SI Southend-on-Sea and District

‘Give Peace a Chance’

Southend-on-Sea and District club celebrated UN International Day of Peace on Sunday, September 21st 2008 in a BIG WAY with a Peace Vigil.

 

They were blessed with sunshine as they were joined by the Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Norman Ladzrie and his wife, and the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Southend-on-Sea, Cllr Brian Smith and Mrs Lynn Smith. Local organisations from all around the area supported the Peace Vigil and most participants were wearing white tee-shirts or tops.

At noon, they held a quiet reflection, with Peace readings, at the Salvation Army Tea Rooms in Hadleigh. From the balcony Soroptimists and their families read peace poetry and the words of world-famous peace campaigners, like Satish Kumar.

About 100 people then walked to Hadleigh Castle, where a cloud of 35 white doves was released, sponsored by organisations and individuals.

The doves, symbolising the Soroptimist aim for a peaceful world circled round the crowd and flew off to take the message of peace to the world. Afterwards, everyone received a scroll containing the Soroptimist International Peace Pledge.

One participant said, “The whole event was extremely moving and worthwhile - when the white doves flew into the blue sky, it was just wonderful!”

Soroptimists firmly believe that peace isn't just the absence of war - it's about living without fear, being cared for and being educated so that life can be good! Their work at home and abroad is focussed on promoting the Human Rights of women and girls.

Soroptimist Margaret Sandercock said, “At the Southend club, we've always supported UN International Day of Peace - we urged all our local schools to contribute to our Peace Book in 2006 and we walked to support women who are mending their lives in war-torn countries, in 2007. We work for a world where tolerance and co-operation will be realities.”



For more information on this club, visit their website