‘Pretty, witty Nell’ TALISMAN THEATRE, KENILWORTH TUESDAY 10th MAY 2011 at 7.30pm An event staged by Kenilworth & District SI as part of the Kenilworth Festival, 2011. Nell Gwynn was the mistress of Charles II and for many that is all she is known for – other than for selling oranges! The real Nell Gwynn was a victory for English womanhood, showing great courage and against all the odds she became a star of the London stage and beloved of the King of England. Nell Gwynn was recreated by acclaimed historian and TV celebrity, Lesley Smith.

      SI Kenilworth and District were pleased to welcome new member Marge O’Leary at our October meeting. Marge, pictured on the left with President Rebecca, is a Graduate of Law from Warwick University. She is currently simultaneously reading for the Bar and  a masters degree in International Development Law and Human Rights. Marge is research co-ordinator of a student led project, Femin Itjihad (http://feminijtihad.com/the-team/) , a research initiative designed to provide activists and N.G.O’s with legal and literary information on Muslim women’s rights in the form of easy-to-read summaries, podcasts and an online helpline.  Marge was introduced to Soroptimism when she was asked to contribute to the recent study day at Warwick University where she gave a talk on ‘Applying strategic techniques to reviewing the Draft Afghan Family Code.’  

President (Professor) Rebecca Probert organised a Study Day in conjunction with Warwick Law School, at the University of Warwick on 26th June 2010. The day was intended to highlight research being undertaken at the University of Warwick that is of relevance to the key objectives of Soroptimism.  The range of topics covered is set out below. Objective: Eliminate poverty and gender discrimination through ensuring women’s full social and economic rights Topic 1: ‘Gender and the Law’ Speaker: Ann Stewart, Reader in Law Topic 2: ‘Applying strategic techniques on reviewing the Draft Afghan Family Law’ Speaker: Marge O’Leary (Femin Ijithad: http://www.feminijtihad.webs.com/) Topic 3: ‘Staying on the catwalk – help women need’ Speaker: Winnie Chan Objective: Enable women’s advancement in management, politics and decision making Topic: ‘Gendered ritual in Parliament’ (for background information on this project see http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/research/gcrp/) Speaker: Objectives: Meet the needs of women and girls during

                                                      Queen Elizabeth I returned to Kenilworth Castle on Wednesday 12th May 2010, as part of the Kenilworth Festival.  The Virgin Queen, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, was recreated by acclaimed historian and TV celebrity, Lesley Smith in an event organised by Kenilworth and District Soroptimist International. Lesley brought Elizabeth back to life in The Stables at Kenilworth Castle to a sell out audience.  To the audience’s surprise and delight she was joined by Sir Robert Dudley, played by a fellow historian.  Lesley said she was thrilled to be playing the role of Elizabeth at Kenilworth Castle which has such strong links to the former Queen.  There was an opportunity to take pictures and ask questions of the regal pair after the formal event as they mingled with the audience.  Lesley’s skill as an entertainer and educator was greatly appreciated by all.

 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.