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' -

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