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.

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.