South Bristol Voice December 2022

Graffiti mural honours fallen soldiers

TO honour Remembrance Day, local graffiti artist

SP:Zero was commissioned by developer City & Country to create a mural in honour of fallen soldiers at its Factory No.1 development - the former Imperial Tobacco Company headquarters just off East Street in Bedminster.

The mural features a traditional ‘Tommy’ silhouette, set among red poppies and the swirling background of Factory No.1. The colourful design not only honours the past but embraces the tradition of modern graffiti by talented artists in Bedminster.

Keith Hopewell, the name behind SP:Zero, said: “My late dad used to frequent a pub called the

Comrades Club when I was young, and this design incorporates part of their sign. So I see the design as a bit of a tribute to him, too.”

Jennifer Rhodes-Finch, Head of Marketing for City & Country, said: “We are proud to have this mural at our Factory No.1 development, which not only honours the brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect their loved ones and future generations, but is also a testament to the incredible local graffiti art talent such as SP:Zero, who we are always excited to work with. We hope the local community enjoys the artwork and takes a moment to think about all that it represents.”

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Ruth Drury Sales Director 07590 527664

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Jane Williams Editor news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP

By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk

By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

By phone: 0117 953 3575

In person: Call the above number for an appointment

My councillor?

Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR.

Tessa Fitzjohn Green, Bedminster

By phone: 07584182801 By email: Cllr.Tessa.Fitzjohn@bristol.gov.uk

Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk

By phone: 0117 353 3160

Tony Dyer Green, Southville

By phone: 07584182862 By email:

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By phone: 07584183843

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Christopher Davies Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr. Christopher.Davies@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07826917714

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Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter

MARVIN Rees has vetoed Bristol City Council’s plans to name a new road after a cigarette brand following an outcry from health campaigners.

But the mayor’s decision has sparked a fresh row after he apparently changed his story as to why he overruled the idea to call the 70-home development ‘Navy Cut Road’, in honour of a product manufactured at the Bishopsworth site’s former Imperial Group tobacco factory.

It is the latest twist in a saga that began when the council’s street-naming team originally put forward the controversial name of ‘Crox View’.

Tory ward Cllr Richard Eddy objected to the “ridiculous” idea because residents’ views of the nearby woodland the name comes from, Crox Bottom, is blocked by the huge Imperial Park retail centre.

He challenged the local authority and developers Curo housing association to come up with a more “gritty” title reflecting the industrial heritage, and the council’s department proposed four alternatives, all based on Imperial tobacco products, with Navy Cut Road agreed by all.

But the Labour mayor then stepped in to review the decision following criticism from cancer charities and campaigners including Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) which branded the suggestion “morally unacceptable”.

Cigarette road name vetoed

mayor’s office was quoted as reviewing the proposed name on health grounds. Was the mayor’s office lying or are the mayor’s comments in his reply today economical with the truth?”

Deputy mayor Cllr Craig Cheney, standing in for Mr Rees who was in Egypt for COP27, said he had not seen the press reports but the mayor’s answers were “pretty straightforward”.

Mr Rees has now agreed that the name is inappropriate and blocked it but gave two different answers to two different councillors about his reasons at a recent City Hall meeting.

In a written reply at a member forum, he told Labour Cllr Brenda Massey: “The administration has made a decision that we will not name streets after tobacco brands. We’ll announce the name of this road in due course.”

But in an answer to opposition Cllr Eddy, he said while naming roads after tobacco brands was “questionable”, all four suggestions – Strand Road, Passing Clouds Road, Gold Flake Road, and Navy Cut Road –would “contravene the streetnaming policy due to ‘current commercial connections’.”

Mr Rees said that although Navy Cut Tobacco cigarettes

were discontinued in 2016, Wills Navy Cut was still imported to and sold in the UK, while the other three products either continued to be on sale or remained a registered trademarked product of Imperial Tobacco or related companies.

Cllr Eddy told the meeting that you “didn’t need to be a brain surgeon” to realise the mayor’s answer to him was “fundamentally different” to the one he gave a fellow Labour member.

He said the answers would have been drafted by officers who were supposed to be politically neutral and give truthful, consistent information, so he called on the council’s chief executive to investigate why he had been given “such duff information”.

Cllr Eddy said: “In the original media reports the

Bishopsworth ward Cllr Eddy replied: “I am perplexed by the grounds given. Surely the street-naming team knew their own policies, so why would they propose four names not acceptable?”

He asked whether older, discontinued Wills tobacco products such as Bristol, Cinderella and Three Castles could be considered instead.

Cllr Cheney said: “Politically we struggle to support street names that endorse smoking, which is perhaps separate to the policy around the links to existing commercial brands. There are two things – there is a political answer and there’s a policy answer.”

Cllr Massey said: “I hope we will continue to resist naming streets after areas that are not very good. Smoking is just not something we should be glorifying in the names of roads anywhere. I hope the next administration, whatever that may be, will continue to apply that rule.”

Safety measures for Newbridge Road and Wick Road are given the green light

FOLLOWING a campaign from local Labour councillors Tim Rippington and Katja Hornchen in conjunction with a local Speedwatch group, Bristol City Council has approved plans for a series of road safety measures on Wick Road and Newbridge Road.

£150,000 worth of Community Infrastructure Levy funding will be used for measures such as speedbumps, bollards, dropped curbs, and improved and new signage to combat persistent speeding and dangerous driving. In addition to these measures, preparatory work will be carried out at Holymead School to enable the introduction of a School Streets project there.

Speeding and dangerous driving has been an issue on both Wick Road and

Newbridge Road for some time. Addressing the issues on these road are key priorities of local councillors Tim Rippington and Katja Hornchen, supported by local MP Kerry McCarthy. Local people gave overwhelming support for the measures at a series of community meetings held earlier this year.

Cllr Tim Rippington said: “Anyone who lives near Newbridge Road and Wick Road will know there’s a big problem with speeding and dangerous driving. There have been 20 incidents on these two roads in the last few years, and police figures show that there is more speeding there than on the M32.

“Tackling this issue was one of my main election priorities when I was first elected, so I am delighted that councillors have voted to approve, and allocate funding to, the road

safety measures.

“With this funding we can install a variety of interventions, as well as start work to enable a future School Street outside Holymead Primary School. This should go some way to help make the road safer for Brislington residents although we will continue to pursue other avenues for further funding in the future.

“I pitched these measures to the local community at a series of meetings this year with Greater Brislington Together and the Local Speedwatch Group. They were met with overwhelming support, so I am delighted that we can move ahead with the safety measures Brislington so desperately needs. My thanks go to local residents and volunteers for their help in pushing this scheme forward.”

Artist impression of the new street view. Credit: Curo and Stride Treglown

Housing plans for Brislington Meadows and Yew Tree Farm could face a new obstacle

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build hundreds of new homes on two wildlife-rich green sites in Bristol could soon face a new obstacle. Brislington Meadows and Yew Tree Farm are under threat from huge housing developments, but developers could soon struggle to get permission.

Plans for both sites have caused controversy due to concerns about the loss of important natural habitats, particularly after councillors pledged to protect green areas like these. But neither site currently has planning permission for housing, and this could likely now get harder.

Council chiefs have revealed that Brislington Meadows and Yew Tree Farm will likely no longer be earmarked for housing in Bristol City Council’s new

Local Plan, a hugely important document setting out where major developments should take place across the city up to 2040.

Councillor Nicola Beech, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “The forthcoming Local Plan consultation will no longer propose that residential development on Brislington Meadows or Yew Tree Farm will be progressed in our Local Plan. Over the past 12 weeks we’ve been working through site allocations to make sure that the proposals we put in our consultation reflect the needs of the city, and that includes the green belt discussions.”

Homes England is applying for planning permission to build 260 homes at Brislington Meadows, despite local protests. The government-owned developer recently appealed to the planning inspector to grant permission for the scheme,

bypassing the council, which it said was taking too long to make a decision. Construction could start on the meadows in 2024.

Redrow is planning to build 200 homes at Yew Tree Farm, near Bedminster Down, but has not yet applied for planning permission. Last year, the city’s only working farm saw diggers sent by the developer to test the ground, just a week after Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said the farm should be protected on ecological and climate grounds.

Deciding to grant planning permission is not a normal political decision that’s taken by the mayor or the cabinet. Instead, these decisions are taken by two planning committees, made up of cross-party councillors, who must follow strict rules set by the government but also the council’s own rules laid out in its Local Plan — or risk costly appeals from developers.

The council will begin consulting the public on its new Local Plan, which could include details preventing any housing on Brislington Meadows and Yew Tree Farm. If these two sites are not allocated in the new Local Plan, developers would then find it much harder to get planning permission and build hundreds of new homes.

But the new Local Plan takes a long time to draw up, and won’t fully take effect until 2024. In the meantime, it will still begin

to build up weight, and could help councillors on a planning committee justify refusing permission.

Both sites were previously allocated for housing in the existing Local Plan in 2014.

A new consultation was launched in November, and the council will publish its draft new Local Plan in summer next year. In early 2024, government planning inspectors will examine the document, before it’s adopted and signed off by the council in autumn later that year.

Cllr Beech said: “What’s become clear to me, since the declaration of the ecological emergency and the climate emergency, is how much more we understand the contribution that certain green spaces in the city make to our broader city picture.

“Brislington Meadows is one of those sites, and is no longer being proposed to be allocated for housing.

“Having said that, those homes need to be built somewhere else. So there is no quick fix or back door way out of this conundrum about the number of homes we need to build in the city.

“It’s important to remember that doesn’t mean we’re going to deliver 600 fewer homes, for instance, that just means they won’t be built at Brislington Meadows, but they’ll be built somewhere else.”

slimmingworld.co.uk slimmingworld.co.uk

Care homes are not what they used to be!

Bishopsmead Lodge in Bishopsworth and Osborne Court in Bedminster - have been recognised for

many and varied achievements over the year at a celebratory graduation ceremony.

Proving that you’re never too old to learn something new, the enthusiastic pensioners have added an impressive range of skills to their list of many talents by studying new languages, joining bespoke live tours of far-flung places, taking dancing and singing classes, photography courses and have even channelled their inner Banksy by trying out graffiti spray painting.

The ‘Love Learning’ event is running in Four Seasons care homes across the UK, with family, friends and members of the community invited to the graduation ceremonies to see residents showcase some of their accomplishments and be presented with their certificates of lifelong learning.

Osborne Court’s home manager Hajnalka Cseh said: “Continuing to learn in older age has many benefits. As well as keeping our brains healthy, acquiring new knowledge gives a real sense of purpose and achievement. Our Magic Moments activities programme includes lots of opportunities to

get involved, learn new things and above all have great fun together.”

Resident Margaret Gimson, 74, said: “I can’t say I was that keen on school when I was younger but I’ve loved learning lots of

new things and feel really proud of myself. My favourite activity has been the dancing sessions, I reckon I’d give those professionals on Strictly a run for their money!”

Resident Joseph Russell, 86, said: “They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks but I’ve learnt so many new things this year. I can now speak a bit of Spanish and French, know how to keep fit by exercising in my chair and I even learnt how to make the best pizza in the world from a chef in Rome.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

A GROUP designing how Bristol City Council will run after 2024 has denied it was a “mistake” to meet in private. Twelve councillors have been meeting regularly since the referendum in May, when Bristol voted to scrap the mayoral model and move to a committee-run council instead.

So far members of the public have not been allowed to attend the meetings of the committee model working group, nor see any minutes, so it’s unclear what debates are taking place behind the scenes. However, those debates could soon be made much more transparent.

Councillor Barry Parsons said: “I’m not claiming that local authority governance is highest on most of my residents’ agendas, but I have been asked

how council will run after

‘mistake’ to meet in private

about this. The question I mostly get asked is: ‘what’s going on?’ On reflection, do you think it was a mistake not to hold these meetings in public?”

Initially the working group has been hearing evidence and gathering information from experts and two other councils who also recently switched to a committee model, in Sheffield and Brighton. But the next stage will be to consult certain community groups, before asking the whole city on principles about how the new model should be designed.

Cllr Jenny Bartle, vice-chair of the working group, said: “We’ve been really trying hard to learn stuff. We haven’t made any decision at all, but I think the public thinks we’re making decisions. We’re not, we’re just learning, honestly. The decisions we’re starting to make, about

what the design principles are, only happened last week.

“In some ways, it would have been harmful to have the public there, but I don’t think it’s on most people’s minds. I think they’re worried about the cost of living crisis or winter. There are probably about 12 nerds across the city who would have been vaguely interested [to observe working group meetings].

“However, as it goes forward, I think there’s probably a stronger case for public engagement, specifically because we’re now approaching the time where we’re going to be making some decisions.”

New details of how the committee model could be designed will be published in a council report in December, ahead of councillors debating the issue in a full council meeting. Then next spring a city-wide public consultation will take place on the design principles, with a second consultation next autumn.

Cllr Helen Holland, chair of the working group, said: “We’re moving to that phase now. I think it’s right that we’ve worked in the way that we have so far, but over the period of the engagement strategy, more will come out. We want to make it transparent, and the system will be transparent, but it’s about the appropriateness of when is the right time to do that.”

When the working group first began meeting, a majority of the 12 councillors voted to meet in private. Although, it was not unanimously agreed, with some arguing that members of the public should be able to observe the discussions. After feedback from the overview and scrutiny management board, the working group could vote again on meeting in public or private.

Cllr Guy Poultney, also on the working group, said: “There have

been discussions and debates about the level of transparency in the committee. If you feel there should be a presumption of openness and transparency, that would be perfectly good feedback to give us. I would see no problem with the committee taking a vote on it again.”

One main issue up for debate is how much power should be spread out across Bristol, responding to concerns from some critics who think the mayoral model centralises power too much. Local ward committees could potentially have decision-making power over specific parts of the city, for example to install a bike lane or new planters, letting residents have greater influence over their neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, a cabinet-like policy and resources committee would likely have a lot of power and sway, but it’s as yet undecided how much.

A trial run of the new model could take place a few months before May 2024, with some shadow decision-making committees running in parallel with the existing mayoral system. During the trial, the committees wouldn’t make any actual decisions, due to the law on mayors meaning Marvin Rees must stay in power for his full term. But ‘war-gaming’ decisions could be made with a few committees, to iron out any potential problems before the new model kicks in.

A council leader will likely be chosen by councillors, to represent the city in crises and emergencies, and with businesses, central government and the West of England combined authority. This would mean a different council leader could be chosen by councillors, if the current one was performing poorly — something which cannot happen now under the mayoral model.

It’s official - gardening is great for mental health

ON a recent visit to south Bristol’s Windmill Hill City Farm, Metro Mayor Dan Norris saw how a £50,000 cash injection is being used to fund training when he met some of the 200 Bristolians on the courses taking place there and at St Werburghs and Lawrence Weston farms.

Everyone on the training courses - all of whom have at some time struggled with their mental health - can grow veggies in the garden to use in the café and farm shop and build habitats for local wildlife areas, all while learning important strategies to manage their mental health.

Research shows that people who spend more time in the garden are more likely to report general good health, better wellbeing and greater physical activity levels than those who do not, and gardening is now prescribed by the NHS.

Mr Norris said: “There is something magical about

gardening. The first sight of a teeny seedling pushing its way through the earth can do wonders for our mental health. And getting stuck in - minus the gardening gloves that iscan make you more cheerful too! Through ‘gardening for

wellbeing’, Windmill Hill City Farm training is giving more Bristolians the confidence and skills they need to go on to grow and dig their way to success. And it also means making friends for life –as important to our wellbeing as having enough sleep

and eating more healthily. Good mental health is so important to leading positive lives and that is why I’m so pleased a £50,000 cash injection from the West of England Authority is supporting local people to build resilience, manage their wellbeing and build a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones”.

Windmill Hill City Farm CEO Steve Sayers said: “The courses are relaxed and informal, enabling local people to improve their wellbeing and to build selfconfidence in an inclusive and supportive environment.

