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

President Elect, Chris Smith and her husband Chris are cycling 80 miles along the towpath of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, starting out in Crosby and finishing in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The pair will be starting out on Wednesday 7th October and hope to complete the cycle in three days.   The route takes in the following places – Crosby, Maghull, Lydiate, Haskayne, Burscough, Parbold, Wigan Pier, Leigh, Trafford Park, Stretford, Old Trafford, Deansgate Manchester City Centre, Chadderton, Rochdale, Oldham, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. All funds raised will go to Sefton Carers who do incredible work in the area supporting young carers and their families at what is a very difficult time in their lives. The link for any donations is :-  www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/cycletohebden

Crosby’s Soroptimists completed their ‘marathon challenge’ in support of local charity Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA). To celebrate the club’s 82nd anniversary, the Soroptimists undertook a variety of sporting (and other) activities. Everything was planned in compliance with the COVID-19 restrictions. To spur on their efforts, they invited friends and families to pledge a donation to SWACA. The total so far raised is over £2,000 – and still rising. So members hula-hooped, cycled, walked, lifted weights and exercised to music. There was Jill’s harp-athon and Jane’s bake-athon. Absence was no problem for Pam, in Spain, as she completed her “3-peaks challenge” – three hilly streets. President Chris was so carried away with her hula-hooping that she kept going for more than her intended 26 minutes. Fundraising co-ordinator Chris managed a half marathon on her bike and Terry (Programme Action Officer) walked 32.5 miles over

How many marathons can Crosby's Soroptimists complete on 24th May? Members are being challenged to celebrate the Club's 82nd anniversary. They will be helping to raise funds for the charity Sefton Women's and Children's Aid (SWACA). How? By walking, cycling, jogging (or whatever!). All the distances will be added together to make a Grand Marathon Total. Sponsorship of this combined effort will ensure a fine contribution to the charity. This link takes you directly to SWACA's donation page. Club President Chris Chua-Short said. "Over the last 82 years Crosby's Soroptimists have helped women and girls through practical service and fundraising.  As members of Soroptimist International we support local, national and worldwide projects. SWACA is a local organisation that we are proud to have supported for many years." Chris Smith is co-ordinating the fundraising effort. She said, "During lockdown, we are limited in what we can

‘Helping each other when we need it most is the true spirit of Soroptimism’ These are strange times indeed; Covid-19 has pressed the pause button on normal life and all we can do is wait for it to come to an end. Meanwhile our wildlife is thriving, the sky seems bluer and the air is cleaner! And what of  our club? My year as President of SI Crosby has now come  to an end in the midst of a crisis none of us could have envisaged when I took up office last Spring. Whilst I am saddened that we cannot come together in person as a club, I am extremely proud of the efforts every member is making to keep in touch and support each other through these difficult times.  As well as the calls you make individually, your Executive Team make regular contact with members and

Members of Soroptimist International, Crosby, organised their fourth annual STEM conference for local girls. Nearly one hundred pupils from Crosby and Formby schools attended. All were keen to find out more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The Soroptimists welcomed girls from Merchant Taylor’s Girls’ School, Holy Family High, St Mary’s College and St Michael’s High (all in Crosby) plus Range High in Formby. Speakers were all young women in the early years of their STEM careers. They included microbiologists from Liverpool Clinical Laboratories and vehicle engineers from Jaguar Land Rover. A Liverpool University PhD student explained her research in the field of fusion energy. The girls also heard about human tissue donation, part of NHS Blood and Transplant, based in Speke. A former local pupil, now working in a Liverpool practice, spoke about architecture. Maths and creativity can combine harmoniously in this STEM career.

Crosby’s Soroptimists and friends celebrated Burns Night in style when club member Maggie Tatam hosted a supper at her home. The haggis was carried in with due ceremony, and addressed by Soroptimister John Taylor. He concluded Robert Burns’ “Address to a Haggis” with the traditional theatrical thrust of a knife. After the whisky toast, and main course of haggis, swede and potatoes (haggis wi’ bashit neeps an’ champit tatties), diners enjoyed a cranachan dessert. Guests then read an assortment of prose and poetry, all suitably themed. Proceeds from the supper go to charities supported by the club.

Crosby Soroptimists recently held a fundraising general knowledge quiz. It was set against a mythical backdrop of 'Pantoland'. With a plot loosely based around the Iron Men being kidnapped (oh, yes they were!) old panto friends appeared during the evening. Dick turned up with his cat – Eltwenty (the original Puss in Bootle). Of course, the Wicked Witch arrived with spells - and was greeted with boos. We even had a royal visitor as the Queen of Hearts turned up. Two babes got lost in Sniggery Woods, and Wishy Washee managed to ride the Tide and Surf over to the Wirral! Tinkerbell worked her magic and the Iron Men were free to return to Crosby Beach (Hurrah!). The cat even sorted the rodent infestation! We even managed to get in rounds of questions – read very nicely by Cinderella! Our thanks to those who supported