1. Background:

A founding principle of the Bristol Scientific Club, formed in 1886, was to bring together those who took an interest in any of the branches of science – discussing all the scientific topics of the day. Leading lights as founders were William Ramsay (Principle of, and Professor of Chemistry at, University College Bristol) and William Shenstone (Senior Science Master at Clifton College).

From the start it has been a dining club, meeting four times a year and bringing together people from a range of backgrounds in academia, medicine, or local science-based industry, many of whom have achieved eminence in their field.

New members are welcomed into the club at a dinner, after the usual formality of being proposed, seconded and then approved by a short meeting of Past Presidents (these days achieved by an exchange of emails). The new member would normally have attended one or more dinners as a guest of the proposer, to meet and enjoy the company of the membership. At some point the new member may have an opportunity to “lead a discussion”, which could take the form of a lecture on their particular field – or something entirely different.

We are keen to recruit new members who will enjoy membership. There are still four dinners each year with an interesting selection of topics. Why not come along as a visitor and see if you like us? Use the Contact Us page for more details or to arrange to attend a meeting.

2. Where we meet:

Currently, members of the Bristol Scientific Club meet at Trinity College, Bishops Close, off Stoke Hill, Bristol BS9 1JP.