Soroptimist International
of Ashton under Lyne

See our Programme of Meetings

Read about our Forthcoming Events

Read our Recent News

Read our Older News

Read about our Speaker Meetings

Read our Archive of News from previous years

Programme of Meetings All meetings take place at Stanley House, Manchester Road, Audenshaw, Tameside. Business meetings commence at 6-45. Speaker meetings at at 8pm, preceded by a meal.
2008
Monday 12th May Monday 19th May Monday 2nd June FRIDAY 27th June Tuesday 1st July Tuesday 15th July Tuesday 2nd September Monday 15th September Monday 6th October Monday 20th October Monday 3rd November Monday 17th November Monday 1st December Monday 15th December	Business Speaker Business Annual Dinner Business Speaker Business Speaker Business Speaker Business Speaker Business Christmas Party
2009
Monday 5th January Monday 19th January Monday 2nd February Monday 16th February Monday 2nd March Monday 16th March Monday 6th April Monday 2oth April	Business Speaker Business Speaker Business Speaker Business / Distribution of Charities Annual General Meeting

Forthcoming Events.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 2008/9

SI Ashton sends best wishes to the Club members who will be supporting local events and national charities.
Over the next few weeks individual members are taking part in THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE, THE WILLOW WOOD WANDER AND RACE FOR LIFE. Their sister Soroptimists wish them well.

Recent News and Events

15 July 2008.

President Usha welcomed 8 ladies from within the Tameside area to the meeting on the 15 July,

Visitors looking at Club information

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Usha greeted a former colleague, Dr Bill Goldthorp who later addressed the meeting and spoke movingly about the work of The Abu Kiwanuku Trust.

Dr Goldthorp gave an insight of the work of the Trust in treating Ugandan women who had suffered fistulas as a result of difficult childbirthing proceedures and dealt with this most challenging of subjects with compassion and sensitivity.
The Club were moved and touched by the plight of the women and hope for the opportunity later in the year to assist Dr Goldthorp in his work by supporting the Trust.
As the evening continued short Presentations by Club members gave an insight as to work of the Movement. history, and an overview of Programme and Social aspects of the Club.
Membership Sec. Alicia gave out goody bags packed with Club information at the end of a successful evening.
HOWEVER, it is not to late to contact the Club as new and prospective members are always warmly welcomed.
See our contact details if you live in the Tameside area.
If outside the area contact SIGBE on the Links page for more information on the Movement.
Please contact Alicia Harris on 01457 845731for more details
Or use the contact facility on the contact page of the website and leave your details.
It should be noted that as the Club takes a break in August our reponse to your inquiry may be delayed.

27 June 2008.
Another milestone in the life of the Club was when the 65th Anniversary of the Chartering was celebrated. President Usha on behalf of the Club warmly welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Tameside, Councillor Jack Davis and Mrs Carole Davis to Stanley House.
Other guests included the President of Rotary International of Ashton, Mr J. Mellor and the SI South Lancs Regional President Val Moss.
The after-dinner entertainment was provided by the delightful young ladies of the Deepa Ganesh dance group and the Vote of Thanks was given by Past President Linda Fayers.

2 June 2008.
SI Ashton honoured three members each of whom have given twenty years service to Soroptimism.
On behalf of the Club Dr Margaret Emsley and Mrs Edith Brown were presented with a gift of flowers and the good wishes of their sister Soroptimists. Unable to be present was Mrs Sybil Guest and she received her flowers later at home.
The three members are very active within the movement and bring their years of experience as a guiding influence to the life of the Club.

27 April 2008.
At a special ceremony at St Michael and All Angels, also known Ashton Parish Church, a Time Capsule was placed in the Undercroft of the Church.
It contained memorabilia of SI Ashton to give future generations some insight into the Club's 65 years in Ashton under Lyne. IPP Gina Ullman and Club members attended the Ceremony which was suggested by former President Alicia Harris. The Club is grateful to Betty, the liaison between the club and clergy and to Canon Roger Farnworth of St Michael's Church for officiating at the Ceremony.

