Skip links

Railing Against Abuse 25th November

Railing Against Abuse 25th November

in

On 25th November Soroptomists from throughout the southwest joined the 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 from Barnstable, Bath, Bridgewater, Cirencester, Plymouth, Swindon, Taunton, Tiverton and Western-Super-Mare travelled by train (“railing”) to Bristol Temple Meads station to join members of the Bristol Club. Most were adorned in distinctive orange clothing (including wigs). The main group walked, in a very orderly fashion, with banners and a loudhailer from Temple Meads Station to the Lord Mayor’s Chapel at the bottom of Park Street. A small group, including Tara Arkle, took the bus to College Green. During their “railing”, Soroptimists 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

United Nations Day for the elimination of violence against women

United Nations Day for the elimination of violence against women

in

At our Regional Meeting on 18th November we were privileged to hear Tara Arkle, a writer and campaigner talking about domestic abuse. She was passionate about her subject and an inspiration to us all. Her talk was particularly relevant because on 25th November Soroptomists from throughout the south west will join SI Weston-super-Mare club to raise awareness and support the United Nations Day for the elimination of violence against women. Soroptomists will travel by train to Bristol Temple Meads station, many wearing distinctive orange clothing and distributing “Loves me /Loves me not” bookmarks and cards to people as they walk through Bristol with banners, ending at the Lord Mayor’s chapel. Dame Joan Collins has added her support to the campaign and she will be at the Lord Mayor’s chapel. The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Lesley Alexander and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens

A Visit to the Opera

A Visit to the Opera

in

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

13th November 2017 Lindy Tasker – Young Bristol

13th November 2017 Lindy Tasker – Young Bristol

in

Lindy, has been chair of fundraising for an incredible 30 years forYoung Bristol which provides opportunities for 12,000 young people to help them overcome barriers and achieve their potential. The charity was originally founded as Clubs for young boys aged 8 – 24 in 1928 by prisoners of war returning home with the aim of helping them to become responsible members of Society. Now, it provides youth clubs and opportunities for girls and boys in addition to enabling young people to obtain National Citizen Service Awards. It holds a variety of watersporting opportunities in the city’s docks, an annual 100 mile canoe race on the River Wye and provides high ropes challenges at Kingcott Farm (just across the Suspension Bridge). All of which gives young people opportunities to explore, learn more about themselves and achieve something – perhaps for the first time in their lives.

9th October Clare Campion-Smith – Experience of a Lord Mayor

9th October Clare Campion-Smith – Experience of a Lord Mayor

in

In the year when Bristol is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the traditions and role of Lord Mayor, it was particularly interesting to be joined at our Club supper by a former Lord Mayor, Clare Campion-Smith, who told us that only 9 women have held the post throughout these years. Although we are aware of the Lord Mayor, I am not sure we realised just what it entails. It sounds exhausting attending 730 events is one year. However, it was a year of fun, challenges and memorable events on occasions very diverse. Clare brought her robe and beautiful hat for us to enjoy.  We all realised what a valuable function the Lord Mayor performs.  

‘Let’s Nail It’ Unseen’s campaign to raise awareness of slavery in nail salons

‘Let’s Nail It’ Unseen’s campaign to raise awareness of slavery in nail salons

in

At the end of 2016 police raided nail salons because of modern slavery, with more than 60 businesses facing fines. And so SI Bristol joined businesses and community groups across the country painting our nails neon yellow to raise awareness of slavery in nail salons and empower everyone to be able to recognise this hidden crime and report it.

Survey on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery 1st – 7th October 2017

Survey on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery 1st – 7th October 2017

in

We hope you may like to help us by answering a few questions on what you know about human trafficking and modern slavery. The online survey is only open until 7th October and it really only takes five minutes to complete. Below is an explanation about what we are doing but to speed it up for you if you put www.sigbi.org/ukpac/survey/ into your browser it takes you directly to the survey. If you want to remain anonymous where it asks for your email address put in slaverysurveyuk@gmail.com More Information about the survey Survey on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery  1st – 7th October 2017 Does slavery happen in the UK today? The Soroptimist Club of Bristol is taking part in a larger survey (along with Soroptimist Clubs, across the whole of England) during 1st – 7th October this year. This is with the support of

Coffee Morning in aid of Unseen

Coffee Morning in aid of Unseen

in

On 24th August we all enjoyed a lovely morning at Lucy’s house to raise money for our annual charity Unseen. It was a very lively occasion attended by our members, friends and family. It was a joy to see the children helping and enjoying our company too. Cakes were also on sale and we raised over £300. A truly worthwhile way to spend a Thursday morning.