It’s ‘all change’ at Ince Blundell Hall – and Crosby’s Soroptimists now have the latest information on developments. Tina Walsh, from the Ince Blundell team, explained that the hall is being transformed into a centre dedicated to carers’ respite. Until recently it was a nursing and convalescent home run by Augustinian Nursing Sisters. Now, in partnership with Sefton Carers’ Centre, the new facility will offer unpaid carers a place to relax and rejuvenate. There are over 35,000 unpaid carers In Sefton Borough. They look after a family members or friends who have a long-term illness, or even a terminal condition. Yet carers themselves may have few – if any – opportunities to take a break to ‘recharge their batteries’. Their mental and physical wellbeing is challenged by the demanding role they undertake. The watchword at Ince Blundell is ‘wellness’. Tina told the Soroptimists that accommodation,

Crosby Soroptimists were on hand to help when Santa visited the Waitrose store in Formby. With his reindeer ‘resting’ outside the store, and with seasonal music in the background, Santa greeted shoppers in the foyer. The Soroptimists had their collecting tins at the ready. Thanks to the generosity of shoppers over £450 was donated in cash or via the card reader. (Hi-tech Santa.) The donations will go to local charities supported by Soroptimist International Crosby.

Women’s heart health is the focus for Crosby Soroptimists’ Christmas tree this year. The annual Christmas tree festival at St Faith’s Church, Great Crosby, is a showcase for local organisations. The Soroptimists have decorated their tree with red hearts, which certainly catch the eye. This theme links with club members’ interest in promoting access to information about women’s heart health. SI Crosby held a highly successful information event on women’s heart health last year. Crosby Soroptimists’ Christmas tree this year highlights the misconception that coronary heart disease and heart attacks are ‘men’s problems’. According to the British Heart Foundation charity: “… cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills more than twice as many women in the UK as breast cancer each year. When women are at risk of CVD, evidence shows they are more likely to be misdiagnosed and receive lower quality treatment.” The charity also states: “Women

Over one hundred people braved atrocious weather to support Crosby Soroptimists’ fundraising bingo evening. St Helen’s Church Hall was packed, with many visitors paying on the door. Forget the weather – let’s have some fun! Soroptimist Pam McKee was the bingo caller, coping with a dodgy microphone and a temperamental number machine. As ever, Pam carried on regardless, with wit and humorous banter. Sadly (from the audience point of view) there was only one false call which earned the traditional  ‘Benny Hill walk’ round the hall. Obviously everyone else kept a sharp eye on their cards to avoid a similar penalty. The raffle prizes were enormous including a pamper hamper, speciality food and gardening goodies. There were also spot prizes and cash prizes. Club President Pat Williams was absolutely delighted that the evening had gone so well, especially as the proceeds exceeded £1,200. Crosby Soroptimists are

President of Soroptimist International Crosby, Pat Williams, attended the annual Service of Remembrance at Five Lamps War Memorial, Waterloo. On behalf of the club, President Pat laid the traditional wreath of poppies. Her message: 'In remembrance of those who gave up their lives for ours'.

Have you ever wanted to toast marshmallows on an open fire? Crosby Soroptimists helped ensure that Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve was just the place to be on Bonfire Night. The Wildlife Trust’s Learning Centre was full of people (and their dogs) all enjoying a peaceful celebration. It was Bonfire Night without fireworks – very dog-friendly. There were dazzling displays in the distance – but nothing ear-splitting on the reserve. The Soroptimists helped in various ways, including supervising the children toasting marshmallows at the garden fire-pit. Some youngsters kept coming back for more as they enjoyed the experience of creating a hot DIY snack. However, with health and safety in mind, the Soroptimists kept a sharp lookout for the odd miscreant or two who thought it fun to run away with a toasting fork. Members set up a table of hand-made ‘crochet critters’ key rings and

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