“City farms are welcoming to everyone, and we make sure that our courses suit what people need to feel better in themselves and to take their next steps.

“The cash investment is crucial in enabling us to do this work, to keep the doors open to serve the needs of local people and to bring a little joy into the lives of everyone who gets involved here”.

Have you been watching The ‘Saved and Remade Workshop’ on REALLY TV? Just down the road in Portishead local Steel specialist John Osborne handcrafts beautifully sustainable pieces of furniture that are more like purposeful pieces of Industrial Modern Art. Little did he know that his innovative work would feature in the latest series of Saved & Remade on Freeview Channel 17. The remakers and highly skilled crafts people take a much loved old item and transform it into something innovative and purposeful. It’s a great ‘must see’ watch that you can stream on Discovery+ if you miss an episode! There’s a new series planned for 2023 too! Back here in The Portishead Workshop, John crafts gifts from as little as £15!! Steel garden art has become increasingly popular and his garden

stake designs feature robins, bees and fairies as well as more abstract designs that make the perfect Christmas gift, we offer FREE delivery so do take a look at our website https://industrialmodern. furniture/garden/ You’ll also find the most amazing steel fire pits showcased here too. If fuelling your home is the focus currently, then a good solid wood store is a must; John is creative in his designs from wall mounted circles to freestanding industrial chic, there’s a log holder that can be crafted to suit your home. John works with his wife Karen and they can be seen at local Artisan Makers Markets, crafting furniture that looks beautiful and supports their ethos that “when you buy well, you only need to buy once”! Check out their website for sustainable gifts, art and furniture TODAY!

Greater Bedminster Urban Nature Reserve project to launch in January

NATURE reserves are usually thought of as largish bits of land with few human inhabitants and designed to protect wildlife. The Serengeti in Africa and the Northern Slopes in South Bristol are rather different examples of conventional nature reserves. However, an urban nature reserve is full of people as well as animals. The core of this will be the thousands of domestic gardens that exist in Greater Bedminster: approximately 10,000 within BS3.

My Wild Bedminster will be asking gardeners to register their spaces as part of the Urban Nature Reserve. Potentially this is hundreds of acres.

Almost all back, front and community gardens are supportive of wildlife to some extent. Between them, they contain trees, flowers, water features and places to hide or spend the winter. The Urban Nature Reserve will celebrate these gardens and encourage their custodians to become even more wildlife friendly and to link up to create wildlife corridors so that creatures can easily and safely move around in search of food and mates.

Gardeners will be asked to register as part of the Nature Reserve and will receive a certificate and information

helping them to develop their garden.

My Wild Bedminster will also be linking up with park support groups, allotment associations, schools, churches etc that have spaces that might become more wildlife friendly. They are also in touch with bodies such as Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol Parks and the universities. They are interested to see if Urban Nature Reserves are effective ways of mobilising public support and action in order to reverse the decline in so many birds, insects and other creatures.

The Greater Bedminster Urban Nature Reserves will be developed during 2023.

Ben Barker, Secretary of the BS3 Wildlife Group, said: “Britain is in the lowest 10% for biodiversity among all the countries on Earth. For hundreds of years, and especially in recent decades, human activity has driven many insects, mammals, amphibians and birds towards, and sometimes over, the edge of extinction. It’s time for us to reverse direction and to find ways of conserving our fellow creatures so that Britain can become biodiverse again.”

For more information about Bristol’s Wildlife Groups, contact mywildbedminster@ virginmedia.com

The Northern Slopes is just one nature reserve in our area

Ofsted recognise improvement at Luckwell Primary School

PUPILS, staff and governors at Luckwell Primary Schools have welcomed the recognition of the great work taking place at the school, detailed in their recent Ofsted report.

The report highlighted areas where the school is achieving good results, stating that “Pupils learn the importance of respect and tolerance towards others”, that pupils said “no one cares if you are different here; we all get along together”, and that “Leaders place a high priority on pupils’ personal development”.

With regard to safety at the school, Ofsted commented that: “Leaders, including governors, have created a strong culture of safeguarding” and educationally “children in the early years get off to a strong start”.

Luckwell’s Head, Lilly Byers, said: “The progress shown in this report shows the benefits of the hard work, dedication, and passion that has gone into providing an excellent environment and experience for everyone in the school community, and is the embodiment of our school motto ‘Together We Achieve’. We are especially proud to be rated ‘Good’ in Behaviours and Attitudes, Personal Development, and Early Years Provision. Against the backdrop of Covid and the associated challenges of the last few years, we are so proud that the school is improving in this way, and we will use this as motivation and momentum to continue to improve all areas or our school provision.”

Nick Lewis, Interim CEO of Gatehouse Green Learning Trust said: “I am delighted to see that Luckwell School has secured an Ofsted judgement higher than its predecessor school. As Ofsted saw on their visit, it is a school that really cares about providing great opportunities for learning and it has a head teacher that knows how to take the school even further.”

Update from Victoria Park

THE Victoria Park Action Group (VPAG) has reported that the bonfire last month was a great success and even turned a small profit for the group. They said: “People really enjoyed staring at the large fire and making the most of the food and beverage options available. Thanks are due to the local PTA, church and traders who provided the latter, to all those who helped build and steward the bonfire and to those who cleared up the next morning.”

Already thinking ahead to 2023, VPAG is considering lighting a smaller bonfire earlier for younger children to enjoy, and having a workshop to create guys for the bonfire. They also hope to have sparklers available for purchase and a means to donate to the cost of the event by card.

However, reporting on an area of the park that still needs attention, VPAG noted that unfortunately Bristol City Council has not been able to make the planned progress on improving the public toilets due to a shortage of contractors, but the Council now hopes to complete the work by the spring.

Singing the praises of unsung hero Mike

FRIENDS of Redcatch Park have nominated Mike Alden of The Park Knowle Football Club for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Awards 2022.

Mike was born and lives in Knowle West and runs The Park Knowle Football Club. He’s married to Linda and has three sons, one daughter and 11 grandchildren. But Mike is completely extraordinary and here’s why…

At around four years old, Mike was diagnosed with brittle bone disease. He has lost count of how many bones he’s actually broken, but he thinks it’s almost every bone in his body.

Mike was always football mad and, at eight years old, he joined his first football team and continued to play from cub scouts, through school and into adulthood, winning trophies along the way. Miraculously, none of Mike’s broken bones were caused while he was playing football as a child. But in 2001, at the age of 35, he broke his ankle

and thought that was the end of his footballing career. But he was wrong…

He was approached by someone who asked if Mike fancied starting a football club for their sons. Mike agreed and that was the beginning of the next leg of Mike’s footballing career. He stayed with Broadwalk Football Club for a few years. Then, he was approached by The Park Knowle in 2011.

Today, Park FC boasts a

very full cabinet of 27 trophies. 12 teams that play regularly at The Park and Redcatch Park. There are four boys teams, two girls teams, a veterans team and five disabled teams.

As far as Mike is concerned: “Nobody gets turned away. If you want to join the club, you get to play.” An estimated 250 young people have come through the club since it started.

When asked what his aim was when he started the club,

he said: “To give the children of Knowle something positive to do, to get them off the streets and interested in sport”.

The Park FC is a truly amazing community football team that’s been bringing purpose and changing lives in Knowle for more than a decade.

The community is very blessed to have Mike and his family dedicating their time, love and energy to such an incredible cause.

As festive drinks and matching takeaway cups begin to take over our favourite cafe’s menus, the C-word is on the tip of everyone’s tongues. It’s Christmas! And Bedminster is the place to be when it comes to getting in the festive spirit.

With Christmas lighting getting Bedminster Parade, East Street and North Street sparkling with all things merry and bright, the 12 Drinks of Bedminster trail comes at the perfect time to get locals and Bristolians from across the city out and exploring South Bristol’s very own winter wonderland.

Uniting Bedminster’s bustling bar scene and best restaurants is the 12 Drinks of Bedminster - the brand new trail for the festive season organised by the faces behind this year’s popular Bedminster Beer Trail.

For a chance to discover Bedminster and the fantastic independent businesses which are its pride and joy, visitors to the area can complete the 12 Drinks of Bedminster trail throughout the month of December.

Participants can hop between 17 of Bedminster’s best restaurants, wine bars, microbreweries, pubs and bottle shops, having a drink and collecting a stamp from 12 of them to complete their stamp card, which can be collected from all participating venues.

With this event running until December 31, participants are encouraged to make the festive fun last by completing the 12 Drinks of Bedminster over the

Say ‘cheers’ with the 12 drinks of Bedminster trail

once you’ve handed in your stamp card - complete with all 12 stamps - back into one of the participating venues, is that you will be entered into a big draw, with every venue offering a prize each.

Organiser and Co-Founder of Alpha Bottle Shop and Tap, Mike Fenlon, said: “We’re really excited to be able to bring back our popular Bedminster beer trail for a second time during the most wonderful time of the year!

“Bedminster is renowned for its fantastic independent bar and hospitality scene, and there’s no better time to celebrate it than during the Christmas season.

“We hope that our brand new event, the 12 Drinks of Bedminster, encourages not only locals but visitors from across the city to explore our thriving part of Bristol throughout the entire month of December.”

course of the month.

Plus, it’s not just beer on offer. Why not try something new this winter from 12 of Bedminster’s best watering holes, from local craft cider to organic, all-natural wines, cocktails or a tantalising whiskey highball - Bedminster

really does have it all. Non-alcoholic drinks are also included, meaning the 12 Drinks of Bedminster can be fun for all preferences.

And the best part is (beyond finding your next favourite hotspot south of the river),

Please note - The 12 Drinks Of Bedminster trail is not to be completed in one day and the organisers do not endorse binge drinking. Non-alcoholic options will be included on the trail and the organisers encourage all participants to drink sensibly.

This trail is a way to discover new venues in Bedminster and we expect all venues and staff to be respected.

Huge new 260-bed block of student flats given planning permission in St Phillip’s

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

A HUGE new block of student flats with 260 beds has been given planning permission in St Phillip’s. The six-storey block of flats will be built in an industrial area east of Temple Meads that’s been earmarked for massive regeneration projects over the next few years.

The scheme will be built on Gas Lane, near Silverthorne Lane, on a site which is currently home to a car repair workshop, office space and a car park, which

would be demolished to make room for the new development. Surrounding pavements and roads will be upgraded.

Speaking to the development control A committee, Fergus Sykes, from developers Watkin Jones, said: “The proposals include significant highways improvements to Gas Lane, Freestone Road and the Dings tunnel. Our proposals offer an immediately deliverable solution to kickstart regeneration here and we intend to get on site within six months.”

Roads and pavements in the

area would be improved, with a new cycle lane on Gas Lane, a new pedestrian crossing, new pavements on Freestone Road, and the tunnel to the Dings Park would be cleared out of rubbish and fly-tipping and a new light would be installed.

While the site is at risk of flooding, new defence works are planned in the area. During a flood, residents would leave the building and walk along a raised footpath to the Dings tunnel. Other regeneration projects in the wider area include a new secondary school on Silverthorne

Lane, and hundreds more student beds near the Motion nightclub.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Varney said: “Although it’s far from perfect, the highways improvements and new pedestrian route are to be welcomed. There’s obviously a need for more purpose-built student accommodation in the area bearing in mind the new university campus, and it will take pressure off the existing housing stock.”

Welcoming Spaces open across Bristol

AS we start to feel the cold of the winter months, some people across Bristol are already deciding between heating their homes and putting food on the table. This is an incredibly challenging place to be in and I wish we weren’t. With higher energy bills and other costs rising, we want to make sure that the Bristol residents most impacted by the national cost of living crisis have access to help and support.

Since April, I have been having regular conversations with community partners, and it was clear back then that we needed to be ready for a gear change in autumn/winter as the cost of living continues to increase.

As part of these discussions, the concept of warm, Welcoming Spaces was developed. The first of these spaces opened in October. We want to support residents struggling with energy prices without stigmatising people, as it’s important to us that everyone feels welcome. A Welcoming Space is a place that is already

established in the community, for example a community centre, care home, children’s centre or place of worship, where people can meet up, socialise, keep warm and, if needed, access wider support.

At the time of writing, Welcoming Spaces in the South Bristol Voice area include: BS3 Community Development, 9 Osborne Road, BS3 1PR; Bedminster Children’s Centre, South Street, BS3 3AU; Knowle Children’s Centre, Leinster Avenue, BS4 1NN; St Anne’s Park Children’s Centre, Lichfield Road, BS4 4BJ; Broomhill and St Anne’s Park Children’s Centre, Broomhill Infants School, Fermaine Avenue, BS4 4UY; St Peter’s Methodist Church, 170 Allison Road, BS4 4NZ; Inns Court Community Centre, 1 Marshall Walk, BS4 1TR; Knowle Methodist Church, 9 Redcatch Road, BS4 2EP; Knowle West Healthy Living Centre, 2 Downton Road, BS4 1WH; RE:Work at RE:Store, 17-19 Filwood Broadway, BS4 1JL; and Salvation Army, Padstow Road, BS4 1EN.

Venues vary responding to community priorities including Wi-Fi, access to electrical charging points, activities and community meals. Support will be provided by city-wide organisations including practical advice about money and finance, emotional wellbeing, mental health support, and employment and skills.

Bristol is a city that will continue to step up and support each other in difficult times. Welcoming Spaces have been made possible by our incredible community, voluntary, and faith organisations, as well as council services. They draw on a community infrastructure including volunteer groups and facilities. It is for all of us to get behind them and do what we can to make them a success.

There are several ways to get involved. There are a range of volunteering opportunities available with Can Do Bristol; you might have a venue that could offer a Welcoming Space for residents, or your organisation

nNEWS

Mayor’s View

could work with others across our city to support one. If you are interested, visit: bristol.gov.uk/ costofliving

We know we cannot solve the national cost of living crisis but, by adopting a One City approach, everyone can come together and help reduce cost of living pressures on their communities. To find other Welcoming Spaces across south Bristol and beyond, visit bit.ly/BristolWelcomingSpaces or call our We Are Bristol helpline on 0800 694 0184 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm).

News from the Southville Centre

THE Southville Centre is a hive of activity for everyone this festive season.

Our popular Monday Club drop-in sessions now run every week from 11.30am until 2pm.The session includes a housecooked two-course lunch with hot drinks, all provided by our café, The School Room, along with an activity of the week. If you or someone you know is feeling isolated, the club is a great way to connect, talk and share. Get in touch to book your place.

We have a community computer for you to use. We also have a desk ready and waiting if you want to drop in and use it. The computer is for everyone, free of charge. We also have a printer and photocopier. There’ll be hot drinks available while you’re here, so pop down and hot-desk with us.

If you are looking for something more outdoors-based, we also run a ‘Stroll and Chat’ group every Tuesday at 10am, meeting at The Tobacco Factory. We also have a new Boardgame Night at the Centre every Thursday 4-6pm. And an LGBT+ café group for older people every Tuesday 9:30-10:30am.

What’s on in our BS3 community?

Community Connectors will be holding a series of evening meetings at Marksbury Road Library. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided. Guest

speakers are from BS3 Wildlife, BS3 Helping Others, Age UK and Missing Link. Discussions are themed-on sharing ideas for the community and ways to support each other. There’s a new activity, ‘Stroll and Chat’ at Marksbury Road Surgery every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30am. If you’re interested in any of the above, contact our friendly Community Connecter Lead, Leanne Purton, on leanne.purton@bs3community.org.uk or call our reception team.

Family theatre this Christmas We have something special planned this Christmas! We are hosting ‘Christmas Trolls’ by The little Things: a local children’s theatre company that is passionate about presenting big topics for little ones.

The show tells the story of Tig and Mig, two mischievous trolls who are down on their luck at Christmas time. They see Sigrid’s house, full of laughter and presents and decide to steal Christmas! Join us in this joyful festive performance with plenty of songs, snow and silliness, perfect for families.

