South Bristol Voice May 2024

Bristol local elections –your essential guide

All you need to know as the city heads to the polls on May 2

VOTERS will head to the polls in Bristol on Thursday 2 May, to decide which politicians should run the city. Seventy seats on Bristol City Council are up for grabs and the results will likely have major impacts on everybody living and working in the city.

The race is expected to be closely fought between Labour, who have been in power since 2016, and the Greens, who have risen in popularity in recent years and already have more councillors than Labour. The Conservatives and Liberal

Democrats could also play a key role as kingmaker.

This election will see a switch in how the council is governed. Since 2012 Bristol has been led by a directly elected mayor, first the independent George Continued on page 4 >

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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:

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

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

n PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Welcome

Hooray, after weeks of neverending rain, the sunshine appears to be here – quick get out and enjoy it!

Take a good look at our hand-picked selection of things to do in What’s on (p27), as there’s a wealth of things to choose from within the city!

With so many beautiful parks as well in south Bristol, we hope to see you in one of these this May!

Ahead of the local elections for south Bristol wards and the Police and Crime Commissioner role, we have invited all candidates to take part in a

special editorial round-up. There is a lot of information for you to digest, so take your time to read each candidate’s bio and top priorities, so you can choose who’s best to represent your ideas in our local community (p9-13).

Ruth

Continued from page 1 >

Ferguson, and then Labour’s Marvin Rees. But in a city-wide referendum in 2022, Bristol chose to scrap the mayoral model and move to a committee system instead.

Critics of the mayoral model said too much power was invested in the hands of one politician, leading to some unpopular decisions. Supporters said having one strong leader enables more decisive action to take place, while a committee system could lead to excessive dithering.

The main difference is voters directly choose a mayor, who cannot be removed by councillors halfway through their term. Meanwhile under the committee system, councillors will decide among themselves who should become a council leader, and power is spread more evenly. This could lead to more collaborative politics, but also more indecision and bickering.

Labour currently has 23 councillors in Bristol, after the recent resignation of one of their members from the

party. Cllr Zoe Goodman quit in protest at Labour’s stance on the war in Gaza, and is now an independent. Under the mayoral model, the party has remained in charge as the mayor can decide who to appoint to his ruling cabinet, despite not being the largest party.

The Greens currently have 24 councillors in Bristol. Last year they won two by-elections, in Hotwells and Harbourside where they took the seat from the Liberal Democrats and became the largest party, and then in Bishopston and Ashley Down where they kept their seat. One of their former members, Cllr Jude English, was suspended from the party and is now an independent.

The Conservatives have 14 councillors, and face an uphill battle in this election due to the dire state of the national opinion polls since Liz Truss briefly became prime minister in September 2022.

National popularity of political parties — or unpopularity — tends to affect local results, despite local councillors having little say or

involvement in issues such as the mortgage crisis.

The Liberal Democrats have five councillors in just two wards in the south-east of Bristol, Hengrove and Whitchurch Park, and Brislington West. The party has suffered a long drop in popularity in Bristol since 2010 when they had over half the seats, but also entered into a coalition government with the Conservatives.

The Knowle Community Party has two councillors, unsurprisingly both in Knowle, who were in the Liberal Democrats until a recent spat. This will be their first electoral test, to see if voters will boot the new party out or support them.

Knowle is expected to be closely fought by Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, particularly due to the plans to redevelop Broadwalk Shopping Centre.

To win a majority in the council, one party would have to win at least 36 seats — a big leap for the two largest parties, Labour and the Greens. One likely outcome would be a coalition, with one of the

smaller parties such as the Conservatives making up the numbers. Based on the current number of councillors, Labour and the Tories would together have 37 seats, for example.

This means the final outcome might not become immediately clear once all the votes are tallied up. Last year in South Gloucestershire, talks lasted two weeks after election day,

before the Liberal Democrats and Labour announced they had finally agreed to form a coalition.

While Labour and the Conservatives would prove unlikely teammates, both parties have worked together in Bristol to pass the last two council budgets. Another option would see the Liberal Democrats help either Labour or the Greens

form a coalition, with more in common politically.

Labour and the Greens have already published their manifestos, but the other parties haven’t yet at the time of writing. Both manifestos focus on getting much more affordable housing built, upgrading the city’s bus services and asking the government for powers to control rents.

One key difference is the Greens are calling for a workplace parking levy, which would fund improvements to public transport, while Labour are still promising a mass transit system. The Conservatives have promised an “end to the war on motorists”, after recent increases in fines for drivers and new parking fees.

Photo ID is now needed at polling stations following the government’s introduction of a controversial new law to clamp down on electoral fraud. Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, or older person’s bus pass.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, we’re the people to talk to.

Bristol local elections are expected to be a closely fought battle

Local volunteers plant over 15,000 trees

A record-breaking number of trees has been planted by the Bristol-based charity, Avon Needs Trees

LOCAL charity Avon Needs Trees has just achieved its biggest tree planting season yet across its sites in the Bristol-Avon River catchment, with over 15,000 trees being planted by 1,000 local volunteers.

Avon Needs Trees CEO Dave Wood said: “We are delighted to have planted a record-breaking number of trees this winter and couldn’t be more grateful to our wonderful volunteers who made this possible.

“It’s truly heartwarming to see local communities coming together to help create new, permanent woodlands which provide a huge range of benefits for both people and the planet.

“We want to give a massive thank you to everyone who has got involved this season.”

Several local organisations

and businesses have also got involved with planting the new woodlands, including local charities Black2Nature and Chew Valley Plants Trees, as well as students from local schools and universities.

The majority of trees (some 14,000) planted this winter

were at Great Avon Wood, a 113-acre woodland project near Pensford which is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority alongside other partners, and delivered in partnership with Forest of Avon Trust.

In total, 35,000 native trees are

being planted at Great Avon Wood with the help of local volunteers. Planting is expected to complete at Great Avon Wood by March 2025, with the charities aiming to plant 14,000 trees next season. To find out more, or if you would like to get involved, go to www.avonneedstrees.org.uk

Emma Vincent and Lisa Pearson

Avon Needs Trees plants a ‘record-breaking’ number of trees with the help of a team of volunteers and local charities Black2Nature and Chew Valley Plants Trees

Haven for wildlife & migratory birds needs cash

A new wetland in South Bristol described as a haven for wildlife and migratory birds needs cash to help protect the area...

... but a local councillor’s bid for funding support was rejected after she was criticised for trying to “bump through” the project without supplying any written information.

Just under 19 acres of the Ashton Vale fields are protected as a village green, meaning the land cannot be built on and must remain accessible to the public. The expansive marshland near the Feeder Road Metrobus route and Longmoor Brook lies on the south-western edge of Bristol.

The project could include a new education centre, bird hides and a raised walkway. Councillors on the public rights of way and greens committee on Monday, April 15, were asked to support a funding bid, but were told they couldn’t see details as the “council system doesn’t take PDFs”.

Green Councillor Tessa Fitzjohn, chair of the committee, said: “It was a town and village green that went through in 2014. They have a wetland area which is much-

loved, and there’s a series of houses that overlook it.

“I brought in some MA architecture students from the University of the West of England in 2022, to help me write a report about how the area could be conserved and restored for public use. It’s an SNCI [Site of Nature Conservation Interest] and it has a really impressive list of migratory birds and resident wildlife.

“I would like your approval to agree that we should be going for some funding to restore the marsh and fulfil this dream. I haven’t

set it round because it’s a PDF, and I can’t do it on the council machines.”

Usually councillors are provided with detailed written reports, ahead of public council meetings. This is especially the case when asking to spend money on public services, due to the need for scrutiny, transparency and good governance.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Jos Clark said: “I’m really confused. So you’ve brought a report to us that we’ve had no sight of, it hasn’t come via an officer, and you want funding for it. This is obviously a

pet project of yours. You can’t just bump things through.”

