South Bristol Voice November 2022

Community theatre’s superstar new patron

are delighted to announce that star of ‘Blackadder’, ‘Time Team’ and ‘The Worst Jobs in History’ Sir Tony Robinson has become the first patron of acta Community Theatre.

This patronage honours Tony Robinson’s own background in community theatre, and reflects his commitment to social activism and the role of arts to serve the community.

Tony’s support of acta’s work will help shine a light on acta’s long-established but little-known theatre. For more than 35 years, acta has been serving Bristol’s community, offering a creative escape to all and working to bring together people from different cultures, experiences, and generations to make and share creative work.

Sir Tony Robinson said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to become patron of acta. The work the organisation does in Bristol and the wider community will be more important than ever during the difficult times ahead. I hope my own experience of grassroots theatre and my commitment to social justice and opportunity for all will mean I can make a valuable contribution.”

This is a particularly appropriate time for Tony Robinson, with his particular role as a history presenter, to support acta. Historic England have just awarded acta an Everyday Heritage grant to explore Bedminster’s working-class history, specifically the long-lost Hippodrome Theatre of East Street.

Oliver Jones, Director of acta, added: “I would like to thank Tony very much for his support. We

believe his representation, during this time of postCovid recovery and change within our organisation, will bring much-needed profile and attention to our work with Bristol’s vulnerable communities. Throughout Tony’s career, he has shown dedication to equality – for which he received his knighthoodsomething that is at the core of our organisation. We feel privileged to have Tony helping us break down barriers to creative expression and empowering everyone to have the opportunity to participate in theatre and the arts.”

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP

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

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

By phone: 0117 953 3575

In person: Call the above number for an appointment

My councillor?

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

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

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

By phone: 07584182801

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

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

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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

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Plans approved for new basketball arena at Ashton Gate and 510 homes on green belt

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS have been approved for a new basketball arena at Ashton Gate and 510 homes on the green belt in Ashton Vale. Bristol City Council has approved planning permission for the two closely linked developments after hearing concerns about damage to the environment.

The Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter will sit directly west of the existing Ashton Gate Stadium. The development will include a sports and convention centre, a 232-room hotel, 125 apartments, offices, shops, a gym, a club museum, and a multistorey car park.

The Longmoor Village scheme will see up to 510 homes built on a meadow north of the metrobus route and west of Silbury Road, near the Long Ashton park and ride. The meadow, a former landfill, is popular with dog walkers and is a haven for local wildlife such as bats.

Billionaire Steve Lansdown, owner of Bristol Sport, is hoping to sell the Longmoor Village site with planning permission to a housing developer.

The sale of the land will help pay for the sports and convention centre, giving a new home to the Bristol Flyers basketball team.

Andreas Kapoulas, head coach of the Bristol Flyers, said: “This development represents a huge opportunity for the club and the city, it’s a game-changer. Our vision is to grow the sport and the positive impact it has on the community. It’s a once in a generation opportunity.”

The basketball arena will have a seating capacity of 3,626, and will also be used for events and conferences.

Two five-a-side football pitches will be built on the roof as well as an outdoor gym. The existing buildings on the site are occupied by Wickes, Midas and Nationwide Platforms, but these will be demolished.

The meadow at Ashton Vale is currently protected as a green belt, like much of the countryside around Bristol. The development control committee heard

The proposed layout of the new sports and convention centre scheme at Ashton Gate Picture: KKA Architects

arguments from developers that this protection should be removed due to the benefit of homes and the arena, and also from campaigners that it should continue to be protected.

Danica Priest, an environmental campaigner, said: “Longmoor Village is a disaster waiting to happen. Over 6,000 residents signed a petition to save Ashton Vale. Don’t let our voices be drowned out by promises of profit, if you do then it will be more than our voices underwater.”

Councillors on the committee voted unaimously for the sporting quarter, but raised concerns about the Longmoor Village scheme, with five voting in favour, one against, and three abstaining.

On the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter, they raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing and the potential impact of worsening parking and congestion problems.

On Longmoor Village, they also raised fears of noise coming from a nearby recycling plant

The proposed layout of the 510 new homes planned for a field at Ashton Vale Picture: Churchman Thornhill Finch

and building on protected countryside land.

Councillor Richard Eddy, chair of the development control committee, said: “This city and its people owes Bristol Sport a huge debt of gratitude. I think

it’s great that Bristol Sport has pushed business development and encouraged conventions and conferences as well as the entertainment at the stadium. I see this as the culmination of their efforts.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter

A SOUTH Bristol councillor has challenged a housing association to come up with a “more gritty” and relevant name for its new 70-home development after branding the original idea “ridiculous”.

Bishopsworth ward Cllr Richard Eddy says the proposal to call the road at Imperial Park ‘Crox View’ is meaningless because the name comes from an ancient woodland on the opposite side of the retail complex that residents can’t see – and which can only be viewed from the air.

The Tory councillor is “incensed” at the proposal and instead wants the estate to reflect the site’s history as the former Imperial Group tobacco factory, which relocated there in 1974 from Bedminster until its closure in 1990 and demolition six years later to make way for the shopping centre and hundreds of flats and houses.

Work on the last vacant plot began in August after Curo housing association received

Objection to new street name

Crox View homes.

Credit: Curo and Stride Treglown

delegated planning consent from Bristol City Council for 70 affordable homes.

The authority’s street naming team asked Cllr Eddy for his opinion on the council’s suggestion to call the road Crox View, after nearby woodland Crox Bottom which lies in the steep valley between nearby Headley Park and Imperial Park.

He has opposed the proposal and is urging Curo to abandon the idea.

Cllr Eddy, who lives in Headley Park, said: “As a Bristolian, I believe this city has a gritty identity, reflecting the centuries of seaborne exploration, merchant trade and manufacturing industry.

“We ought to celebrate this fact when commemorating our past in new street names.

“To suggest christening this new street Crox View is, frankly, ridiculous.

“The new homes are orientated towards the big Hengrove roundabout and the only way of viewing Crox Bottom is by flying over the woodland by balloon or by recourse to Google Earth on the computer.

“It would be much better for Curo to name their new development after the tobacco factory which was on the site, with the prefix Imperial after the Imperial Group employment activities or after a Wills family member, famous for employing

so many people in Bristol and their charitable donations.”

A Curo spokesperson said: “The proposed street name of Crox View was suggested by Bristol City Council.

“We understand they chose this because the development sits between two areas historically known as Crox Bottom Farm and Crox Top, and we accepted their recommendation.

“We’d be happy to consider any other suggestions put forward by the street naming team at the council.”

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said local members were usually given a say in street naming and Cllr Eddy’s comments had been taken on board.

They said some alternatives had now been suggested to the developer that include references put forward by the councillor and that the authority was waiting to hear Curo’s preference as it would be up to the housing association to make the decision.

Bedminster high streets enjoy £275,000 facelift

FROM a shop selling wool and other lush fabrics, to a craft beer bar and architects, local people have been setting up shop in Cannon Street, East Street and Bedminster Parade thanks to £275,000 of investment from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.

Mr Norris took a walk through the shopping streets to meet the people selling goods and services in formerly empty and derelict properties and heard how they had created thriving local businesses for all Bristolians to enjoy.

Retailers were awarded grants of up to £10,000 for building and decorating works as well as to buy new equipment.

At No Frills Knitting, Mr Norris met Meg Winter whose colourful shop occupies the site of a former beauty shop that has been empty for more than a decade. He also popped into see East Street Emporium at the site of the former shoe shop from time gone by and saw a complete transformation from when decoration works were taking place during his last visit just over a year ago.

The West of England Combined Authority and Bristol City Council are also providing a further £404,000 for cultural events, planting and other green improvements on

East Street, with a poetry and art workshops and concerts, youth theatre performances as well as a brand-new market, planned.

This is part of a wider £4.7 million joint initiative from the West of England Combined Authority and council to improve the city centre and nine local high streets, helping transform ten key areas in the city into more accessible, vibrant areas to shop, eat and relax.

