Several members of SI Stockport went to Belfast for the annual Federation Conference, 25th to 27th October. Our very own Liz was installed as Regional President for the South Lancs region for the forthcoming year. We enjoyed two days of stimulating speakers on the organisation’s theme of “Educate, Enable, Empower” and were treated to a “Taste of Ireland” on the Friday evening and a fascinating tour of the Titanic centre. The incoming Regional Presidents were installed in the building’s function room, walking down the replica of the Titanic’s iconic staircase to receive their insignia. This was followed by a drinks reception and entertainment in the atrium.

Stockport club held its 74th annual charter dinner on 6th October. Madam President, Sue Wagstaff, welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, the Regional President, Denise Baldwin and members and guests from several other clubs including Bournemouth. We all enjoyed a delicious meal at the Alma Lodge Hotel and were brilliantly entertained by Simeon Wood, playing flutes, pan pipes and tin whistle (not all at once!) and interspersing the music with musical anecdotes.

On 2nd September members tucked into burgers and all the trimmings at the (end of) summer barbecue and raised £240 for club funds. The unpromising weather at the start of the day improved to bright sunshine by the time guests were gathering.

On August 18th members enjoyed an evening of delicious Greek food at Jenny’s home. The weather stayed fine and we raised £270 for the charities.

Club members enjoyed a celebratory buffet meal at the Alma Lodge in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Members with long memories who had seen aspects of the Coronation shared their recollections of the day and IPP Myra read out a poem.

On 26th May Stockport members joined forces with a local Girl Guide group to host a tea party and plant sale at a member’s home in celebration of the forthcoming Jubilee. The local scouts lent us their gazebo and chairs and tables but this year the gazebo served more to protect guests from the sun than the rain of last year. Numerous visitors (we lost count) ate a sumptuous tea of sandwiches, scones, cakes and biscuits in the tranquil surroundings of Pamela’s garden and bought larges amounts of bedding plants, hanging baskets etc, all produced by our own President, Sue Wagstaff. Money is still trickling in but we expect to have raised in excess of £700. A brilliant effort by all concerned.

Members used recycled materials to decorate a Christmas tree in St George’s church in Stockport.

2nd October 2011 – Club members were pleased to welcome guests to the club’s 73rd annual dinner. The evening was rounded off with some splendid entertainment from the WI choir.