Labour Cllr Chris Jackson added: “Until I can see a report and know what I’m voting on, I can’t really do anything.”

They were later told that funding would come from a “private award given to wetlands”, although the details of this were not given.

PDFs, short for portable document format, are a way of sending and sharing documents easily, and they can be attached to emails for others to read.

According to Adobe, who invented the format, PDFs can be opened, viewed and printed “on any hardware (computer, tablet, and smartphone devices), software, or operating system (Windows, Linux, Mac OS) you’re using”.

On an adjacent field to the marshland, Bristol Sport has planning permission to build 510 homes. Money raised from the Longmoor Village development will be used to fund a new basketball arena at Ashton Gate for the Bristol Flyers.

By Alex Seabrook Local Democracy Reporter

Festival of Nature to return this summer

The 21st annual Festival of Nature, the UK’s biggest free nature festival, returns this June, bringing mermaids, dinosaurs and the smallest cinema you’ve ever seen!

A mermaid, CBeebies’ Andy Day, wildlife presenter Nadeem Perera and BBC Radio One’s medical expert Dr Radha Modgil are just a few of the names that will be popping up in Bristol and Bath in a few weeks as part of the 21st annual Festival of Nature.

Officially the UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world, running from 1–9 June 2024 across the two cities, the festival offers a packed programme of over 70 events and activities, including wildlife walks, workshops and talks, green crafts, music, and exhibitions, and much more. Highlights include:

● Wild Weekend on Bristol’s Harbourside on Sat 1 & Sun 2 June. Two days of family-friendly

nature activities, exhibitor stalls, wildlife film screenings, talks and performances and special guest appearances

● The chance to have an enchanting marine encounter with ‘real-life’ mermaid Hannahai Pearl. Take a ‘shellfie’ with her and learn more about how to help our oceans on Sat 1 June

● CBeebies superstar Andy Day and his interactive family show Dino Raps on 2 June, with a meet and greet after the show

● A series of talks and screenings in the former IMAX theatre at Bristol Aquarium, including Nadeem Perera’s family-friendly show I like birds, do you like birds?; Lira Valencia exploring the hidden corners of the cities to find the secret world of city wildlife; and renowned insect expert George McGavin taking audiences into the world of minibeasts.

The final day, Sun 9 June, brings the festival’s first Community

Day, celebrating the actions being taken by communities all across the two cities and beyond. A map of activities and locations will be available for people to get out and explore new community groups, gardens and goings-on.

Savita Willmott, chief executive of the Natural History Consortium, said: “We want to see more people than ever come along

to be inspired, try something new, visit a place they haven’t been to before and get involved with an environmental project.”

Most of the events throughout the festival are completely free, and audiences can tune in from anywhere in the world to any of the events taking place online.

To see the festival line-up, go to: www.festivalofnature.org.uk

Ania Shrimpton ©️ Festival of Nature

Your essential guide to the local elections

WE CONTACTED all political parties with nominated candidates for the south Bristol local elections and invited each candidate to send a short bio,

Bedminster ward

Adam Potter (Labour)

My name is Adam Potter, and I am excited to be standing in the Local Elections in May to represent Bedminster. I have called Bristol my home for 28 years and have been working tirelessly to make our community safer, fairer, and more sustainable for everyone.

I studied Environmental Policy at university and now work as a solicitor in the decarbonisation, urban dynamics, and mobility sectors.

I became active in politics after feeling helpless witnessing the steady decline of living standards caused by austerity. The voices of our community should be at the centre of our politics.

Having spoken to and listened to thousands of our residents, my priorities are to improve access to, and availability of, critical local services and public transport, consult on and implement a match-day parking scheme, and tackle the ever-worsening housing crisis by sustainably increasing our city’s supply of affordable housing.

together with an outline of their key priorities.

Here, meet all the south Bristol local election candidates who agreed to participate.

Emily Clarke (Labour)

I live in Bedminster and I’m proud to be standing to represent my local community. As a public sector worker and a trade union representative, I am committed to push for the change we need.

I love living in Bedminster but I share the frustrations that many raise on the doorstep.

I know first-hand the challenges facing our community, whether that is the unreliability of local transport, the nightmare of parking on match days or the everincreasing cost of living.

I know how difficult it can be to get a GP appointment when you need one and that it’s impossible to register with an NHS dentist in our area.

I will work hard to tackle the issues facing our community to make Bedminster an even better place to live.

Ellie Freeman (Green)

I was chair of Action Greater Bedminster from 2018-2023, working with council officers, developers, community organisations and councillors to get the voices of residents heard and improve the neighbourhood, particularly given the increase in population and development. I also run Storytale Festival CIC, celebrating children’s books. I have worked for Playing Out CIC and in the civil service. I enjoy bringing people together, discussing issues and finding solutions.

As a mum of two living in Southville I know the area well and want the best for everyone living here.

As Green Party councillor for Bedminster with Jaz Beard, my key priorities will be fighting hard for good-quality, affordable housing, ensuring the Liveable Neighbourhood consultation is thorough, fair and transparent and that our green spaces are well cared for.

We will also be listening to residents to hear about their priorities and working hard to ensure these are addressed.

Jasmine Beard (Green)

I am a passionate advocate for Bedminster. I was born and raised in South Bristol, and I proudly call Bedminster home. I live here with my two young children and partner. I work on the frontline of healthcare in my clinical work in the NHS. I have deep roots in our community and unwavering commitment to its wellbeing.

As Green Party councillor for Bedminster alongside Ellie Freeman, I will:

• Listen to people, be present and ensure clear and transparent communication to rebuild trust in areas within communities that might feel ignored or left behind.

• I’ll strive to defend Bedminster’s unique identity as our population grows;

• Tackle issues surrounding road safety and parking ensuring that Bedminster remains secure and accessible;

• Be dedicated to fighting for affordable housing for everyone, not just students;

• and continue to fight to preserve community and green spaces which are essential for quality of life.

Tony Rowe (TUSC)

Hi, my name is Tony Rowe. I’m standing as a councillor under the banner of TUSC.

It’s my belief that too many counsellors come from local business and business communities who only really care about their own interests. We need to address this unbalanced problem by having more working class people in the council to address our issues and to oppose the cuts to our services, and demand more money from the government.

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats candidates for Bedminster declined to participate.

Knowle Ward

Anna Fry (Liberal Democrats)

I work in community healthcare in Knowle and am married to fellow Liberal Democrat candidate, Zac.

I am passionate about engaging and empowering all Knowle residents to have their voices heard at City Hall. I have enjoyed meeting so many residents over the last 18 months, hearing their views and supporting them on various issues from the Broadwalk development to road safety concerns.

My vision for Knowle is one of community cohesion. If elected, in the first instance I will continue to push for improvements to education provision (particularly SEND), public and sustainable transport infrastructure, road and pavement repairs and a fair, proportionate development of Broadwalk.

I have a proven track record of supporting residents and community groups in Knowle and, if elected, will continue to do so.

Toby Wells (Green)

I’m standing for Knowle because I want to be the voice of its people whilst bringing the Green values of fairness, transparency and sustainability.

Zac Barker (Liberal Democrats)

I am a medical records administrator and am married to fellow Liberal Democrat candidate, Anna. I am a seasoned campaigner, with a long track record of campaigning in Bristol on issues such as homelessness and bus franchising. In recent years, I have actively supported Knowle residents in their campaign to demand a proportionate development at Broadwalk.

Like Anna, my vision for Knowle is one of community cohesion. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and supporting residents and community leaders over the last 18 months.

As a starting point, if elected in May, my priorities will be to demand a fair outcome for Broadwalk, to continue pushing for improvements to public transport across the ward and to advocate for improvements to education provision in the ward for all children and young people.

