The Regional Programme Action meetings are also held on the same day, so members can attend either or both. As these meetings are currently held in Leigh at the Sports Village Complex this is very convenient for us!
Programme Action
Social Charities
Membership
Finance
As a member of Soroptimist International you have the opportunity to form FRIENDSHIPS with other members in your club, in your country and throughout the world. Soroptimist International has around 95,000 members and clubs in at least 120 countries. Projects often link countries and clubs through friendship and giving service. Soroptimist membership connects women - to each other, to their local communities, nationally and globally.
Conferences: As part of the Great Britain and Ireland Federation there is a
3 day conference each year where keynote speakers are invited to address delegates. As there are 30 countries in our Federation this can mean they have an international flavour.
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Annual Joint Region Conference
South Lancashire region joins with Northern England and Isle of Man for an annual Joint Regional Conference, which is a weekend with speakers on a particular theme or project work, with time for some Fun and Friendship between members. This conference is hosted alternate years by each region.
The (Leigh) West Lancashire Breakthrough group of voluntary fundraisers was started by club member Elaine Brogden in August 2003. Member Dorothy Bowker is also on the committee. The group has raised a large amount of money with fund-raising events and S.I. Leigh has made a substantial contribution through our club fundraising events. We held a Strawberry Fayre which was held in Elaine's garden and raised over £1300.
Parkinson's Disease Society
S.I. Leigh and District have for many years provided transport for carers and sufferers of Parkinson's disease. Six members happily volunteering their time on a rota basis to ensure the carers and sufferers attend their monthly meeting at the Jubilee Centre in Bolton. This service is gratefully appreciated by the P.D.S. and all the volunteers get a great sense of satisfaction.
Heritage Group
formerly E.T.N.A. a local community network, alongside other local groups. Topics and other information have included the development of the Leigh Sports Village, Bickershaw regeneration and the Greenheart Project.
Contact Centre
The centre based at Stonehouse Family Centre has celebrated over 10 years of success, having been operational since April 1998. Club member Alice Judge was involved with setting up the Contact Centre and other members volunteered through Alice's involvement. Currently several members volunteer at the Contact Centre one Saturday morning every 4 weeks. The Centre offers parents or grandparents a chance to see children they no longer live with or have contact with, in a safe, neutral, friendly and supported environment.
Compassion in Action
S.I. Leigh has supported this local charity by providing funding for the starting up of a youth club and with ongoing support providing food, clothing etc. and providing funding for the furnishing of the reception at the Health and Wellbeing Centre in Golborne. Monthly pamper sessions are provided by a member of S.I. Leigh as a way of giving service in the community.
N.S.P.C.C.
Leigh club member Elaine Brogden is chairwoman of the N.S.P.C.C. Leigh Branch of voluntary fundraisers. The local fundraisers have been going for over 50 years and there has been a family connection since its inception. The work of the N.S.P.C.C. has changed over the years but is still relevant and much needed today. Various club members support the fundraising events. In partnership with the Leigh Rotary Club and Leigh Inner Wheel Club we had a fabulous "Last Night Of The Proms" raising £3800 which will pay for two Childline counsellors.
Town Centre Management Group
Leigh Soroptimists are represented on Leigh Town Centre Management Group. This committee is chaired by a local Councillor and attended by Council officials and officers, town centre manager, representatives from the police, township forum, business representatives and local groups. The committee looks at town centre developments, issues, community safety and township issues. The various council departments are asked to attend and report on any relevant matters. We think it is important to be represented on this committee as it keeps us informed and allows us an input on what is happening at local level in our community