For many years, the three SI clubs in Sefton – SI Bootle, SI Crosby and SI Southport  – have met for a fun social evening. This is a great opportunity for us to get together in an informal environment to talk about our clubs, renew friendships and make new friends from all three clubs. The evening is hosted by each of the clubs in turn and this year it was Southport’s turn. President Janet decided to have a 60s evening. Emmanuel Church Hall was turned into a dance hall of the 1960s, full of peace and love. Party finger food, including stuffed celery, sausage rolls, grapefruit ‘hedgehogs’ with cheese, onion & pickles and ‘naughty-but-nice’ trifles  were lovingly prepared by our members, together with a fruit punch to quench our thirst. Everyone was invited to come in ‘60s fashion and many members really threw themselves into

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