I believe the people of Knowle have been let down by their representatives, and have lost trust in the council’s ability to act in their best interests. If elected, rebuilding that trust will be a top priority for me.

I have an engineering background, working at Airbus in Filton leading research projects for sustainability and future aircraft. I would like to apply my engineering mindset to the council, introducing initiatives to increase the transparency of decision making and the quality of work. For Knowle, the Green Party will prioritise taking back control of the bus network, bringing it into public control and securing a consistent, high-quality service. We will secure investment in parks and green spaces to bring them to a high standard.

Shahab Akhtar (Labour)

I am family man who lives in Knowle, currently working as a solicitor. I volunteer providing legal advice to my local community.

A founding member of a fast-food chain with a branch in Knowle, I am familiar with problems my customers discuss with me about buses, heavy lorries, shops closing and difficulties getting medical appointments.

This country helped me a lot and it’s time for me to give something back to our society.

I will support local schools and work hard to create opportunities for children and young people. I’m deeply concerned with living costs and how the economy is making life difficult for many of us.

I will support proposals for new affordable housing in Bristol, but I am not in favour of multi-storey buildings in residential areas. I will support better public transport and local facilities.

I’m standing as a Green Party candidate for Knowle because I want to give the community its voice back. For too long, residents have been ignored on important issues such as

Living in Knowle for the last 30 years with my family, we have used the local school, shops, library and the parks.

I was employed by Social Services and volunteered with Bristol Child Poverty Action Group and led a welfare rights team. Previously, I was a successful councillor for Windmill Hill.

After retiring, I volunteered as a reading assistant at a local school and as a gardener in Arnos Vale Cemetery. Together with local people, I succeeded in achieving Town Green status for the open area in Callington Road, now much-loved and used.

I will work to make our busy roads safer for all users and improve bus services.

I will fully support local schools and work closely with the police and the community to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

I intend to maintain and improve our green spaces.

the Broadwalk redevelopment and the Eagle House Youth Centre. I want to see a smaller redevelopment that provides much-needed local services, and I will be campaigning to re-open the youth centre.

I work for an apprenticeship training provider, and I am passionate about improving education so that everyone has the foundations they need to build a fulfilling life.

My other priorities for Knowle include improving the bus service so that Knowle is better connected to the rest of South Bristol, and working together with community organisations to secure funding for the area.

Christopher Orlik (Labour)

Cam Hayward (Green)

Knowle Ward (cont.)

Ghislaine Swinburn (Knowle Community Party)

I have lived in Knowle ward for the last 23 years and my local community is particularly important to me. I have been impressed by the dedicated work of my councillors, Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies, over this time and know that their efforts have gone a long way to support local groups, making Knowle a fantastic place to live.

In my NHS role I have years of experience helping people resolve issues. I am a problem solver, I have drive, determination, and tenacity. Within Knowle Community Party I will be in the position to do this for my own community. As a woman, wife, mother, and health professional, I bring different skills and experience to the Knowle Community Party. Together with Gary, I feel that we can offer a well-rounded team to fight for the residents of Knowle.

Gary Hopkins (Knowle Community Party)

I am standing for re-election to represent Knowle and not a national political party. We have made great progress over the last 20 years with supporting organisations like Jubilee Pool and the community garden and a wide coalition of community organisations across the city have supported our stance and the example set.

We can, in the new council environment, negotiate a good deal for Knowle on so many issues. We take a positive attitude and the huge challenge of dealing with a semi derelict and previously bankrupt shopping centre at the heart of our community is a prime example. Now is the time, before submission of detailed planning permission, to negotiate a positive way forward that will benefit our community.

Two years of expensive legal wrangling while the community suffers is no way forward.

The Conservatives chose not to provide any information about candidates in Knowle. Conservatives

Southville Ward

Miriam Venner (Labour)

I grew up in Hotwells and am a teacher and former assistant principal of City of Bristol College and firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives. I have years of voluntary experience with community organisations and am chair of a large South Bristol community and housing charity.

I led the campaign to save the Windmill Pub, which harnessed considerable positive energy within the local community, and I am committed to working with local people to ensure their voices are heard.

Our priorities for Southville come from listening to residents on the doorstep. We will support the Liveable Neighbourhoods consultation and work to build a better-connected South Bristol with improved public transport.

We will lobby for increased infrastructure to help meet the needs of the increasing population within the new flats, including a focus on residential parking and an increase in Social Prescribers to free up GP appointments.

Will Sainty (Labour)

I am a local resident with a career teaching in schools in South Bristol, which gives me a great insight into our community’s needs and potential. I am driven by a commitment to guide Southville through its ongoing development, enhance Southville’s quality of life, and ensure our schools offer outstanding Special Educational Needs provision.

I want to enact real, positive change to uplift Bristol and ensure our local institutions maintain the highest standards for all they serve. Miriam and I will work to combat petty crime and anti-social behaviour through multi-agency services with the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner. We will break down barriers to opportunity by helping South Bristol’s young people access the city’s universities and support the planned Youth Zone. We also want to build on Labour’s record of supporting cheaper and cleaner community-owned energy in the drive towards net zero.

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats

The Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parties chose not to provide any information about candidates in Southville.

Southville Ward (cont.)

Christine Townsend (Green)

I am a born and bred Bristolian with decades of expertise and experience in local education and children’s services and am the Green lead in this area. I have several projects ongoing such as the Warden Road/ Herbert Street residential waste and recycling centre and the Gathorne Road build-out. Others have recently been completed such as the resurfacing work of the Cannon Road mini-roundabout following 18 months of lobbying. One of my proudest achievements is the establishment of a Local History Festival focusing on the ‘lost’ stories of Greater Bedminster. I have also helped secure funds for a memorial to those who lost their lives in the 1886 Dean Lane pit disaster.

My priorities include continuing to provide support on school places, bringing forward the Liveable Neighbourhood scheme in co-operation with residents, and continuing to address issues with HMO licensing. I am also looking forward to helping provide additional NHS dentist spaces by reusing a long-empty building.

Tony Dyer (Green)

A born and bred Bristolian, I have a long established expertise in housing and planning and am the Green lead in these areas. Southville ward has seen some of the largest regeneration projects our city has seen in recent years and

I will continue to work constructively with residents and others to improve development proposals. I look forward to introducing the BS3 Liveable Neighbourhood, ensuring the involvement of local residents and businesses so our public realm can be a safer, more inviting space for all.

Other priorities include: a proper review of Resident Parking Schemes including the option to introduce them into areas where there is local support, and increasing the number of affordable homes being delivered.

Christine and I work as a team with complementary skills that enable us to work effectively for our neighbourhood at a time of considerable change for our area.

Windmill Hill Ward

Su Murley (Labour)

I’m Su and I work in and around the Windmill Hill ward as a manager for Royal Mail. I live locally and love this area of Bristol. You will often find me walking my dogs in the parks or frequenting the independent shops and bars we are so fortunate to have here.

The climate crisis is extremely concerning and I believe this should be at the heart of all decisions and policies going forward. Better public transport and cycling/walking infrastructure are needed. Parking and ratruns plague part of the ward and Charlie and I are keen to work alongside residents to solve this.

Street lighting, more pedestrian crossings and tackling antisocial behaviour are also at the top of the list.

Charlie Mercer (Labour)

I’m Charlie, a Totterdown resident and Victoria Park regular! In my day job I work with tech start-ups working to combat climate change. I’m also a governor at Hillcrest Primary and am involved in a few local groups.

Windmill Hill is a wonderful place to live, and it would be a real privilege to represent our area after the May elections. May represents an exciting opportunity to vote for a plan to really take on the challenges we face in Windmill Hill, and that’s why we’ve already started to take action to push the priorities of local residents.

