The Knowledge Newsletter by Knowle West

www.knowlewest.co.uk

THE

KNOWL DGE For the residents of Filwood, and parts of

Knowle & Windmill Hill

ISSUE 56 FEBRUARY - May 2013

Small changes, big impact

Find out what your neighbours are doing to make the community a better place.

p.5

Getting into the swing of things New playgrounds are just one of the changes affecting our area p.2 and p.4

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget all of the regular activities happening on your doorstep.

p.12

A word from your Editor Rachel Clarke Knowle West has seen some changes since our last issue: there’s a brand new playground to enjoy on Filwood Broadway (p.2) and work began on Creswicke Road to alter the entrance to Filwood Park. Not to mention the many bus diversions as roads were resurfaced! I reacquainted myself with streets I haven’t walked down in a while during those few days…In January there was also a consultation at Filwood Community Centre about plans to redevelop the site of the former Cloverdown Residential Care Home on Kenmare Road. In light of these changes, we’ve put together two related features for this issue: one about the decisions that will affect our area in the coming months, and the other about the small, practical things we can all do to make a big difference. If you’d like to suggest something, why not tweet it using the tag #kwnews Community Journalism sessions are still running at Knowle West Media Centre on Tuesdays if you’re interested in sharing your views and learning some reporting skills. Contact Sue on 0117 903 0444 for details. As always, you can send your articles and letters to me by e-mail (rachel.clarke@ kwmc.org.uk) or by calling the number above.

Bristol residents are now able to recycle small electrical items as part of their kerbside collection. All electrical items small enough to be put in a supermarket carrier bag can be left in a bag by the black recycling box. Items that will be accepted from the kerbside are: Alarm/clock radios, blender bases, calculators, cameras, CD drives / hard drives, coffee machines, computer keyboards, cordless phones, digi-boxes, drills, DVD players, electric toothbrushes and chargers, electric whisks and mixers, extension cables, hair straighteners, hair trimmers, hairdryers, hand-held vacuum cleaners, heaters, irons, kettles, lamps, miscellaneous power tools, modems, paper shredders, personal stereos, phones and mobile phones (including base stations and handsets), printed circuit boards, printers, radios, remote controls, scanners, shavers / razors, small stereos, speakers, toasters, torches, toys, TV Aerials and aerial boosters.

New playground officially opened Work on the Filwood Broadway playground was completed in January. The site was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Bristol - and schoolchildren from Christ the King Primary School tested out the new equipment. Pictured below: the Lord Mayor cuts the ribbon to open the park. Cover photos: trying out the swings with Denise Britt, Anita Pearce and PCSO Siful Ullah. Photos by Knowle West Media Centre.

News

By Sergeant Trevor Sweeting

Recognition for local campaigner By Vicki Morris, Knowle West Health Park

Last year local resident and Chair of Knowle West Health Park Rose Manning received a Rowen Jade Award 2012 Certificate of Recognition for her hard work on behalf of disabled people in the area. In particular she was commended for continued involvement from the beginning of Knowle West Health Park and the impact she’s made in supporting disabled people to get the benefits and support they are entitled to.

By Jackson Moulding

Let’s Go Solar, an Ashley Vale Action Group project, has been awarded government vouchers worth £1280 each to reduce the cost of solar hot water systems for homeowners across Bristol. Knowle West residents who would like to find out more about having free hot water when the sun shines can contact them on 0117 924 1263 or by e-mailing avag@ashleyvale.org.uk.

Copy deadline: 15th April Newsletter delivered from 3rd May Correction Last issue, the article ‘Problem Parking - what a waste of space!’ (p.2) referred to problem parking ‘around the junction with Connaught Road’. This should’ve read Ilminster Avenue. We apologise for any confusion caused. Bristol’s new Mayor George Ferguson held his first cabinet meeting in Knowle West on 20th December. People travelled from across the city to attend the meeting at The Park Community Centre in Daventry Road. Pictured: George Ferguson answers questions during the public forum session. Photo by Knowle West Media Centre.

