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

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

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.  

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.

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

This Summer Soroptimists received a welcome visitor from Lima.  Sylva Von Bomsdorff brought with her many photos and news of the progress of the latest project for a library at the School we have been supporting in Lima, Peru. This has been made possible by extending upwards on the original roof/play area. Work was well underway when we saw her and Sylva was presented with a cheque by SI Bristol to assist in the purchase of books and other educational items for the pupils at Padre Pio de Pietricina. This month we heard that the work was completed and the children had been present when a blessing was given to the School library by the local Priest.  Fitting out with bookshelves continues and the room is also capable of using modern technology for the benefit of the teachers and their pupils. This is an important extra