Ashton Parish Church, St Michael and All Angels, Diocese of Manchester.

These photographs were taken in the spring of 2008.

Photographs by kind permission of M. Clark

21 April 2008.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The meeting began with Reports of Officers 2007/8 and the Election of Officers to serve for 2008/9.
President Gina thanked everyone for all their help and support during her Year and read letters from the recipents of the Distributions of Charities thanking the Club for the monies raised.
Membership Secretary Alicia conducted the Change of Insignia ceremony and the Club welcomed its 65th President, Dr Usha Deulkar. Her first task as President was to present IPP Gina with her Past President's badge and the unique Chain of Office for the Past President.
President Usha then thanked Gina warmly for all her efforts during the past year and presented her with a gift of flowers on behalf of the Club.
In closing Usha announced that her Presidential Charity would be Willow Wood Hospice.

President Usha and IPP Gina.

Our new President Dr Usha Deulkar writes:-
I am a Medical doctor. I did M.B.B.S from Pune University and moved to Mumbai to get my postgraduate qualification in anaesthesia. I came to this country to get a further education in anaesthesia. After finishing a Fellowship in anaesthesia and accreditation I was appointed as a Consultant anaesthetist at Tameside General Hospital, Ashton -U- Lyne in 1994. I was actively involved in improving standards of anaesthesia and training and teaching various grades of medical and nursing staffs. One my wishes was to do some charity work and I was looking for an opening to do so and to my surprise our secretary /manager Alicia Harris showed me the way by suggesting I may like to become a Soroptimist. I thank for her doing so and enjoy being a member of Ashton Club. My hobbies are walking, travelling, reading and Transcendental Meditation. When time permits I love going to the theatre and to music concerts,

  7 April 2008.

Distribution of Charities.

President Gina welcomed back the Rev E. Baker from her chosen charity ' Send a Child to Hucklow Fund' to receive a cheque for £1,600. Other recipients were The Friends of Gorse Hall who received £200 and the Audenshaw Masonic Lodge,£50.

President Gina presenting the cheque on behalf of the Club to the Rev. Ernest Baker.

6 March 2008.

Blue Plaque Award to Lillian Buckoke nee Urmston.

Councillor Jackie Lane, Head of Heritage and Cultural Services within Tameside MBC welcomed the Mayor of Tameside MBC and Hannah Day aged 91, the older sister of Lillian to St Paul's School Stalybridge for the unveiling of a Blue Plaque. Regional President(South Lancs Region, Val Moss and IPP Rena from SI Huddersfield were also present. A contingent from SI Ashton, who proposed the Spanish Civil War nurse Lilian for the award also attended the moving Service and Dedication. School children and midwives of the present day from the hospital where Lillian trained took part.

Ashton Club members with Regional President Val. Moss and IPP SI Huddersfield, Rena Souter.

Lillian Urmston as she was known before her marriage was born in Stalybridge in 1914 and she died in 1990.

The Blue Plaque.

Lillian attended St Paul's School, Copley and the Sunday school and was also a Girl Guide.
After training as a SRN and qualifying as a midwife at Ashton Lakes Infirmary she nursed in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and then later during WW2 in Italy where she was injured at Anzio. After the war she married, her husband was the doctor who treated her injuries in Italy. She went on to work with survivors of the death railways and later with sex-workers in Singapore. She died in 1990.
The Blue Plaque to Lillian is one of a number throughout the Borough. Others remembered are Hannah Mitchell, Suffragist, of Ashton, a local leader in the Suffrage and Labour movements in the early years of last Century and Mary Moffat, Missionary who has two dedications, one of which is at at Fairfield School for Girls where she attended in the 1700's.

