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.

President Elect Sheila Chatterton receives her chain of office from current President Annette. Sheila is a long serving member of the Club and her next role as President in 2018 will see her leading club celebrations of 80 years of Soroptimism in Crosby !

No apologies for our headline! Crosby Soroptimists need to grab your attention! Members Pauline and Margaret recently attended the launch of “Fresh Start” , an initiative to help survivors of Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking. The event was held in the International Slavery Museum on Liverpool’s Albert Dock.The audience heard from Alex Balch of the University of Liverpool  about the need for continuing support for survivors after the government funded initiative supporting them  for an initial 45 days elapses. One such agency, City Hearts(http://www.city-hearts.co.uk) offer support to survivors by assisting with housing and restorative care in the Liverpool and Merseyside region. Sadly, trafficking and modern day slavery  is happening on OUR doorstep. SI Crosby is exploring what  practical help can remedy the misery and destruction caused to lives by this scourge. Our photograph shows Pauline with Rachel from CityHearts at the launch.    

President Annette was delighted to present Pat Murphy with her 25 years service award recently. Pat has always taken an active part in club activities serving in a number of roles including President.

Soroptimists from SI Crosby, including President Annette Hughes, attended the recent Charter Dinner of SI Leigh & District Club. Over 100 guests gathered at Haydock Park Golf Club to celebrate Leigh’s 70th anniversary. Special guest was SI South Lancashire’s Regional President Margaret Molyneux, a long-serving member of the Leigh club. President Annette was presented with flowers by Gail Farrer of SI Leigh. At last year’s regional bowls final Gail won the Tricia Fahey Cup – the trophy that SI Crosby presented to the Region a few years ago. “I was surprised and delighted to be given flowers”, said President Annette. It was a lovely ending to the celebratory evening.”