A few of Crosby’s Soroptimists were able to hold a very special ‘in person’ gathering recently. Firstly, in President Chris Smith’s garden – in the sunshine – there was a simple change of insignia. Chris Chua-Short has been SI Crosby’s ‘Covid President’, holding virtual meetings throughout her year and co-ordinating the Club’s lockdown activity. She was therefore proud to wear the Club’s historic presidential badge before officially passing it to her successor. Secondly, the Crosby club welcomed a new Soroptimist – Vesna Levi. For several months Vesna has attended the Zoom meetings: but this was her first opportunity to meet other members – or, at least, a handful of them. “It was lovely for her finally to get together with a few of us in person, as she has only seen us on-screen. Now she knows that we all actually have legs!” said President Chris.

Crosby’s Soroptimists continue to keep up their ‘virtual’ social contacts. The home nations’ special days have proved a good excuse for events… Burns’ Night and St David’s Day have already been celebrated this year. St Patrick and St George were then lined up for some fun. Who knew that many Serbians have a liking for Irish music? Vesna did, and she provided a link to the ‘Orthodox Celts’ band. Quizzing, anecdotes, bingo and more toe-tapping music all combined to make an enjoyable Celtic evening. Was William Shakespeare born on 23rd April? The jury’s out. However, the Soroptimists looked at his life – and other features of ‘Englishness’ including St George and Downton Abbey. Members also relaxed in the company of the Two Ronnies – their Morris dancing and brass band sketches. Margaret Davidson, who co-ordinates the social activities said: “It’s so good to be able

At SI Crosby’s AGM, President Chris Chua-Short looked back on her momentous year leading her Soroptimist club. “I was running one step ahead”, she said, referring to the early days of Zoom meetings. “It was a steep learning curve.” President Chris was overwhelmed by the efforts club members made to develop new ways of organising successful service projects, of fundraising and of looking after each other. Challenges were faced in a spirit of unity. All the usual events that Soroptimist presidents attend were, of course, cancelled. President Chris therefore took this one opportunity to wear SI Crosby's beautiful insignia, as she spoke about her year. One final - pleasurable - presidential task was to present ('virtually') Val Dunning with her certificate marking 40 years' service as a Soroptimist. “Honoured and humbled” by members’ trust in her, President Chris ended by quoting Professor Albus Dumbledore: “We

Crosby’s Soroptimists marked International Women’s Day 2021 with a world-wide link-up. Soroptimists from SI Crosby’s ‘friendship clubs’ joined together ‘virtually’ for a morning celebrating women’s achievements. A warm welcome was extended to guests, including members from SI Falkenberg (Sweden) and SI Joondalup (Australia). Crosby members Stephanie, Elspeth and Jane spoke of their careers. They work – and worked – in environments ‘dominated’ by men. Trailblazers they have been, standing up for themselves and for other women in the workplace. Christine from SI Keighley (Yorkshire) told of her former MP Ann Cryer. Ann investigated the grooming and sexual exploitation of young girls in her community. She stood up for the mothers who were not being listened to. Despite personal safety issues she persisted. Eventually legal protection and other measures were put in place. Denise from SI Jesi (Italy) chose to tell the story of Maria Montessori,

Crosby’s Soroptimists choose to challenge – to highlight gender bias and inequality. On International Women’s Day – and every day – we can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made. It’s a day to call for change; to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women. The United Nations’ agency UN Women campaigns for an inclusive future in a Covid-19 world. From challenge comes change: Soroptimists choose to challenge.

Crosby’s Soroptimists have been ‘Zooming’ to keep up their social contacts within the club. A morning celebrating pancakes, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year was a novel idea but worked very well. There was a lot to talk about. President Chris Chua-Short explained a little, too, about the Chinese Zodiac. 2021 is the year of the Ox. In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking, are attributed to it. Excellent Soroptimist assets, too! March 1st – St David’s Day – gave another excuse for a virtual get-together. Favourite places in Wales, a themed quiz and famous Welsh personalities kept everyone entertained. Organised by Margaret Davidson and her Social team, these Zoom calls are a way of keeping club members in touch during lockdown. “A chat and an exchange of news over coffee

Here is a description of a Waterloo Primary School Remote Learning class ‘in action’: “Year 4 took a virtual trip to Candy Land! They used their five senses to describe what they could see, hear, taste, smell and touch; everyone used great expanded noun phrases and similes in their writing. “As we are studying Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in English, we decided to have a ‘sweet’ breakfast together during our lesson. We imagined that we were Charlie, eating a truly, scrumptious Wonka Bar and used adjectives to describe the taste and texture of our food. We discussed how these adjectives can also be used to describe our favourite chocolate bars!” This donation is just one example of the Soroptimist club’s practical action during the pandemic.

Crosby’s Soroptimists held a traditional - virtual - Burns’ Supper. The highlight of the night was an unexpected ‘guest’ appearance. President Chris Chua-Short set the scene with videos of Scottish music and song – and the haggis was duly piped in. After the Selkirk Grace, Elspeth Cooper addressed the haggis. The customary toast was Maggie Tatam’s cue to plunge in her knife. Then it was supper-time for all. Elspeth’s quiz caused much muttering and puzzlement. This gave way to astonishment as surprise ‘guest’ Nicola suddenly appeared in Elspeth’s place. Everyone did a double-take – the mask was so good. Ably hosted by Pam McKee, the evening enabled a dozen Soroptimists and some of their partners to get together over good food, conversation – and maybe a wee dram (or two).

Crosby’s Soroptimists once again accompanied Santa as he toured local streets on his sleigh. A halt in Little Crosby brought out many villagers to brave the cold and to sing along with the music. At St Joseph’s Hospice, staff and patients enjoyed the sight of the sparkling sleigh from their warm rooms. Crosby’s Rotarians loan the sleigh each year to the Soroptimists. This Christmas, because of Covid-19 restrictions, the Soroptimist ‘elves’ could not collect cash donations. Instead, the Rotarians had set up text access. Into this communal ‘pot’ go all donations, with SI Crosby receiving its due share. Chris Smith, fundraising team leader said: “The evening was a success thanks to all-round teamwork. Club members, as well as Santa’s extra helpers (chauffeur John and traffic-controller Bernie) worked hard and had a great evening” Soroptimist President Chris Chua-Short added: “We must also have a special shout-out