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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.

Alison Visits Jamaica and Meets up with other Soroptimists

Alison Visits Jamaica and Meets up with other Soroptimists

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Dr Alison Wint, Soroptimist Bristol’s newest member, visited Jamaica this month and on Tuesday 14th April, met with Soroptimist International of Jamaica Kingston’s members Sonia, Denise and Novelette.  What a truly wonderful opportunity you have to make friends anywhere in the world when you are a Soroptimist! Sonia, Denise and Novelette were able to tell Alison about the health fare they are planning along with the Kiwanis to promote good health and provide dental care and food packages to the needy. Alison was interested to hear about their connections with the Methodist church and the Ministry of Culture.  She shared with them the activities of our Bristol Club and the charities that we support. Hopefully the connections forged between our two clubs will continue. Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) #SoroptimistInternationalJamaicaKingston #SoroptimistBristol #Friendship  

Another visit to Watercress Farm

Another visit to Watercress Farm

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    Sue, Sally and Ruth attended a guided tour at Watercress Farm in Wraxall on 10th April 2026. The event was organised by BART (Bristol and Avon Rivers Trust) for volunteers and prospective volunteers.   There has been a rewilding project running there for about 5 years. In that time data has been collected by volunteers who regularly monitor flora and fauna. At first about 350 species were counted and identified. The latest figure was 2,600 which is remarkable. Bristol Avon Rivers Trust Soroptimist SIGBI @soroptimistgbi #SoroptimistBristol #nature #rewilding #volunteers #SaveOurRivers        

PhysioNet: Update on our Activities for April 2025 to April 2026

PhysioNet: Update on our Activities for April 2025 to April 2026

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We have been supporting PhysioNet for some time now and have tried to support them on at least a monthly basis.   PhysioNet collects surplus disability, mobility and medical equipment, refurbishes it and distributes it to children and adults who lack access to such resources.  By working with local and international partners, PhysioNet ensures that these essential items including wheelchairs, scooters and walking aids are provided to communities where they can make the greatest impact.   Earlier this year we reported that groups of our members regularly volunteer with PhysioNet at their Gloucestershire depot.  They recently acquired a new south west depot in Cambridge near Slimbridge (Gloucestershire).  Bridget, our Programme Action officer, organises our attendance with PhysioNet. During the year we are regularly joined by a group of collaborating Rotary members to sort out a veritable mountain of crutches and other equipment. For example we

A Warm Welcome to a Representative from WomanKind Bristol

A Warm Welcome to a Representative from WomanKind Bristol

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  At our Club Meeting on Monday 23rd March, we welcomed a representative from WomanKind Bristol to talk about the charity. Womankind Bristol is a mental health charity run by women for women.  They help hundreds of women to improve their mental health and wellbeing so they can experience a better quality of life. The charity has a Helpline, providing a dedicated listening ear and support for women to talk things through, whatever the reason.  When women are going through difficult times, simply feeling heard and understood can make a big difference.   The helpline is there to support any woman or girl aged 16 and above who is in need of a listening ear. Helpline: 0117 916 6461         helpline@womankindbristol.org.uk Womankind offers one-to-one Counselling, a confidential space where women of all ages, cultures and backgrounds can feel safe and supported.  Their General Counselling

Mock Interviews at Yate Academy 18th March 2026

Mock Interviews at Yate Academy 18th March 2026

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      Two SI Bristol members (Jacasta and Marion) gave Year 10 students one-to-one Mock Interviews at Yate Academy.   We have collaborated with Bristol Rotary Club in previous years to help students prepare for upcoming work experience interviews and give them feedback as a key part of their preparation for job interviews. On this occasion we worked with the Kingswood Rotary Club. There were 25 desks in the auditorium and during the course of the morning, each participant interviewed 5 or 6 students. The event was under the supervision of a school teacher.  We carried out mock interviews, after which we completed a feedback form for each student on different elements of performance: verbal communication, body language, general attitude, quality of answers and areas to develop. Bristol Soroptimists are committed to continuing their support for schools by offering their time and assistance on

Speaker Meeting 9th March 2026: Jo Richardson FRAS the Founder of Space Detectives

Speaker Meeting 9th March 2026: Jo Richardson FRAS the Founder of Space Detectives

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  A night of 1000 stars! On Monday 9th March, Soroptimists Bristol welcomed Jo Richardson FRAS to their supper evening.   Jo is an ex-police officer who, 15 years ago, founded Space Detectives to address the challenges schools face in teaching children properly about space. Through the European Space Agency, from 2015–2017 Jo worked on several high-profile projects with astronaut Tim Peake, including the Tim Peake Primary Project, the Polar Explorer Project and Mission X. Jo continues to work with Tim to this day. As if Jo wasn’t busy enough with her teaching and organising events to promote our dark skies, she is also a ranger for Exmoor National Park, Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Sadly, due to light pollution being largely uncontrolled, it is getting harder and harder to see the stars. Light pollution affects human health and the nocturnal behaviour of animals