South Bristol Voice December 2023 by South Bristol Voice

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www.southbristolvoice.co.uk WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL - 12,000 COPIES OF THIS EDITION December 2023 - Issue 96 FREE EVERY MONTH IN BEDMINSTER, SOUTHVILLE, KNOWLE, TOTTERDOWN, ASHTON, ASHTON VALE & WINDMILL HILL

Luckwell Primary is looking to the future in 2024 Page 15

Ashton Vale residents fight to get bus back Page 16

Jubilee Swimming Pool receives major funding splash Jubilee Pool and Gym has been awarded £21,971 as part of the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase 1 Revenue award managed by Sport England. This award has been made to support pools at

risk of closure due to increased operating costs, in particular gas, electricity, and chemical costs, over the coming winter. Jules Laming, the Chair of Friends of Jubilee Pool, said: “Just over a year ago,

Bristol City Council awarded the Friends of Jubilee Pool (Bristol) Ltd a Community Asset Transfer for Jubilee Pool. What a year it has been, the pool has survived against the Continued on page 4 >

Youth Zone has a name change Page 22 (pictured above)

Totterdown postie pens book Page 25

The Southville grocer who defied the odds Page 31

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May 2023 2022 December

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

Contacts

Ruth Drury Sales Director Publisher 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Jane Williams Editor news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising noon11, on December 5 is May 2022

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the South Bristol Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code. Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 07590527664.

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:

Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 07584183843 By email: Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk Christopher Davies Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr. Christopher.Davies@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07826917714 Gary Hopkins Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159 Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584184577 By email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584186535 By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Council tax 0117 922 2900

Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999

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December 2023

n NEWS

Jubilee Pool receives major funding splash Continued on page 1 odds and is flourishing thanks to the amazing support and efforts of all our volunteers. But these are tricky times and the increase in utility costs is a concern. We therefore welcome this funding award, which will help support our much loved community asset ensuring it will remain open, whilst continuing to grow our services. “The Department for Culture, Media and Sport reaffirms that swimming is a valuable life skill for people of all ages, important for safety and both physical and mental health and we are pleased to receive support from Bristol City Council who have facilitated this bid.” Councillor Ellie King, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Health and Communities, said: “I am delighted that we

Jubilee Pool will benefit from the much-needed cash injection. Photos by Ashley Bourne. have been successful in a bid submitted on behalf of Jubilee Pool. This phase of funding will help support them through

what has been a tough year for all leisure centres and pools. It builds on the transfer of the pool as an asset to the Friends of

Jubilee Pool Community at nil rent in 2022 and we hope that this funding will further ensure their success and sustainability.”

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December 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS

The Bemmy team Eyes to the sky BIDs fond farewell for Bedminster’s Christmas bauble The Bedminster BID officially ended on 31 October 2023 after 10 wonderful years delivering projects to support the fantastic and eclectic trader community based in BS3. The Bedminster BID (Business Improvement District) was a project of Bedminster Town Team, which is a limited company with a Board of Directors. The Bedminster Town Team will continue to deliver several projects (eg Love Our High Streets and Recovery & Renewal on East Street) until Spring 2024. In addition, Bedminster Town Team will be holding an open meeting where traders, community groups and residents are welcome to attend to explore what is wanted and needed now and how that could be funded

and delivered. Some of the amazing community events the BID supported included eat:Festivals on East Street, Bedminster Lantern Parade, Musicians on the Run, Upfest, Top Trumps, Vintage and Halloween Trails. A handful of the essential projects delivered by the BID included cleaning and greening, a priority highlighted by the traders - and included shop shutter artwork, street cleaning and anti-tagging campaigns, hanging baskets and street planters. The BID also offered support for traders brokering communication with stakeholders such as the Police and Bristol City Council. Please keep an eye on the website for more information bedminster.org.uk

There will be no Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade in January, but that’s not stopped the voluntary group behind the Parade from working to bring light and colour into BS3 during the darkest hours of the year into the area. Children from Ashton Gate, Ashton Vale, Compass Point, Holy Cross, Southville and St Mary Redciffe primary schools have agreed to take part in a special one day Bemmy Bauble event in association with Dandara Living which will create a giant ‘Bauble’ in the sky above Bedminster on the weekend of December 9. Teams from the school will

work with local artist Adele Lippiatt to create small colourful illuminated lanterns which will then be clustered together and attached to a large star framework especially created by Dandara. Chair of BWL, pharmacist Ade Williams, said: “We know the schools were disappointed not to have been involved in a parade, so we came up with this simple idea to keep them involved.” So as the sky goes dark on Saturday December 9, look out as the special Bemmy Bauble is hoisted by a crane high above the Stafford Yard site on Dalby Avenue to be viewed right across Bedminster.

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December 2023

n NEWS

Opportunities beckon at Share Bristol in Bemmy It’s been a while since Share Bristol announced they were planning to open a second Library of Things in the Bristol area, but it looks like things are starting to happen. The volunteer team behind the Library of Things in Kingswood have been busy over the last few months, getting ready to open a Library in Bedminster, and although there isn’t an opening date yet, plans are being firmed up. Anna Perry, a director of the organisation, says: “We’re sorry that it’s taken longer than expected. This has been due to it taking a long time to get a lease on a premises sorted, but we’re hoping to get the keys soon. “We’ve made use of the summer though, recruiting more volunteers, collecting and sorting Things for the Bedminster Library, and amending our systems to cope with two sites instead of just one.” Share Bristol claims that each Library of Things contributes to the circular economy encouraging people to donate the things they don’t use, which are repaired and serviced by

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December 2023

n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

Thinking about the climate emergency It is now five years since Labour-run Bristol City Council unanimously declared a climate emergency, the first local council in England to do so. A strategy for a carbon neutral, climate resilient Bristol by 2030 has been developed and progress is underway. The low carbon heat network in Bedminster, and associated roadworks, are the most obvious sign of this work but there is much more going on. The Clean Air Zone has not been universally popular, I expressed concerns about potential knock-on effects on air quality in South Bristol, but by the time this article is published we will see if it has been successful. There can be no question that action was needed. When I visit local schools, I’m always struck by how

young people from across the constituency care and are so knowledgeable about environmental issues. I also know the younger generation’s desire to clean up the planet is shared by residents in South Bristol. The green agenda has a natural home in our city, and we should be optimistic about the difference we can make in our local area. The Community Climate Action Plan developed in Hartcliffe for a just transition to net zero seeks to improves the quality of life and life chances of everyone. This means investing in skills, so local people can get well paid jobs in retrofitting homes with insulation or heat pumps. It means cutting waste, through the new recycling and re-use centre. It also means offering alternatives to the private motor car, taking control

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of bus services, routes and fares to provide locally accountable public transport. The transition to net zero also presents a real opportunity to bring down household bills. Investment in green initiatives could unlock huge economic growth, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a generation. There needs to be a real partnership between local people, councils, and the national government for net zero to become a reality in our city. Sadly this is not currently the case, despite local endeavours. It is shocking that the Conservative government has watered down net zero pledges in recent months, with appalling consequences. Business confidence has fallen. There were no applications for new

wind-farm licences last month, meaning clean and cheap energy going to waste. The Government closed down the energy efficiency taskforce, which it only set up in March, and admitted that its commitment to new oil and gas drilling licences will do absolutely nothing to help lower our bills. Bristol can provide leadership on tackling the climate emergency, but we need a change of government to be truly effective.

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December 2023

n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies

Knowle Community Party councillors for Knowle Having been one of the Knowle Councillors for over 21 years, I get asked “what keeps you going?” The answer is twofold. The first is to try to stop malevolent and incompetent decisions and actions from the council itself. The second is to help and assist those that are doing good things for our community and Bristol in general. Rarely have the two motivations been so closely linked as in the saga of Jubilee Pool. After repeatedly fighting off closure attempts by the mayor and previously the Labour Party, we finally got to the position of the mayor being left with little choice but to hand over the Pool to the community. The Friends were forced to accept poor terms or there would be immediate closure but they knew that the mayor would soon be gone. In February this year, we found uncommitted council cash and our budget amendment for energy efficiency measures was about to be voted through by all opposition parties

when the Greens came under pressure from the mayor’s office and most of them waved the white flag. Central government set up a two-stage support scheme for swimming pools across the country through Sport England. With less than a week to deadline for bids, Jubilee found out that they had been excluded from the Bristol bid. When contacted direct, Sport England sent a rocket to BCC telling them to include Jubilee. Although not 100% confident of the first stage revenue support, because of improved trading, Jubilee was awarded over £21,000. Amazingly, the Bristol cabinet member attempted to try to claim credit. Meanwhile, the second stage capital bids were submitted in secret and Jubilee was excluded again. Jubilee was far more confident here, because of inherited problems, of getting money from this fund but found out too late. We are questioning the mayor but the sabotage is unlikely to stop until after the mayor is gone.

On 31 October, Full Council voted overwhelmingly to submit the new Local Plan for examination by the Planning Inspectorate. When the new Local Plan is adopted it will guide development in our city for the next 15 years and will replace a current plan that is rapidly becoming out of date. Although the new Local Plan will start to influence planning considerations, nevertheless it is by the existing Local Plan that most of the developments already happening in our ward are being judged, with mixed results. Recently, the Old Brewery site in Ashton Gate held a “topping out” ceremony – this essentially means that the buildings have reached their maximum height and we can now clearly see their visual impact upon the area. Meanwhile, a planning application for the Amerind Nursing Home site on Raleigh

Road has now been registered for 106 homes of which 32 will be affordable homes as per council policy. Obviously, there is still more development proposed for Southville ward, and we have been working with others to make more information available to residents. One result of this is the East Bedminster Regeneration website eastbedminster.com which will act as a focal point to provide information and news on developments in the east of our ward. We have also been working with Action Greater Bedminster on a series of events called BS3 Beyond 2025 exploring the impact of current and proposed development. Notes from all of the previous events can be found at actiongreaterbedminster.org.uk

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Christingle Service 4pm Sunday 10th December // St Paul’s Church

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southbristolvoice

December 2023

n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS

More than 3,500 Bristol residents have now signed a petition that expresses a ‘loss of confidence in Bristol’s planning system’. This impressive number triggers a Full Council debate and reflects a sad state of affairs. Much of the system is not working. People wait months for even simple applications, and planning enforcement is rare, which means that rogue developments are not challenged. One house conversion in Totterdown was completed without permission over a year ago and still nothing has been done. Several poor-quality major developments are also being waved through, as with Broadwalk, in very controversial circumstances. Too often, valuable, mature trees are sacrificed too easily. On the edge of the city, our last working and organic farm, Yew

Tree Farm, is under threat due to mistakes made by the council. This has meant that instead of preventing damage to this ecologically rich ancient hedgerow, permission was granted for it to be chain-sawed. As we write, no clear action is being taken to investigate or enforce this. To top it all off, there is an ongoing suspicion that there is political interference in decision making by the Mayor, who’s recently been inappropriately using planning as a party-political football. One glimmer of hope is the new Local Plan, which will guide all local development. While it is not perfect, it is stronger thanks to the influence of Green Party councillors. We are expecting pushback from developers when it goes to an Inspector for ratification and will be ready to defend it.

