Three Soroptimists head off for Santiago de Compostela Firstly, a confession: our bags were transported so, unlike the pilgrims of old, we just carried our needs for the day. This had been a plan in the hatching for a long time – the three of us and a friend. We’d hoped to go in April 2020 but Covid put paid to that. An early start, long security delays at Manchester, a flight and a bus eventually saw us arrive in Tui, Galicia, on the Spanish/Portuguese border. That’s some 117km from Santiago de Compostela. We started walking the following morning after a breakfast of too many pastries and fabulous freshly squeezed orange juice. The ‘way’ is generally well marked. This route is very popular so we weren’t always alone. All sorts of people from all over the world do the Camino. We were particularly taken with

President Margaret Davidson has welcomed a new Soroptimist to the Crosby club. Abby Younis is a financial crime consultant by profession, and a supporter of women’s issues by inclination. She recently came to a Crosby club meeting as a guest speaker. Following that, Abby decided to become a Soroptimist. Abby founded the ‘Women Conquering Cancer’ fundraising campaign. This aims to raise funds for a Mona Lisa laser for the Women’s Hospital, Liverpool. The equipment will enable life-changing treatment for women suffering from uro-genital disorders following natural or surgical menopause. This very new Soroptimist has already been active. At the 2022 conference, organised by SI South Lancashire Region, Abby stepped in when a speaker had to pull out of the programme. President Margaret also had the pleasure of congratulating Jill Boggan on her momentous drive to Ukraine. Jill and her co-driver were the ‘Girl Power’ team,

A Crosby Soroptimist drove to Poland and Ukraine, delivering aid collected by the Archdiocese of Liverpool. Jill Boggan swapped her desk and her role as Director of Finance for the archdiocese to get behind the wheel of a van. The journey took five days, and covered 2,800 miles, travelling through six countries. Jill and her co-driver Nicky Hegarty, a work colleague, left Liverpool as part of a convoy and drove via Eurotunnel to France. Then it was on to Belgium and the Netherlands. After an overnight stop they drove through Germany and finally to Krakow in Poland. At their drop off point on the Poland/Ukraine border they were met by Bishop Gregory Komar, Auxiliary Bishop of the Ukrainian diocese of Sambir-Drohobych. Then it was the long drive home. Read the full story Ukraine trip April 2022 Jill’s trip was part of the archdiocese’s ‘#liverpool4ukraine’ appeal.

Crosby Soroptimists’ AGM – an opportunity to look back and then ahead. Retiring President Chris Smith commented on the year. She spoke of her pride in the way members had supported her through such uncertain times – the pandemic and the slow road to recovery. Despite so many restrictions, members had continues to be active in service and fundraising. Incoming President Margaret Davidson spoke of the club’s continued focus on service. Members could look forward to the developments at Lunt Meadows, encompassing education and the environment. She hoped that in 2023 – pandemic permitting! – SI Crosby would be able once again to hold STEM event. President Margaret also challenged members to seek out opportunities to invite potential members to meetings. “New blood brings new dreams”, she said.

Celebration! That was the theme of Crosby Soroptimists' recent dinner-dance. Minimum formality, maximum fun. Members, friends and families relaxed with good food, lively conversation and music, music, music. Led by President Chris Smith, everyone was able to set aside memories of two difficult years by once again coming together and enjoying each others' company. Region President Dorcas Akeju joined in the fun. So too did guests from local Soroptimist clubs and from organisations with whom SI Crosby members have worked recently. The Liverpool Signing Choir delighted guests with their fine performance of several well-known songs. Soon, under tuition, guests themselves took up the challenge of signing. The song? "You'll Never Walk Alone" - and even Evertonians gamely joined in. Finally, the dance floor filled up as the DJ played request after request. This really was a night to remember.

Amy Metcalfe from The Girls’ Network gave Crosby Soroptimists a whistle-stop introduction to ‘girl power’. The Girls’ Network (TGN) is a young charity but – already – is having a powerful impact. Through one-to-one mentoring teenage girls (aged 14 to 19) are empowered to challenge society’s stereotypes and expectations. Girls from the least-advantaged communities lack role models. Yet, through regular conversations with their mentors, over the course of a year, their outlook can open up. Mentors are women – from any career background. They share their experiences and skills with their mentees. Opportunities are out there! As TGN puts it, “you can’t be what you can’t see”. TGN has expanded from its home base in London (2013) to several parts of England, including Merseyside. The charity always partners with local schools and colleges. Amy explained that it is currently mentoring 1,200 girls a year. However,

Crosby Soroptimists visited Crosby Hall Educational Trust (CHET) on International Women’s Day. The club has supported CHET for many years, and this was an opportunity to celebrate the opportunities for girls and boys offered by the Centre. Graham Still-Blundell, CHET’s Principal, showed members the new activity barn. This is a fantastic indoor space for – not least – archery and fencing. Of course, no one could resist having a go with the bows, under Graham’s instruction. Over the years SI Crosby’s members have volunteered at a wide variety of CHET’s events. The club has also contributed to the bursary fund, which supports pupils attending the Centre. Children from Sefton, Merseyside (and further afield) attend CHET for residential and day visits. The Centre is so popular that it is booked up for the full school year ahead, and beyond. CHET’s next outdoor project will be the

Soroptimist Ann Dickinson had the surprise of her life recently. Choirs and ensembles with whom Ann has been associated for decades conspired to hold a concert in her honour. This was a thank-you on behalf of the generations of singers and performers who have benefitted from “Aunty Ann’s” skills at the keyboard. Among those who sang for Ann were members of Crosby Gilbert & Sullivan Society, SEMusic (St Edmund’s Choir) and BOST (Birkenhead Operatic Society). The surprise concert, at St Faith’s Church, Crosby, was a joyful (and occasionally tearful) occasion. Several Crosby Soroptimists were in the audience to clap and cheer a great lady. Still dashing here and there to accompany groups or play for dance exams throughout Merseyside, Ann is an inspiration to all. She gives of her time and talents freely. Whether in the community or in her Soroptimist club, whether at a

“Awareness is vital when it comes to ovarian cancer.” Sylvia Pearl, from the Dianne Oxberry Trust, spoke to Crosby’s Soroptimists about the work of this young, north-west-based charity. The trust’s aim is to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Symptoms? These include bloating – pelvic pain – loss of appetite – bladder problems – unusual tiredness – bleeding after the menopause. Sylvia stressed the importance of recognising the signs. If they last a few weeks take action quickly and seek medical advice. Believe in yourself and how you feel, she urged – press for a blood test that could lead to a diagnosis. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater are the chances of a good outcome. The Trust is named after Dianne Oxberry, the broadcaster well known in north-west England. Dianne died so young from ovarian cancer. The trust was founded in the

To celebrate the centenary of Soroptimist International, SI Crosby partnered with Crosby High School to plant trees in the school grounds. Crosby High School is a special school for pupils aged 11-16.  It began development of a Forest School within its grounds around three years ago. This utilises space and provides an alternative learning experience. Through engagement with the outside environment pupils learn new skills, and develop personal strategies such as resilience and perseverance. The sessions also make a positive contribution to pupils' well-being. Acting Head, Lisa Mohan said, "The trees provided by SI Crosby are a welcome addition to our Forest School. The pupils involved in planting them will watch their development with particular interest." As Soroptimist International celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2021, many clubs all over the world are planting trees. These honour the first-ever Soroptimist project - ‘Save the Redwoods' -