THE mayor of Winchester showed her longstanding support for a Winchester women’s club that works to improve the lives of women and girls across the world.

Soroptimist International of Winchester hosted a coffee morning at Rick Stein in the High Street on May 16 to share what they do and encourage others to join as part of ‘membership month May’.

The club was delighted to welcome the mayor of Winchester, Cllr Angela Clear. She said: “The Soroptimists do great work in the community and I support them whole heartedly.”

Winchester club president Julie Blackwell said: “It was a lovely morning, we were also joined by passers-by who were happy to join us for coffee and discussion. There were some fascinating stories to hear once coffee and cake were passed around.

“It is a women’s global voluntary organisation and we would be pleased to hear from those who would like to join us.”

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Four members were on hand to discuss Soroptimist International's current projects including consultative status at the United Nations and lobbying for women’s rights at governmental level.

Locally, the club supports causes such as the Women’s Refuge, Trinity Centre, Winchester Hospice and the Winchester Beacon.

The next public event will be at the Hat Fair in Winchester, where members will have a stand in Abbey Gardens on Saturday, July 1.

For more information email winchestersoroptimists@gmail.com.