Crosby Soroptimists have held a successful event focussed on women’s health and wellbeing. The format took a holistic approach to women’s health. It proved to be an inspiring and informative day, packed with advice, guidance – and fun. The speakers were Ms Anu Shrotri, Director of Breast Screening and Consultant Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon, Dr Jane Wilkinson, Menopause Specialist and - online - Ginisha Vekaria from Endometriosis UK. All offered clear and accessible information on recognising signs and seeking early help for health issues. Bestselling author Cathy Cassidy then shared the story of two journeys – firstly how she became an author and secondly how she coped with cancer through the help of her writing. Everyone was deeply moved by her honesty and courage, After lunch, participants were able to choose from a variety of breakout sessions including yoga, osteoporosis-friendly exercises, mindful writing and drawing, sewing

Crosby Soroptimists welcomed Lynne Higgins of Sefton Community Pantry at their latest meeting. Lynne spoke about the Pantry’s mission – which is simply to support families in times of need. Food hampers, hygiene packs, bedding and essential clothing are at the core of the Pantry’s work. Pastoral staff in local schools refer families and deliver the goods. This support is at any time of family crisis, including school holidays. Enabling parents to put food on the table or to launder clothes, for example, maintains their dignity, their self-esteem. For vulnerable children there are winter coats and school uniforms. On principle, all clothing and bedding supplied is new. As Lynne told the Soroptimists, families going through hard times frequently include wage-earners. Circumstances have conspired to tip them into difficulties; there is no ‘typical’ recipient. Sefton Community Pantry acts on need, without judgement. The Pantry also runs

Soroptimist International Crosby welcomes another member. Newest Soroptimist Pam Dalton talked a little about her career. Multi-faceted it includes nursing at Moss Side Special Hospital (now Ashworth), elderly care, midwifery, and health education. In her spare time Pam is now involved in the Ince Blundell community. A busy woman, indeed, and Pam is keen to take part in Crosby’s many activities in support of woman and girls. President Pat was delighted to enrol Pam who – our newest member – will be mentored by our longest-serving Soroptimist, Jane Daly.

Memories of the Sefton coast were in the spotlight recently for members of Soroptimist International Crosby. Guest speaker Kelly Griffiths is Project Officer (Sefton Coast) for the ‘Coasts in Mind’ project. This initiative by Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) plans to map 100 years of coastal change through community heritage. Sefton is one of the four key English regions in which communities, groups, local museums and archives will explore the impact of coastal change on their local area. This evidence from the public will aid policy-makers for the next 100 years. Kelly invited the Soroptimists to take part in community events such as memory groups and archive investigations. Members are also part of a wide local network and were able to suggest further contacts for the MOLA team. This 2024-27 project is made possible through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other bodies.

Members of Soroptimist International Crosby announce a Women’s Wellness Day. 10am – 4pm. Focus: an holistic approach to women’s health. Short talks by specialist practitioners addressing physical and mental health – taster sessions in wellbeing activities. In conjunction with Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; with support from Soroptimist Clubs in Liverpool, Bootle and Southport. Registration fee (£15) includes refreshments and a light lunch. Venue: St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Blundell Avenue, Formby L37 1PH. Follow link below for QR code and booking details. Women’s Wellness Day 2026

Crosby’s Soroptimists have another new member in their club. President Pat Williams was delighted to enrol Anu Shrotri and welcome her to the worldwide ‘family’ of Soroptimist International. Anu is no stranger to the club, having been a guest speaker last year. Members know her as the Director of Breast Screening and Consultant Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. However, at her enrolment, Anu also mentioned that – away from work – she is pursuing an interest in meditation and yoga. Anu’s mentor is longstanding Soroptimist Yvonne Atkinson who is helping her settle into club activities.

It’s ‘all change’ at Ince Blundell Hall – and Crosby’s Soroptimists now have the latest information on developments. Tina Walsh, from the Ince Blundell team, explained that the hall is being transformed into a centre dedicated to carers’ respite. Until recently it was a nursing and convalescent home run by Augustinian Nursing Sisters. Now, in partnership with Sefton Carers’ Centre, the new facility will offer unpaid carers a place to relax and rejuvenate. There are over 35,000 unpaid carers In Sefton Borough. They look after a family members or friends who have a long-term illness, or even a terminal condition. Yet carers themselves may have few – if any – opportunities to take a break to ‘recharge their batteries’. Their mental and physical wellbeing is challenged by the demanding role they undertake. The watchword at Ince Blundell is ‘wellness’. Tina told the Soroptimists that accommodation,

Crosby Soroptimists were on hand to help when Santa visited the Waitrose store in Formby. With his reindeer ‘resting’ outside the store, and with seasonal music in the background, Santa greeted shoppers in the foyer. The Soroptimists had their collecting tins at the ready. Thanks to the generosity of shoppers over £450 was donated in cash or via the card reader. (Hi-tech Santa.) The donations will go to local charities supported by Soroptimist International Crosby.

Women’s heart health is the focus for Crosby Soroptimists’ Christmas tree this year. The annual Christmas tree festival at St Faith’s Church, Great Crosby, is a showcase for local organisations. The Soroptimists have decorated their tree with red hearts, which certainly catch the eye. This theme links with club members’ interest in promoting access to information about women’s heart health. SI Crosby held a highly successful information event on women’s heart health last year. Crosby Soroptimists’ Christmas tree this year highlights the misconception that coronary heart disease and heart attacks are ‘men’s problems’. According to the British Heart Foundation charity: “… cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills more than twice as many women in the UK as breast cancer each year. When women are at risk of CVD, evidence shows they are more likely to be misdiagnosed and receive lower quality treatment.” The charity also states: “Women

Over one hundred people braved atrocious weather to support Crosby Soroptimists’ fundraising bingo evening. St Helen’s Church Hall was packed, with many visitors paying on the door. Forget the weather – let’s have some fun! Soroptimist Pam McKee was the bingo caller, coping with a dodgy microphone and a temperamental number machine. As ever, Pam carried on regardless, with wit and humorous banter. Sadly (from the audience point of view) there was only one false call which earned the traditional  ‘Benny Hill walk’ round the hall. Obviously everyone else kept a sharp eye on their cards to avoid a similar penalty. The raffle prizes were enormous including a pamper hamper, speciality food and gardening goodies. There were also spot prizes and cash prizes. Club President Pat Williams was absolutely delighted that the evening had gone so well, especially as the proceeds exceeded £1,200. Crosby Soroptimists are