Welcome to SI Cirencester and District
Come and Join Us!
Soroptimist International was launched over 100 years ago and is a worldwide organisation with links to the United Nations. Membership will give you an opportunity to support local, national and international projects benefitting women and girls; enjoying friendship and fun; lobbying, influencing and making a difference for women at home and abroad.
An “Orange Cafe” meeting at a local cafe, do come and join us. “Orange the World” is an United Nations campaign highlighting the issue of violence towards women and girls. For upcoming dates, times and locations, please visit our Events page.
https://sigbi.org/cirencester/club-events/
Conversation, Connection and Community
There was certainly no shortage of conversation when we welcomed guests and prospective members to our latest Orange Café get-together at The Long Table, Cirencester, on Friday 25 September. From local projects and women’s history to books, travel and forthcoming events, conversation flowed easily, with plenty of ideas exchanged and new connections made.
Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls
Our Orange Cafés have an important purpose: raising awareness of domestic abuse and the importance of confronting the often very different reality of family life from that portrayed in the media. There are plans afoot to invite speakers to our monthly dinner meetings from those on the front line, such as the VAWG team in Gloucestershire and a local Young Carers group.
Community Action at the Heart of Soroptimism
Soroptimists are volunteers who work together to educate, empower and enable women and girls and improve the lives of women and their families. As our September gathering showed, that can begin quite simply: women around a table, sharing ideas, making connections and discovering what we might achieve together.
As a club, we have recently fundraised for WaterAid and demonstrated our commitment to local partnership at the Stronger Cotswolds event. Conversations were had about members volunteering with a CHURN-run adult education initiative, just one example of the many ways individual Soroptimists contribute to our community. Members also shared useful Foreign Office travel advice for women going abroad—another example of women sharing information that can help other women.
Local women’s history sparked particular enthusiasm. The extensive but little-celebrated archives at Northleach contain photographs and stories of women who have made their mark on our community over generations. Could we work with the Corinium Museum, Civic Society and others to bring some of those women back into the spotlight for International Women’s Day 2027? Watch this space!
Celebrating Women’s Voices from the Past
Our next big celebration is the prize-giving for our Young Writers Short Story Competition at Cirencester Library on 23 October to celebrate winning stories inspired by the theme Her Story – Women and Girls’ Voices from the Past.
This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of businesses, secondary schools and college librarians, the Cirencester Home School Association, Cirencester History Festival, the Corinium Museum, local authors, publishing house Crumps Barn Studio. Her Majesty Queen Camilla called it a “brilliant initiative”, and we are thrilled to have a representative from both the local MP’s office and the Mayor’s office attending the prize-giving.
And Plenty of Fun and Friendship!
Of course, Soroptimism is about friendship and fun too. We swapped thoughts on books—including local author Caroline Bradley’s Making Tracks—and celebrated member Maggie’s two recent bowling awards. There were stories of the hilarious antics of grandchildren over the summer holidays, a day trip to the local sculpture park (enjoyed despite the drizzling rain!) and much more.
What is Orange the World?
Orange the World is a global campaign supported by Soroptimist International that shines a light on an issue that affects millions of women and girls worldwide: violence and abuse.
The colour orange represents hope, safety and a brighter future. It is a visible reminder that every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear, violence and discrimination.
As Soroptimists, we believe that change begins with awareness, conversation and community action. Through Orange the World, we work to raise awareness, challenge attitudes that enable violence, support local initiatives and encourage greater understanding of the issues facing women and girls.
Our monthly Orange Cafés provide a welcoming space where women can come together over coffee, share ideas, hear about local projects and learn how they can make a difference in their community. Whether you want to listen, learn, connect with others or get involved, you will find a warm welcome.
Together, we can help build a world where women and girls are valued, respected and safe. Every conversation matters. Every action counts. And every voice has the power to create change.
Standing up for women and girls. Building connections. Strengthening communities.
