Since its inception in 2014, WiP has hosted four events each year. Many of our events have taken us ‘behind the scenes’ in Leicestershire and Rutland to places such as the Police or Fire Service HQ, John Lewis, Lumbers Jewellers, Stapleford Park, the University of Leicester as well as private houses or gardens.
All our events are generously sponsored, so that membership fees go entirely to local charities.
Past Events
Below you can find an archive of our past events. Click on an event to find out more.
Women in Philanthropy Annual Film Premiere at Curve
Stapleford Christmas Event
Women in Philanthropy Christmas Party, Lumbers
Melton Defence Animal Training Regiment
Our Lady’s Convent School Loughborough hosts first event of new WiP year
Afternoon tea for WiP Charities at Saddington Hall
Women in Philanthropy Annual Film Premiere 2019 at Curve, Leicester
Treasured Archives, University of Leicester
Women in Philanthropy Annual Film Premiere 2019 at Curve, Leicester
Women in Philanthropy Tour of Leicester Cathedral
Women in Philanthropy Tea Party 2019
Women in Philanthropy celebrate their 5th Anniversary at Nevill Holt Opera
Women in Philanthropy Annual Film Premiere 2020 at Curve, Leicester
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Event
Women in Philanthropy Annual Film Premiere 2020 at Curve, Leicester
More than 100 guests attended our finale to WiP’s sixth year – our film premiere event at Curve on Wednesday 29th January. Hosted by Bishop Tim Stevens, the evening featured three short films sponsored and produced by De Montfort University highlighting the work of WiP’s three 2019-2020 chosen charities Out of Hours Rutland, Zinthiya Trust and Dear Albert.
After a welcome from David Ross of Curve Theatre, we heard from Steering Group Member Steph Morgan QPM, who explained how Women in Philanthropy works and why it is needed. Steph said,
“The charities that we support are local, unsung charities. They work below the radar and help those in greatest need.”
The film screenings were followed by three entertaining Q&A sessions hosted by Bishop Tim in which representatives from the charities spoke about their work and about their journey with the Women in Philanthropy.
WiP Steering Group Members Caroline Trace and Vijay Sharma closed events by thanking everyone for supporting the night and announced the 2020-21 charities which WiP will be working with over the coming year – Money Advice Centre (‘MADMAC’), Eyres Monsell Club and Hospice Hope.
Our WiP Film Premiere was kindly sponsored by the Anand & Sethi Family Charity Trust with the films sponsored by DMU, Dave Soden and Katy Green.
Women in Philanthropy Tea Party 2019
On Wednesday 28th August, the Women in Philanthropy hosted our annual tea party at Saddington Hall to thank our WiP charities past-and-present, members and sponsors. With cakes kindly provided by Fiona Cairns, guests enjoyed an afternoon drinking tea, tasting some delicious cakes and discussing philanthropy.
Women in Philanthropy celebrate their 5th Anniversary at Nevill Holt Opera
On the Friday 28th June 2019, we were delighted to celebrate our fifth anniversary with WiP members and guests at Nevill Holt. Sponsored by NFU Mutual Market Harborough, guests enjoyed delicious canapes and wine in this prestigious, historic venue. The sun was shining bright and provided the perfect light to showcase the beautiful gardens and sculptures to guests. Andy Bretherick, Head Gardener, conducted tours of the grounds and gave us some excellent gardening tips!
During the evening, we heard from David Ross, who kindly hosted us at Nevill Holt. He told us all about the inspirational work of Nevill Holt Opera – enriching lives and empowering young people through the arts. After this, we heard from WiP Steering Group members about the journey of Women in Philanthropy over the past five years and its aims for the future. This was followed by presentations from our three 2019/20 charities – Zinthiya Trust, Out of Hours Rutland and Dear Albert.
Women in Philanthropy Tour of Leicester Cathedral
On Tuesday 2nd April 2019 we had the pleasure of spending the morning looking around Leicester Cathedral. We heard about its history and had the opportunity to visit the tomb of Richard III.
This was the first event for the WiP charities 2019/20, who all spoke about the inspirational work that they do.
There were light refreshments on the day including cakes and biscuits which were kindly donated by Fiona Cairns, who is a member of WiP.
Women in Philanthropy Annual Film Premiere 2019 at Curve, Leicester
More than 100 guests attended our finale to WiP’s fifth year – our film premiere event at Curve on Wednesday, March 13.
Hosted by Bishop Tim Stevens, the evening featured three short films sponsored and produced by De Montfort University highlighting the work of WiP’s three 2018-2019 chosen charities First Step Leicester, Park Lodge Project and The (Loughborough) Wellbeing Centre.
