In 1947 members of SI Southport decided to set up a fund in order to purchase a house. The aim was to obtain a property that could be converted into self-contained apartments or rooms.
In 1956, after a number of years of dedicated fund raising, Barton Hollies was set up on Scarisbrick New Road near the town centre. In 1967 a second house, Baverstock House, was purchased. Both houses were converted to provide affordable accommodation for single and elderly women in Southport, who had limited income and/or had experienced difficulties with landlords. The formation of Southport Soroptimist Housing Association (SSHA) followed.
A small committee of SI Southport members took responsibility for running the houses and all members of SI Southport may individually hold one share each in SSHA. Shareholders are invited to attend the SSHA Annual General Meeting each year.
Throughout the years, the houses have been modernised and upgraded to conform to the legislation relating to housing associations. Because of the many and significant changes to the legislation, the committee outsourced the management of both houses. In 2012, the rules were completely amended to the NHF Model Rules.
In 2018, SSHA sold Barton Hollies and the funds received were used to enhance the accommodation at Baverstock House.
We now have a single property, Baverstock House, accommodating male and female tenants in seven self-contained apartments. The house is managed by a Managing Agent, who ensures that the properties are well-maintained and improved. We are a Community Benefit Society, continuing with our present objects to help and contribute to the community, not limited to housing.
If you wish to find out more about SSHA, please contact the club via the contact form.
SI Southport Club Room
In 1976 the members of SI Southport decided to create a clubroom at Baverstock House, in which the club could hold meetings, social and fundraising events. After a further period of fund raising, the clubroom at Baverstock House was built, consisting of a large meeting room with a separate kitchen. This was opened on 2nd October 1977 and has been the home of SI Southport since.
During the enhancements to Baverstock House in 2018, the facilities of the clubroom were upgraded, providing a larger kitchen and cloakroom, so the club has been able to host some regional meetings and workshops in addition to our own events and meetings.