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.

Six Crosby Soroptimists went on a Norwegian adventure. This ‘friendship visit’ brought together Crosby, Kalundborg (Denmark) and Falkenberg (Sweden) club members in Sigdal, Norway. Sandy Taylor talks about the trip. “We were greeted warmly on arrival by our hosts and introduced to ‘Lob Scouse’ - very familiar, of course, to those of us from Liverpool. “President Jill and I were hosted by Turi, who lives in a typical country house, previously owned by her great-grandfather. Turi and her family are artists. Can you imagine our surprise when we entered the living room to be greeted by Mr Moose! Shades of Monty Python? “We were asked ‘Who would like to go for a walk to see the Madonna & Baby?’ Three of us were ‘game’. This is a famous landmark in Sigdal, but it was quite a hike. What a view, though. A lovely place for

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