Performances are at The Southville Centre, Milford Hall on Saturday, December 17 at 11am and 2pm (running time is 45 minutes). Suitable for 5-11 years, under twos free and we welcome babes-in-arms.

Venue doors open an hour before the performance for a chance to get festive and grab a bite at the School Room Café or use our outdoor play garden for little ones. To book your tickets, go to ‘Christmas Trolls’ on Eventbrite or call our reception team. We value your skills

BS3 Community Development are seeking committed individuals to be trustees. We are expanding our board and want to hear from people with a variety of backgrounds and passions, particularly anyone who can bring legal experience. You would initially be invited to join the charity as a probationary trustee, with the opportunity to learn about us and get an understanding of the role to find out if it’s for you. If you are interested, contact us on HR@bs3community.org.uk and we will send you more info.

Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with South Bristol Voice

The

NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

Marching for all mothers

ON October 29, I joined the March of the Mummies, which took place in Bristol as part of a national protest for families across the UK organised by Pregnant Then Screwed. The March of the Mummies is intended to highlight the key issues that have a significant impact on the lives of women with children and the livelihoods of families and to raise awareness among policymakers of these issues and the challenges they pose to the stability and the security of families.

The three key issues of this march were good quality and affordable childcare for all children, flexible working as the default, and ring-fenced, properly paid parental leave for all parents. Childcare providers are far too few to meet the demand and often too expensive for families to afford. This leads to mothers dropping out of the workforce

in droves as it is still women who are more likely than men to stay home with children and provide the care. The gender pay gap increased in 2021 and more families are now living in poverty.

The UK has the second most expensive childcare in the OECD and, despite the exorbitant costs, the system does not work for parents, for children, for employers, or for the wider economy. High quality but affordable childcare is vital social infrastructure as just like public transport, it enables people, and particularly women, to continue to work, to contribute to the economy through employment, through taxes.

Nearly 2,000,000 women are prevented from taking on more paid hours of work because of the cost of childcare and yet the investment in childcare has demonstrable consequences for our children as they grow up. For

every £1 invested into early years education, of which pre-school childcare is an important part, £13 is later saved in interventions that are no longer needed. Just as public transport needs investment to make the system work for everyone, so does childcare. Social infrastructure doesn’t just work for those who need to use it; as employers rely on public transport getting their workers into the workplace, we as a society rely on high quality childcare to prepare our children to become decent and hardworking members of society.

Shockingly, Pregnant Then Screwed report that parents pay more for childcare than they pay for housing. Early years’ education is then denied to the children of parents who simply cannot afford the fees and talented women are being kept out of the workplace. We need affordable childcare now

where childcare workers are paid a fair and decent wage, we need more staff so that more children have access to early years education and to ensure that current child-to-staff ratios remain safe, and we need more flexible working guarantees so that women are helped to remain in the workforce while managing childcare. The Government needs to start taking this ‘women’s issue’ seriously because it affects us all.

Artist Luke Jerram reveals his brand new environmental piece ‘Oil Fountain’

AWARD-winning artist Luke Jerram, who is based at the Paintworks in South Bristol, has announced details of his brand new environmental artwork.

‘Oil Fountain’ is a giant fountain sculpture which flows with engine oil instead of water, intended to highlight how contemporary society is reliant on oil and the need to move away from this dependency. It is

designed to stimulate debate and discussion about the topic and the need for action.

Creating an interesting tension, the artwork is both beautiful and slightly disconcerting.

With the smell it emits and the sound of the oil falling into mirror-like pools, the artwork looks extraordinary in different lights and settings. Surrounding

architecture and visitors reflect in the mirrored surface of the oil.

‘Oil Fountain’ will be presented for the general public in Bristol in February 2023 at a date and location soon to be announced.

After this, the intention is to tour the artwork to museums, city festivals and art galleries worldwide.

Luke Jerram said: “We all

need to do what we can to reduce our dependency on oil, help fight climate change and steer society towards a net zero future.

“With a climate crisis underway, I hope this artwork will act as a focal point for conversations and help stimulate debate about this vital issue.”

All materials for the Oil Fountain artwork will be recycled again at the end of the project.

There are several consultations that close in December that will shape our city in the future, we encourage you to have your say.

First is the Budget Consultation, open until December 2. The Council has very difficult decisions to make because of the ongoing Conservative Government’s austerity programme (and the mess that they have made of the economy in recent months and years). Cuts that were unthinkable a few years back are now having to be considered as we struggle to balance the budget. Some of the details are vague, so please do point out where this is the case.

Secondly, closing on December 8, is a consultation on the future of the Whitehouse Street regeneration area; this will shape the area between Bedminster Green and Mead Street for several generations, so it is important to get it right.

Thirdly, we finally have a new secondary school opening to serve our area, the Oasis Daventry Road, and they are open to hearing local people’s views until December 16. This is an important part of the process in ensuring the new school meets the needs of the community it will serve.

Also, if you have children going into Year 7 in September 2023, you can apply directly; the closing date for the applications has now passed but parents can still apply if they want to. Their application may be considered late, in which case an offer will be made (subject to oversubscription criteria) in the second round of allocations after March 1.

And if you have any ideas for small improvements to the local area’s infrastructure, please let us know directly.

Hopkins and Chris Davies Knowle Community Party councillors for Knowle

Most of our time is spent in Knowle working with individuals or many of our excellent local groups, but we also have to spend some time at City Hall in meetings of council and committees.

Chris is an expert on licensing and Gary is involved in the cross party group starting the detailed design work for the structure to replace the mayor. After evidence gathering sessions from other councils that group is now about to interact with the important people - the Bristol public.

Most full council meetings have one or two motion debates submitted by parties. Most of these are unfortunately long and contain lots of criticisms of political opponents and exaggerated

praise for their own ideas. Practical outcomes are rare and minor.

In October, though, Knowle Community Party had a turn, and put down a simple motion demanding that officers inform and discuss with local councillors anything they are planning which would affect their wards. The result was - unanimous approvaland a letter to Gary from the new chief executive promising action and reports.

Our latest motion calls upon the administration to take a more positive attitude towards community management and ownership, and cites the many excellent local examples.

Let’s hope this gets the same result when it gets debated.

As we go to press, central government have yet to provide clarity on the funding conditions for local council budgets in the forthcoming financial year – it is however clear that severe cuts are on the way and we are bracing ourselves for some very unwelcome announcements in terms of how the council will be able to set a balanced budget – unlike central government, councils are required by legislation to set a balanced budget each and every year.

It is therefore vitally important that as many residents as possible engage with the council’s budget consultation that started on Friday, November 11, and make it clear what they believe should be prioritised.

We encourage all readers to complete the consultation exercise that can be found at the following on-line address: www.ask.bristol.

gov.uk/budget-2023-2024

We are both very disappointed at the continued delays to the improvements proposed for Dame Emily Park. Various reasons have been presented to us as to why the zipwire has failed to materialise despite us securing funds for this but hopefully this will now soon be installed. In addition, further investment funds have been secured from the latest round of Community Infrastructure funding – let’s hope these improvements can be delivered by the Parks Department in a more timely manner than that we have seen with the zipwire!

In addition, more funding has also been secured for further improvements to Greville Smyth Park. In both cases, the work done by each park’s ‘Friends’ group have been invaluable in helping us to lobby for further investment.

This year has been a turbulent one and we all hope for a better year ahead. Challenges for domestic budgets and the funding of public services will continue, not least the pressure on energy bills.

My time is spent on getting progress on key priorities for Bedminster’s residents, even though the economic downturn and high inflation have increased the costs for construction, infrastructure, and other works.

I will continue to press the Council to undertake a study on a potential Bedminster low traffic neighbourhood, which, if properly designed, could reduce parking pressures and traffic speeds.

I have been able to make progress in getting funding in place for a pedestrian crossing on Luckwell Road near the primary school. The large funding gap between previously agreed costs and the latest estimate was bridged with support from another ward in Greater Bedminster. I am

hopeful that consultation on the new crossing will start soon as I know the school is very keen to see this zebra crossing in place.

It was also great to see the community effort to transform the patch of land near Harptree Grove. This is now bounded by logs with new trees and bulbs planted where cars were previously parked up. It is private land and I have successfully negotiated with the landowner for Way Out West to manage the land on behalf of the community. Thanks also to Patchwork Community Gardening Group for their advice in choosing the tree species and hard work in planting. This is not an easy piece of land to cultivate so thanks for all the efforts to make this happen.

Finally, the unsuitability of many potential sites for a small play area in Ashton Vale has resulted in a rethink and I am speaking with organisations about how we might deliver this long promised facility in a different way.

Gary

Traffic and parking on East Street

A JOINT operation is in place between Avon and Somerset Police and Bristol City Council to step up traffic enforcement on East Street.

This is off the back of concerns raised by residents and traders about the risk to pedestrians and cyclists on East Street from increased levels of traffic and breaches of restrictions. The following traffic restrictions are in place, until at least summer 2024, to keep visitors to East Street safe. Breaking them constitutes a traffic offence. The police will be enforcing these regulations:

● Malago Road and Dalby Avenue (A38) are closed to northbound traffic from the junction with Sheene Road to the junction with East Street.

● East Street is closed to northbound traffic between 7am and 7pm, except for buses and access for loading purposes which are permitted at any time.

● Parking is not permitted at any time on East Street. This includes customers’ private vehicles.

The goal of these regulations is to make sure East Street is a safe and enjoyable place for everyone to visit.

You can contact the Bedminster Green team at Bedminster. green@bristol.gov.uk

Consultation on proposals for Bristol Temple Quarter

A FORMAL consultation on proposals for the Temple Quarter regeneration area will begin in December and run until early March 2023. The community will be able to view and comment on draft proposals within the draft Development Framework for the area .

The draft framework sets out proposals for change around Bristol Temple Meads Station, including three new entrances, including a new Southern Gateway into the station from the Bath Road, as well as new housing, commercial space and public spaces. The document also sets out a longer-term vision for change in St Philip’s Marsh, which could see thousands of new homes and jobs delivered in the area.

The consultation materials are available to view online at BristolTempleQuarter.com, and paper versions are available on request by emailing TempleQuarter@bristol.gov.uk. The team will also be out in various locations during the consultation. Visit the website to find out more about events and activities in your area.

East Street

Have your say and help to shape the future of Bedminster for all of us

CONSULTATION on the Whitehouse Street Regeneration Framework is now open for people to have their say.

The Whitehouse Street Regeneration Framework sets out the vision for the regeneration of the area and the key principles which need to be considered when detailed designs are being developed. It has been shaped by engagement with the local community and businesses and will guide the delivery of a sustainable, resilient, and genuinely mixeduse neighbourhood.

You are able to have your say in a number of ways: Online at www. whitehousestreet.com

Attend a drop in event at Windmill Hill City Farm:

Wednesday 7 Dec 2.30-6.30pm or Thursday 8 Dec 1.30-4pm. Attend an online event at www.whitehousestreet.com

Pick up a paper copy at Bedminster Library or Windmill Hill City Farm.

Join a neighbourhood walking tour: email hello@ whitehousestreet.com or call 0117 922 4409 to register your interest.

To request an Easy Read or paper copy of the survey: email hello@whitehousestreet.com or call 0117 922 4409.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far, we need your views again before we finalise the Regeneration Framework. Fill in the survey before Sunday 8 January 2023.

Artist’s impression of a new Eastern Entrance to Temple Meads station © Bristol City Council/Richard Carman

Sona Pilates with Leanne Copley

The mechanic at my recent MOT got me thinking as he told me: “We will see if it’s safe first, take it from there”. Do we know when our own bodies are unsafe? Do we know when we are nearing injury or depletion if we keep going?

During this busy time of year, our bodies’ warning lights show up –exhaustion, digestive issues or threat of a cold. Time to check in:

Water and petrol - keep hydrated and fuel yourself well.

Oil - I liken this to good quality sleep because it makes everything function better.

Lights - are you shining brightly - emotionally, mentally?

Tyres/ tracking - How is your frame: feet, hips and alignment?

My car came back with advisories and isn’t that the truth?! Shock absorbers - my hips are feeling it lately. Back fog light - my light is a little dimmed at the moment too. Who is reflecting who here?

Ensure the festivities don’t push you closer to those warning signs. Your self-care routine over the previous 11 months has served you well, so try to incorporate it into your daily life like we do at the studio with a class and a glass!

Sona Pilates is based at Bristol Osteopaths, Wells Road offering classes, 1:1s and workshops.

www.sonapilates.com

Andy’s Man Club returns to South Bristol

A MENTAL health support group for men has returned to South Bristol after a six-month break.

Andy’s Man Club provides free weekly support groups, where men can talk about whatever they’re going through in a confidential, judgement-free space.

Having previously met at Ashton Gate Stadium, the club moved to the Gloucestershire Cricket Ground in Bishopston last May. As this made it more difficult for men in South Bristol to attend – and with the arrival of the Clean Air Zone in November – the club has now opened at a second venue in Knowle West.

Lead Facilitator Tim Ashton said: “We’re really pleased to be coming back to South Bristol. More and more men across the city are starting to understand that talking about whatever they’ve got going on can just make life feel more manageable. We’re not therapists or mental health professionals – just ordinary blokes supporting each other. For any man who feels like he’s going through a storm, a visit to our club can really help.”

The club meets at 7pm every Monday at the Knowle West Media Centre on Leinster Avenue. The groups are completely free (including free tea and biscuits), and there is no need to book a place. For further information, please visit www.andysmanclub.co.uk

The Lantern Parade needs you!

COULD you be a volunteer steward at the next Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade, set to take place on January 28?

Organistion is well underway with planning for the event for the January date (which is subject to approval by Bristol City Council) but they need 80 stewards to run the parade safely and the organisers are appealing to BS3 residents to join the friendly team and help out on the day.

Celia Phipps, volunteer coordinator, said: “We welcome anyone over 18 who can give up a few hours on parade day to take on the role of steward which is crucial to the safe and smooth running of the parade.

“You’ll be positioned at key road closure points along the route to redirect drivers and support the safety of the paraders and the crowds watching. We’ll give you full training and it’s a wonderful way to be part of South Bristol’s biggest community event and only a short time commitment. Do join us if you can.”

To volunteer, please email info@bwlp.org, check out lanternparade.org or visit the Bedminster Winter Lanterns Facebook page.

Why would

I see a Chiropractor if I don’t have any pain?

Chiropractors are well known for helping people with neck and back pain. So why do people have regular chiropractic when they are experiencing no pain. Well the first reason could be to prevent pain. You’re feeling better and want to take proactive steps to stay feeling better.

The main reason though is, chiropractic is far more than just about pain. It’s about brain and nerve function. The first ever chiropractic adjustment in 1895 was actually to restore someone’s hearing. And it came back.

In the early days of chiropractic, patients presented with everything you can think of, back and neck pain were

low down on the list. There are a lot of different approaches a chiropractor can take to address issues in the body. For the most part they are addressing and balancing the nervous system. Symptoms, such as back and neck pain or headaches, improving are a byproduct of having proper physical balance (brain and nerve function), mental balance and chemical balance.

To the question at the beginning, I ask right back: Why does everyone just accept you should brush and floss your teeth regularly? Should you only brush/floss your teeth when you have cavities? Or only go to the gym/ exercise when you’re out of shape? Why wait until there’s pain (or a problem), which usually indicates that there’s been an issue building up for a long time, before going? Why wouldn’t you want your brain, spine and nerves (the master controller that sends out signals to every organ, tissue and cell) to be working properly all the time?

When your nervous system is fully balanced and sending the perfect signals to your body you feel great, you function great and you heal great. When’s your next chiropractic check up?

Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro

Telephone: 0117 370 2680 www.kasachiro.com

JogOn wants your old trainers, please

BRISTOL South Swimming Pool is one of a number of leisure centres that has signed up to support the JogOn campaign – which is aiming to keep 1,000,000 pairs of running shoes out of landfill.