Our relationship with the United Nations
Soroptimist International’s relationship with the United Nations began in 1950, when they gained category “C” consultative status with ECOSOC
In 1984 the organisation gained Category 1 status, General Consultative Status and in 2013 SIGBI gained Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC
https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/united-nations/
https://sigbi.org/what-we-do/opportunities/united-nations/
Below is a link to the list of observance days or weeks
https://www.un.org/en/observances/list-days-weeks
Check our club activities on the Club Menu on the right side of this page
2026 -2027
The club has moved away from having a President to the Executive Committee taking on this role.
Our main Programme Action project this year is “The Bookmark project”
More information will follow
SIGBI clubs will be supporting these important days this year. More information will be found here and on our Facebook page
OUR DIRECTORY PROJECT
The Soroptimist Club in Cirencester is pleased to announce the formation of a Directory for Women and Girls, https://whatson4women-cirencester.co.uk/ in the local area. The directory holds information about many aspects of life including well-being, health, families and parenting, spirituality, community and local groups and support groups.
The formation of a directory of groups clubs, societies, organisations and support groups focusing on issues and information for women and girls is on going. It is the kind of project which will never end, if there is anything you think should be in the Directory, please let us know.
The director includes fun activities to increase well being, health and mindfulness, sports opportunities and where to find information about all manner of things important to women and girls.
https://whatson4women-cirencester.co.uk/
To this end we have offered a number of placements opportunities to two students from Cirencester College who are studying for a T-Level qualification. The placements have taken place at The Growth Hub
For information about our Worldwide Organisation click on the links below
There are Soroptimist Clubs around the world: Soroptimist International 
Here is the latest newsletter from Soroptimist International
There are Soroptimist Clubs around the UK : Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland
There are Soroptimist Clubs around the South West Region: Soroptimist International of South West & Channel Islands
We are committed to a world where women and girls can achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong peaceful communities worldwide. We work for change through direct involvement in local, national and international projects.
The Cirencester and District Club began in 1948 and we are now a thriving group of women of varying ages. We are actively seeking new members to join us. We need the enthusiasm and dynamism of younger women as well as the experience and wisdom of those who are older. If transforming the lives of women and girls is important to you Contact us today to find out more and perhaps arrange an informal chat or attend a meeting.
We meet in the evening on the 1st Wednesday of the month for a Business Meeting at the C-Hub https://www.danielbinghamfoundation.org.uk/chub/ and on the 3rd Wednesday of the month for a Dinner Meeting at the Royal Agricultural University.https://www.rau.ac.uk
See Club Diary
Visit our Events Page to learn about forthcoming events.
Please take a look at this interesting research blog post below
https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/womens-safety-research/
Cirencester Soroptimists raised £1,400 for Wateraid
At fund raising event called “Second Helpings” members, friends and families enjoyed a wonderful array of puddings, celebrating International Women’s Day and raising money for Wateraid
A visit to our friendship link club in Itzehoe
Friendship links Members Kathy, Linda and Avril recently travelled to Germany to join in the…
Soroptimists open evening of conversation, networking and friendship.
