{"id":5450,"date":"2025-10-02T19:32:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T18:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/tunbridge-wells\/?page_id=5450"},"modified":"2025-10-02T20:08:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T19:08:36","slug":"past-projects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/tunbridge-wells\/past-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Past Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

PAST PROJECTS (24\/25)<\/span><\/h4>\n

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) \u2013 Workshop (Grassroots Activism) in Dublin <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD was invited to continue its involvement in the academic research project started by Professor Cait Beaumont of London South Bank University (LSBU) on locating Women\u2019s Grassroot Activism in England and Wales.\u00a0 Funding has been secured from AHRC and this two-day workshop was organised to build on the earlier knowledge of both historical activism in this area as well as current activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing academic research into women\u2019s activism is vital to promote gender equality. Without an understanding of the legacy of women\u2019s activism, it is impossible to prove the value of women\u2019s contribution to society.\u00a0 Society wide acceptance of gender equality is essential in efforts to prevent violence against women and girls.\u00a0 While suffrage has been widely studied, other women\u2019s groups have been neglected in research terms. For these reasons, SITWD are pleased to continue with their earlier work highlighting the role of Soroptimism in the UK since its beginnings in the early 1900\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>During the workshop Caroline Auckland, past President of SITWD, gave a presentation on the work undertaken by the club on the subject of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).\u00a0 She highlighted the various reports, vigils and success of Greg Clarke MP\u2019s bill on Anti-Harassment that cited the work done by SITWD in our Spotlight on Safety report.\u00a0 Angela McPherson, past SITWD Programme Action Officer, then gave her presentation on how the project to create a unique banner celebrating International Women\u2019s Day for HMP Bronzefield was created.\u00a0 They also took along to the workshop, objects representing SITWD\u2019s history of activism over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD<\/strong>\u00a0ARHC Women\u2019s Grassroots Activism \u2013 Online Heritage Workshops<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Two separate workshops, \u2018Archives\u2019 and \u2018The Power of Objects (Material Culture)\u2019 were attended by club members.\u00a0 The two workshops came \u2018as a pair\u2019.\u00a0 The first gave many examples of ways that women\u2019s organisations can look after their archival heritage better.\u00a0 The second explored objects and heritage associated with female activism and the ways in which these can be utilised by organisations to raise awareness of their work and encourage new members and collaborations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The workshops linked directly to the Women\u2019s Grassroots Activism research project that SITWD has been involved with since its inception.\u00a0 The overall aim of the project is to highlight the work of leading women\u2019s organisations such as the Soroptimists, to foreground the legacy in campaigning for gender equality and to help safeguard and sustain future activism through the preservation and innovative use of local archives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participation in the workshops continued the collaboration between SITWD and the academic research project started by Professor Cait Beaumont of London South Bank University (LSBU).\u00a0 .<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD<\/strong>\u00a0Club President Walks to Brighton<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cat Mennell, the President of SITWD walked from Tunbridge Wells to Brighton to raise awareness of and money for Survivors\u2019 Network.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Survivors\u2019 Network is the SITWD President\u2019s charity for 2024.\u00a0 The walk is part of her year-long commitment to foster support for the charity.\u00a0 The charity provides wide ranging support to survivors of any form of sexual violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

The walk took place over two days starting on 2nd<\/sup> June 2024.\u00a0 The first stage went from Tunbridge Wells to Nutley with the second stage to Brighton on the following day.\u00a0 A total distance of over 40 miles was covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The walk resulted in sponsorship money of over \u00a3550 being raised for Survivors\u2019 Network<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD Donation to Worthing Hospital Breast Care Department <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Through a patient undergoing treatment at the hospital, SITWD became aware of a need for drain bags. 20 mini tote bags in attractive designs made previously by club members for fundraising events, were donated to Worthing Hospital Breast Care Department<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD Supports Write for Rights <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Every year, Amnesty International\u2019s Write for Rights campaign brings together people from around the world to fight injustice and support people whose human rights are under threat. Over the past few years these actions have made a real difference to people\u2019s lives. From Zimbabwe to Guatemala to Kyrgyzstan, activists have been freed, and justice has been served. This year\u2019s campaign features people from around the world who are all connected because their human rights have been violated.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD wanted to show their continuing support for the campaign.<\/span><\/p>\n

