PAST EVENTS (24/25)
Centenary Action Webinar ‘Making Women’s Votes Count’
SITWD members attended this webinar which brought together a number of leaders across women’s groups to talk about how issues affecting women and their families could get more attention in an election year. It was hosted by Helen Pankurst who is leading the overall initiative Centenary Action to increase the representation of women in Parliament to 50% by 2028, the 110th anniversary of equal suffrage.
Whilst women represent over fifty one percent of the electorate, their challenges do not get the attention they deserve from the policymakers. Research has suggested that women’s votes could sway the outcome of the election this year. The webinar was designed to share ideas and work to make a difference.
SITWD members will be involved with the Centenary Action going forward.
Wiesbaden Art Exhibition in Tunbridge Wells
SITWD members attended an exhibition of artwork produced by the Kunstlergruppe50 artists from Wiesbaden which was organised by the Tunbridge Wells Twinning and Friendship Association and formed part of the 35thanniversary of the signing of the town’s Twinning Charter.
The Kunstlergruppe50 Wiesbaden was formed in 1950 by a group of artists whose work was declared“degenerate art” by the Nazi regime. They rallied together after the war to revitalise free and artistic expression. They reconnected to earlier art development nd today are an active part of the cultural life in Wiesbaden and beyond. Exhibitions of their work have been seen in many countries.
SITWD has a Friendship Link with SI Wiesbaden and members’ attendance at the exhibition was relayed to the club as a way of strengthening our connection with them.
Women Creating Community – International Celebration Evening
SITWD members attended an evening event organised by women in Tunbridge Wells to build a cross-cultural community of women in the town of all faiths and none. This provided an opportunity for women to get together and share their cultural background and experiences and for SITWD to raise its profile in sections of the community with which they have hitherto had little contact.
Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery Craft, Plant and Produce Fair on the Green
The Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery (FWPC) held a Craft, Plant and Produce Fair on 20th April 2024. Money raised is used by the Friends to support conservation and restoration work at this local site of historic interest to Tunbridge Wells. SITWD rented a stall at the craft fair to support the Friends and also to sell handcrafted items produced by club members to boost club funds.
Several founding members of the FWPC are long-standing SITWD members. Since it was founded in 2007 the FWC not only work to conserve this historic Victorian cemetery, but also run a programme of guided walks, talks and events that benefit the community across all age ranges in Tunbridge Wells. Taking a stall at this craft fair enabled SITWD to continue to support the Friends, raise money to support SITWD causes and distribute information about Soroptimists
SITWD Film Night in Support of Survivors’ Network
Survivors’ Network works to confront sexual violence, abuse and harassment so no one has to face the impacts of these alone. To this end they offer accessible, survivor-centred services across Sussex by empowering communities to stand up against sexual violence, abuse and harassment through education, training and general support to victims. The charity is the SITWD President’s charity for 2024.
SITWD held a film night to raise awareness of Survivors’ Network and help raise funds for the charity. Club members watched a film about a college teacher in America in the 1950’s who encouraged her female students to achieve more than marriage.
TW12 – 24/5 SITWD Held an Election Hustings Event June 2024
Club members decided to take up the call made during the webinar, ‘Making Women’s Votes Count’ and organised a hustings event involving the parliamentary candidates for the constituency of Tunbridge Wells. All six candidates were invited and all accepted except the Liberal Democrat candidate Mike Martin
Club members, Jill Ruddock, Lorna Blackmore and Caroline Auckland put together the format for the evening to ensure impartiality with all candidates receiving equal ‘air time’. Each candidate was allowed 3 minutes to introduce themselves, after which they were asked 5 pre-prepared questions, notified to them in advance. They were each given 3 minutes to answer. The order was rotated so that they all had an opportunity to go first. They were then all given a further 3 minutes to summarise their overall proposition. The questions were asked by Kathleen Lynch-Howard, a politically unaffiliated member of SITWD with the timings monitored by two of the event organisers. In the time remaining, questions were invited and asked from the floor.
The event was the first 2024 hustings event in Tunbridge Wells. 103 people attended.
SITWD supports Rusthall’s Summer Fete
Rusthall, a village to the west of Tunbridge Wells, held their annual community village fete with live music, foodand craft stalls organised by the Rusthall Bonfire and Fete Group to provide a community event, promote local businesses and groups and support charities. SITWD rented a stall at the fete to promote Soroptimists and also to sell handcrafted items produced by club members to boost club funds.
Rusthall has a thriving community. Taking a stall at this fete enabled SITWD to continue to support the village as well as raise money to support SITWD causes.
