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Postcard from Cardiff – SIGBI Cardiff Conference 2017

Postcard from Cardiff – SIGBI Cardiff Conference 2017

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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

Christmas Gifts: Shoe Boxes for UNSEEN

Christmas Gifts: Shoe Boxes for UNSEEN

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On Thursday 8th December, gifts donated by SI Bristol members were wrapped ready to give to UNSEEN for current residents of their Safe houses. A team of Programme Action committee members (Liz N, Marion, Sue P and Yvonne) wrapped items to be given to people spending Christmas in an UNSEEN Safe House. Nine items were colourfully wrapped and placed in shoe boxes (8 for women and 5 for men). The shoe boxes and their lids were wrapped separately in gift paper, giving a festive look. That meant we wrapped 143 items! A big thank you to SI Bristol members who contributed items.

Caring in Bristol and our Christmas Party

Caring in Bristol and our Christmas Party

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On 4th December, 2017, we enjoyed our Christmas. After a delicious meal, our gratitude of the kitchen staff at the Golf Club was shown. This was followed by two activities: one a quiz to work out the associated place name from a clue and the other to identify people from photos posted around the room. Money was collected for Caring in Bristol, a charity that strives to create a society where everyone has a home, has hope, and is part of their community. They deliver projects around homelessness that include the 365 Shelter, Caring at Christmas, Bristol Nightstop, and the Survival Handbook publication. The evening concluded with carols sung by The Owls of Pill. We were encouraged to sing along and we proved to be in fine voice. The Owls are a group of all-male singers, garbed in Dickensian costumes. They took a collection from

A Jolly Evening in Aid of UNSEEN

A Jolly Evening in Aid of UNSEEN

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On Saturday 25th November, Soroptimists and Friends were entertained by the Harry Brown Singers with a selection of lively music. They had us all lustily joining in with Row the Boat Ashore and other songs with a nautical twist. The evening was enhanced by the ploughman’s supper in the interval and the drinks on offer at the bar. Many thanks to Denise and her team as well as all the other helpers. A representative of UNSEEN our club charity gave a short talk in the interval and a collection was taken.  

Railing Against Abuse 25th November

Railing Against Abuse 25th November

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.