Eight members of SI Crosby visited Bootle Town Hall at the invitation of the Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Paul Cummins. The Mayor greeted the members and conducted them on a tour of the council chambers. He also talked about the history and ceremonial functions of the office of Mayor. The Town Hall houses many articles of historical value as well as photographs of all previous mayors and mayoresses. Most impressive was the Council Chamber with an interesting display of flags and ensigns from ships associated with the Port of Liverpool. The Mayor explained the historical formation of Sefton Metropolitan Borough through the amalgamation of former administrative areas covering, Formby, Southport, Crosby, Litherland and Bootle. He then invited members to try on the mayoral robes. President Sandy and President Elect Yvonne took up the offer and donned the robes and hats. Future civic leaders perhaps? All

Crosby’s Soroptimists, led by President Sandy Taylor, put on their dancing shoes at the conclusion of their 74th Charter Dinner. Members and their guests danced the night away to live music provided by talented actor/singer James Waud.  The Club welcomed special guests The Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton, Councillor Paul Cummins and Mrs Carol Cummins, South Lancashire’s Regional President Denise Baldwin, and the presidents of sister clubs Southport and Bootle.   President Sandy was delighted that Mr Ram Dhannapuneni, Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, was able to attend.  Mr Dhannapuneni was representing his colleague Mr Nelson Alphonso whose work, both locally and overseas, has been a central feature of the club’s fundraising this year. A very special guest was President Sandy’s grand-daughter Daisy who, as a baby, benefited from cardiac surgery at the hospital.  “Our Club’s Charter Dinner really was a relaxed

Just before Christmas, President Sandy delivered two hampers of groceries and goodies to Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool. This was a seasonal gift from Crosby’s Soroptimists for parents whose children may be in hospital over Christmas. One went to Ronald McDonald House and the other to the parents’ lounge in the intensive care unit. Staff were very appreciative of the gifts. As President Sandy said, “We have donated the hampers so that families who need to stay close to their very poorly babies will have some refreshments and nibbles to enjoy.” She went on, “Our Club members have, once again, fully supported my aim that we would be of practical assistance this year to the parents of children who are in-patients at the hospital.”  

Soroptimist International of Crosby recently held a “Get to know us” open evening in order to interest potential new members. President Sandy Taylor hosted the evening. She described her presidential year so far – and what her membership means to her. Three representatives of local organisations that have benefitted from the Soroptimists’ fundraising and practical service then outlined their work. Lesley Paterson, Chief Executive of Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA) spoke about the longstanding valuable links between the Club and SWACA. The charity’s Board has, for many years, included a Soroptimist; and members have supported the successive appeals and projects. Sightline Vision Northwest is a young charity that helps people experiencing sight loss, as well as their family and friends. Eileen Green, founder, was delighted to tell guests more about its aims, and how the Soroptimists have already given practical assistance. The third speaker