80 years of 2019 Rugby Soroptimists
The club held its first meeting on 1st December 1938 and received its Charter in April 1939. During the Second World War, the club had to move their venue for meetings from the Grand Hotel to the White Heather Cafe. Members knitted squares to make blankets, scarves, socks and balaclavas for the war effort. Help with funds was also provided for ambulances and St Peter’s Kitchen on the platform at the station. Club members also helped out at the Club Room for forces personnel stationed at Rugby. Over 80 years many events have taken place to raise money and give service to the community. A major task was the purchase and conversion of the building known for many years as Soroptimist House – previously the maternity home. Tenants were all single working women, as at that time single women were not eligible