Visit www.knowlewest.co.uk for more news and info

passengers, the general public, local MPs, councillors, and the Mayor. A third party is being appointed to oversee the process and more details will be released soon. Justin Davies, regional managing director for First in the South West and Wales, said: “We want to hear from the public and their representatives, in particular what they think we could do differently to both attract more people on to buses and deliver the best possible value for money for our customers.” For more details visit www.firstgroup.com/ bristol

By Lloyd Allen, Community Safety Officer

Residents offered savings on solar-powered hot water

Next issue

n January police secured the closure of a house in Connaught Road, which has been linked to illegal drug dealing for the last six years. Local residents have reported up to forty people a day visiting the address to purchase drugs. A police officer has also observed drugs being handed to a member of the public through the downstairs window. The comings and goings of drug addicts at the address became “normal” behaviour in the area – until police confirmed the closure of the house.

Dog mess – it’s foul!

Electrical items with screens (laptops, televisions, etc) can’t be collected at the kerbside. They should be taken to the Household Waste and Recycling centres or be collected through the bulky waste collection scheme. For more information visit www.bristol.gov.uk/recycling

Police close local ‘crack house’

Get on board with a local bus consultation Last month, First announced its intention to review bus fares in the area. The review will invite participation from bus

Letting a dog foul in public is not only inconsiderate, but a real health risk. If you see someone not clearing up after their dog, please note down when, where and a description of the dog and its owner, then contact the dog warden service on 0117 922 2500 / dog.warden@bristol. gov.uk wvTo report dog mess to be cleared up, call Bristol City Council on 0117 922 2100. If you’d like a poster to put up to show that your neighbourhood says NO to dog fouling, please contact me on: 0117 914 2205 / 07825 315628 e-mail: lloyd.allen@bristol.gov.uk

Back to work in 2013 City of Bristol College and Bristol City Council’s Ways2Work programme are delivering a series of ‘fast track to employment’ courses at the South Bristol Skills Academy in Hengrove. Courses include: assisting with your job search, identifying skills, writing a CV, application forms, and presentation skills. Courses run from 25th February to 8th March, and 11th March to 22nd March. For more information and to book a place call 0117 312 2088. A Jobs Fair will be held at the South Bristol Skills Academy on Tuesday 26th March, 10am - 2pm.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector retires After thirteen years as the Brislington Neighbourhood Inspector, Inspector Colin Salmon will be retiring at the end of February. Inspector Salmon regularly attended neighbourhood meetings in Knowle West and worked at Broadbury Road Police Station. He was the longest serving officer in such a role in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary. He said: “It’s with great sadness that I’ve decided to retire after nearly thirtythree years in the service. It’s been an honour to have been the local Inspector in the area that I grew up in and I will miss my colleagues, partners and the many local residents I have come to know over the years. Although there are often differing views over the accuracy of crime figures, I’ve seen how much things have changed during my time here. The reported crime levels in our area for last year show there were over eight thousand less crimes reported in 2012 compared to ten years ago, which represents a reduction in excess of sixty percent.” The process to appoint a successor has begun.

New Wedding & Party Shop Opened Balloons, Flowers Wedding Stationary Chair Cover Hire 71 Sandy Park Road, Brislington BS4 39PQ (0117) 966 9990 www.enchantedweddingdecor.co.uk

Read on for Twitter messages, posted on www.knowlewest.co.uk, tagged #kwnews. For training contact KWMC on 0117 903 0444

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Thanks to: the Newsletter Steering Group (Ann Smith, Ken Jones, Denise Britt), Neighbourhood Management (Anita Pearce, Kurt James) and Knowle West Media Centre (Rachel Clarke - Editor, Bart Blazejewski Designer, Sue Mackinnon - Community Journalism). All articles express the views of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Neighbourhood Management, Steering Group or KWMC.

Recycling made easy

Proposals for Cloverdown site shared with residents

Make a change www.knowlewest.co.uk

ast month local residents took part in a public consultation to give their thoughts about draft proposals for the re-development of the former elderly persons’ home on Kenmare Road, known as Cloverdown.

ast summer, Bristol City Council voted to bring in a 20mph speed limit throughout the city. The lower speed limit will be introduced in six phases, starting with central Bristol in summer 2013 and continuing until early 2015. All roads except dual carriageways, 40mph and 50mph roads will be considered for the new speed limit. Filwood, Knowle and Windmill Hill will be included in Phase 2.

Curo are currently working with Lovell Partnerships to redevelop the site into a development of new affordable homes. Following the consultation, Curo and Lovell will finalise the design before submitting a planning application. Curo were previously known as Somer and they provide affordable homes and care and support services across the South West.

