Soroptimist International of Winchester took part in the Hat Fair on 6/7 July. This year was very weather dependent but at least one day was sunny and brought out the crowds. We were pleased to be in the Cathedral Grounds with the Cathedral in front of us with amazing performers. 
Although the numbers were reduced on Sunday due to the rain we had plenty of visitors.
As part of a recruitment and membership strategy, it’s good to create awareness of what the club does, and to be more a part of the Winchester community. Members staffed the stand and we were gratified to hear that our name is getting around and that we were recognised. Others we spoke to were interested in knowing more so it was a productive two days.
Julie Blackwell, member of SIW said, ‘We were able to talk to several interested ladies and pass on our information. 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.’
She continued, ‘We found it very successful from this point of view and will take forward the 
lessons learned for more Winchester events. Fun was had with the website frame and captured many of the performers as well as the stand and visitors, making visuals for social media’.
Also on the stand were charitable items for sale. Items for sale were on the stand from the Philippines, particularly bags, belts, jewellery made form the ring pulls of cans which are made in the Philippines through the charity Purple Community Fund. This supports families working and living on the rubbish dumps and helps create employment and recycling opportunities for them. Through this the charity has helped educate their children and go forward to University.
Soroptimist International of Winchester & District supports the women’s Refuge in Winchester and also the Trinity Centre, along with lobbying Government for women’s rights and many other projects in the UK and overseas, transforming the lives of women and girls. It is a global women’s organisation and celebrated 100 years in October 2021. The Winchester club celebrated 60 years in 2022.
There will be an open informal morning at Turtle Bay Restaurant in Winchester on 25 August from 11am to 1pm and we would love to see you there for a drink and a chat!