I want to wish all Bedminster residents and your families a happy Christmas and healthy 2024. It has been another turbulent year and I’ve no doubt that uncertainty will continue for some time, as will pressure on household finances. All out local elections next May will change the way Bristol is administered and many of the people representing people across our city will also change. I have already announced my decision to stand down effective in May 2024. I am currently quite involved with scrutiny of the Council’s Budget proposals which have now gone live for public consultation: please look at the proposals and have your say by 21 December. They can be found at ask.bristol.gov.uk/ budget-2024-25 More recently, I have worked with other councillors across the area to agree to progress local funding proposals for youth facilities and

better community information. More on this next year. Meanwhile, I am handling an uptick in casework and trying to progress some existing measures promised to Bedminster by the Council, including making roads safer. There is also a start to initial conversations about a BS3 Liveable Neighbourhood which might be an opportunity to tackle some of the issues most frequently in my inbox – about parking, congestion, delays to buses and traffic speeds/ rat-running in residential streets. I’m also asking for a revisit to the matchday and major event parking options that were being looked at and then dropped a few years ago (not by me)! Do contact me if you think I can help with a matter concerning the Council and its services, our community and area. I wish you all the best for the New Year.

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southbristolvoice

December 2023

n NEWS

South Bristol council tower blocks to be checked following evacuation Surveyors will check other council tower blocks in Bristol, including some in South Bristol, after hundreds of residents were suddenly evacuated. The deputy mayor said he was “fairly comfortable” that Barton House was the only tower block affected by severe structural issues, but surveys will confirm that. Barton House, in Barton Hill, was evacuated last month as Bristol City Council told all 400 residents to leave. There are several other council tower blocks across Bristol, built at a similar time, raising fears of similar problems elsewhere. However, the structural issues are thought to be specific to Barton House, the oldest council tower block in Bristol and built to a certain design in 1958, according to deputy mayor Craig Cheney. Cllr Cheney said: “We surveyed three flats in the building, out of 98, so there’s a lot more survey work to do. In the meantime we’re being cautious and the safety of residents is absolutely paramount. The risk is of a fire or some other event occurring that will have a structural impact on the building.

“There’s no concern of the building falling down of its own accord. There could potentially be an issue if there’s a fire or an explosion of any kind, and that’s what we’re concerned about. There’s perhaps not as much concrete as there should be.” Cllr Cheney said: “If we find no problems, then [residents can return] very quickly. If we find more problems then it could rumble on. We’ll be led by the evidence. This building wasn’t built to the plan that was specified at the time, that’s a real genuine issue. We don’t believe that’s an issue anywhere else but we will continue to conduct surveys elsewhere. “This is our oldest tower block and it was built in a specific way at a specific time. So we’re fairly comfortable that this is the one with that specification, but obviously we will take as many precautions as we can. “We’re comfortable that this is a particular problem in this building. We have no evidence to tell us there are problems in other buildings. We will of course be looking at them and surveying those over the days and weeks to come.

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n NEWS

December 2023

Ashton Vale volunteer awarded for helping children to learn valuable skills for life Lifeskills Safety Education Centre recently presented Ashton Vale resident Yvonne Bushell with an award for helping more than 400 Year 6 (10-11 year old) children to learn about safety. Since joining in 2022, Yvonne Bushell has completed more than 100 volunteering sessions for the charity, which is based in The Create Centre. Lifeskills provide a unique visitor experience. In small groups, children take a guided, interactive tour of realistic ‘film set styled’ scenarios. They experience lots of common hazards and are taught how to handle risky day-to-day situations in a safe environment. Scenes include ‘Green Cross Road’, a dark alleyway and even a beach. They also get to practise making emergency 999 calls, discover and react to a house fire, carry out first aid, and learn about the consequences of trespassing on a railway line – all made realistic with the use of props and special effects. Yvonne said: “I enjoy interacting with the children and talking to them about important

Jobs and training boost A successful programme is providing a jobs and training boost for hundreds people in Bristol with learning difficulties and autism. An extra £830,000 will now be spent on carrying on the work to get people with learning disabilities into paid employment. The We Work for Everyone programme, run by Bristol City Council, has already engaged 699 people in Bristol and 1,272 across the West of England. By August this year, 201 people entered paid

employment, including 95 Bristol residents. The team running the programme has worked with employers such as Aardman Animation in South Bristol, Bristol Zoo, Airbus and Boeing, promoting the benefits of employing people with learning disabilities. The cabinet signed off a bid for extra funding last month. Labour Councillor Helen Holland, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “It’s a national problem and it’s

safety messages. I really hope they’ve learnt how to keep themselves safe.” Gemma Graville, Centre Manager, said: “Teaching children at this age and in such a practical way alerts them to the risks and consequences of everyday life. It’s a valuable element to their education which means that school visits are always in high demand. “We know what we do makes a difference and saves lives. One child helped his family escape a house fire, another prevented a gas explosion, and a boy knew how to make a 999 call to help his mother. None of this would be possible without volunteers like Yvonne Bushell.” Lifeskills need more volunteers and are running hour-long taster sessions for anyone interested in exploring volunteering with children. Open during term-time only, Lifeskills offers flexible volunteering, pays volunteer expenses, and provides full training and support. To find out more, contact Amy WestonParkes on 0117 922 4511 or email amy@ lifeskills-bristol.org.uk

one where we haven’t been particularly good performers. Getting people with learning disabilities into employment is such a priority for me. We know a lot of employers are reticent about employing people with learning disabilities. “But with this programme, we’re able to both find those opportunities and support people into those jobs, so that the concerns the employer might have about taking that step are taken away, because that support is there.” In Bristol, there are 1,035 people with learning disabilities of working age who are supported

by adult social care. Only 46 of these are in paid employment, which is less than five per cent. The second phase of the We Work programme aims to increase these job numbers. Cllr Holland added: “We’re not just talking about the easiest people to reach, which tends to be the younger age group, because young people who have been through a special school have been educated and trained to think that they have those possibilities that everybody has. But for the older age range, too, we really need to do more.” By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

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WASTE COLLECTION DAYS CHANGE OVER CHRISTMAS We will work three Saturdays to get collections back to normal as quickly as possible. Check when we will be coming to you on the calendar below.

Your usual collection day Mon 25 Dec Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec Thur 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Mon 1 Jan Tue 2 Jan Wed 3 Jan Thur 4 Jan Fri 5 Jan Mon 8 Jan Tue 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Thur 11 Jan Fri 12 Jan

Revised collection day Wed 27 Dec Thur 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec

Christmas trees Put your tree out with your first wheelie bin collection from Monday 15 January. You can also take trees to your nearest recycling centre – book before visiting at recyclingcentrebooking.bristol.gov.uk

Sat 30 Dec Tue 2 Jan

2024 collection dates

Wed 3 Jan

Download your 2024 collection calendar from bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive

Thur 4 Jan Fri 5 Jan Sat 6 Jan

Garden and bulky waste

Mon 8 Jan

Don’t forget, garden and bulky waste services pause over the Christmas period.

Tue 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Thur 11 Jan

For top tips and festive hacks visit: bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive

Fri 12 Jan Sat 13 Jan

Normal collections from Mon 15 Jan

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southbristolvoice

December 2023

n NEWS

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Green councillors react to the destruction of ancient Yew Tree Farm hedgerow Green Councillors in Bristol have reacted with anger and disappointment at the removal of a section of hedgerow as a result of mistakes made by the council. Last month, workers with chainsaws arrived at Yew Tree Farm, Bristol’s last working farm, to cut a four-metre wide hole in an ancient hedgerow that has existed for at least 200 years. The Newcombe Estates Company, which owns a portion of land bounded by the hedgerow, applied to create a new entrance through it back in February this year. Their land is currently a species rich hay meadow and has recently been designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). It is thought that damaging work was approved due to a series of mistakes from the council. The Greens also believe that as the hay meadow already has a usable entrance, the requirement for a second entrance that requires the destruction of an ancient habitat is unnecessary. Cllr Emma Edwards, Leader of the Green Group, who helped organise a show of cross party support for the hedgerow earlier this year, said: “The destruction of this ancient hedgerow is a direct result of incompetence within the council and was sadly inevitable once it had failed to fulfil its duty to deal with the application by Newcombe Estates appropriately. “There is a culture within the current administration that rails against transparency and openness. Ward councillors are frequently left out of the loop regarding decisions affecting their wards, and it is no surprise that this has permeated further down the organisation. Information that should be shared is withheld, leading to preventable mistakes. “I will be asking for a full report of the circumstances that have allowed this wholly preventable destruction to happen”. Cllr Tony Dyer added: “We also

Cllr Emma Edwards need to look at the motivations of Newcombe Estates, and their relatively silent partners in this, the home developer Redrow. Newcombe Estates are clearly intent on seeing their part of the Yew Tree Farm SNCI developed for housing, causing irreparable harm and further erosion of the Green Belt. “This is despite the elected representatives of Bristol voting overwhelmingly not once, but twice, to remove Yew Tree Farm, including the land owned by Newcombe Estates, from consideration for development.” The latest of these votes saw an Extraordinary Full Council overwhelmingly approve the submission of the new Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate, which protects Yew Tree Farm from being developed on. Cllr Dyer said: “Despite these democratic expressions of intent by Bristol City Council, as well as the designation of the new Yew Tree Farm Site of Nature Conservation Interest, it is clear that the landowners remain committed to their ambitions and have little or no concern for democratic process.”

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southbristolvoice

December 2023

n EDUCATION NEWS

Luckwell School celebrates joining Trust while seeking to increase school governors Bedminster’s Luckwell Primary School, like several of Bristol’s small schools, has had a difficult few years with admissions, a fact not helped by the recent spread of unfounded rumours of closure. “Luckwell is not closing and there are no plans to,” Headteacher Lilly Byers wrote to parents in October. “Population numbers in the south have fallen across the board and smaller community schools will naturally struggle for numbers. We are extremely proud of our school and we have a four-year plan to improve Luckwell even further.” Governors’ Anna Jenkins and Glenn Rainton are determined to stop the playground gossip and are on a mission to increase admissions ahead of the new pupil application deadline on January 15. “The facts about Luckwell speak for themselves,” said Anna, Governor Chair. “I’ve been a Governor for four years and the recent improvements have been transformative. Our small school thinks big and deservedly so.” Anna lists the appointment of Lily Byers as Headteacher in 2020 as the start of the school’s turnaround; new learning schemes for reading and writing were quickly implemented and, this year, a three-year curriculum plan was rolled out to address the recommendations in Ofsted’s 2022 Report. “That report was a vote of confidence too,” vice-chair Glenn Rainton said. “It was the first inspection since 2018 and Ofsted recognised the huge progress since then, rating the school ‘Good’ for behaviours and attitudes, personal development and early years provision and even called Luckwell a ‘small school with a big heart’. It’s vital that parents looking for a primary school now know that Luckwell continues to go from strength to strength.” 2024 is going to be an important year of change for the school too, the Governors agree. “In September, Luckwell joined the Excalibur Academies Trust,” said Anna. “That’s a big deal. We’ll have more resources to put our ambitious plans into place. In addition, £230,000 is allocated to boost our commitments to one-to-one teaching, assist essential wrap-around care, and achieve above national average results for more key subjects and stages. The PTA even doubled in size this year, proof that parents are passionate too. As Ofsted reported, ‘The improvements are beginning to pay off,’ and that’s a fact.” To celebrate joining Excalibur Academies Trust, Luckwell treated its parents, carers and governors to some beautiful songs, the unveiling of a plaque and the consumption of some tasty cakes.