Several displays are being held in February and March where you can find out how your area will be affected and voice your opinions about the roads you think shouldn’t be included: • Saturday 2nd March (10am-4pm) - Knowle Library, Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Wells Road • Saturday 9th March (10am-1pm) - Filwood Library, Filwood Broadway There will also be unmanned displays at Knowle West Media Centre (Leinster Avenue) from Monday 25th February to Friday 1st March, and the Mede Community and Learning Centre (1 Marshall Walk, Inns Court) from Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th March. For further information visit www.bristol.gov.uk/20mph

For more information visit www.curogroup.co.uk

Vision for new school on former Bristol college site unveiled By Homes and Communities Agency (HCA)

The HCA has submitted an outline planning application to Bristol City Council which sets out ambitions to deliver a new school alongside a mix of new homes, community facilities, business and employment space at its site at Marksbury Road (Windmill Hill ward). The application includes proposals for: • A new 420 place primary school, based within the College building fronting onto Marksbury Road. • Up to 85 new homes. • Up to 900 sq m of employment space based within the former college engineering block. • A new health centre and pharmacy. • Improved pedestrian and cycle access to the Northern Slopes. The council’s planning committee is expected to consider the application by the Spring. HCA Head of Area David Warburton said: “This

is an important project because it is about

so much more than bricks and mortar. If supported, it would deliver the key building blocks that underpin a strong community, including new homes, investment, job and training opportunities, community facilities and hundreds of extra school places.” re: Marksbury Road College By David Parkes, Bs3 Campus

The Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) has submitted a planning application for the development of the Marksbury Road College. The application includes a new school and plans for a new health centre, which we welcome, but otherwise the site will revert to a private housing estate. We feel the old school building and sports hall should be retained for the community and housing should be of mixed size and tenure. Representation can be made to peter.westbury@bristol.gov.uk

No Drinking Zone By Lloyd Allen, Community Safety Officer Thank you to everyone who had their say about the proposed ‘No Public Drinking Zone’ for Filwood / Knowle West. Over 160 responses were received. The majority (94%) are in favour of the proposed no public drinking zone and 91% agreed that the No Drinking Zone will help to manage anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related nuisance. 77% have been affected or know someone who has been affected by street drinking in the last 12 months. Over half of the respondents agree that the Police and Bristol City Council have, overall, been successful in dealing with crime and disorder in the area. The next step is for an application to go to the Licensing committee at the end of February. If this is approved then a No Public Drinking Zone could be in place by the summer. For more details visit www.bristol.gov. uk/filwoodnpdz

Neighbourhood Partnership Consultation The Council and Mayor want to develop the Neighbourhood Partnerships and bring more decision-making into communities. They’re asking residents what they’d like more responsibility for. Fill in a paper survey or share your thoughts at www.bristol.gov.uk/npask

@DollyTWH: KW Health Park just got half a million pounds to continue its Focus on Families project

Are you up to speed with the 20mph change?

Small change, big difference! By Rachel Clarke, Editor

I’m sure most of us would agree that making our community safer, cleaner, healthier and happier would be a good thing. However, we don’t always know what we can do to help. As this is the first issue of a new year, we’ve put together a list of things you could do to make a change in your community. Former American President John F Kennedy once said: ‘one person can make a difference – and every person should try’. These things may seem small, but they can have a big impact!

• Volunteer with a local organisation and help them deliver their services to the community. For a list of local organisations you could support see p.12 or the online directory at www. knowlewest.co.uk

• Donate your unwanted clothes and items to a charity shop and let someone else given them a good home.

“I’ll stop smoking because it’s bad for me and other people around me.” James Pool (27)

• Share a skill or story with University of Local Knowledge and let others in your community learn from you (www.ulk.org.uk) For information about University of Local Knowledge contact Knowle West Media Centre on 0117 903 0444. • Support your local shops and cafés, and buy locally-grown food. • Keep our streets clean by clearing up after your dog and using the kerbside collections.

• Give some non-perishable food or toiletries to the Foodbank at The Mede and help a family in need. Donations to the Foodbank can be made to the Neighourbood Partnership Office on Filwood Broadway or The Park on Daventry Road. • Take part in consultation events and give your opinion about the changes that will affect your area.

Your Views

“Get drunken people off the streets especially in the evenings when they hang round the streets:it puts people off going there.” Jonathan Reader (25) and Chantelle Smith (23)

“I will get a kids club where they can go. There’s nothing here for kids.” Pam Gwyther(68) and Valerie Lewis(72) “There’s nothing for the kids. I’d like a youth club where they can go, and things to do, so it keeps them off the streets.” Zoe Andrews (31) with children Jamie-Lee Rees (10) and Billy Rees (6)

‘If you could do one thing in 2013 to make your community a better place, what would it be?’

