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southbristolvoice May 2016 No. 12
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LOCAL NEWS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE
NEW SHOPS FOR WELLS RD P3 | LETTERS P22 | PLANNING P27 Complaints about GP delays Page 3 ‘Totterdown is unaffordable’
Page 6
Arena: timetable for parking zones
Pages 8-9
Hill of dreams: How architects Egret West claim Temple Meads could re-house the Houses of Parliament
Could the Commons come to Bristol?
COULD the old Royal Mail sorting office next to Temple Meads station be a new home for the Houses of Parliament? London architects Studio Egret West propose an artificial hill from which the public can look into a “non-confrontational” debating chamber for MPs. The Palace of Westminster needs almost £6 billion of work, and the sorting office site could be an alternative. Bristol mayor
George Ferguson said: “I love this project. Bristol is the prime UK city for Government relocation. It is an opportunity to help reduce the staggering cost of restoring Westminster and to take some of the economic heat out of London.” How Bristol’s roads would cope, and where Westminster’s thousands of staff would relocate, has not been explained. • Intro, page 2
WIN An evening at the Bierfest Page 21
Man hunted for attack on woman
Page 23
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Intro
COULD the site of the old Royal Mail sorting office at Temple Meads be the temporary home for the Houses of Parliament? The answer, to anyone who takes more than 30 seconds to think about it, is no. It’s great to challenge the notion that every national institution has to be in London – but this idea is clearly a non-starter. The problem is not so much what is proposed for the site itself – a wacky urban artificial hill with an
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amphitheatre-style setting for Parliament. It’s all the other institutions that surround the Houses of Parliament that would be the issue. Ministries, embassies, offices for MPs, buildings for lobbyists, journalists, researchers and everyone else who inhabits the Westminster village – where would they all go? Interesting though it is, this is not a serious proposal. It does not feature at all in the proposals for the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, which is set to regenerate this area over the next 25 years. Enough said.
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Briefly ... l THE BS4 Market returns
to Wells Road on Sunday May 1 with dozens of stalls, mostly from local businesses offering food, crafts and arts of all kinds. A doughnut stall was a big hit at the April event, while Guide Dogs for the Blind raised more than £200. New traders are welcome – search Facebook for BS4 Market to get in touch.
l ART on the Hill, the
Windmill Hill and Victoria Park arts trail, will be back for its tenth year on October 1 and 2. Early bird entries are now open. To take part as an artist or as a performer, visit the website below. Sign up before the end of April for a reduced rate of £20. The trail is organised by a team of volunteers. • www.artonthehill.org.uk
l REDCATCH Art Club hold
an exhibition and sale of work at the Community Centre, Redcatch Road on May 14 from 11am-4pm. Entrance is free. Proceeds from a tombola will go to the Children’s Hospice Southwest.
May, 2016
l HAVE you ever wanted to
try your hand at painting but not found the right time or place? Artist Jane Vellender is running a beginners course in watercolours, starting on Wednesday June 8. The classes run from 7-9pm and are held in Knowle. To find out more email jane@whenartmetcloth.com
l STANLEY Hill will be
closed for Playing Out sessions from 5- 6.15pm once a month throughout the summer. Dates are May 19, June 16, July 14, August 18, September 15 and October 20. For details email totterdowntriangle@gmail.com.
l THE WINNER of an art competition at Hillcrest primary school will see their work filling the window of Greenwoods estate agent in Wells Road this month. The winning picture will be made into a giant vinyl display. l WINNERS of our Bristol Blue
Glass Concorde Blue Penny competition will be announced in the next issue of the Voice.
How do I get in touch with ... My MP? Karin Smyth MP Labour Email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk Post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA Phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Surgeries on Friday May 13 and 27 at Knowle West Health Park, Downton Road BS4 1WH, 9.15-10.45am. Appointments on 0117 953 3575. My councillor? Christopher Davies Lib Dem, Knowle Post: Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY Email: christopher.davies@
bristol.gov.uk Gary Hopkins Lib Dem, Knowle (Lib Dem leader) Email: gary.hopkins@bristol. gov.uk Phone: 0117 985 1491 or 07977 512159 Deborah Joffe (retiring May 5) Green, Windmill Hill Post: Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY Email: deborah-mila.joffe@ bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07469 413308 Sam Mongon (retiring May 5) Labour, Windmill Hill Email: sam.mongon@bristol. gov.uk Phone: 07884 736112
USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pest control and dog wardens 0117 922 2500
NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUMS Windmill Hill May 11, 7pm, Windmill Hill Community Association, Vivian Street, Windmill Hill BS3 4LW Knowle May 24, 7pm, Knowle Community Centre, Crossways Road, Knowle BS4 2SS Neighbourhood partnership Bringing together the area’s three forums: June – no date set.
Council tax
0117 922 2900
Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999 Fire
Emergency: 999 Inquiries: 0117 926 2061
EDITOR’S NOTE: South Bristol Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. Feedback is welcomed: call editor Paul Breeden on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk. All stories and pictures are copyright of South Bristol Voice and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse. South Bristol Voice Ltd | 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX | Company no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76
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May, 2016
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Long wait to see GPs as pressure builds MP warns that nothing is being done to deal with shortage of family doctors
MORE and more patients at South Bristol GP surgeries are finding long delays before they can get an appointment with their doctor. A wait of of two weeks for a non-emergency appointment with a GP is not uncommon. One diabetic patient from the Bedminster area protested that the best his surgery could do for an urgent blood test was 15 days. “On one occasion the doctor said to book an appointment for a week’s time. The receptionist said sorry, nothing available for three weeks. The appointment system only works if you are not working. The early, late and Saturday appointments are like gold dust,” he posted on Facebook. Another patient spoke of his frustration attrying to book an appointment at a Knowle practice. “I give up – to get an appointment they tell you to call at a specific time, which is then like trying to get a ticket for Glastonbury ... engaged, then all gone!” he said. These experiences are backed up by the recent GP Patient Survey, run by Ipsos MORI on behalf of NHS England. This found that in 2015, 31 per cent of people living in the Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group area had to wait a week or more to see or speak to their GP – or couldn’t get an appointment at all the last time they tried. Bristol South MP Karin Smyth blamed a lack of investment by the Government. She said: “Sadly
these figures do not surprise me, and they will come as no surprise to many in South Bristol, who are among those feeling the strain from the GP shortage. “Bedminster residents, for example, have recently faced difficulties with Malago surgery and Bedminster Family Practice diverting patients in the past year to other areas, having closed their lists. “GP practices need to be better supported, but I am concerned these new figures show things are going in completely the wrong direction. It is becoming harder, not easier, to see or speak to a GP.” Ms Smyth accused the Government of “effectively leaving surgeries open to market forces”. Extra help of £2 million given to six South Bristol GP practices in areas of high deprivation has been withdrawn under new NHS guidelines. Areas with more elderly people or high deprivation also find it harder to employ GPs, said Ms Smyth. “Surgeries in these areas tend to find it harder to
recruit because the workload can be far greater and more complex, but the pay remains the same,” she said. Last month the Public Accounts Committee, of which Ms Smyth is a member, warned of major problems with GP recruitment and retention. The committee expressed concern that, in cases where people do not have easy access to information about general practice, “they may go to A&E instead or do nothing at all”. A spokesperson for NHS England told the Voice that several ideas were being tried in Bristol to reduce delays with GPs. “We’re investing in more weekend GP appointments and introducing new online GP advice services. We’re also increasing pharmacy and physiotherapy services in local practices which will free up GPs to concentrate on the patients who need them most,” she said. Patients are being encouraged to use online services such as AskmyGP and eConsult. A three-year pilot is testing if clinical pharmacists working in surgeries can take some of the burden off GPs. “Having a clinical pharmacist in practices means GPs can focus their skills where they are most needed,” she said. A project called GP Forward View has just started to look at expanding the workforce, integrating GPs with other care services, improving support, and better technology and regulation.
Mess distress
Triangular walk
Attack admitted
A CAR owner in Fitzgerald Road, Lower Knowle, has been left with a nasty mess to clear up after a woman was seen smearing dog faeces onto his car. The owner has CCTV footage of the incident, which shows the woman stopping near the car with her dog and smearing the faeces onto the car door handle. He does not recognise the woman, and does not know why she attacked his car. The video has been shown to police.
KNOWLE and Totterdown History Society will host a guided walk in the Totterdown Triangle – the area between Bath Road and Wells Road – on Sunday May 1. (The date has changed since it was first announced.) Meet in the park in School Road at 1.45pm for a 2pm start. On Friday May 13, the society hosts a talk, My Family and Jack the Ripper, with Pat Hase. It’s at 7pm at Redcatch community centre, Redcatch Road.
FOUR people have admitted throwing bacon sandwiches in an attack on the Jamia mosque in Totterdown, on January 17. Kevin Crehan, 34, of Stockwood Crescent, Knowle, Angelina Swailes, 31, of West Town Avenue, Brislington, Mark Bennett, 48, and his wife Alison Bennett, 46, of Spruce Way in Patchway, admitted religiously aggravated public order offences at Bristol Crown Court. The case resumes on June 3.
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Bicycles and butcher’s are latest ventures TWO MORE empty shops in Wells Road are set to reopen. Cycling fanatic Matt Sully officially opens his cycle shop at 306 Wells Road, opposite Broadwalk shopping centre, on Saturday April 30. A week later, on May 7, James Stafford Little opens The Little Butcher at 170 Wells Road, next to Holy Nativity church. Both ventures represent a labour of love for their founders. Matt, a lifelong bicycle mechanic and BMX fan, has yearned to open his own shop, but it has only become possible due to a legacy left him when his father sadly died of a stroke in November last year. In memory of his father, Matt is holding a prize draw on his opening day. The prize is a £400 Dawes bike, or tattoo sessions with renowned Bristol tattooist Ben Boston. Proceeds will go to the Stroke Association. Matt decided to pick Bath Road or Wells Road for his shop because neither has a cycle outlet – but made up his mind when “I had a dream that I was driving down Wells Road with my dad.” He will sell Dawes and GT cycles, plus spares and servicing. He also aims to hold classes in cycle maintenance, with special sessions for women, “because bike shops can be a very male environment”. James Stafford Little had no trouble deciding what to call his new shop, The Little Butcher. It’s a compact venue – but he doesn’t need room for a freezer, because he will sell only fresh meat. All of it will be free-range or produced to even higher welfare standards. “We are going out to see all the farms which supply us to see how the animals are treated,” he said. Baker’s of Nailsea supply the pork, Totterdown’s Sausagenius the sausages, with eggs and butter from Somerset. James worked as a butcher in Bedminster in his youth. He decided to return to the trade after being made redundant as a graphic designer after 21 years. Like Matt, he has had a stream of people calling in, even before he is open, to wish him well.
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THE C0-Operative has beefed up security at its store in Wells Road, Totterdown, after a second armed raid there in four months. The store manager and a pregnant member of staff were held at gunpoint at 7.15am on Easter Monday, March 31. The robber is described as a black man, wearing a black puffa jacket, black trousers and black
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Second raid on Co-op trainers. His face was covered. In a raid on December 15, three men threatened staff with a gun and a machete. In both cases, a large quantity of cash was taken. Staff in both incidents were left unhurt, but shaken. Several customers wrote to
the Co-op in protest, indignant that a security guard who was posted to the store after the first raid had been removed. They received a reply from chief executive Mark Smith assuring them that security was being improved. A guard is now
May, 2016
posted at the store. Mr Smith also said staffing would increase after incidents when the shop had to shut because of a lack of staff. Two higher-paid staff grades were phased out when the Living Wage came into effect. Police would not give more detail on the raids. A spokesman said: “We are continuing with extensive CCTV enquiries.”
It’ll be a long walk to school
PARENTS living in the Arnos Vale area have been told the nearest primary school for their child starting school in September is in Marksbury Road. It is believed several parents have lodged a protest with the council. None have raised objections about the school itself – but they are concerned about how long it will take them to get there. It is thought at least five
Parents told local primaries are full, you’ll have to travel
families living in Edward Road and Chatsworth Road have not been offered places at any of the schools closest to them. Instead
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they have been given places at Marksbury Road primary, a new school opened last September by the Oasis academy group. There is no easy walking route or public transport from Bath Road to Marksbury Road. Some measurements put the distance at 1.8 miles, though using the council’s method of calculation it may be 1.6 miles. One parent said: “It’s just so far away for us and will add 45 minutes to our morning commute, minimum.” In cases where primary school children have to travel more than two miles, the council may be expected to arrange transport. One parent has written to the council asking for transport to be investigated, saying, “Several of the families don’t drive or have cars, and there is no suitable public transport.” Several parents contributing to a discussion on Facebook praised Marksbury Road school, saying its standards are high. Some parents, though, are unhappy about sending their children to academies, which are not under council control. The
Government has said all schools will be academies by 2020. Karin Smyth, Labour MP for South Bristol, said the drive for academies was missing the point. “Why tip up the applecart for ideological reasons?” she said. She said that heads, staff, governors and parents tell her that the real challenges they face are teacher shortages, falling budgets, rising class sizes, and insufficient school places. A council spokesperson said: “There is a statutory walking distance of two miles for children aged under eight. This means if we offer an alternative school more than two miles from their home we are legally obliged to offer help with travel. For this academic year the distance from home to school across all alternative offers, on average, has been just over one mile. “ Two entry classes are being offered at Marksbury Road. The council said that this year the proportion of families offered their first choice of school had risen, but 4.4 per cent did not get into any of their three preferences – in line with 2015.
