In early October, SI Southport traditionally celebrates Friendship Night, where we meet together to celebrate our friendship links with the lighting of candles and an evening of fun and good food. Of course, 2020 was different. This year our ‘Friendship night of SI Southport’ was held virtually. President Rosemary welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced all our members and guests – which this year included representatives from ALL of our friendship links. We were also delighted to be joined by SIGBI Friendship Link Co-ordinator, Bhaswati Biswas. The current Covid-19 situation has affected every corner of the world, but nevertheless, Soroptimist clubs were actively supporting, helping and driving projects to ease the trauma. Each of our guests gave a summary of their clubs and their projects and following each presentation, the friendship link correspondent lit a candle WITH our link clubs, many of whom lit their

Each year SI Southport lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in Southport on Remembrance Sunday to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. Because of the Covid rules, there was no ceremony or communal prayers, but President Rosemary Moore joined with Presidents of other service organisations in the town to lay our wreath. In the words of the poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Robert Binyon: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them  

Since the lockdown, SI Southport members have been keeping in touch using the wonders of Zoom. In ‘real life’, our club meets twice monthly so we decided to retain this structure and have one meeting as a Club Meeting, where we discuss SI activities, and the second as a more social event. President Rosemary Moore suggested the theme of ‘Fun with Hats’ for the May social meeting. Members were asked to wear a hat that had some significance and to tell the tale of the hat. As the photo shows, there was a great response. Ann Bryan (top row on the left) – the picture is bit dark as Ann was sitting outside in the sun!) told us about her hat – she said she has difficulty finding a hat that fits, until she found the modest sunhat she is wearing. She bought in La

Members of the Southport Club, together with friends and relatives, have been busy with their knitting needles. Joss Glanville and Heather Shulver led the production of ‘twiddle muffs’. These are like ordinary muffs but specifically for people whose hands are relatively inactive. They have an inner layer for warmth but also have attachments such as buttons that can be twiddled to help occupy restless fingers. The items were sold at the Regional Meeting and also at the recent Christmas Fair and proceeds will be donated to local charities and President Jean’s charity, Alzheimers Society. Heather has also busy with knitting tiny baby clothes for the Special Care Baby Unit at the Southport & Ormskirk Hospital. Just a sample of the collection is shown. Keep knitting, ladies!                      

A wonderful night of Edwardian Splendour was enjoyed by all who attended the Old Time Music Hall Supper held by Soroptimist International of Southport recently. The event was held in the magnificent buildings of Southport Masonic Hall in Duke Street on 5th October in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society, President Jean Spooner’s charity. Guests were invited to join in the fun by dressing for the era and were welcomed on arrival with canapes and Prosecco as well as corsages for the Ladies. They were also entertained at their tables by a magician and a concert given by the singers Val Watts and friends who gave wonderful entertaining performances in the manner of Marie Lloyd and Vesta Tilly. Master of Ceremonies was Ben Mott – Manager of Sutton Grange Care Home in Banks –  who carried out the task in his exhuberant manner as the host

President Jean Spooner inducted SI Southport’s newest member, Lisette Muddiman, into the club at the recent Club Meeting. Lisette was commended to the members and we are delighted to welcome her to Soroptimist International. We look forward to a long and happy association.

SI Southport enters the world of Floral Art! Joan Hardwick, one of the Club’s newest members, brought her amazing skills and experience as a floral artist and demonstrator to the club. She offered to share her skills with club members  – and just look at the results from the first class! The participants enjoyed the experience so much that this may become a regular monthly session. Thanks, Joan, great fun and friendship – and the chance to gain a great new skill! Joan Hardwick with her proteges