@NForumFilwood: Thank You! Just received 1st donation to food box at NP office Filwood

Community reporters

The articles on this page have been researched and written by our team of community reporters. If you’d like to report on local events and learn journalism skills contact Sue on 0117 903 0444 or sue@kwmc.org.uk. We meet on Tuesday evenings at Knowle West Media Centre. No experience necessary!

KnowleWest Media Centre www.knowlewest.co.uk

www.knowlewest.co.uk

Knowle West resident celebrates hundredth birthday

‘Plenty of work’ secret to long life By Community Reporter Oliver Wu

he was born the year the Titanic sank – and at the end of 2012 Edna Selway from Knowle West celebrated her hundredth birthday with a large party. Almost 100 guests, including family and friends, gathered at Eagle House, Newquay Road, for the celebration. Mrs Selway’s only son Bryan and his wife Margaret came all the way from Canada for the party.

Edna Selway with her congratulatory card from the Queen. Photo by Knowle West Media Centre.

In Loving Memory

By Rose Manning

Sister Joanna Brennan came to the parish of the Church of Christ The King, Knowle West, 28 years ago. I worked for the then Community Worker Barrie Glover and quickly realised Sister Joanna was one of the hardest working people I had ever met. She was also the calmest, most caring and warm-hearted person I had ever met. I worked with Sister Joanna on many projects including the Knowle West Holiday Playscheme, which was housed in two re-vamped caravans next to the swimming pool. We also worked together and were founder members of the South Bristol Community Construction Company (now re:work). KWADS also benefited from the dedication of Sister Joanna and her determination to work with the local people, to help the parents and carers of young people caught up in the terrible

Schweppes and Harveys until she was 60. But instead of retiring, she carried on working as a cleaner at offices around the city. Mrs Selway now enjoys daily word searches and puzzle games, which she says “keep her mind alert.” She has three grandchildren and five great-granddaughters who all live in Canada.

Mrs Selway, who was born before the start of the First World War, told the Knowledge: “I enjoyed the party, all the people there are very friendly.” When asked about the secret of a long and happy life, her advice is “plenty of work: you have to keep your mind occupied.” She says she’s always kept busy - working at a number of factories in Bristol including

world of drug use. It was during this period that Sister Joanna and I were learning how to do auricular acupuncture and I was letting Sister Joanna try her new-found skills on me. When her hands were placed near to my head I felt actual warmth and an aura of security and well-being. I believe this was due to a “warmth and glow” that always surrounded Sister Joanna. There are so many stories I could write about Sister Joanna and I believe there are many other stories to be told. If anyone can put any of their stories or memories of Sister Joanna in writing, could you please do so and pass them on to Rachel (Knowledge Editor), the Convent or myself. These will then be collated and given to Sister Joanna’s family and to the church. Sadly, Sister Joanna passed away in January 2013. The Knowledge team sends their condolences to her family and the Sisters.

New project launched to boost health in the area A new project is being launched in Knowle West this February to help direct isolated local people to community activities. The Social Mirror project is being run by the RSA with help from Knowle West Media Centre to develop a digital tool to be used in doctors’ surgeries. Doctors could use it to ask people about their social connections – and to find groups for them to join. RSA Senior Researcher Gaia Marcus explains: “The project in Knowle West came about because, in our research, we found that a lot of people rely on doctors and places like Filwood Hope for social support and advice. We thought it would be great if we could give GPs and community workers an easy way of understanding what people’s social connections look like, and what is out there…” For more information contact Sue on 0117 903 0444 or email sue@kwmc. org.uk

@CarbonMakeover: Edible Landscapes Movement volunteer, Colin Griffiths, got shortlisted for a Green Volunteers award- well done!

www.ulk.org.uk University of Local Knowledge (ULK) update The first academic year of University of Local Knowledge (ULK) continues. ‘Pop-up’ events are taking place at venues across the community, from Knowle West Health Park to re:store, and up and down Filwood Broadway. You can sign up to the website www.ulk.org.uk, which contains almost 900 pieces of local knowledge, and create ‘courses’ of related films that you’re interested in. For more details contact Penny: penny@kwmc.org.uk Total video views, Nov 2012 – Feb 2013: 5,973 Most watched video (as we went to press): Bringing up a Horse and Starting to Ride (912 views) Most viewed videos since the ULK Freshers’ Fayre launch event, November 2012: 1. Being a DJ 2. Grandfather & Grandson Learning Football Skills 3. Lack of School Provisions in Knowle West 4. Writing Rap Lyrics 5. Bringing up a Horse and Starting to Ride