The pool is hosting a collection bin where anyone can drop off their unwanted running trainers. These are then sent to JogOn, who liaise with logistics and distribution partners to ensure that reusable pairs are sent around the world to people who most need them, with the help of charities and non-governmental organisations.

JogOn estimates that every year in the UK alone, more than 30,000,000 pairs of shoes end up in landfill, while elsewhere in the world around 3,000,000 people suffer from sole diseases. But it is hoped this nationwide partnership with Everyone Active will make a valuable contribution to drastically improving those statistics.

Gary Teagle, contract manager at Everyone Active, which looks after Bristol SouthSwimming Pool, said: “We are delighted to partner with JogOn for this hugely positive initiative, which means the local community can make a real difference. We would encourage people of all ages to donate their unwanted running shoes so that they can experience a second life, rather than simply going to landfill.”

Look after your mental health now for the future

2022 has been a very eventful year. It is easy to forget that we started the year with concerns about the Covid-19 virus Omicron strain before events like the war in Ukraine, the highs of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the grief about her death shaped the year.

Political and economic crisis – with inflation and the resulting cost-of-living crisis impacting all of us. All this plays out interwoven into our own life stories and events, the things we all carry and manage that have shaped our narratives. It need not all be negative or anxiety-inducing, but for many people, the sense of uncertainty for what lies ahead and exhaustion managing

the present reality is how 2022 ends. Individually, but certainly combined, this can all negatively impact our mental wellbeing. Staying on top of our mental wellbeing is good for us now but also helps us manage difficult times in the future. Looking after our mental health is not something we should just do if we are struggling or feeling low, anxious or stressed. It’s something we should think about all the time and invest in, just like with our physical health. How to do this?

The ways we think, feel and behave are linked. So we must take active steps to recognise and tackle unhelpful thought patterns or behaviours. We must be more mindful – gaining new perspectives by taking time to be aware of ourselves and be in the present moment, noticing our thoughts and feelings and the world around us. It is vital to get good quality sleep as it improves our mental and physical wellbeing.

Connecting with people in the community, whether online, by phone or in person, spending quality time with friends and family to talk about how we are feeling or finding ways to help other people can all help stop you from feeling lonely and improve your mental health.

Bin bad habits like smoking. Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can lift your mood. Do things that make you happy, maybe even try a new hobby or learn a new skill. Develop and keep a reference point of hope and thankfulness. You can write down things to revisit when things are more challenging.

At Bedminster Pharmacy, we are buoyed by the generous friendship, kindness and thoughtfulness of all our South Bristol community.

Thank you for being our friends.

How to beat the winter blues

By Lisa Gunn, Nuffield Health’s Mental Health Prevention Lead

AS we approach the winter months, the colder weather and darker mornings and evenings can have an impact on our mood. Many of us are familiar with the winter blues, also known as winter depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is thought to affect one in 15 people in the UK.

SAD occurs more commonly in people living in northern latitudes and is also more commonly experienced by women. It is characterised by a low mood you can’t shake off during the winter months. It can affect your emotional wellbeing so much that you lose interest in things you usually enjoy.

Similar to depression, symptoms of SAD include some, but not necessarily all, of the following: Persistent low mood; Loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities; Irritability; Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness; Lethargy and feeling sleepy during the day; Sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning; and Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight.

If you think that you are experiencing winter

depression or SAD, Nuffield Health’s Mental Health Prevention Lead, Lisa Gunn gives her top tips on how to manage the effects and deal with the symptoms.

More exposure to sunlight

Given the problem is associated with a lack of sunlight – the first tip is to spend more time in the sun, even a brief lunchtime walk can be beneficial. You can also make your work and home environments as light and airy as possible and sit near windows when you're indoors. Access to sunlight and increased Vitamin D is likely to boost your mood.

Light therapy

Although the research in this area is mixed, some people find that light therapy can help improve their mood considerably. This involves sitting by a special lamp called a light box, usually for around 30 minutes to an hour each morning.

Light boxes come in a variety of designs, including desk lamps and wall-mounted fixtures. They produce a very bright light. The intensity of the light is measured in lux – the higher lux, the brighter the light.

Dawn-simulating alarm clocks, which gradually light up your bedroom as you wake up, may also be useful for some people.

It's thought the light may improve symptoms by encouraging your brain to reduce the production of melatonin (a hormone that makes you sleepy) and increase the production of serotonin (a hormone that affects your mood).

Eat well

It's also important to eat well during the winter. Winter blues can make you crave sugary foods and carbohydrates such as chocolate, pasta and bread, but don't forget to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet.

Nutrition plays a big role in how we feel. Having a varied balanced diet can set you on a path to improve your symptoms.

Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats will give you more energy and prevent you from feeling sluggish.

Get active

Activity has even more benefits for emotional wellbeing with research consistently showing how it can help to improve mood. It also helps by providing a pleasant change of scenery, as well as the opportunity to meet new people.

Being outside will boost your mood and will make you feel more connected to your surroundings. It also helps you gain perspective, particularly spending time in nature.

Stay connected

People can go out less in winter due to poor weather and dark nights. The urge to ‘hibernate’ can result in people becoming withdrawn and spending less time with others.

Social connections are key to our wellbeing. Biologically isolation is toxic to the human nervous system. Lack of human connection puts our mental and physical health at risk. Having meaningful relationships and being able to give to others can greatly improve our resilience.

Emma Vincent and Lisa Pearson

Trustpilot

Billie is closer to her dream job thanks to Future Bright

BILLIE signed up to Future Bright’s free career coaching service to help her work towards her dream career in nursing: “I was told that Future Bright were helpful in pointing you in the right direction to the career you would like to do.”

Working with a personal career progression coach, Billie found her experience very positive: “I have had so much support from my progression coach, even on days where I was anxious about all the change or worried about my future, Karen encouraged and supported me. We kept in contact, and she reminded me that I could contact her when I needed to speak about any of my concerns. She pointed me in the direction I needed to go to get my dream job and now I’m edging closer and closer towards it.”

Since joining Future Bright, Billie has thrived. She said: “I have changed my job to a more suited role to my future career. I have applied for, interviewed, and

started college. I have also started to prepare my personal statement for my university application. I have discovered the help and support that single mums have when returning to education, and I found that I could have a career.”

On her plans for the future, Billie said: “Once I have finished my Access to Health and Social Care course I hope to get into my chosen university and complete my Adult Nursing Degree.

“Once I have qualified, I hope to continue with learning and training and become a Band 8 Matron/Chief Nurse.”

When you join Future Bright, you will work with a dedicated career coach who will create a personalised action plan with you to help you progress. Your coach will provide one-to-one support and practical information on other services. Your coach can help with training and development tailored to your needs.

How do I sign up?

Future Bright offers free one-toone career coaching to residents in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, ages eighteen and over, in paid work (including zero hours and self-employed) and either receiving eligible benefits or tax credits, or earning below £10.90 an hour.

If you are unsure if you are eligible, get in touch with us for a chat, we may be able to find other support services which are more suitable for you. To find out more and apply, visit the website: www.futurebright.org.uk.

To contact the Bristol team directly, call 0117 9222250 or email futurebright@bristol.gov.uk

Future Bright is funded and managed by the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, and delivered by Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils.

Give

LIKE many organisations, Bristol City Council has a cost of operating crisis, which will affect their ability to carry out all the activities they want to and may affect their ability to provide the services they want.

Over the next five years, the Council must find a mix of additional income and cost savings between £37.5 million and £87.6 million, which equates to 9% to 20% of the council’s core budget. As part of their consultation on the annual budget which launched on 11 November, they set their proposals for reducing costs and generating further income that amount to £46 million over the coming five years. With still some way to go to balance the worst-case five-year budget gap, further difficult decisions may be required in February 2023 and beyond to bridge the estimated £41 million gap remaining.

Bristol is not alone. The Local Government Association has estimated £3.4 billion in additional costs for councils in 2023/24, rising to £4.5 billion in 2024/25. Nine in ten councils nationally expect budget

thoughts on the Council’s budget

shortfalls next year and Bristol is no different.

How did we get here?

This is a crisis that’s been over a decade in the making, with many years of austerity slashing council funding, with government support failing to keep pace with increasing costs and demand. In February this year, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities approved its plans for funding local government for the following three years. It was a plan that meant councils would get an upfront amount of money to fund themselves for the period of the plan, based on the financial circumstances of the time. This was a plan that local government leaders agreed would result in real terms cuts for services and would result in financial difficulties for councils in years two and three.

Since the council passed its current budget and five-year outlook in March 2022, there have been significant changes on a national and global stage that are having a direct impact on the authority’s financial forecasts. Inflation in the UK

has risen sharply in recent months, climbing above 10% in September, pushing up the price of goods, services and energy for everyone in the country. Global events, such as the invasion of Ukraine, are also having an effect on international markets which impact directly on the cost of living. These current issues add pressure onto a local government system that is already struggling under the pressure.

This consultation sets out the full scale of the challenge Bristol faces. It makes for uncomfortable reading in places but must be read by also recognising that our proposals are to ensure the budget is balanced and the finances exist to fund the vital work we’re doing. If the Council is to continue to meet its statutory obligations including providing housing, delivering care for the elderly and disabled, creating school places, and helping people through the costof-living crisis, it is going to have to be prepared to let go of some of the things we’ve fought hard to protect over the past six years.

Residents and businesses have the opportunity to share

their view on this journey now and will also be asked for input during future consultations on some proposals that have yet to be fully worked up. The Council urges everyone to take part in this conversation to help inform the approach and decision that needs to be taken in February. To share your thoughts before the consultation closes at midnight on Friday 23 December, visit: ask.bristol.gov. uk/budget-2023-24. Request alternative formats of the document via consultation@ bristol.gov.uk or 0117 922 2848.

Road repairs are having an impact on us

By Christine Townsend, Green Party Councillor for Southville ward

IT would be hard to miss the current road diversions, infrastructure repairs, additional traffic on residential roads and lengthened journey times for those who cycle and/or walk around our area or commute through it to central Bristol.

Thankfully the Plimsoll Bridge over the Cumberland Basin repairs are now completed with lanes re-opened both ways however part of Jessop Way remains closed due to the recent flooding.

As the ward councillors for Southville, both Tony Dyer and I are in regular contact with the council about the progress of the various traffic related projects in our area – we have also received many representations from residents regarding the impact of these works.

As I write this, we have been informed that the Gaol Ferry

Bridge repairs are on target in terms of estimated timeline, but further investigatory work is still to be completed before the true level of repairs required can be finally assessed.

We will keep you informed as the work progresses over the coming weeks and months.

The Malago Road diversions continue to (largely) be observed by car drivers but the impact of increased car use of East Street is undeniable. To this end we have worked with officers, the police and local traders to begin a programme of increased enforcement.

Longer term, our ideal solution for East Street remains enforcement cameras to ensure this road is used in line with the approved traffic restrictions. Tony and I will continue to make the case for enforcement and our view is that this is required as soon as possible.

November 28 sees the introduction of the Clean Air Zone, considerably later than

originally planned. We obviously welcome the cleaner air we are told it will bring.

However, we also recognise that further traffic disruption is likely as drivers become accustomed to the new system. We ask for some patience, allowing for clear patterns to emerge so we can have a

coordinated and strategic approach towards discussing interventions needed in order to mitigate any unforeseen fall-out from its introduction.

The council has set up a dedicated website for Clear Air initiatives including the Clean Air Zone, which you can view at www.cleanairforbristol.org

Cllr Craig Cheney is the Deputy Mayor at Bristol City Council

n PET HEALTH

By Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) have now launched this year’s Christmas appeal. Animals might not understand the cost of living crisis, but they’re among those suffering because of it.

So we’re here to make sure no animal gets left behind – but we need support to do it. Let us tell you about Meena...

Meena arrived at Bristol ARC with the RSPCA inspectors, distressed and in pain. Our vets discovered she had a tendon issue and needed a frame to be fitted to her leg to ease the pressure.

She’s had regular physio with our team to gradually get her using the leg again before we can get her ready for rehoming.

“When Meena arrived it was very clear that she wasn’t in a good way,” said Zita Polgar, Senior Animal Behaviourist at Bristol ARC. “She was hopping around on three legs, she couldn’t put any weight on her fourth leg, it was held at a very strange angle”.

The kind of work we have to do with animals like this varies on a case by case basis. With Meena, we had to adjust how we do her exercise and enrichment. She had one very painful leg so we couldn’t just take her out on a long walk or

n NEWS

Can you help us to help the animals?

sign them over to us – our mission is to work towards a world where all animals in our community are treated with the kindness and respect they deserve. And it’s clear that our community needs us now more than ever. Unfortunately, as demand for our services continues to increase, so too do our own bills.

let her run around in the exercise yard. We had to adjust how we engage with her to make sure she’s still getting the same amount of enrichment during the day and the correct amount of appropriate exercise as the other dogs even without being allowed to be off-lead.

“Meena has always been a very sweet natured dog, she’s very warm and friendly with people and very good with all of her vet handling and physio. It’s nice to see a dog that’s so calm and affectionate. Now that she’s feeling a bit better we are starting to see her cheeky personality, she

definitely wants to be more active and playful, which is lovely for us all to see,” added Zita.

Meena remains at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre and is making a great recovery - she will be rehomed once her treatment is complete over the coming weeks/months.

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre is here to make sure that no animal gets left behind. From offering free/low cost access to vet care for low income pet owners at our Outreach Clinics, to donating pet food to foodbanks, or caring for pets whose families are forced into the heart-breaking decision to

This year we estimate our own energy bill will go up by £17,000. Unwanted pets continue to arrive at our doors in need of help, as the cost of living crisis affects their owners. The number of people receiving help from our Outreach vets and nurses is up 54% since last year*.

“We know that the pressure is on all of us this year and you’re probably feeling the pinch too. But we’re asking all our supporters to give what they can to help us make sure that animals like Meena, who are stuck in the middle of all this turmoil, don’t get forgotten this winter,” added Damian.

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre is asking people to please donate to their Christmas appeal to help dogs like Meena – you can donate here: bristolarc.org.uk/get-involved/ christmas-appeal-2022/

Greens pleased by unanimous support

AT Bristol Full Council last month, a Green Party motion was passed that opposes the government ‘uplift’ to local housing targets and endorses Bristol City Council’s plans to develop a realistic evidencebased target.

The motion, proposed by Southville Councillor Tony Dyer, was passed unanimously with support from all parties in the chamber.

In response, Cllr Dyer said: “I am delighted this motion has received cross party support. Having a united front on this is important so I’m glad to see the approach proposed by the Local Plan Working Group has the wider support of councillors across the chamber

The forthcoming Local Plan will guide development within our city until 2040. Many of the proposed policies are vital for Bristol if we are serious

about tackling the climate and ecological emergencies as well as providing decent homes for those most in need.

“Setting a housing target for Bristol based on evidence (not a Tory party manifesto) will

allow us to better protect green spaces and will help ensure local planning policy has the necessary force to ensure deliver more sustainable, affordable, and higher quality developments in the city, reflecting the voices of

locally elected representatives and the residents of the city itself.”

Easton Councillor Jenny Bartle spoke to second the Green motion: “Beyond tonight’s debate, it is important that as many people as possible across the city have their say on the Local Plan when it goes out to consultation. This needs to be Bristol’s plan not Westminster’s – but it also needs to be as reflective as much as possible of the whole of Bristol.

“Of course, there will be disagreements on priorities and approach, but this is yet another reason why our Local Plan needs to be based on the evidence. We cannot simply ignore those who disagree with us, we need to explain and must hope to persuade, but, must also be prepared to listen and change our own minds.”

A ‘rubbish’ initiative from Bristol Waste

IN an effort to crack down on

mounting litter problem in South Bristol and beyond, Bristol City Council has launched a new campaign to tackle the rubbish.

New eye-catching bins, cigarette butt voting bins, and targeted messaging will encourage people not to leave litter behind when enjoying the city and all it has to offer.

