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Tartan Tale

Ten Soroptimists from Crosby attended the Federation Conference in Edinburgh.

This, the 90th annual conference of Soroptimist International (Great Britain & Ireland), was held in the elegant surroundings of the Assembly Rooms – chandeliers and all.

The conference programme packed in sessions encompassing information, updates and challenges – all under the banner of ‘Educate – Empower – Enable’.

Key speaker on the theme of empowerment was Floella Benjamin – Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham. In a stunning hour-long presentation she spoke about coming to UK at the age of 8, about discrimination and bullying because of the colour of her skin, and of her struggles to get to where she is today.

Respected as a champion of children, Baroness Floella encourages girls to be resilient, to speak out and to be true to themselves. There was a standing ovation for this consummate performance, delivered with such passion.

The Crosby Soroptimists caught up with many friends in other clubs. Meanwhile the poster exhibition, which showcased projects from all round the Federation, provided excellent opportunities to strike up conversations with other delegates. SI Crosby’s promotion was the recent ‘heart health’ event.

Red roses were out in force at the Change of Insignia session. Crosby member Sandy Taylor took over the reins of SI South Lancashire Region – for the second time.

Crosby Club President Sharon Ryan said: “Conferences are a great opportunity to listen and learn. Our members worked hard but ‘played hard’, too.

“We enjoyed dining out together and celebrating Sandy’s new role. We talked incessantly and laughed so much. Friendship – the foundation of being a Soroptimist.”