If elected, we pledge to creatively and collaboratively prioritise action to improve public transport, healthcare provision locally, and reduce barriers to opportunity in the ward and across South Bristol. We look forward to the opportunity to serve Windmill Hill.

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats

Lisa Stone (Green)

In the last three years, I have enjoyed working with lots of community groups getting things done, from finding funds for a small local museum to planting trees across the ward.

I also lecture at City of Bristol College, in Electrical Installations and promote sustainability where I can, and sit on the Environmental Sustainability Steering group.

Personally, I want to focus on building homes that people want to live in, a rent cap so that people can afford to live in them, more green spaces for people to enjoy, better high streets for people to take advantage of, and a low traffic neighbourhood so that people can safely walk through them.

I hope people have noticed their hard-working Green Party councillors and I want to continue to campaign for a fairer, greener society.

Ed Plowden (Green)

I am proud to have worked hard as one of the Green Councillors for Windmill Hill over the last three years, having previously been active locally as Parent Chair of Governors at Hillcrest School.

I enjoy helping people solve problems, both individual and collective, and supporting all our amazing local volunteering groups to improve the local area. My work as councillor and previously a council officer in community safety and in transport means I have the know-how to get things done.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrat Party candidates for Windmill Hill Ward declined to participate.

My focus is to think global and act local; to keep supporting individuals and developing neighbourhood initiatives and volunteering groups. We need to protect our green spaces, support the longterm development of goodquality housing in the right places, and make a success of the major traffic-calming project, for which South Bristol Green Councillors have won substantial funding, as well as getting back public control of our transport system.

Have your say on who runs police

VOTERS are being asked to decide who should be in overall charge of Avon & Somerset police for the next four years.

In just a few days’ time, elections will be held across the region to vote for the next Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, or PCC.

Coming with a salary of £88,600, the PCC's role is to oversee the force, ensuring it is “efficient and effective”.

The PCC's powers include:

● Hiring and firing the chief constable, and holding them to

Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats)

Born in Taunton, has worked in TV news and for a coach company. Former deputy leader of Somerset West and Taunton Council. Male voice choir singer and hospital charity fundraiser.

The Lib Dem plan for the police is:

● Make policing more visible and community-orientated

● Increase prosecution rates for serious and violent crime

● Help police to work with integrity and without discrimination

● Focus on ‘broken windows’ - small crimes that damage confidence and trust

● Predict and provide policing to help tackle rural crime as well as urban crime

● Help make sure offenders don’t do it again – most want to ‘go straight’

account for running the force

● Setting objectives for the area through a police and crime plan

● Setting the budget and determining the precept charge paid by council tax payers

● Contributing to national and international policing capabilities

● Bringing together community safety and criminal justice partners, to 'join up' local priorities.

● Funding crime prevention services

The current PCC is Conservative Mark Sheldon, who was elected to the role in 2021, in an election

Katy Grant (Green)

I am a councillor in Bristol, and an Avon and Somerset Magistrate. Before that, I worked for 20 years overseas with the UN on child protection and violence against women.

As Police Commissioner, I will prioritise preventing crime, working with communities to support youth services and tackle the social causes of crime.

Knife crime in cities will be a focus, with more visible neighbourhood policing and greater services to victims and families.

To address poor performance and prejudice within the force, I will enhance the independence of misconduct panels, while recognising the integrity of the vast majority of officers.

Above all, we will police by consent; and I will work tirelessly with the Avon and Somerset Police to get closer to and re-gain the trust of the communities we serve.

postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic.

He took over from independent Sue Mountstevens, who stepped down having been in the post since it was created in 2012.

The election will take place on Thursday, May 2. Polling stations will open at 7am and close at 10pm.

The Bristol local elections are also taking place on the same day, but the Metro Mayor election is not due until May of next year.

The deadline for registering to vote has now passed, as has applying for a proxy vote (where someone else is allowed to cast a

Clare Moody

Clare brings rich experience from her current role as CEO of a charity to her time spent working in No 10. She previously represented our region as an MEP.

● Investing in neighbourhood policing – to build safer communities and help prevent and solve crime.

● Supporting victims of crime – making sure victims are properly listened to, and get the help they need when they need it.

● Prioritising reducing violent crime – the scale of violent crime, including knife crime and violence against women and girls, isn't inevitable but it needs focus and commitment to fix it.

● Preventing crime – work with agencies across the public sector and civil society to prevent crime and build safer communities.

● Restoring trust and confidence in the police – enabling the police to take pride in high standards.

vote on a resident’s behalf) .

Anyone voting in person will need to bring photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. The deadline for applying for a Voter Authority Certificate has now passed (5pm April 24).

For more information on the election, visit the website www.aspccelections.co.uk

We asked the four political parties who had announced candidates to send a short biography and manifesto to outline their priorities.

They appear in the order they will be on the ballot paper...

Mark Sheldon

Mark has over 35 years of experience of serving our country in the military and local government and has been your PCC since 2021. Resides in Bath with his family.

When elected, Mark pledged more police, a focus on tackling serious crime and to represent every community when holding the police to account. He has delivered.

The constabulary has trained over 1,500 new officers, is the best force for illegal drug disruptions and has seen a 300% increase in rape cases reaching court by designing a nationally acclaimed investigation model. He appointed a courageous Chief Constable determined to restore trust in policing. Mark will prioritise crime prevention, tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women. He remains committed to reducing re-offending, supporting skills programmes for prisoners and ensuring victims receive support.

(Labour)

(Conservative)

n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

Post-exam opportunities

EXAM season will soon be in full swing at schools and colleges across south Bristol.

While it’s an exciting time, I know that sitting exams can be both anxious and stressful for young people and their families –not least because of the difficult decisions that come afterwards.

For this cohort of students, the last few years of education have been particularly challenging. The struggles of remote learning during the pandemic and the chronic underfunding of schools have not made life easy.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone the best of luck and praise the hard work of both students and their teachers in preparing for exams.

I also want to reassure young people and their parents about the number of opportunities on offer to those completing exams,

with many different routes to employment available.

For those who don’t get the grades they need from their exams, or exceed their expected results, it’s important to seek advice about what options are available to you. You can discuss this with your school or organisations offering employment advice.

It’s also useful to speak directly to colleges offering post-16 opportunities in south Bristol – such as Merchants’ Academy, Ashton Park School, City of Bristol College and St Brendan’s Sixth Form College. To access a full list of post-16 courses available in Bristol, you can use the Council’s Post-16 Directory.

Since becoming an MP, I’ve worked to ensure people locally can access support when making a decision.

My annual jobs and apprenticeships fair aims to help students choose the right next step for them. At this year’s event I spoke to many ambitious students, as well as local employers who were eager to invest in training young people – particularly in the skills needed for sustainable initiatives and digital industries.

Unfortunately, businesses have not been supported to provide this training. Under the Apprenticeship Levy, employers have been restricted from investing in upskilling young people, with £1 billion of funding going unspent last year.

A Labour government will work to match the ambitions of young people with the needs of business. A reformed Growth and Skills Levy will give employers greater flexibility to fund training

opportunities, giving more students the chance to learn the skills needed to access good jobs.

Businesses rely on the talent, ideas, and skills of young people to thrive, and students should bear this in mind when sitting exams. Whatever the outcome, you can find a pathway to employment that’s right for you – and I will continue to help students make these decisions.

Karin Smyth shares her views with the Voice

ELIGIBLE people are being invited to have a top-up Covid-19 vaccination this spring. The NHS is offering Covid-19 vaccines to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus –including those aged 75 and over (by 30 June 2024), residents of care homes for older adults, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system.

Eligible people can make an appointment at a GP vaccination clinic when invited. People can also book an appointment at a GP clinic, a local pharmacy or at a community vaccination clinic in the following simple ways:

• Download the NHS App and make an appointment

• Visit www.nhs.uk/get-vaccine to use the online National Booking Service

• Call 119 for free if you can’t get online (translators are available)

The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) NHS area is also offering walk-in vaccinations in community clinics. For details and more information about

Top up Covid-19 vaccination on offer for high risk people

the spring campaign, visit www. grabajab.net.