The film screenings were followed by three entertaining Q&A sessions hosted by Bishop Tim. We had some wonderful feedback from the event and are so grateful to everyone who came to support us.
“Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the WiP event this evening at The Curve. The stories of the 3 charities were inspirational and very moving. And Bishop Tim was fantastic as always.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed last night, thank you so much for the invite.”
WiP steering group members Sally Bowie and Vijay Sharma closed events by thanking everyone for supporting the night and announced the 2019-2020 charities which WiP will be working with over the coming year – Dear Albert, Out of Hours Club Rutland and Zinthiya Trust.
Women in Philanthropy (WiP) selects three local charities to support each year, focusing on “unsung, unseen” groups working hard but quietly to keep our city and counties safe and thriving.
Stapleford Christmas Event
On Thursday 6th December, the Women in Philanthropy held their Christmas event at Stapleford Park. This magnificent hotel country park hosted the event free of charge to support the three 2018 WiP charities, serving up prosecco, coffee and delicious cakes in their glorious Grinling Gibbons restaurant.
Mike Kapur OBE Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire and Dr Sarah Furness Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, who sits on the WiP Steering Group, attended the event as well as guests from across the Leicestershire and Rutland area as well as further afield, with some guests even travelling up from London for the event.
Christmas had truly arrived at Stapleford Park; teddy bears lined the stairs, garlands graced the staircases and Christmas trees gleamed in the halls. Guests heard from Carolyn O’Sullivan, part of the Stapleford Park team, about Stapleford’s upcoming projects and future plans.
A particular treat for guests was the opportunity to hear from the Women in Philanthropy patron, the inspirational Jennifer Lady Gretton, who took guests on a journey exploring the history of Stapleford Park to her time living in this magnificent country house. Guests were particularly intrigued by the magical stories of Lady Gretton’s restoration of the miniature railway.
After this, guests heard from the three WiP groups of 2018 made presentations about the inspirational work that they do each and every day. Firstly, guests heard from Cas Beckett of First Step Leicester; an organisation run for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Secondly, guests heard from Michelle Calvert of the Park Lodge Project; a project that provides safe and supported accommodation for young homeless people between the ages of 16 and 25. Lastly, guests heard from Helen Carter of the Wellbeing Café; a project that supports vulnerable people with a range of mental health issues. All three groups made excellent and engaging presentations and guests had a chance to ask questions and talk to the groups during afternoon tea.
The Leicester Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation supports the Women in Philanthropy and helped to organise the event at Stapleford Park, along with members of the WiP Steering Group. Katy Green of the LLR Community Foundation says “our local charitable and voluntary groups work so hard – and so economically – to meet local needs. They are often unsung and unseen; you won’t see appeals from them on TV this Christmas. Yet without their dedication, our city and counties would be so much the poorer. It is so fantastic to see the intelligent support that WiP gives them and those they help to the attention of a wide and influential audience.”
The next Women in Philanthropy event will be the end-of-year event at Curve Theatre; the three charities will showcase their films. At this event, the three 2019 charities will be announced to the audience.
Treasured Archives, University of Leicester
Set in the charming Council Rooms at the University of Leicester, WiP members enjoyed an evening viewing the beautiful Treasured Archives in October. The collection consisted of ancient manuscripts, tiny bibles and even a 16th Century recipe book. The guests also had an opportunity to hear WiP’s chosen charities of this year, and all the invaluable work that they are doing.
WiP, currently in its 5th year, has made a remarkable difference and to date has paid £54,000 in grants and invested £62,360 to create future support for local charitable groups.
Our next event is on Thursday 6th December at Stapleford Park, 3pm-5pm. Join us for tea and cake, and an informal talk from Lady Jennifer Gretton on the history of Stapleford Park.
If you would like to find out more about joining WiP or attend a future event to see what it’s about, please contact Katy Green, Chief Executive at the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation on 0116 262 4804.
Women in Philanthropy Annual Film Premiere at Curve
Despite the inclement weather, WiP welcomed over 100 guests to our annual film premiere at Curve on the cold evening of 26th February. Hosted generously once again by Maggie Philbin OBE, the evening saw members and supporters come together to enjoy each other’s company and view a screening of the DMU sponsored films WiP has produced for this year’s charities: Centre for Fun & Families, New Dawn New Day and The Evington Centre wards for Advanced dementia.
The event sees this WiP year drawing to a close, and we look forward to working with our next three chosen charities for 2018 – 2019 which were announced at Curve:
First Step Leicester, Park Lodge Project and The (Loughborough) Wellbeing Centre.