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Diesel site set for a decision in summer
RADE – Residents Against Dirty Energy – doubted that such a limited use would be economic. “The Environment Agency define peaking plants to be plants that operate for 1,500 hours or less of the year, so unless there were strict planning conditions limiting the hours of operating, this limit could be massively exceeded,” she wrote. Even then, she said, “it is likely that a condition restricting hours of use could be overridden when grid emergencies get worse, as they are scheduled to over the next five years or so.” Plutus withdrew a similar application late last year after an earlier wave of opposition. The new plan uses biodiesel – made from vegetable oil – which it says will cut emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide or NOx to within acceptable limits. It says the plant would not exceed pollution limits at any
Bending over backwards for Syria TWO yoga and fitness events in May aim to support the Unicef appeal to protect child refugees from Syria. An Open Studio event at Urban Gym, 2 St John’s Lane, on Saturday May 14 will include sessions in ashtanga yoga, hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga and pilates. A minimum donation is being requested of £5 per class. Sessions run from 9am to 5pm. Advice on nutrition is also available as well as magnet meridian realignment therapy and pain-free soft tissue therapy. Smoothies, juices and
coconuts will be supplied by CHI Wholefoods. Bookings can be made at www.justgiving.com/ openstudiourbangym Meanwhile an introductory session to Tibetan yoga will donate 20 per cent of the takings to Syrian refugees. The event is called Hello Sunshines and takes place on Saturday May 7 at Redcatch Community Centre in Redcatch Road, Knowle, at 11am. Tickets are £10. Contact teacher Tulay Zorer-Carter at intuitivecoaching@live.co.uk. • www.intuitivecoaching. yolasite.com
residential site even if it ran for 3,600 hours a year – though this scenario would see limits breached briefly at the latest Phase 3 flats at Paintworks. However, campaigners say the cumulative effect of diesel exhausts already breaks WHO limits at many places in Bristol. Liz Beth said: “Pollution is likely to be particularly problematic in St Philip’s, where it is often trapped at ground level. “The proximity of a nursery makes this proposal totally unacceptable due to the lifelong damage caused by exposure to pollutants at a young age,” she added. Simon Holmes, the head at St Philip’s Marsh nursery school in Albert Crescent, wrote in another objection: “I am shocked that this application has been put in again without any consideration whatsoever of the nursery school, which is approximately 200m from the proposed site. This is where the children play outside.” Councillors including the members for Windmill Hill, Sam Mongon and Deb Joffe, have queued to add their opposition. One objector from Paintworks said the plan failed to address the impact on the 210 flats now being built there. “Hundreds of additional flats will overlook this installation and no doubt will be unaware of the potential harm to their health that opening their windows may cause.”
Lynne Fernandes, right, with Miles Jupp, left, and Peter Warren, chairman of the Association for Independent Optometrists A TOTTERDOWN optometrist’s passion for her job has won her the top award in her industry. Lynne Fernandes was presented with the Optometrist of the Year trophy by comedian and awards host Miles Jupp at the annual Optician Awards. Lynne, who has three optometrist practices in Totterdown, Gloucester Road and Nailsea, has been a qualified optometrist for over 20 years. Lynne said: “I am thrilled and delighted to have been honoured in this way. I work hard with my team to offer the highest levels of care to all our patients and we work with our local communities to encourage everyone to look after their eyes.” Lynne regularly speaks at schools so that children can see what happens in an eye test. She recently worked with CBeebies on a TV show about a child’s first pair of glasses. She also talks to sixth formers about life as an optometrist.
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Hundreds make protest, including head of nursery 200m away from possible generators
Lynne is voted nation’s No 1 for eyecare
Cat H
ALMOST 300 objections have been made by members of the public and community groups to the planning application to put 48 diesel generators at St Philip’s Marsh on a site close to a nusery school and homes, including Paintworks. A decision on the application by London firm Plutus Energy is expected to be made by a planning committee during June – although a council spokesman was unable to give a date. The plan has brought an almost unprecedented level of opposition, with objections filed from residents of Totterdown and Arnos Vale, as well as further afield in Knowle, Brislington, Redfield and St Anne’s. The plant, off Feeder Road, is intended to provide back-up to the National Grid to provide electricity at times of peak demand, mainly in the winter. The phasing out of coal-fired power stations, and the closure of elderly nuclear plants, is expected to cause an “energy gap” in the next five to 20 years before renewable generation is able to meet demand. Plutus says diesel power can generate power for brief periods when low winds mean renewables cannot cope, and has promised the plant will not be in use for more than “an absolute maximum” of 200 hours a year. Liz Beth, objecting on behalf of Bristol environmental group
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Praise for PC in Totterdown blaze rescue A POLICEMAN has been praised after he rushed into a burning home to pull out a pensioner trapped by a fire. PC James Turner was first on the scene after neighbours raised the alarm at 1am on March 31 after seeing smoke coming from a flat in Bushy Park. Without waiting for the fire brigade to arrive, PC Turner broke a window to get inside the flat, then forced open a door. He found a 76-year-old man was trapped in his kitchen while the living room was on fire. PC Turner carried the man outside. He was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary to be treated for smoke inhalation and is believed to have recovered. Fire crews had the fire put out by 1.30am with little damage to the flat. The blaze is thought to have started with a cigarette. PC Turner said he was “just doing my job”. Chief Constable Andy Marsh said his actions were “in the finest traditions of policing”.
Veteran aid COLLECTIONS take place in May for Bristol Homes for Veterans, the charity which funds homes for ex-service personnel. Fundraisers will be at Wyevale garden centre in Bath Road, Brislington, from 10am-4pm on May 3, 10, 17, 24, 27, 28, and 31. • www.alabare.co.uk
Ask the vet:
C
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May, 2016
‘Affordable’ homes are beyond our reach
ROCKETING prices of housing are making homeowners in South Bristol wealthier by the month – on paper at least. But the soaring demand is also pushing rents up for tenants – forcing many of them to move. Meanwhile, many who are saving to buy a home of their own are seeing their dream slide further into the future. Even homes classed as “affordable” are out of reach of many. This is because rents are no longer capped – instead, an affordable rent is set at a proportion of the market rent, which is rising all the time. The Voice has been contacted by one Totterdown resident who inquired about the new homes to be built by a charity, the Guinness housing trust, in Goolden Street. Guinness is requesting planning permission for five three-bedroom family houses, each with a garage. However, the Voice reader hoping to occupy one of the houses told us: “I was told each home will be valued at £330,000. Buyers would have a 35 per cent share in the homes. They need to raise £115,500 and they would also have to be able to afford to pay the rent of the share they don’t own, which works out at £491.56 per month.” Residents would face paying almost £500 in rent each month
Is my cat suffering from cystitis?
YSTITIS can be chronic – which means it lasts for a long time – or come on all of a sudden, which we call acute. Much like in humans, it can be a very uncomfortable and painful condition if not treated. Cystitis is essentially inflammation of the bladder. Cats are more prone to developing cystitis than dogs and it generally affects females more than males. The symptoms of cystitis can include: pain when passing urine, straining, blood in the
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urine, inappropriate urination and more frequent urination. It is thought that stress is often a major factor in developing cystitis. As you know, cats can get stressed by the slightest thing, such as minor changes in their environment, visitors or even a new cat nearby in the area. Cats who suffer from diabetes are also at more risk of developing cystitis due to higher levels of glucose and protein in the urine which can prompt the growth of bacteria. There are a number of
Too much? Proposed homes in Goolden Street, Totterdown SEVERAL objections have been made to the Guinness application for five 3-bedroom homes, each with a garage, in Goolden Street. They would replace a derelict scout hut on land being sold by Holy Nativity church. Tresa, the Totterdown residents group, is among those objecting that the plan will remove parking on one side of the street, adding to congestion. Some neighbours fear loss of light too. Of 17 comments to the council, 14 objected, two were neutral and one supported the scheme. plus mortgage payments on £115,000 – which could cost another £500 a month. But this is too much, said our reader: “A lot of us living in Totterdown can not afford these homes. It’s a pity as a lot of people in Totterdown are no longer able to buy homes.” In any
things you can do at home to help prevent your cat from developing cystitis: • Help to reduce stress in the household as much as possible – ensure there are plenty of safe places for them to hide away; • Have plenty of clean litter trays around the house; • Provide fresh clean water on a daily basis; • Consider using a feline pheromone diffuser. If your cat is displaying the symptoms of cystitis, book an appointment to see your vet at Highcroft Veterinary Hospital
case, Guinness told the resident that the homes will be revalued before they are put on sale – meaning the values, and the prices, will almost certainly have increased further. However, the Guinness properties look almost cheap compared to others nearby. In late April a three-bedroom maisonette in Bushy Park was on offer for rent of £1,200 a month, and a two-bedroom house in Park Street £1,000 a month. The cheapest rent on offer was a studio flat in School Road for £550 a month. Rents in Bristol rose by 18 per cent in 2015, according to Homelet, the highest in the country alongside Brighton. Meanwhile house prices in some areas seem to have risen even faster. One two-bed terrace in Green Street, Totterdown, was sold for £310,000 recently. The price of two-bed terraces in the area has risen by £100,000 in the last two years. The prospect of faster trains to London – one hour 20 minutes will be the norm by 2020 – and walking distance to the city is attracting many newcomers. A story in the Times citing Totterdown as one of the trendiest places to live in the UK has spread the news further. Long-term residents – especially those who rent – fear being pushed out.
Jenny Hamilton-ible MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon at Highcroft Veterinary Hospital, Whitchurch (01275 832410) for treatment. However, if you notice your male cat straining to urinate, contact your vet immediately as this could be a sign of a blocked bladder, which is a veterinary emergency.
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Transport conditions must THE ARENA is coming – thanks to a unanimous vote by councillors on the development control committee on April 6. But what does the news mean for residents? Approval of planning permission on April 6 for the £91 arena, and outline permission for the homes, workplaces and leisure outlets on Arena Island, was a u-turn after councillors rejected the plans the previous month because of a lack of detail on transport issues. But the planning permission is not final – conditions on public transport, pedestrian and cycle access, parking, highways, signage and event management must be put to councilors before the arena can open. For the first time, residents can see where parking controls might be imposed. A map shows the zone within a 20-minute walk from the arena and extends from
IN BRIEF • Residents to be consulted on parking this summer; • Changes to existing RPS, new RPS areas, or tougher parking restrictions; • Car drop-offs in Albert Road and Silverthorne Lane; • Coach drop-offs in Albert Road; • Taxi rank in Feeder Road; • Albert Road and Cattle Market Road closed at major events; • Existing city centre car parks thought to be sufficient; • But car park at Fish Dock – the Barton Hill through St Philip’s Marsh to Arnos Vale, Upper Knowle, Totterdown and Windmill Hill. The map does not show exactly which roads will be affected. Consultation on the areas and the restrictions will start in the summer (see panel). As the effect of any RPS is to
Kwik Fit site – not ruled out; • Park & Ride from Long Ashton, Portway and Bath Road • No Park & Ride for A37; • No changes to Three Lamps junction – yet; • 180 extra cycle spaces at arena to give new total of 440; • A mobile phone app and variable traffic signs to direct drivers to Park & Ride sites; • A Travel Plan to reduce car use to be ready early 2018; • Arena completion in June 2018 – 6 months later than expected. push parking outside the zone, the area covered can be expected to increase. Redcatch Road, for example, is only partly included. Calls from Liberal Democrat councillors for the cost of RPS permits to be paid by the developer were rejected by the rest of the committee – partly for fear of setting a precedent for
other areas. A Lib Dem survey in Windmill Hill and Knowle found 268 people demanding an arena subsidy for to help residents pay for RPS permits, while 97 per cent backed evening parking restrictions, 92 per cent for weekend hours and 78 per cent for weekday operation. The transport update also says that extra bus stops for the Park & Ride services may be installed on Bath Road, if safe locations can be found. Park & Ride buses will run until 11.30pm to Bath Road and Portway, and midnight at Long Ashton. The arena budget includes £750,000 if extra services are needed. A “park and rail” service will be available at Parkway station. As revealed in the April edition of the Voice, future plans for the Temple Quarter enterprise zone call for a wide pavement and cycle way from
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Arena
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be met before arena opens PARKING CONTROLS
ARENA Bedminster East RPS
Look at this map in more detail at www.southbristolvoice.co.uk/arena Parking zone: The yellow area shows 20-minute walk from arena Temple Meads to the arena – the Bath Road Promenade. But this will require expensive new bridges across the Avon and the Plymouth railway line, and no plans – or funds – exist. In the meantime, stewards will direct pedestrians from Temple Meads to enter the arena via Cattle Market Road. From the Three Lamps side – where the pavement will be widened – stewards will prevent pedestrians using the Bath Road pavement to head for Temple Meads. The stewarding plan has met with scepticism (see below). It has not been explained how stewards will separate people
walking to the arena from those going elsewhere. Nor is it clear if the pavement will be fenced, or if stewards will be able to prevent a crowd from crossing Bath Road. A new walkway will be built on a pontoon along the Floating Harbour from Temple Meads to the arena. Taxi ranks will be on Avon Street and, if needed, Feeder Road. The nine coach spaces to be provided on Albert Road are expected to cope with demand, but “layover” coach spaces on Cumberland Road will be reinstated by the time of the arena opening in 2018. This work will cost £480,000, to
WHAT THEY SAID From the development control committee, April 6 On traffic congestion “Bath and Wells roads are congested already. To have a 12,000 seat arena, at rush hour times it’s just not going to work.” Eileen Means, Labour councillor, Brislington West On paying for RPS “If a developer was putting up a block of flats, and it brought the need for a zebra crossing, would you then go to the residents and ask them for a pound a week [to pay for it]?” Cllr Gary Hopkins, Lib-Dem party leader, Knowle On Bath Road pavements “We
have already had fatalities and if the Bath Road Promenade is not done there will be more fatalities.” Cllr Hopkins On stewarding of arena-goers on Bath Road “This isn’t going to happen, people are just going to run across the road and I’m concerned about people being knocked over.” Cllr Stephen Clarke, Green, Southville On hours of operation of RPS “We need to learn from the mistakes when RPS was brought in around Ashton Gate stadium. If RPS had run there until 6pm it would give people the chance to get home [and park] before the influx.” Cllr Helen Holland, Labour leader
include improvements to Albert Road and the Victor Street area. Pavement parking in St Philips will be outlawed. Up to £300,000 is set aside for bus stops and other work to boost bus services. First Bus will look at laying on extra services. “We consider the commercial opportunity is sufficiently great to encourage operators to provide extra services at times of maximum arena use,” says the council’s transport update. Better trains were a key demand, and GWR has promised to look at later services to key destinations such as Westonsuper-Mare and Bath. The package of transport works will cost £6.2m. The largest single element is the Southern Access Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists on the Three Lamps side, costing £3.6m. Supporting extra Park & Ride and train services, temporary
PARKING TIMETABLE May 2016 Council officers draw up detailed proposals to deal with arena parking in residential streets; September 2016 Informal consultation with neighbourhoods; December 2016 Strategy presented for parking controls in residential areas; 2017 Formal consultation with residents, and regulations issued to allow RPS or other parking controls; 2017-2018 Parking controls introduced. road closures and event management will cost a further £7.75m. Both sums will be met from the £91m arena budget and the £28m for Arena Island. More detail on the plans at www.bristoltemplequarter.com
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Windmill Hill residents set WHaM – Who we are
WINDMILL Hill and Malago (WHaM) is a community planning group covering Windmill Hill, East Bedminster and Victoria Park, recognised by the Neighbourhood Community Planning Network. We welcome development that has at its heart the needs and well-being of both current and future members of our community. And to that end we wish to work with anyone, be it stakeholders, including residents, developers and Bristol City Council (BCC), to achieve a functional, appropriate and wellbuilt environment. We provide a platform for residents and developers to discuss projects and will encourage pro-active community engagement. In February we successfully launched our Vision Document for Malago Green to 150 people at the Windmill Hill Social Club,
and we thank everybody who came along to support us, express their views and now continue to support our progress. Malago Green is our name for the area of land that includes Bedminster Green (the patch of grass and trees beyond the zebra crossing on Whitehouse Lane) and Pring St Hill, the land to the south of Hereford Street that is currently for sale and home to a car wash. What makes a good development?