Mr Norris said: “Our high streets have had a tough time these last few years, and in Bedminster, the situation is no different.

This is a £275,000 cash injection but it’s also a pride injection. Together we are helping shops come back to life, and people to feel proud of living in Bedminster. Thank you to Bedminster BID for showing me around and to all the shop keepers. There are some fantastic quirky shops springing up, so I’d encourage local residents to shop local.”

This Bedminster-focused scheme has proved so popular with locals, that Bristol City Council has expanded it to the City Centre and all of the city’s 46 high streets.

Mr Norris and Meg Winter at No Frills Knitting Meeting Tony Miller of East Street Deli Co

Metro Mayor urges passengers to ‘Get On Board’ as bus fares go down

PASSENGERS will benefit from new cheaper single and return fares across West of England buses, Metro Mayor Dan Norris has confirmed.

All single adult tickets in Bristol will be reduced to £2 for adults while returns will cost £3.50. Children will pay a flat £1 rate across the whole of the West of England.

The Metro Mayor says the new fare package delivers on his pledge for simpler and cheaper bus fares, will help a little towards easing the cost-of-living crisis for locals, and will go a long way to addressing the big challenges on the buses at present, with passenger numbers 25% down on prepandemic levels.

Dan Norris said: “It’s time to get on board for new fares. I’m delighted to be able to introduce this package to immediately to offer a small helping hand to people facing a crippling cost-of-living crisis.

“At a time where the challenges on the buses are so huge, this is a real opportunity to create that virtuous cycle of more fare income to reinvest in our bus network which in turn will mean better buses for everyone.

The new campaign is encouraging Bristol’s passengers to get back on the city’s buses

So my big message to local people is: please take advantage of this and take your children out for just £1. The more journeys you make, the more you will be helping us together to build the local bus system we both need and deserve. It’s also so very vital if we are going to meet our super ambitious local 2030 netzero targets”.

The scheme is a joint initiative from the West of England Combined Authority, North Somerset Council and the bus operators, including Firstbus, Stagecoach West and others.

Doug Clarinbold, Managing Director of First West of England, said: “With rising living costs, we are delighted that the West of England Authority and North Somerset Council have been able to provide operators in the region with financial support that enables significant reductions to these key West of England fares.

“Passenger numbers on our services are still down on pre-pandemic levels and we are seeing some of our longer distance services that connect our towns and cities or serve more rural areas facing a particularly difficult time. Lower single, return and day ticket fares will help these services at a time when most things are going up in price.

“We hope this will encourage more people to use our services so that as we take action to increase driver numbers and improve the reliability of our services, we can accelerate the recovery in bus use across the region.”

Jubilee Pool launches major fundraising campaign to tackle soaring energy bills

KNOWLE’S Jubilee pool and gym is the first in Bristol to be community-owned and managed, but rising energy prices are forcing a change of plan by the group set up to save it and a plea for new support.

The volunteer-run Friends of Jubilee Pool (FoJP) formed after the facility was earmarked for closure by Bristol City Council, following more than 80 years of service to people living in Brislington, Knowle, Totterdown and the surrounds.

Until recently, the campaign was destined for success, with FoJP raising enough money to take the pool into community ownership from September 30, a profit-delivering management plan in place and a deal struck with a new operator to take care of day to day running and maintenance.

But the new operator suddenly withdrew from taking over the operation in August when the utility supply crisis saw it looking at an additional £120,000 - £330,000 uplift in annual costs, prompting discussions with the existing operator, Parkwood, about it staying in post. Parkwood agreed but it is also facing higher energy charges, requiring fund-raising to re-open.

Jubilee Pool went into community ownership at midnight on September 30.

FoJP Chair Jules Laming explains: “The Parkwood offer is a lifeline and we are really pleased to be working with them moving forward, but the reality is that we are looking at a very sizeable unforeseen deficit to keep the pool going in the midst of the energy crisis. While we have funds in place to see us through the first three months of the contract, we will need to fund-raise like crazy to raise another £20,000 to £30,000 by the end of December to cover the January to April costs.”

She went on: “As a consequence, we are asking the community and potential sponsors again - is there the commitment and the money to

keep this dream alive? Because without them we cannot guarantee Jubilee Pool’s future.”

Offers of help can be posted on the Friends’ Facebook and Twitter social media accounts where there are also links to the website (savejubileepool.org/ friends-of-jubilee-pool/) which includes a link to a donations page.

Jules added: “We’ll be enormously grateful for donations of any size, but it’s so important for people to keep using the pool and to take out monthly membership. We’ve come this far; the pool and gym have been busier than ever since our campaign started; but together we need to do more; there is no way we are prepared to give up easily.”

Photos courtesy of Ashley Bourne

threat’ to city as £81 million extra funding needed for Avon flood works

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

BRISTOL needs an extra £81 million to pay for defences on the river Avon protecting the city from the “humongous threats” of floods and rising sea levels. Plans for new flood defences on the Avon are currently being drawn up but council chiefs say more cash is needed.

At the moment a severe flood from the Avon could see 1,300 homes and businesses flooded, with this risk expected to grow from climate change. Thousands of new homes are also planned for areas at risk of flooding, like St Phillip’s Marsh and the Western Harbour.

Bristol City Council is working with the Environment Agency and the West of England combined authority on plans for defences along the river Avon.

Over the next decade the defences could cost £216 million, but council chiefs still

need to find a third of that money.

Councillor Nicola Beech, cabinet member for strategic planning, resilience and floods, said: “We’re working together to get the funding needed to protect Bristol from rising sea levels and future flood events.

“With all our funding sources together, that still leaves a gap of £81 million. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. This is proper long-term business planning and resilience for the city. I’m absolutely confident we’ll get there.

“But while we’re challenging ourselves about our day-to-day budget, we have these humongous threats to our city that we must protect ourselves from. So it’s a callout to anyone who’ll listen and the government to say we’ll continue to grow our city and meet our challenges, but this also needs to be funded.”

She made the comments during a

cabinet meeting which heard that the scheme currently has allocated £69 million from central government funding for flood defences, £10 million from the council’s economic development fund, £20 million from community infrastructure levies, and £10 million from the council’s reserves. Talks are also ongoing with the West of England combined authority about sourcing extra money.

Cllr Kye Dudd, cabinet member for climate, said: “It’s vitally important we make progress on this because the risk is going up because of climate change.

“If we did nothing, the number of properties that would be affected by the risk of flooding would more than double by the end of the century.

“There’s also a lot of benefits from building flood defences, like the housing that we could potentially get out of it, spaces for nature, and opportunities for cycling routes.”

Liz Truss urged to prioritise energy crisis

THE West of England, and the wider country, faces an even worse energy crisis in winters to come without a major national insulation programme to fix the nation’s homes, Metro Mayor Dan Norris warns.

The UK ranks among the worst countries in Europe when it comes to the energy efficiency of its housing, according to new research from the Institute for Government.

Prime Minister Liz Truss has pledged to borrow £100 bn to cap household energy bills at £2,500 for two years. All that cash and the interest needs to be paid back by taxpayers and it isn’t a long term solution. So unless the government commits to a major home efficiency programme, the Mayor says high energy bills are set to stay.

The Institute believes a big programme to reduce energy use could reduce the UK’s household energy costs by £27 bn as early as 2023.

Mr Norris reiterated his views that the Government had bought itself time with its package to cap energy bills as he once again called for a proper national home insulation plan to complement West of England’s own retrofitting programme.

As part of his flagship Green Recovery fund, Mr Norris is investing over £3 million to begin the task of retrofitting over 250,000 homes in need of energy improvements across the region.

Mr Norris said: “The Prime Minister has rightly prioritised supporting people in the short term through her energy price freeze package - although she should have got the energy giants making huge profits to pay for this. But to fix this crisis for good, we need to bring down energy bills in the medium and long term.

