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.”

Over 75 girls and four boys from seven local schools were encouraged to consider careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) when they attended a conference organised by Crosby Soroptimists. Nine inspirational young women outlined their careers, explaining the entry route into their chosen professions. Their audience of 14-16 year-olds then divided into smaller groups and took the opportunity to questions each of the speakers further. Plenty of information was available on each of the STEM disciplines and associated careers; plus there were hands-on scientific experiments to try – including creating Lego racing cars. The contributors:- Amanda Hughes, assistant chief engineer for military trainer and transport engine products, Rolls Royce  Sajni Halai, project engineer at Jaguar Land Rover Marianne Thomson, finance and leader development programme manager, BAE Systems Katherine Reynolds from the accounts receivable team in military air and information, BAE Systems Jessica Jones

Crosby Soroptimist President Annette faced one of the hardest challenges of her Presidency recently.She was called upon to help judge entrants in the Teddy Bears’ Picnic parade held at Jospice’s Emerald Anniversary Garden Party.Now that’s a job for only the brave and bold as long loved teddies were put up for inspection. Luckily for other Soroptimists they had the easier task of helping serve tea.

Crosby Soroptimists turned out in force recently to help make the ‘open garden’ at Crosby Hall a success. Happy as ever around cake, they helped welcome visitors and serve tea. The Hall (in Little Crosby) is adjacent to Crosby Hall Educational Trust (CHET), which offers children outdoor activity holidays with experiences totally different to their usual urban environment. Proceeds from the ‘open garden’ went to CHET.    

Crosby Soroptimists joined Crosby Lions and Crosby Rotary Club in hosting a BBQ for local people with visual impairment. This annual event held in Lion Ivan’s garden is eagerly anticipated by all. Luckily, the threatened rain and high winds held off as everyone enjoyed the BBQ ably cooked by the Lions with salads and sweets provided by Soroptimists. Happily, Rotary were there too – to staff the bar ! County music was provided by Brian – we managed most of the lyrics!

Crosby Soroptimists celebrated 79 years of helping women and girls (at home and across the globe) at their recent Charter Dinner held at West Lancashire Golf Club. President Annette welcomed over 100 guests. Music featured large with Soroptimist Gillian playing harp music as guests arrived  and Merseyside’s own mezzo- soprano Danielle Thomas delighted the audience with a range of songs. Dancing rounded off the evening.President Annette, here pictured with guests, said “It was a special evening, happy and relaxed and enhanced by the most beautiful sunset over the bay”  

Crosby Soroptimists heard from Ruth McCaughley of the Whitechapel Centre about their work combatting homelessness in Liverpool and presented her with a cheque to support their work. From rough sleepers  to sofa surfers the blight of homelessness is both open and hidden. It can happen very fast to all sorts of people and the reasons are complex.The Whitechapel team work with a range of clients from families to rough sleepers – people who find themselves without a safe place to live. The project also leads the “nosecondnightout ”  initiative that encourages the public to tell them about rough sleepers so that they can, hopefully, bring them “inside” and off the street. Additionally, they welcome donations of food, clothes and household goods to help settle clients into their own safe space.   to tell Whitechapel about a rough sleeper simply ring 0300 1232041 and they will do

Crosby Soroptimists enjoyed a different kind of day at the races !! No heels sinking into the turf, no umbrellas just in case and a warm feeling, not just from the heating, but knowing they were supporting good causes too ! An Alternative Grand National  Ladies’ Day was held at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool and the afternoon’s racing, lunch and afternoon tea activities were aimed at raising money for two charities – the Royal Liverpool Hospital’s  R Charity an Sunflowers Cancer Care Guests watched the races on a large screen,placed bets, won prizes. There was even a Best Dressed Lady competition.  

Crosby Soroptimists recently held their Annual General Meeting.They reflected  on the year 2016-2017 but, also, starting to look forward to the coming year with a focus on service to improve the lives of women and girls. Our photo shows (from left to right ) Vice President Pauline, President Annette and President Elect Sheila. A candle ceremony reminded members of the values of Soroptimism as candles were lit in the name of Peace,Tolerance, Friendship, good Governance and Service. Annette lit the final candle celebrating Soroptimist International.