On September 12th to 14th 2025 we held our Friendship Weekend in Kings Lynn. A weekend of events to mark 50 years since the club’s founding. The weekend was an occasion for strengthening friendships and a chance to celebrate our historic town and its women past and present. The Friendship Weekend was also an opportunity to meet guests from our linked clubs in Lubeck, Germany and Waterland in the Netherlands. Several members of which had made the journey over, hosted by Kings Lynn members.
New to Soroptimism (I joined in May 2025) I’d looked forward to the weekend with a mixture of excitement and a little apprehension. There was so much happening and, as a new member, I was still learning names and understanding how Soroptimism worked. I needn’t have worried. From the moment the weekend began (an evening gathering hosted by Corinne at her home) I felt I had jumped on board something really special and welcoming. That first evening it was good to get to hear more about the clubs in Lubeck and Waterland and about the lives of our guests and issues that mattered to them. The evening was full of good food and Corrina presented a special cake which had the Soroptimist symbol emblazoned on it on behalf of the Lubeck club
An early and blustery Saturday morning saw a group of us on the waterfront, hats and scarves at the ready, eager to board the Baden Powell for a boat trip. Evoking the town’s fishing past, the
lovingly restored boat is run by a crew of dedicated volunteers. As we sailed off down the Ouse the conversation was both plentiful and nautical. One of our guests, herself a keen sailor, had to be very gently dissuaded from ‘manning the ropes’ at one point such was her enthusiasm! As the trip came to an end we reflected on how different the town looked from the water, with buildings not really seen before. I also realised I’d walked past this wonderful boat many times but it had taken becoming a Soroptimist to finally get me on it.
In high spirits we disembarked and headed for a well deserved cuppa. Of course this being no ordinary weekend it was with the town’s Mayor, Andy Bullen. The distinctive flint and stone chequered frontage of the Town Hall marks it as an auspicious building, parts of which date back to the 15th Century. We were delighted to be joined here by friends from the Norwich club. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the Mayor’s role and he was very interested to learn more about our organisation and work.
Generously guided by the Mayor and his volunteer assistants we meandered through King Lynn Stories and were regaled with the tales from Kings Lynn’s mediaeval and more modern past. Guests from our sister clubs were very interested in the large floor map of our old trading links with Europe in previous centuries. Highlights were also the beautiful gilt medieval King John drinking cup, the old gaol house and also mayoral regalia of the first female mayor of Kings Lynn, Florence ‘Ada’ Coxon, Mayor in 1925. We were impressed.
After lunch there was a tour of kings Lynn focused on some of the town’s significant women and I will hand you over to Lorraine for the walk.
I was thrilled to be able to participate in the Heritage Walk, led by the very knowledgeable Alison, with its emphasis on the women of Kings Lynn.
As a “newbie” to Kings Lynn and, as someone who loves to know about local history this was very exciting! 
It was wonderful to see a personal view of one of the overhanging houses thanks to Lyndsey and her husband opening up their lovely home, The Valiant Sailor. It was extra special due to its associated history with Dr. Elizabeth Harrison who clearly means so much to Kings Lynn Soroptimists.
It certainly felt as though we were seeing secret corners of this ancient town, entering in through hidden gateways. We learnt of literary ladies such as Fanny Burney and Margery Kempe, and finished with the connection to the great philanthropist, Elizabeth Fry.
It has certainly inspired me to find out more about these women. Fanny Burney’s life was extraordinary. She was raised in Lynn, wrote novels and plays which were ground breaking in her time, introduced new vocabulary to the English language, married late after being a Lady in Waiting and, suffered a mastectomy with no anaesthetic! A woman who clearly chafed at the boundaries of her time.
It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon, many thanks to Alison and to the excellent companionship.
Lorraine
Somehow we still found the energy for an evening party of music, and celebration. Spurred on by an excellent live band many of us took to our feet for a dance or two. New connections and friendships were strengthened as we raised our glasses to toast Kings Lynn Soroptimists 50 years. We were kindly presented with gifts from Lubeck and Waterland which we were most grateful for.
Prior commitments meant I wasn’t able to join the celebrations as they continued on the Sunday but I understand that events did not disappoint and were enjoyed by all. As guests returned home and a new week started it will be remembered as a weekend of meeting new people, broadening horizons and strengthened links. A weekend full of joy and celebrations, of women and friendship and appreciation of our town of Kings Lynn.
Lynne