" The toast to Soroptimist International was proposed by Pauline Oliver, a former Director of Social Services in Lancashire County. She is at present Director of the charity, Hope and Homes for Children. This was set up by a former Colonel in the British Army and his wife. He was so moved by the plight of orphans, in institutions in Bosnia, where he served, that he decided to try and find homes and families for them. The project has been so successful that it now functions in fourteen war torn countries and has re-homed ten thousand children in ten years. It is one of four charities nominated for the 2007-2011 Quadrennial Project.[For more information, the website is http:// www.hopeandhomes.org/]

" We were all delighted and honoured to welcome and hear Lynn Dunning our International President reply to the toast in her usual eloquent manner. She spoke of the work of Soroptimist International locally, paying tribute to all the work done by the members of Garstang and her role at International level, including all our links with United Nations.

" Claire Bailey , President of Garstang, proposed the toast to the Guests who included Jo Darbyshire a former Federation SIGBI President and now Procedural consultant to Soroptimist International. Claire had been Personal Assistant to both Lynn and Jo when they were Federation Presidents.

" Margaret Patterson our Regional President gave a very humorous and sincere response to Claire's toast.

" My good friend and fellow Chatliner, the young 70 year old Jean Lord(!!) from the Rishton and Great Harwood Club was present with her President and members. Lynn Dunning very kindly posed with the two of us for a photograph (Shown on the left)

" It was another lovely Soroptimist get together - a respite in the midst of very busy lives and an occasion which, as one of my fellow members of Fylde commented on our way home, made one proud to be a Soroptimist."

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