T
HE most popular ideas coming out of our research favour high density development that contains a mix of uses, housing types and tenures that are available and accessible to all social groups, with plenty of wildlife-friendly green spaces and the imaginative use of private gardens, roof
The Voice invited community group WHaM to give its views on plans for the £100m development
gardens and courtyards laid out to maximise light. Low rise buildings encourage, among other things, improved natural surveillance of an area and accessibility which will help make an area feel safe and add to its general well-being. Happy streets are an indication of a thriving community and provide lively, sociable and safe spaces that can be used at all times of day, encouraging interactions between neighbours, visitors and care for the more vulnerable residents. Existing amenities such as a doctors’ surgery, a
dental practice, a library, or a school, will be stretched beyond capacity if significant thought is not given to expanding the existing, or encouraging the building, of new facilities. With any city development there are going to be issues with traffic. Car use needs to be considered within the wider context of a city-wide transport system of buses, trains, cycling routes and walking networks 15 minutes from the city centre. Bristol is a city blessed with spectacular views and historic vistas and it is important that these are maintained and reinforced to preserve the natural character of our city, and not despoiled by high-rise buildings. We are currently researching into the proposed district heating centre, which will provide power for any new development, and are concerned that the scale of the centre is linked to a vision of
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out the vision they’d prefer
high rise living which isn’t suitable for this area. We need to know if the proposal is still workable for a low rise development and whether its emissions and safety record are suitable for such a potentially densely populated area. Bedminster has huge potential as an area very close to the city centre and this is a unique opportunity to create a desirable place in which to live, work and play. Come and join us as we strive to influence and shape the new community developing on our doorstep. Do get in touch. Write to South Bristol Voice, email us at whamalago@gmail.com and find us on Facebook - WHaM Malago Community Planning Group, to learn more about our regular meetings. We welcome your views and hope this piece will become a regular feature of the South Bristol Voice.
Aerial view of the proposals by Urbis
Bedminster Green New station
Brown routes for traffic, yellow routes for pedestrians and cyclists
Links to East Street
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Gateway Square
Railway
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May 5 Elections: Bristol Mayor WHOEVER wins the mayoral election on May 5, we should at least learn one thing: Is Bristol more enthusiastic about having a mayor than we were four years ago? In 2012, at the first mayoral election, only 28 per cent of voters turned out, meaning that 72 per cent chose not have a say. George Ferguson won with 37,000 votes against 31,000 for Labour’s Marvin Rees. Mr Ferguson won with the support of 35 per cent of those who voted, but only 11.5 per cent of all voters. Turnout in the referendum earlier in 2012 on whether to have a powerful elected mayor was even lower. Bristol was one of only 10 cities voting in 2012 to produce a majority – 53 per cent of votes – in favour. However, in the referendum only 24 per cent of voters turned out – meaning more than three quarters chose not to vote at all. The turnout varied wildly across the city, largely in line with the prosperity of an area. The lowest vote in the 2012 mayoral election was in deprived Hartcliffe, where only 11 per cent voted. In well-off Henleaze, the figure was 43 per cent. In mildly prosperous Knowle, turnout was 24 per cent, and in slightly better-off Windmill Hill, it was 28 per cent. In Bedminster, 25 per cent voted for a mayoral candidate in 2012, while in Southville the figure was 32 per cent. But have four years under George Ferguson produced more support for an elected mayor, or at least more interest in city politics? A recent study shows the new
WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR?
OUR coverage of the mayoral candidates, their promises and their policies was in last month’s South Bristol Voice. You can find statements from the candidates and in-depth coverage of the Totterdown hustings online. • www.issuu.com/ southbristolvoice • www.southbristolvoice.co.uk/ politics For reasons of space, we’ve
How many will turn out to vote for a mayor?
Even second preference votes can change the result system has changed things. In 2012, under the old system of a council leader elected by the biggest party, 24 per cent of Bristol people thought the city had “visible leadership”. In 2014, that figure had risen to 69 per cent, according to research by Professor Robin Hamilton of Bristol University. Voters also seemed to think that the change to an elected mayor meant the interests of Bristol are better represented, with 54 per cent agreeing. Among managers in business and community sectors, the figure was even higher at 78 per cent. But among councillors – deprived of some of their influence by the mayor – only 33 per cent thought the city’s interests were better represented. Citizens’ trust in the council to make good decisions has improved only slightly – from 19 per cent in 2012, to 23 per cent in 2014. focused this month on the candidates in the council ward elections and the police and crime commissioner – see following pages. For more interviews and footage of all the mayoral candidates, including some who put their names forward after the Voice articles were written, try the election pages at Bristol 247: • www.bristol247.com/ channel/news-comment/ mayor-election-2016
MORE ELECTION COVERAGE: Pages 14-15: Council seats for Windmill Hill & Knowle Page 16: Police & Crime Commissioner
HOW THE VOTE WORKS IN the council elections, it’s first past the post, meaning one vote per voter, with the winning candidate being the one who gets the highest total, even if the margin is only one vote. Hoevere, in the elections for mayor, and for the police and crime commissioner, the system is the supplementary vote. Each voter has two votes – although in 2012, most people used only their first vote. Voters can mark their first choice candidate, followed by a second choice. If any candidate gets more than 50 per cent of the firstchoice votes, they win. If no candidate gets half the votes, the second preferences are counted. Whoever has the most votes after this stage wins. Mr Ferguson polled less than 50 per cent in the first round; he won when 6,000 second
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LATEST ODDS George Ferguson Bristol 1st........................2/5 Marvin Rees Labour..............................7/4 Charles Lucas Conservative.................25/1 Tony Dyer Green.............................33/1 Kay Barnard Liberal Democrat........100/1 Paul Saville Independent................100/1 Paul Turner UKIP.............................100/1 John Langley Independent................200/1 Christine Townsend Independent................200/1 Tom Baldwin TUSC.............................200/1 Tony Britt Independent.................200/1 Stoney Garnett Independent.................200/1 Mayor Kudehinbu Independent.................200/1 From Ladbrokes.com preference votes were added. Second-placed Marvin Rees had more than 5,000 second preference votes – which still left him 6,000 votes behind. However, the 2012 result makes it clear that second preferences have the potential to change the result – even making a winner out of a candidate who was behind in the first round. More information on the supplementary vote system, and on the research into attitudes about the mayor, from the Bristol Cable, the city’s co-operatively owned news magazine. • thebristolcable.org
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May 5 Elections: Knowle CONSERVATIVES Jenny Rodgers, Debra Jones JENNY and Debra are pleased that Conservative mayor candidate Charles Lucas has led the campaign to make parking available at the new Bristol arena. However, the new parking will not protect our streets completely. Only a Conservative team, led by Charles Lucas, can protect local residents from a GREEN PARTY Anna Jordan, Heather Mack ANNA and Heather want Knowle to be a healthier, fairer, more lively and enjoyable place to live. This means fighting those things that are reducing your quality of life and cutting the options available for the future. Some of our priorities are: • Locally available housing, facilities, services and jobs; LABOUR PARTY Carolyn Magson, Tom Cottrell CAROLYN, a children’s and youth TV specialist, is keen to ensure that young people in Knowle have as many opportunities as possible. Among her priorities: • Working for an Ethical Lettings Charter, taking action against bad landlords, and working with those who support tenants; LIBERAL DEMOCRATS Gary Hopkins, Chris Davies WE KNOW that over the 13 and 14 years that we have been the councillors for Knowle, many people have voted for us who do not vote for our party nationally. It is surprising how often what appears to be a really tricky problem can be solved by paying attention to the people who live in the area. Persistence is vital. TRADE UNION & SOCIALIST COALITION Tom Baldwin I’M 32 and I rent a flat in Windmill Hill with my girlfriend. I’m standing to oppose the huge cuts to jobs and services that have been made in Bristol. They’ve been pushed by the Government but passed on by local representatives of all parties. Over £100m has been
parking nightmare. No other party pledges to do this. Our city is gridlocked. We need to get Bristol moving. This will be best achieved by reviewing bus lanes, so motorists no longer have to queue while they are sat next to empty road lanes, creating false bottlenecks. All 20mph zones need to be removed on main roads but would be kept where they are needed such as outside schools. • Better, cheaper public transport, cycling and pedestrian provision; • Protection and enhancement of open, green, natural spaces. • Higher land, air, water and environmental standards; • Education for sustainable living in schools, colleges, universities; • Low carbon and low waste systems; local energy saving and the micro-generation of energy • Much better waste avoidance, reuse and recycling. • Promoting Knowle for jobs, businesses and apprenticeships, ensuring the arena and enterprise zone bring local benefits; • Elderly people and care services; • To ensure Knowle does not miss its fair share of transport routes; • To listen and act upon ALL constituents’ concerns from road safety, to anti-social behaviour. TOM has lived in Knowle his whole life, and many of his Finding a solution is sometimes the easy bit. Submitting the idea in a persuasive way and following it up with lobbying and questions at council is vital if we want to deliver. Increasingly the gap between what the council says it will do and what happens has widened. It is a matter of severe regret that other parties failed to back our locally popular solutions on the arena, but we will continue cut from the city by George Ferguson and his cross-party cabinet. There is an alternative. This government is weak, they were pushed back on cuts to disability benefits, and they can be beaten on this if we take a stand. We need new councillors, ones who will actively oppose the Tories, not vote for their cuts. I campaigned to save Marksbury Road library when it was threatened by a previous Labour
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council candidates
We need more railway stations and a dedicated cycle network to keep people safe. Your Conservative team will also introduce a new Brunel Card which will make public transport
cheaper and easier to use. Local Conservatives led by Charles Lucas made the current mayor pledge to re-open the Prince Street Bridge. The mayor was going to keep the bridge closed to motorists, which is a vital link to the south of the city. The city is gridlocked and only local Conservatives have the answers to get it moving.
• More local, fresh, healthy food availability; more home and allotment-grown food. Anna Jordan, 21, is a campaigns assistant at CND and
works with with a feminist direct action group campaigning to save women’s domestic violence services. She went to school in Brislington and has spent most of her life in Knowle. Heather Mack worked for Oxfam for many years and now freelances at events and festivals delivering training while setting up a project to reduce food waste across the city.
family live here. Among his priorities will be: • School places: Many people in the ward have been disappointed by the difficulty of making sure
their child gets a place in the right school. Planning is key to making sure that schools can keep up with demand. • Environment: Tom is excited to work with Marvin Rees on Labour’s Clean Streets Campaign with communities and schools to encourage behaviour change, increasing the number of enforcement officers, and targeting fly-tipping hotspots.
to press and we will get results. People know where to find us and that we do try to help. Over the years we have saved and invested in Jubilee pool, set
up the Friends of Redcatch Park and helped to get it improved. Chris has been a key driver behind Redcatch community centre and we have contributed to schools, with Knowle Park now much in demand. We have worked with the police to make Knowle one of the safest places in Bristol and helped the installation of alley gates that cut burglary.
council and again last year. These campaigns need a strong voice in the council chamber, one that will stand up to all cuts, not let different neighbourhoods
and services be pitched against each other. Housing is becoming a crisis, with more and more people priced out, especially young people. We need a massive programme of building council houses and converting empty properties. Only if they’re owned by us can we ensure they’re good quality, genuinely affordable rents and secure tenancies.
The Conservative Party did not supply pictures of its candidates.
