Chris Hobbs, Practice Consultant for the charity SafeLives, was Crosby Soroptimists’ first speaker for the new year. SafeLives was founded in 2004. Its original emphasis was on supporting people (overwhelmingly women) who were coping with the ‘fallout’ of domestic violence and abuse. The charity provided Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) each of whom acted as advocate on a woman’s behalf, helping her through the court processes. SafeLives then set up for each woman and her IDVA a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) to create a safety plan for her family. In just over 10 years the charity had worked with 60,000 adult victims of abuse and more than 100,000 children, SafeLives’ strategy has expanded. It is dedicated to ending domestic abuse, “for everyone and for good”. It covers the full range from coercive control to high-risk (homicide) situations. Much of its work is ‘behind the

December saw Crosby Soroptimists busy  with active assistance, festive fun ... and Santa support. Once again members volunteered at St Joseph’s Hospice, Thornton, for the ‘Light Up A Life’ service. Visitors always appreciate hot drinks and mince pies on a cold night, and Soroptimists were on hand to help out. It’s a busy evening, but a great opportunity to support the hospice. In response to a plea from Thornton Parish Council, SI Crosby members helped Santa get to the Christmas lights ‘switch on’ in the village. His eco-friendly decorated bike ensured he was on time! The Soroptimists were able to collect for local causes during the festivities, plus the parish council added a generous donation. Pedal-powered sustainable Santa was ‘hit’ with everyone. Santa also needed the Soroptimists’ assistance when wild windy weather grounded Rudolph and the sleigh. This help meant he was still able to

Crosby’s Soroptimists showcased an award-winning Programme Action project at the South Lancashire regional meeting. A ditty, based on the project “One Stitch at a Time”, tells how the club’s members have created patchwork blankets for the charity Knit for Peace. As member Terry Francis read the poem, the Soroptimists demonstrated with simple props of yarn and squares, to show what they have achieved. Also on show were individually hand-crafted blankets, indicating how some members have taken their skills beyond simple squares. Crosby’s display was one of many at the regional meeting. The event gave clubs the opportunity to showcase Programme Action work that really does ‘make a difference’. SI Crosby also set up a fundraising stall, with President Jill Boggan turning saleswoman for the day. The Christmas-themed tree decorations made by club members proved so popular that £200 was raised for the club’s charity ‘pot’.

Dabbers at the ready? Crosby Soroptimists raised £400 at a fabulous bingo night. In partnership with St Benet’s RC Church, Netherton, the fundraising team and President Jill lined up flower garlands, goodie bags, music and a forfeit or two – and the crowds flocked in. Bingo is a popular social event locally. The games are run with such efficiency that the Soroptimists had but to watch and marvel. Playing for a line or a full house, competition was keen. Cards were scrutinised closely. A false call? Cue a chicken hat and a noisy rendition of “Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken – lay  little egg for me!”. A correct call – cue more music and loud applause. Pam, the Soroptimists’ (apprentice) caller, kept her cool – even when die-hard bingo players good-naturedly corrected her number rhymes. In bingoland, she also discovered, it’s not “Zero” but “Oh”.

Crosby Soroptimists have once again made a special effort in support of their local foodbank. At a recent meeting, members brought in festive goodies, to be added to the foodbank’s bags in the run-up to Christmas. South Sefton Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust’s nationwide network. Each foodbank gives three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred as being in crisis. Soroptimist Chris Chua-Short, a volunteer at the foodbank, said “Our club supports the foodbank all year round. However, we always try to donate special items at this time of year. People who are going through tough times need to feel that someone cares, and this is one way we can help.”  

At a recent meeting Crosby Soroptimists welcomed a young speaker and a new member. Firstly, Lele Seasman gave a lively account of her recent trip to Canada. A local Guide, Lele went through a long selection process. Finally she received the news that she had been chosen to join the UK group for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Lele then spent many months fundraising – which is when SI Crosby members decided to offer some financial support. This summer the British Guides stayed at a lakeside Girl Scout camp in Quebec province. In the action-packed week, daily challenges tested the girls’ stamina, teamwork and sense of adventure. From swimming in the lake to ziplining, Lele tackled everything, acquiring new skills along the way. Following hectic camp life the Guides took in the sights of Toronto and Niagara Falls. Plus, they all enjoyed the novelty of shopping in

Crosby Soroptimists’ autumn fair was a great success, raising over £1,000. Club members set up a variety of stalls, including a bottle tombola, books, ‘pre-loved’, lucky dip and handcrafted Hallowe’en decorations. There was, of course, a raffle – hampers full of tasty treats and toiletries. And henna hand-painting anyone? The Soroptimists also ran a café throughout the day, with home-made cakes and scones. The fair was organised in partnership with Susie of Bluebell Stalls, a local creative business. Soroptimists Sandy and Abby, who co-ordinated the event, acknowledged her help. “Several of Susie’s regular artisans took a stall, so there was a wide variety of crafts and skills on display. The hall was a-buzzing all day.” As ever, the Soroptimists took the opportunity to set up Ping-Pong-Potty. This popular challenge is raising funds to ‘twin’ another toilet – this time in the new welcome centre at

Crosby’s Soroptimists are celebrating! The club has won this year’s competition set by the President of SI South Lancashire Region, Denise Parker. The challenge? to showcase a project on the theme of ‘Little Things make a Big Difference’. Ten clubs in the region entered and, at the region's new members and awards lunch, eagerly awaited the result. President Denise asked an independent Soroptimist – Patricia Mercer of SI Runcorn, Frodsham & District - to judge the entries. It was a tough task, admitted Patricia. However, she had no hesitation in announcing SI Crosby’s ‘One stitch at a time’ entry as the winner. This project, begun during lockdown, still continues. SI Crosby 'little things' 2023 region challenge President Jill Boggan had the great pleasure of receiving the rosebowl trophy. Four recent Crosby Soroptimists - Abby, Angela, Susie and Sylvia - attended the region event. So for

Soroptimist President Jill Boggan recently enrolled a new Crosby member. Susanne Rogers is a chemist at Unilever working extensively in the consumer goods industry. As an Ambassador for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), Sue aims to attract more girls into science-based careers. “The world needs scientists”, she said. President Jill, and mentor Pat Murphy, were delighted to welcome Sue as Crosby Club’s newest Soroptimist. Later President Jill took the opportunity to thank all members for their magnificent response to her plea for donations to Sefton Baby Baskets. Members gave dozens of items of baby clothing, hand-crafted blankets and toys, all of which will go to new mothers facing tough times. This local charity is a feature of the Club’s service work, and is being highlighted this year. The demands on the charity’s services are expanding as it becomes more well-known in the community and as

Crosby Soroptimists welcomed Professor Alex Balch as their guest speaker at a recent meeting. Professor Balch works in the Department of Politics at the University of Liverpool. His research concerns politics and policy, with a focus on immigration, forced labour and human trafficking. He has collaborated with the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool on the legacies of slavery and how they may affect modern society. Are we implicated today? Exploitation makes money! Recently the professor’s team have been researching the concept known as ‘modern slavery’ by engaging with those who have lived experience of exploitation. Findings show, for example, that there is significant regional variance in the meaning and understanding of terms such as ‘modern slavery’ and ‘survivor’. Blanket – insensitive – use can alienate affected communities and negate well-intentioned policies. He explained to the Soroptimists how his methods of collaboration and partnership work effectively.