“Putin’s appalling war in Ukraine isn’t ending anytime soon, meaning the prospect of higher energy bills next year and beyond is sadly a real possibility. From Georgian Bath townhouses, to Bristolian Victorian terraces to beautiful lias stone cottages and more, there are huge numbers of West of England homes that need making more energy efficient. My £3 million scheme is a start but we need a proper national home insulation plan.”

or Ruth on 07590

He was a skater boy…

A BEDMINSTER skater has travelled to the Palestinian territories to volunteer for two months with the charity Skatepal. Joe Little, 23, who attended Ashton Gate primary and Ashton Park secondary schools, is living in a village just north of Nablus and helping to teach Palestinian children to skateboard.

The street sport only arrived there fairly recently and through it, SkatePal provides young people with cultural, educational, and sporting opportunities, as well as shared spaces where they can socialise, exercise and express themselves. In a region where there is so much injustice and daily life can be so hard, skateboarding is being used to transform lives.

Joe (pictured above) says: “I grew up skateboarding at Dean Lane and elsewhere in Bedminster and Bristol and it gave me so much, particularly the chance to socialise with people of all ages and backgrounds and to feel part of a community.

“This trip is my chance to give back to this special international community. Once you have a board and som ewhere to practice - two things SkatePal works tirelessly to provide - the only barrier is how often you’re willing to fall over!

“While skateboarding is traditionally very male-

dominated, the Palestinian scene has a much higher ratio of female participation than in any Western country, thanks to SkatePal.

“Skateboarding has the power to break down barriers between race, class, age, religion, and gender. It teaches resilience, creativity, and respect, but perhaps most importantly, it offers young people a community that is truly their own, and one

that is welcoming to all.”

Joe has set up a JustGiving page in case anyone can help and you can watch a short film about skateboarding in Palestine: justgiving.com/fundraising/ insupportofskatepal

He adds: “I would be incredibly grateful for any donation, no matter how small. Every penny will go directly to the charity to support children and the work they do.”

Victoria Park Festival helps bring community togetherHelp shape the future of Bedminster

CONSULTATION on the Whitehouse Street Regeneration Framework will be launching in the coming weeks. Sign up to the mailing list at whitehousestreet.com to find out how you can get involved.

The Whitehouse Street Regeneration Framework sets out the vision for the regeneration of the area and the key principles which need to be considered when detailed designs are being developed.

It has been shaped by engagement with the local community and businesses and will guide the delivery of a sustainable, resilient, and genuinely mixed-use neighbourhood.

You’ll be able to have your say in a number of ways so look out for details on drop in sessions at Windmill Hill City Farm, how to attend the online event or join a neighbourhood walking tour.

VICTORIA Park Festival returned for the first time since Covid in September. As usual, there was a great turnout… and it didn’t rain!

The dog show included best in show, prizes for best sausage catcher and best dog and owner look alike.

The midday 5k fun run around the park offered a range of fabulous prizes for different

categories, and was won by Brislington-based runner Scott Purnell, who is also the guitarist with the band Secret Shine.

As usual, the cake stall proved very popular and the homebakers within our community generously provided a range of delicious cakes, biscuits and traybakes which sold out within a few hours.

There was music, poetry and dance at the main stage at the bottom of the park, as well as up by The Lodge.

For those people who wanted to save the cake for later, there were other refreshment stalls offering food and drink. There were also a range of craft and information stalls and activities for children of all ages.

The event was a great success. Many thanks to Shaun Hennessy and the volunteers who help to prepare, manage and tidy up afterwards. Thanks to everyone who came and helped to make this another great day out for all the family.

Academy trusts given go-ahead to merge

TWO academy trusts in Somerset and the West of England are set to join forces early next year, including Bedminster Down and Wansdyke secondary schools.

The proposed merger between Futura Learning Partnership and Clevedon Learning Trust has received formal approval from the Department for Education.

It will create a trust comprising 27 schools - one special, 20 primary and six secondary - across Somerset, North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The new organisation will be called Futura Learning Partnership, the name adopted by the former Wellsway Multi Academy Trust last year, and will adopt the Clevedon Learning Trust strapline ‘Children, Choice

and Collaboration’.

Chief executive Andrea Arlidge said the two trusts had common vision and values and were each committed to developing an inclusive, allthrough organisation based on a powerful understanding of the educational journey from age three to 19.

She said: “We are all delighted that the DfE Advisory Board has recognised the strengths of our proposal, which was unanimously supported by both trusts.

“This merger will bring improved opportunities for more than 10,000 young people and 1500 staff. Each of our schools will retain its own identity, reflective of the community it serves, while also benefiting from the support of a strong trust.”

The proposal is in line with the Government’s ambition for every school to be part of a strong trust by 2030. Staff and governors will have the chance to find out more over the coming months. The target date for the merger is February 2023.

Malcolm Broad, Futura’s chair of trustees, said: “This is an exciting step forward in our move to secure a confident future for our family of schools. It is our belief that the merger with CLT will help to ensure the new Futura Learning Partnership has the capacity and resilience to provide the best education for our pupils alongside high quality support and wider opportunities for our staff.”

Alister Christopher, chair of the CLT board, said: “The Advisory Board was very

impressed with the proposal and shared our view that joining forces with Futura will create a strong and sustainable new trust, which will benefit current and future pupils and staff. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to bring this about.”

Andrea Arlidge

n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

Supporting you and our economy

AT the end of September, the Chancellor finally came to the House of Commons to deliver what the Government wanted to call a ‘fiscal event’. This name hides the fact that he actually gave a full-blown Budget without the scrutiny needed. As the weeks have progressed, the outcome of this Budget has got worse.

It’s important that we don’t forget what the Tory Government has done to our country’s, and our personal, finances.

It all started with the markets being spun into a panic as it dawned on them that this government was being sound with our money. Instead, they had decided to give massive tax cuts to the richest 1% in the country and would fund it with borrowing. This tanked the value of the pound. The contagion then spread to the cost of borrowing

for the UK Government. This directly impacts us because what the UK Government have to pay is later reflected in our mortgage rates. And now we are living with expected interest rates on mortgages of 6%. To put it another way people will see an additional £500 slapped on mortgage repayments on average.

But it doesn’t stop there! The Bank of England had to step in and bail out the Tories reckless Budget because pensions looked on the verge of going bust. This is because they buy the long-term gilts (government debt). The Bank of England had to pledge £65 billion to calm the markets. Just imagine what that £65 billion could have done for Bristol.

This is an economic crisis made in Downing Street, paid for by working people.

n PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

HI there, my name is Frazer, I am the Minister at Victoria Park Baptist Church. We are a group of everyday people from all walks of life, who want to love our community just as Jesus taught us.

On my desk at home, within the clutter, I have a pin board full of ideas for us as a church in South Bristol. I won’t bore you with a long list of plans but I would love to share just a few things which are already happening/or will be happening soon.

Partnering with Southside Church (who also meet at VPBC) we continue to run our Ukraine Hub, welcoming in our Ukrainian guests. In addition, with Southside, we operate a food bank on Friday mornings. For the academic year ahead, we are planning a holiday club for kids, and an Alpha course for those asking questions about faith, life and God. We also have plans for community Christmas events, a toddler’s group, quiz evenings, and even a café space to provide warmth for those struggling with heating bills in winter – lots going on!

If you just want to drop in and have someone chat and pray with you, come along at 8am on a Friday.

I hope these examples give you a flavour of the different activities taking place at church. If you would like to come to our Sunday service at VPBC, we meet at 10.30am. Or join Southside who meet in the building at 3pm. Alternatively, feel free to email communications. vpbc@gmail.com to find out more. We would love to meet you.

To make matters worse, the Tories plan to tackle the cost-ofliving crisis was to let the gas and oil giants get away without any further extension of the windfall tax proposed by Labour.

What does this mean? Well, it means that the Tory Government will borrow to pay for an energy price cap. In other words, we will be paying more to allow the energy providing companies to keep their absurd profits.

