Congratulations to member Judith Clark, who recently celebrated 25 years as a Soroptimist in the Southport Club.

Just before Christmas, members of the PAC Committee met at our club room In Baverstock House to pack washbags with essential toiletries. These washbags were subsequently delivered to the Christmas shelter for distribution to the homeless.

The Club held its annual Christmas Coffee Morning at 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. The home made cake stall was well stocked but quickly sold out. There was also two raffles – one for a Christmas cake, prepared by member Barbara Welby, and the other for pamper hampers – and a bottle tombola.  Coffee, tea and mince pies were provided throughout the morning. In total over £1000 was raised for local charities.

Our annual International Night was held in early December. This year, our theme was Italy, as a tribute to our friendship link of Caserta, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2015. Carol Hill and the members of the International Committee prepared an delicious Italian buffet as the members were challenged to a table quiz about the country, the art and the history. We were joined by guests Sandy Taylor, SI South Lancs Regional President and Liz Downham, President of Southport Inner Wheel Club. The proceeds from the evening were combined with those from our Friendship Night and donated to the International President’s Appeal, ‘Educate to Lead: Nepal’.

Members and guests enjoyed a Brunch at Baverstock House on Saturday, 21 November 2015 when money was raised for the Club’s Programme Action work in the community and internationally.

SI Southport sponsored one of the awards at Sefton’s No Limits presentations, held at the Floral Hall. The photo shows President Heather with IPP Jocelyn Glanvill and Margaret Cole, President of SI Crosby, who also sponsored an award – plus a furry friend!

President Heather Shulver, together with 4 members of the club, joined Soroptimists from all over the world at the Soroptimist International Conference in the amazing and exciting city of Istanbul. Full details of the conference can be found on the SIGBI website.

In June, President Heather with 4 members and 2 husbands visited one of the club’s longest-established friendship links, SI Caserta in Italy. The Italian Club were celebrating their 50th anniversary and had organised a weekend of activities, including visits to old town of Casertavecchia, the Royal Palace, a Roman amphitheatre and S. Leucio, an 18th century industrial village famous for silk production. The highlight of the visit was a Gala Dinner, where we celebrated this milestone birthday with President Loredana and members of SI Caserta.