What turns a space into a place?

his month KWMC is unveiling a new exhibition featuring photographs of young people who are helping to make Knowle West a better place. Photographer Frances Gard has been working with young photographers’ group Nlarge to create portraits of 13-25 year olds who are active in their community. These images will be added to ‘The Place Makers’ exhibition in late February, to sit alongside images of people who are helping to shape and improve other areas of Bristol. On Tuesday 5th March there’ll be a talk and discussion from 6-8pm where you can meet the people in the photographs and resident campaigners in Knowle West – and find how you can make a positive impact where you live. We’re also planning coffee mornings, family making days and knitting sessions. Contact Melissa: melissa.mean@kwmc.org.uk

Adult training courses for 2013 Introduction to digital photography  Wednesdays, 10-11.30am 30th January – 6th March and 8th May – 12th June  Over 50s group with LinkAge   Wednesdays, 10-11.30am 13th March – 1st May  Learn how to use your digital camera’s basic functions and experiment with uploading pictures and editing. Suitable for beginners with some basic computer skills. £3 per session. Get the most from your smart phone and tablet  Wednesdays, 6-7.30pm 30th January – 6th March Are you anxious about your Android phone? Having trouble with your tablet? Bring them to our drop-in session and we’ll teach you how to get the most out of them! £3 per session. Computers for Beginners  Tuesdays, 10-11.30am  (ongoing)

A selection of photographs by KWMC’s young photographers group will be exhibited at The Station, the new youth facility in central Bristol, from 9th - 30th March. The Station, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2AG. For more details contact Nicky Williams: nicky@kwmc.org.uk

Learn how to use the Internet, send e-mails, and explore the basics of Facebook. First six sessions free, then £3 per week.

To book a place call the KWMC reception on 0117 903 044 www.kwmc.org.uk

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Picture perfect

Who are we? We’ve been based here for over 15 years, supporting people to get the most out of digital technologies and the arts. Contact us: 0117 903 0444 Leinster Avenue, BS4 1NL Find knowlewestmedia on Facebook and Twitter.

KnowleWest Health Park

EE R F ER

E TN ARPAR ITS

ES UR NEF S O E UR R Y ES B O C O IV

www.knowlewest.co.uk

L OU CE AL IF Y RE

FREE COURSES FROM CITY OF BRISTOL COLLEGE AT YOUR LOCAL CENTRE! Located in the heart of Knowle West, City of Bristol College’s Filwood Centre provides support for adults in the community. With an emphasis on getting people into – or back into – work, advisers are always on hand to give individual support and advice. Our work clubs take place every Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from 9.30-12.30. Let us help you put together an effective CV, learn how to apply for jobs online and build up your self confidence to get that job!

COURSES INCLUDE:

Construction

Money Management : includes information on universal credit, budgeting

Introduction to Volunteering

English for Speakers of Other Languages

IT for beginners

Positive Parenting

Life Coaching

Dressmaking

Retail Level 1

Green woodwork

Arts and crafts activities, including batik, patchwork, drawing and painting

Creative writing Gardening

Music Technology

Filwood Centre | 39 Filwood Broadway | Knowle | Bristol BS4 1JL

UNE MPLO WAN YED? T TO MAK FI R S ET T S T U D S TE P I N H E Y O R W TO – C om ORK e a long our w ? an e d see ek l y M on us at d dr op - i n s e ay m o r n i ng s s io n s.

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Find out more about the full range of Health Park activities at our website www.knowlewesthealthpark.co.uk or call 0117 377 2255 for more information.

Adult Activities and Services

Mondays 9am-5pm: Play Therapy/Family Therapy, counselling for families and children (free).

Daily Activities at various times, call 0117 377 2255 for more info: Smoking cessation: it’s easier with support! (free) Pathways to Health: support to help you change your lifestyle and be happier (free) Self-development courses providing skills and information for improving mental and emotional health (free). Call Garth on 0117 377 2256 for more info. Counselling for men and women who are struggling with life and want support (free). Call Garth on 0117 377 2256 for more info. Bootcamp: the way to get fit is now on daily at various times, with Jason Hodge. Ffi: www.hodgehealthandfitnesss.co.uk or 07855 465872.