The staff, governors and children at Luckwell Primary are looking to the future Headteacher Lily Byers said: “This happy event was quite literally the icing on the cake for our merger with Excalibur. Our children excelled themselves as they proudly performed for the school community, with those chosen to hold an Excalibur (wooden) sword feeling as special as King Arthur himself.” Nicky Edmondson, Chief Executive Officer of Excalibur Academy Trust, added: “We

were delighted to officially welcome Luckwell to our Trust. “When I first stepped into the school I was struck by its beautiful ambiance, rich history, wonderful children and dedicated staff. “This was certainly conveyed during the welcome event; I just hope that next time I visit I can meet everyone’s most treasured member of the school community, Monty the school’s dog.”

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

December 2023

n TRAVEL NEWS

Residents left stranded by closure of vital bus route Ashton Vale residents have gathered to further share their frustrations about the ongoing isolation they experience as a result of the termination of the No 23 bus. The No 23 route was stopped by First Bus back in April as it wasn’t generating enough income, largely because many of the people who depended upon it were using an older person’s or disabled person’s bus pass which entitles them to free travel. The route previously went from Langley Crescent to the city centre, and provided a vital lifeline for residents to access supermarkets, doctors, dentists and more. It also enabled them to get into town and join a connecting bus to attend hospital appointments at Southmead. Now, older and disabled residents face either a walk of one mile (which is not physically possible for many of them) or an expensive taxi journey in order

Cllr Tessa Fitzjohn attending a public meeting in Ashton Vale to hear from stranded residents to carry out their errands. For to go to the shops. instance, a taxi from Ashton Frustrated at a lack of progress, Vale to Asda on East Street costs several residents recently met £8-10 each way, while a taxi to with a representative from Bristol an appointment at Southmead Older People’s Forum to ask for Hospital is £30 each way. As a help. They were advised to head to result, resident Sheila Roberts Metro Mayor Dan Norris’ office on tells us that people are having to Redcliff Street and refuse to leave cut back on their heating and food his waiting room until he came bills in order to be able to travel to out to talk to them. Ironically, their necessary appointments or the office on Redcliff Street is hard for them to access without the No 23 bus. Sheila says: “Something has got to be done but without MPs behind us we’re stuck. We spoke to Karin Smyth MPs office and we were told to just walk to the next bus stop but we can’t do that, we’re all elderly and have illnesses and disabilities. We’re isolated and when it rains we can’t go out at all. We have no shops nearby except Sainsbury’s on Winterstoke Road. No GPs, chemists, post office, nothing. “Why Dan Norris has done this to the elderly and disabled, I don’t know. He’s taken our human rights away. Before it was just a five minute walk to the bus stop. Now it would take me more than half an hour to walk there but I’m on crutches so I’m not able to walk that far anyway.” In response, Metro Mayor Dan Norris told South Bristol Voice: “I understand how frustrated Ashton Vale residents are that the 23 was withdrawn. This was a commercial decision taken by First Bus. Buses are a complicated funding and regulatory jigsaw. If there is a need for a bus that is not commercially viable, then it is the responsibility of local councils to fund it. “Using the pot of cash for transport I specifically control,

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I’ve done things like reduce fares and introduce Birthday Buses to encourage new people onto our buses which is the only long-term solution to build the sustainable bus network that residents deserve. I would also encourage communities to explore the £2 million WESTlocal fund for hyper-local transport solutions.” Local Green Councillor Tessa Fitzjohn said: “I have been working with Ashton Vale residents for the last three years to address the impact that First Bus’s commercial decisions are having on them. They are now left stranded with no bus service whatsoever, not even a Community Transport service for older and disabled people who cannot walk to the 24 bus stop. I have heard so many heart-rending tales of people’s lives being severely affected.” Ed Plowden, Green Councillor for Windmill Hill and Chair of the Scrutiny Committee that holds the Metro Mayor to account, said: “We have heard directly in front of all the West of England Council leaders how dire the service across the region is becoming. At the moment, the best we can do is to have the on-demand Westlink service extended to Ashton Vale; this service is not ideal but was specifically designed to try and offer a replacement for the many people left with no bus service.” A spokesperson for First West of England said: “We recognise that the public often have a wide range of reasons to require public transport, but our position on service 23 remains unchanged from when we made the decision to withdraw it earlier this year. “Without financial support from the combined authority, we had to make the difficult decision to withdraw it due to a combination of very low passenger numbers and rising costs. Unfortunately, we cannot see that any of this has changed, and therefore there are no plans to reinstate it. “We’re sad to hear that residents feel we have let them down, but where passenger numbers are low and do not enable us to cover our costs of operation, we’re not able to continue services without adequate levels of funding to support them.”

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southbristolvoice

December 2023

n SPINAL COLUMN

We’re the Sherlock Holmes of headaches Headaches can be a real puzzle. Whether it feels like a band squeezing your head or pressure behind your eyes, did you know that most headaches stem from tension in the neck? That’s right – the culprit is often lurking at the top of your spine. And here at Kasa, in the heart of Bristol, we’re like the Sherlock Holmes of headaches! Our approach at our Clifton and Bedminster clinics goes beyond just treating your headache. We’re all about uncovering the ‘why’ behind your pain. Often, a headache is your body’s SOS signal, pointing towards an imbalance, sometimes due to a trapped nerve in the neck. This imbalance can be like a hidden root, feeding your headache. At Kasa, we don’t just focus

on silencing the symptoms. We’re experts in digging deep to find the root cause of your discomfort. Our skilled chiropractors use their detective skills during our comprehensive consultations, piecing together the puzzle of your pain.

Imagine gently realigning your spine, easing off that nerve pressure and watching as the tension melts away – not just from your neck but your head, too. It’s like hitting the reset button on your body. Our tailored treatment plans combine chiropractic precision

with soothing massage therapy, addressing not only the pain but the underlying issues as well. The magic at Kasa lies in our holistic approach. We believe in treating the whole person not just the headache. By restoring balance to your body, we set you on a path to long-term wellness, not just a quick fix. So why live with the mystery of headaches? Let’s uncover the root cause and bid farewell to that nagging pain. Step into Kasa, where your journey to understanding and healing begins. Together, we’ll turn those headaches into a story of the past. Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro 0117 370 2680 www.kasachiro.com

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What’s pain stopping you from doing right now? Get back to feeling healthy and energised, not restricted by injury or defined by illness. With our head-to-toe approach we can relieve your pain, ease symptoms and get you back to being you. Call us today to book your full Chiropractic Consultation including digital x-rays (if clinically indicated) Usually £125, today only £20 Quote ‘Voice Magazine’ to make the most of this great offer 217b North Street BS3 1JL (upstairs above Mon Pote) www.thechirocentre.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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December 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS

BS3 residents encouraged to shop local this Christmas Bedminster’s independents are calling residents of BS3 to shop local this festive season, with a challenge to buy all your presents this year from businesses on your doorstep. To help highlight the range of gifting options available within a short walk, local traders are joining together to share each other’s wares by using the hashtag #BS3Xmas and encouraging you to follow the hashtag and get inspired by what’s on offer. Charlie Taylor, co-owner of KASK at 51 North Street, said: “Last year I got to 22 December and realised I hadn’t bought any presents at all and was also pretty short on the food and drink essentials. So I started in the middle of East Street and walked to the far end of North Street, and three hours later all my shopping was done, and along the way saw a lot of friendly faces and got my exercise for the day in. There’s so much choice right outside our door, there’s no reason to spend

our money elsewhere.” Anna Clements, owner of Mon Pote at 217A North Street, said: “This will be Christmas number eight for us on North Street and every year people tell me they are trying to do all their shopping locally. As traders we try very hard to have great quality products to enable our customers to shop locally. We would love our customers to help spread the word by using the #BS3Xmas hashtag to show others what they are buying or doing. I have my eye on several items and I’ll be using the hashtag to share my purchases with pride.” Here are some examples of BS3 businesses encouraging you to shop local this year: Frankenstein Press opened this year at 31 North Street as a printmaking studio specialising in traditional printmaking techniques. They’ll be hosting a mini Christmas market on 16

December with plenty of local makers, mulled wine and festive vibes. Rhubarb Jumble Vintage at 52 North Street is all about cool things for cool people and is a treasure trove of thoughtful gifts. KASK at 51 North Street is offering the chance to enjoy a Christmas wine tasting any day during December but if you want to give a little bit of KASK to friends and family on Christmas Day, they also offer a Christmas wine tasting kit including five small bottles of wine and accompanying wine cards with stories about the winemakers and suggested food pairings. You can pre-order your Christmas Cheese selections at any time between now and 17 December from North St Cheese Co at Number 55. We’d suggest getting in early and beating the queues.

Independent Design Collective at 76 North Street has been voted as one of the top 100 small businesses in the UK by ‘Small Business Saturday UK, which is celebrated on 2 December. They sell items designed and made by more than 40 Bristol-based artists, such as prints, jewellery, kids clothing, pottery, beauty products and more. North Street Gallery at 135 North Street is running a Meet The Artists evening between 3-7pm on 16 December. Join them for a glass of fizz and meet a number of their current wonderful artists. Mon Pote at 217a North Street specialises in Scandinavian designed homewares and complement these with locally produced gifts. The Christmas home selection includes glassware, candles, lights and quilts.

Christmas at

Shop our decorations, homeware and gifts in store or online: 217A North Street, Bristol | www.monpote.co.uk

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southbristolvoice

December 2023

n NEWS

It’s all glitz and glamour for Mavis, 99 Mavis Scott felt that 99 was the perfect age to get her ears pierced... and that South Bristol was the perfect place to do it. The resident of Trymview Hall Care Home, Westbury on Trym, had previously had her ears pierced and her beloved husband always loved to see her wearing beautiful earrings. However, after her husband’s death during the Covid pandemic, she felt she could no longer wear them as it was such a sad memory and eventually her piercings closed over. Residents at the home are encouraged to think of wishes of any kind, small or big, which the staff try their utmost to grant. Having decided that she now wanted them pierced again to revive that happy memory and as a tribute to her husband, Mavis travelled to our very own South

Mavis showed that age is nothing but a number as Dean from Tattoo Time pierced her ears Bristol Tattoo Time on North Street, along with lifestyle leader Ross Randall, and bravely faced the needle. Mavis says she can now picture her husband with a

proud smile. The team at Trymview want to thank Dean from Tattoo Time, who pierced Mavis’s ears free of charge due to her being their

oldest customer. For more information about the care home, contact Nicola. Wolff-Donitz@careuk.com or call 0117 9115 659.

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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD Fraud and cybercrime are the most common criminal offences in the UK. As the threat continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to remember one thing - most of it can be prevented. By following just a few steps, you can make it harder for fraudsters to steal your money or personal information when online, on the phone or at your front door.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

December 2023

n WHAT’S ON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

‘He’s behind you!”

