The 5 of us joined 600 other women and children to take part in Race for Life 5km event. Jules joined the runners and completed in 48 mins whilst Wanda, Jenny, Jess and myself walked the route in just over an hour. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and Jenny gave us some insight into the sights we passed on local history and interesting landmarks. A rock choir serenaded us on the way out and on the return whilst clapping and cheering us on. There were many messages in memory of those lost to cancer as well as survivors. They announced the donations from the 600 amounted to £55k and will go to cancer research. Our combined donations are in excess of £350 plus gift aid. A big thank you to all those who have kindly donated and any still wanting to can as it is

We would like to thank everyone who attended our Fashion Show with Travelling Trends. Our wonderful volunteer models did a amazing job modelling a range of clothes to our enthusiastic audience. We had a fun evening with over 90 Soroptimists and friends raising more than £1000 in ticket sales and a raffle. This figure will increase with commission from clothes sales . Proceeds will be split between the Meru Garden Project and Ovarian Cancer Action.

Medway Towns Soroptimists are hosting a charity fashion show by Travelling Trends on Thursday 17th May 2018. Join us at 7pm at The Franklin Rooms, 65 Franklin Road, Gillingham. ME7 4DG. Price £8 which includes a welcome drink. To book or for further information please contact Angela Howe email howeangela@btinternet.com. Raffle prizes gratefully received. Proceeds towards Cancer Research in memory of Anthea Parnell.          

A woman dies from ovarian cancer every two hours, yet the diagnosis and treatment lags behind high profile diseases like prostate or breast cancer. Ovarian Cancer Action – a UK charity dedicated to beating the sixth most common cancer in women aims to empower women, to give them a voice, and to create a better future for the thousands of mothers, partners, sisters, daughters and friends affected by this disease. Ross Little from Ovarian Cancer Action will be coming to the Medway Soroptimist meeting on 8th March giving a talk to raise awareness. With no national screening programme and a low survival rate it’s vital that everyone is educated about the disease and its symptoms so cases can be identified early. Women diagnosed at stage 1 have a 90% survival rate compared to 19% at stage 3. Find out more at 7.30pm Thursday 8th March

Seven members of SI Medway Towns enjoyed a lunch in aid of The Meru Garden Project at the London Beach Hotel in Tenterden last Sunday. It was a really good event and the London Beach donated £1825 which is £25 per person to Federation President Sue Biggs and Regional President Jane Webb. Sue Biggs acknowledged the work done by South East Region towards the target which is currently £105k and means have been able to deliver twice as much support to date. SI Medway Towns did very well in the raffle, Wanda won first prize of tickets to Visit Great Dixter and Janice a signed book.  

Medway Soroptimist social committee organised a tour of the local distillery the Copper Rivet. Meeting at McQuires café, we enjoyed a light lunch before heading next door to see the distillery process in action. Housed inside a listed building, Pumphouse No.5 was built in 1873 and used to play a big role in the history of Chatham Dockyard until it closed in 1984. Our guide explained the ‘grain to glass’ process with a botanicals masterclass and an introduction to the large stills all named after members of the owners family. The distillery will produce Masthouse, a single malt whisky, Dockyard Gin, Vela Vodka and Son of a Gun – an unaged grain. We tasted a sample of each before enjoying a large G&T with a grapefruit garnish in the bar.