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Club Meeting 22nd June 2026: We Welcomed Julie George, from Cancer Research UK.

Club Meeting 22nd June 2026: We Welcomed Julie George, from Cancer Research UK.

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A severe thunderstorm prevented many members from attending our Club meeting on Monday 22nd  June when we welcomed a guest speaker, Julie George, from Cancer Research UK. Julie gave a talk on the history of Cancer Research explaining that the name of the charity changed to Cancer Research in 2002, from Biology of Cancer funded by Thomas Reid in 1909. She enlightened us to the apparatus used previously to detect cancer and the equipment used now due to changes in technology.  There are over 200 types of cancers and millions of lives have been saved through extensive research. She gave examples of success in the treatment of Cervical Cancer and Prostate Cancer. Up to £400 million was spent on Cancer Research in 2025.  Julie went on to explain how research is funded by gifts, Wills and donation of memorabilia to be auctioned. She invited the

Summertime Party: Saturday 27th June 2026

Summertime Party: Saturday 27th June 2026

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The Summertime Party barbecue organised for Saturday 27th June was not only a wonderful opportunity to introduce new members to existing members and partners, but, very importantly, to mark Susan G’s recent significant birthday and to celebrate her 50 years of Soroptimist service with a certificate from Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland. And what a very happy occasion it was!  President Sally presented Susan with the  certificate and a plant for her balcony. We were most fortunate to have a beautiful garden venue for the party with the generous hospitality of one of our members. We can’t thank Ruth and Brian enough for facilitating such a convivial gathering. Soroptimist SIGBI #SoroptimistBristol #Volunteer #soroptimists

Speaker Meeting 8th June 2026: Charlotte Smith – Defeating Cybercrime

Speaker Meeting 8th June 2026: Charlotte Smith – Defeating Cybercrime

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At our supper meeting we were treated to a very stimulating talk given by Charlotte Smith from Cynam. What or who is Cynam?  It is a cyber security and technology company based in Cheltenham.  Its customers consist of businesses, government bodies and investors. Charlotte has a passion to promote and educate women to follow a career in cyber security of which, currently, only 17% women participate.  She is determined to transform the course of action of women’s attitudes by increasing and improving the number of women in the industry. One of her ways to achieve this goal is to establish partnerships with industry by making them and girls/women participate in activities and events whilst building the girls’ confidence and making them all aware of the opportunities in cyber security. Cynam’s strategy is to attract and retain women in cybertech through mentoring and building up trust

Another Visit to PhysioNet Who are Moving Soon

Another Visit to PhysioNet Who are Moving Soon

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    PhysioNet is a charity we support which accepts walking aids, wheelchairs and other mobility equipment no longer needed by the NHS.   Most of the equipment is used items from patients, but there are also donations from hospitals, and companies  and so it all mounts up! Luckily PhysioNet is expert at sending these wonderful items to  countries who accept the donations gratefully. The equipment is all collected, cleaned and loaded onto huge lorries on their way to seaports and across the sea to their destinations. There are volunteers from Rotary Clubs and Soroptimists who assist in this work and on 3rd June, yet another  team from our Soroptimist Club volunteered to help.  We have been supporting this charity for sometime now. Over the past year PhysioNet used a local depot near Slimbridge, but are moving soon to better premises in Arlingham Passage, Frampton

Another Fundraiser for the Charity Smart Works

Another Fundraiser for the Charity Smart Works

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    We organised another event at The Vincent on 26t h May to fundraise for the charity Smart Works Bristol.     There was a talk by Ruth Jackson, a trustee of the charity, followed by a clothes sale. Smart Works helps unemployed women to get the interview coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives. We were delighted the sale raised £380 for Smart Works Bristol and it helped raise the profiles of the charity and Soroptimist Bristol. The photograph shows Soroptimist Bristol President Sally and the speaker Ruth Jackson, a Trustee of Smart Works – “Free clothing and coaching to help women get the job”.

