Lori started by telling us that the Bristol Blue Plaque scheme was originally run by Bristol City Council but is now organised by the Bristol Civic Society.
The request for a plaque is put forward and the Society then researches the person to ensure that they are connected to the building and that their achievements warrant a plaque. Sometimes they are people who have a low profile but have done amazing things. The plaque is funded by the nominee and has to be approved through planning applications.
There are plaques to individual women and sometimes more than one on the same plaque, Lori spoke of some women that we are familiar with and many more. She showed us the plaque dedicated in July 2021, as part of our Centenary celebrations, to our very own Addison-Phillips. She said “a plaque to Miss Addison-Phillips was unveiled at Clifton High School where she was Headmistress (1908-1933). It was supported by Soroptimist International of Bristol, the Rotary Club of Bristol and Clifton High School. She was one of the founders and the first President of the then Bristol Venture Club which was the first “women’s category club” in the world. It later merged with Soroptimist International.
There was another interesting plaque celebrating Emily and Elizabeth Sturge. Emily
was a founding member of the Bristol Suffrage Society and Elizabeth worked to improve housing in Bristol. It was unveiled in June 2021 at the former Redland High School with which we have close links. It can also be seen at Redmaids’ High School and the picture shows President Sue at a recent visit to the school
Thank you so much for enlightening us and bringing the plaques to life.