Five cards were made available at a club meeting. One was for a mother, jailed for criticising Angola\u2019s President on TikTok. Another for a forensic medicine expert jailed in T\u00fcrkiye for expressing her concerns about the use of chemical weapons in Iraq. The third is a political activist in Belarus, who was abducted, detained and sentenced to 11 years. The fourth is an outspoken advocate for women\u2019s rights in Saudi Arabia who has been sentenced to 11 years. The final woman is part of an indigenous group in Canada who are defending their land against construction of a pipeline. SITWD club members individually signed them with messages of support.<\/span><\/p>\n

The signed cards will be sent to the five women care of the Amnesty International office in the relevant country. Last year 5.8 million messages of support were engendered as part of this campaign. It is hoped that this year\u2019s will be even higher and help achieve human rights changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD gifts \u201990 for 90\u2019 to Mayor\u2019s Christmas Toy Appeal 2024<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Christmas Toy Appeal is an annual charitable appeal that provides presents to families in crisis, referred by Social Services, schools, churches and other agencies. Each year SITWD donates gifts. This year it felt appropriate to contribute 90 gifts to celebrate the Federation of SIGBI\u2019s 90th<\/sup> year.<\/span><\/p>\n

The appeal relies entirely on volunteers and donations of gifts and funds. It allows children to experience the magic of Christmas whilst giving their parent(s) some respite from the pressures of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two SITWD members, Carolyn Clutterbuck, and Kathy Lewis, negotiated a deal with a local shop to buy 90 gifts for the Appeal, which they delivered to the Amelia Scott.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

TW40 \u2013 24\/5 SITWD Lend With Care Report<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lend with Care is offers entrepreneurs in low-income countries to work their way out of poverty with dignity. This empowerment programme is centred around providing loans to people to start or expand planned business ventures that enable them to pursue long term livelihoods. It is the initiative of the charity, Care International UK and the micro-financing work currently operates in eleven countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Care International believes that poverty cannot be overcome until individuals have equal rights and opportunities. It is recognised that women and girls suffer disproportionately from poverty but that equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and communities escape poverty. It is estimated that women own approximately 8-10 million formal small and medium sized enterprises around the world. The programme is centred around village savings and loan associations with training in business planning, micro-finance, life skills and marketing being provided.\u00a0 SITWD have supported the provision of loans to women through this scheme since March 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n