Another Visit to Bowood Gardens: 15th May 2026

Another Visit to Bowood Gardens: 15th May 2026

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    On May 15th, a delightful outing to Bowood Gardens was enjoyed by a group of our members.       This spring trip, organized by Ruth, included Ruth, Pauline, Carol and Ivete, along with Brian and David, two Soroptimisters. The gardens were a vibrant display of colour, featuring stunning rhododendrons and fragrant yellow azaleas nestled among magnificent mature trees. We marvelled at the budding tulip trees (Liriodendron), the beautiful burgundy red of the Calycanthus (Carolina allspice) and the impressive sight of the handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata). Throughout our walk, we were serenaded by the melodic songs of numerous birds. After exploring the garden, we took a break for lunch at a nearby pub. With breathtaking views, beautiful flowers, and wonderful company, it truly was a perfect day. We would love for you to join us on our next adventure! Being a Soroptimist means

May 11th 2026: Welcome to Ros

May 11th 2026: Welcome to Ros

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We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Ros, who joined us on May 11th as the latest volunteer in our club, one of the oldest women’s volunteer organizations in the world. The induction of our new member was made by Membership Officer, Gish, and President Sally. Ros has already begun to blend seamlessly into our community, and we’re excited for her to explore the inspiration and fulfillment that comes from our initiatives aimed at uplifting women and girls. Welcome aboard, Ros! Soroptimist SIGBI #SoroptimistBristol #Soroptimists #Volunteers #StandingUpForWomenAndGirls

Speaker Meeting 11th May 2026: Allan Schiller International Pianist – The Women in My Life

Speaker Meeting 11th May 2026: Allan Schiller International Pianist – The Women in My Life

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    At our Speaker Meeting on 11th May we were delighted to welcome the renowned international pianist, Allan Schiller to talk about the women in his life.   Allan Schiller’s musical journey is intricately woven with the influential women who shaped his path. Each of these remarkable figures contributed to his development and success, reflecting the profound impact of mentorship and support.  Allan was born in Leeds into a musical family – his father was a professional violinist, clarinettist and saxophonist. His Mother: A Pillar of Influence Allan often cites his mother as the most significant influence in his life. While his father played a role, it was his mother’s unwavering support and encouragement that instilled in him a love for music and a belief in his potential from the age of 6 when he started to learn the piano. Her dedication helped lay

A Visit to Oakham Treasures, Portbury North Somerset: May 7th 2026

A Visit to Oakham Treasures, Portbury North Somerset: May 7th 2026

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      A few members of the Soroptimist Bristol Club went on a memory lane tour today, 7th May, when we visited Oakham Treasures, just outside Bristol in Portbury.     Oakham Treasures is one of the largest privately owned museums of retail and farming history in the UK where one can see a vast collection of memorabilia from the last century and earlier. One can only describe it as an incredible and hidden gem, with a vast collection of heritage items. Carol even found an old group photograph of Redland High School in Bristol where she was Headmistress! We all enjoyed a fascinating and nostalgic experience. Soroptimist SIGBI Oakham Treasures #SoroptimistBristol #Soroptimists @soroptimistgbi

Speaker Meeting 13th April 2026: Keith Sheather – The History of Stoke Bishop

Speaker Meeting 13th April 2026: Keith Sheather – The History of Stoke Bishop

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We were entertained by Keith Sheather at our Speaker and Supper Meeting on 13th April. Keith talked about the History of Stoke Bishop, a very green suburb in North West Bristol, where quite a few of our members live.   Stoke Bishop has the feel of an Anglo Saxon village and it is recorded in the Domesday Book. The real beginnings of Stoke Bishop came from Henry Vlll to Ralph Sadler. Ralph was given Stoke Bishop, but probably never came to the Stoke Bishop area. His sons lived in Westbury on Trym (the site of the old College), an area bordering Stoke Bishop. Stoke Bishop is very close to the Downs and also borders Seamills and Sneyd Park. Bristol was the site where Romans, Anglo Saxons and Normans made a home and there are many remains to be discovered in several parts of the city.