KEIGHLEY Soroptimists have not allowed lockdown to curtail activities.

Fortnightly meetings are being staged via Zoom, with – in addition to the business element ­– quizzes, a beetle drive, poetry readings and story writing.

Members without the necessary technology are being kept updated via phone and mail.

The group has also been sewing masks and headbands for use as personal protective equipment, and red hearts to cheer people up.

And members have been making bags for toiletries and other essentials and distributing them to the Women’s Refuge, Airedale Hospital’s maternity unit and Keighley Healthy Living.

Instead of a planned garden party last month, the group contributed to Big Story – a Soroptimist project in aid of ChoraChori-Empowering Girls in Nepal. Donations were also made in lieu of takings from the garden party.

Other activities have included participation in a skipping video being produced by Keighley Healthy Living and knitting ‘fiddle muffs’ for use on the dementia unit at Airedale Hospital.

Members have also been helping with food parcels for the Salvation Army and it is hoped to have a virtual meeting with church representatives.

A group spokesman said: “Despite being in lockdown, we have been busy and active – caring and sharing, which is all part of our reason for being a Soroptimist.

“The objectives of Soroptimism include maintaining high ethical standards in business, the professions and other aspects of life; striving for the human rights of all people, and particularly to advance the status of women; developing a spirit of friendship and unity among Soroptimists of all countries; quickening the spirit of service and human understanding, and contributing to international understanding and universal friendship.”

The group welcomes new members.

“It is not too onerous!” said the spokesman.

“Meetings are held fortnightly and no one is forced to attend each one ­– nor do you have to do everything in our programme. Our subscription is less than £2 per week.”

For more details, visit sigbi.org/keighley.