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Photos courtesy of Bethany Campbell
Women in Philanthropy Christmas Party, Lumbers
WiP members and friends enjoyed a sparkling evening at Lumbers at the end of November, kindly introduced by our host and sponsor Dominic Gomersall. With the opportunity to browse the selection of fine jewellery available, fizz and nibbles, again guests were able to hear from and speak to this year’s charities.
If you would like to find out more about WiP or attend a future event please contact Katy Green, Chief Executive at the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation on 0116 262 4804.
Melton Defence Animal Training Regiment
To a beautiful backdrop on the outskirts of Melton Mowbray, WiP members enjoyed a visit to the Defence Animal Training Regiment in September, where they were treated to an historical overview of the facility and tour of the estate. This included a visit to the Equine and Veterinary Training Squadrons. This year’s three special charities also gave presentations.
Our Lady’s Convent School Loughborough hosts first event of new WiP year
Our first event of the year saw WiP members and new groups come together in the medieval cloisters and chapel of the beautiful Our Lady’s Convent School in Loughborough. Despite the poor weather, everyone enjoyed the venue and presentations which introduced the invaluable work of this year’s chosen charities: Centre for Fun & Families, New Dawn, New Day and The Evington Centre Ward for Advanced Dementia.
With canapes and Prosecco kindly provided by WiP steering group members, it was a lovely occasion. We hope you can join us for the next in September at the Melton Defence Animal Centre. Watch this space for more details!
Afternoon tea for WiP Charities at Saddington Hall
With cakes provided by Fiona Cairns, who was commissioned to make the wedding cake for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, all WiP charities past and present enjoyed getting together with WiP members and sponsors on 17th May. Hosted by Steering Group Member Caroline Trace, the event was a great success. Sponsors Erskine Murray, Home Instead Market Harborough and The Hanley Trust were able to attend along with representatives from Curve who hosted our fantastic film premiere in February. Our next event will see this year’s new charities present for the first time in the beautiful surroundings of Our Lady’s Convent School, Loughborough.
Maggie Philbin OBE hosts Charity Film Premiere at Curve
Women in Philanthropy celebrated the finale of its third year with a red carpet film premiere at Curve, Leicester, hosted by Dr Maggie Philbin OBE.
Women in Philanthropy (WiP) selects three local charities to support each year, focusing on “unsung, unseen” groups working hard but quietly to keep our city and counties safe and thriving.
Attended by 130 guests, the event was a great success, and featured short films sponsored and produced by De Montfort University for WiP’s 2016-17 charities: The Bridge – Homelessness to Hope; New Futures, which helps vulnerable women and young people involved in or at risk of sexual exploitation and prostitution; and Sustainable Land Trust, which trains young people excluded from school in rural industries and environmental activities.
Leicestershire-born Maggie Philbin, herself a champion of local charities in between her TV and radio work and her support of TeenTech, which helps teenagers into the worlds of science and technology, hosted the evening and interviewed the charities live on stage.
“WIP is unique and ‘made in Leicestershire and Rutland’,” said Narynder Johal, WiP founder member. “Public funds are shrinking all the time, and private funds are a lifeline for these small charities, who do so much to keep our area a great place to live and work.”
“This is only the third year of our existence,” added Caroline Trace, also a founder member. “So it’s fantastic to welcome such a number of WiP members – with friends, partners and colleagues – to show what our charities achieve.”
Each WiP member gives £500 per annum, half of which is invested to create a sustainable fund to support local charities in the future. The other half is given to the three charities of the year.
WiP holds events and parties through the year, for members to meet the charities and each other. All events are sponsored to ensure membership money goes directly to the causes. Hosts and sponsors have included Police HQ, the Diamond Room at Lumbers Jewellers, Farndon Fields Farm Shop, John Lewis, DMU and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, and private houses and gardens. The premiere at Curve was supported by local chocolatier Cocoa Amore, dairy & food services business Kirby & West and Insurance Broker Erskine Murray.
WiP’s 2017-18 year’s charities all work with mental health issues, from anxiety in children through to advanced dementia. Details of upcoming events and how to join are available on the WiP website www.wipfund.org.uk.
“The charities WiP supports are not household names, but they achieve a huge amount with a little money,” said Sally Bowie, previous High Sheriff of Leicestershire, and WiP founder member. “If they were no longer here, we would really notice the difference. We warmly welcome new members who share our ambition of supporting their work.”
Women In Philanthropy uses the charitable infrastructure of Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation, which sets up and manages charitable funds and foundations far less expensively than a standalone charitable foundation: if you would like to find out more about WiP or attend a future event please contact Katy Green, Chief Executive at the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation on 0116 262 4804.