Northwich and District Soroptomist International by Katrine Lidster

Northwich and District Soroptomist International celebrated the 25th year of the auction at their recent meeting. From very small beginnings in 1991 when the first 'Slave Auction' was held at the then President Viv Roberts' house and raised around £600 to the present day, the Club has raised thousands of pounds for their chosen charities.

The Auction of Promises, formerly known as The Slave Auction, is the club's annual fundraising event. It is generally held on the second Tuesday in August and is the only meeting that month.

Members are asked to promise an event or an item for other members to purchase. They have ranged throughout the years from delicious food items such as puddings for a dinner party, fruit or vegetables from the garden, cakes, jams and preserves and chutneys, to social evenings or outings for anything from three to four members to larger spectaculars for 20-40 people.

Some of the items on offer this year included shopping trips; visits to National Trust gardens; afternoon teas; Christmas coffee mornings; a wine and food evening to look through the club archives; an HRH Queen Elizabeth celebration; a treasure hunt and many other attractive offers to purchase. The evening raised just under £2000.