PETER PAN Showing at the Bristol Hippodrome from 2-31 December. Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love in this highflying pantomime adventure. Leading the cast is renowned British actor and TV detective David Suchet in the iconic role of Captain Hook. Joining him is Steps singer and musical theatre star Faye Tozer as The Magical Mermaid, Bristol panto favourite Andy Ford as Smee who is returning for his eleventh pantomime appearance, while the panto dame is played by cabaret star Ceri Dupree as Mrs Smee. The cast also includes Hugo Rolland as Peter Pan, Molly Farmer as Wendy and Carly Joan Furlong as Tink.

OLIVER TWIST Head to the Tobacco Factory between 1 December and 21 January. Written by Olivier award-winning Bristol playwright Adam Peck and directed by Tobacco Factory Theatre’s new Artistic Director Heidi Vaughan, in her first production for the company, this classic story will come alive in a riotous fashion as Oliver escapes the workhouse to join the outrageous escapades of Fagin and co. This promises to be a bright and big-hearted production as Tobacco Factory Theatres brings a festive adaptation of this famous tale to Bristol with a belly full of cheer. You will leave the theatre shouting for more!

ARABIAN NIGHTS Over at Bristol Old Vic now until 6 January.

This offers a daring heroine, captivating songs and a timeless story of wonder and hope. Schere has the quickest wits, greatest courage and most marvellous stories. Now she plans to liberate every young woman in the Kingdom from the greedy, tyrannical King. All through the power of her storytelling. But can she do this alone? And is the first person she has to turn to really her annoying younger sister? As their mission grows more complicated, the sisters turn to the people of the Kingdom to join their cause. Working together, they overcome old grudges and petty disputes to find their collective voice. Together,

they light up the Kingdom with magic, excitement, unity and hope in the festive season. CHRISTMAS TROLLS For one day only (two performances, one at 11am and another at 2pm), head to the Southville Centre on 17 December.

Join Tig and Mig, in this lively, interactive and festive show perfect for family audiences. Mischievous trolls Tig and Mig 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

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Protect your money. Don’t feel rushed into handing over money or financial information, take time to think about it and talk to someone you trust.

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Your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over the phone, email or text, be aware of unexpected contact. If you are asked for personal information check that it’s genuine, call them directly using contact details on their official website or correspondence.

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CREATE STRONG RANDOM PASSWORDS FOR YOUR DEVICES KEEP YOUR DEVICES UP TO DATE VERIFY WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO ONLINE, OVER THE PHONE OR EVEN AT YOUR DOOR

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If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or alternatively call 0300 123 2040. If you receive a suspicious email report it to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you receive a suspicious text forward it to 7726 (free of charge)

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

southbristolvoice

December 2023

n WHAT’S ON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 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. This is suitable for ages 5-11 years. The show is 45 minutes long. BS3 SANTA Come to the Hen & Chicken from 16-23 December, with two shows a day at 10.15am and 11.30am.

After three sell-out years, comic actor Stewart Wright is returning to bring the Father of Christmas to life. He’s reunited with actor and circus artist Ben Kirby as Sven the Reindeer Handler. Guaranteed to bring a sense of fun, laughter, and anticipation to all. There’ll be music, sleigh bells, and bucketloads of Christmas spirit.

Santa can only bring the gift of laughter, joy, and bedtime-ruining excitement. They will do their best to deliver your children’s Christmas wishes on Christmas Eve… with your assistance. THE WISH Visit Southville’s acta Theatre from 9-14 December.

Find yourself in an enchanted realm of wonder this Christmas with ‘The Wish’, a spellbinding family theatre show that will transport you to a magical land where sorcerers wield their power, gargoyles come to life, and birds can talk. Delve into a heartwarming tale of family and fate, as two sisters who were separated at birth each decide it’s time to search for their destiny. Join acta Company for an unforgettable play that will kindle your festive spirit, delighting audiences of all ages.

Let The Wish bring you holiday cheer and leave you believing in magic. ROBIN HOOD & HIS MERRYWOOD CREW For one day only at the Hen & Chicken on 10 December.

Suitable for all ages, the BS3 Community Pantomime in a Day gives you an opportunity to tread the boards. Scripted, rehearsed and performed in just one day, this year’s production requires actors, costume makers, prop builders and more. The day starts at 10am, ready for the evening’s performance at 6.30pm. All profits will be split equally between Cancer Research UK and BS3 Community Development Charity.

n NEWS

Christmas parkruns Every Saturday at 9am, in parks all over the UK, thousands of runners gather to enjoy a free weekly 5k organised run. And at Christmas and New Year, there is the opportunity to enjoy a ‘bonus’ parkrun on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This year, the volunteer team at Ashton Court parkrun have decided to take a break, which means that Blaise Castle will be the nearest local parkrun hosting a bonus event on Christmas Day. And Pomphrey Hill parkrun is the nearest event hosting a bonus event on New Year’s Day. However, at the time that we went to press, not all of the events had announced their decisions. So runners are advised to visit the website for latest updates: parkrun.org.uk/ special-events/

Winter water health check Don’t get caught out by the cold this winter – follow our top tips to stay warm and leak free. 1. Protect exposed pipes Wrap them up with lagging. If they freeze they could burst and leak. 2. Check your outdoor taps Look for drips (these can cause frozen pipes). Wrap them up too. 3. Find your stop tap You’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency.

4. Look after your boiler Check your boiler is serviced so it’s fighting fit to keep you warm all winter. 5. Going away? Don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC), to help stop your pipes from freezing while you’re away.

Get more information at bristolwater.co.uk/winter

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

December 2023

n NEWS

Young people reveal Youth Zone’s new name ‘224’ has been revealed as the new name for South Bristol’s Youth Zone, after 4,250 young people took part in a huge vote. The brand was unveiled at a special celebration event at local charity Youth Moves, who will run the new Youth Zone, by its Young People’s Development Group, which has led the process throughout. Guests included local young people, schools, community partners and Deputy Mayor Cllr Asher Craig. Working alongside local design agency Lucent, the group developed a number of exciting brand concepts before taking two, ‘Beyond’ and ‘224’, out to a young people’s public vote, visiting schools and other organisations with ‘224’ coming out on top with 62%. The meaning behind 224 is that it stands for Today, Tomorrow, Forever, representing how long the Youth Zone will be supporting South Bristol’s young people. It will be open today, it’ll be open tomorrow and it’ll be open forever – seven days a week. ‘What you do today will affect you tomorrow and impact you forever’ is the tagline that the group came up with, meaning that the Youth Zone will help young people make positive choices about their lives that will have a lasting impact. The group, which will also be involved in a number of other stages of the Youth Zone’s development ahead of its opening in 2025, talked guests through the design and voting process before unveiling the new brand. Young People’s Development Group member Fin said: “I believe the branding process allowed me to connect and explore the surrounding community in Bristol. I’m thrilled to see the new brand begin to come to life with the new Youth Zone and can’t wait to share with the community the excellent opportunities we’ll be providing over the coming years.” Lily, also a member of the group, added: “So far this process has been such an amazing experience and something I thought I’d never be part of, especially at this age. To have basically full control on

Above and below: Young people gather to celebrate the announcement of the Youth Zone’s new name of 224

naming, designing etc is amazing and I can’t wait for the future and see what things we have to come.” Lucent Agency Managing Director David Key said: “It’s been a privilege for the Lucent team to get involved in this project. The Youth Zone is going to change so many lives for the long term and have such a positive effect across South Bristol. Working with the Youth Development Group has been mind-blowing. Such passionate, intelligent, inspirational young people who have clearly done a fantastic job, and care so much about ensuring this Youth Zone delivers for everyone.” The Youth Zone is being developed by award-winning local charity Youth Moves in

partnership with national charity OnSide. This will enable Youth Moves, who will run the centre, to support an additional 4,000 young people, aged between eight and 19 or up to 25 for those with additional needs. It will be based on 14 similar OnSide Youth Zones operating across the country and will be filled with energy, inspiration, and highly-skilled youth workers who truly believe in young people. Young people will be able to access over 20 activities every night, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training – all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit. Youth Moves CEO Alistair Dale said: “I want to say a huge thank

you to the 4,250 young people who had their say on branding our Youth Zone and, of course, to our incredible Young People’s Development Group who led the whole process with such passion and energy throughout. It is only right that young people made the decision to create a brand that truly represents them, and reflects Youth Moves and OnSide’s commitment to putting young people and their opinions first. I’d also like to thank our wonderful friends at Lucent, who generously gave their time and expertise to turn the young people’s amazing ideas into an exciting reality.” The Youth Zone, which will be located close to the roundabout which connects Hartcliffe Way and Hengrove Way, will be funded by a range of private and public sector contributions. Earlier this year, OnSide was awarded a Youth Investment Fund grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport which secured the remainder of the Youth Zone’s construction costs, which also includes £4.2million from Bristol City Council. The Council will also contribute £400,000 towards the Youth Zone’s annual running costs. Councillor Asher Craig, Cabinet Member for Children Services, Education and Equalities, said it was vital that young people in South Bristol have agency in the new Youth Zone. She said: “The launch of the name and branding for the new South Bristol Youth Zone is an exciting milestone in the journey of this world-class youth facility. “It’s important that the young people of South Bristol have been instrumental in the process for choosing the name and creating this eye-catching branding. This milestone is another demonstration that the investment being made in youth services in South Bristol is one being led by and with young people in mind. 224 will truly be a Youth Zone for Bristol; by the young people of Bristol.” The Young People’s Development Group is open for any young person in South Bristol to join and anyone interested should email info@ youthmoves.org.uk.

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

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24 16

December 2023 June 2023

ADVICEFROM FROMAAPHARMACIST PHARMACIST with withAde AdeWilliams Williams ADVICE

Helping booked, to de-stigmatise mental health Flights passport ready – don’t forget your travel jabs!

When discussing mental health, we can quickly move to sharing wellbeing and self-care tips. This is important, but let’s also talk about kindness and stigma. 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year, with around 1 in 6 people reporting experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England. Anyone can get a mental health problem, and the causes of mental health problems can be very complicated. Higher risks are linked to adventure, several factors, TRAVELLING can be such a great including social inequality and culture. disadvantages, discovering local food and No discrimination and social surprise that the travelexclusion, industrychallenges has beenwith physical health and traumatic experiences. reporting a post-pandemic international The groups people are we know thatoff arebucket-list more travel boom.ofPeople ticking likely to be affected include whoholiday identify destinations, heading offPeople to exotic as LGBTQIA+, Black Black British people,gap Young destinations, andor taking up delayed women agedor16-24, people withtooverlapping year travel career breaks recharge and problems homelessness, substance seek newincluding experiences. For many, it is notmisuse the and contact with theholiday criminalbreak justiceor system. Social lure of a five-star a safari Justice matters. adventure; going abroad is the chance to Everyone copeswith and responds differently meet up again friends and familywhen after times are tough for them. Beabout gentleduring with yourself the separation brought the and those around you. Just becausethe others seem to cope, pandemic years. Whatever inspiration there is no wrong or be in any reason forright the or trip, it is way vitaltotomanage do so safely.

situation. Don’t ever judge others. Many things impact our lives differently: family situations, national and international events, health and relationship issues and financial pressures. Don’t expect to always feel okay or be perfect at everything; do also make allowance for others too. We must urgently remove the stigma attached to taking medications to manage our mental health. It can be awkward to speak with someone about their mental wellbeing, but always remember, a thoughtful message/act communicating you care for them and areDiscovering supportive makes lot of difference. So just do/ youradestination country’s say so! system is not usually on your wish list health can all boost our mental wellbeing by or We a memory to cherish. Still then, worryingly, avoiding social and building stronger and there could beisolation up to 42 million trips abroad closeryear relationships. Pursuing shared interests and each where the traveller doesn’t seek volunteering buildsadvice a sensebefore of belonging and selfany travel health heading off... worth. aside the Channel 4 documentaries, Putting Get Active.the Physical fitness activity you know, oneshealth whereand ‘Unfortunate releasesstranded chemical changes in your brain, person on a hospital bed inwhich can help to change your mood positively. paradise’; travel insurance was not taken Evidence shows that something’); consuming junkoutEat(‘Iwell. knew I had forgotten unhealthy food cover hurts your mood waistline. or invalidated (‘I did notand know they Consider also Vitamin supplements required me taking to have travelDjabs’)... the in the winter months. additional costs and anxiety could become boundaries and limit your time on social media; anSet endless nightmare.

