Kernow Soroptimists were part of an enormous group of people aiming to break the Guinness World Record for The Biggest Cream Tea Party organised by Cornwall Hospice. This was about Cornwall coming together to do something extraordinary for a cause that matters.   Cornwall Hospice is there for local people and their families when it matters most.   Johnny Cowling led the entertainment, which featured live performances from the Boscastle Buoys, the Many Men Soundsystem and the Cornwall Rock Choir. Johnny kept spirits high and as usual, had us joining in with Cornish anthems whilst the officials judged the world record-breaking attempt.   2,438 people successfully took part in the mass eating event crushing the previous record of 1088 participants.   So we did it!!! 200 gallons of tea, 324 jars of jam and 370 lbs of clotted cream!   The event served as the

Members of our club have been supporting the Polkerris Children’s Ward for the past six months. During that time five members of the team have given up a day a week on a rota basis to support parents (76% women) and their families. Other members of the club have collected essential toiletries and made up ’emergency bags’ to give out to those who find themselves on the ward with poorly children. In addition, one of our members was able to secure a generous donation of paint from our local B&Q for the painting of a new mural in the parents accommodation area of the hospital. In just 25 recorded visits, Kernow Soroptimists have contributed more than 100 hours of volunteer support and reached hundreds of parents (mostly women), and children. The evidence shows that the greatest impact comes not only from practical assistance, but from

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY to Kernow Soroptimists! Club members and guests enjoyed a lovely celebration together at Stephen Gelly Farm, hosted by Helen and Martin. Gorgeous food and amazing company! Our club, although digitally based, offers in-person and on-line opportunities to fully engage in soroptimist causes. We aim to fit around our member’s modern life styles and our membership spans the whole of Cornwall. We aim to help local women understand national and international women’s issues and provide opportunities to talk to women from other parts of the world. We are a group of vibrant soroptimists, some very experienced, others relatively new but we are enthusiastic and determined to work collaboratively to benefit women and girls. Have a look at our website if you’d like to know more. https://sigbi.org/kernow/ Or follow us on facebook / instagram. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559366651739# https://www.instagram.com/kernow_soroptimists/

July’s Orange Cafe was an online celebration of the UN Day of International Friendship. Kernow Soroptimists and friends from across the UK and the world, came together to celebrate something that sits at the heart of soroptimist international values – Friendship. This UN day recognises that peace begins with relationships. Every friendship we build has the potential to make our world a little kinder. We spent some time remembering ‘lost’ friends and those that have died through violence. We then had some fun, finding ways to say hello across the world and playing friendship bingo. (Well done @alisonsutherland) We finished by considering small acts of friendship and making a joint friendship pledge. Thanks to everyone who came.

Kernow Soroptimists were proud to take part in the Male Ally Network event at the Royal Cornwall Showground. This new Cornwall-wide initiative is bringing together men and women, organisations and communities from all sectors to help prevent violence against women and girls to create safety communities for everyone. The event was opened by Geraint Richards, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Ambassador and former High Sheriff of Cornwall. Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police then spoke about the horrendous statistics in the county and that this initiative was about everyday actions that could make a difference. We enjoyed the workshop delivered by MAN Culture, which showcased the type of materials that will be available to organisations that sign up to this Cornwall – wide initiative. We liked the ‘where do you draw the line’ pyramid (Pictured) which led to some interesting discussions. We look forward

Through three powerful stories, this campaign explores moments of choice, courage, and change where “I wish I could…” becomes “so I did” This film encourages more women to step forward, take action, and use their voices by joining Kernow Soroptimists. This is ‘SO I DID ‘  Here’s the link to our channel on Youtube     https://youtu.be/8H65iZ-Tits Produced by Lottie Litherland, Instagram @litherland_media Directed by Bermet Stephenson, Instagram @bermet_st Cinematography by Madeline Stacey, Instagram @mestacey Sound by Evie Warner Starr, Instagram @eviewstarr Edited by Charlie Mcnair-Wilson, Instagram @charliemcnairwilsonfilm Sound assistant Leah Powell, Instagram @leeah.powell

Kernow Soroptimists have started a project to support families who need to stay in the Polkerris Children’s Ward at the hospital in Treliske, Cornwall. This followed two emergency admissions for a family of one of their club members. We became aware that the circumstances in which parents (often mums!) end up on the ward, mean that they do not have anything that they need for their personal care. In addition, parents do not want to leave their children to go to the hospital shop, which is at the other end of the hospital. Currently, the club are working with staff to identify ways in which the stay for parents could be made more comfortable. The project kicked off with some newly designed mugs being presented in December. These mugs have the ward name on them and so they should easily find their way back to

Kernow Soroptimists were honoured to be involved with the very special Project Diamond Opening Weekend at St Austell Rugby Club in October. Members attended the Ladies Day event and made presentations of two ‘soroptimist’ rugby balls to the Valkyries Team (Women’s) manager and the the Under 16’s girls team. This was in celebration of the opening of new club facilities for women and girls at the club house. Women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and we are seeing more and more women and girls inspired to take part. The recent victory of the Red Roses in the Rugby World Cup has shown us all the power, skill and determination of women in sport and how important it is that women are given the same opportunities and support as their male counterparts. As an organisation that empowers women and girls,