Following a Study Day session on Modern Day Slavery in April 2021, members of our club were keen to discover more about the situation locally – historically an agricultural area with large numbers of migrant workers involved in food production and who could be at risk of exploitation. A contact with the Wisbech and Fenland Museum led to the idea of an event in partnership with them as they house the Thomas Clarkson Collection. Clarkson was one of the main architects of the anti-slavery movement in the 18th century. In partnership with Wisbech and Fenland Museum, we held an online event in September 2021. This unique event brought together organisations working to abolish modern slavery, community organisations and heritage professionals to raise awareness, share initiatives and, importantly, ask what we can do to make a difference. There were speakers from a community project assisting migrant

The club held its first event post pandemic in August 2021 – a lively garden party and wine tasting to raise funds for West Norfolk Young Carers.  We were delighted to raise over £350 that will help with purchasing tickets to the pantomime this winter and are now looking forward to making plans for more events when we can socialise and raise funds that will support activities and organisations that we work with.  

Soroptimist International of King’s Lynn is celebrating the 45th anniversary of the club’s Charter this month, marking the 45 years they have spent in the town. Determined that celebrations should go ahead in these challenging times, the club held a zoom celebration, drinking a toast to the club and the two members who have been members since the club’s inception – Dr Elizabeth Harrison and the inaugural President, Pat Robinson. The zoom celebration replaced the annual Charter Lunch. President Julie Williams hosted the meeting, with members reflecting on their lives as Soroptimists and the friendships they have made while working on projects that improve the lives of women and girls in the UK and further afield. Earlier this year, retired GP Dr Elizabeth Harrison was awarded Honorary Membership in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the club and the wider Soroptimist organisation. During the zoom