Many countries will have health risks that require vaccinations for protection. The first thing to do is to contact your local GP to find out about availability for NHS travel health consultation and obtain records of your previous vaccinations. Many people’s records will now be available on the NHS app. Getting all the information together saves time and ensures you only obtain the required private vaccinations. The recommended time to seek health advice is eight weeks before your trip. Going on a last-minute? Don’t panic, just get touch withfocus Bristol Travel ClinicCherish on 0800 thisincan help you on other things. Duvet 7723575. Time because good sleep boosts your mental health. Our prices reflect our by ethos that money Connect with the outdoors watching through a should be a at barrier accessing health window,not looking trees ortowatching birds fly past. services. Wethe also offer treatment to delay Try to enjoy moment, whatever you’re doing. periods on GP holiday and for Speakwhile with your if you have hadhelp a lowwith mood altitude If you for moresickness. than 2 weeks or inare thenot lasttravelling month you but need to protect from have beenvaccinations bothered by feeling down,you depressed chickenpox, or anyyourself other are workor hopeless; ifMeningitis things you’reBtrying not related weare canhaving help.suicidal thoughts,. helpingrisks, or if you To get advice or and book an appointment, Society’s language understanding of mental call Bristol Clinic health and Travel wellbeing still on has 0800 further7723575, to go but at complete online query Bedminsterthe Pharmacy, we will form alwaysatoffer our time to bristoltravelclinic.co.uk orfor drop into listen and care. Just come in a chat in our private Bedminster today. We’ll yougift consultation Pharmacy room. Let Kindness alwaysget be the ready for wherever your journey takes you. we share.

n NEWS

The future of Victoria Park Lodge A group of Master of Architecture students from UWE are working alongside Victoria Park Action Group (VPAG) and Green councillors Ed Plowden and Lisa Stone to understand what the community would like to happen to the old park keeper’s lodge in Victoria Park. This is the Victorian building on the top of the hill near the Somerset Terrace park entrance. Via an online survey, the UWE students are aiming to start a conversation to understand how locals would like to create a positive change for the lodge, enabling members of the community to use it in a variety of ways. At this stage, there are no immediate plans for change as a result of the survey, because getting Park Lodge transferred to community ownership and fundraising to enable restoration and change will take a long time. The survey can be accessed here: tinyurl.com/ yjb6ucye

Ian

THE BRISTOL SOUTH SPACE PROGRAM

The park lodge. Picture: VPAG

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December 2023

n FEATURE

Letters from a Totterdown Postman While working as a South Bristol postman between 2019 and 2022, Bedminster-based Tom Dymond felt the artistic muse strike and he was prompted to put pen to paper and write his second book. Jane Williams caught up with Tom to find out more. Tom’s first book was ‘Hooked On The Horizon’, which he selfpublished a few years ago and is a travel book inspired by his own sailing trip around the world, which he and a friend undertook before Tom moved to Bristol. His new book, due for publication on December 4, is called ‘Letters From a Postman: A Year of Walking the Walks’ and combines travel writing with a spot of local history. Tom explains: “I thought there was a travel book in being a postie. It is a travelling job, and travel writing really interests me. So I thought it would be a good challenge to mould the two together. At heart, I look at it as a travel book but there are some other elements to it as well.” ‘Letters From a Postman’ is very anecdotal and goes into a lot of what happens in the sorting office, where all the posties congregate at the start of the day. For Tom, that was the sorting office on Mead Street, close to the Fowlers motorbike shop. “The book tries to lift the lid on what happens when posties get together because they’re seen as solo workers but actually they spend a lot of time together, and when they come together it’s very amusing and chaotic, so I’m trying to draw that out,” says Tom. But that’s only half of the book. “The other half is me out on my rounds, pondering, thinking. I try and draw out some local history, as well, particularly in Totterdown, and I also think about things on a larger scale. It’s a meandering, pondering book.” The local history aspect mainly

Former postman Tom has just written his second book centres on Totterdown, where Tom’s postal routes were largely based, after he started finding out more about how the area had been radically changed by developers in the 1960s for a new road that, ultimately, never came, despite the community that had been bulldozed to make space for it. “Because I posted to Totterdown for a while, I found out quite a lot about the history of it and got into the weeds of what happened there and how all the buildings got built as a correction for all the wrongs that were made,” says Tom. He did most of his research online because, as is well publicised in the news these days, “posties don’t have a lot of time to talk to people these days

as they’re under so much pressure. The book is fairly political as it talks about the pressure these workers are under now, especially since privatisation, so trying to show some support.” Reflecting on his years as a postman and his decision to move on, Tom says: “I really enjoyed being a postman but it’s not a job that you can climb a ladder in, there’s no progression. You enter at a level of postie and then the only thing after that is management, but those two things are so distinct that a lot of management have never been posties, they’ve come from other sectors. So it’s a steep learning curve when you first join. Once I’d got to the top of that curve there

was a ceiling and I found myself a bit bored. So now I do two things. In the winter, I help to produce and publish the Yachting Pages, which are like Yellow Pages for the super yacht world. The other thing I do is, in the summer, I distribute the Yachting Pages around Europe. I do come back to Bristol in between the trips, but quite a lot of the summer and autumn is spent abroad, delivering once more, and I really enjoy the variation.” ‘Letters From a Postman: A Year of Walking the Walks’, by Tom Dymond, will be published on December 4. For more information and for stockist information, visit tsdymond.com

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December 2023

nN EWS FROM BS3 COMMUNITY – THE CHARITY THAT RUNS THE SOUTHVILLE CENTRE AND THE CHESSEL CENTRE BS3 Community Annual General Meeting

Save the date, all are welcome. We are holding our 2023 AGM on Thursday, 25 January at 6pm at The Chessel Centre, 47 Chessel Street, Bedminster BS3 3DP. Along with many of our fellow BS3 charities, we continue to develop new offerings and services and strive to reach as many residents as we can. We certainly have some exciting things planned, and we would love to have the opportunity to tell you more about our goals for the future. Please join us to hear more about our current services, get an update on our progress against our charitable aims over the last 12 months, and view a presentation and discussion of our future plans. Please email aimee.wentworth@ bs3community.org.uk to RSVP.

Cosy Christmas

Join us for some festive film events at our Southville centre. On Thursday 14 December, 5-7.30pm, we’re showing the comedy festive film ‘Elf’. There will also be Christmas crafts, hot and cold drinks, and snacks available from our café, including mulled cider, hot chocolate, and mince pies. On Saturday 16 December, 10.30am-1pm, we’re showing the heartwarming animated festive film ‘The Grinch’. There’s also a fun choir singing and handbell workshop from the local community choir Break Out Voices - no experience necessary. Plus hot and cold drinks, and snacks are available from our café. More information available on our website and social media. Book through our Eventbrite page, or call us on 0117 923 1039.

n NEWS

The kindness of strangers for kids People at Knowle Methodist Church have been donating shoeboxes for the Rotary Club to send overseas for some years, and this year is no exception. Carol Wakeman and Yvonne Powell have been combing car boot sales for months and collecting gifts, money and boxes from friends, neighbours and members of the congregation to put together a stack of more than 70 boxes which will go to children in Moldova, at Christmas or later in the year. Although it is quite time consuming, Carol and Yvonne say it is a rewarding job because they are so often overwhelmed by people’s generosity. For instance, car boot stall holders frequently give them toys for free. On one occasion, Carol stopped

to collect some toys from two little girls who had set up a stall of outgrown toys outside their house, and when she tried to offer them some money in exchange for their toys, they said ‘no’ and rushed inside only to return with extra items, baby clothes and other things that the family were delighted to give to children who don’t have the things that we enjoy. Rev Sally Spencer said: “When we hear much in the news about how children are suffering, it is good to see the goodwill that also exists among ordinary people. This is a good news story about how it takes just a little commitment and energy to bring the best out of people right across our communities.”

Food Club Award

Well done to Jackie Smith and her team of volunteers. Our BS3 Food Club won an award at the FareShare Social Impact awards. It’s well deserved for all their

hard work. Our Food Club is a community enterprise providing affordable food for families and people in the BS3 postcode area. For more information, contact food@bs3community.org.uk

Artistic crowdfunder Local ceramic artist Emily Gibbard is crowdfunding to create three giant ceramic totem sculptures. Working at Windmill Clay Studio at Windmill Hill City Farm, Emily will make each ceramic section by first throwing it on the potter's wheel and then manipulating it while the clay is still wet. Pieces will be torn, bent, pushed and stretched to create sculptural representations of the female form. Emily says: “My aim is to produce an installation of biomorphic sculpture which explores different configurations and perceptions of the human form. The work will invite the viewer into a world of playful body representation as they walk among the totemic sculpture, connect with familiarity and ambiguity, and consider elements of sexuality.”

