Soroptimists of Winchester have had a great start to the summer, with three events over the last few weeks. 
Starting off in June with the picnic for the families and children of the local Refuge, members donated tasty picnic food, laid out in the shade next to the play area in St Swithuns School. As always students help us and play games with the children. Thanks go to the school chaplain Paul Wallington, the students and the school for their support.
At the end of June fundraising started with a car boot sale in the Cattle Market car park in Winchester. 
It’s a great opportunity to meet people, talk about what the charity does, which is support Women and Girls, and raise funds in the process. Myra, Helen, Julie and Eleanor helped at the tables. The funds raised go towards the local charities we support in Winchester. On 6 August we shall be doing the same again with hopefully as good weather as we had on this occasion.
At the beginning of July the Hat Fair took over the centre of Winchester and the Soroptimist tent was in Abbey Gardens. This was a fortuitous location as the Soroptimists had established the sensory garden for the blind behind Abbey House as long ago as 1975. 
It was re-dedicated in 1999 and it was good to see how the garden is enjoyed by the public. 
The Hat Fair was a great success with many people enquiring as to what the Soroptimists do. Julie Blackwell said, ‘Abbey Gardens was full of people and performers giving a holiday air to the day. We were one of two charity stands in the gardens and as our colours are prominent we were very noticeable. We like that.’
To finish our presentation to the Winchester Hospice, the bench we dedicated now has some colourful cushions. Simon Cramp, who looks after the Psalm 23 Garden there said, ‘They are really just what we needed and have already attracted plenty of appreciative comments.’
You can find out more about Winchester Soroptimists by emailing winchestersoroptimists@gmail.com