Soroptimist International

Newry and Mourne

Helen Patterson, Hilary Halliday and Jacqueline Turley

Soroptimist International is a world-wide volunteer service organisation for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

The first club was established in California in 1921 and in 1956 a group of women came together to charter a club in Newry. The first President was Eileen McKinstry and initially the Club held their meetings in members’ homes, progressing to The Ardmore Hotel and now, in recent years, The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

In the early years the Club focused on raising funds for local charities, particularly the Samaritans which had just been established in Newry and were in need of funding. Some of the fundraisers included a Fashion Show which was held in Newry’s premier department store, Fosters, and by all accounts was a very glamorous occasion.

Thirty years ago, a Public Speaking competition was initiated to give girls an opportunity to develop their confidence and communication skills. This is still ongoing and many girls have benefitted from participating in this competition.

Another success over the years has been the Christmas Charity Fayre in Newry Town Hall which was established by Margaret Niblock and now organised annually by Margaret McArdle. This event gives local charities an opportunity to showcase their charity and raise money.

Today our activities are wide and varied. Service is the lynchpin of our organisation. Members serve in many organisations such as The Samaritans, Homestart, Victims Support, Women’s Aid and School Boards of Governors. More emphasis is now put on fundraising for our international charities. Over the last four years we have helped raise £1 million to help women and children in the aftermath of the war in Sierra Leone.

We are also very involved in highlighting the issue of Trafficking and in 2011 hosted a major conference in Newry attended by over 100 delegates from the statutory and voluntary sectors.

The chartering of the Newry Club in 1956 gave business and professional women a platform to support local and international charities. Over the years many longstanding friendships have been established. Some of the iconic members have included Renee Wylie, Eithne Doran and Maura Keenan. The Club has produced three Regional Presidents, Edina Rafferty, Sylvia Abbot and Helen Patterson.

Almost 60 years later the Club is still flourishing. We continue to promote the aims of Soroptimism while at the same time having fun and friendship. The Club is open to all women and we invite new members to join us.