SI Crosby were delighted to present a cheque to The Home from Home Charity at The Walton Centre. The Walton Centre is a unique and remarkable trust dedicated to neurosciences, and in 2014 they launched Home from Home. The aim of the project is to provide accommodation for relatives to use whilst their loved ones are visiting the centre. It is wonderful to hear how much of a positive impact the facility has had on those using it, and how much of a difference it makes. Well done to the Walton Centre for creating a fantastic facility, and here is to many more years!

Crosby Soroptimists recently helped out at The Food Bank Collection at Tesco’s Litherland Store. Wearing their bright tabards, they collected food donations and distributed information about the food bank and its services to the customers. The Food Bank provides a fantastic service for families who may be struggling to cover all of their household costs and we are very proud to be able to support this initiative.  

Well, firstly, we had to ring out the old year 2017 with our Annual General meeting. A succesful year with funds given to good causes, local charities supported in kind as well as cash and a successful STEM event and social programme. However, we coudn’t help but look forward to our 80th year and continuing our work to improve the lives of women and girls everywhere. The formal business of our Annual General Meeting ends with a candle ceremony where we remind ourselves why we are Soroptimists and endorse the values and aspirations of Soroptimism This was, of course, the first meeting chaired by our newly installed President Sheila (above right with President Elect Debbie) who will lead us through the next exciting twelve months. The programme is filling up !

President Annette (R) handed over the chain of office to Sheila at a recent meeting of Crosby Soroptimists. Sheila will now lead the Club through a special year as we celebrate 80 years of Soroptimism in Crosby. We start with our 80th Charter dinner at the West Lancashire Golf Club in May.

Soroptimists Jenny and Jan put their needlework skills to good use by making a range of goods from scraps of material and wool. Their “bagatelles ” range embraces sustainable  linen bags for fruit, veg and bread, tote bags for clothes, shoes and shopping along with pouches for jewelry and all things precious ! Proceeds from sales support the work of Sefton Women and Children’s Aid ( http://www.swaca.com/ ) Our photo shows Jenny and Jan selling their lovely goods at Formby Craft fair. If you are having an event and would like our Bagatelles team to visit  contact us !

The annual “Three Clubs” bash hosted by Southport Club gave us all a chance to remember the 60’s! Bootle and Crosby clubs happily accepted Southport’s invitation to relive the summer of love! Dressed to the nines, we enjoyed vol au vents and yes, pineapple and cheese on a stick along with other tasty treats.Our knowledge of the period was tested with a fun quiz (Crosby won !!) and our joints tested with a lesson in the Locomotion !! Peace man!- Pass a brandy and babycham ! Our thanks to our sister club for a lovely evening !

And Crosby Soroptimists have been busy –  of course! Firstly in early November we packed back packs to support Mary’s Meals charity.Later,  artistic talents were put to use as we decorated a tree in the St Faith’s Christmas tree festival. December saw us helping at the Light Up a Life event at Jospice and also walking the streets of Crosby with the Santa Float. Thanks to the generosity of residents in the Thornton area we raised £500 for local charities and good causes. We supported Crosby Food Bank with donations of Christmas treats. We did take time out to enjoy some festival food and drink at our Christmas social evening at the West Lancashire Golf Club with Dr Mike Jones of Liverpool University entertaining us with a Beatles themed talk. Carols were sung too ! If you think you’d like to help us with our

Basil and Sybil with staff Manuel and Polly  moved north in November to welcome residents to a quiz in hastily rented dining rooms in Blundellsands. Sadly, Kurt had been sacked so a sandwich buffet was the best that the management could offer. Unexpectedly, a hygiene inspector was also in the audience causing some confusion and worry as well as a visit from furry friends. However, guests in the dining room, despite insults being hurled, were full of ‘bonhommie’ and generosity helping Basil raise nearly £1000 for charities and good causes in the local area. Our photo shows the reception area with Manuel and Sybil prepared to welcome guests 

President Annette was proud to join service and other local charitable and voluntary organisations in the service of remembrance at the Five Lamps Memorial in Waterloo on Remembrance Sunday. Watched by other club members, who were present, she laid a wreath on behalf of Crosby Soroptimists.

Crosby Soroptimists heard of the plans of local girl guide Hannah Thompson for her trip to Nepal. Next year Hannah will be joining other girl guides for a trip of a lifetime to support the work of   Classrooms in the Clouds   a UK based charity building classrooms and sponsoring teachers in remote villages in  Nepal. Meanwhile, Hannah has to raise the funding for her trip herself and she inspired club members with her enthusiasm and energy.We were only too delighted to help her on her way with a financial donation and look forward to Hannah returning next year to tell us about her experiences. President Elect Sheila, pictured with Hannah, commented, “Hannah is an inspirational young woman and we are thrilled for her.”