An account has been set up with Care International\u2019s Lend with Care programme. A sub-committee of the club handles the month-to-month decisions as to which women and projects are funded. During the last year, \u00a3390 has been lent.\u00a0 This includes money re-lent which has previously been repaid.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD has, this year, helped 50 female entrepreneurs (who are the main support for 98 family members), in the process creating 43 jobs.\u00a0 In total, 191 people have been helped.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD ARHC Grassroots Activism Podcast Series https:\/\/historyhub.ie\/womens-grassroots-actvism-podcast<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>SITWD has continued its collaboration on the academic research project into Women\u2019s Grassroots Activism started by Professor Caitlin Beaumont of London South Bank University and now funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). This stage saw the production of a podcast series which highlight the diverse ways that various women\u2019s organisations, including SITWD, contributed to enhancing the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and globally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding and acknowledging women\u2019s contributions can help shift cultural norms that have historically sidelined or undervalued women\u2019s roles. It helps promote gender equality and ensures that everyone, regardless of gender, is treated fairly and with respect. By acknowledging the impact women have, we move closer to eliminating systemic discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caroline Auckland, former SITWD President, spoke in the third episode of a five part series, to Dr Ruth Davidson (Institute of Historical Research, University of London) about the campaigns and educational work carried out by SITWD against gender-based violence. She highlighted, in particular, the collaborative work done which led to the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023, a private Member\u2019s bill introduced by local MP, Greg Clarke and his mention of the club\u2019s work which is immortalised in Hansard. She also mentioned the club\u2019s involvement in the local Independent Advisory Group and it\u2019s work with schools. In the fourth episode, Lorna Blackmore, former SITWD and South East SIGBI Regional President, spoke to Dr Anne Logan (University of Kent) about environmental activism.\u00a0 She highlighted the work done by SITWD in making Tunbridge Wells a toilet twinned town and their involvement with local cemeteries and parks which has led to awards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Grassroots activism is rooted in the belief that lasting change comes from the ground up. By organising at a local level, women can create networks of solidarity, built coalitions and work toward long-term solutions that align with the real needs of their communities.\u00a0 Sharing stories is an important element of this work.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD Supports HMP Bronzefield <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>HMP Bronzefield is the only purpose-built private women\u2019s prison in the UK. Following SITWD\u2019s visit to the prison in November 2024 when they learned that donations of wool, fabric, books and DVDs would be welcome, a call was put out to the SITWD membership for suitable items.\u00a0 As a result, the club collected 70 DVDs and 4 boxed sets, 33 books, 40 cross stitch and embroidery kits, 4.75kg fabric, 3.5kg knitting wool, 1kg embroidery thread, bags of sequins and embellishments and a large bag of craft items.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD sets up Local Listening Project <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Following SITWD\u2019s \u2018Away Day\u2019, which was a reflective day to guide future activity, members set up a \u2018Listening Project\u2019 to engage with local women and girls to find out how they feel about living in Tunbridge Wells and the facilities available. The information gathered will help steer the club\u2019s future programme actions. Thirteen club members joined the group.\u00a0 They have sought the views of a range of women and girls to gather information about what matters to them. Subsequent consideration has been given to how the club can support some of the needs which emerged. The project is ongoing, with regular reviews to develop it further.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD\u00a0wants\u00a0to be\u00a0more outward facing\u00a0and actively promote causes\u00a0which reflect the needs of\u00a0the\u00a0local population and are highly relevant. To achieve this, they needed to\u00a0consult\u00a0a diverse group of\u00a0women and girls\u00a0who live\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Tunbridge Wells area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Listening project members\u00a0met to\u00a0devise\u00a0a\u00a0structured conversation template. It was designed to promote informal conversations about what\u00a0interviewees\u00a0like about where they live and what ideas they have for improvement. Members were then encouraged to engage with a wide range of individuals and groups.\u00a0By the end of March, they had gathered responses from over 100 women and girls (and the occasional male).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Overall, the responses have been encouraging, with many expressing positivity towards the town and the communities in which they lived. The ideas for improvement were many and varied with no single issue emerging. However, concerns about transport, the state of the town centre and other matters were offered up. A meeting with a Town Council Official to inform them of the findings is being set up. Additionally, the desire for women-only sessions at the gym and swimming pool, suggested by the Muslim Women\u201ds Group and also likely to appeal to others, is being pursued as well as an offer of mentoring\/ support with IB studies to sixth form girls at a local secondary school.\u00a0 The unfair pricing structure of bus fares is also under consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD joins WALK IN HER SHOES 2025<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Walk In Her Shoes is a CARE International UK fundraising challenge designed to raise money for women facing conflict and crisis across the world. It encouraged people to walk, wheel or run in solidarity with women who are leading the way in places of danger. No matter anyone\u2019s fitness level or ability, the idea was to take part and raise vital funds to support women. There were three suggested distances that could be done, whenever and wherever over the month of March.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD\u00a0is a long-time supporter of Care International’s Lend with Care scheme which loans money to entrepreneurs in developing countries.\u00a0 Eight members individually took part in the challenge, setting their own distance, signing up to JustGiving and creating a fund-raising page. All received the \u2018I\u2019m Walking For Women\u2019 t-shirt to advertise the event.<\/span><\/p>\n