1 March 2008.
ASHTON CLUB GO HOME TO MOTHER!
Ashton Club members supported President Gina as she attended the 82 Annual Dinner of Mother club SI Manchester. Guests including the Lord Mayor of Manchester with the Lady Mayoress were warmly welcomed by President Christine of SI Manchester and enjoyed food and friendship throughout the evening. The Guest Speaker was Miss Helen Tither the Womans Editor, Manchester Evening News. Toast to SI was given by Miss Karen Humphreys Director Junior Royal Northern College with the response By Miss Val Moss Regional President Sth Lancs. herself a member of SI Manchester.

Guests before the meal

Standing: President Gina and President, Sth Lancs Region Val Moss.
Seated IPP Ann and President Elect Usha of Ashton Club.

Speaker meeting
18 February 2008.
The Club was delighted to welcome Alison Ashworth MA, Economy and Environment Executive Director with Tameside Metropolitan Borough who was Guest Speaker. Ms Ashworth gave a very interesting talk about her role within the Council. Also at the meeting President Gina inducted a new member into the friendship and sisterhood of the Soroptimist movement by the presentation of her name badge and receiving her as the newest member of SI Ashton.
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January 2008.
The Sculpture known as the Old Town Map, Stamford Street Ashton under Lyne was the site for the burial of a Time Capsule which contained items of memorabilia from SI Ashton. A commemorative plaque will be added at a later date.

A further capsule is planned for later in the year at the historic church of St Michael and All Angels (Ashton Parish Church).

2nd December 2007. Soroptimist Sunday
President Gina welcomed The Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress Coun. Stephen Smith and Mrs Betty Smith and Club members to her Church, Stalybridge Unitarian, for Service and a Just Lunch.
The Service was conducted by Rev Andrew Parker and Dr Usha Duelkar (President Elect) read the Lesson. Prayers were led by Yvonne Cartey and Janet Patterson and President Gina spoke about Soroptimism and the work of her chosen Charity.
Home-made soup and a bread roll were enjoyed after the Service with donations to benefit President's Charity, The Send a Child to Hucklow Fund.

President Elect Usha with President Gina before the Service.

The Deputy Mayor of Tameside, Coun. Stephen Smith, President Gina and Mrs Betty Smith (Deputy Mayoress) and other guests waiting for Lunch.

Fashionista's please note. President Gina is wearing a kilt in Soroptimist Tartan. It co-ordinates beautifully with the Ashton Club Dress Chain.

11 November 2007. President Gina led the Club in commemorating the fallen in conficts and two World Wars.

The Club assembled for the Parade at the Town Hall.

Later, in a reflective mood President Gina laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Ashton.

After the Parade.

9--10 November 2007.
PAC Chair Yvonne organised a rota of Club members who assisted the Royal British Legion in

selling Poppies at a local supermarket. The B.L. expressed their thanks for the help by the Club at this busy time of year.

Former President Betty and Hon. member Mildred at the Poppy stall in Morrisons Supermarket Dukinfield.

29 September 2007.
The Club enjoyed a Sponsored Walk at Dovestones Reservoir during the morning then President Gina changed out of her walking boots and in the evening, accompanied by Linda and Irene, attended SI Stockport Charter Dinner when the Guest Speaker was Ms Susie Mathis.
23 September 2007.
President Gina with Membership Secretary Alicia and Club member Jill attended the New Members Lunch at Wrightington Country Club. It was a chance to meet Federation President Hilary-Kay Young and newer members of Clubs throughout the South Lancs Region.
17 September 2007.

Speaker meeting.

The talk was about President Gina's chosen charity for her year, Send a Child to Hucklow Fund.
Rev. Ernest Baker shared a meal with the group and told the story of how this tiny charity grew from modest beginnings in 1961 and continues to provide much needed holidays for groups of needy and deprived children. These are usually taken at the Nightingale Centre in Great Hucklow in the Peak District and are open to groups regardless of the race region or creed.

15 September 2007. The SI Crown Green Bowling team played the local G.M.B. Stewards Comittee. It was a beautiful day and the venue Stamford Park, looked stunning in the late summer sun.

