Crosby’s Soroptimists celebrated the re-opening of Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve with a walk and picnic. Cheryl Ashton and Molly Toal of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) led the group round the reserve. They pointed out new features, such as ponds which will attract a host of creatures, thus increasing Lunt’s biodiversity. SI Crosby has a long-term partnership with LWT. It was encouraging, therefore, to visit Lunt in all its summer glory. The reserve has been closed since last winter’s Storm Christoph led to the River Alt bursting its banks and flooding the site. The Environment Agency has repaired the breach. The Soroptimists have sponsored the twinning of the reserve’s new compost toilet. Its ‘twin’ is a facility for girls at a school in Malawi. Girls in so many countries miss out on education because of the lack of basic sanitary

Crosby’s Soroptimists helped prepare a fundraising ‘click and collect’ strawberry tea. The local charity Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA) set up the novel event as Covid regulations outlawed the usual garden party. Into each pre-ordered bag went scones, jam, butter, clotted cream, strawberries, tea-bags, a selection of fun-based activities – and fizz. Plenty of goodies for a delicious afternoon tea. And all in aid of SWACA – a very good cause.

Pam fulfilled her auction promise! Judith and friends thoroughly enjoyed their tapas and paella. They successfully bid at Crosby Soroptimists’ auction evening for Pam’s culinary promise. Our club raised over £2,000 through the auction in support of Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid. Buen provecho!

It is with great sadness that we announce that President Johanna M Raffan MBE passed away on 15 June 2021. Our thoughts are with Johanna’s family at this very sad time. Johanna was elected president of our federation, Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI), in 2020.

Soroptimists from the Crosby club are growing native wildflowers from seed. Why? Once strong enough, the flowers will be used to form part of the wetland wildflower meadow at Lunt Meadows nature reserve. The Soroptimists planted lesser knapweed, meadow vetchling, ox-eye daisy, meadow crane’s-bill, field scabious and ragged robin. They will nurture the seeds for several weeks, in readiness for planting out. The reserve is managed by the Wildlife Trust: Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside (LWT). This is LWT’s trial scheme, to see if robust plants have a good chance of thriving. Are they less of a temptation than the juicy seedlings so beloved of magpies? Lunt Meadows’ native wildflowers will act as a source of food for pollinators and invertebrates. In turn these will attract larger wildlife such as birds and dragonflies. SI Crosby is in a long-term partnership with LWT as the nature

Crosby’s Soroptimists have ‘been’ to Sweden for a meet-up with their Scandinavian friendship link sisters. SI Falkenberg invited members from Crosby to join them via Zoom for the first part of their club meeting – to be held in English. Anita Westerström opened the meeting in the traditional way. She lit four candles, symbolising Soroptimist International, the two Federations represented (Europe and Great Britain/Ireland), the Swedish Union, and the clubs present. Chris Smith talked about some of SI Crosby’s achievements during the pandemic, and the way in which the club has kept everyone in touch. Terry Francis outlined the club’s ongoing involvement with Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. ‘Breakout rooms’ then enabled small groups to chat and compare experiences during these challenging times. Cynthia Ashworth, SI Crosby’s Friendship Co-ordinator, said: “This was a delightful opportunity to join our Scandinavian sisters. “We had been looking forward to

Why become a Soroptimist? Crosby Soroptimist Jane Daly appears in the new publicity video produced by South Lancashire Region to answer that very question. Jane talks about what it means to her to be a Soroptimist. Serving the community, championing the rights of women and girls, fun and friendship - all are important. Soroptimists are woman who make a difference! To be a Soroptimist is to be an integral link in a worldwide network of achievers. Jane appears with two other South Lancashire Region colleagues on the video. All are proud to promote membership of Soroptimist International.

Crosby’s Soroptimists held a very successful online auction in aid of Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA). Club member Pat Murphy tackled the role of auctioneer, extolling the merits of each lot. “My front room looks like a Christmas fair”, she said, as she held up each item in succession. Members and friends, all on Zoom, soon got into the swing of the bidding. Some very decorative auction ‘paddles’ were on view, ready to catch the auctioneer’s attention. President Chris Smith juggled the technology and held bids from members not able to attend. The evening culminated in the raffle draw. Pam McKee, who co-ordinated the event, said: "This was a bit of an experiment, but all seemed to proceed as planned – thank goodness." Pam added: "We had wonderful support from our Soroptimists and friends; and one member has been able to arrange some match-funding.

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