On a cold Saturday morning in early December, members of SI Southport packed bags of toiletry items & sorted warm clothing to be given to vulnerable people who visit the Christmas Shelter run by the Alchemy Centre in Southport over the Christmas period. This has been a tradition in the club for many years – at this time of year. members feel it is important to support those attending the Shelter, especially those that find themselves homeless.

SI Southport member Margaret Davies was inducted as the president of our region, SI South Lancashire at the recent SIGBI Federation Conference in Cardiff. Margaret has chosen the theme of ‘REACH OUT’ for her year. She would like members to think about engaging and developing communications with other organisations and charities. We need to build new connections, form strong partnerships and possibly link together with other service organisations and plan a joint project together. We wish Margaret a great year! The photo shows Margaret (right) with the 2017/18 Federation President, Sue Biggs (centre), and the Immediate Past Regional President, Margaret Molyneux.

In March, SI Southport celebrated a special birthday, the 85th anniversary of the charter, with a gala dinner and dance. We were delighted to welcome members from many local clubs in South Lancashire – including our mother club, SI Liverpool – as well as the Immediate Past SIGBI President, Margaret Emsley. Margaret assisted President Elaine Tenneson with the cutting of a wonderful anniversary cake, produced by our own member, Barbara Welby. It was an extra special evening as we welcomed members from our friendship link clubs – SI Gdansk (Poland), SI Lisburn (Northern Ireland), SI Caserta (Italy) and SI Windemere. The photo shows Bianca Stella Libero from SI Caserta and husband Gigi with Heather & Ian Shulver.  

Southport members held an auction at their Club Room, with our special guest auctioneers, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, aka Margaret Davies and Jean Tweddell. Over 100 lots – an eclectic collection of kitchen items, jewellery, clothing and toys, plus some ‘promises’ of delicious meals and desserts – were on offer and Stan and Ollie skilfully encouraged members and friends to bid. Great fun was had by all and almost £700 was raised for local charities.

Megan Ashworth, a student at KGV Sixth Form College, presented recently to SI Southport about her World Challenge Expedition to Costa Rica. Megan had to raise £3800 for the expedition, which she did through a series of innovative ideas – sponsored events, cake sales, as well as a part-time job – and applications to organisations and groups such as ours. The expedition involved a trekking phase – where the students climbed the highest peak in the area – and a community phase. In the community phase, the students lived and collaborated with a family, planted trees, painted a local school and helped with the construction of aquaduct. Megan, who was accompanied by her mother Alison,  gave a very animated and interesting presentation to the club. She told us that this expedition – including the fund raising, the preparation, the travel and the opportunity to embrace

SI President Yvonne Simpson launched her appeal ‘Educate To Lead: Nepal’ on 10 December, the very day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our President’s Appeal addresses human rights issues that follow a disaster. The earthquakes in Nepal were devastating – physically, geographically, psychologically, financially, and economically. The resulting poverty has left women and girls more vulnerable. Human traffickers prey on rural women and deceive them into losing their freedom and human rights. Many have lost their livelihoods and need to find a way to care for themselves and their families. Women can be change agents too – and it is imperative to have women in leadership positions so they can empower their communities. Education is the key. Education empowers women with new skills and new hope for economic independence. It provides the confidence and ability to

SI Southport’s newest project is ‘Smalls for All’ – identified by one of our newest members, Mary McDonagh. ‘Smalls for All’ is a young charity set up in 2010 by Maria McNamara, to help vulnerable women and children in orphanages and displacement camps (IDP) in various parts of Africa. The aim is to improve the health and security, and restore the dignity of women and children in Africa and as a result put people in a better economic and social position. The charity collects and distributes underwear, both new pants and new or gently worn bras to those who need it most, including those suffering from medical conditions like fistula. Underwear is seen as a status symbol and ensures women are less vulnerable. In addition, it also supports grassroots, sustainable projects with local ownership and helps fund the education of a small number of children

Following on from last year’s success the Alchemy Centre, which is part of Parenting 2000 in Southport, will be open again during the festive period. Volunteers and staff at the centre serve hot meals and beverages to the homeless community and those who have financial problems. The Christmas Shelter will be open from Friday 23rd December to Tuesday 27th between 9am and 2 pm. They are also very grateful to receive donations of food, toiletries and clothing.  Southport members gathered in our Club Room to pack 55 bags of toiletries for the homeless this Christmas and also warm clothing.