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May 5 Elections: Windmill Hill council candidates CONSERVATIVES David Morris & Pam Skelding DAVID and Pam are pleased that Conservative mayor candidate Charles Lucas has led the campaign to make parking available at the new Bristol arena. However, the new parking will not protect our streets completely. Only a Conservative team, led by Charles Lucas, can protect local residents from a GREEN PARTY Eleanor Vowles, Rosa Targett ELLIE was brought up in Knowle, went to Hillcrest primary and lives in Totterdown. Rosa lives in Windmill Hill, having become part of the community in 2014 conducting research among residents. We know this area and love it, but we know it could be better. • We are strong believers in LABOUR PARTY Jon Wellington, Lucy Whittle JON: I’m proud to have the opportunity to represent the ward in which I live. New businesses and development make this a vibrant and thriving community. However, it’s important the area retains its identity and remains a place where people can afford to live and raise a family. I will work to LIBERAL DEMOCRATS Andrew Brown, Natalie Jester NATALIE: I have lived in Totterdown all my life, so have a good idea of the issues that face the various communities in Windmill Hill ward. One of the reasons I joined the Lib Dems was because of former local councillors Mark Bailey and Alf Havvock and their communityfocused approach to politics. TRADE UNION & SOCIALIST COALITION Dom Hill, Patrick Hulme DOM: I’ve lived in Knowle for 25 years, I have children aged 15 and 12. I work at Bristol University as an administrator and have always walked or taken the bus or bicycle to and from work. I’m standing for TUSC to defend jobs and services. Knowle library in Broadwalk has had
parking nightmare. No other party pledges to do this. Our city is gridlocked. We need to get Bristol moving. This will be best achieved by reviewing bus lanes, so motorists no longer have to queue while they are sat next to empty road lanes, creating false bottlenecks. All 20mph zones need to be removed on main roads but would be kept where they are needed such as outside schools. equality and democracy and want the council to listen more to local people about issues that impact their community; • We will work to improve fair representation in the council by supporting the 50/50 campaign and representing marginalised residents in Windmill Hill; • We want houses that match the needs of local people – properly affordable, with good insulation, built on brownfield sites carefully ensure that landlords maintain fair rents, and I support Marvin Rees’s pledge to build 800 affordable homes every year. The major issue in coming years is the arena and Temple Quarter. I’m excited about the opportunities. However, local residents must not lose out, environmentally or financially. LUCY: I’ve lived in Windmill Hill for two years, I love the area If elected Andrew and I will work together to listen to local residents on key issues such as the arena and recycling. I’m very keen to make sure that groups that are usually under-represented (such as young people and women) have their say in both Windmill Hill ward and across Bristol. ANDREW: Being a councillor is about making a difference – its opening hours reduced since this April, this must be reversed. Many of our roads are in a terrible state of disrepair while the mayor paid to re-pave Park Street in the centre, which was fine in the first place. In the past I would have voted Labour but not any more as they have voted for £100m cuts in the council. PATRICK: I’ve lived in Bristol for 20 years and been actively
We need more railway stations and a dedicated cycle network to keep people safe. Your Conservative team will also introduce a new Brunel Card which will make public transport
cheaper and easier to use. Local Conservatives led by Charles Lucas made the current mayor pledge to re-open the Prince Street Bridge. The mayor was going to keep the bridge closed to motorists, which is a vital link to the south of the city. The city is gridlocked and only local Conservatives have the answers to get it moving.
negotiated with residents; • We want Bristol to be a leader in the new Green economy with good jobs, sustainable development and a council that
promotes the living wage; • Air pollution in South Bristol is a major issue. We will raise awareness on the dangers and work for a Clean Air Zone. We have knocked on every door in Windmill Hill and hundreds of people completed our survey. The top priorities identified are public services, safe walking and cycling, and green spaces and wildlife.
and the people who live here. My children go to local schools and I served as a governor. I have worked mainly for charities supporting families. I have been
involved in many community projects. My priorities for the area are: • Ensuring the arena has a positive impact on the area; • Tackling the housing crisis; • Ensuring the Malago Green development is environmentally sound and good for local people. • Improving public spaces; • Keeping services in face of Tory cuts.
working with community groups to improve the local facilities and environment as well as helping individuals solve problems. Natalie and I have made a
number of contributions to the arena debate, as well as commenting on other big planning applications and on issues such as library closures. We would listen to residents’ views in order to ensure we were in tune with their priorities for the area: maintaining our parks, addressing parking issues, public transport and the cleanliness of our streets.
involved in politics and community issues. The other parties can’t offer a better future as their councillors all adhere to the austerity
agenda. They’ve voted to cut our services while the Government gives the super-rich tax cuts. Council reserves could be used while a campaign is built to push the Tories back. I am in favour of public ownership of the buses and railways. I want a ban on large trucks hurtling through Knowle when they could use the motorway.
The Conservative Party did not supply pictures of its candidates.
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May 5 Elections Police & crime commissioner
Independent Sue Mountstevens
Conservative Mark Weston
Labour Kerry Barker
Green Party Chris Briton
Liberal Democrat Paul Crossley
UKIP Aaron Warren Foot
Independent Kevin Stewart Philips
Who should lead the police? THE POLICE and crime commissioner is a new post created in 2012. Like the Bristol mayor, it is a position which has yet to prove its popularity with voters. In the 2012 election, turnout in Bristol was just under 28 per cent – but across the whole area, including Somerset, it was much lower, at under 19 per cent. The voters elected Sue Mountstevens, an independent, over second-placed Conservative Ken Maddocks. Almost 244,000
people voted. But there were more than 9,000 spoiled ballots, an apparent protest against a new position which some voters thought was a waste of money. The PCC gets a salary of £85,000. The post replaced a committee system, the police authority, composed of councillors and others. The PCC carries the power to dismiss a chief constable, but not to direct police operations. Ms Mountstevens has worked with three chief constables; one,
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Colin Port, left soon after she took office, claiming she had wanted him to retire. He was followed by Nick Gargan, who resigned in 2015 after allegations of “sexting” to female colleagues. Ms Mountstevens lost confidence in him and asked him to step down. The current chief constable, Andy Marsh, raised eyebrows because his wife, Asst Chief Constable Nikki Watson, is part of his senior team. Among future changes for the Avon force, officers will wear cameras to record their work on duty. However, such innovations come after waves of cuts to the police budget of £60 million, with more expected. Independent Ms Mounstevens said that since she was elected in 2012, anti-social behaviour has been reduced, increased confidence has led to a 50 per cent rise in reporting of domestic and sexual violent crimes, and that burglaries hit an all-time low in 2014 with increased crime prevention. She says investment in education and enforcement has resulted in fewer killed or seriously injured on the roads. “As an independent I’m determined that party politics have no place in policing,” she said. The Conservative candidate, Mark Weston, said he would encourage visible community policing, which he says has cut anti-social behaviour in his own area by nearly 75 per cent since 2009. He added: “Over the last three years police numbers have fallen, police stations have closed, yet the PR team has grown by a quarter and the office of the PCC now costs £100,000 more than the previous police authority. “The current priorities are wrong. We must protect the front
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line, not inflate the back office.” Labour’s candidate Kerry Barker said he will “bring back policing to the people”, with more officers in communities and reinstating specialist teams to deal with child abuse, sex offences and domestic violence. A barrister specialising in criminal law for over 25 years, he says he will combat low morale among police officers. Green Party candidate Chris Briton said he would like a “serious debate” about drug reform and decriminalisation. “Imagine crime falling year on year because the causes of crime are being dealt with. Inequality, substance misuse, mental health issues, school exclusions. We need to address those,” he said. For the Liberal Democrats, Paul Crossley said his priorities are to safeguard frontline policing, cut re-offending, improve detection rates and provide closure for victims. “Police officers have a tough job and need more support. We need to free up the police to spend less time with bureaucracy and in offices and have more time in our communities,” he said. UKIP candidate Aaron Warren Foot said he would ensure that all crime is recorded, and reverse the decline in police numbers. He would guarantee rural police units get “the tools they need to tackle crime”, and try to stop people with mental health issues being detained in police cells. Independent Kevin Stewart Philips was for 26 years an officer with the force. “Avon and Somerset constabulary has gone through a difficult period over the last few years. I want to change that, to be the person that can rebuild the reputation and service delivery in partnership with the new chief constable,” he said.
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Promotion ends great year at Knowle hockey
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SPORT REPORT S KNOWLE Hockey reflect on their 2015/16 season, it is clear the teams have taken the club from strength to strength. The unbeaten first team gained promotion to Brunel Division 1, and the second team notched up their highest ever points total and league-placing at 4th in Wessex Division 3. With more players than ever training and playing, the Knowle hockey club are also on the verge of expanding to three teams, so would love to welcome new members. Whether you’re 13 or 113, new to hockey or a returnee looking to dust off your stick, get in touch and give it a go! The teams train through the winter season at Merchants’ Academy sports centre in Withywood, and play home games there on a Saturday from
Popular: The BIg Knowle Knock September to April. During the summer, teams play in the Keynsham Summer League at Wellsway School. This is a rather more relaxed league, and a great opportunity for new players to get a feel for the game. The year is filled with all sorts of fun and frolics, on and off the pitch. Christmas saw bowling and karaoke at The Lanes, which was a warm-up for carol singing in the city centre in aid of local charity Marmalade Trust, followed by a well-earned pizza dinner. January saw the players do some off-pitch fitness at AirHop
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– check out the club website www.knowlehockey.co.uk to see the videos. In March, the club bakers and cooks showed off their talents to raise £130.12 in aid of Sport Relief with a Great Knowle Bake Off. The club has just hosted the third annual Big Knowle Knock at Merchants’ Academy. They welcomed teams from Pucklechurch, Badminton and Keynsham to a 7-a-side halfpitch tournament. Pucklechurch topped the table in the end, but a great day was had by all! Plentiful refreshments included cake from Naomi Kroll Cakes & Biscuits. The players’ entry fees raised money to help fund new kit, and thanks to a host of prizes donated by members, a raffle boosted the funds raised for Marmalade Trust across the year to £174.38. If you are tempted to join in the fun as a player or as an umpire, get in touch via the website, Facebook, or on Twitter @KnowleHockey Zoe Hill • DO YOU want to see your sports team in the Voice? Email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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Car park set to bloom as farm adds gardens WINDMILL Hill City Farm has transformed most of its car park into a new public garden where people can cultivate fruit, vegetables and flowers. Formerly a blank piece of concrete, the farm entrance now boasts several garden areas, from a shaded woodland to alpine planting and a sensory and architectural area. It sets the scene for the rest of the four-acre farm, which includes allotments, school gardens and animal enclosures. The £95,000 project was made possible by £65,000 from two charitable trusts funded by landfill taxes from the Cory Environmental group. Other funders include the Merchant Venturers, Van Neste Foundation and Greater Bedminster neighbourhood partnership. •www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
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VOTE FOR A LABOUR TEAM WORKING FOR YOU IN BRISTOL
MARVIN REES Labour’s candidate for Bristol Mayor
KERRY BARKER
Labour’s candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner
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School Report
News
Park handout could be up to £900,000 GROUPS working with parks and open spaces in Knowle, Windmill Hill and Filwood have the rare chance to apply for hundreds of thousands of pounds in funding. The offer – described as the opportunity of a lifetime – has come about thanks to a major housing development in Salcombe Road, Knowle. As a spin-off from the project, to consist of 27 houses and eight flats, the council is to receive a large sum to be spent on parks and open spaces. The Voice was unable to get confirmation of the exact sum from the council. But it is believed to be close to £900,000, with two thirds of this – around £600,000 – reserved for parks in the neighbourhood partnership area of Knowle, Windmill Hill and Filwood. Confusion reigns, however, over whether some of the money earmarked for South Bristol has already been allocated. The neighbourhood partnership will be responsible for allocating the money and will draw up guidelines for groups which want to apply for grants at its next meeting in June. The Friends of Redcatch Park have already drawn up a wishlist of projects they would like funded by the windfall. But councillors on the neighbourhood partnership, meeting on March 29, decided they would like to compare more applications from other parks before making a decision at the end of the summer. Volunteer groups such as the Victoria Park Action Group, the
Open space groups invited to apply for funds from June
Community of Perretts Park and Totterdown group Tresa may all want to make applications. Some open spaces, such as Marksbury Road, don’t have a formal group, pointed out Labour councillor Sam Mongon. The shared ownership housing in Salcombe Road for Knightstone housing association for is expected to be completed by summer 2017. The spin-off funding came after the neighbourhood partnership earmarked several sites as suitable for housing. Another is the wooded strip of land along Bath Road near Three Lamps, now part of the Temple Quarter enterprise zone. No planning application exists for the site. Historically it had rows of Victorian terraces, demolished in the aborted 1960s plan to build a highway through Totterdown. However, part of the wooded bank north of Three Lamps has now been earmarked for a wider foot-and cycleway into the arena. Local councillors believe that as the land was zoned as public open space, more funds will be handed over in compensation for the loss, in the same way as for Salcombe Road. But the council was unable to confirm this.
