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

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