Soroptimist International of Winchester took part in the Hat Fair from 2nd – 4th July which took place at the North Walls Recreation ground and the School of Art in Winchester.
As part of a recruitment and membership strategy it was good to raise awareness of what the club does and to strengthen our role in the Winchester community. The club was delighted to receive a development grant from SI Southern England region which enabled its participation in this prestigious event.
SI Winchester member, Julie Blackwell, said, “We were able to talk to several interested ladies and pass on information about Soroptimist International. Most people had not heard of the organisation so we want to address this going forward especially in this the organisations centennial year. We felt it would be good to be part of this fun community and in doing so talking to people about who we are and what we do, in a different context……………….. we found it very successful from this point of view and will take forward the lessons learned for future community events. Fun was had with the website frame and captured many of the performers as well as the stand and visitors, making visuals for club social media sites”.
Charitable items were available for sale on the stand such as WOW shopping bags made from washed juice cartons, as are the pencil cases and rucksacks which are all stitched together by ladies from the Philippines. Items made from ring pulls such as bags, belts and jewellery were also sold and are made in the Philippines through the charity Purple Community Fund.
Soroptimist International of Winchester & District support the Women’s Refuge in Winchester and also the Trinity Centre; they also frequently lobby government regarding issues to do with women’s rights and many other projects in the UK and overseas, with the objective to transform the lives of women and girls for the better.
Soroptimist International is a global women’s organisation and celebrates 100 years in October 2021.
If you would like to know more, or consider membership then please contact us on winchestersoroptimists@gmail.com
