Andrea made everyone very welcome to gracious living in her new home. A happy time was had by all. Tasty refreshments were much appreciated. Proceeds from plug plant sales will go to the Women’s Refuge Wellbeing Fund.
We were delighted to hear a talk from Bethany Ellis, a Warwickshire Sea Scout talk to us about the rigorous application and selection process she has recently undertaken to secure a place at The World Scout Jamboree being held in Virginia USA in 2019. Bethany has joined Units 84 & 85 from Warwickshire’s successful applicants. We wish Bethany all the best in her future fundraising activities especially walking on hot coals!
Outgoing President Sharon happily hands over the regalia to incoming President Anita
Our new President started her year in top gear by taking part in the Women vs Cancer Ride the Night event. She and her team cycled 100k, that’s over 60 miles to you and me, and raised over £5,000 to raise funds to women’s cancers. This is even more amazing as Anita had only arrived back from New Zealand the day before! What a way to get over jet lag 🙂
We listened to Helene Heath, an incredibly good speaker from Prevent, the Government programme to protect children and young people from radicalisation. We were shocked to learn how much goes on in Warwickshire but it was good to know how the authorities are dealing with extremism. A very informative evening. Membership also organised the seating with a colour coding to give a random ‘mixing in’ of Club members, helping the newer members to get to know some of the more established ones. This went well and will be tried again.
At our recent AGM in April, now Past President Sharon reminded members of all our achievements and activities of the last year with the aid of the wonderful photos taken by Marion. Sharon then presented a badge of office to President Elect Sandra who will take over in 2019 – 2020. 2018 – 2019 President Anita is currently travelling so her installation is coming later. We also welcomed new member Gill:
SI Kenilworth welcomed new member Muriel (centre) at our March business meeting last week, and was introduced by Jenny T at her induction. We are an active and lively club, and always pleased to welcome new members.
Soroptimist International Midland Arden Region held its 16th Public Speaking competition on Saturday 17th March. Eleven inspirational Girls and Boys from non fee paying schools around the Midland Arden Region took part in this annual Competition. 1st Prize was awarded to Sinead McCall from Stratford Grammar School Sponsord by SI Stratford 2nd Prize went to Vanshika Anand from Rugby High School Sponsored by SI Rugby 3rd Prize went to Tamanna Janjua from Alderbrook School Sponsored by SI Solihull A special achievement award was awarded to Daud Ahmed Sponsored by SI Coventry
Kenilworth Soroptimists celebrated International Women’s Day with a sing for your supper event where we were led in communal singing by Rebecca and Bruce Knight of Natural Voices. They began with warm up exercises, went on to simple songs and soon had us singing in harmony. Great fun! Meanwhile one of our members was busy painting our thumb nails purple in honour of the day (IWD’s colour). We were delighted to welcome friends and partners from SI Rugby, SI Cardiff and Kenilworth Lions, the Kenilworth Town Mayer Kate Dickson, former SIGBI President, Ann Hodgson, the President of Midland Arden Region, Jan Bowden, and the manager of the Waverley Centre, Ann Cross. After a fish and chips supper, we were entertained by more singing from Soroptimists, including our very own Soroptimist anthem (music by Soroptimister Alan, and words by Carole J and Alan). £300 was raised for Friends
SI Kenilworth & District cordially invite you to our Charity Literary Supper at the Clarendon Arms, Castle Hill, Kenilworth, on 30th June 2018 at 7pm. The cost is £15 per person, and includes a two course meal. RSVP by 30th April. The charities supported are Women’s Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) and HoopPeru (www.hoopperu.org). The speaker is Rhiannon Evans who will talk about her book, Joyce’s War. Joyce was a Queen Alexandra nurse serving in India, Egypt and the Middle east in World War II – using original photos and diaries, Rhiannon Evans illustrates the impact of war. Poster and booking form: Literary event poster Literary BOOKING FORM