Vaccinations for people living in the community began on 22

April 2024 and local GPs have also started visiting adult care homes. Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June 2024.

Local GP Dr Dougal Darvill said: “Protection against Covid-19, either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination, can fade over time and the virus can change, so if you are at higher risk of severe illness it is important that you top up your protection.

“For some, particularly older people and those with a weakened immune system, Covid-19 can still be very dangerous and even lifethreatening. If you or your child are entitled to a spring top up vaccination, I strongly encourage you to take up the offer. It’s quick and easy to recharge your immunity and will give you the protection you need for the

months ahead.

“Covid-19 vaccines provide protection against the virus and help reduce the risk of serious illness. The vaccine has saved countless lives, prevented thousands from needing to go to hospital and helped us to live with the virus without fear or restrictions. For local vaccination information, visit www.grabajab. net.”

Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can check online. Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.

Dr Dougal Darvill

Tuesday

Wicklea Academy, Wick Rd, Brislington, Bristol BS4 4HR 5.30pm & 7pm

Wednesday

St Christopher’s Church, Hampstead Rd, Brislington, Bristol BS4 3HN 5.30pm & 7pm

I’m Emma and I’ve been a consultant in BS4 for 13 years after losing 2 stone myself with Slimming World. It’s more than a job; it’s a community. Seeing members change their lives is amazing, losing weight for so many reasons, not just to wear a certain outfit for holidays but to reverse their diabetes, for fertility treatment (lots of SW babies!) and for various different health reasons! It’s a lifestyle change and together with the group in image therapy it helps you learn new ways to cook, shop, eat, plan, and socialise using ‘Free’ foods to fill you up and lose weight for good!! My groups are fun, supportive and so friendly. Come and join us!

www.facebook.com/Slimwithwoodsy

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade

Bedminster Pharmacy Spring Offer: COVID jabs and treating infected insect bites

As I write, it is bright and dry (in the UK); spring has arrived. We are proud to once again step forward to protect our community.

Bedminster Pharmacy now offers a walk-in offer for the NHS Spring COVID-19 booster vaccine. Anyone aged 75 or older with a weak immune system can simply walk in for a jab or book an appointment using the NHS website or NHS App or call 119 using our postcode to search BS3 1BN.

Why another COVID-19 jab? COVID-19 is still a very dangerous and even life-threatening disease for some. With COVID-19 still circulating, those at the highest risk eligible for the spring vaccine must get their jab to help top up their immunity.

As we all know, vaccines work to lower risk, but protection fades, so top-up jabs are offered for those deemed most at risk.

The NHS will send texts, emails, app messages or letters to those eligible – but you do not need to wait for the invitation to book or come in.

This is how the NHS puts it: “We are still seeing

COVID-19 causing hospitalisations and severe illness, particularly among older people and those with weakened immune systems.

“And the vaccine provides the best protection – so don’t put it off. If you’re eligible, book your appointment as soon as the NHS invites you.”

As nature awakens during spring, we see many more people getting insect bites and stings. These are usually not serious and get better in a few days, but sometimes they become infected or cause serious allergic reactions.

Did you know you can now access NHS-funded treatment for infected insect bites at Bedminster Pharmacy, saving you time and need to wait for a GP appointment?

Signs of infection from a bite or sting include pus in or around the bite, swollen glands, increased pain, running a temperature, swelling and redness in and around the bite.

Some useful NHS bite and sting prevention tips:

● Be calm and move away slowly if you encounter

EARACHE (adults and children aged 1 year & above)

SINUSITIS (adults and children aged 12 years & above)

INFECTED INSECT BITES (adults and children aged 1 year & above)

SORE THROAT (adults and children aged 5 years & above)

SHINGLES (adults aged 18 years & above)

URINARY TRACT INFECTION (women, aged 16 to 64 years)

BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS (children aged 30 days to 2 years)

IMPETIGO (adults and children aged 1 year & above)

wasps, hornets, or bees – do not wave your arms around or swat at them.

● Wear shoes and cover exposed skin if outside at sunrise or sunset.

● Apply insect repellent and avoid strong perfumes that can attract insects.

● Never disturb insect nests and keep food and drink covered when eating or drinking outside.

So this spring, as we do all year round, we will be working hard to look after our community, from providing you with your top-up COVID-19 jab to treating a wide range of conditions, saving you trips to the GP, or travel vaccinations for your foreign trips.

Need us? Just call Bedminster Pharmacy on 0117 985 3388

Surge in abandoned pets

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre faces surge in abandoned young animals

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C.) has been inundated with an influx of abandoned young animals, including two litters of kittens, a fox cub, as well as two pups born in the centre (named Spud and Edward) to a mum who had been abandoned without any form of identification – no collar, tag or microchip.

This surge presents a challenge for Bristol A.R.C.’s dedicated team, as it strives to provide care and attention to these newcomers on top of the animals the centre already cares for daily.

As Bristol’s main rescue centre for stray animals, this intake comes at a significant cost, placing immense strain

on resources and demanding valuable staff time. With 621 domestic and wild animals admitted into Bristol A.R.C.’s care in 2023, and kitten season now upon us, Bristol A.R.C. anticipates a continued rise in abandoned animals throughout the coming months.

Each young animal left alone or abandoned faces heightened vulnerability, particularly in their early stages of life, where their chance of survival is

substantially lower. Without this dedicated care on hand, some may not survive.

Jodie Hayward, animal home manager at Bristol A.R.C., emphasises the critical importance of neutering to combat the number of vulnerable animals in our community: “Neutering is paramount to prevent unplanned litters and mitigate the cycle of abandonment, ensuring the wellbeing of both

wildlife and domestic animals. Our ability to provide care for these vulnerable animals relies heavily on donations from our community. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to offer the level of care these animals desperately need.”

Said Hayward: “… we urge the public to join us in our mission to provide care for these vulnerable animals.

“With your support, we can ensure their safety and give them the chance to not only survive, but flourish.”

Bristol A.R.C., founded in 1887, stands as the oldest and largest local animal charity in Bristol, operating as a selffunded organisation.

The charity relies solely on the goodwill of the community to continue helping, healing, and homing countless animals each year.

David Gibbs

The number of young animals being abandoned has risen significantly

Robins Foundation wins community award

‘ADD-Mentor’ crowned EFL Community Project of the Season

On Sunday, April 14, the ‘ADD Mentor Project’ by the Robins Foundation, the official charity of the City, won the Community Project of the Season award at the 2024 EFL Awards in London.

After being named divisional winner for the Championship in this category, celebrated at an event in the House of Commons, Bristol City has been named the overall winner for delivering the most unique and impactful community project of the 2023/24 campaign.

Since its inception, the ADD-Mentor project has supported young people identified by the police as being at risk of going to prison, using a comprehensive mentor scheme to help steer them away from negative influences.

The project sees trusting relationships built between known young people in the community and the mentors (who both have lived experience of the challenges the young people are dealing with) to give them an opportunity to change. Police reports have shown 100% non-engagement with antisocial behaviour with each mentee impacted in year two of the project.

The initiative delivers major impact in the club’s local area, helping to transform the lives of its participants and acting as a

n

catalyst for social change.

Speaking after winning the award, Robins Foundations chief development officer James Edwards, who wrote and secured the funding for the project, said: “We are delighted to win because there were several good projects nominated, but we’ve done it by doing the best we can every single day.”

“The impact has been huge – for example, we’ve helped a girl that was struggling a lot, but she has just passed her GCSEs and is going on to do a sports degree – so it’s important for us to continue helping these people.”