Where Connections Become Collaborations What happens when you bring together a room full of community-minded…
Stonger South Cotswolds
Three members of Cirencester Soroptimists Club, Jill Lang and Lesley Gordon (pictured) together with…
Cirencester Community Awards
Soroptimist International of Cirencester & District was pleased and proud to be a “Friend” of…
Orange the World at “Blend” at New Brewery Arts
Cirencester Soroptimists and many friends met at Blend, the cafe at New Brewery Arts on…
25th March 2026 “Orange the World”
Cirencester Soroptimists were welcomed at “Diversitea” in the Corn Hall on Wednesday 25th March …
Fund Raising for Water Aid and Celebrating International Women’s Day
Cirencester Soroptimists held a fund raising event for Wateraid and to celebrate International Women’s Day…
Orange the World at the Long Table
Cirencester Soroptimists met at The Long Table at The Old Department Store on Wednesday 25th…
“Orange the World” Café at The Orangery at Siddington Park
Members of Soroptimists international of Cirencester and District met at The Orangery at Siddington Park,…
A Celebration of Human Rights Day
Cirencester Soroptimists met up for their “Orange Café” to highlight the issue of violence towards…
A Busy Week for Cirencester Soroptimists
Donating “Christmas Dinner” money to the Food Bank in Cirencester …
Reclaim the Night
Members of Cirencester Soroptimists joined others in Gloucester City Centre to Reclaim the Night in…
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
The 25th November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and…
Orange the World event in Swindon
A member from Cirencester Soroptimists joined an event arranged by Swindon Rotary Club Members from…
Domestic Violence provision in Gloucestershire
Sophie Jarrett from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner came to talk to…
Members attended the SIGBI 91st Annual Conference
Members from Cirencester attended the 91st conference of our federation Our Federation, SIGBI, Soroptimist International…
Orange the World at the Long table
Cirencester Soroptimists were welcomed at the Long table. The group raised awareness of the issue…
A dinner meeting at the Falcon Inn
Cirencester Soroptimists meet for dinner in Poulton at the Falcon Inn A friend…
An Evening with Roz Savage
Cirencester Soroptimists enjoyed an evening with local MP, Roz Savage A wide…
A Busy Day for Cirencester Soroptimists!
On Wednesday 1st October Cirencester Soroptimists had a “table” at the TODS Long Table in…
Soroptimists and the Park Run in Cirencester
Cirencester Soroptimist helped to fund the Park Run’s PA system through its charity arm The…
Soroptimists at The Barn
We were invited to a special performance of Haywire at The Barn Theatre Our…
A wonderful evening of networking
Cirencester Soroptimists were joined by friends and colleagues from many organisations from in and around…
The Phoenix Festival 2025
Cirencester Soroptimists had a stand at the wonderful Phoenix Festival this year. …
Welcomed at The Long Table on 25th July
Cirencester Soroptimists enjoyed coffee and cake at the Long Table as part of our regular…
The “Orange the World” at the Phoenix Café
Members of Cirencester Soroptimists were made welcome at the new Phoenix café for their monthly…
The Big Lunch
Soroptimists in Cirencester supported the Town Council’s Big Lunch We promoted “Orange the World” and…
Ready, Steady, Bake! Women’s Softball Cricket Festival Combines Sport, Solidarity, and Sweet Treats
Women’s Softball Cricket Festival …
Joint dinner meeting between Soroptimists, Rotary and Inner Wheel in Cirencester
A joint dinner meeting between the three service clubs took place at “Roots and Seeds”…
The Cirencester Community Awards
Cirencester Soroptimists assisted with the Community Awards, where 18 community organisations took part, at the…
The Night Angels at our AGM
The Night Angels, part of the Safe Place Scheme, came to speak to us at…
Orange the World at The Long Table
The Long table welcomed Cirencester Soroptimists on Tuesday 25th February 2025 Members of Cirencester Soroptimists…
“Orange the World” at the Long Table
Members of Soroptimist International of Cirencester & District met at The Long Table in the…
Soup lunches to support the Cirencester Food Bank
Members of our club enthusiastically supported three soup lunches hosted by one of our members…
“Orange the World” café at the Kingshead
The “Orange the World” café meet up to highlight the issue of violence towards Women…
Railing Against Abuse in Cheltenham
Jill at the Railing Against Abuse rally in Cheltenham on Friday 29th November This event…
The Cirencester History Festival fringe, known as the Community Upstart
Cirencester Soroptimists hosted a talk from the Hundred Heroines about the photographer Dorothy Wilding as…
Orange the World at the Organic café
A group of us met up at the Organic café on Friday 25th October 2024…
Orange Cafe
Members met recently at Odd Socks cafe to spread the word about the work they...
Minnis Trust Grants
Minnis Trust was established with a legacy from a late member of SI Cirencester and...
Community Meal
Cirencester Rotary, Cirencester Soroptimists, World Jungle and Cirencester Town Council hosted a COMMUNITY MEAL on...
