Soroptimists can party – anywhere. SI Crosby held a ‘virtual’ fun and friendship evening to usher in the festive season. Fun - puzzles, quizzes, heads’n’tails (with masks), readings and a fiendish set of dingbats. A blast from the past – Kim’s game – was challenging! There were musical interludes from two of the club’s musicians. Jill Boggan presented an atmospheric ‘In the bleak mid winter’ on the harp, with stunning winter backdrops. Then Ann Dickinson set toes tapping with seasonal favourites on the piano. There were breakout sessions where small groups could chat easily. Plus, everyone congratulated Clare Baxter on 30 years’ Soroptimist service. President Chris read out a letter of thanks from Ruth Baldwin, Headteacher at Waterloo Primary School. SI Crosby has funded laptops at this local school to support pupils’ home-learning when they are self-isolating. The club is also hoping to fund some

Crosby’s Soroptimists supported the United Nations’ campaign ‘Orange the World‘. This eye-catching campaign drew worldwide attention to violence against women through 16 days of activism.

Crosby’s Soroptimists have again been a-travelling on-screen – this time over the Pennines, to the white rose county. President Chris Chua-Short and several members joined Friendship Link club SI Keighley and other Yorkshire Soroptimists for a pre-Christmas party. Quizzes, poems, songs and a bumper raffle were good fun. Everyone enjoyed a professional reading of ‘A sky full of clouds’, local member Jennifer Neville’s prize-winning entry in the recent Big Story competition. There was also a ‘round the screens’ chance to catch up on clubs’ activities. Cynthia Ashworth, Crosby’s link co-ordinator, said: “We had a relaxing evening of fun and friendship. Although we may not yet meet in person, we’re determined to maintain our Soroptimist contacts - all over the world. “Thank you to all members of the Keighley club for their hard work and ‘virtual’ hospitality.”

Yes, you can have a ‘virtual’ wine tasting! Thanks to meticulous planning and organisation Crosby’s Soroptimists had a great evening. Twenty screens showed members, friends and family poised with stemmed glasses and six mini-bottles of wine at the ready. ‘Sommelier’ Dave guided everyone through the tastings – and feedback was lively. Warm-up bingo used a no-arguments random-number machine. There was a free raffle – and even a game of heads‘n’tails Covid-style, using masks. Quizzes? Of course. No quiz prizes – all just for fun – but Soroptimists like a competitive edge. Having everyone muted while the answers were given out was very odd, though – no heckling! On-screen sartorial highlights included Christmas tree/turkey hats, twinkling neckwear and sequinned jumpers. Seasonal socks were a hidden delight. President Chris Chua-Short (in festive red and white) thanked our Soroptimister sommelier and all the other behind-the-scenes organisers. “Everyone entered

Crosby’s Soroptimists have been to Italy – virtually. They marked the United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by joining up with Soroptimists in Jesi at a special event. Women representing community, political and cultural life in Jesi were due to speak at the meeting. Crosby’s President Chris Chua-Short gave a short presentation on the club, focussing on links with Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid. She thanked her Italian counterpart, President Catia Mastantuono, for the invitation. The UN slogan ‘Orange the World’ draws attention to the campaign. Members therefore featured ‘something orange’. SI Crosby forged a friendship link with SI Jesi when the Italian club was founded, two years ago. Cynthia Ashworth, who co-ordinates Crosby’s contacts with its link clubs, organised the ‘trip to Italy’. “We were delighted to join our Italian sisters to mark this special UN Day,” she

President Chris Chua-Short laid a poppy wreath on behalf of all members of Soroptimist International, Crosby. This year members decided to lay their wreath at the war memorial in Alexandra Park. Crosby’s Soroptimists refurbished the memorial in 2014, in partnership with the local Rotary International club. This was a joint project to commemorate both clubs’ 75 years of service. The Soroptimists’ card read: “We shall never forget all your sacrifices – past and present.” The usual Remembrance Sunday services were not held because of Covid-19 restrictions. Local organisations therefore visited and laid wreaths in their own time, observing social distancing. President Elect Chris Smith joined the club’s president at the memorial.    

Well Ladies, as you probably know, I recently came up with the crazy fundraising idea of cycling from Crosby to Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The idea came about because my son and his wife and son live there and I thought that it would be a great idea if we used the towpath of the Leeds / Liverpool and Rochdale Canals as a route to go and visit them. This was, of course, before COVID struck so the original plan of staying up there for the weekend had to be rewritten to a quick turn around and home again. Nevertheless, we set off on Wednesday 7th to make the 80 miles trip over the next 3 days: our expected ETA being Friday 9th at 4pm when my son and his family would meet us on the bridge at Hebden. I am very pleased to be

President Elect, Chris Smith and her husband Chris are cycling 80 miles along the towpath of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, starting out in Crosby and finishing in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The pair will be starting out on Wednesday 7th October and hope to complete the cycle in three days.   The route takes in the following places – Crosby, Maghull, Lydiate, Haskayne, Burscough, Parbold, Wigan Pier, Leigh, Trafford Park, Stretford, Old Trafford, Deansgate Manchester City Centre, Chadderton, Rochdale, Oldham, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. All funds raised will go to Sefton Carers who do incredible work in the area supporting young carers and their families at what is a very difficult time in their lives. The link for any donations is :-  www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/cycletohebden

Crosby’s Soroptimists completed their ‘marathon challenge’ in support of local charity Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA). To celebrate the club’s 82nd anniversary, the Soroptimists undertook a variety of sporting (and other) activities. Everything was planned in compliance with the COVID-19 restrictions. To spur on their efforts, they invited friends and families to pledge a donation to SWACA. The total so far raised is over £2,000 – and still rising. So members hula-hooped, cycled, walked, lifted weights and exercised to music. There was Jill’s harp-athon and Jane’s bake-athon. Absence was no problem for Pam, in Spain, as she completed her “3-peaks challenge” – three hilly streets. President Chris was so carried away with her hula-hooping that she kept going for more than her intended 26 minutes. Fundraising co-ordinator Chris managed a half marathon on her bike and Terry (Programme Action Officer) walked 32.5 miles over

How many marathons can Crosby's Soroptimists complete on 24th May? Members are being challenged to celebrate the Club's 82nd anniversary. They will be helping to raise funds for the charity Sefton Women's and Children's Aid (SWACA). How? By walking, cycling, jogging (or whatever!). All the distances will be added together to make a Grand Marathon Total. Sponsorship of this combined effort will ensure a fine contribution to the charity. This link takes you directly to SWACA's donation page. Club President Chris Chua-Short said. "Over the last 82 years Crosby's Soroptimists have helped women and girls through practical service and fundraising.  As members of Soroptimist International we support local, national and worldwide projects. SWACA is a local organisation that we are proud to have supported for many years." Chris Smith is co-ordinating the fundraising effort. She said, "During lockdown, we are limited in what we can