Tea for Special Friends Club
On 13th June we held a tea party, at St Mary Magdalene Church Rooms Stoke Bishop, for some of the families who belong to the Special Friends Club. Several families came with their children. It was an enjoyable afternoon and included crafts and singing, as well as a delicious tea supplied by members of SI Bristol. The families who came, wrote afterwards that they had had a “wonderful time”.
Voices Together Concert
On Saturday 13th November Soroptimist International of Bristol held a very successful fund-raising evening at St. Mary Magdalene Church in aid of our President’s Charity ‘Special Friends Club’.
The concert was attended by the Lord Mayor, Clare Campion Smith; the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Dr. Timothy Chambers and the High Sheriff, Dr. Rosalind Kennedy.
It was indeed a concert of ‘Voices Together’ as we were entertained by two local groups – The Harry Browns, a shanty group with over 35 years experience singing songs from this part of the country or associated with Bristol and it’s maritime past. The Gurt Lush choir brought 80 of it’s 300 members; their publicity states “they are an un-auditioned choir that takes anyone.”
The Harry Browns delighted us with a selection of sea songs, encouraging audience participation, while Gurt Lush sang a wide range of songs from River by Joni Mitchell to a folk song from a remote part of Bulgaria. The two groups joined together for the rousing shanty finale.
It was a great evening which was well supported by the local community as well as many members of SI Bristol. We found it very moving and humbling to hear about the work of the Special Friends Club, and it’s Outreach, to so many children and their families. The work of the Club means that activities and social events can be enjoyed by the whole family within a supportive and loving framework.
It is good to know that SI Bristol has been able to support this very worthwhile and local Charity.
President’s Charity for the Year
Special Friends Club
Registered charity no: 1142501