Here are some photographs of the Membership Month event for SI Widnes. We had a stall in our local market and gave away 100 free cupcakes, made by Waterfield’s Bakery, with the SIGBI logo on. We were celebrating 100 years of women’s suffrage, selling raffle tickets for our President’s charity, Alzheimer’s Society and raising awareness of SI Widnes. Everyone concerned had a great time and enjoyed some wonderful ‘banter’ as we tried to give our cakes away for free. Who knew it was so difficult to persuade people to have something for nothing! [new_royalslider id=”5″]

Every year the members of SI Widnes host a themed party to celebrate the year of the outgoing President and this year was no exception. The theme was literacy and members and guests were invited to dress up as their favourite book character. The party took place at Widnes Masonic Hall and Pat, the caterer had made us a superb buffet supper. We were entertained by a speaker from Halton Library service (Did you know you can borrow books free of charge from Halton libraries? I didn’t!) followed by a fun quiz with a literary theme. Guests included members of SI Widnes, The Lady Mayoress, SI South Lancashire Immediate Past President, Anita Morris from Hack-Back and Presidents and members from SI Leigh and District, SI St Helens, SI Crosby and SI Southport. To close the evening, everyone who attended received a lucky dip gift and

We booked the community area and set out publicity material in this busy venue. Talking to passers-by and handing out information – practical ways of promoting Soroptimist International and women’s rights Ever-imaginative, we gave out 100 cupcakes decorated with the Soroptimist logo – edible, of course, baked by our local Waterfields store. Two members even went around the market with trays of the cakes and made some good contacts at some of the stalls. From yesteryear to today – SI Widnes is a longstanding supporter of the local women’s refuge. The accommodation has recently been refurbished, enabling new arrivals to have an apartment with a kitchen and bathroom. As the women are responsible for cleaning their apartment, the Soroptimists now provide a bucket containing cleaning materials for each new client.  

St Paul’s Church, Victoria Square, Widnes is the first organisation to join us in our attempt to make Halton the first Toilet Twinned borough in England. Vicar, Greg Sharples, and the PCC have very kindly donated a cheque to fund the building of a toilet block in a disadvantaged country. St Paul’s Church   Toilet Twinning   

President Yvonne was delighted to have the honour of presenting 3 members of SI Widnes with certificates to celebrate their long service to Soroptimism. They have been working to improve the lives of women and children locally, nationally and internationally for a grand total of 90 years between them. Congratulations Ladies!

Friends, old and new, joined us at St Basil’s Social Club on Tuesday 12th December 2017 for our annual Christmas Bingo raising money for our President’s charities.

Forget ‘One man and his dog went to mow a meadow’ and think ‘5 Soroptimists and their dog went on a sponsored walk.’ All in aid of our International Project ‘Meru Women’s Garden Project. After a lovely walk round Spike Island, they had tea and sandwiches in the café at the Catalyst Museum.

President Yvonne and 7 fellow members of SI Widnes accompanied new members Carole, Elsie and Helen to the New Members Lunch at Statham Lodge, Lymm. The main speaker was Barbara Dixon, SIGBI Federation Programme Director, who gave a very inspiring talk to the new members, which included reference to our work with the UN. The lunch was excellent and the company and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was had by all who attended.

An afternoon of fun, friendship and food once again took place at Cronton Methodist Chapel on Sunday 17th October. Soroptimists entertained the young and young at heart at their Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Stories were read to the children, songs were sung and we even had a visit form Murray the Smallest Owl and his friends from Hackback CIC http://www.hack-back.org.uk/ Proceeds raised form the Teddy Bears’ Picnic will be donated to Zoe’s Place Baby hospice http://www.zoes-place.org.uk/ Region President Margaret said, “Thank you Yvonne and all the Club members for a really enjoyable afternoon. The children thought it was great.”  

Fun, Food and Friendship The Soroptimist Way! Our Rose Bowl Challenge Entry. Scones, jam, cream, strawberries, tea and coffee! What more could we ask for? How about a raffle, cake stall, gifts and scarves to buy with proceeds going to Cronton Methodist Chapel and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice http://www.zoes-place.org.uk/ Click on the link below to see more about the event! Fun, Food and Friendship