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.

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.

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.  

  As part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations SI Canterbury held a competition to highlight the exceptional achievements of women during this difficult time and to bring them to public attention. Nominations for the most inspirational woman were received from friends, partner organisations and colleagues and on June 19th the winner was announced by Anne Dekker, Sheriff of Canterbury.         The announcement came during a zoom event for finalists, Soroptimists and guests. We are delighted to announce that our Inspirational Woman of Canterbury 2021 is: Zoe Bell, Director of East Kent Rape Crisis Centre (EKRCC), which supports women survivors of sexual violence. Zoe’s outstanding professional and personal commitment to helping women has gained her the admiration of her colleagues and the people she serves. Zoe has ensured there is funding for the wide ranging services that EKRCC offers as well as delivering services

Our club is 60 this year and aimed to pack 60 handbags for the Love Grace appeal. Each bag is packed with basic toiletries for women escaping domestic abuse.     We exceeded our target and, in partnership with Rising Sun domestic abuse service, we packed 97 bags.