Members from SI Southport  joined family and friends to give a fond farewell to our Honorary Member, Jean Lee, who passed away in April at the age of 96. Jean’s committal took place at Southport Crematorium and this was followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Cuthbert’s Church. The service, of words, music, hymns and prayers, included wonderful eulogies and personal memories from Jean’s nephew and nieces to whom she was very close. On behalf of SI, Dorothy Lee-Ogden also gave a tribute to Jean, who served the club actively for many years, including as Club President in 1975/6. Until she had health issues in the last few years, she remained a regular attendee at meetings and events whenever possible and we were delighted to see her for the celebration of her 90th birthday at Baverstock House. Jean’s contribution to the Southport club was

Almost 120 guests attended the annual Change of Insignia lunch to celebrate the installation of the Club’s new President, Jean Spooner. We were delighted to welcome our honoured guests: Mary Andrews, President of our mother club, Liverpool, who responded to the toast to the guests Ian Cookson, President of the Rotary Club of Southport, who proposed the toast to Soroptimist International Sue Underwood, President of our region, SI South Lancs, who responded to Ian’s toast.                               Following the installation by the retiring President, Paulene Regan, Jean spoke about the role that the SI Club has featured in her life since relocating to Southport, providing friendship, fun and opportunities to provide service to others. She is looking forward to a busy year of activities, including service and fund raising for local charities

Members from the three SI Clubs in Sefton – SI Bootle, SI Crosby and SI Southport  – joined together again for the annual Three Clubs Meeting, this year hosted by SI Bootle. As the photo shows, the ukulele band enlisted the assistance of the three Club  Presidents and handed them their ukuleles!

For the last few years, SI Southport has concentrated on three areas of Programme Action – these are health, education and violence against women. In early February, the health team arranged an excellent evening – a delicious meal and an outstanding presentation by our newest member. She presented a very personal story of her husband’s condition – how, from feeling unwell on holiday, he was diagnosed with a serious brain injury, a condition which transformed both their lives. She spoke very honestly and passionately of the following months and how they learned to cope with this new situation  – and how she became aware of Headway Sefton, a charity set up to help and give support to people affected by brain injury. The charity operates on a local and national basis, providing a number of services, including rehabilitation programmes, carer support and community outreach.  With

SI Southport held their annual Christmas Coffee Morning at the club room in Baverstock House. Our talented members have spent the last few weeks in creative mode, crafting festive decorations, gifts and cards which were on sale at the Christmas stall.  A bottle tombola was very popular and the home made cake stall was well stocked but quickly sold out. There were two raffles – one for a Christmas cake, expertly prepared by member Barbara Welby, and the other for an enormous festive hamper filled with treats such as biscuits, port, truffles and smoked foods. Coffee, tea and mince pies were provided throughout the morning. In total over £600 was raised for local charities.