WENDY Battersby is looking forward to leading St Helens Soroptimist Club through its celebratory 70th anniversary year.

Wendy, a recently retired teacher from Rainford has just taken over as the new President of St Helens Branch.

Wendy says: “I am very honoured and proud to be president of our club in this very special anniversary year.

“We are a long-established club and take great pride in our history and traditions.

“My theme for the year is the ‘three Fs’ – Fundraising, Fellowship and Fun – with the aim of raising awareness and making a difference to those in need both locally and internationally.

“We have a planned timetable of social and fundraising events to help us celebrate.

“Last year saw our club raise over £10.000 for worthy causes, mostly local.

“Our Macmillan coffee morning at Knowsley Hall raised £6,500 and, after busily knitting poppies, we were able to present £1,700 to the Royal British Legion.

“These are just two examples of the work we do, whilst not forgetting one of our objectives which is changing the lives of women and children, particularly girls, for the better by our donations.”