In partnership with Bristol Waste and Bristol City Council, environmental charity Hubbub has launched the Bristol’s Binning campaign to help reduce the amount of litter on Bristol’s streets and stop it travelling into the harbour and out to sea, contributing to the ocean plastic crisis.

Two million pieces of litter are dropped every day in the UK, wreaking havoc on the natural environment and habitats. Bristol Waste collects around 3,700 tonnes of litter every year: the same weight as two SS Great Britains or 300 double decker buses. Meanwhile, picking

up litter costs the city around £6million a year.

More than 50 eye-catching bins have been installed across the city in key locations. The new design bins will feature fun takes on song lyrics, gaming motifs and playful puns, and there will be glow in the dark bins and bins that both cheer people on and play jungle music when they are opened. With the overarching

message that Bristol is binning - and therefore winning, the campaign aims to instill a sense of fun and pride to keep streets litter-free and clean.

An art installation of a giant wave made of litter has been created by eco-artist Wren Miller. The wave is made with 90kg of waste, highlighting the scale of littering in Bristol. The four-metre-tall and six-metre-

wide wave sculpture will be ‘crashing’ in Bristol Harbour.

Launching the campaign, Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees unveiled said: “We all have a part to play in making sure that Bristol is clean and green and can be enjoyed by everyone.

“The Wave sculpture [pictured] shows the extent of the problem in Bristol, and why we need to take action. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be harmful to both people and animals – especially if it ends up becoming ocean pollution.

“We are delighted to be installing new recycling bins around the city centre, which will also help us to improve our recycling rates across the city and achieve our ambitious goals.

“We hope this campaign will capture the attention of the people of Bristol and encourage them to think twice about dropping litter after a night out.

“Working together we can make Bristol a city we can all be proud of.”

n WELCOMING SPACES

A warm space for everyone?

By Rev Sally Spencer, Minister of South Bristol Methodist Church

One of the encouraging things I’ve been seeing in the last few weeks is enthusiasm to help with offering a warm space for people who are worried about putting the heating on at home, or in need of company in these isolating days. It’s very heart-warming. There’s a lot of goodwill out there.

Like many other community organisations, we’re responding to the cost-of-living crisis by opening our doors, and for me and others, it has already been a great opportunity to meet some new people and enjoy good company. Like other organisations, we’re offering a cup of tea and a chat, and lunch, various activities which will be getting going over the next few weeks; and a listening ear and a pointer to where advice can be had if needed. It’s a bit of an experiment – will people come? Is this what people really need? After all, just because you’re struggling between ‘heating and eating’ doesn’t mean you have time to spare - often it’s the opposite.

We worry that people will feel embarrassed too, about asking for help. But in reality there is no ‘them’ and ‘us’, no divide between those who offer to help and those who need it – everyone has something to give, and if you need help this week and get it, you will be able to help someone else next week. And you don’t have to be ‘in need’ to come along, it really is a space for everyone, and I know the same is true for the other venues.

Another good thing I’ve been reflecting on is that these days it is no longer so difficult to say you are lonely. In the past if you said you were lonely, people would think it was your own fault – perhaps you weren’t very good at making friends, were a bit weird, or there was something else wrong with you. These days though, we recognise that it is usually circumstances that mean people can feel isolated – so many people live on their own for one thing, and working from home, though convenient, doesn’t give the opportunity for the daily human contact that we all need.

Christmas is coming and the build up of activity and perhaps the increasing sense of isolation for those who aren’t busy is on its way, too. Christmas is the story of the time when there was ‘no room in the inn’. But it’s also a story of space being offered to a family who were in need. Whether it’s making room for refugees, or making time for others, it is good to see that despite the troubles of this world, there is a lot of good will out there.

For more information on welcome spaces, see the City Council website pages: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-andcommunities/welcoming-spaces/find-a-welcoming-space

Deadline for comment on Broadwalk application

Residents have until the end of December to voice their opinions about the latest developments in the Broadwalk planning application. People are encouraged to make their voices heard and they can do so by sending their comments in via this website: http://www.tinyurl.com/BroadwalkPlans.

You can also email your thoughts to: Development.Management@bristol.co.uk

Or you can write to: Development Management, Bristol City Council, City Hall, PO Box 3399, Bristol BS1 9NE

ON

Arnos Vale is full of the Christmas spirit

IT can’t have escaped your knowledge that Christmas is fast approaching, and the team at Arnos Vale Cemetery have lined up a special day to really help you get in the mood, with events suitable for the whole family.

On Saturday, December 17, local author Jane Duffus will be giving a talk in the Anglican Chapel at 11am based on stories from her popular books ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’.

Jane’s well-researched books collectively feature more than 500 women who helped to shape Bristol into the vibrant and exciting city it is today.

Come and hear about women from all walks of life: courageous pioneers, passionate campaigners and hard grafters. This thoughtprovoking talk will leave you inspired and challenged to be a power for good in our city.

Jane will be selling and signing books after the talk for £13 each and they make the perfect Christmas gift! Tickets to the talk are £6 and the money goes to support the work of the cemetery. After the talk, and perhaps after a tasty lunch in the cemetery’s cafe,

there is a guided tour around the grounds from 1.30pm until 3pm, followed by a carol concert in the Anglican Chapel at 3pm.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery will be serving mulled wine and mince pies no the

Strangelove singer releases memoirs

PATRICK Duff, the Bristolian lead singer with the alternative rock band Strangelove between 1991 and 1998, is publishing his autobiography ‘The Singer’ at the end of November, published by South Bristol’s Tangent Books.

At some point in his childhood, Patrick started seeing the world differently. It was not so much an open act of rebellion, more a short circuit of synchronicities and spiritual experiences wrapped up in his Irish/Celtic heritage.

But by the time Patrick joined Strangelove, he was also well on

the road to the drink and drug addiction which would dominate his time with the band as they stood on the brink of rock stardom.

Following a series of yet more of these mystical episodes, Patrick was inspired to clean up his life and survive.

After the band split he was able to continue his journey through life until he arrived in a South African township. It was there that his redemption truly began to flourish and the roots of his childhood started to surface and bear much fruit.

“‘The Singer’ is by far and away the best rock ’n’ roll autobiography that I have ever read,” says Thomas Brooman CBE, the co-founder of WOMAD festival. “Absorbing and entertaining throughout, it gives a headlong account of a life lived on the edge. Honest, bitter-sweet, perceptive and very funny.”

While Suede frontman Brett Anderson enthuses: “Patrick Duff... a brilliant performer, confrontational and utterly engaging.” Strangelove, of course, toured with Suede back at the height of the band’s success.

Spielman Terrace between 11.30am and 4pm, and the gift shop will be open all day selling a range of lovely handmade items by local artists, which would make perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Keep an eye on the Arnos Vale Cemetery website for more details.

‘The Women Who Built Bristol’ books will be sold

Arnos Vale Cemetery is a beautiful space to visit

Ho ho ho! Santa is on his way to BS3!

BRISTOL actor Stewart Wright is back in his home city by popular demand this December, offering families the opportunity to make this festive season unforgettable as he returns with a newly reworked production of ‘BS3 Santa’.

Stewart will bring Father Christmas to life once more. Experienced at entertaining all ages with his own brand of improvisation and audience interaction, theatre meets ‘An Audience with Father Christmas’ in ‘BS3 Santa’.

Created by Stewart, one of Bristol’s top comic theatre performers, in the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, ‘BS3 Santa’ was originally produced to be performed outdoors on people’s doorsteps and in the streets of Bristol. For 2022, in association with Tobacco Factory Theatres, ‘BS3 Santa’ has transformed into an enchanting, interactive show which will be performed both indoors and outdoors at venues across Bristol and the surrounding areas this December.

Stewart has reunited with actor, circus artist and singer-songwriter Ben Kirby as Sven the Reindeer Handler. Guaranteed to bring a sense of joy, laughter and bedtime-ruining excitement to all, families can expect music, sleigh bells, magic and sack loads of Christmas spirit.

From Tuesday 13 to Friday 23 December (excluding Monday 19 December) there will be two shows of ‘BS3 Santa’ a day (10.15am and 11.30am) at Tobacco Factory Theatres. South Bristol audiences can also catch ‘BS3 Santa’ at Windmill Hill City Farm (15, 17, 18, 20, 22 December at 6pm).

Stewart said: “I am thrilled to bring ‘BS3 Santa’ back to Bristol after the runaway success of the last two years. I love seeing the faces of children and parents as they are greeted by the real Father Christmas and Sven the Reindeer Handler. There is a special kind of magic in Bristol, particularly at Christmas. There really is no better place to enjoy the festive season!

“There is nothing more thrilling than the pure excitement, joy, and laughter from an audience, especially at Christmastime. Santa and Sven loved their time doing outdoor shows in Bristol last year. We cannot wait to meet them all again, with a magical Christmas show.”

‘BS3 Santa’ isn’t the only way for Bristol families to watch Stewart perform this festive season. Earlier this year, he filmed the role of Barney Postie in Netflix’s new family-friendly Christmas comedy ‘Christmas on Mistletoe Farm’, which is available to watch via the streaming service.

It’s time for panto…

OH yes, it is! I always get excited at Christmas and a visit to the pantomime is as much a part of Christmas as decorating the tree and giving presents.

Pantomime goes all the way back to the 1500s and came from

the traditional Italian art form Commedia Dell’arte that involved clowning, comedy and audience participation. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it spread throughout Europe and became very popular all over England.

By 1806, the pantomime style we know and love had been created and in ‘Mother Goose’ at The Theatre Royal in Covent Garden – the first pantomime dame was cast and went on to become a traditional fixture in all pantomimes.

The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver

Most pantomimes now are about two hours but some of the older pantomimes were esteemed for how long they could go on for. In 1900, Drury Lane Theatre’s production of ‘Sleeping Beauty and the Beast’ went on for over five hours – you would need a lot of willpower, sweets and ‘they’re behind you’ for that one!

Pantomime is enjoyed by a range of ages, genders, backgrounds and classes with its unique blend of theatre and fun. It appeals to all, not just traditional theatre goers, and brings

everyone together. Whether you go for the terrible jokes or to see your favourite television personalities there is bound to be a pantomime in Bristol to warm your cockles this winter

Happy Christmas, everyone!

Jacqui Ham

Theatre, comedy and so much more for all the family

Until 7 January, Bristol Old Vic, ‘The Nutcracker’. On a Christmas Eve unlike any other, Claire receives a magical gift... Transported to a fantastical kingdom where toys come to life, nutcrackers can talk and just about anything feels possible, she soon discovers that it’s not just mice lurking beneath the floorboards. But danger is coming – will Claire and her friends be able to stop the King of the Rats in his tracks before it’s too late? And why is she so fixated on her imaginary unicorn? Bristol Old Vic presents a bold and wild theatrical re-telling of ‘The Nutcracker’, full of magic, adventure and showstopping dance numbers.

Until 15 January, Tobacco Factory, ‘The Snow Queen’. Join Gerda on her quest to the frozen north as she tries to save her best-friend Kaj from the icy, wicked clutches of the Snow Queen. Bursting at the seams with rich acoustic music and brought to life by a multi-talented cast, this unforgettable folk tale is full of heart, courage and a lot of laughter. Remember to wrap up warm as we hop on-board a Nordic sleigh, adventure through a mystical land of snow and magic and even fly through the sky with a bicycling reindeer!

Until 8 January, Bristol Old Vic, ‘Belle and Sebastien’. Belle and Sebastien have run into the mountains, away from everyone

and everything. Born on the same day seven years ago, this boy and this dog have yearned forever to feel like they belong. Now all they have is each other – and they don’t even realise it yet. Join these mischievous, playful, kindred spirits as they adventure into the wild to escape and discover themselves. Can they forge a friendship strong enough to survive the perils of the mountain? Could they even find a place to call home? A story of love and friendship set against the backdrop of snowy mountains and stormy relationships.

3-4 December, Ashton Court Mansion, The Father Christmas Experience. Come on a magical adventure, receive a gift and meet Father Christmas. A fun interactive experience with professional actors in the historic Ashton Court Mansion. Father Christmas will make an entrance that will surprise and delight the children. Much more than a usual grotto, Father Christmas at Ashton Court Mansion is a magical experience held in the beautiful Victorian Manor house. The experience starts in the Great Hall at Ashton Court.

4 December, Arnos Vale Cemetery, Christmas Market

Between 10am and 3pm, head over to Arnos Vale Cemetery to browse the Christmas market featuring many stalls from local craft and produce suppliers. You’ll be sure to find that perfect present just

“Gurt Lush Choir every Thursday 7.30pm - 9.30pm, Knowle Methodist Church. Book your free taster session at www.gurtlushchoir.com.”

“Saturday 17 December 2pm, Gurt Lush Choir, Xmas carols at Knowle Broadwalk Centre.”

Friends of Knowle Library host The Friends’ Warm Welcome Hour

Drop in for a chat and a free hot drink. Read a newspaper or a book in a warm, quiet corner. Charge your phone or access the internet. You could even do your knitting. Open to anyone. Just come along. No booking required. Every Wednesday at 11am in Knowle Library. This is outside of the regular library opening hours so the usual library service will not be available. For more information contact friendsofknowlelibrary@gmail. com

and Rock Choir at 1pm.

4-31 December, Bristol Hippodrome, ‘Cinderella’. You shall go to the ball next Christmas with the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella. Craig Revel Horwood leads the cast as the Wicked Stepmother, alongside Bristol’s favourite panto comic Andy Ford as Buttons, musical theatre and cabaret star Alison Jiear as the Fairy Godmother with Daniel Norford as Dandini and Lauren Hampton as Cinderella. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming.

5 December, Inspiring Creativity, ‘Makes Your Own Christmas Baubles’. Ensuring some festive fun the talented Rachel Shilston from

Children’s Yoga and Meditation Sessions (ages 2-10)

Have you ever wondered what could really benefit your children and help them stay focused at school, keep them fit, prevent anxiety and support their mental health? Well, you’re at the right place!

Book your slots for your little one(s) as places are limited, and let them enjoy an hour of fun, exercise and wellbeing. We do a 10-minute meditation to close the class.

If you can provide a yoga mat or anti-slip socks, that would be amazing, and kids are also welcome to bring along a comforter and a pillow or blanket. I will provide whatever is needed for activities.

£5 a session by cash or card.

Eventbrite: Children’s yoga Facebook: Children’s wellbeing with Ibby Email: childrenswellbeing@ outlook.com Mobile: 07858060504

Feelgood Fitness

is a friendly, small pilates and wellness studio in Knowle. We offer all ranges of pilates from beginners to intermediate, postnatal, pregnancy, barre fusion, low impact, reformer and large equipment, private sessions and massage.

To book, go to feelgoodfitness.org or call 07804 239070

in time for Christmas. You’ll find unique and glorious gifts for your loved ones – or even for yourself!

Enjoy a delicious treat from our cafe and the live sounds of Bristol’s fabulous Riff Raff Choir at 11am

Inspiring Creativity will be leading a mosaic workshop in the studio space at Wells Road Osteopaths, helping you make a trio of Christmas mosaic baubles. Cost is £35 per person and all materials are provided. Visit sonapilates.com for more information.

10 December, Redcatch Club, Redcatch Community Centre, The Whiskey River Boys. Martin Blake and Aidan Sheehan perform as an acoustic duo, The Whiskey River Boys, playing Americana, Cajun, Zydeco, Good Country and Low Down Dirty Blues. With many years experience of performing, these guys really deliver the goods, exuding passion, energy and humour. Tickets £10 on the door, cash only.

10-13 December, acta Theatre, ‘The Book of You’. Step into a magical wonderland conjured up by Phoenix Theatre this Christmas. Sisters Rose and Thistle inadvertently unleash the magical powers of a mysterious book that amplifies your personality. As the book is passed among the usually friendly villagers, huge rifts develop and the community becomes fractured. With the help of the local baker, a giant, a witch, and a troublesome pair of trolls, can the villagers be reunited for a Merry Christmas? Expect a whimsical, quirky, and festive performance that will warm your cockles and help you get into the Christmas spirit.

