The Clifton Women's Institute

The speaker at our June meeting was Professor Paul Crawford who is an academic and an award winning author of fiction and non-fiction. Paul is a leading figure in mental health and he talked to us about his latest book, The Wonders of Dr Bent. Professor Crawford holds a number of fellowships and was an engaging speaker who widened our knowledge of mental health and its impact on individuals, families and society. 

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.