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

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