13-23 December, Tobacco Factory, ‘BS3 Santa’. Come and see Santa live on stage in this enchanting, interactive show for all the family. British comic actor Stewart Wright is returning home to bring the Father of Christmas to life. Experienced at entertaining all ages with his own brand of improvisation and audience interaction, it’s where theatre meets ‘an audience with’ Father Christmas. This year he’s

reunited with the actor, circus artist and

Kirby as Sven the Reindeer Handler. Guaranteed to bring a sense of fun, laughter and anticipation to all. There’ll be music, sleigh bells, magic and bucket loads of Christmas spirit.

16 December - 2 January, The Wardrobe Theatre, ‘Christmas Tales with Grandad’. Christmas Tales With Granddad is a show featuring a feast of festive stories, including the mystery

of the magic whistle, and the mischievous shenanigans of the Tomten – a feisty Gnome, who loves the chance to play havoc at Christmas, and who might just be the reason Granddad can’t find his favourite tree decoration. Creating a sense of the fireside in the theatre, Granddad will welcome imaginative input from the audience as he weaves his own brand of heart-warming storytelling and festive cheer.

17 December, Southville Centre, Christmas Trolls. Join Tig and Mig, in this lively, interactive and festive show perfect for family audiences.

The Little Things tell the story of two mischievous trolls, Tig and Mig, who have just lost their jobs at the Clifton Toll Bridge. Down on their luck, they can’t work out how to have the Christmas they wanted… They see Sigrid’s house, full of decorations and presents, and decide to steal Christmas from her!

This is a joyful festive show with plenty of songs, snow and silliness, that also allows audiences to connect with a deeper story about how unemployment can affect families, especially at Christmas time.

singer-songwriter Ben

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CAV WORLD

Claire Cavanagh is BBC Radio Bristol’s afternoon presenter. She lives in Totterdown.

IT’S the most wonderful time of the year for the writers of the most played Christmas songs of all time. Every day is a payday for Noddy Holder as December rocks around because his song with Slade, ‘Merry Xmas, Everybody’ pays out the equivalent worth of a two-bedroom house in Southville annually. He’s always at pains to remind us (and we often get sent an email from the BBC music chief telling us at the Beeb) that it’s also co-written with Slade bassist Jim Lea, but Noddy is the man who screams “It’s Christmas!!!!” so everyone thinks he owns that song.

Every year, the starting gun is sounded on a given day on BBC Radio Bristol for the firmly established playlist must-haves, featuring Ed Sheeran, Tay-Tay and Tom Grennan to be abruptly scaled back to shoehorn in the Christmas tunes. Music is the beating heart of radio, something that can instantly transport you from a 20-minute queue on Temple Way to Club Tropicana. It can take you back to a break up and, as songwriters well know, can remind you that you wore make-up when you

made up and stayed up all night long and you danced and romanced and there was a glance and he had the necessary fi-nance.

And Christmas music does the memories times a million. When you’re on the radio, you don’t have to love all the music you play, but you have to get why you’re playing it. So you may not be Michael Bublé’s number one fan, but he has very cleverly positioned himself as Mr Christmas, so him telling us “baby, it’s cold outside” makes you think “yeah, maybe I would stay for just half a drink more and listen to some records while he starts to pour”. Meantime, all Mariah Carey wants for Christmas is you and, along with the eight other writers of that song, she makes all our wishes come true.

I would put money on Gabriella Cilmi’s jaunty ‘Warm This Winter’ making it back on the seasonal playlist. It ticks all the Christmas boxes: fireside, tick, keeping warm, tick, snow, tick, being in your arms, tick. The original version was sung by Connie Francis in 1962, but these songs are so timeless. Play Andy Williams’ ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ and I snap instantly back to childhood Christmases and my parents secretly staying up most of the night frantically trying to wrap presents so they were ready for me and my brother to tear open in the early hours on Christmas day. One of those was a red radio cassette player that I listened to by my bedside

Share a little Christmas sparkle with others

Pass the Parcel works with the community for the community, enabling you to anonymously give gifts from some of our local retailers to those less fortunate in BS3.

Organised by members of Action Greater Bedminster, St Paul’s Church and the BS3 Covid Response Group, this winter the team are coming together once again, aiming to help everyone feel joy and be more connected at Christmas. Over the last two years, Pass the Parcel has shared more than 800 gift bundles with vulnerable individuals, families and children across our community.

Ellie Freeman from Action Greater Bedminster said: “We know this year may be just as difficult, if not more so, for some people. With the cost of living crisis things feel very different to this time last year. We’re focusing on choosing gifts that are useful as well as adding a touch of luxury or fun to people’s Christmases.’”

Help Pass the Parcel reach their £7,500 target by donating online or by choosing gifts or family bundles from the website. You will be able to choose gifts that will be coming from some of our wonderful local retailers, meaning that all money spent goes back into our community. Every donation really will make a difference this year. Visit passtheparcelbristol.org

way into the night, obsessively tuning in to the UK’s top 40 and radio phone-ins and hearing for the first time the Christmas classics that we still play today.

Just like Christmas itself, music on the radio is one massive dose of nostalgia and, like Santa Claus, singers and songs do the best comebacks at this time of year. So Merry Xmas, everybody!

Things are heating up for Haskhells

James Haskell tells South Bristol Voice how the pandemic inspired him to create something super delicious.

DURING the pandemic I was looking after my young twins while my wife worked from the home office and, to keep myself busy, I bought a greenhouse and equipment to help give me something to do when I wasn’t on childcare.

It was pretty quick that I realised that was quite a long game so I needed something else to keep me out of trouble while the plants grew.

My mother-in-law had bought me a book on hot sauce recipes and I had some dried chillies in the house so I started to experiment.

At the time, I was manager of Blacks (the camping shop on the Horsefair) so I decided to freeze some of the batches and when we were allowed to return to work I gave the staff some to try and they loved it.

I began documenting the cooks on Facebook and Instagram and it wasn’t long before I started to get enquiries from people to see if it was for sale.

It was at that point I realised that the potential was there, so registered the business and contacted an Environmental Health Officer to make sure everything was done correctly.

Fast forward a few months and I made the decision to become the primary carer for my children, leaving the company that I had been with for more than eight years and to focus on building up the business.

I now have a small batch hot

sauce business that trades off of Haskhells.co.uk as well as at the Tobacco Factory Market and the newer Bearpit Market. I have a range of seven sauces from mild to hot as well as a chilli salt and four dry rubs. All of which are vegan friendly and gluten free

I was also the finalist in the Bauce Brothers National Hot Sauce awards 2021 where I only just lost out winning the Wildcard Category and I have recently won Best Mild sauce 2022 for my Piquante Sauce and won Highly Commended 2022 for my Chipotle Sauce in the NEUK chilli heads. This is a group of chilli and hot sauce enthusiasts and producers and the awards are blind tasted by five judges and scored with the sauce with the highest score winning.

Tick tock, tick tock

More than 175 years after it was founded in central Bristol, Fears Watches has re-opened its doors in South Bristol following four decades away. Jane Duffus, who has written a book about the business’ history, looks back at the impressive history of this Bristolian institution.

VERY few companies are able to celebrate 175 years of trading, yet Fears Watches – established in Bristol in 1946 – can do just that.

Managing Director Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, who is the five times great-grandson of the business’s founder Edwin Fear, never imagined that he would have to steer the business through an unprecedented time in history just as his ancestors did when they brought the company through the two world wars and several other global crises. “A Fears watch in 2021 represents the same values as it did in 1846, which means a Fears watch is high quality and, above all, in a truly British way it is always going to be elegantly understated,” says Nicholas. And, this December, he is bringing the business home when he opens the grand new office, workshop and boutique at Bristol’s Paintworks.

Some readers will remember when Fears was operational in Bristol, and perhaps some of you even have a Fears watch or clock in your family. Even more of you will recall when Bristol Bridge was known as Fear’s Corner. But who were the people behind this timely Bristolian business? As Fears returns home, let us introduce you to the people who built this business…

When Edwin Fear was born in 1823, there were many methods of telling the time but they often didn’t agree with one another, meaning that 9am in Edinburgh could mean something very different to 9am in Exeter. This wasn’t a wildly convenient way to live and, as such, Greenwich Mean Time was settled upon in the early 1880s as a factor for time measurement in Britain.

Edwin’s first shop was in Pill but disaster struck in February 1846 when a fire broke out and destroyed everything.

Consequently, 1846 would be a busy year for Edwin. In August, he married Ellen and they moved to the flat above his new shop at 3335 Redcliff Street. This is also where their two children were born, although Ellen tragically died while giving birth to baby George.

In January 1850, Edwin’s half-brother Daniel joined him as an apprentice and newspaper advertisements show Edwin had expanded the business to include jewellery alongside watches and clocks. As the business grew further, in 1867 Edwin purchased No 4 Bristol Bridge: a bigger and more prominent location. This was the area known as Fear’s Corner.

Later in 1850, Edwin married for a second time, this time to Martha and the couple became parents to three children including Amos. After Martha’s death in 1858, Edwin married for a third and final time. His new wife was Charlotte with whom he had four more children. Aged just 49, Edwin died on 26 August 1873 and was buried at Arnos Vale, opposite Fears’ current location at Paintworks.

When Edwin’s son Amos turned 13 in 1869, his father took him to Paris to visit the clock factories and begin his education as a horologist. After he turned 21 in August 1877, the young man was formally appointed as the Manager of Fears.

In June 1884, Amos married Jessie at St Mary Redcliffe, and the couple had four children, including Amos Reginald.

By the early 1900s, Fears had built up an impressive market overseas which became so dominant that it justified a warehouse at 14-15 Brunswick Square. The Western Daily Press noted: “The firm employs a staff of approximately 100, mostly in the Overseas Department, and it also purchases large quantities of

goods for export from factories in Bristol and district. Until the worldwide depression in trade started, the overseas trade, it is explained, was steadily increasing; in fact, the firm has its own post office on the premises at the export branch, Brunswick Square, for the despatching of parcels to overseas countries.” Watches were being dispatched to 95 countries.

The war years were tough for everyone and, like most businesses, Fears struggled to keep afloat. But after the wartime embargo on the purchase of expensive jewellery was lifted Fears identified a new market. Before the war it had been fashionable to wear a pocket watch on a chain but the war made it more practical to wear a wristwatch, which opened up a new avenue for watchmakers.

After retiring in 1928, Amos died in July 1931 aged 76.

Known as ‘Reg’, Amos Reginald Fear was a much-loved Bristolian businessman and community figure and he began working for Fears in 1906 after he turned 21. With his father still running the business, Reg looked after the overseas export department in Brunswick Square and, in July 1913, married Evelyn at St Mary Redcliff with whom he had two children.

Reg became the second Managing Director of Fears in 1928. However, polio had left Reg with a disability in his hand that put paid to his chances of ever being a master watchmaker. It also meant that although Reg was only 29 when World War One was declared, he was considered unfit to fight.

During his reign, Fears continued to navigate stormy waters. As part of his efforts to keep the business alive, in May 1935 Reg transferred the whole business to Brunswick Square and tried to sell the Bristol Bridge site to free-up funds. With street frontage of almost 75 feet, the premises

seemed desirable but it proved difficult to sell. However, on the night of 24 November 1940, the property was irreparably damaged by bombs.

Fears barely had time to catch its breath before two further air raids showered more bombs on Bristol, which caused damage to the warehouse at Brunswick Square and they relocated to 7 Richmond Terrace, Clifton. This was a small showroom in a row of residential properties that could be visited by appointment only.

Showing great stoicism, Fears celebrated its centenary in 1946 and, just ten years later, Reg marked his half-century of working for the family firm. For a number of years after Reg retired, his son Alec took over but, in the early 1960s, Reg and Alec made plans to start winding the firm down.

After more than three decades lying dormant, Fears was reestablished in November 2016 by Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, who is the sixth generation of the family to be involved with the firm.

After university Nicholas worked in PR before following his heart into the watchmaking business. He trained with Rolex for five years: “I learned all the different jobs involved in servicing a watch, breaking watches down, finishing parts, replacing parts, rebuilding them.” But Nicholas’ aspirations started to get the better of him and, in 2014, he began to think about what he could do next.

After six years at the helm, Nicholas says: “I would hope Edwin would be proud of the business today. I would like him to think that what we are making today is in tune with what he was making.”

And now that Fears has returned to Bristol, the circle is complete and ready for this treasured Bristolian institution to continue growing during the coming century.

Light up your garden this winter

By NICEIC

AS the nights draw darker, winter brings the perfect opportunity to transform your garden into an illuminated twilight oasis to be enjoyed and admired. Towards the end of the year, we often find ourselves both leaving and returning from work in the dark, not having the time to enjoy our outdoor space.

Lighting up your garden in the winter gives you the opportunity to spend some time outdoors at a time that this space would usually be ignored and forgotten about. This colder season might see the nation tightening its purse strings, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find cost efficient ways to spruce up our outdoor areas.

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services for the UK’s body for certified electrical contractors, NICEIC, says: “Winter is often a time where gardens get ignored and forgotten about, but with innovative and sustainable choices, such as solar powered lights and electric heaters, you can continue to enjoy your outdoor space into the darker and colder months.

“Any use of electrical appliances outdoors poses a higher risk due to much more chance of interference from rain or frost. It may be tempting to have a go at installing a new garden lighting feature. However, the reality is it

n RUNNING

simply is not a risk worth taking and homeowners would be best placed to call on the services of a competent, certified professional to ensure the safety of their homes and families.”

We can all enjoy a welcoming outdoor space for a night of waving sparklers or indulging in a glass of mulled wine with some of these tips.

Solar lights

Solar powered lights are highly energy efficient and are a smart choice going into this winter that won’t bump up your electricity bill any further. Spike lamps are popular and ideal for lighting pathways and borders, not only adding ambience but also helping

Get set for your bonus Christmas parkruns

AS any keen runners will know, one of the special things about the Christmas holiday is the opportunity to take part in some bonus parkrun events.

Usually, parkruns happen just once a week, at 9am every Saturday morning, at hundreds of locations around the world. But on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, there is the opportunity to take part in a bonus parkrun should you so desire.... and should your local parkrun be willing to organise it.

The team at Ashton Court parkrun have confirmed that they will be taking part in the bonus events this year, with extra parkruns available on both Sunday December 25 and Sunday January 1, meaning that runners will

illuminate walkways and avoid trips and slips on dark nights. Fairy lights are also a popular choice, with their smaller LED bulbs needing only a small amount of sunlight, enabling them to work even following the gloomiest of days. Emitting an ambient but dim glow, they have the benefit of less environmental impact and light pollution yet serve as a pretty backdrop for seasonal get-togethers. Solar lanterns can also be a good choice, providing a portable warm glow that can be positioned wherever you need it around the garden.

Outdoor heaters and fireplaces If you want to continue to enjoy your garden through the winter months, then heat is likely to be

have the chance to take part in four parkruns in the space of just nine days. Which will be an excellent way to burn off some of that festive excess!

One of the magical things about a parkrun is that it is entirely run by volunteers, and the team at Ashton Court would be delighted to hear from anyone who was willing to lend a hand. The roles are very easy to do and you will be given clear instructions when you arrive. If you’re able to help, please email them on ashton-courthelpers@parkrun.com

If you’re new to running, parkrun is an excellent way to try it out. The course is 5km long (just over three miles) and is well marshalled. Participants of all abilities are welcome, including walkers. There is always a volunteer who is the tail walker at the back, meaning that you will never be the final finisher. It is free to take part in parkrun and everyone is welcome. For more information or to sign up, visit this website: parkrun.org. uk/ashtoncourt

Also in our area is the Windmill Hill

one of your main concerns. Electric outdoor heaters and fireplaces are the ideal choice to help you stay warm and cosy while getting some fresh air this winter. When purchasing an outdoor heater or fireplace, ensure the IP rating ends in four or five, as this means it has been deemed weather-resistant and so can be used outdoors. If the wattage is above 3kW, installation by a certified electrical contractor is required.