Six members walked 60 miles each, one cycled 60 miles and another ran 25 miles, over the course of the month of March.\u00a0 So, overall, 445 miles was covered.\u00a0 A total sum of \u00a31,560 was raised.\u00a0 The UK campaign itself raised \u00a324,603.\u00a0 So, SITWD contributed around 6.3% of the total sum.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD\u2019s Archive Project<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Following earlier involvement with the AHRC Women\u2019s Grassroots Activism research project, SITWD has focused on bringing all historical documents, materials and other information about the club together in a coherent way.\u00a0\u00a0 A small group led by former SITWD President, Caroline Auckland, together with club members, Martha Naish, an archivist, and Kathleen Lynch-Howard have been looking at how to organise and care for the archives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Archives help preserve the history of the club\u2019s campaign\u2019s, achievements and milestones. It is important that information is carefully preserved to show how SITWD\u00a0has evolved and the positive change it has driven. It provides a legacy of empowerment, service and sisterhood which is often underrepresented in history.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three SITWD members spent two days at The Amelia Scott, a cultural and community hub in Tunbridge Wells, learning about how to care for the archive materials.\u00a0 They received the expert guidance of Heather Strachey, Senior Collections Officer, and Ian Beavis, Research Curator, as part of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council\u2019s Collection Management Training for Community Groups.\u00a0 Ian and Heather gave four hours of professional training focused on cataloguing, ownership, digital media, databases, storage, protection and pest management.<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD now feels better equipped to create an inventory for it\u2019s archive before it is stored later in the year, very appropriately, in The Amelia Scott which was named after a social reformer and campaigner for women\u2019s suffrage in Tunbridge Wells. SITWD celebrates its 80th<\/sup> anniversary in 2026 and plans to exhibit key elements of the archives in a display at The Amelia Scott.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 2023<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

DAVSS is a charity based in West Kent that supports victims of domestic abuse, aged 16 years and above. SITWD have long supported this charity with several club members being part of the DAVSS volunteer body. When SITWD members were alerted to a Valentine\u2019s Day initiative that asked for donations of small items of personal use to put together packs for women and children experiencing domestic violence situations club members voted to support it. Items were brought to the January club meeting and one club member who volunteers with DAVSS undertook to deliver these to the local DAVSS collection point.<\/span><\/p>\n

Items for DAVSS donation<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>October 2020<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Foodbank donation October 2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Foodbank donation September 2020<\/span><\/p>\n

March 2020<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Club Donation to Nourish March 2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal care items<\/span><\/p>\n

2020\/2021<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Coronavirus halted all physical club meetings but this did not stop members from working out a way forward. After the initial phase of lock-down Soroptimist Tunbridge Wells rallied and communicated by Zoom. We also set up a social bubble and transferred our sewing skills from bags and bunting to making masks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Members of the club made over 3,000 face masks. Some members cut and sewed in isolation, others met regularly and to construct and insert the masks into individual packs which also contained soroptimist information leaflets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using the hashtag #Masks4All the project quickly became a production line producing masks in small, medium and large sizes in a variety of fabrics for all sexes and ages including children.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Masks for Men and Children[\/caption]<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of these were donated to local organisations, charities and residential care facilities including Chamberlain Court Care Home and other care homes, Aspens, The Women\u2019s Refuge, Nourish and Mbedza. Some were purchased further afield by those who heard of our fundraising activities .<\/span><\/p>\n

SITWD masks have also been made available to the community of Tunbridge Wells, in return for modest donations, through social media and from outside one of our member\u2019s home. As people moved out of lock-down and ventured outside to buy food and everyday essentials we diversified and approached a town centre newsagent and coffee shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

This enabled us to increase our profile and the public can now select a mask along with their newspapers and lottery tickets. We have been delighted at the response from members of the community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Funds raised allowed us to continue to support local, national and international charities and our donations included<\/span><\/p>\n