NEWS FROM BS3 COMMUNITY – THE CHARITY THAT RUNS THE SOUTHVILLE CENTRE AND THE CHESSEL CENTRE

BS3 Food Club

We have a community food club, open to anyone who lives within the BS3 postcode area. We provide affordable food to residents who may be experiencing difficulties. A bag of food worth £10-15 is available for £4 per week (please bring a bag).

Food clubs have been set up all over Bristol and are a great way to get a regular box of fresh, nutritious food at the same time as reducing food waste, and we hope it will also be a way of destigmatising food banks.

Our club runs weekly from its new location at the Methodist Church (back hall) on British Road in Bedminster every Friday and supports anyone locally that is economically vulnerable. There is also free tea and coffee available.

To find out more about joining our food club, please email food@bs3community.org. uk or call 0117 923 1039.

WalkFest

Bristol’s popular walking festival is back for the

whole month of May. Over 80 providers are putting on around 200 walks.

So, whether you like historical tours, nature walks, exploring street art, or just want to get fit and enjoy some fresh air, you’ll find something to enjoy.

Our Stroll and Chat group is part of the festival, with our weekly walks around Bristol. If a walk and a friendly chat is something you might enjoy, come along! These are for anybody to take part in, meet others and get an hour of gentle walking exercise.

The group meets at the Tobacco Factory on Raleigh Road every Tuesday at 10.30am, come rain or shine, and starts its walks from there. Our walks always end up with a coffee and more chat.

For more information about our Stroll and Chat group, please email Jo at: info@bs3community.org.uk or call 0117 923 1039

www.bristolwalkfest.com

Fostering a positive mindset

HAVE you ever considered that your thoughts might be as influential as your diet when it comes to your health? It’s a compelling idea: just as we are what we eat, we could very well be what we think. Our bodies are astonishingly responsive to our mental states, reacting in real-time to our emotions and thoughts.

Think about the last time you felt embarrassed and blushed, or how your heart races when you’re startled. These are vivid examples of how closely intertwined our minds and bodies are. Even the mere thought of a lemon or a juicy burger can make your mouth water, illustrating the powerful connection between thought and physical response.

physical wellbeing. Phrases like, “I am on the path to healing my shoulder” can promote a mindset that supports recovery and health.

It’s essential to recognise that while positive thinking alone isn’t a cure-all, it is a powerful tool in our overall wellness toolkit. By fostering a positive mental environment, we set the stage for physical healing and comfort.

This connection extends to how we think about ourselves and our health. Terms like “my bad shoulder” or “my weak back” are not just casual remarks; they’re signals we send to our bodies. These labels can reinforce perceptions of pain

and discomfort, making it harder for us to move beyond them.

Instead, imagine the changes that could unfold if we shifted our internal narratives to more positive and empowering messages. By changing the way we speak about our bodies, we can influence our

As we continue to learn about the dynamic interaction between mind and body, let’s choose to nourish our thoughts just as carefully as we choose our meals. Feed your body positivity and watch as it transforms, reflecting the health and vitality that begin in your mind. Let’s not just care for our bodies – let’s think well for them, too.

Charles Herbert

Chiropractor | Director | Kasa Chiro

0117 370 2680

www.kasachiro.com n

n COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

In focus: Bedminster District Heat Network

ACTION Greater Bedminster’s June Community Conversation will focus on the new Bedminster District Heat Network. Bristol City Leap* and heat decarbonisation partner Vattenfall will introduce the partnership that will deliver over £1 billion of investment into Bristol’s energy system. Joined by representatives from the organisation, the team will be presenting on a range of topics relevant to the Bedminster community including:

• What is a heat network?

• Why it’s being delivered

• Plus updates on St John’s Road temporary energy centre, Bedminster Green and Windmill Hill City Farm works

The team will also cover the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund and how the

community can get involved. There will be plenty of time for questions at the end of the session, too.

All the important information will be shared nearer the time, so please keep an eye on AGB’s social media for more details or sign up to the newsletter for updates. For further information, contact hello@ actiongreaterbedminster.org.uk

www.actiongreater bedminster.org.uk

www.facebook.com/ actiongreaterbedminster twitter.com/greaterbedmin

* Bristol City Leap is a partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco Ltd which aims to accelerate green energy investment in Bristol and help towards decarbonising the city.

Refining May Mantras

I come to you with a sinus infection/flu and the consequential overwhelming guilt and frustration that this week has not gone to plan, mainly because I am not fit to do much more than fall asleep in front of reruns of Bridgerton.

As seasons change I get renewed energy and creativity for my work and my adventures but, instead, being ill has stirred me to refine some new mantras for the next few months.

Surrender is the new strong, as I choose to feed my soul and not my ego to recover and address what made me ill in the first place.

Movement continues to be my medicine, even if it isn’t the new fitness plan I wanted to kickstart this week but the slower-paced tuning-in my body needs.

Self-aware is the new sexy, continuing to understand my thoughts, feelings and emotions so I can make better decisions and communicate with clarity and intention.

Being present is the new busy. Ah yes, the reason I am unwell! Intuitive rest and more mindful action to replace the peoplepleasing and partying

And as a Pilates instructor, we always say, the deep core is the new six-pack!

May Mantras complete.

By Leanne Copley, Sona Pilates

Lend a hand at your local Girlguiding unit and see the impact you can make in the community. No matter how much time you have to give, there’s an opportunity for you

Find out more girlguidingbsg.org.uk or register at girlguiding.org.uk/volunteer

New Harbour History Tour launches

Bristol Ferry Boats celebrate the birthday of Isambard Kingdom

Brunel with their new Harbour History Tour.

AS WELL as much information on the big man, with the big hat, uncover the secrets of Bristol’s maritime past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply seeking a memorable experience on the water, the trips offer something for everyone.

BCFB co-director Roisin Tobin-Brooke said: “We hope our passengers will embark on a voyage through time, exploring the storied waters of Bristol Harbour aboard our iconic ferry boats. Led by knowledgeable guides, each trip is a fascinating narrative of Bristol’s evolution from a bustling port to a vibrant modern city.”

Content from these trips has been developed from the Community Business’ Education Programme, which they have been sharing with schools and Universities

across the country for nearly 10 years. Education Skipper Morris Williams said of the new venture: “We are excited to be making these wonderful tours accessible to everyone. We hope residents and visitors

to Bristol will appreciate them as much as we do.”

As an extra bonus, included in these History trips is a complimentary waterbus ticket, so passengers may enjoy another whole day on the water this season!

Trips will run across the season (25th May/1st & 9th June/7th & 27th July/10th & 25th August), and tickets can be purchased via https:// www.bristolferry.com/ events/history/

For those less historically minded, Bristol Ferry Boats will also be launching their Thirsty Thursday Cruise this month! Board and experience a floating bar on the waterways of Bristol. The first Trip is Thursday 25 April and 6:30pm and tickets can be purchased here: www. bristolferry.com/events/ thirsty/

New harbour history tours mark Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s birthday

southbristolvoice

The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver

The wide world of theatre

As we move finally into spring, let’s seize the moment to explore and try out some different types of theatre.

I am a member of a book club because otherwise all I would read are thrillers and murders! So perhaps we need to be forming some theatre clubs to challenge ourselves to explore something new?

The world of theatre is huge and below I will mention a few of the different styles you might want to explore. From traditional to modern experimental performances, theatre manifests itself in many forms – this is in no way an exhaustive list but more of a taster to hopefully start you on your theatre journey…

Classical Theatre

Rooted in ancient civilizations, classical theatre forms a foundational pillar of the theatrical tradition. Greek tragedies, with their exploration of human fate and moral dilemmas, can be seen in the works of other later classical playwrights like Shakespeare, who all drew inspiration from these timeless tales. In June, Flabbergast Theatre bring Romeo and Juliet to the Tobacco Factory.

