The Clifton Women's Institute

Clifton WI enjoyed an extremely interesting talk about the Ronald McDonald House Charities (UK). Our speaker, Ericka Heron gave a fascinating account of how the charity supports the families of sick children by providing them with accommodation so that they can be close to their children. As well as a place to stay the charity creates a warn supportive environment at a time when families most need this. There is a Ronald McDonald House in Bristol, and a further link to Bristol is that the charity was co-founded in the USA with help from Dr Audrey Evans who had been educated at Badminton School in Bristol. The charity is separate from the restaurant chain, but some funds are raised through its customers. 

Janet Colley a volunteer from the Royal Osteoporosis Society gave a talk about the condition. Janet raised awareness of the importance of bone health. The Royal Osteoporosis Society has a very informative website which Janet made us aware of. 

 At our March meeting Gordon Young took us on a Venetian Trilogy. Gordon's award winning films, accompanied by some fascinating commentary made mention of famous individuals like John Ruskin, while also bringing us images of modern day Venice. Gordon's skill as film maker, coupled with his detailed knowledge of this beautiful city gave us an extremely interesting evening.

Clifton WI was delighted to welcome Faye Dicker who supported us in thinking about International Women's Day and the role that women play in business and in their communities. Faye is an accomplished public speaker who has worked for the BBC and commercial radio stations. Faye is also a sought after voiceover artist and is well known for having started Freelance Mum which is a networking group for mums who are in business. 

Clifton WI enjoyed a fabulous Burns Night supported by The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Bristol, who not only demonstrated Scottish dancing, but got us dancing a reel or two. It was great fun and a wonderful way to celebrate our first meeting of 2025. 

  For our 30th October meeting, we are going to have a special treat! Somerset local, Julie of Salsa Stories is coming to talk to us about owning a small business and how she got started making her range of salsas and Tex-Mex* inspired food. She is also bringing a selection of delicious salsas along for us to taste - they range from sweet to spicy, so don't worry if you can't take the heat! Keep an eye out for Julie at local markets around Somerset:  Markets | Salsa Stories .  As always, we will meet at Alma Church at 7.30. Visitors are more than welcome to join us for a £5 donation. You won't want to miss this one - yum! *Tex-Mex is a cuisine found in the Southern United States. It is a blend of native Mexican and Spanish foods.