IF last year is anything to go by, Andy Perry, new president of St Helens Soroptimists, is never going to have a dull moment.

During the past 12 months, the go-ahead team has been knitting poppies for the British Legion, raising awareness about Fairtrade and getting a buzz from adopting beehives.

Andy says she is looking forward to helping to continue the outstanding work of Soroptimists worldwide and ensuring the status of women is advanced. Her theme for the coming year is New Life.

She said: “Soroptimists is very active in helping women and girls find a new life by supporting their education, improving their access to clean water, sanitation and health care, helping find refuge from abuse, protecting their human rights or actively campaigning on their behalf.

“We endeavour to ensure they have equality and a voice that is heard and acted upon.

“Through our project work we can open the door for many lives, especially through education.

“It is a very empowering gift to give any woman or girl, as they will always make the very best of what such an opportunity offers them.

“If you are planning the long-term future then educate a girl – she will make a difference, for herself, her family, her community and eventually her country.”

Last year the group raised £14,000 via outstanding social and charity events, enabling the club to make much-needed change to the lives of women and children, particularly girls, by donations locally and internationally. Their Macmillan coffee morning at Knowsley Hall raised £2,700, a tree was planted to the centenary of International Women’s Day, and their Adopt a Beehive was a huge success, encouraging bees which are so important to our environment.

The squad also raised awareness about Fairtrade, encouraging everyone to buy British butter and milk and meat and help our farming industries.

The British Legion received £824 from knitted poppy sales, and The Salvation Army project to grow their own plants paid off as they won a Silver medal at Chelsea last year with their display.

A third water well in Africa was funded, promoting good health in the villages.

Andy added: “We continue to support the Women’s Refuge in St Helens, T S Scimitar, offering naval training for boys and girls in St Helens, Carers UK and Young Carers St Helens, enabling them to carry on their wonderful caring work. Literacy, along with Maths for Parents, are especially important.

“We are always looking for new members.

“With your help we support local and International organisations whose work meets our aims and objectives. Please continue to support our projects.”

Find out more about the club at soroptimist-gbi/st-helens.