SI Stockport’s annual plant sale was a great success once again, raising over £600 for our charities. President Ruth, Past President Sue and PAC chair Debbie are shown with Regional PAC chair Margaret Molyneux. The weather was glorious, the plants outstanding, the company congenial and the cakes (kindly donated by Park Cakes) were delicious. Once again the scouts lent us their large gazebo/small marquee and this year it was a refuge from sunburn instead of rain. Thanks to all who helped with serving teas, selling plants, overseeing the Tombola etc, and also to all those who came along and bought the plants.

                 President Jenny presenting Julie Dove of the Royal British Legion with our cheque for over £700. The money was raised from the sale of knitted and crocheted poppies made by members and friends. Julie said it was the largest amount she had seen raised by one small organisation like our own.

Several members attended the Federation Conference in Gateshead. Excellent speakers and time for fun too. On the Friday morning conference delegates attended the “See Red for Endometriosis” event which drew significant media attention.

      SIStockport celebrated 75 years with our annual Charter Dinner. President Jenny, Regional President Liz and guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport and members from other clubs, including our Guernsey friendship link club, were entertained with a delicious dinner and “Midnight Blues” jazz from one of our members, Debbie and her partner and friends. The beautiful flower arrangements were done by Bridget, friend and relation of much missed late member, Joy Pilkington, in Joy’s memory. A lovely evening.

On Saturday 7th September SI Stockport held a fashion sale and Afternoon Tea event at Cheadle Golf Club. Everyone enjoyed trying on the clothes and coveting the jewellery and accessories and then there was cake as well! We raised over £280 for Whizz Kidz. Well done everyone!

Six members of SI Stockport were delighted to attend the Guernsey club’s Friendship Weekend and renew this very active friendship link. Five members are shown here in front of the Turkey Oak that we planted together three years ago to commemorate the evacuation of Guernsey women and children to Stockport during World War 2. The tree is growing well despite the 8ft of snow that hit Guernsey in March this year. The Guernsey club have have had a stylish granite and brass plaque installed at the foot of the tree. The photograph shows it reflecting the beautiful flowers with which the tree is surrounded. Club members enjoyed three days of hospitality and excellent food and were able to renew old acquaintances. We also presented the club with 50 little dresses made by Stockport members which will be sent to Africa for little girls there who

On 18th May Stockport Club again held it’s annual plant sale. This year we were not so blessed with the weather but keen gardeners nevertheless showed up to purchase bedding plants and raise a tidy sum for charity. Tea and cakes were served in Ruth’s back garden and the phlegmatic British spirit saw us through!

Members of Stockport Club have been working with Guernsey Club (one of our friendship links) to make little dresses for African girls, based on the “pillowcase” dress design. We hope to take 50 dresses with us to Guernsey’s friendship weekend in the summer.  

On March 24th Stockport club was delighted to host a lunch for our own Liz McConnell, currently President of South Lancs Region. Around 80 Soroptimists and guests enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Alma Lodge Hotel and a cheque for £6000 was presented to Professor Howell of Breakthrough Breast Cancer for their research at the Christie Hospital. Professor Howell and his wife were our guests for the evening.            

Stockport Club was delighted to host the South Lancs Regional Burns Night at the Alma Lodge on 19th January. Despite the snowy weather around 100 guests from all over the region attended and were entertained by the Regional President, Liz McConnell and her husband, Eric’s, very special type of Burns supper. This year it was the ladies’ revenge with several of the roles traditionally undertaken by men falling to the female of the species. We were also royally entertained by the pipes and drums of the Scots Guards Association, an incredibly talented group of musicians.