A small group of Soroptimists – Sally, Denise, Ivete, Lynda and her husband Martin – were guided through St Mary’s Church, the churchyard and village hall on a wonderful sunny day.   St Mary’s history dates from the Anglo-Saxon period around 692 in what was then known as ‘Henbury in the Saltmarsh’. It was then a large parish going as far north as Aust. The first Norman building was succeeded by the present one which was begun in the 12th century. In 1806 the medieval font, which is now in the churchyard, was replaced by the current black marble font.   Well known residents of the churchyard include the novelist and  Egyptologist Amelia Ann Blandford Edwards whose obelisk is decorated with the Egyptian hieroglyph “Ankh”, as a symbol of the cross because it had the similar shape. The meaning of “Ankh” is “life”.

  Soroptimist International of Bristol received an invitation from Peaches Golding OBE CStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, to attend the planting of The King’s Coronation Tree.   Soroptimist International of Bristol received an invitation from Peaches Golding OBE CStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, to attend the planting of The King’s Coronation Tree This was the  official commemorative oak tree to King Charles III, in Brandon Hill Park, Bristol on Thursday 25 April at 14:30 hrs.  The event was in conjunction with the Lord Mayor of Bristol. Sharon and Ivete were delighted to represent the Soroptimist Bristol club on this memorable occasion and helped to plant this special oak tree which is located close to the Cabot Tower.  There were many city dignitaries present, the Sea Cadets and  several Bristol schools.

    At our AGM on Monday, 22nd April 2024 Lola presented Carol with a Certificate on behalf of our Club to recognise and commemorate 45 years of service as a Soroptimist.   Throughout her years of service with Soroptimist International of Bristol Carol has contributed her time, skills, and resources to help create positive change in the lives of women and girls in our community and beyond. Carol has been a role model and mentor for many, inspiring others to also become actively involved in making a difference. Carol’s long-standing service is a testament to her passion and commitment to empowering women and girls and has been greatly appreciated by all of us. Her efforts have helped create a more inclusive and equal society, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Soroptimists. Soroptimist SIGBI @soroptimistgbi Soroptimist Bristol #SIGBI #SoroptimistBristol #Bristol #Volunteer

  On Monday, 8th April a group from  SI Bristol were taken on a tour of the Bristol Beacon, formerly known as the Colston Hall.   We started by going down to the Cellars, the venue for jazz evenings and also private hire for parties and weddings, amongst other events, where there is also an educational facility for visiting school children.   Accessible from Colston Street there is also a restaurant situated among beautiful brickwork pillars which are original but filled in with concrete in order to be weight bearing. We then went back upstairs to visit the Lantern, a large space where the Little Theatre used to be.   It is a very versatile area with a stage and seating areas with a raked area at the back which can be emptied of chairs and the steps retracted to make a larger flat space

    Ivete’s meetup with Sonia De Barros Alberto       During a trip to Brazil, Ivete, a Soroptimist international of Bristol member, was delighted to arrange a meeting with Sonia De Barros Alberto, a member of Soroptimist international Inter Santos. What a wonderful thing and a great reason to become a Soroptimist – we have friends all over the world! Join us.

  Six members of #SoroptimistBristol attended a Regional meeting of the Soroptimist International SWCI Region at Cheddon Fitzpaine on Saturday,  16th March 2024. We were delighted to welcome two excellent visiting speakers: Dishi Attwood, SIGBI Membership Director and a member of SI Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Sally Bee, President of the newly formed club Shakespeare Soroptimists International in Stratford-upon-Avon. Dishi Attwood talked about the need for flexibility when recruiting new members and indeed in order to retain members, reminding us that “Everything is impossible until you make it happen.” Following the lunch break we heard an inspiring presentation from Sally Bee, President of the newly chartered SI Shakespeare, who spoke about her life (living with Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and having her first heart attack aged 36). At the end of the regional meeting, President Margaret handed over the chain of office to President Jackie who will now