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Speaker Meeting 12th September 2022: Jo Scarratt-Jones Managing Director of RDF West

Speaker Meeting 12th September 2022: Jo Scarratt-Jones Managing Director of RDF West

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Jo started her talk by describing her work history and told us about some of the places she had worked and the exciting things she had done. After leaving school Jo worked at the BBC.  However, at the age of 20 she thought she would change direction and join the Police Force.  Instead, they suggested that before becoming a Police Officer it would be a good idea to get other experience. So, she worked for the Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard in the Publicity Department.  She then changed direction again and worked in their Press Office.  It was a very exciting time.  In 1990 she reported on the London Pole Tax Riots and other similar events.  In 1991 she reported on the Downing Street Bombing and in 1993 worked on the Stephen Lawrence murder. Then at the age of 27 her life changed, and she

Blue Plaque:  Miss Addison Phillips’ Plaque is Finally Unveiled

Blue Plaque:  Miss Addison Phillips’ Plaque is Finally Unveiled

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On 28th June, a Blue Plaque to honour Miss Eleanor Addison Phillips was unveiled at Clifton High School. Miss Addison Phillips was Head Mistress there (1908-1933) and founder President of our Venture Club (1920).  We amalgamated with Soroptimists in 1930.  The unveiling ceremony was to have taken place a year ago during the Club’s centenary but was thwarted by restrictions due to coronavirus.  As it was, only three representatives from key organisations could attend. The plaque was paid for by Soroptimist International of Bristol, Rotary Club of Bristol and Clifton High School.  The Lord Lieutenant of Bristol Peaches Golding unveiled the plaque and then the Head Master of Clifton High School and representatives from these organisations gave short talks.  Next time you pass the Clifton High School Administration building facing College Road, stop outside the railings and have a look at the plaque, which is

Backpacks for Mary’s Meals November 2019

Backpacks for Mary’s Meals November 2019

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Once again we collected items for backpacks for girls and for boys and we were able to fill 15 packs in total!  Three sacks contained 5 completed backpacks each and a fourth sack was full up with “extras”: Pens, pencils, other stationery, children’s t-shirts and some large flip-flops.   Each of the completed backpack contains: Notepad, pencils, pens, crayons, eraser, ruler, sharpener, pencil case, towel, shorts or skirt, t-shirt or dress, flip-flops or sandals, small ball, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and spoon. The sacks go to a collection point in Glasgow (free pick up from a delivery company) where they are sorted and despatched to various destinations in Africa, Asia etc. where there is a need. Schools and children in these places all lack the basic items needed for an education.  Each backpack is labelled for a boy or girl and with an age range. SI

8th October 2018: Bristol Spension Bridge – Bob Brewton, Supervisor and Tour Guide for the Bridge.

8th October 2018: Bristol Spension Bridge – Bob Brewton, Supervisor and Tour Guide for the Bridge.

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Mr Brewton quickly explained that although Brunel had submitted several designs for the bridge and his final design in 1831 was accepted, the Bristol Riots in that year meant that building never really got started. It was not until after Brunel’s death in 1859 that two engineers John Hawkshaw and William Henry Barlow came along with extra knowledge and know how. They took over Brunel’s earlier designs and completed the building of the bridge in 1864. Although they changed the design they retained the two towers originally built by Brunel and 2 of the 3 sets of the original chains. The bridge is now owned by a charity and fees for crossing the bridge go towards maintenance. The vaults below consist of 12 caves.  For those visiting the caves you will see two of them and emphasis was placed on wearing warm clothes and stout