Our annual visit to stay at Number 63 Bayswater Road at our very own Soroptimist boutique hotel was attended by 13 Soroptimists and 3 Soroptimisters, As usual the first evening was spent in the usual Italian Restaurant that is very close to Number 63.  However, the second day did not go without a hitch and some of us spent the afternoon and evening at two of the major London hospitals as you will see from the splendid arm sling on one of our faithful members in the front of the picture.   The rest of our group enjoyed the energy and talent of the major new production of the Olivier award-winning, smash-hit West End and Broadway musical Five Guys Named Moe in the new Marble Arch Theatre. Many thanks to Jeanette and Ruth for making it happen.

On the 10th November at Whiteladies Road Lizzie C laid a wreath on behalf of SI Bristol. This is the 5th year we have joined the local schools, the armed forces, Avon and Somerset Constabulary and other local groups to remember those who have laid down their lives for us. This year, following the merger of Redland High School and The Redmaids’ School, we were delighted to see the girls from the new Redmaids’ High School providing the music for us.

This was the 83rd Federation Conference held at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff from the 26-28 October 2017. Nine members of SI Bristol attended for some or all of the time which was excellent and these are a few highlights relating to SI Bristol at the conference (for the full report see SIGB website www.sigbi.org). The Opening Ceremony, paraded the flags from the countries represented by SIGBI, the Soroptimist International flag and the United Nations flag. SI Bristol had a mention right at the beginning as being the first formed Club in the UK. Friday morning the programme began proper with the first keynote speaker, Michael Kaufman, who co-founded the White Ribbon Campaign. Following his presentation, four Clubs showcased what they had done over the past year which related to Violence Against Women. We were very pleased that this year SI Bristol was invited to

On the afternoon of Friday 13th October a group of 30 Soroptomists, their partners and friends , boarded a coach on the Downs to travel to the Cardiff Millennium Theatre, to see a performance of Eugene Oneygin by the W. N. O. Unfortunately the coach broke down on the M4 in Wales , so our arrival in Cardiff was somewhat delayed. However we were able to have some supper prior to the performance, perhaps a little more speedily than we had planned! This delay was soon forgotten on entering the magnificent theatre auditorium, with its wonderful acoustic and an excellent performance by the W.N.O. Our circle seats provided comfort and a good stage view, and the subtitles provided a clear explanation for those of us unfamiliar with the story. Our journey home was speedy and uneventful. Very many thanks are due to Ruth whose efficient

Maureen has been a Soroptimist for over 35years and during that time she has had many roles within the club. Currently she is Membership Officer and has a huge part to play in our annual charity  Bridge Day.  Thank you Maureen for all your hard work over the years.

On Saturday 23rd September Laura an Rowan were married at St Mary Magdelene Church in Stoke Bishop. It was a lovely occasion especially as the wedding ended with a family blessing – a truly memorable day.

On the 5th August Lizzie attended the first of two workshops “Growing our Brand in the Local Community” held at the Holiday Inn, Taunton and sponsored by SIGBI.  The purpose of the day was to provide us with ideas, inspiration, tools and techniques to help us attract new members.  It was an excellent day headed by Andrew Dewhurst and assisted by Anya Rigby (Anya is also a member of SI Amounderness in Lancashire, the youngest Soroptimist club in the UK, chartered on 4th July 2017). Andrew covered attitudes, growth tool kits, strategy planning and marketing communication plans.  He showed us the value of traditional marketing using flyers, posters and banners and how they can be effective by ongoing distribution and not just a “one off”.  He moved on to digital marketing demonstrating how we can advertise using Google, Facebook and Linkedin and showing us examples