SITWD at the Tunbridge Wells Mela Event
Tunbridge Wells Mela is a free, annual event in Calverley Park. It celebrates music, visual arts, food and dance from around the world and involves local residents, businesses community organisations and charities. This was its 17th year and it aims to bring together people from all sections of the community to celebrate everything that makes them uniquely different.and also the one community in Tunbridge Wells.
SITWD supports Imago Dei at the Value Her #SheMatters Women’s Justice Conference
SITWD members attended the conference organised by the charity, Imago Dei Prison Ministry, which works with women in three prisons in the South East before and after their release into the community. The theme of the conference was ‘Accommodation and Employment for Women Leaving Prison’. There were a number ofspeakers, breakout sessions and panel discussions with opportunities for connecting, networking and learning from each other.
#SheMatters opened its first charity shop in Tunbridge Wells selling superior quality women and girls’ clothing and accessories. This raises awareness in the community and promotes support for the charity. It also creates work experience opportunities for women leaving prison. One of SITWD’s members volunteers at the shop and the club is looking at ways to get more involved. The conference was an opportunity to listen to people behind organisations like Justice Matters and Power2Power. It also provided more information about the Prison Reform Trust, EPIC (Empowering People: Inspiring Change) and Birth Companions. It allowed discussion of the work of Imago Dei and others in offering employment opportunities and accommodation after prison.
SITWD at THE KENT POLICE AND SUPPORT AGENCIES INFORMATION DAY
In their capacity as members of the Independent Advisory Group which works as a critical friend to the police, the Club was invited to participate in this event, the purpose of which was to provide members of the public with an opportunity to learn what services are available in the community. It was attended by a large number ofagencies who serve the local population including the Fire & Rescue Service, Age UK, Citizens Advice, Nourish and the Kent Family Hub as well as representatives from the Borough / County Councils and the police themselves.
There are a large number of agencies operating in the town of Tunbridge Wells and surrounding districts which aim to improve the lives of people generally but specifically those who find themselves disadvantaged or vulnerable by dint of their gender, age, ethnicity, poor mental health, financial circumstances or disability. However, many service providers find that the extent of the support and advice available free of charge for those in need is not widely known and this event was an attempt to address that. Two SITWD members attended the event to raise the profile of the Soroptimists generally and the Club in particular in the local community and during the event had numerous conversations with members of the community and fellow stand holders.
SITWD CELEBRATES UNITED NATIONS DAY 2024
Members of SITWD joined the event organised by the Tunbridge Wells and Wealden United Nations Association to mark United Nations Day on 24 October. This is a celebration each year to mark the entry into force of the UN Charter, the founding document, in 1945. The day highlights the work of the UN in promoting international peace, security, cooperation, and development. The UN flag was raised above Tunbridge Wells Town Hall and speeches were given by Mike Martin MP and the mayor, Cllr Nancy Warne.
SITWD WREATH LAID ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2024
The President of SITWD, Cat Mennell, laid the Club’s wreath at the War Memorial in Tunbridge Wells as part of the official procession on Remembrance Sunday 2024. The Club has been a part of the Service of Remembrance, Thanksgiving and Dedication at the War Memorial in Tunbridge Wells for many years. This is an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifices of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
SITWD Visits HMP Bronzefield
HMP Bronzefield is the only purpose-built private women’s prison in the UK. SITWD were involved previously with sewing a banner for International Women’s Day, using designs from the women in the prison (63972). The Prison Chaplain extended an invitation to visit the prison, see the banner in situ and meet some of the women involved.
Seven members of SITWD travelled to HMP Bronzefield and after going through security, met the Prison Chaplain who explained the setup of the prison and her work with the women there.. There are many programmes running covering literacy, numeracy, and IT as well as vocational training in several trades. There is also a programme working with women who have suffered Domestic Abuse which is quite common amongst the women there. There is a lot of creative work on display including the banner club members had made and the group met with two of the women who had been involved with the design.
TW25 – 24/5 SITWD joins Reclaim the Night Walk
The “Reclaim the Night” Walk is an annual event coinciding with the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG). It asserts the right of women to walk freely without fear of harassment, intimidation, or sexual assault.
SITWD have been very involved in the local community highlighting the issue of VAWG. The Walk which takes part along two routes in Tunbridge Wells, is an important event to continue to raise awareness of women’s safety at night. It also starts the 16 Days of Activism.
Twelve members of SITWD joined the walk, led by Cllr Jayne Sherratt at Rusthall and Cllr Ellen Neville at St John’s to the Pantiles Monday 25th November. Both Cat Mennell, our President and Jill Ruddock, our President Elect, were featured on TV on the local programme, Kent Tonight, discussing the importance of such events in highlighting the need for cultural change. Interviews were also given to West Kent radio.