At every twist and turn of the past few weeks we have seen a government out of ideas and out of credibility.

It’s clear that we need them to be out of office to let Labour fix the mess they have made.

It’s shameful that they have racked up debt and dragged down businesses. South Bristol could be a thriving hub for green energy. We could see the end of food banks. We could see public

services that are there for you in your time of need.

Government is about choice. Labour’s choice will be to support you and create a fair economy.

If there are issues you want to raise with me as your local MP, please get in touch by emailing karin.smyth.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 0117 953 3575.

Victoria Park Bowls Club results

THE Victoria Park Bowls Club in BS3 has now concluded its season, and Tony Payne has been awarded with the Club Championship Trophy. Congratulations also go to Chris Gethin, who received three trophies during this year’s club competitions. Other winners at the club this year were Billy Bell, Nigel James, Stevey Taylor, Dave Butt, Eddie Coombs, Bill Phelon and Carol Trotman.

Tony Payne receiving his trophy

Chris Gethin is awarded his prize

This autumn we are already seeing the rising cost on households; with energy prices at their highest, inflation rising and mortgage rates doubling. All thanks to the incompetent Government. You may be feeling the strain and need help and advice.

There are things that you can control this winter like: fitting LED light bulbs, closing doors, curtains and drafting proofing windows and doors. You might also try heating only the room you are using, wearing layers, and investing in an electric blanket. These tips could save up to a third on your energy bills.

For more advice on this please go to www.bristolenergynetwork. org.uk or call WHAM (warm homes advice and money) helpline on 0800 082 2234. There is also help and support available from the council. You can:

• Apply for a council tax rebate

• Apply for emergency help for essentials like school uniforms

• Apply to increase your Housing benefit or Universal Credit if it is too low to pay the rent.

Please go to: www.bristol. gov.uk/residents/people-andcommunities/cost-of-livingsupport or phone the council on 0117 922 2000 or visit: Citizen Service Point at 100 Temple Street BS1 6AG.

Of course the biggest gains are by Government action. While the Conservative government doubles down on fossil fuels and allowing unearned profits, the Green Party would give more power to local communities, invest in renewable energy (now cheaper than any other source) and a major retrofit of housing, creating new skilled jobs.

Already Green Party councillors are working to improve Bristol Council’s policies to increase developers’ obligations to provide affordable housing and much higher energy efficiency standards. Watch this space!

OUR first South Bristol History Festival has been a resounding success. We would like to thank the staff at Bedminster Library and the Tobacco Factory for their support in helping us to make this happen, alongside the Bristol Radical History Group with whom we partnered. We will definitely look to repeat this next year with more events exploring ‘history from below’ that celebrates the contributions of local residents who came before us and to whom we owe so much.

We have received representations from residents concerning the repairs on Gaol Ferry Bridge. The latest information we have received is that the work remains on schedule for completion within the planned time frame – but we will continue to monitor this closely.

Officers have informed us that the designs for road safety

improvements at the corner of Gathorne Road and North Street are well over budget due to the impact of inflationary pressures on building materials. As a result, the plans which we were told would be delivered in September now need to be redesigned to fit into the existing budget. This is very frustrating for us and for those residents who have contacted us with increasing concerns about road safety on this corner.

Amerind Nursing Home has announced plans to close. According to an article in the press, before this announcement they had been in discussion with the council about the redevelopment of their site for residential and new nursing home provision. We have requested a meeting to clarify the situation and what alternative provision will be provided.

AT a recent meeting of the council’s communities scrutiny commission, councillors and parks forum representatives were shocked and dismayed to hear the wholly inadequate parks and green spaces update strategy being presented and even worse that officers were so satisfied with it that they planned to cancel the planned public consultation.

The parks forum is made up from representatives from parks groups across the city. They are positive, knowledgeable, reasonable and, last time in 2008, cooperated fully with the original strategy. To anger this group requires complacency and arrogance of a high order but that is unfortunately what is being displayed.

Parks management are already failing to comply with the existing strategy and with the huge gaps in the new document this is starting to look like a watering down rather than a positive refresh.

Because of local effort over

many years, Knowle parks are in better shape and more popular than those across the city generally but this document and lackadaisical attitude provide a serious threat.

We will be working with the parks forum to get improvements and will keep residents informed. Literally two days after the scrutiny meeting the protest from the parks forum backed up by ourselves produced a screeching u-turn on a formal consultation which will now happen as previously promised so we will need to get views in when it opens.

Meanwhile, despite the council’s incompetent failure to provide a licence extension, the Redcatch Community Garden goes from strength to strength with it being selected by the council as a community hub to provide help and advice on the many challenges associated with the cost of living crisis. It will also be running a hot lunch club and other activities are expanding.

SOUTH Bristol gained a major new development in October, and we hope it brings increased prosperity to the area. This was a particularly difficult planning application contested by Greens asking tough questions about the exact nature of the link between the new sporting quarter for Ashton Gate, and a planning application for 510 homes on a patch of green belt land named Longmore Village, a requirement for planning.

Apart from the usual concerns around increasing traffic and impacts on local parking, I was concerned that the 14-storey apartment block proposed is too high and will severely dominate North Street, and that building an eight-storey car park sends the wrong message in a city that’s committed to net zero in 2030.

I know many local people objected and will be disappointed that the application for building on Green Belt was passed. My hope is that we can influence the

relationship between the rich ecology of the Town Green Wetland area, and Longmore Village which has Collister’s Brook and Longmore River on either side, and push for an innovative and eco-friendly design from architects.

Architecture Students from University of the West England are busy getting to know Bedminster residents this week, as they want to create a plan to conserve the Ashton Vale Town Green/wetland as a resource for research, learning and leisure.

As a much loved place for walking and bird watching, the aim is make the area more accessible, but increase protection from humans and dogs while providing information about the wildlife and biodiversity. We are also forming an Action Group to develop the plan.

Do get in touch at cllr. tessa.fitzjoh@bristol.gov.uk or 07584182801 to get involved with this or regarding any other matters.

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

Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies Knowle Community Party councillors for Knowle

Southville garden shortlisted for national award

news, Matthew said: “I’m thrilled my garden has been shortlisted. It’s great to be able to show that you don’t need a huge space to create your own piece of green paradise.”

You can see all of eight of the finalist gardens in the November issue of ‘Gardeners World Magazine’ and readers will also be able to vote to help choose the ‘people’s vote award’ winner.

Secret Garden successes

BEDMINSTER’S Secret Garden weekend in June raised an amazing £3,200. This has now been distributed in small grants to 13 local groups for nature and gardening-related activities.

A SOUTHVILLE garden has been chosen as one of eight finalists for the 2022 BBC Gardener’s World Magazine Garden of the Year. The winner will be chosen from a panel including TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh and announced in the November issue of the magazine.

Matthew Symonds’ garden has been shortlisted from thousands of entries. The garden, measuring just 5.6m x 6.5m, is a green oasis full of trees and plants. It has opened as part of Bedminster’s Secret Garden for several years.

Responding to the exciting

Some examples of these include new fruit bushes for the Malago Berry Maze, new planters for Ashton Vale Club for Young People, help with renewing the pond in Ashton Park School’s wellbeing garden and building a ‘Nectar Bar’ at Ebenezer Gate Pocket Park. Over the next year there will be some beautiful changes taking place in our community.

The organisers of the Secret Gardens weekend would like to thank everyone who opened their gardens and helped to raise the money to allow the grants to be made.

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Sona Pilates with Leanne Copley

How are you sitting as you read this? Well, many studies have been done on body posture and how it affects subjective energy levels. In one such study they looked at slouched walking versus skipping postures and the effect on mood.

There were no real surprises in their results – the slouched, closed posture walking caused participants to experience a decrease in energy and the skipping action creating an opposite lift in energy levels.

In Pilates, I focus on the mind-body relationship and especially in relation to an increasing tech world creating a species that cannot look away from their phones, tablets or laptops. Again, no surprises on why we have increasing aches, pains, anxiety, low moods etc. Poor posture and poor content (at times) and poor mobility combined!

