Soroptimists get a 'first look' inside. The long-term partnership between Soroptimist International Crosby and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) at Lunt Meadows nature reserve continues to develop. A major element of LWT's 'Mesolithic and Modern Life' project is the Learning Centre. This is now well underway. The wooden building has been constructed; electrics and plumbing are 'in progress'; fitting-out and external groundworks are planned. Soroptimists Terry Francis and Jenny Stanistreet had a first look at the centre, thanks to LWT's Cheryl Ashton, Project Manager. Facilities will include a flexible-use education space and a room for the many volunteers on the reserve. Terry said, "Even in its unfinished state we could appreciate how light and airy the centre is inside. It will be a great asset to the reserve and to the local community. Crosby Soroptimists are proud to be part

Crosby Soroptimists hosted a Summer Social Bowls evening with other clubs from the South Lancashire Region. Members welcomed to the Hightown green were from Southport, Warrington and Wigan. With the emphasis on relaxation and good fellowship there was, nevertheless, the opportunity for novice bowlers to benefit from some basic coaching. Crosby member Sandy Taylor organised the event and said: "There was fun and lots of banter, topped off with a light supper in usual Soroptimist style. "We were delighted to host this as part of our Region's bowls summer."

Debbie Oulton, Past President of Soroptimist International Crosby, and her husband Shaun, were delighted to welcome a group of members to their home in Llandona, Anglesey. Now a 'link' member of the Club, Debbie keeps in touch with Soroptimist activity in Crosby, as well as editing SI South Lancashire's quarterly newsletter, the Leader. Friendship and fun ...  the photos say it all!

Crosby Soroptimists set up a ‘swap shop’ for fashion accessories. Everyone loves a bargain. So the display of members’ scarves, bags, jewellery and other goodies at the August meeting was a great magnet. Swapping or buying – cash went into the pink cowgirl hat as a fundraising initiative. New-to-you, second-hand or pre-loved – whatever you want to call it! – the principle is the same. It’s sustainability in action – recycling items and giving them a new lease of life. The fashion industry has a major ‘throw away’ sector, A lot of natural resources are used to produce clothing, much of which is ‘fast fashion’. Greenhouse gases emitted are a factor in climate change. The United Nations estimates that the fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global emissions – more than the aviation and shipping industries combined. So the Soroptimists were making

Crosby’s Soroptimists have enjoyed their first visit to the Shakespeare North Playhouse. On the bill at this magnificent timber framed Shakespearean theatre in Prescot was ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. The four performers were members of The HandleBards – Shakespearean actors who cycle from venue to venue with their set, props and costumes. Described as “Unhinged and bonkers … laugh-out-loud…”, this production lived up to the hype. The youngsters in their school groups for this matinee performance really enjoyed the whole experience – even if the finer points of the plot passed them by. Soroptimist Ann McCracken who organised the visit said: “It was delightful to watch the play in the Cockpit Theatre – it is such a lovely venue. “We then sat in the sun in the Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden, talking about two ‘masters’ whose whole lives centred on the English language.”

Crosby Soroptimists have met up with their link club in Yorkshire. Soroptimist links between clubs are based on friendship and the swapping of ideas. The Crosby and Keighley clubs enjoyed several exchange visits pre-pandemic. It was lovely, therefore, to meet up once again. The venue was Cliffe Castle. This grand Victorian mansion is now a public museum and park to the north of the town. The Keighley Soroptimists had invited members of other local clubs. Therefore coffee-time – and lunch – were opportunities for much conversation and socialising. A specially-arranged tour was led by an excellent guide who felt passionately about the house. She is involved in sourcing and buying back paintings and artefacts which had been in the house originally, but which had been sold over the course of time. Cynthia Ashworth of SI Crosby, who co-ordinated the trip said: “The day was most

SI Crosby has celebrated two contrasting Soroptimist milestones. Ann Dickinson MBE has completed 45 years’ service as a member of the Crosby club. That’s half a lifetime of service aiming to ‘make a difference’. Ann is a respected pianist in the community – still accompanying shows, helping in music education and enabling singalongs at every opportunity. President Jill Boggan was therefore delighted to present Ann with her long-service certificate. President Jill then had the pleasure of welcoming Angela McAdam as the newest member of SI Crosby. Angela has a multi-faceted background including banking, IT, catering, crafting and living in France. Her mentor, Terry Francis, will be on hand to help Angela settle into Soroptimist activities and get to know her fellow members. Angela has also started to learn the piano … having met Ann, she now knows who to approach for musical tips!

Crosby Soroptimists’ AGM was the regular opportunity to look back over a busy year and look forward with enthusiasm. Outgoing President Margaret Davidson reflected on her time in office. “I’m still learning the job of President after 12 months of doing it,“ she said. Former presidents know the feeling! The club’s ongoing projects merited many compliments. Crosby’s members have continued extensive practical service and fundraising, plus links with partners in the community and with other Soroptimist clubs at home and abroad. Proud of leading SI Crosby, Margaret is of the opinion that “… it is our great strength as a club is that we embrace changes and adapt to them.” Her overall verdict? “Challenging but thoroughly enjoyable.” Incoming President Jill Boggan spoke about her hopes for the year ahead – continuing much of the club’s effective project work. Jill also hopes members will engage in

It’s taken years! However, Soroptimists from clubs in Crosby, Liverpool, Southport and Bootle have achieved their pre-Covid aim of working together on a project to safeguard local women. The Soroptimists raised over £7,500 for the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital. The money is earmarked for use by the Safeguarding Team who care for vulnerable women attending the hospital. This fundraising was the initiative of Crosby Soroptimist Sandy Taylor when she was President of the South Lancashire region. “We originally envisioned a ‘room of safety’ at the hospital,” said Sandy. “However, the need now is for the funds to be used to support individual women, as identified by the Safeguarding Team. “Times change but, alas, there continue to be vulnerable women in our community. As Soroptimists, therefore, we want co-operate in this proposal which will support women’s wellbeing.” On International Women’s Day, representatives of the clubs

“Break a leg” might be a traditional saying in the theatre world – but it’s not something to wish for in real life. Crosby’s Soroptimists welcomed Sue Doyle, a volunteer speaker with the Royal Osteoporosis Society, to give them the facts about bone health, diagnosis and treatment. Sue spoke about bone structure, how it can change through life and exactly what osteoporosis is. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for strong bones was her central theme. The Royal Osteoporosis Society is a charity dedicated to campaigning for the 3.5 million people in the UK who have this condition. It has a network of support groups and a helpline staffed by specialist nurses to ensure that accurate information makes a real difference to people’s lives. Vesna Levi (SI Crosby Programme Action Officer) said, “Sue’s talk really captured our members’ interest. A lively question-and-answer session followed, which could have