After the walk, members gathered with others to share information and experiences and to get warm on a chilly night. In honour of the night, 12 tubs of hot chocolate are being donated to the local food bank, Nourish.
SITWD joins Silent March in Canterbury
SITWD joined many others in the Silent Walk organised by SI Canterbury on Saturday 30th November. The March through the streets of Canterbury is part of the UN 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and domestic abuse. It expresses solidarity with women all over the world against violence towards women and girls.
Several members of SITWD travelled to Canterbury and joined the March. They marched silently and solemnly, wearing orange and holding placards.
SITWD attends Independent Advisory Group Event
The Independent Advisory Group (IAG) has as its overall aim the forming of a bridge between the Police and the Local Community with a view to ensuring the community feels safe and empowered. SITWD continues its involvement (64218/65289) and is represented on the IAG by members, Jill Ruddock, and Kathy Lewis, focusing on the safety of women and girls and liaison with schools respectively. The meeting assembled many community and police representatives to launch the 2025 IAG-led Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Campaign.
Jill and Kathy attended representing the Club which allowed them to network with the Police, Borough/Parish Councillors and representatives from Southeastern Railway, Greene King, White Ribbon, Community Wardens and RTW together.
The event included a session involving those with expertise of VAWG followed by breakout group discussions tasked with answering the following questions: –
- What does success look like?
- What actions can we take which are within our control and community?
- What might stop us from taking these actions?
- What support do we need to make a positive impact?
The results will be fed into the campaign programme by IAG chair, Laura Toop. During the event, Jill and Kathy engaged in many conversations with other participants which raised or consolidated the profile of the Soroptimists as an international organisation and SITWD as an active member of the community with a history of achieving improvements around women’s safety.
SITWD organises 2024 Orange Cafe
SITWD organised an Orange Café at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells to highlight the 2024 UN Campaign against Gender-based Violence “Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNITE to End Violence Against Women”.
The area was festooned with orange bunting, orange balloons, orange posters, STOP cards and postcards, information about other organisations and a poetry booklet ‘The Plights of Women’ written by a SITWD member. Members of SITWD dropped in and spoke to visitors to the café.
The event created a buzz and resulted in much information and ideas being exchanged. It also raised awareness of the Soroptimist organisation and of the club.
SITWD attends Launch of Centenary Action’s #Mission 2028 Campaign
Centenary Action is a cross-party campaigning coalition convened by Helen Pankhurst. It came together in 2018 to mark the centenary of the first women’s votes in the UK. The event, ‘Celebrating Women in Parliament’ held at the House of Commons on 7th January 2025 saw the launch of their #Mission 2028 Campaign. The aim of the campaign is to achieve gender equality in Parliament by 2028.
There are currently 263 Women MP’s in Parliament. This is the highest ever. However, it still only accounts for a 40% representation. The next step, whilst celebrating the achievement, is to reach gender equality. The campaign launched wants to increase that representation so that by 2028, 110 years since women were giventhe vote, Parliament is 50% female and 50% male.
Members of SITWD attended the event where they listened to speeches by Helen Pankhurst and Aishah, the Girlguiding Advocate. They also heard from a number of the new female MP’s, elected in July 2024, on the journey they had to be elected, the skills they possessed and their first weeks as new MPs.
SITWD attends Joint Police / Partners VAWG School Assembly
As part of its representation on the local Independent Advisory Group (IAG), a SITWD club member, Kathy Lewis, was invited to attend and feedback on a pilot joint school assembly presentation on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG). The presentation was given by PC Amelia Brooker from Child Centred Policing and Ali Bird, from Protection Against Stalking at Mascalls School, Paddock Wood.
The Club has attended several IAG meetings over the last year and this was an opportunity to help structure how VAWG is presented to young people by obtaining pupil feedback on the assembly.
Kathy sat with pupils and observed their response to the presentation. Following this, feedback was soughtfrom pupils. Advice on their responses and thoughts on the presentation were then provided verbally and by email to Amelia Brooker.
A further meeting is to be held by the police and partners to review the success of the pilot assembly and agree the next steps for rolling it out to other schools. SITWD will be represented by Kathy.
SITWD attends Imago Dei Fashion Show
Imago Dei, a local charity, hosted their first fashion show and pre-loved clothing sale in conjunction with their #She Matters clothing shop in Tunbridge Wells. Working with a professional stylist, they showcased women and girls clothing. There was also an opportunity to purchase from their clothing rails with all proceeds, including the entrance ticket of £5, going to the work of Imago Dei.
Imago Dei works with women in or recently released from prison to support them in their rehabilitation and resettlement. Several SITWD members attended the show.