Emily has been selected to exhibit the work on the global stage at the international Collect Art Fair in London in February. After the exhibition, the work will be on display in Bristol. You can support her project in return for an original and unique piece of handcrafted artwork by visiting crowdfunder. co.uk/p/see-me-ceramic

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

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December 2023

n FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE

The future of the Colston statue Many lessons can be learnt from what happened in the past, especially when many of the impacts are still felt today. Understanding our history remains as important as ever. Since the day that Colston’s statue was pulled down in June 2020, particularly during its temporary display at M Shed, Bristol has come together to ask important questions about our city’s heritage. We must continue trying to make a better, fuller history. It was through the We Are Bristol History Commission that we held a citywide conversation about the future of the statue and how we can build and present a better understanding of our history for this generation and the next. Nearly 14,000 people responded to the commission’s survey, with residents and people from further afield taking part. The vast majority (80%) of Bristol

residents who responded agreed that the best place for the statue in future was in one of our museums. The History Commission made the same recommendation in their report. To help make this a reality, an application to regularise the legal position of the listed asset, away from its plinth, has recently been submitted which will go to a planning committee early in the new year. It was submitted following discussions with Historic England, the government advisory body responsible for designating listed buildings, as part of the preapplication process. Alongside this, a new M Shed exhibition is being developed and will open in March, refreshing the theme of ‘protest’ in the People Gallery. This will include Colston’s statue as part of an exhibit focusing on racial injustice. More

details on the exhibition will be released nearer the time. The progress that has been made so far is a testament to the strength of feeling in Bristol and the dedicated work of all those who have been involved. I thank them for all they have done before the History Commission formally comes to an end in November. The work they have started will be taken forward by the Bristol Legacy Foundation, which has more plans for acknowledging our city’s history in the trafficking of enslaved African people. If we want to be a city that is fully inclusive and fair to all, then race equality is a topic that needs to remain firmly on our agenda. Great strides have been made but the conversation is by no means over. Standing together, we remember what happened before us, agree what happens

Marvin Rees shares his views with the Voice right now and create a legacy of our own that sits proudly alongside our history and not in its shadows. As 2023 draws to a close, I want to wish all residents across South Bristol a safe, peaceful festive period and a happy New Year.

n NEWS

Bank wins Blue Ribbon at Good Food Awards Following thousands of entries and votes during this year’s Good Food Awards, Bank in Totterdown has been named among the 2023/24 winners. Just months after being listed as one of Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants, Bank has now achieved the Good Food Awards’ coveted Blue Ribbon for excellence in food quality, service and value. Established to champion and support local, independent eateries that craft delicious food, the Good Food Awards recognised Bank this year for its regularly changing sharing menu, seasonal focus and casual, yet refined environment. Using diner nominations, feedback, votes and online reviews during the assessment process, as well as hygiene ratings from the Food Standards Agency, the judges selected Bank among only a handful of other restaurants in the city.

Jack and Dan celebrate Bank’s win at the Good Food Awards Alongside head chef and co-owner Jack Briggs-Horan, founder Dan O’Regan relaunched

Bank earlier this year, introducing a contemporary wood fired menu, made for

sharing. This latest award comes following a raft of praise and accolades for the neighbourhood restaurant’s new offering, which makes the most of the South West’s incredible produce, while taking inspiration from fire cooking tradition across the globe. Dan O’Regan said: “It’s always really nice to receive any award, but it certainly means a lot when it’s based on diner reviews, votes and feedback. “We’re blessed with a wonderful and loyal customerbase, many from the Totterdown community which is such a big part of our identity, so we would like to thank them all for their votes and also their enduring support, as we’ve adapted, grown and developed since first opening our doors. We’ve got some exciting plans for Christmas and early 2024, and can’t wait to take our fire-cooking concept into the winter months.”

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December 2023

n NEWS

n PILATES

Sona Pilates with Leanne Copley I love Christmas but it can take extra conscious effort on our part to fully embrace it and maintain our wellbeing at the same time. A friendly reminder to be mindful of keeping your balance among all the Christmas craziness and turn this time into a period of extra care for you and your loved ones. Among the festivities, my top tip is to stay hydrated and be aware of the foods that stress your body, as they will be everywhere this season. I like to tell myself to enjoy but no need to overindulge and pay the price tomorrow. It is a funny time of fairy lights and expectations so try to get into nature each day and ground yourself. Whilst there you have the perfect opportunity to focus on your breathing, take a moment of calm for yourself and re-energise. For many, it is a time of stress, overwhelm, reflection and loss. How you are feeling is real and it is OK to feel these emotions. Try to name the emotions, acknowledge them by journaling and watch them thaw. Who you surround yourself with can support and invigorate you, so choose your company with your wellbeing in mind. too. In the studio, we will continue classes up until 20 December, with your physical and mental wellbeing a top priority, as well as the odd mince pie and glass of fizz together as a community. Check out our timetable at www.sonapilates.com

Can you help people struggling with unmanageable clutter? Making Space, Bristol’s only service supporting people with hoarding tendencies, is urgently seeking new volunteers to expand its work across the city. Naomi Morgan, Making Space caseworker, said: “Since we started this project the need for our service has rapidly grown and the pandemic has had a huge effect on the number of referrals we are receiving. We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about helping people. We need caring and empathetic individuals who are up for a challenge to work alongside people in their homes.” Compulsive hoarding is often a hidden issue and can severely impact people’s quality of life. Accumulated possessions are a barrier to living safely and comfortably at home preventing repair works and delaying people coming out of hospital.

Naomi added: “The people we support require a compassionate, patient and therapeutic response, helping individuals understand why they gather possessions and why it’s challenging to let go of them, as well as developing a plan for clearing the house and coordinating the clearance.” Volunteers need to be able to give two hours a week of their time. Everyone receives training on how to work on a one-to-one basis with tenants supporting them to gradually organise and let go of possessions. Volunteers will travel across the city, visiting recycling, re-use and donations centres. In addition to the Making Space project, services also include making bathrooms accessible, home adaptations, handyperson services and practical support after leaving hospital.

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December 2023

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Feel good feasting with the Community Farm If you’re looking to support local businesses while tucking into top notch, organic produce this Christmas-time, make sure you buy everything you need for your festive feasting from The Community Farm. From bumper veg boxes to organic meat boxes with all the trimmings; to delicious nut roasts and carefully selected cheeses, they’ve got you covered. You and your loved ones can tuck into nourishing, organic produce safe in the knowledge that you’ll also be supporting their mission to grow healthy food of the highest quality, whilst continuing to care for our environment and communities. They’ve also got some incredible charity projects that they’re supporting this year. Once again they’ll be joining forces with Caring in Bristol, to feed people who are vulnerable throughout the Christmas week. When you buy your food from them, you’ll have the opportunity to add gift vouchers which provide two meals for people who are homeless. Or you can buy a Christmas veg box with an added donation. Last year their customers’ generosity meant that they were able to send

£1,200 worth of fresh veggies, 19 halal beef joints and £300 in cash to the project. This contributed towards 660 breakfasts, 1,050 served lunches and 525 delivered meals for people experiencing homelessness. They’re determined to do even better this year! They’ll also be delivering boxes full of organic produce, all sourced from their network of local farmers and producers, to around 200 families in need in Bristol, funded by Holiday Activities and Food Programme, department for education. The families have been identified by Bristol Council’s Families in Focus who, along with the family’s support workers, will be delivering the Holiday Hampers as part of their visit to families in the week running up to Christmas day. Now that’s something to celebrate! The Community Farm is an organic farm that grows, sources and delivers climate-friendly food across the local area. They are community-owned and not-forprofit. Find out more at thecommunityfarm.co.uk

n NEWS

Monopoly forgets us! The much-hyped new Bristol Monopoly board has been released in time for Christmas, although there aren’t too many South Bristol locations that made the map... While Cllifton and the City Centre are well served with lots of locations represented, the vast area of South Bristol has just four squares out of the 32 across the board. Ashton Gate Stadium is rightfully there as one of the biggest venues in the city. Brislington’s Imperial Sports Ground is also on the board. There are also two South Bristol-based businesses, in the form of the Bristol Blue Glass company and Cameron’s Balloons, which is also there to represent the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

have yourself a local, organic Christmas Get top-notch organic produce delivered to your door this festive season from less than 15 miles away

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December 2023

n NEWS

Alan remembers East Street’s glory days in new song

Reclusive, South Bristol, singer-songwriter Alan Stilton recently made the journey from his caravan on Novers Hill to Bedminster to shoot a video for his new single ‘The Day the High Street Died’. This new song is Alan’s wry and poignant look at the tragedy currently unfolding in South Bristol and around the country. It is the first release from Alan’s forthcoming album ‘Fresh Eggs’ and Alan says it will no doubt cause laughter and raise eyebrows in some corners of the city While enjoying a cup of tea during a break in shooting, Alan

said: “I remember this street [East Street] when there was a Woolworths, 25 pubs, a sweet shop and a record shop. Look at St Catherine’s Place now! Oh blimey.” The video was filmed on East Street and sees Alan pass a number of key locations while lamenting the loss of shops such as Woolworths, Argos, Iceland, Dixons and Boots, and also expressing his concerns about the number of high rise developments going up. The video is available on YouTube at youtube.com/watc h?v=LOXU7ubgugA&feature=y outu.be

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Support our independent shops this Christmas CHRISTMAS thoughts are undoubtedly turning to shopping: please buy local and support our fantastic independent shops this winter. We have a huge bounty of small, independent shops, selling everything from toys to plants and records to hampers. They’re the beating heart of the West’s communities, doing much to enrich our lives. But they’ve faced huge challenges - soaring energy bills, record inflation, and the cost-of living crisis. That’s created a perfect storm for many stores. It’s why I’ve been offering £15,000 green grants for pubs, cafes and others, so they can install more energy efficient equipment. I’m proud of this. Companies are cutting their bills and CO2 emissions by seven tonnes on average - great for their wallets and our precious planet.

One group I met recently, who’ve started their Christmas shopping, are care leavers benefiting from a new West of England-wide free bus travel scheme I’ve just introduced. The youngsters joined me on board a WESTlink minibus and told me about how the scheme means they can better access work, get to appointments, enjoy more days out, and, yes, grab bits and bobs for loved ones at the shops, too. I then went from a bright green WEST link to a 41-tonne lorry! HGVs are crucial in the Christmas shopping story, ensuring festive goods in our stores. But we’ve all seen the impact of a regional and national shortage of drivers, in terms of empty supermarket shelves and prices being driven up, all adding to the ongoing cost-ofliving crisis. It’s why I created a scheme last year to recruit and train new HGV drivers.

While it was not easy, I’m pleased to say we have recruited over 230 in 12 months. And, of course, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, sometimes travelling across the West to do so. The good thing for those with December birthdays is they can do that by hopping on the buses – for FREE. So, if it’s your birthday coming up, please enjoy the festive season in style by getting your Birthday Bus pass - details at www.birthdaybus. co.uk. We’ve recently had a little taster of chilly weather, but I know for many, reports of ice and snow don’t bring hope of snowman building! It’s why I’m once again running a ‘Keep Warm this Winter’ drive, as it is vital to stay above 17°C, especially if you’re ill, an older person, or have young children. Fuel costs are still

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris writes for

Kingswood Voice frightening, so please check out the top tips at www.westofengland-ca. gov.uk/keepwarm. Finally, I know Christmas can also be a tough time for many people having to work over the holidays. Thank you to those who keep everything running while the rest of us relax and celebrate, for all that you do.

