The Lord Mayor of Bristol presents Liz N with a prestigious medal
We are proud to announce that one of our Soroptimists has been presented with one of the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s prestigious medals. This took place at a ceremony held at the Mansion House on the 21st April. Medals are awarded to people who have been instrumental in improving lives of people in Bristol. Liz N was honored for being a selfless, good egg. Liz was recognised for, among other things, her fund-raising efforts for the Lord Mayor of Bristol Children’s Appeal and other charities embraced by SI Bristol, as well as time freely given to various activities, including: Eden House Garden Project, St. George’s Heritage Project, Ambra Vale Garden, sharing produce from her allotment, and being the best neighbour. For over 30 years, Liz ran the Orthoptist Service at Bristol Eye Hospital where she was a favorite of staff and students. She used these
Regional Training and Development Day
On Saturday 11th March 2017, three members (Gill, Sue and Marion) attended the regional Development day in Taunton. The information provided was interesting and stimulating. It was clear that most SI clubs face challenges similar to those identified by SI Bristol, namely: succession planning, changes in communication methods (e-mail, website, social media), how to break the ‘best kept secret’ mold, and recruiting new members. Also the concept that SI clubs have moved (or are moving) from an ‘invitation only professional’ group to a ‘women from all walks of life; even retired’ group was mentioned. Succession planning was deemed important as SI clubs face [or embrace] the move from the model of operating under a rolling annual basis to one having longer term plans with sharing of duties club wide. To aid in the transition, practical tools, in three categories, were described: Growth Plan, Easy Stage
13th February 2017 Refurbishment of the Colston Hall
Louise Mitchell, CEO of Bristol Music Trust was an inspirational speaker and covered all aspects of the refurbishment of the Colston Hall. She also told us about the amazing music made by disabled students. The Bristol Music Trust and Bristol City Council are working together on the project and amongst other things they plan to: Remodel the existing main hall. Redevelop The Lantern (most of us knew this as “The Little Theatre”). Restore the Victorian foyer and include a restaurant on Colston Street side (the current restaurant will probably become a meetings area). Open up the historic cellars to create a third performance space and a dedicated music centre. Improve the stage and also have access for disabled artists. Install new comfortable seating, air conditioning, toilets and improving access throughout the building Improve the outside of the building on Colston Street. An SI Bristol Club member said
Annual Visit to 63 Bayswater Road, London
Early in February 12 Soroptimists and 4 stalwart Soroptimisters visited London for a few fun days. The first evening was spent in the usual Italian Restaurant that is behind and close to Number 63 Bayswater Road. For the second evening, most enjoyed the energy, talent and nostalgia of Half A Sixpence at the Noel Coward Theatre. The camaraderie over breakfast was very agreeable and the rest of the time everyone did as they pleased, which was easy to do in London. Many thanks to President Pauline, Jeanette, Ruth, and Susan W for being instrumental in making it happen and run so smoothly.
Christmas Workshop at Eden House
Staff and clients at Eden House were so pleased with the 2015 Christmas Workshop given by two of our members last year that they requested a repeat one this year unfortunately only one of us was available this year. Denise repeated her limited repertoire which involved making a simple table arrangement with fresh foliage, a candle and a few glittery items and a simply sown hanging tree decoration using felt or material and more glitter. About half a dozen ladies attended including staff that joined in. Although they were initially reluctant, all completed both items and seemed very pleased with the outcome. The staff were very grateful for the afternoon’s activity and seem keen to repeat the workshop during next year.
9th January 2017 One25 Bristol – Step away from the streets
See Programme Action post
Railing Against Abuse
On 25th November 40 Soroptomists from throughout the south west joined SI Weston-super-Mare club in their initiative to raise awareness and support the United Nations Day for the elimination of violence against women. Soroptomists travelled by train to Bristol Temple Meads station (“railing”), many wearing distinctive orange clothing (including wigs) and distributed “Loves me /Loves me not” bookmarks and cards to other passengers. This publicity material has been carefully produced to define in clear and simple terms the difference between good and bad relationships. The group then walked with banners and a loudhailer from Temple Meads to the Lord Mayors Chapel at the bottom of Park Street, in a very orderly fashion whilst continuing to distribute the bookmarks and cards to the public. Those who were unable to walk caught the bus or went direct to the Lord Mayors Chapel. En route we visited Next
14th November 2016 ‘South Bristol Youth’
At our supper meeting on Monday 14 November 2016 we had an informative presentation given by John Lee about “South Bristol Youth” (SBY), a charity using a new approach to working with young people in south Bristol. We learnt how and why the charity was formed, what it had achieved in its three years of working and the hopes for the future. South Bristol is a diverse part of the city that has benefitted from significant capital investment over the past few years. However there are large areas of deprivation, relatively low but recently improving levels of educational achievement and the second lowest level of participation in higher education in England. SBY has brought together six secondary schools, community organisations and the two universities in the city to tackle the lack of progress that many young people in south Bristol make. The schools work with
Act of Remembrance organised by Churches Together in Clifton, Cotham and Redland.
On the 11th November at Whiteladies Road memorial Past President Liz Corrigan laid a wreath on behalf of SI Bristol. This is the 4th year we have joined the local schools, the armed forces, Avon and Somerset Constabulary to remember those who have laid down their lives for us.