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' -

Santa has helped Crosby’s Soroptimists raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Despite bad weather, Santa and his Soroptimist elves greeted shoppers for an afternoon outside the Waitrose store in Formby. Then the brightly-lit Christmassy float toured Thornton one evening, delighting children and adults alike with singalong seasonal music. Pam McKee co-ordinates SI Crosby’s fundraising efforts. “Everyone has been so very generous” she said. “All donations will, as usual, go to local charities that our club supports. “In total, from our two outings, we raised over £800.” “Many thanks to Crosby’s Rotarians for the loan of their float and practical assistance. We are also indebted to our ‘Soroptimisters’ who always turn out to help with this Christmas tradition.”    

Crosby Soroptimist volunteers staffed the refreshment marquee for 'Light Up A Life' at St Joseph's Hospice. This popular Christmas event at the hospice in Thornton was - to the delight of all - once again held 'in person'. The woodland grounds make a stunning setting in which families can remember their loved ones. Soroptimist Jane Daly said: "People attending the service really appreciate the chance warm up with a hot drink - and maybe have their first mince pie of the Christmas season. "SI Crosby members have helped out over many years.  We are always pleased to assist St Joseph's at this special event."

Crosby’s Soroptimists have, once again, set up a tree as part of the Christmas Tree Festival at St Faith’s Church, Crosby. The theme this year is in line with President Chris Smith’s focus – our links with Waterloo Primary School. Children in Year 5 made decorations for the tree. Several featured laptops, for which we raised funds during lockdown. The children used the computers while learning at home. President Chris said: “The Christmas Tree Festival gives our Soroptimist club the opportunity to showcase a little of our practical service in the community. “Last year the festival was online. This year it is so good to take part again ‘in person’ in this opening celebration of the Christmas season.”

Crosby’s Soroptimists have focussed on women’s long-term health and wellbeing. Powerful testimony from cancer survivor Abby Younis introduced members to a new way of transforming women’s lives. Abby is fronting a campaign to fundraise for a state-of-the art laser at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital (LWH). Dr Paula Briggs is Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the hospital. Cancer treatments, she explained, can cause a medically-induced menopause. Many menopausal symptoms are commonly known. Others, such as vaginal atrophy, are less well recognised – even among clinicians. Internal dryness, weakening, recurrent infections – often the consequences of modern cancer treatments. Women find these gynaecological symptoms difficult to talk about. Yet they can jeopardise their physical and mental health, and blight their lives. The Soroptimists heard that the LWH is seeking to fund a CO2 (Mona Lisa Touch) laser, costing £50,000. The laser will enable this NHS

Better late than never! Crosby's Soroptimists raised £1,434 at a fundraising 'virtual' auction last May. It was an experiment - and turned out to be a great success. President Chris Smith has now been able to hand over a cheque for the proceeds. Neil Frackelton, Chief Executive of Sefton Woman's and Children's Aid (SWACA), was delighted to receive it. This charity is close to the hearts of local Soroptimists and the club has long been associated with SWACA.

Crosby’s Soroptimists have been going back in time. The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) is planning education workshops. These form part of the Mesolithic and Modern Life project at Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. SI Crosby is a long-term partner with LWT. The Soroptimists are joining other volunteers in developing sessions that can be rolled out as part of the project’s learning programme. Topics include prehistoric crafts and archaeology techniques. Soroptimist Chris Chua-Short said: “The initial workshop, on prehistoric crafts, was led by Barry Taylor and Amy Gray Jones, Senior Lecturers in Archaeology at the University of Chester. “They gave us an insight into life in Mesolithic times, then explained how to make some traditional Mesolithic items. We started with cording using nettle and some other tree bark. Certainly, we weren’t as skilled as people 9,000 years ago! However, it was challenging

100 years, and counting Crosby’s Soroptimists have a come up with a special way of commemorating the centenary of Soroptimist International (SI) in 2021. Members are making a quilt. The quilt will be featured in the run-up to the ‘virtual’ conference of Soroptimist International, Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) in Llandudno. The design is ‘Friendship Star’ using the American 9-patch system. Traditional Soroptimist ‘colours’ of blue and yellow are included in the pattern. Led by experienced crafter Laurel Byrne of Treasure Quilt, the Soroptimists pieced together the motifs. For several, this was a whole new skill to learn. Laurel will now apply the wadding and the backing fabric to create the quilt. Sandy Taylor came up with the original idea and suggested it to her fellow members. “For several years we put our sewing skills to good use, raising funds for charities. “SI Crosby is