Totterdown gains some bounce A TRAMPOLINE centre is about to open on Totterdown’s doorstep. The Voice understands that a company called Freedog is set to open in a converted warehouse in Mead Street on May 7. The company won planning
permission to change the use of the building after showing that it had been on the market for over a year. The trampoline centre will have a café, changing rooms and more than 50 parking spaces. • www.freedog.com
Deputy headteacher and maths leader at Victoria Park Primary, Heidi Hudd, explains the new ways that children now learn maths
How to support your child with maths at home PARENTS often ask how to support their children with their maths at home, as the strategies we use to teach addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are very different to the methods many of us were taught when we were at school. The children at Victoria Park primary have put together a series of short videos to explain the methods we use: www. victoriaparkp.bristol.sch.uk/ helping-your-child-with-maths The new curriculum has increased expectations of what children should know in primary school. For example, children are now expected to know their times tables up to 12x12 by the end of Year 4 (age 9). There is also much greater emphasis on children being able to solve problems and explain their mathematical thinking. You can help with this at home by playing games like monopoly, Sudoku and Kenken
Heidi Hudd which are great ways to help children build confidence in number. You can also find opportunities to make maths practical and fun through everyday activities. For example: Cooking. Weigh out pasta. How many pieces weigh 100g? Count fruit in the bowl. “Are there more apples or oranges?” Television. “How long until my programme is on?” “What’s on at 17.30?” “Which programme lasts the longest?” Eating. Cut up fruit. Explain that cutting into four equal pieces makes quarters by cutting in half and half again. “Do you want your toast cut into triangles, rectangles or squares today?” Travelling. Count how many steps on your journey to school. Time your journey. “How long did it take today?” Chant times tables on the way. Above all, remember that maths should be enjoyable. If you didn’t enjoy maths at school, try not to communicate your fear of the subject to your child. Maths is all around us in everything we do and you don’t have to be an expert. Maths is fun! Heidi Hudd
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WIN entry to Bierfest
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ROM Thursday May 5 to Sunday May 8, Millennium Square will be transformed into an authentic German village, complete with beer garden, funfair and wooden market stalls, to host the city’s inaugural Bierfest. Based on a traditional “sommerfest”, this fusion of authentic cultural experiences is expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors of all ages and organisers hope it will be an annual event. Hot wurst sausages, sweets and unique souvenirs will be among the German-inspired snacks and products. And thirsty adults can head to the Bier Garden for a cold German brew. For beer aficionados, Bavarian Weissbier, Festbier and Craftbier will be presented by Bavarian Festbeer Brewery from north Bavaria. If grapes are more your thing, the Sekt Garden will be serving
Win Tickets to the Bristol Bierfest 2016 To enter a draw for two tickets for the Bierfest on Sunday May 8, including complementary food, drink and seat reservation, simply email your name to paul@southbristol voice.co.uk by May 5. You must be over 18 to enter. the famous Sekt or German sparkling wine. Traditional German funfair games such as
Unwrapped: The new panorama in Victoria Park was unveiled by long-serving former councilor Alf Havvock on April 16. The design by Totterdown artist Emily Ketteringham shows landmarks visible from the plaque, next to St Mary Redcliffe primary school Picture: DAVID SMITH
New planting to brighten up park SEVERAL families turned out in Redcatch Park to help with spring planting last month. Volunteers managed to complete a border 70 meters long of Pulmonaria to provide a spread of spring colour. The planting was completed despite the heavy soil after winter rains. The Friends of Redcatch Park also helped resident Kevin
Lindegaard to create a willow plantation in the marshy part of the park near the Broad Walk. Anyone wanting to weave willow will be able to harvest some in the park from next year. The Friends thanked Kevin for his donation of the willows. He has made similar gifts to Perretts and Victoria parks.
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the Hau den Lukas strongman test, bull-riding and shooting hut will be in the Fun Time Area. There’ll be all-night entertainment in the Fest Tent with live music from a German band. And you can satiate the munchies with savory German delicacies such as Schnitzel, Brezel and Hend in a party atmosphere on sharing long tables and benches. There’s a limited capacity of 1,200 seats, so book online to secure your pew. Children are welcome in the German Village, and on Sunday only in the Fest Tent. The age limit for the Fest Tent every day except Sunday is 18+. German Village entrance is free. Fest Tent entrance is free on Thursday and Sunday, and £5 on Friday & Saturday. For tickets visit www.bristol.bierfest.co.uk email bristol@bierfest.co.uk or call 020 3239 5070. Wunderbar!
Come foraging through Knowle DID you know that Ribena was first made in South Bristol? As part of Bristol Food Connections during May, which celebrates local food and drink, on May 4 Knowle West Media Centre hosts an afternoon of creating drinks. The afternoon starts with a search for fruit and herbs, walking from the centre in Leinster Avenue to Springfields allotment, via hedgerows and herb gardens. Then it’s time to turn the ingredients into summery spritzers and cordials. In the evening local residents, business owners and health workers will be invited to try the new drinks. The findings from Who Decides What’s in My Fridge, a project on the barriers to healthy food in Knowle West, will also be revealed. The event is invitation only: email kitty@kwmc.org.uk. • www.bristolfoodconnections.com
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EIGHT South Bristol schools took 26 children to London on April 14 to visit the Houses of Parliament. The Malago schools partnership is supporting children to have more of a say about how their schools are run and are introducing them to the subject of citizenship. During the visit students were able to watch questions for Commons Leader Chris Grayling MP, visit Westminster Hall and try electronic voting. They were also able to quiz Bristol South MP Karin Smyth on her voting patterns, how she became a MP, who inspired her and her top tips to become a politician. During the visit Sophie from Bedminster Down said, “Are we actually standing on the same floor as Henry VIII?” and Amelia at Victoria Park commented: “The coolest bit was watching the MPs actually debating.”
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Pupils get to quiz their MP in Parliament
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Please keep dogs on leads I’M DISTURBED at the number of dog owners I see around Knowle who seem to think it’s OK to walk their pet in the street without a lead. Most of these dogs are perfectly well behaved, but that’s not the point. What if they meet another dog which decides they are a threat? What if they see a cat or a squirrel? I’m sure the owners will say, “I can trust my dog not to misbehave,” and 99 times out of 100 they will be right, but it’s the 100th time I’m worried about,
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Have you got strong views about what’s happening in South Bristol? Email paul@ southbristolvoice.co.uk, post to Letters, South Bristol Voice, 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX or call us on 07811 766072. Please keep letters short. We may edit your letter. when a dog runs into the road, or worse. Plus, isn’t it illegal for a dog not to have a lead and collar in public places? PV, Knowle
I’d like to save this green haven PROVIDENCE Place in Bedminster is a beautiful green haven in a desert of urban sprawl. Although in many ways it’s just a space we walk or cycle through, it also brings joy to our hearts. Each year I look forward to seeing the crocus sprouting in this area as it reminds me that winter is coming to an end. As a local resident I have seen
May, 2016
many people enjoy this space, such as the gentleman who regularly takes his chickens to the green space. I understand this green island is under threat as part of the development of Bedminster Green. The area will disappear as part of this area makes way for a road and a footpath. This means that may of the trees will go and, as we know, they take years to replace. I understand that Urbis plans to plant more trees, but it will be decades before they reach the maturity of the trees that we will be losing. I feel deeply sadden that in the name of ‘development’ an established green corridor will be lost for ever. Surely there are other options as much of the area is already built on, or could the existing road network be left in place? I think Hereford Street will be closed and one of the proposed high-rise buildings will be built on it, therefore necessitating the need for a road though this green haven, Providence Place. I look forward to hearing other readers’ opinions. Ruth, Bedminster
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Bristol Dogs & Cats Home Smart chance to form a quiz team
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OIN us for our ever popular fun Quiz Night on Friday May 13 – back by popular demand! Gather your teams and test your knowledge, all while raising money for animals in need. This event is being organised by our volunteers to help support our staff’s fundraising efforts – some of our very brave staff members are skydiving in September, and aiming to raise £2,000 for the animals they care for every day. Every penny raised at the Quiz Night will be going towards their joint fundraising efforts! Our good friends at the Fox Diner, which is in Victoria Road, St Philips BS2 0UT, are providing the venue, food, and a free drink. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We recommend teams of 6, so start gathering
Our annual night of fun will raise money to help more dogs like Buddy find their ‘forever home’
your friends to create your dream team! Tickets cost £7.50 and can be purchased from Bristol Dogs & Cats Home or ordered over the phone; as there is only a limited number, please get in touch as soon as possible. For more information about this great event, or to purchase your tickets please call Harriet on 0117 300 3968. It’s fundraising events like these, and the generosity of our
Clever play: Buddy is the Dogs Home’s longest resident but he’s playful and ready for a new home supporters, which allow us to continue our important work, saving the lives of animals in need. Animals like Buddy, our longest-stay dog who has been with us for 11 months. The cost of caring for an animal for nearly a year is extensive, but with your help we will always be here for
Police update
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OU may have heard about a robbery which took place in early April on Hawthorn Street in Totterdown, in which a woman had her bag snatched and her hand slashed with a knife. We are still looking for the man who did this; he is described as white, in his 20s, of slim, athletic build, with short brown hair. He was wearing a light coloured jacket, jeans and trainers and was carrying a rucksack. We have now issued an E-fit of the suspect. If you recognise this person, or have any information that may help us to catch him, then please contact us on 101 and quote reference 5216075930. While this was a nasty incident, I would like to reassure you that this type of thing is rare.
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AST month saw us take part in a range of activities in support of National Rogue Trader Week, which raises awareness of doorstep crime and the slogan ‘Not sure? Don’t open the door.’ As part of this week of action,
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animals in need, to provide them with everything they need, no matter the cost. Buddy’s carers describe him as a lovable and playful fella and can’t understand why he hasn’t found his forever home yet. If you can offer Buddy a home please call us on 0117 977 6043.
With Sgt David Deakin, Broadbury Road police station
This was a rare and nasty attack: we need to catch this robber Wanted: An e-fit of the attacker the team visited libraries to speak to elderly people who can be particularly vulnerable to this type of crime, as well as going door-to-door, providing crime prevention advice and stickers which people can put in their windows to warn off potential distraction burglars. We also visited banks and post offices, to highlight the need for staff to look out for elderly customers who may withdraw large sums of money under duress from criminals. Please remember to keep an
eye out for your neighbours and relatives who may be elderly or vulnerable and report any suspicious callers to us on 101, or 999 if you think a crime is in progress.
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e continue to work with Bristol City Council to try to resolve the issue of people parking on grass verges and footpaths around Broadwalk. Hundreds of letters have now gone out to residents explaining that we will issue Community Protection Notices (CPN) to people who persistently park in this way. Breaching a CPN is a criminal offence and offenders can be issued with a fixed penalty or be summoned to court.
As part of our joint approach to this issue, Bristol City Council is exploring a potential byelaw to encompass parking on grass verges, which could include Broadwalk. If you want to know more or get involved with your local neighbourhood partnership go to www.myneighbourhoodbristol. com and click on Filwood, Knowle & Windmill Hill Neighbourhood Partnership. The next Knowle Neighbourhood Forum is on Tuesday May 24 at 7pm at Filwood Community Centre, Crossways Road. More info: www.myneighbourhoodbristol. com Sergeant David Deakin
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Garden awards are growing THE BS4 Good Garden awards are back for a second year – and already the event is certain to be bigger and better than last year. In 2015, hundreds of residents from 50 streets made the best out of their front gardens and scores of them were rewarded with window stickers. This year, 58 streets have already entered, the area covered is getting bigger, and more sponsors are on board. Organiser Ruth Drury is delighted, and is very proud to have found a new angle for the competition in conjunction with the family of a Brislington gardener who entered the competition last year but has sadly died. “We have been given some money in memory of Evelyn Gay – it will be a reward for young gardeners,” said Ruth. “We are asking parents to encourage their children to try their hand at gardening, and to
Last year’s winner Danielle Fulgoni mark the area their child has done with a painted stone. That way the judges will know the child has entered. “The prize isn’t going to be a big cup – it will just be a memento that will remind the child what they have achieved.” Ruth is also pleased with the response from companies willing to back the awards. “We have had
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some really great sponsorship,” she said. “All the money has come from the community, instead of big chains.” The main sponsor is Wild Goose estate agents of St John’s Lane. They are supported by The Knowle pub, gardening firms Gardenology and A to Z Garden Services, Arnos Vale violin maker Edward Gaut, craft shop Make &
Do from Sandy Park, and the South Bristol Voice. Judges will be patrolling each street in late June and July. The overall winner will receive a meal for two at The Knowle. To find out more, search Facebook for BS4 garden competition. • In Totterdown, community group Tresa runs its own Front Gardens awards.
Stuck for ideas to brighten your front garden? Look no further ... The lazy novice gardener’s tips for shady spaces Maximise reflected light A cleverly placed mirror or brightly coloured paint can make a huge difference to an area that doesn’t get much sunlight. Garden paint is all the rage with a huge selection of shades. You can give your garden a quick makeover by recycling an old mirror and changing the colour of your garden table and pots. Contrast colours Black, grey and dark brown fencing and garden furniture seems to be fashionable. I’ve found that this use of contrast works really well in shady areas – Capability Brown did this! If you prefer a lighter fence, contrast with darker foliage. Or go for a few statement pieces such as astilbe or acanthus. Create a pretty cottage garden Choose a number of shades and sprinkle flowering plants liberally. Anemones, roses and lungwort work well in partial shaded areas and I think bleeding hearts are a cheap essential. Parsley and coriander’s leaves tend to last longer in shady conditions while thyme and rosemary also fare well in shade.