Smart and secure lighting

Smart technology offers many benefits to lighting your outdoor space. Having the ability to control your lights from within the home gives you the power to automatically time your lights, taking away the worry of remembering to turn them off. It is recommended that outdoor lights are turned off overnight, once you are in bed, so as not to interfere with nocturnal wildlife. Smart tech also allows you to control lights remotely, giving the impression to others than someone is home. Security lights, controlled by an app or by sensors, presents a functional use of lighting for you garden. Whether these be motion activated or just to illuminate an otherwise dark walkway, these lighting choices can offer some peace of mind on a dark night.

For more information on any of these idea, visit the website at www.niceic.com

Junior parkrun event in Victoria Park, which has confirmed it will also be doing bonus events on December 25 and January 1. Junior parkrun is a 2km course and is set up for children aged 4-14 to take part in. For more information, visit this website: parkrun.org. uk/windmillhill-juniors

Photo: Rich Kenington

LIMBS & Things, the multimillion pound, 200-strong firm, exports its first-rate medical simulation products to more than 40 countries from their 5,000 sqm St Phillips base.

These products - from breast examination trainers to midwifery training products - are all designed and manufactured here in South Bristol, and address all kinds of routine and emergency medical scenarios to help healthcare professionals deliver more accurate real-life procedures, improving patient outcomes.

As part of his visit, Metro Mayor Dan Norris was given a hands-on demonstration of how the firm’s newest product - their Infant Hip Trainer - is helping patients right from birth. Hip dysplasia, where the ‘ball and socket’ joint of the hip doesn’t form properly, affects around one to two in every 1,000 babies born and, if detected shortly after birth, can avoid many problems and medical interventions in later life.

Their training equipment is now used in every single NHS trust in the South West -

Offering a helping hand to those who need it most

and medical professionals everywhere is just incredible”.

Mr Norris said: “I’m delighted to visit the brilliant facilities at Limbs and Things. Their hip trainers and other products are amazingly lifelike. Having said that, there are certainly no

dummies here! It’s so great to see a Bristol-based firm going from strength to strength and representing our city on the global stage. It just goes to show how many brilliant companies we’ve got in our fantastic region. The skill and innovation in St Philips to support our NHS

Managing Director Nick Hull said: “The export market is incredibly important to us. We have worked hard at developing our international trade through subsidiaries in key marketplaces such as the US, and we now sell our products in more than 50 countries, which still have significant potential for growth. Clinicians and teachers have a need for our products worldwide and we can see the impact they are having in teaching hospitals around the globe. It was great to be able to show Mayor Norris around and demonstrate some of our world-leading products, including the PROMPT Flex birthing trainers that we’ve developed in partnership with the PROMPT Foundation at Southmead Hospital and our new Infant Hip Trainer”.

North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust included.

Decision delayed on student flats in Bedminster

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

A DECISION has been delayed on building new student flats in Bedminster far away from the city’s universities. Developers are applying for planning permission to build a 49-bed block of student flats at the bottom of West Street, knocking down a car workshop and showroom.

The three-storey building would be located more than a 30-minute walk from any of the closest university campuses, and in an area largely home to families. Planning officers at Bristol City Council said there were several bus stops nearby, and students could rely on using the bus.

But amid concerns about the site being too far from any university, a vote on giving planning permission has been delayed. Councillors voted to defer the decision until just before Christmas, while planning officers took another look at the scheme, during a development control A committee meeting last month.

Cllr Richard Eddy, chair of the committee, said: “I’m a bit sceptical about willy-nilly moving it further and further out from the campuses. I found it quite galling that developers, by calling it student accommodation, can avoid providing any affordable housing or doing all the sorts of things we would expect.

“Frankly I’m quite offended. Any dwellings would not pay council tax, so we have no income as a city council. I’m not a naive idealist, I’m not into gesture politics, and I’m certainly not a starry-eyed idealist — I’m a hardened pragmatist but I genuinely don’t know whether this would be something which officers could reexamine.”

The student flats would be built from numbers 155 to 165 on West Street, by Paragon Developments. Car dealership Paramount Cars, founded in 1976, would be demolished. The dealership’s owner recently sold the site to the developers and retired.

Did you know Bristol City Council fund a loan scheme for homeowners?

Working in partnership with We Care Home Improvements and Lendology CIC, the partnership takes the stress out of funding and finding contractors for home repairs, improvements or adaptations.

If you are a homeowner, of any age, and need to make essential repairs to your home, call us today for more information. Works covered under the scheme include roof repair, electrical and plumbing work, damp and structural remedies, heating installations or replacement, amongst other works.

For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk

For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk

*Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value.

Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC.

Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU.

Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.

Up to £1,000 OFF the cost of works to your home**

Don’t miss out on free insulation, solar panels and double glazing through the Bright Green Homes project

AS energy bills continue to rise, many people will be thinking about how they can make their homes more energy and cost efficient in the long term.

The Bright Green Homes project allows eligible households to receive funding of up to £25,000 to install a range of energy saving technologies through the government’s Home Upgrade Grant.

The types of energy saving measures available through Bright Green Homes include:

• insulation (underfloor, cavity wall, external wall and loft)

• solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

• air source heat pump

• double glazing

• energy efficient doors

• storage heaters.

To be eligible for funding, households must meet all the following criteria.

You must:

• be the homeowner or landlord*

• not use mains gas central

heating system**

• have an annual household income of less than £30,000

• have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G.

How to apply

Funding is in extremely high demand and is being issued on a ‘first come first served’ basis, so we are urging residents to get in touch as soon as possible.

To ensure you don’t miss out on this great opportunity, please complete the short online questionnaire, using this link or by scanning the QR code. The questionnaire will help to determine your eligibility for the project: www.energyservicebristol. co.uk/funding

If you are unable to complete the online questionnaire, please call the Bright Green Homes team on 0117 352 1180 and we will be happy to complete the survey with you over the phone.

To learn more about the Bright Green Homes

project, head over the Bristol City Council’s Energy Service website: www. energyservicebristol.co.uk/ funding

*Please note that for private rented properties the landlord is expected to contribute at least a third of the overall cost.

**Funding is only available to households with an electric, oil, coal, liquid petroleum gam (LPG) or solid fuel heating system.

Taking much needed time off

targeted by British officialdom as they were operating illegally.

I WAS very fortunate in that for the 22 months I spent at Innsworth, I was only on camp for a total of two or three weekends. The normal working week finished at noon on Saturdays unless you were required for weekend fire pickets or Orderly Room duty. Even when these duties came round it was easy to find a Scotsman or someone unable to get home who would stand in for you for a very small monetary exchange.

Normal weekend passes were called 36-hour although they stretched a little longer from noon Saturday until 8am on Monday. Once a month a longer weekend pass was available. This was a 48-hour but stretched from 5pm Friday until 8am Monday. There was always a threat that these privilege passes would be withheld for bad behaviour or any supposed

national crisis, but these sanctions were never enforced.

Because there was a very large contingent of Bristolians at Innsworth and Barnwood, and it was only about a 30-mile journey, some entrepreneur airmen at some time in the past had arranged for a regular coach service to pick up at the camp on the dot of noon on Saturdays (or 5pm Fridays on 48-hour times) with a fast journey to Anchor Road in central Bristol, with a return journey picking up at 11pm Sundays.

There were usually four or five coaches each weekend and the fare was very reasonable. The organiser made quite a nice little profit on this franchise which had been handed down on demob from one generation to the next.

Coaches in the 1950s were quite basic with no heating so that the Sunday night journey in the winter months was a cold and draughty experience, when you huddled up in a great-coat and tried to sleep. The one thing these old coaches were equipped with was a radio, and on Sunday nights the pirate radio station Radio Luxembourg played the top 20 records that appeared in the weekly publication New Musical Express (the NME).

After a pleasant weekend back in Bristol, arriving back at camp in the very early hours of a cold winter’s Monday morning was a very depressing time. Although the coach was allowed to pick us up in the middle of camp in the daylight hours, the Monday morning return was not allowed in camp, so I was faced with the long walk from the main gate to our unit barracks at the furthest limit of the camp. Entry into the hut had to be done with extreme caution and quietness as to wake sleeping airmen at that hour would cause a riot. I would have arranged for one of my friends to have made my bed up, so I just needed to quietly undress and get into bed without light or noise.

My weekend routine commenced in March 1951 and to begin with everything seemed to work wonderfully. I spent quite a lot of time with Gill whose family had moved house back from Westbury-on-Trym to Knowle, within a quarter of an hour’s walk from my home. My mother attended to my laundry requirements and cooked me excellent meals even though rationing was still in force and no ration cards were available for weekend passes.

weekend, certainly all the home fixtures and most of the away games. Although games of cricket officially finished at 7.30pm (unless bad weather or batting collapse caused an earlier result), being a social game it was the custom to spend time at the bar talking with the opposition team, with the effect that little time was left to meet up with Gill. She was very understanding, if not happy, with these summer arrangements but the crunch came in late September after the cricket season was over.

I had arranged with Gill to meet her early in the evening to go to the local cinema. I worked out that I would have ample time to watch the Rovers match in the afternoon. In those days the bus company ran special services from the centre of the city (Old Market Street) to either the City or Rovers’ grounds. As almost nobody had cars this was the means of transport for 90% of the crowds.

John’s wonderful recollections are sure to jog the memories of some of our readers. We would love to hear similar tales and see photos from the period. Please email these to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or post them to us South Bristol Voice, 111 Broadfield Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX. All items will be safely returned to the sender. We would really love to hear from you!

At that time the BBC held a complete monopoly on UK broadcasting and a number of ‘pirates’ tried with varying success to break into the market, backed up by advertising. I suppose Radio Luxembourg (208 metres, medium range) was the most prominent of those pirates although even their service was prone to static interference. One of the main advertisers had a strong Bristol connection; this was Horace Batchelor who offered “a football pools ‘fool proof system’ from Keynsham, spelt K-E-Y-N-S-H-A-M”. Other broadcasters operated from boats moored in the North Sea. One of these was Radio Caroline.

Life on these boats was very hazardous as besides the frequent bad weather, their boats were

I began to notice a subtle change in the atmosphere about the middle of April. Although things were exactly the same at home, Gill became a little quieter. It all coincided with the beginning of the cricket season. With the reliability of the coaches from camp I was able to make myself available for cricket almost every

After the game a dozen or more buses would be lined up to run a shuttle service until the long, winding queue was cleared. On this particular Saturday there had been an attendance of over 26,000 at the game and there must have been a road accident between Eastville and Old Market as the queue did not move for a very long time. In the end I decided to walk and eventually picked up a bus in Old Market. The unfortunate result was that I was just over half an hour late when I called at Gill’s house (in those days very few people had phones at home so it was not possible to get a message through). Gill’s mother informed me that Gill had got fed up with waiting and had decided to go alone to the cinema, and as she had left 15 minutes earlier, it would not be possible to catch up with her before she reached the cinema.

John Fletcher in the 1950s

Merry Christmas

ALEX CANTLE

southbristolvoice

n LOCAL HISTORY

Unlocking the secrets of Bristol’s prisons

By Andy Griffin

YOU may have noticed there has recently been restoration to the gate lodge at the old jail on Cumberland Road. This was part of the agreement with the contractors who built the apartments on what was part of the prison grounds behind the gate. This reignited an interest in our local history and created a slight buzz on South Bristol’s social media and local history group chats with many of them discovering the tale of what went on behind those walls, surprising so many who had previously walked past them without a second glance on their daily commute.

So many boys and girls who, while growing up in Bedminster, found this a great adventure playground and commented on the fun they had climbing over the ruins along with tales of daring and friendship. I was one of those youngsters who played there and years later, during the Covid lockdown, I finally completed a history of the Bristol jails. Although not including my personal adventures in the gate ruins or on the banks of ‘The Cut’, which, in the 1950s, were just another playground along with the bombsites around South Bristol.

I was born in Lime Road, Ashton, just over 80 years ago and served in the Prison Service from 1972 to 2002. During that time, I became something of an expert on Bristol’s jails. Prisons have always been a bit secretive so the book just needed doing.

I had never considered working in a prison until I turned 30. I had numerous jobs in and around Bristol but never felt settled in any of them. I joined the Prison Service and started at Horfield. My first impression was ‘What on earth have I let myself in for?’ The first shock was having to be on duty at 7am and the working conditions were enough to put most people off, but if you do it long enough you get used to it. The worst shift was 7am to 9pm and the overtime was compulsory.

Apart from Bristol, my prison career took me to some of the most notorious jails in the UK including The Maze and Magilligan in Northern Ireland at the height of The Troubles, both of which housed paramilitary prisoners plus another eight penal

establishments.

I often get asked about my worst experiences, and I suppose I would mention a couple of riots, which might sound a bit blase but it came with the job.

My desire to document life in Bristol’s prisons was inspired by my time at Horfield and the prisons’ centenary in 1983. There was, for a change, some good publicity and a lot of media interest in the anniversary. Because I had spent some time reading the past records and events, plus had knowledge of the building’s history, I was nominated to speak to the press and TV. Apart from anything, it seems like I was the only one who knew the prison’s story.

During my time there, I had made numerous notes about the prison’s history. During my breaks, I had access to the court records and the Governors’ journals plus the day-book of events in the jail.

I had collected a box full of stuff which I thought may be useful one day. I was lucky that the books and ledgers were placed handy to the wing where I worked and the records store was in the drop beneath the old gallows and the office was previously the condemned cells.

It was only during the Covid lockdown, some 30 years later, that I thought ‘Now’s the time to put all those scraps of information to some use’ and decided to put it into a book. I hope the book will give an insight into what life was really like instead of the sanitised or TV and film versions of prison

life we see.

My book ‘Bristol’s Prisons Unlocked’ tells the story of the public executions which took place on the gate lodge roof where these events drew huge crowds and, in several cases, the constables had to maintain order to stop some spectators being pushed into The Cut. During a period of unrest and rioting in the central area of Bristol and Queens Square, the jail was stormed and prisoners released followed by the jail being set on fire, as well as detailing the regime and punishments dealt out to the men and women incarcerated there.

The older penal establishments of Bristol’s history are also documented in the book and I hope it makes you realise how little you know about what goes on behind those walls and others like it around the country.

‘Bristol’s Prisons

Unlocked’ is available to order online at Amazon, and Andy can be contacted at bristolsprisonsunlocked@mail.com

The Beautiful Game shows its ugly side

THE World Cup is upon us.

For fans, it’s usually a time of nervous anticipation. I’d like to be having chats about the formation Southgate will play. Have the team been practising their penalties?! Could we follow the success of the women’s team, and this be the year England finally goes all the way?

This time however, sadly like many other West of England sports fans, I find myself with very different questions on my lips.

How can we celebrate the beautiful game in a state that abuses its own peo ple? Why has Qatar been awarded a global platform to promote itself? What is the world doing in the face of Qatar censor ing and jailing journalists and cosying up to Putin? How can we best call out the terrible human rights abuses, blatant hom ophobia and lack of women’s rights?

There wasn’t a single death in the work to build the London Olympics, which should be a huge mark of pride for our great country. It was the safest Olympic

build in history. In contrast, the current tournament has broken bodies, killed doz ens and maimed and crushed the hopes of abused foreign workers.

And let’s not pretend the Qataris won the hosting rights through merit alone. FIFA’s decision-Making, 12 years ago, was surrounded by rumblings of corruption and bribery. It’s been controversial from the off, because money talked louder than football.

So, what should we do? Of course, I always want my teams - Bristol City and England - to win.

As Harry Kane leads his men out, I hope we can use the power of football to inspire.

We know the World Cup can motivate young people to go out and exercise. We know great cup runs can bring our nation together. The excitement of Euro 96 or reaching the 2020 final last year. It’s also a great chance to back our hospitality sector at local pubs.