Referee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Refreshments were served by President Gina and P. Elect Usha and made £85 for President's Charity with 127 pairs of pants collected for FOMO.
The Sorops won 7--1 and a great day was had by all.

After the match, a Presentation by the losing Team

17 July 2007.

4 July 2007. IPP Ann and Club members joined with SI Oldham to visit SI Huddersfield for the Annual Seniors Lunch. A pleasant time was had at the Fleece Hotel as Soroptimists from all over Yorks Region mingled and chatted and caught up the life of each Club in the year since we last met.

29 June 2007.

l--r. Mrs Betty Smith Deputy Mayoress, Mr Harry Ullman,
President Gina, Councillor Stephen Smith, Deputy Mayor of Tameside.

The Club President and her distinguished guests

Dr Margaret Emsley, a member of the FMB of SIGBI also Ashton SI Club member joined us on the evening. She is shown here (left) with other guests.

21 May 2007.

Membership Secretary Alicia looks on as President Gina lights the candle of SI Federation.

2 April 2007.
Alice Searle and Siya representing the PIN Project, joined with representatives of other organisations for the Annual Distribution of Charities evening. President Ann was pleased to hand over a cheque to the PIN Project for monies raised throughout her year.
The Club welcomed back former Bursary winners Hannah Lindley, who updated the Club about her visit to Sri Lanka in 2006 and Kaye Dewsnap who accepted a donation from the Club on behalf of the Young Oncology Unit at Christie Hospital. In addition the Club made smaller donations to a number of local and national organisations and associations. Later the Club enjoyed a presentation of the fundraising year put together by Ann's grandson.

25 March 2007. President Ann and her husband with Club members and another Soroptimister attended the Annual Installation Luncheon of SI Warrington held at Statham Lodge, Lymm, Cheshire. The group included Federation Director (Technical and Advisory), Dr Margaret Emsley who is a member of SI Ashton.
Ann and Club members wish Karin the new President of Warrington a happy and successful year in office.
SI Ashton enjoys close links with SI Warrington and thank IPP Betty, Dinner Sec. Joan and all members for a very warm welcome and a lovely afternoon.

19 March 2007.
This Speaker Meeting was the last of the current Presidential year and Ann was pleased to welcome the Vicar of St George's Church Stalybridge, Rev Ian Stubbs, Rev Helen Stubbs and Rev. Jennie Wakefield as guests.
The Reverends Stubbs talk, after an excellent meal, was entitled"Reflections of a Visit to the Holy Land" and was taken from a Study Tour made in 2006.

26 February 2007.
President Ann,her husband David and Club members dined with President Ossie Smith and members and guests of Rotary International Ashton Club at their 72 Charter Dinner. Ossie's wife Mildred is an Honorary member and Past President of SI Ashton.

12 January 2007.
SI Ashton held a very successful Quiz Night at the Broadoak Hotel in Ashton under Lyne with all proceeds going to the PIN Project.

Heads and Tails

3 December 2006.

After the Service the Ashton Soroptimists, led by PAC Chair Yvonne served a delicious "Just Lunch" of homemade soup and bread to remind ourselves that the meal may be all that some have to subsist on for a day or longer. Proceeds from the Lunch will go to the PIN Project.

20 October 2006.President Ann and her husband were warmly welcomed by President Maureen and members of SI Bolton to their Charter Dinner, held at the Holiday Inn Bolton.
The guest Speaker, Mrs Olive Newton made an amusing and entertaining speech enjoyed by all.
17 October 2006.
Club members were entertained at the Speaker meeting by a talk given by Mr Michael Clarke on the subject of "The Real History of Chocolate." This very witty talk provided the perfect end to the evening of fun, food and friendship.
14 October 2006. PAC Chair Yvonne organised a successful bulb planting at Gorse Hall in Stalybridge when Club members "dug in" to enrich the area at this historic site.
2--12 October 2006.