Anti-Spiking Big Lunch
The club were delighted to be part of the Big Lunch today. The stand looked...
Exciting Plans!
Watch this space! New Joint President Bev Brooks chairs her first Business Meeting where many...
Orange Meet Up April
April's meet-up was at Diveristea, Presidents Jill & Beverley distributed literature to patrons about the...
Orange The World
Members of our club were happy to welcome visitors to our table at Waterstones cafe...
South West Region Meeting
Representatives from Cirencester and District Soroptimists recently attended a meeting of Soroptimists International South West...
Int. Women’s Day ’23
President Jill Lang, Beverly Brooks, Shirley Alexander and Jackie Ormerod met on Wednesday 15th March...
March Business Meeting
What better way to kick start Women’s History Month than by gathering together to talk...
Donation to Foodbank
SI Cirencester member, Jackie Ormorod, raised £900 with a series of three soup lunches at...
UN 16 Days of Action March
Club members joined the “Reclaim the Night” March in Stroud organised by GRASAC (Gloucestershire Rape...
Anti-Spiking Campaign
The club attended the Phoenix Festival in Cirencester on 27th and 28th August 2022 to...
Centenary Commemoration
Westonbirt Arboretum Jan 2022 President Jill Lang and Club Members plant a tree at Westonbirt...
Reclaim The Night March
Members recently joined Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Center (GRASAC) Reclaim the Night March in...
Visit To House Of Lords
Representatives of our club visited the House Of Lords at a recent Soroptimist Centenary event.
Community Celebration
Club members recently joined the community celebration and unveiling of the statues on the Parish...
New President
President Elect Jill receives her badge Members recently enjoyed an open air cake and fizz...
President 2019
President Judith Wood presents President Elect Shirley Alexander with her President Elect badge.
Donations To Charities
At a recent meeting, members of Cirencester Soroptimist Club were delighted to present cheques to...
Fundraising Update 2018
Our congratulations must go to our Fund raising coordinator Anne Croft and her team for...
Christmas Fair
Corn Hall Sale 2018 This annual fair was held in the Corn Hall on November...
Skittles Evening
Skittles Evening at “The Tavern” in Kemble. Club members with their friends and families showed...
Business Awards 2018
Business Person of the Year Award Sponsor: Cirencester Soroptimists For this award the judges were looking...
Literary Competition 2018
Club members were delighted to welcome the award winners of their Annual Literacy Com- petition...
Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking Conference
President Barbara and attended the conference in Poole on Thursday on the subject of Modern Slavery...
Gloucestershire Young Carers
It had been agreed, as one of the results of the Club’s research last year,...
Railing Against Abuse 2017
Soroptimists Railing Against Abuse 25 November 2017 SI Cirencester joinied other clubs in South West...
Quiz Night
Quiz Night in Aid of WaterAid Members of Cirencester Soroptimists held a Quiz Evening for...
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day
TWO of the Cotswolds’ most well-known churches were bathed in purple light as part of...
Vintage Tea Party and Handbag Auction
SI Cirencester held a Vintage Tea and handbag auction in aid of local charity Signpost’s...
Anti Slavery Day
Anti-Slavery Day 18 Oct 2016 18 October every year: Raising awareness of modern-day slavery and...
New President
Following a successful and interesting year as President of Soroptimist International of Cirencester and District, Kathy...
Fund Raiser GRASAC
Soroptimists Celebrate The Year of the Monkey. Chinese New Year was celebrated in style by...
Visit From Corinium Museum
Emma Stuart, Learning Development Officer at Cirencester Corinium Museum, was warmly welcomed by President Pat Wright...
Int. Women’s Day 2016
Soroptimist International of Cirencester & District are holding a Get Together to celebrate International Women’s...
Cirencester Wins Award
]S I Cirencester achieved a major triumph when the Literacy Competition it organises was named...
Friendship Weekend
SI SWCI Regional President Kay with SI Cirencester President Kathy at Si Cirencester's Annual Lunch...
President Welcomes New Members
Newly appointed President Kathy welcoming two new members to SI Cirencester. Lynne Knight and Laura...