Experimental Theatre

In contrast to the classical theatre, experimental theatre pushes the boundaries of convention and challenges performers and audiences to engage in a different way. From immersive experiences to interactive performances, experimental theatre often invites audiences to participate more actively. In May check out the Paper Birds ‘Feel Me’ at the Tobacco Factory.

Musical Theatre

Using song, dance and dialogue to tell a story. Musicals can range from community productions to the big glitzy touring shows often from the West End, like Hamilton at the Hippodrome this month.

Physical Theatre and Clowning

Using the body as the primary means of expression and often incorporating mime, dance, and acrobatics. We are very lucky in Bristol to be home to some fantastic clowning and physical theatre groups and practitioners. Through movement, gesture and dance, physical theatre transcends language barriers, offering a universal means of communication.

These performances are often both moving and beautiful to watch. The Dan Daw show is at the Bristol Old Vic this month.

Site-specific Theatre

Breaking free from traditional stages, site-specific theatre takes the performance to unconventional locations. Whether in unusual or unused buildings or outside these productions engage with their location to enhance the narrative. Check out the wonderful Show of Strength’sBlood and Butchery in Bedminster, https:// showofstrength.org.uk/productions/bloodand-butchery-in-bedminster

If you want to sample some of the above, it is May, so time for Mayfest, Bristol’s international festival of contemporary theatre and live performance, a fantastic place to watch new and memorable work, www.mayk.org.uk/ mayfest

So enjoy, embrace the variety, and discover something new.

Jacqui Ham  Acting Out

n ADVERTORIAL

Bristol charities host free Dementia Information Event

THREE Bristol charities – Alive Activities, Bristol Dementia Action Alliance and BRACE Dementia Research – are working together to host a much-needed, free information event, Let’s Talk Dementia.

The event is taking place on Saturday 18 May 10.30am – 16.30pm at the Watershed, Canons Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX.

Let’s Talk Dementia is a onestop event to learn more about dementia. One in two people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime, either through developing the condition or through caring for a loved one with dementia. Whether you are living with dementia, caring for a loved one or keen to learn more about dementia, this event will have something for you.

Dementia specialists will give

easy-to-understand, short talks on:

● Dementia diagnosis

● Early onset dementia

● South West dementia research

● Support for people living with dementia and more.

Arts and music sessions will be run throughout the event for people living with dementia. There will also be charity, care, research, and health exhibitors.

We advise booking a free ticket to guarantee your place. Turn up at a time that suits you.

● www.eventbrite.com/e/ lets-talk-dementia-2024tickets-825215661257

● events@alzheimers-brace.org

● 0117 414 4831

The Watershed is a fully accessible venue. We hope to see you there!

n WILDLIFE Wildlife Detectives

A BS3 Wildlife Group member is turning her garden into a wildlife haven

By Ben Barker, Secretary, BS3 Wildlife Group

BRISTOL Health Partners (BHP) has a research group looking at what encourages good health or bad in particular neighbourhoods. An obvious example of bad is where air is polluted. Access to green spaces is good for both physical and mental health. That might be gardens, parks, allotments or just streets with some flowers and trees.

Bristol’s Wildlife Groups often work closely with the NHS and recently BHP has given us £1,000 to encourage people to engage more with nature. We are buying some equipment to monitor local wildlife: Healthy Wildlife, Healthy Humans.

We now have three moth traps. Two will go to various people for a month each, mainly to introduce them to the wide range of moths, and one will be loaned to the Friends of Gores Marsh during 2024. They won’t leave the trap in the park overnight as the light will probably attract thieves and vandals as well as moths. Instead it will move around nearby back gardens. We expect a report late in 2024. My guess is over 200 species.

There are also discussions with Bristol Parks about developing a wildlife meadow at Gores Marsh, ie long grass and so-called weeds, aka food for insects, birds etc.

We’ve also secured more bat detecting equipment, but we’re not sure where that will go yet. Similarly, we are looking at camcorders to lend out, although, judging from our Facebook pages, quite a few people have these already.

Why not join in?

If you want to help, contact mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com

Enjoy a jam-packed weekend showcasing Bristol’s creative talent

SPIKE Island’s Open Studios 2024 will run from 3-5 May this year. The annual event offers free behind-the-scenes access to its artist studios, galleries, and creative businesses, as well as the working studios of UWE Fine Arts programmes and award-winning Spike Print Studio.

On Friday 3 May (6—9pm), you can explore Spike Island, an integral part of the South West’s cultural ecosystem and one of the UK’s largest spaces for contemporary art. With much of the building closed to the public during the rest of the year, this is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in its community, learn about your favourite creative practices – from graphic design to sculpture, see works-in-progress, and even buy original pieces from both emerging

discuss ideas with creative experts first-hand.

On Saturday 4 May, a special ticketed event with exhibiting artist Olu Ogunnaike will take place in the gallery where he will be in conversation with curator Cédric Fauq (booking required). The weekend gives attendees a final look at Ogunnaike’s Fix Your Face and Korean artist Young In Hong’s Five Acts before both exhibitions end on Sunday 5 May.

For more info, go to: spikeisland.org.uk/programme/ open-studios/

Thurs 16th May SIDMOUTH 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., £31 (£29 conc), age 17 or under £27

Thurs 23rd May BULLRING SHOPPING CENTRE 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., £31 (£29 conc), age 17 or under £27

Fri 31st May BATSFORD ARBORETUM AND GARDEN CENTRE - 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., £29 (£28 conc), age or under £24ENTRANCE INC.

Thurs 6th June SLIMBRIDGE - 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., £39 (£36 conc), age or under £32ENTRANCE INC.

Fri 14th June CADBURY GARDEN CENTRE - 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., £22 (£20 conc), age 17 or under £18

Fox (Graham Sims)

Young song thrush (C Rigg)

Spike Island Open Studios

n WHAT’S ON

Arnos Vale May Fair, 5 May 2024, 10am-3pm. At the fair, there’ll be locally made products by small business owners, local talent and delicious, locally-sourced food. The gift shop and cafe will be open too, making it a fun-packed day.

CrimeFest 2024, 9-12 May, Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel. The UK crime fiction four-day convention features

Lynda La Plante, James Lee Burke, Denise Mina, Laura Lippman and G.T. Karber. Ticket options on sale now at crimefest.com  CrimeFest opens with a Murdle live event, hosted by the creator of the international crime puzzle series hit, G.T. Karber. For the full programme, visit crimefest.com

Forbidden Worlds Film Festival.

16-19 May, Bristol Aquarium Cinema, Variety of tickets available: https:// bit.ly/3Q51Wax Bristol’s biggest repertory genre film festival is back! The festival will celebrate some of cinema’s most deadly women and director Peter Hyams, transporting audiences to spectacular inner worlds, stunning outer spaces, and –of course – the video shop archives.

Forbidden Worlds Film Festival is dedicated to screening repertory fantasy, action, science-fiction and horror films from around the world,

and celebrating the people who made them.

Mayfest 2024, 17-26 May at various venues in Bristol, www.mayk.org. uk Bristol’s biennial festival brings unique and contemporary theatre and live performance from around the globe to unexpected places such as Broadmead and St Annes Woods to Watershed, Bristol Old Vic, The Mount Without, Unit 15 and more. The programme will be jam-packed with homegrown talent and artists of international acclaim. There are over 15 unusual, ambitious and playful shows via a Pay What You Can scheme or by purchasing a full festival or supporter’s ticket pass across 9 days. Tickets from £5 (plus booking fees) via www.mayk.org.uk or Headfirst.

25-26 May, Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court. Tickets from £56.52 (6 for 5): https://bit.ly/49qbUKM Featuring CamelPhat, Rudimental, The Streets and Sub Focus.

