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Elizabeth Ralph Commemorative Plaque Replaced

Elizabeth Ralph Commemorative Plaque Replaced

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The memorial plaque commemorating Elizabeth Ralph’s extraordinary service to Bristol was replaced on Sunday June 25th 2017.  Julian Warren City Archivist and Susan Greenwood, who had discovered that the plaque was missing and then organised the replacement of the plaque, spoke at the event.  The group then had a very enjoyable celebration brunch at Lockside Restaurant, Cumberland Basin. Amongst other things Julian said “In the winter of 1991 Miss Ralph planted the London Plane tree close to the city archives, donated by the Soroptimists International to mark her 80th Birthday.  A grainy photograph recording the ceremony was printed in the Bristol Record Office newsletter at the time which is currently on display in the search room foyer.  At the same time the city’s archives were moved out of the Council House and Bristol Record Office opened for business in B Bond warehouse, where the Archives continue to be

Regional AGM and Conference 16-18 June

Regional AGM and Conference 16-18 June

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As Daphne Dowsing, current Regional President, is a member of SI Tiverton, the AGM, Conference and friendship weekend was held there. There were inspiring and impressive speakers including The Right Revd Dame Sarah Mullally, DBE, Bishop of Crediton in the diocese of Exeter, the first female Bishop in the West Country who was consecrated (alongside the Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek) as 4th female Bishop in July 2015. She had started her working life as a nurse and rapidly rose to the heights of her profession, experiencing sexist attitudes along the way, especially when appointed Government Chief Nursing Officer for England. She was ordained in 2001, taking up full-time ministry in the C of E in 2004. She experienced and commented on different styles of leadership between men and women with excellent stories to illustrate her point.   She is keen to find ways to encourage

Skirting Science: Supporting Weston-super-Mare

Skirting Science: Supporting Weston-super-Mare

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On Thursday 29th June, SI Western-Super-Mare organized their 9th ‘Skirting Science’, this time at Churchill academy and Sixth From.  There were 16 workshops addressing various aspects of science and the event was attended by 194 year 9 girls from 12 area schools.  The aim was to attract them to science subjects at GCSE.  Each participant attended three workshops.    The event was supported by 25 volunteers from four Soroptimist Clubs (Western-Super-Mare, Bristol, Bath and Bridgwater [now Associates]).  The Federation President, Ann Hodgson, attended the entire event.  

12th June 2017 Hannah Young Head of Fundraising for Unseen

12th June 2017 Hannah Young Head of Fundraising for Unseen

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Unseen is a Bristol based charity that is working towards a world without slavery by supporting survivors and vulnerable people through specialist services that enable them to recover safely and develop resilient, independent lives. Hannah started by explaining the meaning of trafficking which is the movement of people from one place to another.  It is a worldwide issue and is the second biggest illegal trade next to the drug industry.  The actual number of people trafficked is unknown as people are afraid to come forward. She showed a film displaying what happens to people when they are trafficked, their feelings and the signs we should look for in the community.  She also showed us a clip of “Favour’s Story”.  This showed us how she moved from country to country and how she was eventually rescued and saved by Unseen. She asked us to stay aware, get involved

Welcome Little One

Welcome Little One

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  Philippa Rose Hampshire born 9th June 2017 a sister for Megan now our second baby born to Laura and Rowan. Congratulations to you all we are delighted.  Thank you for bringing her to see us she is a delight.

8th May 2017 Two Aunties in India

8th May 2017 Two Aunties in India

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Gish and Lucy gave a stimulating talk about their recent trip to Northern India. They gave a very personal account of their impressions of life in the places they travelled. During their three week stay they learnt about life in India and were impressed with the government’s attempts to increase the number of girl children who are born and who then complete an education. The government pays families on the birth of a girl baby and then at intervals as the girl goes through education. Trying to change such a huge country with many long held customs isn’t easy and will take a long time. They found the country huge, the people welcoming, the wildlife varied and the food delicious. India is a real assault on the senses, as their driver said: “you see anything and everything in India”. Fly drive certainly won’t catch on!    

Club Charity for the Years 2017/19 Unseen

Club Charity for the Years 2017/19 Unseen

2017-19 Club Charity for the Year               Unseen   Modern slavery is real. Nearly 4,000 victims are identified as potential victims of modern slavery in the UK each year; it is widely expected that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Human trafficking is a hidden crime so it is important to know the signs and report anything suspicious in your community. To mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (Sunday 30th July) , anti-slavery charity Unseen has produced a new short film.  It shows some of the ways people are trafficked in the UK and who to call for advice, support or to report a crime. To watch the full film and read more about its characters click here:  http://www.unseenuk.org/modern-slavery-is-real Film link: https://youtu.be/NvzYyaU8WRc Unseen is a Bristol based charity that is working towards a world without slavery by supporting survivors and vulnerable people through

Friendship Links

Friendship Links

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SI Bristol is fortunate to have established Friendships Links with the following Soroptimist clubs. We have twice enjoyed a visit from Yuko Tsuji from SI Aquamarine Kure, which is situated near Hiroshima, Japan. Soroptimists from SI Bautzen have visited Bristol. A very pleasant friendship weekend was held and Bristol Soroptimists proudly showed off the city to their visitors. A return visit was made to Bautzen the following November.  A tour of Berlin was made before travelling to Bautzen. Members were very warmly welcomed by Soroptimists and their families at a supper evening. The weekend continued with cultural visits around the interesting ancient town. Each year, SI Bristol Soroptimists who attend  the yearly conference held in November, have enjoyed meeting friends from our Friendship Links Clubs.  It has been wonderful to catch up on news with our friends from SI Bootle and SI Bangalore each year.

The Lord Mayor of Bristol presents Liz N with a prestigious medal

The Lord Mayor of Bristol presents Liz N with a prestigious medal

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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