But we must also use this tournament

to keep human rights issues firmly in the public eye and to campaign for stronger workers’ rights.

These high-profile international sport ing events come with great kudos and attention for any host country. But it’s the people’s game - so they should come first.

Let’s hope in future the football author ities never place us in this position again where we love our football but are deeply troubled by the circumstances of the tournament.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Bristol boldly illustrates its support for COP27 and a greener future through power of art

LOCAL artists are showcasing Bristol’s passion and wideranging expertise to combat climate change with an array of thought-provoking artwork, as the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference progresses.

Illustrator and designer Jasmine Thompson has created a series of 20 compelling drawings capturing people’s thoughts and experiences of climate change, and their messages to leaders at the conference.

The illustrations, commissioned by the University of Bristol Cabot Institute for the Environment, draw on feedback from people who visited areas open to the public at COP26 last year, which was hosted by Glasgow in the UK. Conservation, biodiversity, united action, urgency, and including underrepresented voices are among the topics explored.

Jasmine, 28, from Montpellier, said: “I enjoy producing art with a positive purpose and this felt like a great opportunity to highlight important issues, which people really care about.

“The climate crisis is hitting home now and we’re all becoming more aware and concerned about its far-reaching impact. Younger generations are especially invested in tackling the challenge, as they learn about it at school and are also witnessing it first-hand. I hope the drawings resonate with people of all ages and inspire people to think about the future and what we can do to start making a difference today.”

Jasmine said: “I’ve lived in many different parts of the city over the past 10 years and there’s a strong sense of community here – people want to look after the environment and each other. I’m pleased with the final outcome. Now it’s about focusing the minds of policy makers and empowering everyone to get behind the necessity to adapt and change for a brighter, more sustainable future.”

Looking ahead, a painting depicting a futuristic, greener Bristol in the 2030s, having achieved a just and fair transition to a carbon neutral environment

and economy, has also been created.

Artist Andy Council painted a verdant scene of the city full of trees and greenery, people walking or cycling, and buildings with solar panels.

Andy, 48, who has lived in the city for 20 years, said: “The green transition absolutely needs to happen, so it was great being part of this project. Art has more of an impact on society than people think and I hope, in this case, it helps people take on board a message and get behind the changes. We can all be part of the solution and make little changes, which could be as simple as leaving your car at home and cycling locally and making more sustainable choices with what you eat and how its packaged.”

Water fountains and vegetarian food outlets also feature in the uplifting green vision, which was funded by Research England and supported by the Cabot Institute for the Environment and Policy Bristol.

The father-of-two from South Bristol spent a week completing the piece, using spray paints and acrylic. Andy said: “I wanted it to be really positive and optimistic. My children, aged nine and 14, have been looking at it a lot when I was completing the finishing touches at home, and it has prompted questions.

“It would be great if it sparks conversations more widely about the challenges climate change is posing and how we can help overcome them by all pulling together.”

The painting will be presented to Bristol One City representatives to remind policy makers of the pressing issues and potential solutions, and the City Office is exploring ways that it can be displayed in public in future. It was commissioned by Dr Alix Dietzel, Senior Lecturer in Climate Justice and Associate Director for Impact and Innovation at the University of Bristol Cabot Institute for the Environment, who is attending COP27 which is being hosted by Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt.

Dr Dietzel said: “Imagining a just transition, like the one

Bristol has set out in its climate plans, can seem quite abstract and far off. In this piece, we wanted to lay out a vision that was clear and hopeful, one that shows Bristol in the midst of a heatwave but ready for it due to careful climate planning.

“There is plenty of greenery around, there are water features, and the city would be quite cool despite the heat. You can see bikes, heat pumps, solar panels and vegetarian food, and most importantly a community meeting which shows the city working together to prepare for heatwaves. At the heart of this vision is hope for a brighter future.”

Andy Council’s verdant image of a lush green Bristol

Artist Andy Council

Giving young people a FareChance

FARECHANCE is a new employability programme to help people aged 18-24 who are not in education, employment or training to gain the skills and confidence they need to get into work.

The region’s biggest food charity, FareShare South West, redistributes surplus food from the food industry to frontline charities, schools and community groups across the South West. As well as tackling waste and fighting food poverty, the charity aims to offer its volunteers the opportunity to gain new skills, learn different ways of working and build their confidence.

Based on Vale Lane, the FareChance programme starts on Monday 5 December. The programme runs two days per week for 12 weeks. Participants will work alongside staff and volunteers as part of the warehouse team to gain practical, useful work experience.

Over three months, they will learn the basics of warehouse management, supporting the operations team to manage and deliver good-quality surplus food to frontline charities, schools and community groups across the region.

Warehouse Manager and Employability lead,Amy Sinclair said: “Between us, our team has over a decade of direct experience of working with young people who are vulnerable, lacking in confidence or face barriers to finding work. We’ve seen firsthand the impact that regular support, interaction and learning can make to these young people and have the infrastructure and know-how to make a lasting difference.”

Register your interest at faresharesouthwest.org.uk/registration-isopen-for-farechance

Sleep tight, hedgehogs

Ben Barker, Secretary BS3 Wildlife Group

Hedgehogs are among the most beloved of British animals. Fifty years ago, there were perhaps 30-50,000,000 hogs in Britain. Now it’s around 1,000,000. Habitat destruction and chemicals are among the causes of decline. But, the Wildlife Groups in Bristol are helping to bring the hedgehog back from the brink.

There are several local support groups in the Bristol region, including the BS3 Hedgehog Project (bs3.hedgehog.project@gmail.com). The project works with gardeners, park support groups and others to improve the environment for hogs. Sometimes, this can

be very simple like leaving a bowl of water in your garden. This will become more useful as we move into an era of warmer and drier summers.

Some people are linking their gardens with small holes in fences so that hedgehogs can move easily in search of food and romance. Others are making simple ‘houses’ where hogs can hide in the daytime and spend the winter. Although their natural diet includes worms and slugs, they are also partial to dog and cat food which helps to build them up for their long sleep.

Photos and videos of hedgehogs are

frequently on the BS3 Wildlife Facebook page, but we need to remember that this is now a rare animal and, if we don’t help, may become rarer.

Hibernation usually runs from November to March or April. When asleep, their body temperature drops from the usual 35 to10 celsius and their heart rate from 190 to 20 beats per minute.

If you would like to welcome hedgehogs back next Spring and support a whole range of other creatures and native plants, contact mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com

In witch

I can save your life

A FEW years ago, when the Council yet again threatened to close the Jubilee Pool in Knowle, I decided that I would join the team of volunteers as a general helper/social media mischief maker. I got swept along in the flow of outrage, the Friends of Jubilee Pool was formed which morphed into a company limited by guarantee and is now a charity. It’s a bit mad.

The race to secure the Community Asset Transfer was full of loops, holes and dodgy drains. At one point I was told to be on standby to sign the lease which would be sent via email,

I was then to race to the Jubilee where the Council would hand it over to me. There was no other responsible adult available.

The weight of that pool was on my shoulders and it was heavy.

When I ran into the Jubilee on that deadline day, news cameras were waiting poolside and supporters gathered in reception but crucial emails were missing and the Council were muttering about boarding the building up.

We nervously waited, all eyes on the computer which finally

said “yes”, the cameras rolled and we celebrated.

Now we are accountable for this beast of a building, a cranky, old, neglected place which seeps in rain and oozes out heat in equal measure.

What have we done?

When I question myself like this it only takes a moment to realise it was the right thing to do. A glimpse of an accessible swim session is enough. The gloriously happy faces of people enjoying the sheer freedom of the water makes my skin tingle and my eyes fill with happy tears.

But it is a struggle, especially with the energy costs and nationwide shortage of lifeguards and swim teachers. When a lifeguarding course became available at Hengrove I decided to do it. How hard could it be?

Oh my! This course was tough. A full five days split between a classroom and the pool. The pool sessions were brutal. Warm up lengths, fast on front and then back and Hengrove is bigger than

COMMUNITY TAKE OVER JUBILEE POOL & GYM

The FRIENDS OF JUBILEE POOL (FoJP) are still on course to take Jubilee Pool into community ownership from September 2022.

Although at the time of writing, we find ourselves in a really difficult place, where rising energy prices have forced a change of plan and consequently a plea for new support.

SO, WHATS BEEN HAPPENING?

Up until mid-August, we were working with a new operator, that would run Jubilee on our behalf. The new operator withdrew when the utility supply crisis suggested that an additional cost of between £120,000 - £330,000pa would be needed, making it clear that they were unable to move forward with that risk.

So after very quick and intense discussions, the existing operator Parkwood have offered us a lifeline by remaining in post for another 6 months under their existing utility tariff. As well as keeping the pool open, Parkwood have offered their support to help us shape Jubilee for the future.

While we have funds in place to see us through the first three months of the contract, we will need YOUR help to cover costs while the utility crisis continues.

KEEP IN TOUCH & UP TO DATE

Jubilee, only by three meters but those three meters are huge. Hauling myself out of the water repeatedly (not using the steps). My poor knees. Swim to the bottom, rescue a dummy. Be a casualty, get towed and pulled out of the water by your armpits then rescue a casualty with a spinal injury using a vice grip – that one nearly did for me and my casualty nearly became a real one.

Bring on the first aid and CPR, five rescue breaths but not for a sudden collapsed person, shock can kill you and a heart attack is not cardiac arrest, who knew?

My tiny brain nearly exploded. But I did it. And on Monday morning when a lifeguard was late and swimmers milled around the entrance grumbling, I found myself sitting in that tall chair, getting a round of applause from the regulars and feeling terribly responsible.

If you’d like to join our merry gang of Jubileevers or help raise money for the energy crisis, please get in touch savejubileepool@hotmail.com

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. USE THE POOL AND GYM Visit using pay-as-you-go or keep your membership going, or if not a member please join up. Membership is £24.99 per month.

2. MAKE A REGULAR DONATION

Through our online Local Giving page via the QR code or web address below

3. MAKE A ONE OFF DONATION

Again through our Local Giving page here: localgiving.org/charity/friends-of-jubilee-pool-bristol/ 4. SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISERS

Keep an eye open for any fundraisers that you can get involved in, or come along and have some fun.

5. JOIN THE TEAM

Once we have the keys to Jubilee we will be looking for volunteers. Could you spare a few hours a week to work on reception? Maybe cleaning, maintenance, or decorating is more your thing? We also need help with events and fundraising. Please get in touch via social media or email

EMAIL: SAVEJUBILEEPOOL@HOTMAIL.COM

Is the CAZ really the answer?

I fully understand the reasons for the introduction of Bristol’s clean air zone, despite the obvious frustrations for drivers. The city’s traffic congestion is quite unsustainable and some form of action is inevitable.

However, I question the wisdom and efficacy of introducing this new measure at a time when our city’s bus services are in such an inadequate state. Living in Knowle, I rely on the No 2 and 2a services; prior to the pandemic I used to sing the praises of this route and think myself very fortunate to have it. Now, as all local bus users will know, the story is very different.

Misinformation, cancelled buses, overcrowded buses,long waits at best - not forgetting the idiocy of access to Temple Meads Station - I have recently had many really bad experiences and, since I have limited mobility at present, I intend to drive in future, whenever possible (my car is exempt from the clean air charge).

I can make this choice, many others cannot, and how does this help to improve Bristol’s air pollution and congestion? What

n CHURCH NEWS

does the City Council intend to do in order to give us all a decent bus service and encourage us to leave the car at home?

Polly Waddilove

Broadwalk redevelopment - the debate continues

A Knowle resident of 35 years, I have used the Broadwalk Shopping Centre regularly all that time (and the first floor library in latter years). Sadly, it is clear from the dwindling number of shops and shoppers that it is in terminal decline and the car park above has major problems. I share the concerns of others about the Redcatch Quarter redevelopment plans for the area - ugly and tall buildings out of keeping with the character of the neighbourhood; whether there are sufficient shops; the phasing of work to limit disruption; and the capacity of local services to cope with the extra approx 2000 people who would occupy the 800 planned flats.

However, having shops and services locally is very important

for Knowle, which as the name suggests sits atop a hill, so it is essential redevelopment takes place (especially for those who get around by foot or cycle). Unfortunately, a large number of residential units are necessary to make this financially viable for the developers.

Some vocal locals seem intent on preventing the redevelopment. This would likely result in continued decline until the centre is bulldozed for just new housing. By contrast other locals, including myself, have been feeding in constructive criticism of the plans.

I have also raised issues with the local Knowle Community Party councillors who, as always in my experience, are very knowledgeable and working for the benefit of Knowle in general on this important and challenging issue.

Julian Hill

We write in response to the anti development letter in the last issue of South Bristol Voice.

Many groups and individuals have lobbied the developers for adjustments and quite a lot of them have had support from ourselves, either in the calls or afterwards. These people are

united in recognising the vital necessity of a rescue development to proceed and wanting it done in the best possible way. Adjustments have been made and continue to be made, but I am afraid that the local Labour Party/Knowle planning group, for political reasons, have gone down a completely different path.

Spreading false scare stories, and making demands which they know would completely block any development, is not the way to make progress.

Many of the local meetings that the developers held have been attended by local councillors for information, but not the ‘Knowle Planning Group’ (KPG) whose Labour leaders threatened a walk out if we were present.

The KPG are the same people who opposed the plans three years ago, which were unanimously approved but, as they know only 10% of local people are against redevelopment now, they have to wrap up their demands differently.

If followed, they would leave us with a derelict shopping centre, to which even most of the 10% would object.

Councillors

Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies, Knowle Community Party

News from Totterdown Baptist Church

As we approach Christmas, it’s a time for reflecting on the year gone by. As a church family, our experience of 2022 is likely echoed by many of you reading this. We’ve grieved loved ones, struggled with physical and mental health, been frustrated with injustice across the world, and continue to grapple with soaring day-to-day costs. We pray for all of you who are facing these and the many other challenges of life.

Thankfully, we’re also lifted by many positives this year.

It’s a delight to be holding Totterdown Tots again for the youngest in the community, running a summer holiday club, hosting Girls’ Brigade every week and starting a monthly club for primary age kids – imaginatively called K-Club! We’ve run our first Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Group to help many of us who feel

overwhelmed, stressed or broken –you’d be very welcome at our next course in January (kintsugihope. com). We’re also offering a free Warm Welcome Space on a Friday

from 3pm, so come along. It’s wonderful to see our church halls and rooms being used by the local community, too. Whether fitness or dance

classes, counselling, pre-school, Totterdown Arts Trail, other churches or the many parties we’ve hosted, it’s a pleasure to have you share our building.

We truly hope you also have plenty of fond memories from 2022. Regardless of how your year has been, we’d love to share Christmas with you, be it for our carol service, nativity, carols and contemplation, Christingle or our all age service on Christmas Day.

Whatever your beliefs, we pray that you have a joyful festive period and a happy, healthy and peaceful 2023.

Wishing you all a happy Christmas from Totterdown Baptist Church.

For more information and details of forthcoming events, please see facebook.com/ TotterdownBaptistChurch or visit our website at tbc.org.uk

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Wishing you a cosy and happy Christmas from all at Ocean

oceanhome.co.uk

Win children’s books in our competition

SOUTH Bristol authors Sean Taylor and Alex Morss have created beautiful children’s nature books combining science with story telling and lovely illustrations.

We can reveal they are now working on a fourth book, all about wildlife in Autumn, to follow on from the first three popular science stories in an award winning series, about how the seasons affect wildlife.

And we have a bundle of three books up for grabs in an exclusive competition.

The books reveal a wealth of fascinating facts about wildlife with underlying informative and positive environmental messages and familyfriendly ideas to do and discover more to help nature.

These are the books:

Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story Busy Spring: Nature Wakes Up Wild Summer: Life in the Heat

For a chance to win their gorgeous picture books, just answer our question.

Question: There’s something special that

hedgehogs, dormice and bats all do in winter to survive the cold, what is it?

Just email your answer to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk by December 5th to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize.