Fuel poverty is becoming a very serious issue as prices rise and poorer families struggle to “heat or feed.” The members of Nantwich & District Soroptimists decided to try and help prevent the loss of heat by providing cuddly hot water bottles and furry blankets to those in need. We supplied 41 blankets and 32 hot water bottles to “Chance Changing Lives” in Crewe, the Foodbank in Nantwich and also the Dementia Thursday Club in Nantwich. They were all very gratefully received.

Nantwich Soroptimists asked the Community Champion for the YMCA in Crewe if there was anything they needed for the local families who were struggling at the moment. Tracey said that what would be wonderful was if she could provide them with some Easter Eggs. A quick whiz round the shops and 46 Easter Eggs were duly collected and passed on.

    “Chance Changing Lives” in Crewe (who are one of the main organisations we try very hard to support) contacted us to ask if we could help one mother and daughter in dire need. They had been abandoned and had absolutely nothing apart from the clothes they stood up in. The girl was aged 12 and her mother a similar slight build so we talked to our grandchildren and children to see who had some clothes to spare? We were thrilled to be swamped with suitable donations. We were able to supply 45 items of clothing including coats, shoes, hoodies, leggings, pyjamas and many more. Michelle from Chance told us that the mother was overcome when she was given the clothes and said that now she felt she would be able to move on and make something of their lives.

As part of the celebration of the first centenary of Soroptimist International in 2021, more than 100 Soroptimists have been selected to be commemorated as part of the #WhoIsShe? Campaign. The centenary of the organisation seemed a fitting opportunity to recognise and celebrate the professional and personal commitments made by these outstanding members in the furtherance of the aims and objects of the organisation. One of these women is Dr Violet Gladys Pritchard who has been a member of Nantwich Club for 45 years. Born 25th November 1928, Sutton, Surrey. Violet attended Wallington County High School for Girls, Surrey, from September 1939 as World War 2 began. She matriculated in June 1944 and hoped to take her Higher Schools Certificate. She studied at London Polytechnic for a BSc to gain a place in medical school. The London Hospital offered her a place in October 1948. She graduated

For many years we have supported the YMCA in Crewe and their work with vulnerable families. Our contact Tracey Bentley has been in despair this year because she was not able to get out into the community and work with the families to give them the support they so desperately needed. One activity they were able to do was during half term they delivered a “pack” to 42 of their most vulnerable families. Mainly single mums with children. The packs included activities for the children, a bit of pamper for the mums and a £10 voucher for Asda. Tracey said that the mums are very proud and even though they might be in need, they would be very offended if actual food had been put in the pack. A voucher was ok. The YMCA wanted to do the same for the mums at Christmas but