Tuesdays 10-10.30am: Stretch-n-Grow, stories, songs & games for 2-5 year olds (80p). 4.30-5.30pm: Boxing, for 8-14 year olds (80p). 4.15pm: Play Rangers in the Park (free).

Thursdays 4-5pm: Afterschool club for 4-12 year olds, fun, active play (80p). HALF TERM FUN DAY for 5-11 year olds: Friday 15th February 10am3pm (£5 for the day), call Barry on 07809 483171.

0117 312 2088 intowork@cityofbristol.ac.uk www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/workskills 8

the office on 0117 377 2255. The children’s activities are great fun here at Knowle West Health Park. There is something for everyone from Boxing for 8-14 year olds, to Street Dance Classes, to our February Half Term Fun Day. See below for more details - our activities are a cheap and fun way for your kids to let off steam safely.

Young People’s Activities ffi: 0117 377 2255

Wednesdays 9am-1pm: Young People’s Counselling, part of Focus on Families (free), call 0117 377 2256. 1-5pm: Family Therapy/Play Therapy, for children and families (free), call 0117 377 2256. 4.15-5.15pm: Olympic Club for kids aged 5-11, try an Olympic Sport (80p), call Lee on 07917 187771. 5.30-6.15pm: Beatz Street Dance for 6-10 year olds, brilliant and fun dance class (£3.50 per session).

The centre offers IT facilities, social space and a stepping stone into work or further study. We also run courses, Monday to Friday, for people who want to improve their skills, confidence and more.

Caring for Children Level 1

Knowle West Health Park is pleased to announce that it has secured funding for another three years of its Focus on Families Services. The project has been very successful, working with families who need support here in Knowle West. For more information about the range of support available contact Garth on 0117 377 2256. Tai Chi for Wellbeing is a group where you can learn relaxation and let go of tension in your mind and body. For more information contact

Good news!

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Mondays 10-11am: Armchair Exercise, gentle exercise for people with limited mobility (£2). 11am-12pm: One Heart Walking Group, meets in the café for a guided walk of one or two miles (free). Also provides information on joining the Two & Three Heart Groups. 9.30-10.30am and 4-5pm: Waist Watchers, support to lose weight. 6.30pm: Diabetes UK, meet on the last Monday of the month. Tuesdays 10am-12pm: Art on Referral – speak to Sue Cooke to find out more: 0117 377 2254. 6pm & 7pm: Hips, bums & tums - fat burning exercise to help all become trimmer (£3).

Wednesdays 9.30am-12.30pm: Health Matters, the fun and informative way to learn more about good health (free). Call Laura on 0117 377 2257 for more info. 10.30-11.45am: Tai Chi for Wellbeing, with Andrea Bailey (£4 per week or £9 for a four-week block). 6.15-7.30pm: Run fit running club (£4). Call Jason Hodge on 07855 465872. Thursdays 10am-12pm: Fit and Fab, a support group for women wanting to make a change (free). 1.30-3.30pm: Mentime, men’s support group for those wanting to make a change (free). 6-7pm: Step Aerobics, improve strength, stamina and flexibility (£3). 7-8pm: Absolute beginners exercise class, a good place to start getting active (£2). Fridays 10am-12pm: Lipreading class for people who are beginning to lose their hearing, term time only (£1). 11am-12.30pm: Ear Acupuncture, benefits include relaxation, de-stress, and better sleep (£4 per session). 11am-12.30pm: Thyroid Support Group, first Friday of the month (free).

Find out more about the full range of Health Park activities at our website www.knowlewesthealthpark.co.uk

Young Mums’ Group

Youth Moves www.knowlewest.co.uk

Community Space Challenge Update The Youth Moves Community Space Challenge (CSC) has been delivering a wide range of environmental related activities for all ages of this community since April 2012, such as Wild Fest (wildlife festival on the Northern Slopes), planting and growing sessions (Springfield Allotment), and bringing colour to some of our community buildings by spraying or painting local people’s designs onto Redcatch Park’s Pavilions, Broadwalk FC’s club house bar and the Parkour course at The Park on Daventry Road. Along with other successful activities and events we delivered last year, Wild Fest will now be a week-long annual event every October and we welcome the local community to get involved in planning and enjoying the festival. Projects we’re delivering over January, February and March are as follows: • All ages are welcome at our community allotment social enterprise / growing project every Thursday from 1-3pm. • 17 to 25 year olds not in education, employment or training are welcome to join our ground-breaking Dead & Buried arts project at The Park from 2-4pm on a Tuesday. • People of all ages with green fingers can get involved with the Melvin Square Planting sessions on a Friday afternoon from 1-3pm. • 8 to 13 year olds can get involved in Creative Club, involving a wide range of arts and crafts, which is being delivered every Tuesday from 6.308.30pm at the Pavilion in the middle of Redcatch Park, Knowle.

