A hot, sunny weekend saw us once again hosting a stand at the 39th Leamington Peace Festival in the Pump Room Gardens. This year, our stand featured the anti-trafficking work of the ‘Purple Teardrop Campaign’ as well as other club projects, especially our fundraising to support nurse training in Malawi. Our banners did a great job of publicising Soroptimism, leading to several membership enquiries from women looking to get involved. We were also able to dispel one or two ‘myths’ about Soroptimism, such as that we are an adult literacy organisation! We also collected a further 405 signatures for the PTC petition to ban ‘sex for sale’ advertising.

Catherine Rowe, a Guider, gave club members a presentation on a planned trip to Oman. Catherine has been selected as a leader to take part in a GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) project in Oman. The aim of the project is develop the skills of leadership, to encourage women to be confident and to empower themselves. Catherine was full of enthusiasm and excitement about her trip in August.  Members were sure that it will be a successful adventure, and that she will be a great leader out in Oman, and that her knowledge will benefit the girl guides. Club members responded to Catherine and immediately voted to unanimously donate £200 towards her expenses.

As usual, Kenilworth Soroptimists were out in force at the Lion’s show to raise money for one of the charities we support: Friends of Sick Children in Malawi. There was a good selection of plants on sale at our stall (from Borden Hill Nurseries) and so far, we have raised at least £600.  

Club members have been visiting Joan for some years to help her maintain her garden. This visit was to celebrate her birthday: two of our members took her a cake and card. There were celebrations at the May club dinner as two of our members were presented with flowers as a thank you for their long service as Soroptimists: 40 years (Jane) and 45 years (Gill).    

Our President Sharon recently attended a celebratory lunch for the Midland Arden Region. She writes: Lovely time at the Midland Arden Region celebratory lunch with Federation President Ann Hodgson, MAR President Su Roxborough, Sharon Maxted, President of SI Kenilworth and Tricia Weinbrien, Past President.  So happy to be part of such an amazing bunch of women.

Kenilworth & District Soroptimists raised £650 for Friends of Sick Children in Malawi at a meet-the-author literary event held at St Francis Church Hall on 29 April 2017. Caroline Lea, author of “When the Sky Fell Apart” which was published in 2016, was the special guest at the event. Caroline, who was originally from Jersey and is now living locally, gave an insightful talk about her book, which is set in occupied Jersey during the Second World War. After a scrumptious afternoon tea and book signing, Caroline gave a workshop with tips and writing exercises for those interested in creative writing. Elaine Clarke, our Programme Action Officer said “The £650 raised is fantastic, and will make a great contribution to the training of another paediatric nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at Blantyre, Malawi,” and thanked everyone for their generous support. Soroptimists enjoying the afternoon

At our AGM on Thursday 13th April new officers were welcomed by club members for the year 2017 – 2018. Outgoing President Tricia Weinbren was presented with flowers and gifts to celebrate her successful year after inaugurating new President Sharon Maxted.

Midland Arden Region’s 15th Public Speaking Competition was held at the prestigious Birmingham Council Chamber on Saturday 25th March 2017. Eleven young people, girls and boys aged 14-18 yrs from Non Fee Paying Schools across the Midland Arden Region took part. 1st prize of  £150  plus the trophy went to Thomas Woodland,  a pupil from King Edward VI School Stratford, sponsored by SI Stratford upon Avon. His chosen topic was “Have women’s rights gone too far”. 2nd  prize of £75 plus a trophy went to Jude Radley a pupil from Trinity Catholic School, sponsored by SI Leamington & Warwick, his chosen topic was “Migration: how open should our doors be”. 3rd prize of £25 plus a trophy was awarded to Daniel Harrison a pupil from Alderbrook School and sponsored by SI Solihull & District. His chosen topic was “What does Brexit mean to young people?” All our contestant were given a £25

SI Kenilworth and District held their 48th Annual Dinner on Friday 24th March at Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club. It was a fabulous occasion and we were delighted to be joined on the night by the Mayor and Mayoress of Kenilworth, Richard and Erica Davies. We were also honoured to receive as our guests, Ann Hodgson, Federation President of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland and Su Roxburgh, Regional President of Midland Arden Region and her husband Steve.  We were looked after beautifully by the staff of the golf club, and the evening culminated in us dancing the night away to disco sounds!   Soroptimists and some husbands enjoying themselves: Dancing the night away