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December 2023

n HISTORY

A South Bristol story of survival On the face of it, the life of Harriet Bolt seems unremarkable. But what makes Harriet’s story unusual is that her granddaughter Sheila Hayward researched her life and recorded it in the book Harriet’s Family. Historian and ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’ author Jane Duffus takes a look at Harriet’s story. Harriet Bolt (1885-1967) was born into a working-class family in Whitehouse Lane, Bedminster, married at 19, bore children and ran a small but prosperous grocery shop in Easton. She didn’t start a school or enter politics or invent something which changed the world. In Sheila Hayward’s fascinating biography we learn so much about Harriet’s family, living conditions and what life was like for an everyday woman living in South Bristol through two world wars, the great depression and into an era of consumerism. The stories of ordinary women are so rarely recorded in this much detail and that is what makes Harriet’s story so important. As a child, Harriet saw her parents struggle to keep a roof over their heads and feed their children. But despite her father’s alcoholism and the domestic abuse he rained on her mother (Sheila records it was common for wives to walk around sporting bruises and injuries with no attempt at hiding them, such was the ubiquity of the assaulted woman), Harriet grew into a fair and caring woman. Harriet’s parents had run a successful grocery shop on North Street, Southville, when she had been a child, meaning Harriet and her siblings had grown up learning to help in the shop, with Harriet showing an aptitude for balancing the books. Unlike many of her peers, Harriet was able to read and write well, and she was particularly adept with numbers. She married her first husband at the age of 19. He was miner William Fricker, with whom she had daughters Alice and Lilian, although they were yearning for a son to complete their family. Harriet was devoted to her husband who was a wonderful father to their daughters, and was distraught when he was killed in an explosion at the mines in April 1911. The shock caused Harriet, who was only 26 when she was widowed, to miscarry the baby she was pregnant with at the time, and her elder daughter Alice (five years old at the time) was struck dumb for months by her grief. As a child, Harriet had been taught to sew by her mother and drew on this skill to bring in enough work to keep her daughters and herself going in the ensuing years. She also successfully petitioned the mining board to provide an income for her daughters, since their father had been killed at work. However, this was far from a sexism-free experience. Describing her experience petitioning the Miners’ Board for financial support, Sheila writes that Harriet struggled to persuade the Board to take her seriously as an intelligent young woman: “The Board, all men, conferred, and decided that Harriet did have a case, she should be awarded a lump sum, to be paid out to her at no more than five shillings a week.” But Harriet had wanted all the money upfront so she could buy a grocery shop and earn enough money to look after her daughters independent of

‘Harriet’s Family’ tells the full story. handouts. The Board had other ideas: “They saw in Harriet a young, attractive woman who might conceivably squander all the money and then become destitute, in spite of their generosity.” They declined Harriet’s request for financial independence, assuming her to be irresponsible and predicting she would end up penniless and in the workhouse. The injustice of this to an intelligent and sensible woman like Harriet was infuriating; she simply wanted to draw on her experience of the grocery trade and her skills with bookkeeping to provide for her family. Leaving the Board meeting, Sheila writes: “‘Can’t manage my money!’ Harriet thought indignantly, but she was too dispirited to take issue with the Board. ‘If I had been a man of 26 they wouldn’t have said that. Why are we women so looked down on? We do as much if not more than men to hold a family together.’” This was neither the first nor last time Harriet would express her frustrations at the way women were treated as lesser beings than men. It was 1911 and women were lobbying the government for the right to vote and to be treated as equal citizens, although this was not a cause Harriet had time to engage in: she was too busy being a working single mother to her young, grieving children. Eighteen months later, Harriet married again, this time to carpenter Fred Lewis, who was besotted with his new wife and treated her daughters as if they were his own. The family moved to Easton and when an opportunity arose

for them to buy a small grocery shop on Bloy Street, Harriet borrowed the money and defied the naysayers at the Miners’ Board by making a huge success of the business. When Fred was sent away to World War One, Harriet kept her shop and daughters going while grieving for two of her brothers who had been killed in the war and constantly fearing the news that her second husband had also been killed… but thankfully Fred survived. During World War One, women all over Britain had pulled together to keep the country running while so many men were away fighting. And in 1918, some women were granted the right to vote provided they met certain criteria: if they were over 30, owned property, were married to a property owner, or were a university graduate. Needless to say, many of the women who had campaigned so hard before the war for the right to vote were still unable to vote as they didn’t meet these strict criteria and Harriet was one of those for whom the 1918 Act made no difference. Although she had not been directly involved in the suffrage campaign, Harriet still felt frustrated that women of her class were being ignored by the government: “‘Looks as though poor women are being excluded again,’ thought Harriet. ‘Suppose they don’t count still.’” In September 1920, Harriet, now in her mid-30s, gave birth to Fred’s daughter Edna and the couple were delighted to have a child of their own. Resourceful as ever, Harriet juggled looking after a newborn baby with running the shop, but eventually tired of the hard physical labour involved in shop work and, in the late 1920s, now in her 40s, Harriet and Fred decided to sell the Bloy Street shop. They bought a house in Eastville, in a newly-built area which was part of the expanding Bristol suburbs. It was a real sign of things changing: “The house was a brickbuilt pebble dashed semi, with bay windows upstairs and down, making the house much lighter than the Victorian and Edwardian houses Harriet had previously occupied,” writes Sheila. “She loved her new house; the windows opened easily, compared to the old sash windows, and all the plumbing and wiring was neatly concealed in the walls.” The Heath Road house was the envy of all her family and still stands today. Harriet lived at Heath Road until she died in 1967 at the age of 83. Fred had died a few years earlier and, just as she always had, Harriet devoted her time and energy to looking after her extended family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sheila’s book Harriet’s Family is a wonderful testament to the legacy of this strong and resourceful Bristolian woman who lived through an extraordinary period of history, seeing fast changes in every aspect of society.

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December 2023

The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver A history of pantomime in Bristol

A pantomime combines music, dance, slapstick comedy, and audience participation. The genre has its origins in ancient Greek and Roman theatre, but it wasn’t until the 16th Century that it evolved into the form we recognise today. In Bristol the first glimpses of pantomime emerged in the 18th Century and the pantomime tradition took firm roots during the Victorian era when the city became alive with productions. Theatres in Bristol were filled with entertainment, hosting a variety of performances, including melodramas, music hall shows and, of course, pantomimes. The late 19th Century marked a golden era for pantomime in Bristol. Theatres such as the Prince’s Theatre, Hippodrome and the Bristol Old Vic drew in large crowds with extravagant productions featuring popular characters like ‘Cinderella’, ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Dick Whittington’. The Prince’s Theatre was on Park Row and was built in 1867. On 27 December 1869 an awful tragedy occurred during the pantomime season, sadly 18 people, mostly children, were killed in a crush as they tried to get into the

theatre for a performance of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ which had opened the previous day. The theatre is no more having been destroyed by bombing in 1940 in the Bristol Blitz. In more recent decades, pantomime in Bristol has adapted to changing tastes while preserving its core elements. Every Christmas, the Bristol Hippodrome, the Tobacco Factory Theatre, the Redgrave Theatre, the Bristol Old Vic and the Wardrobe continue to show pantomimes that combine traditional

with contemporary flair. Renowned actors, comedians and performers all grace the Bristol stage, bringing fresh energy to these beloved tales. For those of you wanting to have a go yourself, whether young or old, the BS3 Community Pantomime in a Day gives you an opportunity to tread the boards. Scripted, rehearsed and performed in just one day, this year’s production is ‘Robin Hood and his Merrywood Crew’ on Sunday 10 December. As well as actors, we also need help to make costumes, props and the set itself. The full day, starting at 10am, is just £25 for children and free for adults. Of course you can also just come along for the performance itself at 6.30pm for £5. All profits from the pantomime tickets will be split equally between Cancer Research UK and BS3 Community Development Charity. For more info, visit ticketsource.co.uk/ robinhoodandhismerrycrew Happy Christmas, everyone! Jacqui Ham

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December 2023

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Watch out for festive online shopping scams AS we approach the festive season, I would like to warn local people to take extra care when shopping online. During the Black Friday and holiday sale events last year, almost £10 million was lost to criminals. One common tactic used to defraud victims is the use of fake websites that are purporting to be reputable companies. These websites are created to look identical to the real website they are imitating and will advertise items but at a much cheaper price than retail price to entice victims. In reality, these websites are fake and the victim will never receive the item they have paid for. To protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime I advise that the public follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign: Stop: Taking a moment to stop

and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe. Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud, online at actionfraud. police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. We recently marked Respect for Shopworkers Week. The purpose of the week is to support retail workers and ensure the general public understands the key message that abuse is not part of the job. I am keen to meet with shop owners and work together to help reduce retail crime in Avon and Somerset and support workers in the sector. I have convened a new national group, the E-Scooter Safety Forum,

to discuss issues around micro mobility. The first meeting was held earlier this month, and I look forward to updating you with my progress on this. The third week of November was the annual Road Safety Week. As road safety is one of the areas of focus in Priority One of my Police and Crime Plan, I’m very supportive of the work Avon and Somerset Police do in helping to reduce collisions and traffic accidents. I am a member of my local Community Speedwatch group and regularly attend meet-ups. Community Speedwatch is a national initiative where proactive members of local communities join with the support and supervision of their local police to record details of speeding vehicles using approved detection devices. Together we can help reduce speeding. Unfortunately, so far in 2023

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December 2023

n WILDLIFE

The Birds of Bedminster By Ben Barker, Secretary, BS3 Wildlife Group The Greater Bedminster Urban Nature Reserve has two aims: encouraging people (that’s you, dear reader) to improve habitats and discovering what wildlife lives in the area. We’ve talked vaguely about there being 30-40 bird species locally. Some can be seen daily across the area, others more rarely. Common groups include two gulls - lesser black-backed and herring; three pigeons - feral, wood and collared dove; and four crow -: magpie, carrion crow, jay and jackdaw. Gardens are important for small birds, so let’s add blackcap, dunnock, goldfinch, three tits (blue, long-tailed and great), robin, house sparrow, wren and blackbird. Also in the garden you might still see starling, green finch and chaffinch, but much less frequently than in the past. Predators are never as numerous as their prey, but the top bird predator in BS3 is probably the sparrowhawk. Another larger bird occasionally seen is the greater-spotted woodpecker. There are several water habitats in BS3 with their own wildlife, so let’s add cormorants on the New Cut and mallard duck, moorhen, little egret, grey heron and kingfisher. All are rare apart from ducks. I’m tempted to add pied wagtail, song thrush and coal tit as well as redwing and fieldfare, but these are in small numbers and the last two are only likely to be seen in a severe winter when Bristol’s heat island attracts them from the countryside. My list is 35, what’s yours? What about night birds? Do send your comments to mywildbedminster@virgnmedia.com We know that some birds are less common than 20 years ago. What will be our list be like in 2043 and 2063?

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December 2023

n WHAT’S ON Every Wednesday, Bedminster Methodist Church, Drop-In Life Drawing. Come and join the small friendly group. We meet every Wednesday morning, no need to book just come along. 10am-12noon. £10 per session, £5 concs/students. This is not a taught course, bring your own materials. Every Friday, Tobacco Factory Cafe Snug, Tech and Talk Social Group, 10.15am-12pm. The modern world is more connected than ever, yet many older people find themselves grappling with loneliness and struggling to keep up with technology. Improving Lives of Older People run a weekly free Talk and Tech social group designed for individuals aged 55+. This group empowers older adults to master their mobile phones, tablets and laptops but also is a warm and welcoming community, complete with complimentary tea and coffee. Call Jacqui on 07956 962 422 for more information. December 1, Fortfield Road Community Centre, Whitchurch

Art Club Craft Fayre. 2.30-6pm. Free entry with affordable gifts to buy. Plus refreshments, raffle. Contact: avril.csve@gmail.com for more info. December 3, Arnos Vale Cemetery, Christmas Market. There’s festive fun for all the family at the Christmas market. There’ll be music from local artists and choirs, unique, highquality gifts made by local smallbusiness owners, and delicious food from the café and food vendors. December 9, in the sky above Stafford Yard on Dalby Avenue, Bemmy Bauble. As the sky goes dark, look up as the special Bemmy Bauble is hoisted up by a crane to be viewed from all across Bedminster. 10th December Breakfast church 8-9.30am For families that do sports on Sundays or for families that just want breakfast. Dress in your kit or pj’s. Cost £3 per person . At Knowle Methodist church. Enjoy stories, games, singing and lots of fun. Contact Kavita 0117 9076752 to book your place.

