Soroptimists from the Crosby club are growing native wildflowers from seed. Why? Once strong enough, the flowers will be used to form part of the wetland wildflower meadow at Lunt Meadows nature reserve. The Soroptimists planted lesser knapweed, meadow vetchling, ox-eye daisy, meadow crane’s-bill, field scabious and ragged robin. They will nurture the seeds for several weeks, in readiness for planting out. The reserve is managed by the Wildlife Trust: Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside (LWT). This is LWT’s trial scheme, to see if robust plants have a good chance of thriving. Are they less of a temptation than the juicy seedlings so beloved of magpies? Lunt Meadows’ native wildflowers will act as a source of food for pollinators and invertebrates. In turn these will attract larger wildlife such as birds and dragonflies. SI Crosby is in a long-term partnership with LWT as the nature

Crosby’s Soroptimists have ‘been’ to Sweden for a meet-up with their Scandinavian friendship link sisters. SI Falkenberg invited members from Crosby to join them via Zoom for the first part of their club meeting – to be held in English. Anita Westerström opened the meeting in the traditional way. She lit four candles, symbolising Soroptimist International, the two Federations represented (Europe and Great Britain/Ireland), the Swedish Union, and the clubs present. Chris Smith talked about some of SI Crosby’s achievements during the pandemic, and the way in which the club has kept everyone in touch. Terry Francis outlined the club’s ongoing involvement with Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. ‘Breakout rooms’ then enabled small groups to chat and compare experiences during these challenging times. Cynthia Ashworth, SI Crosby’s Friendship Co-ordinator, said: “This was a delightful opportunity to join our Scandinavian sisters. “We had been looking forward to

Why become a Soroptimist? Crosby Soroptimist Jane Daly appears in the new publicity video produced by South Lancashire Region to answer that very question. Jane talks about what it means to her to be a Soroptimist. Serving the community, championing the rights of women and girls, fun and friendship - all are important. Soroptimists are woman who make a difference! To be a Soroptimist is to be an integral link in a worldwide network of achievers. Jane appears with two other South Lancashire Region colleagues on the video. All are proud to promote membership of Soroptimist International.

Crosby’s Soroptimists held a very successful online auction in aid of Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA). Club member Pat Murphy tackled the role of auctioneer, extolling the merits of each lot. “My front room looks like a Christmas fair”, she said, as she held up each item in succession. Members and friends, all on Zoom, soon got into the swing of the bidding. Some very decorative auction ‘paddles’ were on view, ready to catch the auctioneer’s attention. President Chris Smith juggled the technology and held bids from members not able to attend. The evening culminated in the raffle draw. Pam McKee, who co-ordinated the event, said: "This was a bit of an experiment, but all seemed to proceed as planned – thank goodness." Pam added: "We had wonderful support from our Soroptimists and friends; and one member has been able to arrange some match-funding.

A few of Crosby’s Soroptimists were able to hold a very special ‘in person’ gathering recently. Firstly, in President Chris Smith’s garden – in the sunshine – there was a simple change of insignia. Chris Chua-Short has been SI Crosby’s ‘Covid President’, holding virtual meetings throughout her year and co-ordinating the Club’s lockdown activity. She was therefore proud to wear the Club’s historic presidential badge before officially passing it to her successor. Secondly, the Crosby club welcomed a new Soroptimist – Vesna Levi. For several months Vesna has attended the Zoom meetings: but this was her first opportunity to meet other members – or, at least, a handful of them. “It was lovely for her finally to get together with a few of us in person, as she has only seen us on-screen. Now she knows that we all actually have legs!” said President Chris.

Crosby’s Soroptimists continue to keep up their ‘virtual’ social contacts. The home nations’ special days have proved a good excuse for events… Burns’ Night and St David’s Day have already been celebrated this year. St Patrick and St George were then lined up for some fun. Who knew that many Serbians have a liking for Irish music? Vesna did, and she provided a link to the ‘Orthodox Celts’ band. Quizzing, anecdotes, bingo and more toe-tapping music all combined to make an enjoyable Celtic evening. Was William Shakespeare born on 23rd April? The jury’s out. However, the Soroptimists looked at his life – and other features of ‘Englishness’ including St George and Downton Abbey. Members also relaxed in the company of the Two Ronnies – their Morris dancing and brass band sketches. Margaret Davidson, who co-ordinates the social activities said: “It’s so good to be able

At SI Crosby’s AGM, President Chris Chua-Short looked back on her momentous year leading her Soroptimist club. “I was running one step ahead”, she said, referring to the early days of Zoom meetings. “It was a steep learning curve.” President Chris was overwhelmed by the efforts club members made to develop new ways of organising successful service projects, of fundraising and of looking after each other. Challenges were faced in a spirit of unity. All the usual events that Soroptimist presidents attend were, of course, cancelled. President Chris therefore took this one opportunity to wear SI Crosby's beautiful insignia, as she spoke about her year. One final - pleasurable - presidential task was to present ('virtually') Val Dunning with her certificate marking 40 years' service as a Soroptimist. “Honoured and humbled” by members’ trust in her, President Chris ended by quoting Professor Albus Dumbledore: “We

Crosby’s Soroptimists marked International Women’s Day 2021 with a world-wide link-up. Soroptimists from SI Crosby’s ‘friendship clubs’ joined together ‘virtually’ for a morning celebrating women’s achievements. A warm welcome was extended to guests, including members from SI Falkenberg (Sweden) and SI Joondalup (Australia). Crosby members Stephanie, Elspeth and Jane spoke of their careers. They work – and worked – in environments ‘dominated’ by men. Trailblazers they have been, standing up for themselves and for other women in the workplace. Christine from SI Keighley (Yorkshire) told of her former MP Ann Cryer. Ann investigated the grooming and sexual exploitation of young girls in her community. She stood up for the mothers who were not being listened to. Despite personal safety issues she persisted. Eventually legal protection and other measures were put in place. Denise from SI Jesi (Italy) chose to tell the story of Maria Montessori,

Crosby’s Soroptimists choose to challenge – to highlight gender bias and inequality. On International Women’s Day – and every day – we can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made. It’s a day to call for change; to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women. The United Nations’ agency UN Women campaigns for an inclusive future in a Covid-19 world. From challenge comes change: Soroptimists choose to challenge.

Crosby’s Soroptimists have been ‘Zooming’ to keep up their social contacts within the club. A morning celebrating pancakes, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year was a novel idea but worked very well. There was a lot to talk about. President Chris Chua-Short explained a little, too, about the Chinese Zodiac. 2021 is the year of the Ox. In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking, are attributed to it. Excellent Soroptimist assets, too! March 1st – St David’s Day – gave another excuse for a virtual get-together. Favourite places in Wales, a themed quiz and famous Welsh personalities kept everyone entertained. Organised by Margaret Davidson and her Social team, these Zoom calls are a way of keeping club members in touch during lockdown. “A chat and an exchange of news over coffee