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

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