Shady spots can be secure and beautiful Hedging such as dog rose does well in the shade and offers beautiful colour throughout the year. Blackthorn gives us sloes (gin anyone?) and a combination of these hedges also provides a dense, prickly covering for a vulnerable spot, as well as a great habitat for wildlife. Add some texture Make a bold statement by combining plants with different foliage textures and colours. Try blue tones such as hosta, purple coleus and blue star; or shades of gold and yellow to illuminate dim spots. Low maintenance Crowd out weeds with low-growing ground covering plants. Try vinca or elephant’s ears. Damp shade Take inspiration from the Victorians and create a grotto with feathery ferns, ladies mantal and lily of the valley. Deep shade For spots with less than 3 hours sunlight a day, try lily of the valley, some honeysuckles and firethorn (aka pyracanthus). If these don’t take, try mushrooms and rhubarb! Courtesy of Jools Granville • Longer version at www.southbristolvoice.co.uk
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HUNDREDS, if not thousands, have enjoyed its spectacular views, and now the Bristol South Skyline Walk is marking its first anniversary with – what else? – a good walk. The Skyline aims to become one of the best-known walking destinations in the city, linking green spaces from Arnos Vale cemetery to Redcatch and Perretts parks in Knowle to the the three sections of Northern Slopes and back towards the city centre through Victoria Park. It will be one of the prime attractions during May’s month-long Bristol Walking
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BRISTOL TEMPLE MEADS
Sheene
News Discover the best views in the city
Ha ldon
May, 2016
Descriptions of routes overleaf
Where to go: Follow big toe signs, above, on the route le
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Festival, and on Saturday May 7 all are welcome to join a guided exploration of the Skyline, starting from Temple Meads station at 2pm. It marks the first birthday of the initiative and gives a chance to join long or short versions of the route. The long route is seven miles and takes four to five hours; the shorter version is two miles, is mainly on paved surfaces
and takes one to two hours. This year the walk has won the backing of tourism chiefs at Destination Bristol. A free booklet – available from the tourist office at Canon’s Road on the harbourside and from the address below – describes the route in detail and shows the attractions, facilities and wildlife
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that can be found along the way. It also has nuggets of local history. Did you know that a medieval water pipe runs from an ancient spring on Northern Slopes right into the city centre? “It’s not just promoting the walk and the views,” explained Len Wyatt, one of the founders of the walk and part of the Northern Slopes Initiative. “The booklet is also about promoting the local community and telling people where they can stop for refreshments.” Last year’s walk from Temple Meads attracted about 70 people, and the organisers are hoping for just as good a turnout this year. The Skyline Walk is one of the lasting legacies of Bristol’s Green Capital year 2015, and is supported by most local park and community groups. For a free guide to Skyline, visit the website or write to BSSW, c/o 67 Beckington Road, Knowle BS3 5ED. • wwwbssw.org.uk • www.bristol.gov.uk/streetstravel/bristol-walking-festival
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Planning applications 52 Melbury Road BS4 2RP Erection of a single storey, side extension. Refused 16 Oxford Street, Totterdown BS3 4RQ Extension of front bay window roof and erection of full width canopy. Refused 10 Bantry Road BS4 1JU Erection of a detached annexe building to the rear. Granted subject to conditions 26 Almorah Road BS3 4QQ Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed rear dormer extension. Granted 97 Somerset Road BS4 2HX Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for an existing use as three selfcontained dwellings. Granted 5 Fitzroy Street BS4 3BY Erection of mansard style roof extension to add additional storey. Refused 7 Fitzroy Street BS4 3BY Erection of mansard style roof extension to add additional storey. Refused 179 Wells Road, Totterdown BS4 2DB Proposed new parking area. Granted subject to conditions Ground Floor Flat, 181 Wells Road, Totterdown BS4 2DB Proposed new parking area. Granted subject to conditions 18 Novers Crescent BS4 1RB Proposed detached timber outbuilding to the rear garden of a terraced home. Granted subject to conditions 9 Maesknoll Road Bristol BS4 2HF Application for a Certificate of Proposed Development for alterations and extension to roof to create habitable accommodation, including conversion of hipped roof into gable end to side, overcladding of pebble dash render with insulated render, conversion of single-storey pitched roof to rear into flat roof with roof light. Granted 72 Somerdale Avenue Bristol BS4 1AE Deletion of condition nos. 4 (Cycle Parking
Provision) & 5 (PV Panels) attached to planning permission 13/03335/F for a 2-bedroom dwelling within a two storey side extension to 72 Somerdale Avenue. Refused Bristol Jamia Mosque, Green Street BS3 4UB Two storey rear & side extension. Granted subject to conditions 116 Daventry Road BS4 1DJ Proposed 3-bedroom dwelling adjoining property. Granted subject to conditions 20 Beaconsfield Road, Knowle Loft conversion with rear dormer. Pending decision 36 Hawthorne Street BS4 3BZ Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed single storey rear extension. Pending decision 436 Wells Road Knowle BS14 9AF Creation of access to classified road. Formation of parking area and provision of bin store, hand rail to rear and proposed steps from one level to another. Pending decision 362 St Johns Lane BS3 5BA Retention and completion of timber raised decking area with opaque perspex/trellis privacy screens and steps to rear of property. Pending decision
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rear garden to replace garage and to provide play room and additional storage. Pending consideration 11 Selworthy Road BS4 2LF Proposed single storey rear extension. Pending decision 27 Ravenhill Avenue BS3 5DU Application for a Certificate of Proposed Development to install a new ground floor window as part of a kitchen redesign. Pending decision 297 Redcatch Road BS3 5EE Proposed two storey side extension, single storey rear extension, dropped kerb driveway and associated works. Pending decision
 
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402 Wells Road, Knowle BS14 9AA Change of use from bed & breakfast (Use Class C1) to a single dwellinghouse (Use Class C3). Pending decision Open space at junction of Firfield Street and Wells Road, Totterdown Erection of two metal tree sculptures (a matching pair) by the entrance to Zone A green space. Pending decision 20 Woodbridge Road BS4 2EU Application for a lawful development certificate for a proposed loft conversion with rear dormer roof extension. Pending decision
24 Upper Street BS4 3BU Rear extension and balcony. Pending decision
76 Somerset Road, Knowle BS4 2HY Application for a lawful development certificate for a proposed rear roof extension. Pending decision
5 Leighton Road, Knowle BS4 2LL Proposed single storey rear extension and raised decking area. Pending decision
• The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planning online.bristol.gov.uk
PLAY LAWN GREEN BOWLS AT KNOWLE BOWLS CLUB
12 Almorah Road BS3 4QQ Single storey rear extension. Pending decision 40 Marston Road BS4 2JW Rear extension Granted subject to conditions Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road BS4 3EW Widening of doorway in East Lodge, forming new ramped access to the East and West lodges and removal of catafalque wooden box in Nonconformist Chapel. Granted subject to conditions 254 Redcatch Road BS4 2HJ Erection of two storey detached house on land to rear. Granted subject to conditions 285 St Johns Lane BS3 5AZ Construction of two storey house. Pending decision 17 Ravenhill Avenue BS3 5DU Detached building in
With summer almost here, why not keep active and make new friends using our superb green, club facilities and year-round social programme.
Beginners or experienced bowlers of all ages are welcome. Why not have a try and see how much fun you get? Free coaching and use of equipment.
Please contact either of the secretaries:
Ladies Sandra Broome 01179 407929 Men Bill Broome 01179 776913
We are opposite Broadwalk shopping centre and parking is available in the cricket club car park. Knowle Bowls Club, The Green, Knowle BS4 2QN
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
The very best in retirement living
Why not come along to our next open day on Thursday 12 May? Call 0117 949 4004 for details.
The St Monica Trust holds regular open days at our unique Monica Wills House retirement community where you will be escorted on a guided tour by one of our residents. Offering all the advantages of independent living, but with a strong feeling of community spirit, these well-appointed 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are situated in the heart of Bedminster and provide social activities when you want them, and access to care and support when you need it.
Located just off West Street, Monica Wills House has a fully licensed restaurant, gym/pool, a roof terrace with panoramic view of the Bristol skyline and a host of other facilities. Why not come along and find out more? To book your place, or to join our re-sales mailing list, call 0117 949 4004.
0117 949 4004 to find out more. www.stmonicatrust.org.uk | info@stmonicatrust.org.uk
Delivering well-being Registered Charity 202151
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News WILD PARK
News from the Wildlife Group of Victoria Park Action Group
Planting to encourage butterflies
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SPIRING gardener Luke is cracking on with work in the butterfly bed, in an attempt to bring a riot of colour to this partially neglected part of the park. He’s currently studying for his RHS Horticulture qualifications at the Bristol Botanical Gardens and needs somewhere to put his theoretical knowledge to practical use, and learn the hard way - in a public space, where the dogs think they know how to use the flower bed better than he does. They might be right! “The first job was to collect seeds, so I got on the social medias and it’s amazing how generous people are. “I’ve had envelopes popped through my letterbox with all sorts of treats in them, from packets of wildflowers, to seeds
collected from people’s own back gardens. I just hope I can successfully germinate them all and have them flower.” So all windowsills in Luke’s house have been filled with seed trays, and he’s even ventured out into local business premises where mini-greenhouses are being employed to germinate the baby plants. “Once they’re got to a size which will give them a fighting chance against the slugs and whatnot, I’ll plant them in the bed and see how they do. In the meantime I have to dig out all the weeds and try to get the soil rejuvenated a little bit as it’s quite high in clay, so compaction is a bit of a problem,” said Luke. The solution? Hard graft, a fork and a massive pile of
Digging in: Luke plants out the butterfly border compost which was donated by ReOrganics, a green waste composter based in Keynsham. “They were fantastic!” said Luke, “A massive load of compost delivered to the park,
Wednesday 11 May 2016 from 7pm
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Picture: DAVID SMITH
brillliant! And it’s really nice stuff.” So early days yet for the butterfly bed, and lots more work to do, but watch this space.
at Highcroft Veterinary Hospital
Spaces are limited so call now on 01275 832410 to book your place www.highcroftvet.co.uk
Call 01275 832410 615 Wells Road, Whitchurch Bristol BS14 9BE
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South Bristol Voice ad puppy kitten 120 x 178.indd 1
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History
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May, 2016
Soapworks was the pride of
W
HAT’S Bristol famous for, in terms of industry? Concorde, you cry! And we had a pioneering aircraft industry well before that. In the 19th century, tobacco, paper, coal – all kinds of industrial materials were mined and made here and shipped out through the port. But how many know of the soapworks? The still-impressive brick-clad hulk of the Gardiner Haskins department store, visible to many in Totterdown and Knowle, was built in 1865 as a Victorian soap factory, the largest outside London at the time. And like many Victorian-era workplaces, it did not guarantee the safety of its employees. One of them is commemorated by a little-seen grave in Arnos Vale: his name is James Knight. James’s name was briefly known to many Bristolians when, over several days in 1902, the Bristol Times & Mirror carried stories about the terrible fire at the Broad Plain soap works. The rather breathless style of reporting at the time captures the horrific drama: “Scarcely ever, indeed, in Bristol has so great blaze been seen as that which suddenly burst forth about half past seven last evening, becoming visible at once in every part of the city and even in outlying villages, and attracted crowds of spectators.” Such an impact upon the whole city sounds like an exaggeration – but we mustn’t forget that 114 years ago there
In a time when fires claimed many lives, father-of-five James Knight of Knowle went voluntarily into his blazing workplace Tales from the cemetery
Another of our unique stories inspired by a grave in Arnos Vale cemetery were fewer tall buildings to block the view, and much less electric light to brighten the sky. The blaze was reportedly seen as far away as Portishead. An entire factory ablaze might well be visible a long way off – and of course the perilous ingredient of soap, as far as the risk of fire is concerned, is fat. “Seen from some parts, it seems as if a church were on fire, for the burning building was adorned with a castellated
The grave of James Knight in Arnos Vale. Aged 36, he left five children parapet on each side of the roof, with ornamental chimney stacks at each end, which, in the mingled glare and darkness, looked not unlike towers. “It was not long, however, before the public discovered the scene of the outbreak, and at every street corner abutting on the scene of the fire there was a dense crowd of spectators, whom the police found a considerable difficulty in keeping at a safe distance from the premises. “All the available resources for coping with the fire were, it is hardly necessary to say, brought on the spot with the promptitude for which the Bristol brigade is justly noted, and the long struggle with the flames was begun.” But what could the city’s renowned fire brigade do? Compared to today’s firefighters, they lacked a lot of resources. Their pumps were horse drawn, their sources of water inadequate; they had no turntable ladders that could reach to the top of tall buildings. They had no breathing apparatus that meant they could safely search smoke-filled buildings. And they had little of the specialist knowledge that allowed them to extinguish different types of blazes. By the time the brigade arrived the top storey was already well alight. This floor was “stocked with
fat”, probably tallow or beef fat with which soap was made, and it was impossible to stop burning oil running into the lower floors.
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here was one thing in the firefighters’ favour, though. The magnificent soap works of Christopher Thomas & Co was a sturdy, purpose-built construction. Made of brick and iron, it withstood the flames without collapsing. Nevertheless, it was clear that the immediate aim was to stop the fire spreading to other buildings. The Times & Mirror reported that “various other departments were all in turn exposed to the danger of a spread of the flames. Between Straight Street and the fire were the oil and glycerine department, the boiler houses and the main soap house; in Russ Street was the black ash department, and in Broad Street the box department.” All eminently flammable and worse – for glycerine, once a waste product from soap-making, had been found to be the essential ingredient for dynamite. But the prospect was even worse than that. The streets around Broad Plain – now largely demolished – were narrow and tightly packed with homes and with other industrial premises – inclining a store for tallow and oil, and the Bristol Distillery. It’s little remembered now,
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Bristol – but also a deathtrap
Victorian pride: Now home to Gardiner Haskins, it was once the soap factory of Thomas & Co, built in 1865 but Bristol once made its own whiskies – not refined blends like the Scots make, but too often a cheap rot-gut that was not distilled long enough to remove the impurities. It was shipped by the boatload to London. However, the whisky made at the Bristol Distillery may have been a cut above some of the competition. The distillery was found in the 17th century and according to the 1887 book The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom by Alfred Barnard, it made grain whisky which was “sent to Scotland and Ireland to make a Blended Scotch and Irish
An early fire extinguisher, made of glass and filled with carbon tetrachloride – now known to produce toxic phosgene gas
whisky, for which purpose it is specially adapted, and stands in high favour”. On that night in March 1902, however, it was nothing more than another fire hazard. The Times & Mirror drily noted: “Here preparations were made to cope with a possible extension of the flames, which looked at one time, with the varying wind, a not unlikely contingency.” A director of the distillery, Mr JT Board, was on hand with other staff, standing on the roof with buckets of water and hand grenades. No, not explosives, but an early form of fire extinguisher – basically a glass vial, usually full of salt water. After 1900 some were filled with carbon tetrachloride, an early chemical fire suppressant which worked up to a point – except that under extreme heat it could produce phosgene, a poisonous gas later used as a weapon. It was also carcinogenic – so it was lucky for several reasons that the wind changed and the distillery was preserved from the flames. The firemen were still faced with an almost impossible task.
