Soroptimists hide treasure in plain sight. Crosby Soroptimists’ latest fundraising event involved a treasure map, clues in rhyme and a trail round Little Crosby. Over 40 people took up the challenge to explore this local village which is a conservation area in itself. The event raised over £500 for SI Crosby’s charity fund. The specially-drawn map led participants through the village and – eventually – to the parish hall. On the way, a series of rhyming clues set everyone a-puzzling. Several local residents had kindly entered into the spirit of the day and hosted clues in their front gardens. There were critters to look for, plus historical items, wayside features and memorials. One of the hosts has since asked to keep the clue – a row of peg dolls on her gate – as her daughter loved seeing them. For anyone not wishing to take

Crosby Soroptimists know their small change has great impact. Members’ latest spare change donations have turned into several crates of food for the local foodbank. Club President Pat Williams said “Even the smallest acts of giving can ripple outward and make a real difference to the lives of women and girls. This latest consignment really will be valued locally by families going through tough times.” SI Crosby has held small change collections for many years. The use of coins may be declining, but Soroptimists make the best use of anything going spare.

Being a Soroptimist means being part of an international organisation of women, working for women. We find fun and friendship while working for others. Soroptimist President Pat Williams was therefore delighted to enrol Vibha Misra as the latest member of SI Crosby. Vibha has a background in law and property management. She has a keen interest in the rights, dignity and potential of women, and said, “I’m looking forward to learning and giving”. Crosby’s members – particularly her mentor Cynthia Ashworth – gave Vibha a warm welcome and promised many opportunities to be part of club’s initiatives. ‘Learning and giving’ is built into SI Crosby’s ‘Bee Better for Bees’ ongoing project. The club has given wildflower seeds and plants to several schools and community organisations. At Victoria Park, Crosby, a plaque now marks the bee-friendly garden ‘supported with love and seeds’ by Crosby Soroptimists. Several

Crosby’s Soroptimists will help in a fundraising campaign to provide a groundbreaking advancement in ovarian cancer treatment for women. Kate Davis (Head of Fundraising at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust) spoke to members – and guests from SI Liverpool and SI Southport – about the hospital’s charity and its latest major project. Liverpool Women’s Charity (LWC) works to raise funds on behalf of the Trust to provide services and equipment extra to those funded by the NHS. These include accommodation for parents staying with very sick babies; separate rooms in the gynaecological ward for women experiencing miscarriages; a bereavement suite for parents of a stillborn baby; and peer support for bereaved fathers. These enhancements make a big difference to the comfort and well-being of patients – women, babies and their families. SI Crosby has supported LWC in the past. The Liverpool City Region is so

A visit to a local recycling centre was an eye-opener for Crosby’s Soroptimists. The Recycling Discovery Centre at Veolia’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Gillmoss was the venue for this insight into the industry. This MRF handles dry mixed recycling and glass from the Liverpool City Region, together with its sister site in Wirral. That’s where the contents of our Sefton MBC brown bins end up – over 230,000 tonnes per year! Veolia’s Education Officer gave a comprehensive introduction to the complexities of recycling. The Soroptimists then watched the facility in action from the visitors’ viewing platform. It was endlessly fascinating looking at the various processes. The MRF’s processes convert what would otherwise be waste into secondary raw materials. Some recyclables are compressed into huge bales ready for transport. One bale containing 30,000 aluminium cans will become … more aluminium cans. Our brown bins hold

Crosby's Soroptimists turned out in force in support of Crosby Hall Educational Trust (CHET) at a fundraising event. The annual 'open garden' at Crosby Hall in Little Crosby always attracts hundreds of visitors. An army of volunteers is needed to help the day run smoothly, and Soroptimists form a substantial part of the workforce. In the beautiful gardens, Soroptimist stewards' hi-vis vests caught the eye whenever visitors had a question. Most of the time we knew the answer! On such a lovely sunny day there was constant activity in the café, set up in the children's dining room. Visitors made short work of the cakes and scones baked by CHET staff. So Soroptimists on the cash till were kept busy. Clearing away, replenishing supplies - and cleaning up - were never-ending tasks. On the raffle stall, business was brisk. All proceeds from the day go

Crosby’s Soroptimists marked the Summer Solstice at Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. Staff of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) organised a special public event – many volunteers, including Soroptimists, were therefore on hand to help. A campfire was central to the celebrations. It gave visitors the chance to sample gooey marshmallows, hot sugared apples and roasted hazelnuts. Meanwhile the Soroptimists set up a refreshment stall – 21st-century-style. There were prehistoric crafts to try – bow-drilling, for example. This involves a wooden spindle that is rotated by a string attached to a flexible bow. It’s very effective – visitors easily drilled holes in seashells. Willow-woven hoops decorated with common local wild flowers made fine headdresses; and there was the chance to try painting with simple pigments. LWT staff laid out a variety of prehistoric (replica) artefacts, such as fearsome barbed arrows; and

“Fresh Thoughts” is the latest initiative from Crosby’s Soroptimists. This is a comprehensive guide to information and support for women fleeing domestic abuse in Sefton. The booklet was originally devised by Soroptimists in the Poole, Purbeck & District Club, in Dorset. The model has since been taken up nationally by other Soroptimist clubs. Crosby members, in partnership with sister club Bootle & District, have been instrumental in customising it for Sefton. It is aimed at front-line workers. Topics include guidance on personal online safety, local support services, court processes, and money matters. Crosby members are distributing the booklet to relevant organisations including Citizen’s Advice Bureaux and women-centred charities. Staff from the charity Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA) helped with advice and suggestions for this local edition. The Soroptimists were therefore delighted to welcome SWACA to an update meeting and to present them with copies.

Crosby Soroptimists welcomed staff from Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA) to talk about the charity’s work. Neil Frackelton (Chief Executive) and Angie Quinn (Business Manager) gave an update on domestic violence nationally and in Sefton. The picture is grim. For example, in England and Wales 1 in 4 women over the age of 16 report experience of domestic abuse; every 40 seconds the police record a domestic abuse case; and 2 women per week are killed by their current or former partner. SWACA’s core function is to safeguard adults, young people and children throughout Sefton. The charity supports them in surviving the impact of domestic abuse. Its practical and emotional help is provided regardless of age, disability, sexuality, race or religion – and is free. People are deeply affected by the trauma of domestic abuse, subsequently facing mental health challenges over many years. Physical

Soroptimist International Crosby is proud to be 87 years young. Members and friends celebrated in style with good food, lively music and excellent conversation. This chance to relax and unwind took place at The Hightown Club. Hosts President Pat Williams and Immediate Past President Sharon Ryan welcomed everyone to the festivities. In particular they were delighted to greet sister Soroptimists from Liverpool, Southport and Bootle clubs, plus local Rotarians and Lions. ‘King of Swing’ Andy Bayley entertained guests before and after the buffet. He presented a mix of both sparkling and soothing original songs from legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Bublé, Bobby Darin and Nat King Cole. In true night-club style, music and conversation went well together. President Pat said “We celebrated this Charter Anniversary informally – and enjoyed every moment. Our Club is doing splendidly - for its age!”