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!”

Crosby's Soroptimists were on hand to help at a recent Bioblitz. The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) held the event at Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. In the new Learning Centre members provided refreshments to visitors throughout the day. Home-made cakes were particularly welcome. There were also handmade ‘owl’ keyrings and bag-charms on sale. The Soroptimists set up craft tables for children – nature-based colouring sheets and origami, plus pinecone bees. The colouring-in activity was particularly popular, many adults taking the opportunity to indulge their creative talents. There were also a variety of LWT walks and talks on offer. These included wildflower identification, bird-spotting and a chance to find out about Lunt’s conservation cattle. A ‘bioblitz’ encourages everyone to make a note of as much wildlife as possible in one day at one location. All the records are shared via the iNaturalistUK

Crosby Soroptimists supply the Emergency Bleeding Control Unit at Lunt Meadows. Jill Boggan, when Club President, initiated the drive to supply and install the kit. In consultation with the charity KnifeSavers, the Soroptimists funded the cabinet and its contents. The cabinet is on the outside of the Learning Centre at Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. The bleed kits have been designed by trauma clinicians at Aintree Hospital. Used correctly, the equipment can save the lives of people who have a serious puncture wound. Crosby Soroptimists invited Mr Nikhil Misra, Consultant Trauma Surgeon at Aintree Hospital and founder of the charity Knifesavers to speak at a recent meeting. Mr Misra is active in extending access to bleed kits throughout the region. SI Crosby in in a long-term partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside . Past President Jill is therefore delighted that her

Soroptimist International Crosby has two new members. Immediate Past President Sharon (standing in for President Pat) was delighted to enrol Julie Swift and Jean Beesley as Soroptimists. Julie has enjoyed a varied career – travelling and working abroad has featured for many years. Now, however, she has returned to her roots and is looking forward to taking part in Crosby club’s activities. Jean was a Soroptimist in St Helen’s but relinquished membership some years ago. A recent house-move – and the happenchance of a neighbour being a Crosby member – has rekindled Jean’s interest in Soroptimism. IPP Sharon and all the Crosby members warmly welcomed Julie and Jean. Everyone looks forward to working with them on service projects – and sharing the fun and friendship that all Soroptimists value.

On World Earth Day Crosby Soroptimists and a host of other invited guests celebrated the official opening of Lunt Meadows Learning Centre. SI Crosby's long-term project is at Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. It is partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) and other institutions. The 5-year project – ‘Presenting Mesolithic and Modern Life’ – has been grant-aided through the National Heritage Lottery Fund. Its focus has been the construction of a learning centre. Through the challenges of Covid, Brexit, planning issues, flooding (and much more) the dream has finally become reality. The centre is poised to host educational, social and skills-based activities, triggered by the Mesolithic archaeology and unique environment of the reserve. It will also be a focal point for local community groups and a welcome resource for the many volunteers at the reserve. The Soroptimists have donated a

Crosby Soroptimists’ long-awaited trip to the ABBA Voyage concert began well before dawn. Twenty six Dancing Queens (Soroptimists and friends) made the long journey down to the ABBA Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. We didn’t know what to expect, but the show was well worth the effort of getting there. Great tunes – lots of streaming lights: ABBA music is very uplifting. Incredibly the four singers appear as digital avatars (ABBAtars?). They were extremely life-like and it was impossible to tell they weren’t really on stage! The 10-piece live band were brilliant, too. Casting inhibitions aside, and entering into the spirit of the day, some of our party went to town with their outfits. And why not? Then, for the Super Troupers, it was the long haul up the motorways again. On the last leg of the journey we found ourselves on a

Crosby’s Soroptimists were privileged to hear about current developments in breast screening from a local specialist in the field. Ms Anu Shrotri is Director of Breast Screening and Consultant Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Passionate about ‘spreading the word’ on screening for breast cancer, Ms Shrotri outlined the current situation. Survival of breast cancer in the UK has doubled in the last 50 years thanks our NHS screening programme. Regular breast screening is the prime method of spotting a cancer that is too small to feel or see. It saves an estimated 1,300 lives each year in the UK. There is, however, a significantly lower uptake among ethnic minority groups and women in areas of social deprivation. Why? There are factors such as embarrassment, modesty, fear – or simply a lack of understanding about the relevance of screening. Distance from