Congratulations to our Swimathon team, who recently raised a record £418 to be divided between the Alzheimers Society and Help the Heroes. These energetic ladies completed an impressive 43 laps in their allotted hour. Well done.
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.
Bathing beauties Carole and Andrea take a well earned rest during the Leamington & Warwick SI Swimathon. The Kenilworth and District team of 6 (The Sink or Swimmers) managed 43 lengths between them in the 55 minutes allowed. Team member Jo shared her training tip, ‘a Chinese takeaway and a bottle of Newcastle brown ale last night and a bacon butty this morning.’ If only we could all be so disciplined.
The Kenilworth Festival committee has been boosted by a pledge of support from The Kenilworth Soroptimists. The Festival, which is promoted by the Rotary Club, is organised by a committee of people from the community. President of the Soroptimists, Di Nash said: “The Kenilworth Festival is all about bringing the community together and promoting local businesses by putting on a varied programme of quality entertainment to appeal to all ages. “We are delighted to lend our support and to help organise events such as the Art Exhibition and Sale, the Childrens’ Sports at Party in the Park and Elizabeth at the Castle – a historical talk by TV’s Lesley Smith who will visit the town during the Festival week.” Photograph shows Mike Lewis (left) and Roy Shearing (right), co-chairs of the Festival Committee, with Soroptimists Rebecca Probert and Jean Lockley. Co-Chair of the Kenilworth Festival,
