Exploring Diversity in Bristol

Beginning as a group focussed on world cuisine, the Exploring Diversity group at Bristol u3a is evolving into one celebrating other forms of diversity. Group leader Heather talks about how it all began and the benefits of being involved.

 I first decided to set up the Exploring Diversity group in Bristol u3a because of a recognition that Bristol u3a is not representative of the demographics in the wider Bristol area. We have 50 members of the group in total, with  members picking and choosing which sessions they attend.

Initially we started by visiting cafes and restaurants that have authentic food from other cultures. This was the easiest thing we could do. We soon realised that even being in another neighbourhood was taking people out of their comfort zone.

We ultimately want to look at diversity in the broadest sense of the word, including gender and sexuality and disability. We have a few monthly meetings that are more structured.  We invite people to tell us about themselve, bringing up to three objects or photographs to help them tell a story about their own life experience. Another theme is 'Living and Working in a Culture or Country that is very different from where you grew up'.

We attend civic and commemorative events – some of these are more sensitive than others as people's experience of these events are more personal. This is especially true of Holocaust Memorial Day. One of our most successful commemorative events was the visit to the Sikh War Memorial on Remembrance Day 2024. We also did a short commemorative walk to the site of the Shirehampton Remount Depot (now Lamplighters Marsh Nature Reserve), and Daisy Field to see the commemorative war horse.  This year we will be commemorating Workers' Memorial Day. This is partly because I've discovered an ancestor who died in a stone quarry accident.  I am hoping to present my research at a small event in the future. I also want to offer the group a short acessible walk in the spring. Recently, we invited the Centre for the Deaf to talk to us about their work and the resources they have available to local residents.

I share 'extra' activities with the group so that people can visit on their own, or with family or friends. This is so that we all have time to do those things at our own pace. 

There are numerous benefits to being a member of the group; a sense of belonging, and a curiousity, and a willingness to try something different. These are the three things that stand out to me.