On Wednesday 1st October Cirencester Soroptimists had a “table” at the TODS Long Table in support of Older Persons Day                 There was a real bustle in The Old Department store on 1st October; A National Day for Older People brought a wide variety of organisations and clubs in the Cirencester area together to provide information about the many activities available. Many local people as well as visitors to Cirencester came to chat and share contacts, as well as to enjoy the tea and cake supplied at a special rate by The Long Table.   Later in the day the group attended  a special opening of the  Cotswold in the Second World War exhibition at the Corinium Museum                         Sam Fryer-Ward has curated a very interesting and

Cirencester Soroptimist helped to fund the Park Run’s PA system through its charity arm The Minnis Trust   On Saturday 13th September Elizabeth walked the Cirencester Park Run on behalf of Cirencester and District Soroptimists, the sun shone and it was wonderful to support a previous Minnis Trust recipient. We had granted funds towards their PA system which we are happy to report is still working hard

We were invited to a special performance of Haywire at The Barn Theatre   Our members are a busy bunch and on top of being Soroptimists they are involved with so many other organisations in and around Cirencester. One of our past Presidents and current Head of Programme Action, Shirley Alexander has just been made an Ambassador for The Churn Project . Along with fellow Soroptimists Penny Carpenter (presenter of Penny’s Picks on Cirencester Radio) and Elizabeth Wilcox, (Minnis Trust)  they were invited to a special performance of Haywire at The Barn Theatre. Haywire tells the story of how the much loved radio show The Archers came to be. It was fun, fast paced and fascinating.

Cirencester Soroptimists were joined by friends and colleagues from many organisations from in and around the town for and evening of cheese, wine and chat. We enjoyed presentations about the Minnis Trust, our new directory “What’s on 4 women- Cirencester and beyond” and about the new exhibition in the museum about war time in the Cotswold, hearing about the part women played in the war effort in the local area. This exhibition is on in the museum from 11th September until 12th October                       https://coriniummuseum.org/event/cotswold-district-in-the-second-world-war/

Cirencester Soroptimists had a stand at the wonderful Phoenix Festival this year.       We raised awareness of the United Nations initiative to “Orange the World” a campaign to eliminate violence towards women and girls. Thousands of people enjoyed the festival       The festival began with a procession of puppets to celebrate the 200th  anniversary  of the finding of the Orpheus mosaic in the town. We also promoted the uptake of the HVP vaccinations to help eliminate cervical cancer Cirencester Soroptimists support the Festival from their Charitable Trust, The Dorothy Minnis Trust. This money was granted to the festival for the  Creative Zone

Cirencester Soroptimists enjoyed coffee and cake at the Long Table as part of our regular “Orange the World” get together to support the United Nations initiative  to stop violence towards women and girls on 25th of each month                             Later that day members attended a Reception at The Old Department Store, home of the Long Table. It was to celebrate being named one of the UK’s top 100 Social Enterprises in the SE100 Index 2025. Tom was quick to declare that since opening their doors on 8th November 2024, this recognition was only possible because of the strength, support and generosity of the community. The Reception was a ‘thank you’ to everyone who has walked the journey with them and that includes the Soroptimists.                 

        We know just how much Kids Stuff in both Cirencester and Stroud need pre loved children’s clothes as well as a long list of new items for their Starter Packs. With this in mind we were delighted to drop off a few bags of donations to Kids Stuff at Brimscombe Mill last week.

Members of Cirencester Soroptimists were made welcome at the new Phoenix café for their monthly meet up for coffee.  On the 25th of each month Soroptimists in many countries around the world raise the profile of the UN campaign to “Orange the World”  highlighting the issue of violence towards women and girls.       The next meet up for coffee will be on Friday 25th July at the Long Table, in the Market Place, do come and join us, we will be wearing orange!

Soroptimists in Cirencester supported the Town Council’s Big Lunch We promoted “Orange the World” and the SIGBI campaign for the elimination  cervical cancer by 2030         Our colourful stand attracted attention from the many people attending the event                    

        One of our members raised over £1,000 for Ukraine at her home in Down Ampney on Friday. On a beautiful summer evening over 30 guests enjoyed a four-course meal of a blend of traditional Ukrainian and English dishes. We started with borsht, dumplings and cabbage rolls with all the trimmings, followed by chicken and beef casseroles served with Ukrainian wines and a range of delicious puddings. The food was prepared by a group of women from all parts of Ukraine who have got to know each other over the past three years though living in Cirencester and surrounding villages. The meal was completed with coffee and a blue and yellow iced Ukrainian Honey Cake donated by the new Phoenix Café in Cirencester.  With all else going on in the world we don’t want to forget the people of Ukraine.