1October 2006.
SI Rochdale held a Lunch at the Broadfield Hotel, Rochdale and SI Ashton were represented by IPP Linda.
30 September 2006.

12 September 2006.
The Club was delighted to hear from Bursary Winner 2005/6 Hannah on her return from Sri Lanka. We look forward to welcoming her back to a future meeting to see all the photographs and to hear first hand of how the school children helped by the young students of Durham University are coping after the Tsunami.
President Ann's Friendship Bear Siyabonga is presently in Scotland as a guest of SI Easter Ross and President June. Ann hopes that he has been a model visitor.
22July 2006.
A Garden Party was held in the afternoon at the home of one of our members and after an afternoon of silly games good food and chat the proceeds were given over to the PIN Project.
18 July 2006.
On a lovely warm summer evening what better way to spend an evening than with friends.The Club met for the last time before the summer break and the Speaker Meeting was well attended. Club members enjoyed a meal and then welcomed back Alice Searle to give an update on the recent developments of the PIN Project. Alice brought along many new photographs and as ever there was an opportunity to buy PINS and other items of handmade ZULU jewellery. Alice spoke with her usual enthusiasim about the the Project and as ever was interesting and informative.

Alice Searle with Siyabonga Pin-Bear and Club officers, President Elect Gina and IPP Linda, modelling a Zulu necklace.

23 May 2006.
Ann welcomed Club members and guests to the 1st Speaker Meeting since she became President. Guests and members were entertained by Mr and Mrs Lynch AKA "The Great Stomboli and Sylvia" who presented The Crown Jewels Experience. This was a lively and very interesting talk with a large display of replicated Crowns, Sceptres, Orbs and other regalia, the originals of which are held at the Tower of London.

25 April 2006.
At the change of Insignia Ceremony held during the A.G.M. Ann Winstanley became the new President of SI Ashton under Lyne.
Ann is the 63rd President of Soroptimist International of Ashton under Lyne. Born in Wigan, Ann has lived in the Tameside area since 1971. She spent all her working life in some form of education before taking early retirement in 2001. She became a Soroptimist in 2000 and is looking forward to her year as President. Married to David for forty years she has two children and three grandchildren. Ann is a member of St George's CE Church in Stalybridge and is a churchwarden there. Education from Early Years to the 3rd Age prompted the choice of Ann's chosen Charity for her Presidential year. The PIN (People in Need) Project helps orphaned children in Kwa Zulu Natal SA and money raised throughout her year will enable young people to receive bursaries for their further education. Ann's interests include travel, especially in France.She als enjoys reading, especially murder mysteries; her favourite authors include Reginald Hill and PD James. When time permits she is often found in the entirely partisan support of Wigan Warriors RLFC.

President Elect Gina, President Ann, I.P.P. Linda and Vice President Usha.

23 April 2006.
President Linda and Club members attended the Lunch given by SI Southport. On the same day President Elect Ann and her husband were guests of SI Warrington at their Change of Insignia and Charter Lunch.
22 April 2006.
President Linda and members of SI Ashton enjoyed warm hospitality as guests of SI Oldham at their Charter Dinner.
4th April 2006.
President Linda, President Elect Ann and Vice President Gina travelled to Widnes as guests of SI Widnes to celebrate the Presidential year of President Wendy. An evening of fun, friendship, music and laughter was enjoyed by all who attended. After a lavish supper we made our way back across the region. We offer our thanks to the members of the Widnes Club for their hospitality.
3rd April 2006.

16 February 2006.
President Linda and President Elect Ann celebrated with SI Leigh and District as they held their 59th Annual Charter Dinner. On the same evening Club members of SI Ashton were welcomed by the Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Jacqueline Lane at the Mayor's Parlour, Town Hall, Ashton, when the Mayor gave our newer members an insight into the history of the town followed by refreshments.
24 January 2006.
SI Ashton sent greetings to SI Scarborough,Trinidad and Tobago as they celebrated their 10th Anniversary.