Two recycling initiatives featured at a recent meeting of Soroptimist International, Crosby. Firstly, Margaret Emsley spoke about the Diamond Education Grant (DEG). This charity awards grants to women who need to update their skills, or acquire new ones, so they have a better chance of obtaining employment or promotion.  Women who have overcome personal challenges may find they are particularly successful in obtaining a grant. The DEG was set up by our Federation – Soroptimist International, Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI). Applicants don’t have to be Soroptimists – but they must live in one of the countries within SIGBI. Margaret is a Trustee of the charity. Of course, demand always outstrips supply! The DEG team have to make hard choices each year as they assess the applicants. Margaret therefore commended SI Crosby for taking part in the ‘Recycling for Good Causes‘ scheme. This raises much-needed

Going - Going - All Gone! Crosby's Soroptimists have held a highly successful auction, raising over £1,700. Proceeds go to Liverpool University Hospitals Charity (towards a women's "room of safety") plus other local charities. Pam McKee, Chair of SI Crosby's Fundraising team, was MC for the event. She said: "Thanks to generous donors - and keen bidders - we raised that magnificent sum. "Club member Pat Murphy, was once again our auctioneer. Pat is very experienced at squeezing out every last pound - and she really kept the evening going most profitably. "Guest speaker was retired local jeweller Marie Caddick. Lab-grown diamonds? This was new to most of us, and Marie gave a fascinating insight into this latest development in the jewellery business. "Our Soroptimists, family and friends had great fun - with a purpose. A huge thank you to all. "

Crosby’s Soroptimists take part in various recycling initiatives. In one small project, members have been asked to collect their family’s empty medicine blister packs. They can deposit the packs at local participating Superdrug pharmacies. Club members not able to visit a Superdrug pharmacy themselves can still participate. Here Soroptimists Norma Marshall and Linda Key deliver a consignment of packs handed in by fellow members. Once collected from the pharmacy, the packets are separated by polymer type. They are cleaned (if necessary). The material is then extruded into plastic pellets to make new recycled products. This initiative is just one example of Soroptimist International’s commitment to link its work to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The UN Goal 14 is “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, sea and marine resources for sustainable development”. Earth’s largest ecosystem – the ocean – is endangered by plastic pollution.

Anyone for hapa zome printing? Crosby’s Soroptimists had the opportunity to try this out at their recent meeting. Club members welcomed Cheryl Ashton and Molly Toal from the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. SI Crosby has a long-term partnership with the Trust, focussed on the educational and community potential of Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. Cheryl gave an update on progress – a start on construction of the long-awaited welcome centre is imminent. Hapa zome printing is, therefore, one example of the many nature-based learning activities that could feature. The technique - which is of Japanese origin – is ‘flower-pounding’. Arrange fresh flowers and leaves between fabric layers and bash them with a wooden implement. Very satisfying! Peel away the fabric and – voilà – a colourful pattern. The Soroptimists’ efforts varied from delicate to splodgy – elderberries were particularly messy. But all

Members of Soroptimist International, Crosby, are deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen dedicated her life to the service of the nation and held fast to that promise. Our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.  

Once again Crosby’s Soroptimists turned out in force to help their local hospice. Club members staffed the refreshment marquee at St Joseph’s Hospice Summer Fair. It was brisk business serving drinks and cakes. The traditional Teddy Bears’ Parade was the day’s highlight. Tradition again – the Crosby Soroptimist President was one of the judges. Along with David Bricknell (Chair of Trustees) and Clare Waller (Clinical Director), President Margaret Davidson had the unenviable task of scrutinising the dozens of teddies and other furry friends that the children had brought along. “Choosing the ‘Oldest’ wasn’t too difficult; but selecting the ‘Most Unusual’ and ‘Best Dressed’ caused a lot of heart-searching”, said President Margaret. She added, “Very many club presidents have judged the parade over the years, so I was fully aware of the challenge. The sea of hopeful faces is a bit daunting, though! “Still, our Club

Crosby’s Soroptimists recently held a coffee morning as a summer fundraiser. Pam McKee, Fundraising Team Leader said: “Glorious weather ensured a relaxing outdoor occasion. Many thanks to our member Sheila, who opened up her lovely garden for us. “We raised £236 which will add to the funds that we distribute to local organisations each March.” As a ‘fun’ game, club member Sandy Taylor set up ‘Ping Pong Potty’ and challenged everyone to ‘go potty’. Fundraising on this theme is ongoing until World Toilet Day on 19th November. Sandy said: “Crosby’s Soroptimists have an informal ‘toilet twinning partnership’ with our friendship link club SI Jesi, in Italy. “We raised £54 at the coffee morning – that’s almost half way to our target of £120. We’ll then be able to ‘twin’ a toilet – and make an amazing difference to a family’s life.”

Four Crosby Soroptimists set off to Shropshire to visit children who were on a week-long 'residential' with the Sefton Children's Trust (SCT). But a Covid outbreak at the adventure centre meant a change of plans en-route! SI Crosby club gave a donation to SCT earlier this year, having found out about the Trust's work (see Sefton Childrens Trust Leaflet 2022 ). Members were then invited to visit the children on their residential Open Day at Culmington Manor, near Craven Arms. They were hoping to see the charity in action, and find out more about the difference it makes to children's lives. Sandy, Abby, Sharon and Pam had taken up the invitation. Disappointed but undeterred by the change of plans, they decided to make the most of the day with cultural visits, particularly in Ludlow. In particular there was a fine exhibition of vintage wedding dresses

Crosby’s Soroptimists have been ‘active’ in raising awareness about single-use plastics. This year’s ‘Day of Action’, organised by Soroptimist International, Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI), focuses on Climate Change and reducing the use of these soft plastics. Vesna Levi, who co-ordinates Crosby club members’ initiatives, said: “Our members are being encouraged to make permanent lifestyle changes by cutting down their use of plastics in general, one step at a time." Vesna continued: “In advance of SIGBI’s Day of Action we also asked them to collect their ‘softies’. These include grocery packs and pouches, wrappings, fruit nets, peel-off lids, delivery bags and bubble-wrap. Members then took them to a recycling point. (Our local supermarkets have bins for these soft plastics.) We asked for photos! “Out of interest, some Soroptimists have weighed their bagsful. Eight members logged almost 2.7kg. That’s a lot of single-use plastic going off

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) has released the timetable for the new-build learning centre. Crosby’s Soroptimists are in partnership with LWT on the ‘Mesolithic and Modern Life’ project : the learning centre is a key part of this. For the Soroptimists this project is a long-term collaboration with the Trust. Education – the environment – mental and physical health – what a combination!