On November 25th, UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, more than 60 Soroptimists and friends travelled by train from all over the South West to Bristol Temple Meads station.  They marched to the Lord Mayor’s Chapel, distributing bookmarks about respectful relationships to those en route.  At the chapel they were addressed by the Lord Mayor,  the PCC Sue Mountstevens, Jodi Collett of Victim Support, Tara Newley Arkle and her mother Dame Joan Collins. Sue Mountstevens talked about the importance of the issue of domestic abuse and how it was now being taken seriously and investigated by the police. Jodi Collett explained how her organisation supported domestic abuse victims.   Both Tara Arkle and Dame Joan admitted to having been victims of domestic violence.   This event was organised by  Weston-super-Mare Soroptimists and their President Ruth Thomas thanked all those who had participated

It was pleasing to see that we were acknowledged in the summer Newsletter with a photo of Ruth and Liz handing over £700 we raised for the Scanner Appeal earlier this year: see League of Friends 2017 Fashion Show

Weston Soroptimists sprang into action when they received a message from the charity Target Ovarian Cancer asking for volunteers to collect donations after performances of Weston Operatic Society’s musical ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ at the Playhouse.  They were able to send two volunteers for three of the performances.  Club Secretary, Olly is seen here with the  President of WOS.

Melanie has been busy and with more new good news about the hard work that has been put into the Mary’s Meals project it is gratifying to see coverage of our efforts reported in the  local paper.    

On November 25th, UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Soroptimists from Weston-super-Mare travelled by train from Taunton to Bristol Temple Meads and were joined at the station by Soroptimists from Barnstaple, Bath, Bridgwater, Bristol, Cirencester, Tiverton and Yeovil & Sherborne.  Over 40 women then marched to the Lord Mayor’s Chapel opposite College Green where they were addressed by Lucy Lord of Women’s Aid which mans the Domestic Abuse helpline and Tara Newley Arkle who read a moving poem she had written about experiencing abuse.   During the train journey and the march “Loves me, “Loves me not” bookmarks were distributed to the public to highlight good and bad relationships. Many people who were spoken to that day had experienced domestic abuse at first or second hand. In addition bookmarks are being distributed to secondary schools in North Somerset as part of PSHE, thereby

Once again this November 25th Weston Soroptimists are “Railing against Abuse” in recognition of the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.  Soroptimists from all over the South West will be travelling by train to arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station between 10.45 and 11.30. From there we shall be marching to the Lord Mayor’s chapel on Park Street, distributing “Loves me, loves me not”  Book Mark .   This year, as last year, Sidcot School has covered the cost of printing the bookmarks. The photos show Deborah Meredith, PA to the Headmaster of Sidcot, handing over a cheque while receiving 300 bookmarks from Melanie David, Communications Officer of Weston Soroptimists.   Soroptimists wish to thank Sidcot School very much indeed for their donation.     Melanie David

Weston Soroptimists enjoyed a fascinating visit to Portbury and Avonmouth docks, travelling on a coach accompanied by a representative of the Bristol Port company who recounted the history of the port and explained what we were seeing. It was surprising to hear that 95% of all goods imported into the UK come through a port and,  thanks to the formation of the privately owned Bristol port company, Avonmouth and Portbury docks together comprises one of the UK’s major ports.  It is the only deep water port with both road and rail links in all directions.  It covers 2,600 acres and is responsible for over 10,000 jobs in the area. Interesting facts: 27% of Heathrow’s aviation fuel requirement is delivered from Portbury and is pumped there through underground pipes. Each year the docks handle over 600,000 cars and other motor vehicles and there can be 96,000