In the Easter holidays we’re planning to spruce up a community park in the middle of the Novers Hill area and will soon be delivering six-session projects of Forest School activities at varying times throughout the year

n December Youth Moves started work on setting up a young mums group for Knowle. We’ve worked with a number of new mums to decide what this group would be like and where it would be. We’re now running the group on Thursday afternoons, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, at the Platform 51 building near Knowle West Health Park on Downton Road. Thanks to Platform 51, we have the use of a lovely meeting space and crèche and we’re inviting young mums to come along and take part in our sessions. The group offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can meet other mums, and a place for babies to have fun, play or simply take a nap whilst their mums enjoy some quality time with them and take part in interesting activities. and at various locations. We strongly encourage local people of all ages to contact Ben on 07787502232 regarding getting involved in any of the CSC projects mentioned above. The more the merrier!

Youth Moves Celebration Evening By Levi Hodge The year of 2012 was coming to an end and it was time to give the young people who work with Youth Moves the recognition and praise they deserve for all their hard work and commitment. The staff team decided to do a celebration evening in the style of a formal awards ceremony and a range of people were invited including a variety of organisations, funders, the newly elected mayor, George Ferguson, and the Police & Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens. A wide variety of awards were given out, including football awards, participation awards, ‘Inspired by London 2012’ awards, Youth Moves’ Young Person of the Year, and more. Prizes were given out alongside these awards including Bristol City football tickets and a shirt, pantomime tickets and gift cards.

Advertise here! Community rates from only £25 per box Contact Rachel on 0117 903 0444 www.knowlewest.co.uk

The group is designed to be fun and sociable. Some the activities we have planned for future sessions are: making memory boxes, a baby massage taster session, and cupcake decorating. There will be opportunities to talk to health professionals at some sessions and people to talk to for advice and support. If you’re interested in coming along and would like more information feel free to contact Jackie Eddy or Charlie Smith at the Youth Moves office on 0117 903 9796.

Could No Smoking Day this year - 13.03.13 - be your lucky day? Stop smoking with free support from Smokefree Bristol. Your nearest group will be held at Bedminster Library, starting at 5:30pm on Wednesday 27th February

Call 0117 984 1650 to book your place or for more details go to

I personally won three awards on the night which were: the gold ‘Inspired by London 2012’; a participation award - with a pantomime ticket - alongside Youth Opinions for our hard work and commitment; and finally Youth Moves’ Young Person of the Year award - a star with my name engraved on it. Some of the staff team wanted me to present the Young Person of the Year award, open the envelope and read the name, but I said no. Denise Clifford said she’d do it if I stood next to her, so I did. When she read my name my face dropped: it was a true shock to me! The celebration evening overall was really good. Guests enjoyed a range of freshly made cakes baked by The Park Café and got to listen to young people’s stories about how they’ve changed their lives, including mine. There was a fantastic atmosphere and an amazing performance from a few of the young people who participate in the parkour project. To finish this off: I know that the evening was aimed at praising young people, but on behalf of the young people I would like to say a massive thank you to all of the staff at Youth Moves. If it weren’t for you we would have nothing and would definitely not have achieved these awards and all of the skills we’ve gained.

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When you get the call: GO! Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease but these diseases can often be prevented. An NHS health check can help you by assessing your risk and giving you personalised advice on how to reduce it. Even if you’re feeling well it’s worth having your free NHS health check now. The check normally last around 20 minutes. You will be asked a few questions and a simple blood test will be taken. After that your GP Practice will work with you to help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of developing future problems. Just by having the check you can improve your chances of living a healthier life. If you receive an invitation letter to an NHS Health Check, go to your GP practice and get checked. For more information please contact your local practice or go online: www.bristol.nhs.uk/your-health/nhs-health-checks.aspx