In Pilates, you often hear us declare “Sitting is the new smoking”. So let movement be your aid, your support and your liberator and watch your energy levels rise. Written as I check my own posture and shake myself upright.

After days of worry and stress, I am reminded of the power of my own awareness and movement to help heal.

Move with me at Sona Pilates online and in person. www.sonapilates.com

Pharmacy technician wins at national awards

BEATA Mularska has been voted Pharmacy Technician of the Year at the UK’s Independent Pharmacy Awards.

Beata, who works at Bedminster Pharmacy in Cannon Street, collected her award at an event at the House of Commons last month.

She started working in the pharmacy as a dispenser ten years ago. She finished her training in a record seven months, progressing to train as a pharmacy technician course and then completing an accuracy checking technician’s course – all this with little science education at school and English as her second language.

Bedminster Pharmacy is a family run independent pharmacy and Beata leads and supports the pharmacy team in developing innovative ideas to champion the pharmacy’s health messages and interventions.

Ever forward thinking, she completed mental health first aid training and vaccination training in July 2020 – ready to be one of the first people to deliver vaccines in January 2021 as part of the Covid-19 vaccination program.

Beata has helped facilitate the training of GP staff so that they understand the role of pharmacy and the expertise it can offer. Her business acumen is commendable, and she puts an emphasis on improving patient outcomes and supporting colleagues.

She brings a positive, professional, and enthusiastic attitude to all our projects, says a colleague. She has an exceptional ability to make sure everyone knows and understands what community pharmacy offers. She participates in media events to promote messages about community pharmacy, including video blogs about cancer symptom awareness and radio interviews discussing the work of community pharmacies in promoting health awareness.

Beata has helped the pharmacy team consistently deliver leading edge performance, especially in reaching people previously failed by the health system. The Covid vaccination programme the pharmacy delivers is one example. The hypertension case-finding service is another, where she has taught colleagues how to avoid missing those often left out of view.

The pharmacy partners with the local NHS Acute Trust to provide travel clinic services, offers a private fertility clinic, plus out-of-hours access. It is leading on an NIHR Continence Service study. In all these area Beata is working across professional boundaries to ensure that community pharmacy has an offer that is clear and understood.

or Ruth on 07590

n SPINAL COLUMN

Making the body whole

WE’VE all heard the phrase “you can’t see the forest for the trees”. It’s an expression of perspective. If you’re too close to something, in any given situation, you can’t see the whole picture. You’re clinging to a narrow perspective rather than observing the big idea.

When it comes to healing and chiropractic, it’s always important to step back and see the big picture, the whole, to get the best results. There are several examples of this. The first is taking into account the whole body rather than the problem area. A lot of practitioners focus on the area of pain, just working on the low back with low back pain, for example. There are many times I’ve experienced where someone has severe low back pain and working on the area provides relief, but it’s not until I clear restrictions in their neck that the real shifts take place.

The problem that you’re feeling and the issue that’s causing it are often very different things (and can be in very different areas of the body). This is the

reason why we, at Kasa Chiropractic, look after the whole body, not just the problem area - we take a holistic view of health. The other aspect of perspective is, we often hear patients say... my headaches, my sciatica, my fibromyalgia, my IBS. This is labelling yourself by a diagnosis a doctor or Google has given you, instead of seeing yourself as the healthy person you want to be.

Unfortunately, hanging onto a syndrome or symptoms is as beneficial as hugging a tree and failing to see the full forest of wellness. To expand on that, health and sickness/symptoms are the same thing, they’re just opposite ends of the spectrum. To move towards health, you don’t focus on sickness and symptoms and continually identify with them. To move towards health you need to create health. In a pitch black room, you don’t fight the darkness you simple turn the lights on and move towards light.

Know that the body’s ability to heal itself is far greater than anyone has permitted you to believe. You are an innately gifted human capable of healing. And it’s our job as chiropractors to help you believe that and fulfil that.

Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro Telephone: 0117 370 2680 www.kasachiro.com

Getting some good sleep

By Heart Research UK

POOR sleep can negatively impact our heart health, along with many other areas of our physical and mental wellbeing. Prioritising your shut eye every day is one of the best things you can do to support your overall health.

Sleep isn’t something to overlook, so here are some tips for helping to improve your sleep.

Limit caffeine

Who doesn’t love a morning cuppa? While a small amount of caffeine early in the day is unlikely to impact our sleep, caffeine can stay in our blood stream for many hours after consumption. This can negatively impact the quality of our sleep and ability to fall asleep. So no caffeine after lunch!

Turn off the screens

Melatonin is our sleepy hormone, and we need to allow our body to produce lots of it to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Bright lights in our environment can reduce the production of melatonin, specifically the blue light from computer screens, tablets, and mobile phones. Try switching off screens an hour before sleep time and read a book or have a bath instead.

Spend time outdoors

Research shows that simply being inside during the day, rather than spending time outdoors, reduces our melatonin production at night by 50%! Grab your trainers and hit the pavement for a walk or run outdoors for at least 20 minutes every day.

Create a routine

Humans are creatures of habit, and we thrive on routine. Creating a bedtime ritual can help signal to our bodies that it’s time for sleep. Try to choose low stimulation activities like reading, listening to music, or even having a cup of (caffeine free!) tea such as camomile.

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade Williams

We must all do out bit to help protect the NHS

I WILL never be complacent about the NHS. Not just because of the Beveridge report, the history of post-war British life and the opposition to its implementation. Two conversations removed from my numerous personal experiences of care and dedication have shaped this.

As a student, I spent the summer working in the States. On my second day, I processed the insurance approval for a patient with a five-day course of antibiotics. It would only cover two days. With money to top up, I looked to my supervising pharmacist how do we help out, stare’. We all knew two days would not be enough. He shrouded his shoulder, and I was visibly upset. He took me aside and explained how the system works here.

My next experience was a conversation with a patient who recounted her dad settling medical accounts for his workers, a landowner before the NHS. As a little girl, her vivid

memory of the NHS creation was the universal care - not dependent on her dad’s willingness to pay the bill.

As we go into this winter, we face many challenges. Reading through the history books, it is clear that post-war life was tough. While this is not comparable, we will likely require the same community spirit and stewardship to get through.

I look back at the early days of the pandemic, and the choices we all made to protect ourselves, loved ones and the most vulnerable in our community. The NHS has been under relentless pressure; it has a massive backlog, staff shortages and an

exhausted workforce. Simple as it may sound, getting your Covid booster and flu jab means you don’t catch and spread both virus infections.

Play your part in reducing ambulance delays and bed shortages – roll up, book up, come in and get jabbed. There are also community initiatives to help mitigate the cost of living crisis.

We may be familiar with people on fixed State income, such as pensions and benefits, struggling with their bills. We are now facing working families due to higher bills and mortgages struggling. That is alongside the energy cost of staying warm this winter.

First, I want to say that if you need help, please ask. This is not your failure. As a community, we have learnt how to look after people with dignity while providing practical help.

The NHS is safe only when we care about, value it and make choices to protect it. Make a difference by going to the right place for care (not always the GP or A&E) or getting your flu and Covid jabs.

As our community stands up to look after each other, let us also help look after you. Our NHS is fragile and imperfect and shares our indomitable spirit. Bedminster Pharmacy will continue to be a stalwart of this.

Exercise and menstruation

By Heart Research UK

In the UK, there are 15 million women of menstrual age. The average woman will menstruate around 500 times throughout her lifetime. We know that exercising can improve our cardiovascular health, but should you exercise during your period, and is it beneficial? We cover some FAQs here:

Can exercise reduce menstrual cramps?

More research is needed in this area to give us a definite answer on how exercise can reduce period pain. Given the overall health benefits of exercise, and the relatively low risk of side effects reported in the general population, women may consider using exercise, either alone or in conjunction with other modalities to manage menstrual pain.

