SI Canterbury President Carol, SISEE Region President Yvonne and SI Canterbury members Jane, Dawn and Keji joined local residents and politicians on 28th January 2022, to support our Canterbury Sheriff’s annual Charity Dinner in aid of Age UK.
Canterbury Soroptimists turned their November club meeting Orange in support of the 16 Days of Activism to end domestic violence against women and girls. The meeting was supported by Joanne Baldwin who spoke about the Oasis Domestic Abuse service. Member Jane Mennell also spoke about the White Ribbon Campaign. After their talks, President Carol presented a donation of £100 to Oasis on behalf of the club. To further support the 16 Days daily postings on Facebook highlighted the issues and raised awareness of the event.
Canterbury Soroptimists held a Silent March on 27th November 2021 to raise awareness of gender based violence and the 16 Days of Activism. Marching alongside SI Canterbury members were representatives from the Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service, Oasis Domestic Abuse Service, Thanet Soroptimists, the Canterbury Domestic Abuse Forum, the Women’s Equality Party, CCCU Sustainability Forum plus many friends and family members. Marchers wore or carried something orange, a bright optimistic colour chosen to represent a future free from male violence against women and girls. Walking in solidarity and silence through the ancient streets of Canterbury was a powerful and moving experience and drew a lot of attention from Saturday shoppers.
Canterbury Soroptimists Jane and Yvonne and Club President Carol represented the club at this year’s Remembrance Day Procession and wreath laying ceremony. The annual event, held on 14th November 2021 included a parade from Iron Bar Square to the Buttermarket, outside the Cathedral gates. Various organisations then laid a wreath to remember the fallen and this was followed by a service in the Cathedral.
Several Canterbury Soroptimists attended this year’s online SIGBI conference enjoying the speakers and hearing about the work of other clubs within the federation. Jane led two online conversations with visiting speakers Dr Anne Marie Imafidon and Dr Carina Tyrell with questions submitted by members of the federation. Yvonne represented the Canterbury Climate Action Partnership group as well as Canterbury Soroptimists at the conference.
Canterbury Soroptimists Yvonne, Jan. Tessa and Carol manned a stall at the CAP day of action on 24th October 2021. This annual event raised the profile of the work of the Climate Action Partnership, Soroptimist International and other local civic organisations.
Canterbury Soroptimists attended the UN Day of peace Celebrations at Canterbury Cathedral on 24th October 2021. This was held in partnership with Canterbury Climate Change Action Group with the service led by Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin. Carol and Yvonne held Canterbury Soroptimist banner during the procession to ensure the congregation were aware of the club’s active role nationally as well as locally.
Soroptimists and friends attended a fundraising shindig on October 9th 2021 organised by Canterbury President Carol Reed. The event, held at Howfield Manor Hotel coincided with a significant birthday and anniversary celebration for the Reed family and featured a ploughman’s supper and a 60s, 70s, 80s disco. After so many months of being cooped up due to the pandemic, there was plenty of evidence of lively and liberated moves on the dancing floor and a good time was had by all. The event raised £603 which has been split between Save the children and Canterbury Food Bank
Canterbury Soroptimists, local dignitaries and finalists from our Inspirational woman of the Year competition were invited to an interesting talk at Canterbury Guildhall followed by an award ceremony at Tower House organised by Canterbury Sheriff Anne Decker. Zoe Bell, Director of East Kent Rape Crisis Centre was presented with a framed certificate to mark her winning achievement. Finalist Natalie Mbunga, an active volunteer supporting ethnic minorities in the region and founder of Clarence’s Workshops, also received her certificate in recognition of her achievement as a finalist. Soroptimists who attended enjoyed the opportunity to meet Zoe and Natalie in person and learn more about their work. The lovely surroundings and refreshments provided by the Sheriff was also very much appreciated by all.
In celebration of our 60th anniversary SI Canterbury have donated 60 trees to be planted to support the environment and climate change initiative. 30 avocado trees have been donated to our friends at CIFORD in Meru, Kenya/SI Meru. They hope to begin planting when the rains come. Simon Langton Girls School in Canterbury will receive the other 30 trees to plant in their grounds.
