LOCKDOWN has not stopped a creative Cockermouth group supporting its community.

The Soroptimists have had to be particularly enterprising in order to continue with some of their regular pursuits. But they have done a grand job, raising lots of money and helping many people in need.

The club's programme action coordinator, Jane Inman, said: "We've have had to be very creative in our fundraising ideas and to find new ways of working together using different online media."

Since the start of lockdown in March, which coincided with the start of the club’s new programme of action, members have raised over £1,700 for Hospice at Home West Cumbria by taking part in the 2.6 Challenge.

Jane said: "We each set ourselves a challenge involving the numbers two and six, so members walked, climbed, ran, cycled, danced and many other wacky activities, keeping fit but also raising a fantastic sum of money through sponsorship for our local Hospice at Home."

Member Sue Mendus paddled her canoe (in her garden) for 26 miles. Barbara Williams did 26 hoola hoops every day for 26 days.

"Lindsay Edmiston picked up the call for help sewing scrubs and members responded enthusiastically to her request for help to support the Scrub Hub North and West Cumbria with members forming a team within the hub - not only sewing but coordinating pick up and delivery of thousands of items of essential protective clothing," said Jane.

Members also responded to a call for help from Calderwood House, which provides support for homeless people. They wrote a joint letter to residents and staff during the first lockdown to offer friendship and support, and have provided essential items of toiletries, clothing and household goods to help those moving on into their own accommodation.

They have also made up small care bags of smellies and toiletries which will go to the Foodbank for distribution at Christmas.

The group is also running an ‘orange campaign’ on their Facebook page until 10 December to continue to raise awareness of Violence against Women.

"This is part of a worldwide international campaign organised by United Nations and one which we join in every year, usually by distributing orange ribbons which is the colour chosen by the UN," said Jane.

"This year we’re making good use of our facebook page and hoping to post a different ‘orange’ photo every day of the campaign."

The busy group is also supporting Calvert Lakes.

"Each year our club members, along with members from our sister club at Penrith, make up to 50 beds at Calvert Lakes every Saturday in summer," said Jane.

"Of course this year we haven’t been able to support but both clubs are fundraising to help buy some new bedding.

"Once again members have been creative and resourceful in their fundraising, some have donated money saved through not doing their usual activities, others are selling craft items they have made.

"So whilst not quite the year we planned, the members have continued to work together to support their local community."