic Centre on October 9th. The hall was filled with local craftspeople and a few stalls run by club members. A steady stream of buyers passed through and well over £400 was raised for our charities.

Sue Wynroe held her annual lunch to raise funds for club charities and the Robin Baker orphanage in particular. The theme was all things American in honour of their Independence Day and several guests dressed accordingly. The event raised well over £450.

The club held its annual plant sale on May 22nd at a a member’s home. This has raised well over £600 for our charities this year.

The Club’s summer outing on 12th June was to Rylands Library in Manchester. Members were treated to a fascinating illustrated talk about the history of this magnificent building by Ann Beswick, a “Blue Badge” guide. We then had plenty of time to wander around among the endless shelves of precious books. Lunch was available in the excellent cafe and “retail therapy” in the gift shop. Back to Home Page

Stockport Club in partnership with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council obtained funding from the Lottery for a celebration of International Womens Day on Monday March 8th. The theme of the day was “Women Working for Community Cohesion” and women from diverse ethnic groups enjoyed an early evening celebration at Stockport’s Art Gallery. Speakers from Stockport’s twin towns, Beziers and Heilbronn enhanced the event. Regional President Srya also spoke about the position of women in the world.  All the talks engendered a lot of very interesting discussion. Delegates enjoyed the opportunity of half an hours dancing and singing. Students from Stockport College offered hand massage and nail care and this proved very popular. There was also a splendid buffet giving tastes of international cuisine.  

Members enjoy meeting every year during the August break. This year lunch was enjoyed in the rustic setting of the Coffee Tavern at Pott Shrigley with really good food.

We have now seen the end of all our hard work and the beginning of a new phase when the Sanctuary Room at Stockport Police Station was opened by the Head of Greater Manchester Police Peter Fahy. Members of Stockport Soroptimist wanted a really special project for their 70th Year in the Borough last year. They have long worked with Stockport’s Refuge for women victims of domestic abuse, but they were aware of the need for somewhere really comfortable at the Police Station for any one suffering the immediate trauma of abuse. Over the year the club raised £5,000 and in May a cheque for this amount was handed over and the work began to prepare the room that the Stockport Police had dedicated.   Now the room is ready with comfortable sofa and chair, a box stool which contains children’s toys, simple light wood furniture for