An unusual but memorable take on the Orange campaign. One of our members Gina Bird hosted an excellent Orange tea party which gives us the opportunity to share the message in an unusual way. Her tea party is ‘Inspired by Shelley’ and is one of them any ways we can raise awareness of the campaign.
The UN’s “orange the world” campaign is a global initiative to end violence against women. It is marked by 16 days of activism from 25th Nov to 10th December alongside, dedicated days on the 25th of each 
month. Awareness raising activities include lighting up public buildings, 
marches, stalls, social media promotion, orange themed events and orange café days. Women’s organisations most notably Soroptimist International have espoused the campaign for some years, seeking imaginative ways to spread the word.
As a Soroptimist and enthusiastic Shelley collector, Gina naturally found inspiration in my Regent orange polka dot tea set. Six guests were invited to afternoon tea, with dainty sandwiches and homemade cakes resplendent on Shelley plates. As always, the c
omment was made that tea tastes better from a china cup. There were lots of refills. Two of the guests were our newest Soroptimist members so the tea provided an opportunity to discover more about the orange campaign, while she also filled 
everyone in on the delights of not just owning but using Shelley. Armed with photos of the event two other guests were off to the SIGBI conference, highlighting the campaign, where the distinctive bone china got well and truly noticed. Guests were invited to bring orange gift items of grocery and toiletries; these were then distributed to the women in the Winchester Refuge.
An orange harmony beer jug and mug set is quietly murmuring,” pick me,” next time: maybe mulled cider and mince pies beckon.
The Orange campaign 2025 comprised partnerships and events. Over the past few years we have used 
illuminations and this year was no different. Winchester City Council agreed to illuminate the Guildhall clock tower for us from 25 November for a week, also the date of the White Ribbon Day. The Spinnaker 
Tower was illuminated by Inner Wheel Cosham together with STOP Domestic Abuse, whom we support with the Winchester Refuge.
On White Ribbon Day the Council joined with Trinity Winchester and the local fire brigade and held a photoshoot to be broadcast as support and the partnerships they share. Later that day in Gun Wharf Quays in Portsmouth there was a Sing Now choir performing and STOP Domestic Abuse supporters were raising funds. 
A few weeks later at our annual Federation conference in Birmingham we held a workshop on our previous Orange campaigns and showed them the photos. The club FB page carried the daily messages promoting the campaign.