We welcomed our speaker Allie Dillon our first speaker in 2021.  She started by describing the purpose and importance of the archives which are based at the Create Centre in B Bond Warehouse close to Cumberland Basin. The team of 19 maintain the archives of the City of Bristol and surrounding areas, as well as the British Empire and Commonwealth Collection.  Some are stored as hard copy and some have been digitised.  It is both an historic and cultural resource. The public have access free of charge and the records are used for many reasons including accessing records for public enquiries.  Bristol Archives was established in 1924 and it was the first borough record office in the United Kingdom and holds documents going back to the 12th century.  There are many valuable documents such as the Royal Charter circa 1190 (this is still a valid

Jen Challenged herself to raise funds for SI Bristol’s Club Charities and for Methodist Women in Britain, Bristol District.  She has achieved her goal, many thanks goes to Jen for a very  successful fundraiser.    Jen Said:  “It doesn’t seem possible that I have finished my six months walking challenge, which started in June 2020 and finished in November 2020.  Donations were still being made into December so my charity account wasn’t finalised until last week when JustGiving paid into my charity account which is £1715.  This is an amazing result and well over my original target of £1000. I want to take this opportunity to say a very big ‘thank you to all my supporters.  I knew no one when I came to Bristol two years ago and I feel very humbled by all your support.  I couldn’t have achieved it without your generosity. There

Soroptimist International is almost 100 years old and is celebrating the lives and contributions of  members who have made a difference.  Our current member Sue Perry was the first to be published (see post 4th September 2020). Quote from SIGBI: “As  part of  SIGB’s the celebration of the first centenary of Soroptimist International in 2021, more than 100 Soroptimists have been selected to be commemorated as part of the #WhoIsShe? Campaign. The centenary of the organisation seemed a fitting opportunity to recognise and celebrate the professional and personal commitments made by these outstanding members through the years. These #WhoIsShe? campaign members, both past and present, from Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland have all been nominated by Soroptimist Clubs for their noteworthy contribution to society in the furtherance of the aims and objects of the organisation.  We will be Showcasing 12 Outstanding Soroptimists each month.” The

  We are delighted to see that Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society’s (CHIS) December newsletter  features our article about SI Bristol’s book “100 Years of Sisterhood: Bristol Fashion”. It tells residents that it was “written by Clifton resident Dr Marion Reid, it describes the 100-year history of the Bristol Venture/Soroptimist Club.” The article goes on to give a taste of the book  and Marion says “for anyone interested in the history of Bristol and the people who live here, this book is a must”.  It can be purchased from www.redcliffepress.co.uk or through sibristol@hotmail.co.uk.

Unfortunately, this year because of lockdown, the annual Act of Remembrance at St John’s War Memorial in Whiteladies Road on 11th November had to be pared down and held without the usual attendance of 200 school pupils, a bugler, and music from a brass consort.   So, it was different but memorable and special nonetheless with clergy from Churches Together in Clifton, Redland and Cotham, a representative from the police, a Police Community Support Officer and a number of well distanced passers-by.   Four wreaths were laid including one by Sue P, President Elect, Soroptimist International Bristol.

On 4th November, President Elect Sue was honoured for her work at Abbeyfield. Due to the impending Lockdown (starting 5th November), the event was smaller than planned for such an auspicious occasion. The ceremony took place in All Saints Church, Clifton where it was possible to self-distance.  Two representatives from Abbeyfield presented Sue with a stylish broch, a framed certificate and a large bouquet of flowers. Following a thanks from Sue, a toast was given in Champagne.  Congratulations Sue – a truly worthy recognition of your commitment and service to Abbeyfield; first as a volunteer, then as a staff member and now as a volunteer.   Sue’s Certificate reads: “In grateful recognition of your outstanding and valued commitment to the care of older people, in particular for your incredible 45 years of commitment to Abbeyfield in the Bristol area and beyond, and for using your