I’ve been a member since the start of 2019.
I had been to a few events previously and always found it such a welcoming community, everyone was always so friendly, and I wanted to expand my network and enjoy more of what Bristol had to offer. It took me a while, but I am so glad I did!
This is going to be very much a cliched answer…
I love spending time with people, so being with family and friends is my favourite way to enjoy my spare time. I have a tribe of godchildren and they bring me so much joy, whether it’s an afternoon crafting with them, a day out at a Zoo (I have an animal obsessed godson) or just being generally silly with them. I also love exploring the vibrant Bristol food scene with friends; there are endless choices, and we are so lucky to be spoilt for choice within Bristol!
Otherwise, I enjoy reading (I started the BJC Book Club about four years ago) and generally being outdoors, whether that’s a hike, wild swimming or stand-up paddle boarding!
Travelling is also up there, and event planning a holiday excites me, I am the Queen of the holiday spreadsheet as Immediate Past President Georgia Corp can attest! We had a multi-tab spreadsheet for a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia!
I love ‘Members’ Dinner’; it always feels like such a special evening It’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate our membership in exclusive venues that you wouldn’t ordinarily have dinner in! And the food and wine are always superb!
‘Members’ Dinner’ this year (2024) took place at the Clifton Club, and we were honoured to be joined by former BJC member and Chief Secretary to the Treasury/ MP for Bristol North West Darren Jones. In a fireside chat, Darren shared anecdotes from the campaign trail (both UK and US) and what his first few days in office have been like.
This is such a tough question as there are so many reasons I love Bristol; I honestly think I could write an essay about it.
I love the sense of community within Bristol, it is a city, but it never really feels like it, you constantly bump into people you know (I appreciate this isn’t always a good thing) but having grown up in a small village it is super comforting!
I climbed Kilimanjaro on a work trip which was an incredible experience but also very tough – you push your mind and body to the limit! I was fortunate enough to make the summit as not everyone does, and I don’t think I will ever see a view like it again. I’ve had the sunrise from summit night as my phone background for the last seven years, and it always reminds me no matter how tough things might seem anything is possible (especially when you have a great support system around you)!
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