Literary Competition
Literacy Competition: 2015 Cirencester Soroptimists recently held their annual Literacy Awards evening where we were...
Minnis Trust Recipient Visits Soroptimists
YOUNG GUITARIST, ALEX KIRLEY, ENTERTAINS SOROPTIMISTS Young guitarist, Alex Kirley, entertained the Cirencester & District...
Donation To CHYP
President Marietta presenting chq to Sandy Price, Chairman of CHYP Cirencester and District Soroptimist presented...
Nature Quiz
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF CIRENCESTER AND DISTRICT GLOUCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST PRIMARY SCHOOLS NATURE AND WILDLIFE QUIZ...
Cirencester Soroptimists Win Award
Cirencester and District Soroptimist Club is proud to have won recognition for their “Gift Box”...
Soroptimist Jackie into the final…..
GDA Trustee wins regional ‘Specsavers’ award GDA supporter and Trustee is recognised for her work...
Commission On The Status of Women 58
Commission On The Status Of Women 58 Most of the SIGBI delegation will be flying...
International Day Of The Girl Child
International Day of the Girl Child Girls are our future. This year, for the fourth...
World Water Day
Why a World Water Day? World Water Day is an international observance and an opportunity to learn...
Fairtrade
With Fairtrade you have the power to change the world every day. With one simple...
Zero Tolerance to FGM
The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (The following letter was sent...
Past Members Tea Party
On a warm sunny Friday afternoon, members past and present enjoyed a lovely tea party...
Gift Box Hosting
SI Cirencester & District club hosted a ‘ Gift Box ‘ in the Market Place...
Running For Pancreatic Cancer
Rebecca training for the London Marathon STOP PRESS……. Rebecca raised £7,008.67 which, including Gift Aid,...
Donation to GDA
On Friday 26th April club member Jackie Gloyn hosted a dinner for 36 at her...
Fundraiser Children’s Deaf Club
Once again our lovely ladies braved the elements at Cirencester Charter Market. This was the...
Art Demonstration
Members enjoyed a demonstration by well know local artist Joan Lyons at their dinner meeting...
GDA Chosen Charity Of The Year
SI Cirencester are delighted to announce that President Marietta’s Charity of the year is the...
Nature Quiz
To the left are the details of 2012′s competition. Here are the dates for 2013:...
Donations To Cancer Charities
SOROPTIMISTS PRESENTS CHEQUES At the club’s February business meeting, Cirencester and District Soroptimists presented cheques...
Donation to Shelter Box
Liz Odell from ShelterBox came and spoke to the club at our April dinner meeting. The club...
Anti Slavery Day
Anti-Slavery Day was created by Act of Parliament to raise awareness of modern slavery and to...
Pancakes For Pancreatic Cancer
On Shrove Tuesday, Soroptimist members supported a pancake party organised by Jackie Gloyn in aid...
Call My Bluff Wine Tasting Evening
On a warm June evening President Sue organised a ‘Call My Bluff’ wine evening when...
Int. Women’s Day 2012
Cirencester Soroptimists turned out on Thursday 8th March to join in with thousands of other women...
Int. Women’s Day 2013
CIRENCESTER SOROPTIMISTS CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY The Soroptimist Club of Cirencester and District celebrated International...
New Honorary Member
(As spoken by President Sue at March’s meeting) Josephine Newbould A little while ago Jo...
Literary Competition Awards
AWARD-winning young writers had their creative talents recognised at a special ceremony at Cirencester’s Royal...
Caldicot Choir
Caldicot Male Voice Choir performed their first concert of a very busy Autumn period, on...
Regional Conference Cirencester
SI Cirencester President Sue, Professor Chris and Regional President Shirley The weekend of 7-9 September...
Welly Painting & The Churn Fun Day
Welly painting A very pleasant Sunday afternoon in May was spent painting wellies in aid...
AGM 2012 & Handover
Members installed the president for 2012 – 2013 at its Annual General Meeting on 4th...