December 10, Southville Centre, Play in a Day Workshop. Acting Out and Bristol Art Junkie team up for the Christmas show, which will be ‘Robin Hood and his Merrywood Crew’. The workshop is from 10am-4pm. The cast will rehearse, make props, craft scenery and design costumes in preparation for the evening’s performance at 6.30pm. Tickets for the evening show are £5. All profits go to Cancer Research UK and BS3 Community Development Charity. December 12, Tobacco Factory, Factory Singers Christmas Extravaganza. The Factory Singers invite you to don your Christmas hat and your jingle bells. Join them in the warmth as they sing wintry songs with a twist from performers such as Justin Timberlake, Nina Simone and Florence and the Machine, as well as some Christmas classics. December 13, Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol Film Festival. Looking for the perfect festive family outing? Come to the Anglican Chapel for a night of movie magic. There’s fun for all the family with screenings

of classics ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Edward Scissorhands’. Grab a drink and a snack from the kiosk and relax. December 14, Bristol O2 Academy, Fun Lovin’ Criminals. The legendary NYC trio are marking 25 years of their classic album ‘100% Colombian’ and will be playing it in full, plus hits from across the decades. December 22, Jubilee Pool, Winter Solstice Swim. To celebrate the shortest day of the year, there will be two extra swim slots at 5.30am and 6.30am. There will also be porridge and hot drinks available afterwards. The swim is free for members or £5.50 for non-members. Visit the pool’s website for more information. January 10,Ashton Vale Community Litter Pick. Meet at 10am at the grit bin on Silbury road, to litter pick on Avebury and Silbury Roads. Hi vis jackets, litter picks and rubbish bags are provided, but bring your gloves.

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December 2023

n WICKED WITCH

In witch white gold causes a stink I was strolling along a Dorset beach near our caravan with Himself and our friends Mr and Mrs Shrew, it was a glorious day with a stunning angry sea. The shoreline was awash with debris, and we ambled along enjoying the winter sunshine picking up bits of plastic. “Hold up!” cried Mr Shrew, “wait a minute, something looks interesting here”. We gathered around to gaze at a white mottled lump of what looked like rock. “This…” he whispered, eyes sparkling, “is ambergris.” We looked at him blankly. “Whale vomit,” he explained, carefully turning the lump in his hands and then giving it a good sniff. “Smells a bit off, which is good,” he assured us as we backed away. Turns out that ambergris is rare and valuable. Step forward Mr Sperm Whale, this glorious beast feasts on squid and cuttlefish,

the nutrients are extracted and the waste product trundles along to the whale’s intestines and binds together. This waste slowly becomes a solid mass of ambergris, growing inside the whale over many years. There are conflicting opinions on what happens next, some say the whale vomits this out but others think it eventually explodes from the rectum - ouch. Ambergris is used by highend perfumeries to make scent last longer on our skin. In 2021, fishermen found a 127 kg piece of ambergris off the coast of Yemen, valued at £1.2m. Our 240g find could be worth thousands. Mr Shew carefully carried his treasure back to our van where it was studied against pictures on the

n PLANNING APPLICATIONS Application No. 23/00320/ CP. 16 Garnet Street Bristol BS3 3JT. Proposed rear dormer construction to facilitate loft conversion. Applicant Liz & Andrew Viney. Decision: Certificate of Lawfulness be issued. Application No. 23/00448/H. 104 Ashton Drive Bristol BS3 2PT. Proposal Single storey rear extension. Applicant Mr Laing. Decision: Granted subject to condition(s). Application No. 22/04164/F. 1 Birchwood Road Bristol BS4 4QH. Proposed dwelling house on the side garden of the existing dwelling. Applicant Mr Bala. Decision: Refused. Application No. 22/05147/F. Texaco Brislington Hill Bristol BS4 5AD. Proposal Retrospective application for the installation of an ATM. Applicant Notemachine UK Ltd Decision: Granted subject to condition(s). Application No. 22/05148/A. Texaco Brislington Hill Bristol BS4 5AD. Proposal Internally illuminated cash sign above the ATM and green LED halo illumination to the surround.

Applicant Notemachine UK Ltd. Decision: Granted subject to condition(s). Application No. 23/00479/H. 19 Jersey Avenue Bristol BS4 4QU. Proposal Rear extension and raised decking area. Applicant Mrs A Hadi. Decision: Granted subject to condition(s). Application No. 23/01566/CP. 28 Conway Road Bristol BS4 3RF. Proposal Dormer loft. Applicant K Francis. Decision: Certificate of Lawfulness be issued. Application No. 22/05943/X. Bathurst Basin Bridge Commercial Road Land Between The A370 Long Ashton Bypass In North Somerset And Cater Road Roundabout Cater Road Bristol. Proposal Application for the removal of conditions 4, 10 and 13 following grant of planning application 16/05853/X for the variation of condition number 18 - Phase 1. for planning permission. Applicant Bristol City Council Decision. Decision: Refused. Application No. 22/03183/ COND. Perry Court E-Act Academy Great Hayles Road Bristol BS14 0AX. Proposal

internet. Authenticity experiments were carried out: a hot pin was poked into its core which smoked and melted and then shown to Scrappy Little Dog who licked her chops, lots of boxes ticked. We excitedly spent the money in our heads - holidays, cars, houses, maybe a new roof for Jubilee Swimming Pool. We enjoyed the dream. I emailed various specialists: one was a scientist based in Plymouth who told me that he has stopped testing for ambergris as he got so much abuse when telling treasure hunters their find was nothing more than sewage waste. Sewage waste? A piece of fatberg from our sewers? No way. We were confident that our lump of white gold was

Application to approve details in relation to condition 5(further site investigation), 6(remediation strategy), 7 (remediation strategy implementation) and 20 (public art) of permission 19/04258/F Perry Court Construction of a new, 3-form entry primary school and 45 place nursery on the playing fields of the existing Perry Court Primary School. Applicant Bristol City Council. Decision: Condition application decided. Application No. 23/00447/H. 9 Littlewood Close Bristol BS14 0JQ. Proposal 2 Storey side and single storey rear extension. Applicant Mr Churches. Decision: Granted subject to condition(s). Application No. 23/03157/ NMA. Car Park Parkview Office Campus Whitchurch Lane Whitchurch Bristol BS14 0LA. Proposal Application for a non-material amendment of permission 22/04361/X amendment to the wording of Condition 39 (Playground) regarding the occupation of the first home on site and the implementation of the playground - Now proposed that Playground is implemented not after first home, but after 75 percent of homes occupied. Also proposed removal

indeed gold. Our dreams were dashed a few days later as the various specialists all returned the verdict that it was not ambergris. This confirms that we’ve handled, sniffed and poked at a lump of old sewage from the bowels of our country or a passing cruise ship. The next day someone found a bag washed up on the same beach containing huge blocks of cocaine, part of a haul that has been washing up on South West beaches. Imagine finding that! Apparently there is a litter picker on the Isle of Wight that the police (and, no doubt, the underworld) are looking for, after some went missing from a reported find there. We will stick to looking for fossils.

(and replacement) of trees near the site access. Applicant Keempoat Homes. Decision: Non material amendment - agreed. Application No. 23/00364/H. 7 Spring Gardens Bristol BS4 2TZ. Proposed first floor rear extension. Applicant Mr Malcolm Smith. Decision: Granted subject to condition(s). Application No. 23/01106/CP. 18 Tennis Road Bristol BS4 2HG. Proposal Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed loft conversion with flat-roofed, rear dormer. Applicant Jason Barnes. Decision: Certificate of Lawfulness be issued. Application No. 23/01579/A. Redcatch Court 1A Redcatch Road Bristol BS4 2EP. Proposal Non-illuminated 1no. Fascia sign and 1no. projection sign, 2no. illuminated window frames and window vinyl band. Applicant Tui UK. Decision: Granted subject to condition(s) . Application No. 23/00079/CP. 78 Greville Road Bristol BS3 1LJ. Proposal Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Use or Development Dormer addition on the rear roofs. Applicant Mr Tweedy. Decision: Certificate of Lawfulness be issued.

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December 2023

n PUZZLE PAGE

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

NOTE After feedback from readers, we have made The Fiend SLIGHTLY easier!

N 1

E V

E 4

R D

E A

E 3

Coronation Road Bristol BS3 1RL. Proposal Certificate of proposed development for a rear dormer. Applicant Honey Berry Homes Ltd. Decision: Certificate of Lawfulness be issued. Application No. 23/03079/COND. Plot 4 Land At Little Paradise & Stafford Street Bristol BS3 4DE. Proposal Application for approval of details in relation to condition 26 of permission 22/02556/X Application for the variation of a condition 36 (List of approved plans and drawings) following grant of planning permission 21/05297/X - Application for the variation of a condition 37 following grant of planning permission of

1 2

1-3 Ashton Road Ashton Bristol. Proposal Application for approval of details reserved by Condition 20 (Noise from Plant and Equipment) of 22/05985/X (which varied permission 18/04367/F (Partial demolition of existing buildings and structures to provide a mixed-use development comprising 107 residential units, office workspace and flexible commercial space with associated car parking, servicing, landscaping works and infrastructure (Major).) Applicant Abri. Decision: Condition application decided. Application No. 23/02942/CP. 233

Application No. 23/00405/CP. 48 Beauley Road Bristol BS3 1PY. Proposed dormer construction to facilitate loft conversion. Applicant Ms Kirstin Hogg. Decision: Certificate of Lawfulness be issued. Application No. 23/01122/CP. 26 Fairfield Road Southville Bristol BS3 1LG. Proposal Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed new, rear dormer and ‘Velux’ roof lights to front roof slope. Applicant S & B Potter & Gittens. Decision: Certificate of Lawfulness be issued. Application No. 23/01186/COND.

n PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Down 1 46228483 (8) 2 37323 (5) 3 633333 (6) 6 236473 (6) 9 749 (3)

Txtpert

Rules the same as the Fiend, but only four numbers in each box, row and column

Easier sudoku Solutions

Across 1 47533 (5) 4 7243 (4) 5 24273 (5) 7 2843 (4) 8 84643 (5) 9 723 (3) 10 3689 (4)

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N T

6 9

R I N T

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I W

9 2 7 5 8 6 3 1 9 5 7

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The FIEND

18/06722/F. Applicant Dandara Living Developments Ltd. Decision: Condition application decided. Application No. 23/03762/HX. 37 Lime Road Bristol BS3 1LS. Proposal Notification of Prior Approval for the erection of a single storey rear extension that would exceed beyond the rear wall of the original house by 5.19 metres, have a maximum height of 3.40 metres, and have eaves that are 2.80 metres high. Applicant Ms Fiona Welch. Decision: Prior Approval not required. Please note: the status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at bristol.gov.uk

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December 2023

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07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £119 1/4 Load Load £119£119 Half Half £169 Half Load Load Load £169£169 3/4 Load 3/4 £229 3/4 Load Load £229£229 Full Load Full £299 Full Load Load £299£299

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