Do my iron levels change during my period?

Iron is important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Exercise can lower the iron levels in your blood, especially if you exercise at a high intensity or for long periods of time. Heavy menstrual bleeding can make you more susceptible to iron deficiency anaemia. In order to keep exercising, and maintain normal iron levels during your period, we recommend you look to consume iron rich foods (red meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit, fortified breakfast cereals) during menstruation.

Can over-exercising cause irregular or missed periods?

If you are overtraining, and you’re burning far more calories than you are consuming, this can cause either irregular or missed periods. A regular period is a sign of good health. If you experience irregular or missed periods this can cause other serious health conditions, and therefore you are advised to speak to a nurse or doctor.

Exercise has many health benefits, and researchers have not been able to find any differences during the menstrual cycle in a woman’s ability to exercise. Consequently, it’s important to continue aiming to achieve 150 minutes of physical activity per week, even during your period.

Playing out again

By Kate Staniforth, Play Streets

MANY of us have felt a greater sense of belonging where we live over the past few years. We may have met new neighbours and joined a local WhatsApp group during Covid, or attended one of the 75 street parties across Bristol for the Jubilee weekend. But how do we build on this sense of community?

Last year we conducted a survey with people who had attended Play Streets and 89% of people reported that Play Streets resulted in them “knowing more people on their street” and “feeling that they belong more in their neighbourhood”.

Organised by residents, Play Streets are short, temporary road closures (where residents still have access), either on a weekly or monthly basis. The scheme works in estate settings and on traditional residential streets.

Play Streets are a free and easy way to bring your neighbours together regularly and create a safe space for children to play out. Hundreds of street communities across the city (and the country) are enjoying the benefits of Playing Out which many of us experienced as children.

n PET HEALTH

You can start by just speaking to your neighbours about the idea and getting in touch with Playing Out who provide support with every step, from the application form to free kit (road closed signs, skipping ropes, chalk etc) so it couldn’t be easier to open your street for play!

Just one application form via Bristol City Council covers 12 months – so now is the perfect time to think about starting a Play Street, so when spring arrives you could be Playing Out where you live!

For more info contact hello@playingout. net or visit www.playingout.net

Look after your animals during the fireworks

By Zita Polgar, Senior Animal Behaviourist, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

FIREWORKS play a key part in seasonal celebrations like Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali, which are all just around the corner, so now’s the time to prepare if you have a pet that might be affected by it.

It is common for animals to find fireworks scary – it’s estimated that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. Cats and other small animals may be affected too, so it’s important for pet owners to be aware of their fears and plan ahead to help handle the situation.

Here are ten tips for pet owners to prepare for fireworks season.

• Start prepping your pet early –for dogs, we recommend Sounds Scary, an easy-to-follow therapy

pack that includes a specially made set of high quality sound recordings and a guide for owners to help get them become less afraid of loud noises.

• Walk your dog during daylight

hours to avoid being outside when fireworks are likely to be set off.

• Cats can become more stressed if they’re outside during fireworks, so make sure you get them inside

before nightfall.

• Make sure they have a safe place to hide if they want to and ensure they have access to this place at all times.

• Make sure your pet can’t escape outside if there’s a sudden noise.

• Have your pet microchipped in case they do escape (by law all dogs should be microchipped).

• Ask your vet for advice about pheromone diffusers – these dispense calming chemicals into the room and may help ease your pet’s anxiety – and being referred to an animal behaviourist for help.

• At nightfall, close the windows and curtains and put on music to muffle the sound of fireworks.

• Stay at home – being there to offer reassurance can help. With dogs, it can help to ignore the fireworks but instead take out a favourite toy and play with it to see if they want to join you – but don’t force them.

• Don’t punish your pets when they are scared as this will just make it worse in the long run.

Bedminster fire crew proudly unveils its newest fire engine’s bright artwork

AVON Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS) have worked with award-winning contemporary digital illustrator Parys Gardener to produce the new design which was installed onto the truck in October

Parys’ artwork celebrates black history with a nod to the Windrush Generation.

Featuring colourful illustrations, the design opens a dialogue on the importance of representing your local community and celebrates what it means to be a firefighter today.

The truck wrapping comes as part of a wider scheme as the Service works to improve its representation of the community. Designs on the side of the truck are inspired by the stories of local people as well as those of serving firefighters, which has resulted in artwork that brings together many themes. The new artwork is part of AF&RS’ work

to improve representation within the community and will remain in place for a year on the sides of the Bedminster truck.

Chief Fire Officer at AF&RS, Simon Shilton, said: “This project represents the next step on our journey towards a better future for the organisation and

provides a fantastic backdrop for the work that we’re continuing to do.

“The artwork that has been produced is excellent, and has already sparked important conversations both within the organisation and out in our community.”

Artist Parys Gardener said: “Representation is something extremely important to my creative practice across all the work that I do.

“Looking at an area of British Black history through this particular lens isn’t something I had done before so I was really excited to take on this project.

“Two themes that stood out to me from my research were bravery in the face of adversity and the strength found in others within the community.”

With the newly-wrapped fire engine returning home to Bedminster, the Service will continue its work to improve representation. In recent months, fire crews have worked with organisations such as Standing Against Racism and Inequality and Babbasa to engage with the community and run familiarisation and recruitment events.

Lenny Henry’s novel flies into thousands of Bristol homes

SIR Lenny Henry’s first novel, ‘The Boy With Wings’, flew home with 1,200 Year 5 and 6 pupils at 20 schools in Bristol, thanks to Enterprise and the National Literacy Trust who joined forces for a second consecutive year to promote the benefits of reading during UK Black History Month.

The partnership aims to boost rates of reading for pleasure, which is linked to better attainment at school, higher lifetime earning potential and better mental health. Despite the clear benefits of reading, almost one in five children in England between the ages of five and eight do not have access to books at home, according to the National Literacy Trust.

‘The Boy With Wings’, illustrated by Keenon Ferrell and published by Macmillan Children’s Books, was chosen because it portrays important messages about race, inclusion and diversity wrapped up in an exciting and fun adventure.

Sir Lenny Henry said he wrote ‘The Boy With Wings’ because he didn’t see Black heroes in the books he read growing up, and wants all children to see themselves appear centre stage in exciting, inspiring stories where they have great adventures.

“I want to make sure as many kids as possible have access to books and this project brilliantly targets those kids who don’t have books at home,” said Sir Lenny. “Reading – with lots of trips to my local library in Dudley – was such an important part of my childhood, it took me on so many different adventures and to so many different worlds. Here’s to ‘The Boy With Wings’ flying into homes across the UK thanks to the National Literacy Trust and Enterprise!”

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

INTERVIEW

‘St Martin’s has got a strong tradition for children and youth work’

I’VE lived in Knowle since 1987. When I came, a number of people said “once people are here, they stay here”. I can quite see why: it’s got a relaxed vibe away from the city centre and yet it’s so close to all the buzz and nightlife. When you combine it with Totterdown, Windmill Hill and Knowle West, you have a tremendous variety of people.

I’ve been a piano teacher since 1995 when ME meant I retired from school music teaching. I was going to St Barnabas then, and following a prompting of the Spirit, went into the Venturer pub, which was then on Melvin Square. There I met a guy who was the on-site deputy warden who lived at St Barnabas Close, the old people’s home. He asked me to come and play some old-time songs for them. I’d only done experimental jazz and rock music though I’m classically trained, so I learned a few, found out I enjoyed it and have played in many old people’s homes since. I love the old songs, especially from the ‘30s and ‘40s!

In 1996, I heard St Martin’s was looking for a musical director and moved there. After a few years, the ME kicked back in and I had to step down. I couldn’t have dreamt that a year later, I’d ask my drumming 14-year-old son, and my bass playing 11-year-old son if they fancied forming a band at church, and they both said “Yes!” So that was the start of the St Martin’s band. As people moved on to

university etc that had its day, and I formed a singing group, which included a number of children, doing mainly contemporary Christian music.