29 June, Storytale Festival. The festival kicks off with a Writers’ Day for adults. Taking place at Arnos Vale, this day-long retreat is for budding and emerging children’s writers of middle grade fiction (9-12-year-olds). Tickets are £53.50 via www.storytalefestival. com The day will be packed with workshops with local authors Sophie Kirtley, Rachel Delahaye, J.M.

Joseph and Emma Read, plus a panel session with publishing professionals. For families a story trail app is being developed, which will be based at Ashton Court and feature a story for little ones written by Zakiya Mackenzie and illustrated by Lauren Tobia. Keep up to date @storytalefest.

Don’t Stop Queen Now 19 July, BRISTOL, O2 Academy, tickets from £24.10, https://dsqn.co.uk Don’t Stop Queen Now play all Queen’s hits. Michael Spence (Starstruck, ITV1) is your Freddie for the night and the band creates a dynamic show which is an authentic sound and visual experience.

Mondays 5-6pm, Gardening sessions, Dame Emily Park. Everyone is welcome; no experience necessary! Bring your own gloves. Tea and cake provided! Contact: dameemilypark@gmail.com

First Wednesday of the month, South Bristol Gardening Club. St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Southville. Annual membership £25. A friendly club and new members are very welcome. The club has a varied series of talks and visits planned for 2024. Club members enjoy free regular talks from expert speakers and subsidised visits to gardens throughout the year. To join, go to https://bit.ly/3w6xjKB

Thursdays 2-4.45pm, Forest school, Dame Emily Park. Developing a sense of awe and wonder about nature, so together we can save it. Contact info@forestchild.co.uk

Thursdays 10.30am-12pm, Gardening for Wellbeing, Redcatch Community Garden. A free weekly gardening group to support your wellbeing, to enable you to meet people and so you can enjoy being outdoors. Tea and coffee included. To book a place, email kaya@redcatchcg. com or call/text 0785 863 0507

Fridays, Women’s Craft Club. FREE, 11am to 1pm, Arnolfini, Second Floor, Reading Room. Run in partnership with Bristol Refugee Festival at Arnolfini where women from all backgrounds are welcome to go along, have a cup of tea and get crafty. All materials are provided. community@arnolfini.org.uk

Tulip mania, Dyrham Park, til 6 May, 10am–4pm. Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required. There will be tulip themed displays, guided walks, talks, crafts and the first year of the newly created ‘Dyrham’ tulip growing in pots around the newly laid parterre. The events mark the house’s links to Dutch history and culture dating back to the 17th century. https://bit.ly/3w7rL2t

n WICKED WITCH

In witch I ignore the instructions

“Come to Na…? Naa…? Graa…?” I stuttered and couldn’t quite bring myself to finish any of those words.  “Come to me,” I said instead, hoisting Small into the crook of my arm where he lay staring into my soul with huge, interested eyes. “What are you going to call me?” I asked him.

I remember when my kids were born, Himself’s mum frowned when she found out that my mum was also going to be called Nanna; there could only be one. I never realised how complicated this was. I have a friend called Annabel and her grandbabies call her Grannabel which is cute. Another friend is called Lolly and her husband is Pops which made me laugh. Others are known as Grannie or Nannie and they are comfortable with it.

I’m not happy with any of the

above. I consulted the lifeguards at Jubilee Pool. “Nanna is sooo old,” said one; “Grandma is worse,” said another.. “We know what would suit you best: ‘Our Nan’.” This was followed by cackling laughter as I stood frowning at them. Our Nan? Marvellous.

I received a message from Goldilocks, “Could you babysit so we can go on a date night?” I was with my friend drinking wine and mournfully muttered, “So it starts,” as she poked me in the ribs and whispered, “Have him for the night; you’ll love it.”  I reluctantly messaged Goldilocks back who replied far too quickly with, “Brilliant, see you tomorrow.”

Small turned up with a truckload of stuff and an instruction

manual. “I know you’ve had four and please don’t take this the wrong way, but this is what you need to do.”

I rolled my eyes, totally took it the wrong way, and frowned as I scrolled down the extraordinarily long list of orders. I shoved Goldilocks out the door with a cheery, “Have a fabulous time”, then took several deep soothing breaths as me and Small assessed each other.

Of course, it’s all different in this modern day. There are nappies that tell you when they need changing, apparently leaving them on until they weigh more than the child is not acceptable; a contraption that makes formula milk the perfect temperature

because you can’t make half a bottle, leave in the fridge then top up with boiling water when needed, are you insane? Sterilising machines that use UV – ahh how I loved the smell of fizzing Milton tablets.

There are snuggly changing mats and apps with bedtime lullaby music. Although, I discovered that ‘In the Night Garden’ is still on TV which is disturbing.

Small finally snuggled in his travel cot at about 11pm where me and the dog watched him breathe until he woke up the next morning. I think I’m allowed to have him again, although I did let him have a sneaky suck of his thumb which was item 102 in the instructions as a definite no-no.

n ADVERTORIAL

Preparing young people for employment

FIXX is a pioneering social enterprise based in Hartcliffe preparing young people for employment through bike mechanics. FixX works with young people in the local area building their confidence, purpose and resilience through training and work placements.

Each young person FixX works with repairs two bikes, one of which they keep as a reward. During their placement, they learn new skills and are mentored in a real-life workplace environment. They’ve recently extended their opening hours and are able to offer more places to young people.

FixX founder David Cousins said: “It’s not necessarily about young people becoming professional bike mechanics; it’s about providing a stepping stone to other things, building confidence and a sense of

n COMPETITION

purpose. It’s also helping young people prepare for the inevitable knockbacks that happen in life.”

Anyone interested in donating old bikes to FixX, please contact info@fixxbikes.com or call 07588 492154.

WIN! The latest novel by Stephen Reynolds

Enter now for your chance to win a copy of Bristol author Stephen Reynolds’ brand new novel, The Afterthoughts, worth £8.99!

We have three copies of Stephen Reynolds’ third novel, hot off the printing presses, that must be won!

Stephen Reynolds began writing with a successful series of travel books. His debut novel, The Layers, was published in 2021. His second, Darling Sorrow, was published by The Book Guild in 2023, exploring themes of love, mental health and truth. The Afterthoughts is his third novel and reflects on the nature of existence, memory and nurture vs nature.

Based on the author’s own experiences of finding lost family and becoming an adoptive parent, The Afterthoughts explores the nature of existence, memory and whether nurture or nature has a greater impact on a person’s life.

The Afterthoughts is due to be published on

this promotion are not eligible to enter. Multiple entries

28 April 2024 and the RRP is £8.99.

The storyline…

In the middle of nowhere, amidst the endless blackness of a forever night, there is a train. Ordinarily it speeds along in the empty darkness. As much as a train can speed along, when it has no track to speed upon and no landscape to speed through. Motion, like time, reason and destination, is an affectation here.

An unnamed narrator wakes suddenly to find himself in the compartment of a train he cannot remember boarding. His fellow passengers are both strange and familiar. Together, they must work out the truth of their situation. Are they memories of longforgotten souls, or something else? And what links them through the mists of time. They are the afterthoughts, trapped in their past, searching for a future. For more information, please visit www.bookguild.co.uk

TO ENTER

For your chance to win, simply email southbristolvoice.co.uk, putting the words ‘The Afterthoughts competition’ as your subject line, and tell us the answer to the following question:

Q. What is the title of Stephen’s second novel?

The closing date is midnight Friday 17 May 2024

PS! Don’t forget to tell us your name, address and contact details!

associated

household and individual are accepted, but only one prize will be distributed. No purchase is necessary. The closing date for receipt of entries is midnight on Friday 17 May 2024. The winner will be chosen at random. The Prize: As specified above. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and no cash alternative is available. Other than where such liability cannot be excluded by law, South Bristol Voice cannot accept responsibility for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any person entering the competition or as a result of accepting.