Crosby Soroptimists recently held a highly-successful garden party. Soroptimist Julie Swift hosted the event in her beautiful garden. Club members, family and friends came together to enjoy sunshine, lively conversation and the stunning setting. The club’s fundraising team organised the day. There were games (including Jenga, bowls and beanbag-tossing), a magnificent buffet and the inevitable raffle. A sales table of gardenalia attracted much interest. Sandy Taylor, fundraising lead, said: “As ever, an event like this is the culmination of planning, effort and teamwork. Julie and her family really entered into the spirit, and we are most grateful for their support. “The proceeds of the garden party will add to Crosby Soroptimists’ annual charitable donations. We had a great day, in such lovely surroundings – and all in a good cause.”

Crosby’s Soroptimists have an update on their bee-friendly addition to Victoria Park. The ‘plant out’ at the park earlier this summer is dedicated to Peace. It is part of the club’s ongoing initiative to spread the word about the importance of pollinators in our lives. The Victoria Park Friends sent us a video of our recent planting:

Guest speaker at a recent Soroptimist meeting in Crosby was Laura O’Malley, Clinical Supervisor for Shout 85258. Shout 85258 offers a free 24/7 mental health support text service. This clinically-led crisis support is available throughout the UK. Launched in 2019, Shout has expanded rapidly. Texts are handled by an army of trained volunteers. Some are based in New Zealand, enabling the UK service to function 24 hours a day. Experienced Clinical Supervisors support the volunteers. The optimum time for each text conversation is about 45 minutes. Shout does not offer advice; instead, volunteers will think over the conversation as it develops, empathise, explore options and signpost the texter to further support. The aim is de-escalation so that texters can manage their own feelings and situations themselves. Laura told the Soroptimists that, as a supervisor, she oversees up to 20 chats, guiding the volunteers and risk-assessing

For Crosby’s Soroptimists summertime is the time for community service. This has been a busy time for the Gardening Group (popularly known as the Sow + Sews as they turn to crafting in the winter). Keen gardeners - and other club members - held a communal ‘plant-up’ event at Victoria Park to create a Peace Garden. Following that, the Soroptimists held a ‘plant-out’ session at Lunt Meadows. Spreading the word about the long-term value of pollinator-friendly plants is important to us all. However, all work and no play makes Jill a dull girl – the Sow + Sews know when it’s time to relax. Once again, Soroptimists were highly visible in the refreshment tent at our local hospice’s annual Garden Party. Soroptimist International Crosby has longstanding links with St Joseph’s Hospice in Thornton. Traditionally the hospice invites the club President to be a judge at

Crosby Soroptimists celebrated World Environment Day at Lunt Meadows Reserve with a big 'plant out'. Members set out lavender and wild flowers in the new Sanctuary Garden. These pollinator-friendly plants continue the Soroptimists' aim to Be Better for Bees. The garden is dedicated to Peace and will become a joy to the senses as it matures. The club has a longstanding partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, and members have given practical help at each stage of the reserve's development. Creative crafting on stones and wooden spoons added to the enjoyment of the day.

Once again Crosby Soroptimists have shown practical support for Lunt Meadows. The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) organised an Easter Eggstravaganza for the local community at the nature reserve. Soroptimists welcomed visitors arriving at the Education Centre. They volunteered help with egg painting and the outdoor egg hunt. Plus, they were on hand to assist with the café (set up by Sunshine Tearooms, Ince Blundell). Soroptimist International Crosby has been in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for several years. LWT Reserve Officer Sam always appreciates the Soroptimists' work... especially when they help clear up afterwards!

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.