Covid saw the end of the singing group, and it’s following Covid that I’ve formally become the Musical Director this year. I’m loving doing it, there is such a lot of talent in the choir: in fact we are one of very few churches with a four-part choir in South Bristol. We’re always looking for more men, so if any readers would like to join us that would be fabulous. We do mainly traditional music at the moment, but we are gradually increasing the number of more modern hymns. As someone who has played a lot of rock and jazz, and as an ex-bassist, I can play the organ in a very contemporary way.

Playing the organ/piano and running the choir are the main things involved in being the Music Director. I’m hoping we’ll be able to form a children’s choir before long to get young people enjoying singing to God. I would also like to be playing with drums and guitars again but that is going to depend on time and energy.

St Martin’s has got a strong tradition for children and youth work. From having a Sunday School that meets once a month, to good links with the Scouts and

Guides, to various youth groups. More recently, we have Bears & Prayers for the very young, and Messy Church, which gets children involved creatively in worship.

The church has also developed a reputation for being welcoming, and we are so lucky with our vicar, Rev Becky Waring, who is passionate about us being an inclusive church, attracting different ages and those familiar and unfamiliar to church. For instance, we have contemplative prayer evenings, formal eucharists with incense and traditional music, and informal café-style church

with more contemporary music. It’s got a real family feel, with a wide range of ages well represented. It is a liberal church too, seeking to be welcoming of different classes, races and sexualities.

Another exciting thing about St Martin’s is that we are involved in the community and are taking the environmental crisis seriously. We have good relationships with local schools, and took on running a food hub for the community during the last few years. We now support a food bank in Withywood. I’ve been involved in green activism all my adult life, and have been championing the cause in St Martin’s. I’m really pleased that we now have a bronze eco-award through the Christian environmental organisation A Rocha, and we are working towards the silver award.

I see singing as a wonderful green thing to do. Can there be anything more environmentally friendly than using our own bodies to create music? In the words of the Madonna song, “music brings the people together”.

We sing songs of joy and celebration, songs of comfort and sorrow, songs of peace and holiness, songs that bring us closer to Jesus, and God as the source of all.

If you fancy joining us and experiencing the wonder of singing together, especially if you’re a bloke, please get in touch at martin_turnbull@blueyonder. co.uk

St Martin’s Church in Knowle has a new Musical Director with Martin Turnbull. Here, he tells South Bristol Voice about his musical journey:

Bedminster Winter Lantern Project as artists get set to work with schools and community groups across BS3 over the next few months to help them create their wonderful lanterns.

Organisers are delighted to be able to move ahead with plans for south Bristol’s biggest community event after incredible generosity from BS3 businesses has now helped get within touching distance of the £26,000 fundraising target needed.

The parade is planned to take place on Saturday, January 28, subject to permission from Bristol City Council, with a fallback date of Saturday, February 4, in case of poor weather.

Ade Williams, community pharmacist and chair of the volunteer Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade organising team, said: “We are so grateful to all the amazing support from our incredible BS3 businesses who, despite the difficult economic times we’re in have given so generously to the project. We really couldn’t have got this far

Bedminster Winter Lantern Project underway after incredible support

without them and their support will mean children, older people and community groups can have a truly creative experience designing and making their lanterns before carrying them in the parade and lighting up BS3’s streets.

“We are so grateful to be able to bring this vibrant community event to life, especially at a time when once again we need to come together to support and look after each other. We are kickstarting the creative lantern-making workshops in schools and community centres across Bedminster this autumn, working hard to ensure the Parade will bring light, music and fun to Bedminster’s streets after many dark months during the pandemic. We are also hugely grateful to the many local businesses who have generously

supported this project and made the tenth anniversary possible.”

To support the project through funding or to volunteer as a steward, visit the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade website at lanternparade.org

Selling with integrity

You will certainly notice a difference if you choose to sell your home with Urban Lighthouse. From start to finish, expect an informal, yet highly professional and uniquely personal ‘hands on’ service, in which you will have the benefit of his 30 years’ experience. And expect Laurence Irvine, Director, pictured, to arrive on his company electric bike!

Laurence says: ‘I set up Urban Lighthouse around four years ago, wishing to run a small business where the customer’s best interest is never forgotten, in an industry where too often the agent’s interests can muddy that water. To that end, I am proud of never having received or given incentives for mortgage brokers, solicitors, surveyors, or letting opportunities. I am not aware of any selling agents in this area who have the same resolute view. Accepting such incentives brings into question who’s interests you are representing. I only recommend associated businesses with whom I have had the best experience to help the process run faster and more smoothly. If an agent offers you a referral, ask them directly if they (either personally, or the company or both) are receiving any commission and if so, how much. They must reveal this.’

Laurence wants to offer sellers a genuine alternative to the larger corporate agent. Over 80% of the properties sold in 2021 came from personal recommendations from customers who have appreciated his service previously. He added: ‘I am so grateful for these recommendations, which are critical to my survival as a small business. Not to mention that there is nothing that gives me more pleasure than a happy customer!’

is a little of what you can expect when you deal with Urban Lighthouse:

One point of contact throughout

Experience, the kind that comes with 30+ years in the business

No commissions for referrals

A long-term BS3 resident with a genuine interest in the local community

you would like to sell, want genuine value for money and a refreshingly different approach, please get in touch

We are delighted Oasis Academy Daventry Road is now in the pre-opening phase.

Haveyoursay!

Come along to our consultation event any time between 10am and 7.30pm to speak with us.

Wednesday 9th November

Ahead of opening the academy on Daventry Road we want to give the local community the opportunity to share their views about the school.

This is an important part of the process in delivering a new school to ensure it meets the needs of the community and families it will serve.

The Park Centre, Daventry Road, BS4 1DQ

For more information and to complete our online survey visit: www.oasisacademydaventryroad.org.

We look forward to hearing your views!

note this consultation is not related to any building or planning applications surrounding the new school.

Public consultation - Friday 4th November to Friday 16th December*

Remember, remember - how do you learn your lines?

MY memory is getting worse! I think a lot of people feel that way – and with online reminders and smartphones, the need to remember telephone numbers and birthdays etc is disappearing.

But what if you do need to memorise something. Do you have a tried and trusted method for remembering names or things you have to do? What about speeches? Exams?

The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver

Presentations? Scripts?

For an actor this is a key skill and, in the profession, there has always been lots of debate on what is the best way to learn lines.

Here are some suggestions I have heard for learning lines quickly and correctly: put the script under your pillow hoping to learn the lines by osmosis (this definitely doesn’t work!); cover-your-lineswith-your-hand thing, write out your lines, rehearse them with a friend.

I spoke to Stu Mcloughlin from Living Spit about his approaches to line learning: “Every actor has a different method and approach. I myself use an app called Line Learner. It lets you record all your lines along with the other actors’ cue lines, then you can play it back and it leaves a gap for you to speak your lines in. This way, I can run lines on a dog walk or in the car or on my way to rehearsals. Excellent for those with busy lives! Ultimately though,

the way you learn best is in rehearsals, running the scenes and getting the words in the muscle memory.”

And has anything ever gone wrong? “Well, Howard Coggins and I have had many many close shaves onstage and many many incidents of drying or corpsing. Early on in our careers, Howard and I used to challenge each other to work certain words and phrases into our lines. Massively unprofessional, and we wouldn’t do it these days, but hey, we were young!

“I remember him expertly weaving the word ‘flange’ into his speech, which made me crease up so much that I forgot my lines totally and spent the next 10 minutes or so pretending to look around the set, trying no to laugh. I’m sure the audience were very confused!”

If you want to see line learning in action, Living Spit are performing at The Tobacco Factory Theatre in ‘Adolf and Winston’ from November 1-12. Jacqui Ham

“Lots of things can and do go wrong on stage!”