“On all sides inflammable goods were stored, and this rendered the duties of the firemen not only perilous, but intensely arduous. At one moment, when they appeared to be coping with one part of the outbreak, their attention had to be directed to another section which was even more important, and which previously had appeared to be practically safe. “Occasional loud reports were
heard, and these were attributed to ‘a drum going off’,” – a drum of oil presumably. Luckily the heat in the main building was so intense that all the oil and fat was burned before it could run out and spread to other buildings. “These, however, were small matters compared to the ever-present risk of the immense end walls giving way, owing to the expansion of the iron girders. “The risk became even more imminent when portions of the side walls collapsed, but this in no way unnerved the firemen and employees of the company, for all stuck to their work most pluckily.” All the resources that could be brought to the scene were there. Not only the Bristol Fire Brigade and their pumps, but the Thomas company’s own staff, who were trained in firefighting and had hoses and pumps of their own. The steam fire pump from St George was brought in – a real favour, as St George was not part of the city, or responsible for assisting the Bristol brigade. And the fire float from Prince Street bridge was brought over to play water from the Floating Harbour onto the flames. This may have been the Fire Queen, mainly intended for fighting fires on ships in the crowded Floating Harbour which could otherwise prove hard to tackle. She was 53 feet (16m) long and had a three-cylinder steam-pump powering a hose reel, and, since 1900, was also Continued on page 32
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May, 2016
Jet powered: The Fire Queen, thought to be the vessel used to fight the Broad Plain fire. This model is in the Science Museum, London
Hoses trained from the harbour Continued from page 31 fitted with a monitor, or water-cannon. Fire Queen served until 1922. Our picture on the opposite page shows a model in the Science Museum and made by the boat’s makers, Shand Mason & Co, London, in 1884.
S
o what of James Knight? Sadly we know little of his life except the tributes that were paid to him later. We know he had five children, was married to Agnes, and lived in Redcatch Lane, Knowle – what we now know as Redcatch Road. He was 36, and was a clerk for the soap works. So how did he come to lose his life in his workplace? It turned out he was not even in the building when the fire started – he went in to try to fight it. The inquest, held eight days after the blaze, heard that the fire was first tackled at about 7.30pm by nightwatchman Charles Brown. He was alerted by a worker in the central pan building, used for drying the soap. Brown ran to the scene and found the top floor already alight. He seized a hose but realised the blaze was too much for him and called for the fire brigade. He could not account for how the fire started; the top floor had been inspected by a colleague not long before, and there were no open fires – though there was a gas light. A Dr Grey, a lawyer acting for Knight’s relatives, told the
inquest that Knight entered the premises alone at about 7.30pm – the same time the fire brigade were arriving. Knight went straight to the office where the books were kept, said Dr Grey – presumably to save these irreplaceable records from the flames. Sergeant James of the fire brigade then took up the story. He was close to the deceased when he died, the jurors heard. Sgt James went to a staging where Knight and a colleague, a Mr Edwards, were removing a number of packing cases to prevent the fire spreading into the stamping room. Sgt James “turned to the deceased and tapped him on the shoulder, and told him that whatever he did, he was not to block the passageway with the cases.” Sgt James was making a hole in the staging with his axe to put a hose through when “a crash came, and the front wall of the building fell outwards, and a solid mass of masonry came down. Witness had managed to get clear, and when he picked himself up he saw Mr Edwards emerge from amidst the darkness and smoke and debris.” Edwards was struck in the face by falling rubble, and when Sgt James went to help him, Edwards said that two more were trapped. But a shout gained just one response. One man energed unharmed; but Knight was buried under tons of masonry. It seemed likely that Knight would have died instantly. Nevertheless frantic efforts were made to find him under the fallen rubble. Edwards and a fireman
named Rogers, who was injured in the leg, were rushed away for treatment. The disastrous collapse happened at about 9pm. The massed hoses of the various fire pumps, and the water cannon on the Fire Queen, had been surrounding the blaze for more than an hour. By 9.30pm it appeared that the battle was being won and the fire could be prevented from spreading. But the deluge was kept up, because a change in the wind could have spread the flames. By 10pm the flames began to diminish – but the fear of those nearby did not, because gusts of air and shifting debris frequently brought new gouts of flame. “This gave rise to great apprehension on the part of inhabitants of the neighbourhood, and but for the oft-repeated assurances of the police, something of a panic would have occurred,” said the Times & Mirror. But the firemen fought on, “and about midnight there remained only a smouldering heap of ruins.” At 3am the firefighters finally found Knight – but as expected, he had died immediately, and so much rubble remained that his body could not be moved for some time after.
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he inquest heard that when he died Knight had already been ordered out of the building – but it even seemed possible that he had been ordered to go back in again. Mr AHR Pope, a civil engineer working for the factory, related how he had been with Knight earlier when a chunk of coping
stone fell between them. Pope said he ordered Knight to leave, and saw him do so. But a short time later Pope was on the ground floor when he saw Knight and Edwards back at work moving the packing cases. Was it important that the cases were removed, lawyer Dr Grey asked Pope? “If the cases could be got rid of the place would have been free from all woodwork,” said Pope. Who ordered him to move the cases, asked Dr Grey? At this point a Mr Roscoe, the managing director of the plant, gave evidence that “there were several assisting, and they were all volunteers.” The jury was told that the plant was modern and in good order, and the fire precautions were excellent. No-one could say what started the fire. Chief Inspector John Gotts of the Bristol Fire Brigade seemed almost incurious as to the cause: it could have started with the boilers overheating, he said, but fires started in so many ways, and there was no evidence that it was deliberate. It turned out that Thomas’s had recently installed “elaborate fire-extinguishing appliances” in the factory – but the work had not finished, and they were not fully operational. We are not told what these precautions were – perhaps some of the new gas-filled extinguishers mentioned earlier – but the new equipment was said to be of some service in dousing the flames. The jury was told that they weren’t there to determine the cause of the fire, but the cause of Knight’s death. Nevertheless, one
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the usual routine …” the paper said. “As regards those who worked in the building which was burnt, temporary arrangements will be made as soon as possible in order that the hands shall lose no more time than necessary.” So that’s all right then – it was clearly in order, as far as the Times’s correspondent was concerned, that the city’s largest manufacturer of soap should not have to pay the wages of its hard-toiling workers during the time when their workplace was being repaired. It’s easy to be outraged by this casual attitude to a loss of vital income to no doubt low-paid workers, some of whom might even have been fighting the flames the night before. In fairness, this was normal for the period; it would take decades of trade union activity before workers could expect something fairer from their bosses.
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nd were those very bosses in any way to blame for the disaster? Neither
“Scarcely old enough to realise her loss” – the letter inspired by a chance meeting on a Knowle tram with James Knight’s oldest daughter of the jurymen (they were of course all men at that time – women could not serve until 1920) asked if smoking was allowed in the factory. Nowhere inside the gates, was the answer. And why was Edwards, a valuable witness, not present to give evidence, asked another jury member? He had been badly hurt, and had ”gone away for a change”, was the response. Dr Grey added that Knight’s widow would receive a company insurance payout of £300, and some extra from the firm. But still the jury was not happy. “What we want to know is, whether the deceased was ordered to move the packing cases?” they asked. “Certainly not – no man on the premises was ordered to do anything at all,” retorted Mr Roscoe. The jury was at last satisfied, and returned a verdict that the death was accidental.
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he company made further show of its humility. A letter from Christopher Thomas himself appeared in the Times & Mirror thanking “numerous friends who rendered
such valuable aid” during the fire, whose help meant “that we were fortunately enabled to keep the damage within a comparatively limited area.” But he made no mention of the employee who had given his life to the firm. That was left to another writer, one PCB of Totterdown, whose poignant letter told of an accidental meeting with Knight’s eldest daughter on a tram going to Knowle (see above). After recounting the little girl’s tearfilled outburst, the correspondent wrote, “The time may come when the little maid will say with well-deserved pride, ‘He was my father!’ But in the meantime, what about the widow and five children under the age of ten?” We can only hope that £300 went a long way to supporting the family – it was, after all, the price of a house at the time – but it would not last a lifetime. The Times report also gives away that the workers at the factory might well lose out too – because if they could not work in the ruined building, they would not be paid. “It is understood that the employees will lose but little by the fire, as the building that was destroyed was of a general character, and will not interfere to any great extent with
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the evidence to the inquest, nor anything in the newspaper reports, casts blame on the factory owners. The factory was a modern building, built of more or less fireproof stone and girders. It had its own strict rules on fire precautions, it had its own staff trained in firefighting, and it was installing the latest in fire extinguishing equipment. It was only the immense heat that eventually twisted the girders and brought part of the wall down. Even so, the building was repaired, and forms the most distinctive part of the Gardiner Haskins department store, visible for miles across South Bristol. It is slightly less distinctive now, being partly obscured by modern extensions to the rear which form an apartment block named Christopher Thomas Place. A memorial for the owner, then, but not to the employee who gave his life to the firm – except in a corner of Arnos Vale, where a grave bears witness to James Knight’s bravery.
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News Spacewalking Brit drops in to wow students MIKE Foale, the first Briton to walk in space, held students spellbound when he visited Merchants’ Academy, Withywood. He told the audience of Year 7 and 8 students how he wanted to be an astronaut from the age of six. He was finally selected by NASA at the age of 30 and went on to take part in six space
shuttle missions, including extended missions to Mir and the International Space Station. His career highlights included repairing the Bristol-built Hubble space telescope and helping to rescue the Russian space station. Wearing a blue flight jacket, Mike told the students how he had been inspired by his RAF pilot father,
by watching films such as Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and by reading science fiction. As a child, he visited the US space centre. He watched the historic 1969 moon landings on television and dreamed of following in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. “My parents didn’t really think I could ever become an
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Karin Smyth A union that benefits us in South Bristol
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HERE’LL be no let-up in local political campaigning once the May 5 Bristol elections are over. The Thursday June 23 referendum on whether we leave or remain in the European Union is the biggest political decision for generations. I was nine in 1973 when the UK joined what was then called the European Economic Community. Other Voice readers may also recall the commemorative 50p piece, featuring nine hands overlapping, each representing a member country. In the years that followed I was lucky enough to visit places that had been the scenes of horrendous world war battles, impressed at how countries torn apart a few decades earlier were now working together hand in hand. Europe felt instinctively a good place to be. For me it still does. Many people are unclear about the arguments on each side, so the debate
The MP’s view Each month Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth gives her perspective triggered by the referendum is welcome, allowing us to consider what membership of the EU gives South Bristol, and what would be lost if we left. Businesses of all sizes depend on European trade. Large companies from overseas choose to locate across the West and the UK because
we’re a gateway to the European single market. Leaving the EU would risk these jobs going elsewhere, and threaten employment protection for working people. On shop prices, EU membership means the average local family saves around £450 a year, because of the strength we get from being part of the world’s biggest consumer market. And staying in the EU is better for collective action between member countries on climate change. It also means we can continue to collaborate to fight crime and terrorism. Working together we can carry on facing up to, and dealing with, the many threats and uncertainty in the world. The EU might well be an imperfect institution. But if you want influence, it’s far better to work from the inside, not deliberately going outside into uncertainty, looking in, powerless to shape anything. If you want to find out more about the EU, and why the UK is better off staying in, take a look at www.infacts.org Ultimately a decision on how to vote in the referendum is a matter of judgement, but there’s no argument that convinces me Bristol South residents would be better off out. I’m happy to receive Voice readers’ views in the usual way, but the best way to voice your views is using your vote on June 23!
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Entertainment
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Laura Kidd is South Bristol musician She Makes War. A big tour kicked off this spring at the Thekla.What’s behind her visionary, DIY music?
