The Art Show which was held last week (13-16 May) during the Kenilworth Festival, has been heralded a roaring success. Organised by the Kenilworth and District Soroptimist International club and sponsored by The Construction Centre.co.uk and the Holiday Inn, over 230 pieces of work were displayed by local artists.  The new Mayoress of Kenilworth officially opened the show and Jean Lockley who organised the event was delighted with the breadth and variety of work presented. A record number of visitors attended the exhibition this year and Richard Simmons, MD at The Construction Centre and judge of the school entries and Kenilworth prize, said “The level of talent has been absolutely amazing.  In particular I would like to highlight Rachel Stevenson, who won the Special Achievement Award.  She is only 10 years old and produced some incredible work.” Much of the artwork displayed in the main gallery

Art Show, Elizabeth at the Castle, Children’s Sports at the Party in the Park…we were there making it happen.  Many thanks to all those who helped in any way, large or small.

Our first ‘open to the public’ Christmas Fayre was held on November 28th 2009 at St Francis Church Hall.  All the usual favourites; tombola, raffle, books, cakes, new to you etc, were joined by some invited stall holders.  Our guests included Water Aid, Myton Hospice, Traidcraft and a variety of arts and crafts from local people.  The plant stall (pictured) was a colourful and popular centrepiece.  The event raised £1105 for local charities.

President Di Nash lays a wreath at the War Memorial in Kenilworth on Remembrance Sunday.

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY SEPTEMBER 2009 Soroptimist International supporting Book Aid International During September, help to raise money to send books to sub – Saharan Africa. For every £2 you collect, Book Aid International can send a book to a school or library How much value do you put on your ability to read and have access to a huge range of literature and information? If you live in sub Saharan Africa you do not have this opportunity of access as books are a luxury that very few can afford. Book Aid International state; ‘Books Change Lives’ Literacy is a basic human right, it opens the door to education and helps to lift communities out of poverty, however without books and reading materials, literacy is extremely hard to achieve and maintain. How can you help? During September, put a value on every thing you read and

FRIENDSHIP, FUN AND FOOD were certainly on the menu for our afternoon at Linda and Bede’s home. A group of some 22 members enjoyed the sunshine in Linda’s delightful garden on Saturday 22nd August.  She refreshed us with different flavours of tea served with scones (to die for), clotted cream and jam, beautiful sponges and homemade shortbread. WONDERFUL! Thank you Linda for giving us the opportunity to discuss ways of improving friendship, what a great example the afternoon was.  

Kenilworth & District Soroptimists took part in one of the group’s favourite pastimes in August – eating! This time it was breakfast at an event organised by Carole and Nick Nicholson. Guests were invited to enjoy traditional breakfast fare, including kedgeree and kippers, whilst enjoying a rare sunny Sunday in the Nicholson’s award-winning garden. Funds raised will go to one of the charities supported by the President this year.

Members Rebecca Probert, Di Carter & Sally Wilding put their best feet forward on the Sunflower walk in June in aid of Myton Hospice.