A small group of SI Crosby recently visited the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Exhibition in Liverpool.  The Walker Art Gallery is holding a major exhibition, exploring the life and work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) and his contemporaries, presenting many objects which have never before been displayed outside of Scotland. The Walker will be the only English gallery to host the exhibition They were chauffeured into Liverpool in great luxury thanks to John Daly and they all found the exhibition interesting and enlightening. There was lots to see and lots to read, followed by a good chat over a leisurely lunch in the Walker Café. A great way to spend the morning. The exhibition, runs from 15 March to 26 August 2019. The exhibition takes place during what would have been Mackintosh’s 150th year (b. 7 June 1868) and features more than 250 objects, ranging from ceramics

Members supported a fundraising event at CHET on 23rd June and were rewarded with a highly entertaining evening.  Everyone contributed to a joint picnic consisting of starter, main course and even dessert.  Of course, there was also a tipple or two!       Opera and Musical Theatre star Rebecca Caine, who created the role of Cosette in the original Royal Shakespeare Company/West End production of Les Miserables and starred as Christine in the Canadian Premiere of The Phantom of The Opera, performed songs from her first solo album “Leading Ladies”. The concert celebrated the leading ladies of London’s West End from 1909 -1960 including Gertrude Lawrence, Jessie Matthews, Lizbeth Webb and Julie Andrews.  In between beautifully performed songs, Rebecca entertained us with stories and amusing facts about the various leading ladies.  The acoustics in the Hall were excellent and the audience joined in with

So say Clare Baxter and Jane Daly who joined the hundreds of guests at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party on May 21st. The duo were invited along with the other two trustees with whom they serve on the board of CHET Crosby Hall Residential Trust. They were fortunate to see Her Majesty the Queen, William and Kate, Edward and Sophie, Princess Alexandra and the Dukes of Kent and Gloucester. “We were fortunate enough to see so many members of the Royal family and look round the beautiful palace gardens in glorious sunshine. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea while listening to the music of two military bands, a truly quintessentially English occasion,” said Jane and Clare.

A BBQ was held recently for a very special group of people. Three clubs; Crosby Lions, Crosby Rotary & Crosby SI worked together to ensure that a local group of people with visual impairments enjoyed a fun filled afternoon and BBQ. The Crosby Lions were in charge of the cooking, Crosby SI looked after the cold buffet and the serving of the food and drinks.  The Rotary manned the bar for the afternoon.  All 3 clubs shared in the transportation of The VIPs to and from their homes.   It was a great event with lots of conversation, laughter and good company.        

Crosby SI were out in force to today to support one of their local charities; Crosby Hall Education Trust (CHET).  Each year CHET open their gardens to the public to raise vital funds for their charity. CHET is a small independent centre situated in a beautiful rural setting on a 120 acre country estate about 8 miles north of Liverpool.  It was created out of the 17th century stables and farm buildings at Crosby Hall which has been the home of the Blundell family for many centuries.  The Blundell family founded CHET more than 25 years ago and remain fully involved.  They are a small independent centre where our guests enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, enhanced by sole occupancy of the centre.   CHET is a registered charity which was established in 1991 to offer children from all backgrounds a taste of country life away

In a tribute to retiring President Sheila on behalf of club, Past President and Honorary member Shirley Smith said: “Sheila has not just been our President and a club member but is a true friend to her club who upholds the ideals of Soroptimism. Enthusiastic in her year, supporting our charities, she has worked hard with her executive team and club to ensure that many charities will benefit from her year, including Sefton Young Carers which I know is close to her heart.     “President Sheila you have fostered togetherness and friendship in our 80th year and, as we know, together we are strong. Congratulations on an excellent year – we admire and love you.”  

Our dear friend and Soroptimist Helen Pfeiffer sadly passed away last September.  Helen had been a trustee and health visitor at the Feel Good Factory in Netherton since it opened 20 years ago.  The centre provides valuable support to the local community with feel good exercises and a place to meet and make friends.         To honour her memory, the garden was refurbished and re-planted after a lot of hard work and input from our own club member Linda Glenn and was officially opened by the Mayor of Sefton on Friday 10th May.

The 2019 AGM of Crosby SI, heralded the arrival of the new Club President.  Debbie Oulton has been preparing for the role for the last 12 months as she has shadowed and indeed stood in for some of the President’s duties and official events, in her role as President Elect. Club members were very pleased to see Debbie take the reins, knowing the club will be in safe hands for another 12 months.  

SI Crosby members enjoyed the thrill of the racing from a very warm and comfortable position; inside The Liner Hotel in Liverpool. Hearts were still a flutter as the horses showed their indomitable spirit for horse racing biggest event of the year. There were only winners for our ladies!  Looking lovely ladies!

Crosby Club members gathered at West Lancashire Golf Club on Monday 18th March to celebrate President Sheila’s year in office. What a celebration was had by all.  Club members dressed for the occasion and would have given the ladies at Aintree Ladies day, a run for their money. Sheila has led the club with great style, passion and courage over the last year and all members of the club hold her in very close affection. Well done President Sheila!