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Supper Meeting February 2nd: Bristol’s Industrial Schools – Shirley Hodgson

Supper Meeting February 2nd: Bristol’s Industrial Schools – Shirley Hodgson

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At our Supper Meeting on February 2nd we enjoyed listening to Shirley Hodgson, a retired headteacher talking about some of the hidden history of Bristol’s poorest children in Victorian times and the rise of Bristol’s Industrial Schools. Shirley Hodgson herself devoted her working life to Bristol children, teaching in various schools. For ten years she was head of Victoria Park Junior School. As the 19 century progressed there were organisations run by charitable and philanthropic individuals – often religious – which improved the lot of some. They would be taken in, fed, clothed and educated and taught skills to fit them for adulthood and work. These were mostly run by well-meaning people of whom Mary Carpenter was a leading light of the Reformatory School movement and founder of Red Lodge Reformatory School for Girls, as well as an Industrial School for boys at Park Row.

Sue P is Awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal

Sue P is Awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal

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We are proud to announce that another of our Soroptimists Sue P has been presented with one of the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s prestigious medals at a ceremony held at the Mansion House.  Medals are awarded to people who have been instrumental in improving lives of people in Bristol.  Sue P was awarded her medal for her work as a Soroptimist, Age UK Bristol, Abbeyfield Bristol Society, Young Bristol, All Saints Church and  Redlend/Redmaids’ High Schools.  

Bridge Day March 7th 2020 in aid of our two Charities

Bridge Day March 7th 2020 in aid of our two Charities

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This year it was in aid of our two year Club charities Lifeskills – Learning for Living and The National Centre for Integrative Medicine. It is a very busy day with many members of SI Bristol and David S one of our Soroptimisters there to help and support. We are very grateful to the Bridge Club both in providing the venue free of charge and also from the many members who join us for this charity event. Mick Brown acted as Director for the day ensuring we had a professional day of Bridge for everyone to enjoy. It was a lively occasion and we provided prizes for the winners. Our delicious 2 course lunch was provided by Maureen and Pauline C. Lovely cakes were made by Soroptimists and sold under the direction of Gish and a raffle managed by Susan G meant that at the

SI Bristol visits SI Weston-super-Mare’s Friendship Luncheon

SI Bristol visits SI Weston-super-Mare’s Friendship Luncheon

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On Sunday 23rd February, members from SI Bristol joined SI Weston-super-Mare for their Friendship Lunch at the delightful Batch Country Hotel. We welcomed and were addressed by SIGBI President Elect Johanna Raffan and South West and Channel Islands President Margaret Parkinson.  There were also members from other clubs in the region there in addition to Soroptimisters. We were made to feel very welcome and there was plenty of time to relax and exchange ideas. Shown in the photograph are SI Bristol members, Lizzie and Sue P

International Women’s Day 7th March 2020 (Actual Day 8th)

International Women’s Day 7th March 2020 (Actual Day 8th)

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On Saturday 7th March we joined many other women at Bristol City Hall, organised by Bristol Women’s Voice, and showcased our work over the years.  We showed the work we have done supporting women and girls locally, nationally and internationally.  It was a huge success and many people visited our “stall” and were interested in what we do.  

Visit to Number 63 Bayswater Road 6th February 2020

Visit to Number 63 Bayswater Road 6th February 2020

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Our annual visit our very own Soroptimist boutique hotel was as always a huge success.  The weekend started with a visit to Hall of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries organised by Dr Tim Chambers, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, who had talked to us at out Supper meeting in October.  This was followed by a visit to the theatre “Witness for the Prosecution” an excellent production in a court room setting. The second evening was spent in the usual Italian Restaurant that is very close to Number 63. The rest of the time we enjoyed the sights of London finding new events and fun places to visit. Many thanks to Pauline and Ruth for making it happen.

Christmas Presents for Unseen 2019

Christmas Presents for Unseen 2019

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  Unseen’s specialised care is the first step in the fight against slavery. Through supporting survivors, their provision gives them a safe place to recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.  We have supported Unseen for a number of years including Christmas Presents for those in the Safe Houses. Two groups of four Soroptimists, organised by Yvonne , spent a few very convivial hours wrapping up individual Christmas presents and the boxes to house them in.  They said “we had such fun together making these presents look pretty and inviting”.  The presents were donations from SI Bristol members and fulfilled a pre-determined list of items from Unseen for 8 women and 5 men currently being cared for at Unseen’s safe houses.

Backpacks for Mary’s Meals November 2019

Backpacks for Mary’s Meals November 2019

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Once again we collected items for backpacks for girls and for boys and we were able to fill 15 packs in total!  Three sacks contained 5 completed backpacks each and a fourth sack was full up with “extras”: Pens, pencils, other stationery, children’s t-shirts and some large flip-flops.   Each of the completed backpack contains: Notepad, pencils, pens, crayons, eraser, ruler, sharpener, pencil case, towel, shorts or skirt, t-shirt or dress, flip-flops or sandals, small ball, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and spoon. The sacks go to a collection point in Glasgow (free pick up from a delivery company) where they are sorted and despatched to various destinations in Africa, Asia etc. where there is a need. Schools and children in these places all lack the basic items needed for an education.  Each backpack is labelled for a boy or girl and with an age range. SI

RAILING AGAINST ABUSE – Swindon, 23 November 2019.

RAILING AGAINST ABUSE – Swindon, 23 November 2019.

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The weather might have been damp, but it did not dampen Soroptimist Bristol’s spirit at the Railing Against Abuse event.  We have supported this event for many years and this year we travelled to Swindon. The Bristol club joined several other clubs from the South West and Channel Island Region.  We met outside Swindon’s Railway Station for a walk led by Tara Arkle (writer and activist) through the centre of Swindon to demonstrate against all forms of violence against women and girls and we handed out Healthy Relationship bookmarks on the way. These were very well received and we engaged with many members of the public during the walk.