She Makes War, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Laura Kidd, launched LP Direction of Travel in April. The record owes plenty to the streets, images and atmosphere of South Bristol. Laura has supported and played with the likes of Tricky, Suede, The Levellers, Gruff Rhys, The Magic Numbers, Duke Special, Shlomo and Midge Ure. South Bristol Voice: Have you a specific ethos or philosophical approach to music making? Laura Kidd: Ignore everyone and everything else and let the music come out in an honest way. I’m not interested in what’s fashionable, I just want to tell stories and share ideas and emotions through my songs. SBV: Is there any element of Bristol that contributes to and inspires your sound? LK: I’ve lived in Knowle for three years. I moved over from London in 2012, and love it. I’ve brought my sound with me – a mix of American indie/grunge/goth influences with a slice of Britpop – but I find Bristol inspiring in other ways. I feel much freer to be an artist here, unshackled from the pressure of insane rents and way too many people on the streets. I love being so close to greenery, and South Bristol has some wonderful places like the Northern Slopes which I used as a location for my new music video. SBV: Performance art seems a better description for your music, as opposed to alt grunge or alt folk. Would you agree? Do labels like these even matter? LK: I would agree – and thanks for noticing! I’ve never been able to fathom why the word “folk” is used in reference to my music; perhaps people are just confused at the sight of a woman playing sad ukulele then picking up an electric guitar? But I’m really interested in breaking down the accepted construct of live music
Laura Kidd: Embarked on her tour in April to promote her new album
From DIY to a record deal, Laura seeks peace on tour performance, playing with boundaries and chucking in some humour too. People often say my shows are “different”, which I take as a great compliment. SBV: Plainly the DIY approach has been a key element of your career to date. What is DIY, in your opinion? Has it helped the music industry overall? When CD sales are plummeting, gig tickets rising massively in price and artists remain unpaid for thousands of streams, what does the music sector need to do? LK: DIY is a dangerous term if you’re ambitious – it can be very limiting, but a punk spirit is essential these days if you want
to get anywhere with your music. If you’re an artist with something to say, our incredible access to technology means you can find a way to make whatever music you like within your means, share it and find your audience. It isn’t easy, but it is possible. After six years of being completely independent I now have a manager and a licensing deal with a record label, so my independent approach has propelled me to a stage where it’s possible to bring other people on board. That feels very rewarding. It doesn’t matter to me whether people listen to my music on their phones – that’s
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their choice – but I will always strive to make the very best quality, most ambitious, honest and real music that I can. When you don’t have a massive label fronting the costs for you, there’s very little point in spending your own time and money making music unless you truly feel you have something to say. SBV: The new record: Influences? Stylistic changes? LK: I wanted the new record to sound darker, deeper and more intense than the previous two, because that’s how I was feeling when I was writing it. I like that it sounds like a natural progression from “Disarm” (lo-fi and grungey) and “Little Battles” (off-kilter and glacial) and it’s certainly the most ambitious so far in terms of production. I crowdfunded the album and people were very generous, so I was able to spend more time in the studio and invite some brilliant guest musicians to add some extra sparkle. Some of the tracks sound positively cinematic, which comes from my ELO, Blur and late-Beatles influences. SBV: How was the recording process for the new record? LK: The recording process involved two proper studios and several home setups. I got a terrible cold just before I was due to record all the vocals at home which caused a bit of a delay, but there’s nothing I hate about recording, I absolutely love making something that didn’t exist before. It’s challenging to write an album, of course – the songs don’t usually fall out of the sky fully formed, though sometimes they do! This one took me about a year from start to finish, which isn’t bad, as I was fitting it around freelance work and touring and breakups and family illnesses and moving house and all sorts of other stuff. SBV: The future: where next for She Makes War? What barriers and bridges do you hope to burn down/create/destroy next? LK: I’m a lover not a fighter – it’s all about creation not destruction for me. At the moment I’m making music videos for the first three singles plus working on some digital storytelling. I will be announcing some tour dates and festival slots soon, then it’s straight on to writing new music – exciting times! • www.shemakeswar.com
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What’s on
Monday May 2 Meeting of VPAG – Victoria Park Action Group – to discuss issues relating to the park. 7.30-9pm, Bowling Club in Victoria Park. • www.vpag.org.uk Tuesday May 3 Talk, An Idiot on a Farm Knowle Townswomen’s Guild, 2-4pm, Redcatch community centre, Redcatch Road, Knowle. Visitors welcome. Call Stella on 0117 972 1590. • Facebook: knowletownswomensguild Wednesday May 4 The Love I Feel is Red New play by Sabrina Mahfouz. “Mona is pregnant. Her boyfriend has died. His mother is going crazy with grief and Mona has something big to tell her.” Exploring the emotive subject of abortion for the Tobacco Factory theatre’s A Play, a Pie and a Pint series, which celebrates new writing. And pies. Until May 7 at Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Rd, Bristol BS13 7JW. Food from 6.15pm, show 7.15pm. Matinee from 1.15pm Saturday. Play only £7; pie, pint and play £13. • www. zionbristol.co.uk Bristol Unsigned Presents The Out Crowd + Mid or Feed + Fades (London) + The Hartletts + Coitus Futon at the Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. 7.30-11.30pm. £5. • www.thethunderbolt.net Thursday May 5 Edible gardening for beginners 6.30-8pm at Windmill Hill City Farm. “Learn how to grow your own vegetables and herbs in these practical sessions run by our gardens manager, Susan Barker. Also on May 12 and 19. £32 for the whole course. • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Bridget Christie: A Book for Her Billed as “the current queen
Mitch gets to scratch all his musical itches REVIEW: MItch Benn: Don’t Believe a Word, Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken,Southville THERE can be few performers of any kind who cram more energy, musical inventiveness or sheer nunber of words into their
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Tragic: I Capuleti e I Montecchi is Bellini’s opera of Romeo and Juliet
Opera, but not as you know it WANT TO try an opera but can’t afford a ticket? The Pop-Up Opera company brings the highest operatic standards to small venues – and their latest tour arrives at the Tobacco Factory for a performance on May 2. The story of Romeo and Juliet is told in Bellini’s I Capuleti e I Montecchi, performed in the original Italian but with pop-up captions in English. Bellini’s classic bel-canto
opera is brought to life in an intense chamber production by Pop-Up, which, according to Robert Thickness of Opera Now, has “a serious commitment to musical standards ... along with a personality all of its own”. Tickets are £20 but 10 tickets are available at £10 for the under-21s – which must be booked in advance with proof of age. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres. com
of crusading UK comedy” by the Guardian, Bridget Christie weaves the story of how she wrote her latest book – inspired by a man who farted in the Women’s Studies Section of a bookshop on April 30, 2012, and changed her life forever. 8pm, £16. Tobacco Factory theatre. • www.thecomedybox.co.uk
Friday May 6 Mark Steel: Who Do I Think I Am Writer, journalist and political commentator brings a show acclaimed at Edinburgh as “the most well-crafted and poignant” at last year’s Fringe. Tobacco Factory theatre. 8pm, £15.50. Also on May 7. • www.thecomedybox.co.uk
performance as Mitch Benn. His weekly slots on Radio 4’s The Now Show have earned him a reputation as the satirist who can whip up a musical parody on any given subject. But it’s not just lyrics he’s good at. Not only can he switch effortlessly from heavy metal to reggae to folk and back again, Mitch creates as he goes, making endless loops of his voice on his smartphone until one man and a guitar sound like a whole band. Indignation is mostly the
Multi-voiced talent: Mitch Benn name of his game, and in this show he urges us not to believe what we’re told by self-serving
May, 2016
The Phantom of The Opera Special showing of the 1925 silent movie starring Lon Chaney at Arnos Vale cemetery. A canapé reception is followed by a candlelit stroll through the cemetery to the Anglican chapel, where musician Ret Warwick will play a live soundtrack to the movie. Film rated PG, 8pm, tickets £18. • www.arnosvale.org.uk Saturday May 7 Farm Feast 7-11pm, Windmill Hill City farm. “As part of Food Connections 2016, experience a unique connection to your food. Starting with a tour of the gardens, join us for a feast in our beautiful covered barn, to include the best of spring’s produce, farm-reared meat and goodies from the wood oven. Get to know your fellow-diners over small-plate starters, our celebratory main event, and delicious desserts, while joining in the conversation about how we feed ourselves on all levels.” £28 per person • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Go, Go Children The 60s evening at Fiddlers Club, Willway Street, Bedminster, featuring soul, funk, rhythm and blues and more, all from original vinyl. £5. 8pm-2am. • www.fiddlers.co.uk Johnny Coppin at Saltcellar Folk Club. The well-known singer-songwriter and radio presenter has been active for many years on the local folk scene. £5, 7pm, Totterdown Baptist Church, entrance off Sydenham Road. • www.johnnycoppin.com • www.saltcellarfolk.org.uk Wednesday May 11 Friends of Redcatch Park meet at 7.30pm at the park pavilion, off Broad Walk, Knowle. More committee members needed. To join the mailing list, religious leaders, bigots and deniers of all kinds. From those who oppose gay marriage to homeopathists, and people who claim comics are frightened of mentioning Islam, he takes them all on. Want a sample? Visit YouTube and see how he makes childhood vaccinations funny. His Rasta Queen Mother is good too. PB • Eight lucky Voice readers won tickets to see Mitch in our March issue. Look out for more ticket contests in future editions.
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What’s on
emailbaront20@gmail.com. • www.friendsofredcatchpark.com The Fabulous Bacon Boys An adult retelling of the Three Little Pigs as imagined by the anarchic Living Spit players in the Tobacco Factory Theatre Bar. Bacon Construction is three builder brothers with a line in exclusive dwellings made of straw, wood and brick. But one day there’s a visit from the planning inspector, Miss Wolf. Shows at 7.30pm on May 11, June 27 and 28 and July 3 and 10. £10. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Friday May 13 Gin Festival Bristol Paintworks, Bath Road. Gin Festival.com welcomes everyone, from gin novices to connoisseurs, to sample more than 100 varieties of gin, learn about the history of Britain’s favourite spirit, meet industry experts and enjoy live music and food from local vendors. Tickets £7.50 include gin glass. Sessions on Friday 6-11pm, and Saturday 12.30-5pm and 6-11pm. • www.ginfestival.com The Nightingales + Ted Chippington + Cowboy Builders, The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. The Nightingales: “consistently one of the best live experiences in the country. Forty minutes segued together seamlessly, a cocktail of 60’s garage and psychedelia shaken up with krautrock.” Ted Chippington: “the lost genius of British stand-up”, who had a near-hit in 1987 with Rockin’ with Rita. 7.30pm, £7 on the door. • www.thethunderbolt.net Saturday May 14 Bench mending Victoria Park. Meet at 10am near Mrs Brown’s café next to Somerset Terrace entrance. • www.vpag.org.uk Animal husbandry and care at Windmill Hill City Farm, 9am to 2pm. An introduction to animal husbandry, run by farmer Tim Child. Learn the basics of looking after sheep, pigs, goats and chickens. Hands-on sessions to explain feed, health care, breeding and regulations involved with keeping your own animals. £35 • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Sunday May 15 Spring Fayre Arnos Vale cemetery, 11am-4pm, showcasing local craft and produce suppliers. Funds raised go to securing the
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Paper cuts: Vivid puppets and backdrops are inspired by Hogarth
People’s hero is cast as a puppet EIGHTEENTH century London is brought to life by a puppetry collective from Bristol in a show coming to Southville’s Southbank Club this month. The Otherstory collective use the unusual technique of a tabletop set, paper backgrounds and cut-out puppets to great effect. The show is called Escape was on Everyone’s Mind – The Tale of Jack Sheppard, and tells the story of a notorious jailbreaker and people’s hero. Rebellious mobs, rapacious merchants and well-fed judges are brought to life with a zigzagging set to lead the audience through unexpected turns among the characters. The play shows a time with parallels to our own, said Otherstory’s Trevor Houghton, who lives in Bedminster. Jumps in scale, the textured future of Arnos Vale. Includes family activities, Great War exhibition, and tours. Free. • www.arnosvale.org.uk Monday May 16 Fake It ’Til You Make It Bryony is an hilarious and fearless performance artist from London. Tim is a hilarious and fearless advertising manager. Six months into their relationship, Bryony found out that Tim suffers from clinical depression. Bryony Kimmings’ new work about clinical depression and men is made in collaboration with Tim. £13 and £9, 7.30pm.
use of sound and song add drama and depth to the story. Trevor said: “We were inspired by the engravings of William Hogarth. We have taken on his picturestorytelling style: the vibrant detail, the satire, the use of one character’s story to map and critique a society on many levels; and we have attempted to translate this into puppetry.” The show will be followed by a discussion with guest speaker Roger Ball of Bristol Radical History Group. It’s at the Southbank Club, Dean Lane, Southville, on Saturday May 14 at 2.30pm. The performance lasts 70 minutes and is suitable for adults and children of 10+. Doors open 2.30 pm; tickets £8 (£5 concessions) • https://otherstory.org/ Until May 21. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Tuesday May 17 Silver Screen Over 50s Film Club Novers Park community centre, behind Knowle West Media Centre, Leinster Avenue. Starts 1.30pm for movies and discussion. For information or if you require a taxi, contact KWMC on 0117 903 0444 or Karron on 0117 907 7038 or 07760 849 371. • www.kwmc.org.uk/events/ silverscreen Adult Lego evening 7-9pm at Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road.
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“Love Lego but think you’re too old? Think again … This session is for adults only, all bricks provided.” Bar open all evening; over-18s only. £3 entry. • www.zionbristol.co.uk Wednesday May 18 Only the Lonely What goes on behind closed doors? This new show from Acta Company examines the isolation of modern day lives. Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. 7.30pm, £3. Also on May 19. • www.acta-bristol.com Saturday May 21 Doreen Doreen Fiddlers Club, Willway Street, Bedminster. The well-known Bristol good-times band play one of their favourite venues. £8 advance, £10 on the door. 8pm-2am. 0117 987 3403. • www.fiddlers.co.uk Sunday May 22 Vintage Home Show Paintworks, Bath Road, offering mid-20th century and vintage items for the home from 30 specialist dealers. Items include teak sideboards, funky chairs, industrial lighting, retro artwork and atomic fabrics (whatever they are). Tickets £2.50, free for children. 11am-4pm. Early bird ticket at 10.30am is £4. • www.vintagehomeshow.co.uk Alice Roberts: Human Journey Join the Bristol academic and TV presenter on a voyage of discovery to find out what it is that makes us human. Anatomist, author and broadcaster Alice Roberts looks inside the human body, and back in time to find out how we evolved, and follows the ancestral journeys which led to humans emerging from Africa. £12, 8pm. Followed by book signing. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday May 26 Mark Watson: I’m Not Here One of Bristol’s funniest comedic exports returns home with the follow-up show to his acclaimed Flaws. Tobacco Factory theatre. Also on May 27 and 28. 8pm, £17. • www.thecomedybox.co.uk Tuesday May 31 Lego Days at Zion 10 am, May 31 and June 1. “Do your kids love Lego? Bring them along for a morning of imaginative building fun, games and competitions, with prizes for different age groups, Lego supplied, Duplo for the little ones.” £2 per child, café open all day. At Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road, BS13 7LW. • www.zionbristol.co.uk
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