SITWD attends meeting to review Joint Police / Partners VAWG School Assembly
As part of its representation on the local Independent Advisory Group (IAG), a SITWD club member, Kathy Lewis, was invited to attend a zoom meeting to discuss stakeholder feedback on the pilot joint school assembly presentation on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) given by PC Amelia Brooker from Child Centred Policing and Ali Bird, from Protection Against Stalking at Mascalls School, Paddock Wood.
The Club has attended several IAG meetings over the last year (64218/65289/65535). This was an further opportunity to help structure how VAWG is presented to young people by sharing Pupil /Teacher/Police/Partners feedback on the assembly.
Kathy, Amelia and Ali analysed the feedback. Kathy passed on some advice from materials on delivering presentations developed in her previous role in Special Needs Education. A revised plan was developed to roll out for future assemblies
A further meeting is to be held in February by the police and partners to agree the revisions. SITWD will be represented by Kathy. In order to be able to offer schools smaller group sizes, Kathy was asked by the group to participate in delivering future presentations. Training would be provided by partners.
SITWD’s International Women’s Day Event
SITWD members got together to organise an event to mark International Women’s Day 2025. They agreed on an overall theme to celebrate the success of women in breaking down gender-based barriers.
In order to make progress towards gender equality, it is necessary to raise people’s awareness of advances made, barriers remaining and the many benefits it can have for society in general, not only women. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to do this.
Five successful local women were invited to speak and tell stories about their path to success, the obstacles they had encountered and how they had overcome them. Invitations were sent out and the event was publicised on social media and on West Kent Radio where Jill Ruddock, President Elect, gave an interview. After the individual speeches, there was a panel-led discussion on gender-related issues in which the audience was invited to participate. After the formal part of the event, participants had the opportunity to network with the speakers, the 17 SITWD members present and representatives from partner organisations such as Amnesty International, the UN Association and Imago Dei, a charity working to support the rehabilitation and resettlement of women offenders.
There were 60 participants at the event, £80 was collected for Imago Dei in lieu of payment for the tea and cakes provided and 32 signatures were collected for an Amnesty petition against the appalling treatment being meted out to women by the Taliban in Afghanistan. A tool invented by SITWD, the Soroptometer, was used to collect views from participants about the female experience of living in Tunbridge Wells, the results of which will be fed back to local policy makers.
SITWD Attends Local United Nations Association (‘UNA’) Event
SITWD members attended a local discussion on War Crimes–The Invisible Gap and the International Criminal Court organised by the Tunbridge Wells & Wealden UNA.
The UN has a firm stance against the use of sexual violence, including the rape of women, as a weapon of war. It considers such acts to be grave violations of international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law (the laws of war). Rape and other forms of sexual violence are recognised as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide. There is an invisible gap between men wounded in war being treated as heroes and rewarded with respect and women, survivors of rape in wars, treated as shameful, damaged goods, often rejected by their communities. The invisible gap is longer than a life sentence as it has repercussions for the children of women and girls raped in war.
The event included speakers, Lesley Abedela MBE, a recognised expert on women in politics, democracy-building and organisational change, Catherine Adams, a solicitor and PhD in War Studies at Kings College London and Graham Minter, UK diplomat, Ambassador to Bolivia 1998 – 2001 and Amnesty International campaigner with a special interest in South American Countries.
The event brought awareness to the subject and what could be done to bring about a change in attitude towards survivors of Conflict Related Sexual Violence. Attendance by SITWD members also supported the work done by the local UNA, of which Marguerita Morton, a member, is Co-Chair.
SITWD Supports Local Junior Enterprise Challenge
The School Enterprise Challenge is an international educational programme for primary and secondary schools that seeks to cultivate business and 21st century skills in students, while strengthening teachers’ instructional approaches in entrepreneurship education. Annually, Beechwood School runs the Tunbridge Wells primary school version of the programme, aimed at 10 – 11 year-old students. The programme requires students in teams of 8 – 10 people to create a product, produce a model or mock up of the product (in this case a roller coaster), devise a marketing plan and deliver a presentation. The teams’ outputs are judged against defined criteria and three teams selected for first, second and third prizes.
In continuation of previous connections, Beechwood School invited the Tunbridge Wells Soroptimists (SITWD) to provide one of the judges for the competition. The invitation was taken up by President Elect, Jill Ruddock, given the profile-raising and networking opportunities which this represented.
Each of the 12 teams had a “stall” at a “Trade Fair” where they exhibited the model of their roller coaster and along with three other judges (members of the community including the Town Mayor Nancy Warne), Jill viewed the exhibits, questioned the team members on different aspects of their creation and began to assess the quality of each submission. This was followed by a 10 minute presentation from each team involving slides and, in some cases, videos. Questions were invited from the judges and from the wider audience consisting of fellow students. Judges then conferred and decided on the three prize-winners.