ONE of the South West’s favourite comedians, Andy Ford is heading back to the Bristol Hippodrome this Christmas where, for the tenth year in a row, he will be taking a role in the theatre’s star-studded pantomime.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Andy has only just finished his ‘Back in the Saddle’ tour of venues around Bristol, before jumping straight into rehearsals for ‘Cinderella’ alongside ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Craig Revel Horwood and musical theatre performer Alison Jiear.

‘Cinderella’ runs at the Bristol Hippodrome from 2 to 31 December, and we caught up with Andy, who is playing Buttons, just ahead of rehearsals.

Who are your comedy heroes?

“I have wonderful memories of growing up watching Morecambe and Wise on the TV and just laughing uncontrollably. The same with Tommy Cooper, an undoubted genius. But I am a complete fan of any comedian who plies their trade and makes people happy. A responsibility, yes, but a joy to do.”

How did the ‘Back in the Saddle’ tour go? It must have been so much fun to be back on stage again and in front of a live audience.

“The reaction of the crowds was fantastic, I think people have missed seeing a variety style show. My singer Francesca Carly was brilliant and our dance troupe the Sorella Dancers created a vibrant atmosphere with powerful choreography and glamour. So to follow them onto the stage in front of my audiences who were there to laugh was just so rewarding and humbling. I absolutely loved it!”

It’s ‘Cinderella’ this year, a panto you’ve done before. Is this one of your favourite shows to do?

“To me, ‘Cinderella’ is the ultimate pantomime, it’s a wonderful story that is really uplifting. Playing Buttons the Valet is simply the best role in panto for any comedian, with moments of empathy and a great chance to play with the audiences.”

What is it about the panto experience that keeps you coming back year after year?

“Where else are you going to get all the generations to see the same show? It is uniquely British and helps theatres to survive year after year. It’s the perfect family show for me.”

How magical does it feel stepping out onto the Bristol Hippodrome stage, knowing almost 2,000 people are staring back at you and you’re about to make them laugh their socks off?

“I never ever take it for granted.

It is an honour and a privilege to appear at this absolutely brilliant and historic venue and to feel that people are looking forward to seeing me perform. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Aside from your co-stars this year, who has been your favourite panto headliner to work alongside?

“I have loved working with all my fellow performers but if I had to say one name, it would be the late Dame Barbara Windsor who befriended me and was the ultimate professional and the most genuine person I have ever had the pleasure to share the stage with.”

What’s your favourite place in Bristol?

“I know this sounds like a bit of a cop out but, all over Bristol, I am lucky enough to get the support of people who have been with me for very many years. I think everyone knows what this city means to me so, to all of you who come to see

my shows, I’d just like to say thanks and I love you.”

Why is it important to you that your shows are family friendly?

“I was brought up that way. I’m not holier than though and I do say the odd expletive in private, but to me it is important not to swear at my audiences. I’m not having a go at comedians that do it, it’s just that it doesn’t suit my style and, to put it bluntly, I’d rather not.”

Which leads us to a few questions from your younger fans: What does it feel like to be on stage? (Asks Lilly, age 11)

“Well, Lilly, it is so exciting preparing to come out onto the stage and entertain you all, particularly when you feel that you might make someone’s day just that little bit better.”

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever gone wrong on stage? (Asks James, age 15)

“Well, James, lots of things can and do go wrong on stage. But luckily, because I play the comedy role, I am allowed to mess around a little bit to get out of it and I think those bits in panto are what makes it the most fun.”

Which of your panto jokes has received the biggest, longest laugh from the Bristol audience? (Asks Eliza, age 10)

“Hi Eliza, performing the ‘12 days of Christmas’ in ‘Snow White’ last year was one of the funniest things I’ve ever done on stage and every time I think of it I still can’t help but giggle.”

On that note, if you also want a giggle, make sure you book your ticket to ‘Cinderella’ at the Bristol Hippodrome this December.

Andy Ford is heading back to the Bristol Hippodrome this Christmas

ON

Theatre, comedy and so much more for all the family

1-12 November, Tobacco Factory, ‘Adolf and Winston’. London, 1939. Winston Churchill looks in the mirror, realises that only he can steer our great nation through its darkest hour and steels himself for the hard road ahead. Bristol, 2021. Howard Coggins looks in the mirror, shaves, realises he looks a bit like Winston Churchill and steals himself to break some bad news to his good friend, Stu. Bristol, 2022. Stu Mcloughlin looks in the mirror and realises that he’ll have to grow a little moustache. Buoyed by the success of ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’, ‘Elizabeth I: Virgin on the Ridiculous’, and unafraid to tackle the big subjects in an essentially inconsequential way, Living Spit’s Howard and Stu are back walking the tightrope of taste and decency with another slice of poorly-researched history. But will either of them escape from this war alive…?

4-12 November, Bristol Old Vic, ‘Radium Girls’. New Jersey, mid1900s. Business is booming at the United States Radium Corporation. The company’s ability to meet the growing demand for painting luminescent dials on watches is music to owner Arthur Roeder’s ears – and why wouldn’t it be with pioneering physicist Marie Curie encouraging radium into the mainstream? Meanwhile on the factory floor, it’s a different story. Painters Grace, Irene and Kathryn are noticing disturbing changes in the women working alongside them. Deaths are hastily explained away; but media interest is building and soon enough, many injustices are uncovered. What unfolds is a fast-paced and shocking exploration into the workers behind a historical sensation, which impacted labour rights and health physics – but at what cost? Written with warmth, humour and dignity, Radium Girls is an unflinching tribute to the women racing against time.

5 November, VPAG Bonfire, Victoria Park. This takes place near the corner of Hill and Nutgrove

Avenues. There will be a Best Guy competition so be creative – and encourage your children too. It will be judged at 6pm and the winner will have the honour of lighting the bonfire. Refreshments will be available. Please remember that while sparklers are allowed, fireworks are forbidden in the park at all times.

6 November, Bristol Old Vic, Jessica Fostekew. A comedy show about sexy things (awkward), private things (oh no) and a woman trying to sit on the face of time to keep it still (hot, right?). You’ve seen Jess on’ Live at the Apollo’, ‘QI’ and on ‘Harry Hill’s Clubnite’ among other TV shows. She’s a regular co-host of ‘The Guilty Feminist Podcast’, the host and creator of ‘The Hoovering Podcast’ and you hear her regularly on BBC R4’s ‘News Quiz’ and ‘Now Show’. Jess was nominated for the Dave Edinburgh Comedy Award –Best Show 2019 with her last show ‘Hench’, and she won Best Show and Best Breakthrough Act in the Chortle Awards 2020.

9-10 November, Arnos Vale Cemetery, ‘This Is The Land’. What exists in the ‘thin places’ where the distance between the living and the non-living is closer? Resisting narrative, ‘This Is The Land’ takes us on a mysterious journey of the British Isles and beyond – with its layers, sediments, joys, sorrows,

Tunes & Dancing at Bristol French Session, the third Sunday of every month, at the Brewhouse and Kitchen, Cotham Hill, 7pm to 9.30pm. No charge but do buy a drink. We play traditional French tunes on bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, accordeon, fiddle etc, and you can dance or join in the music. bathfrenchsession.wordpress. com

and weather! Unearthing untold stories that whisper in wish’t places, echoes of folktales in the ‘everywhen’. The show explores the wild within us through quirky movement and dance, vocallooping, atmospheric soundtrack, and five shapeshifting performers. Directed by Mary Steadman, in creative collaboration with performers Leeza Jessie, Alice Barton, Xavier De Santos, Samuel De La Torre, and Sofía Vélez and Music composed by John Baggott. 11 November, Arnos Vale Cemetery, Armistice Day Commemoration. Join us for our annual Remembrance ceremony at the Great War Memorial at Soldiers’ Corner. The ceremony will include readings from local organisations and school children, prayers for the fallen, and wreath laying. The ceremony will begin at 10.50am. A two minute silence will be held at 11am sharp. All are welcome and booking is not necessary.

12 November, Tobacco Factory, Harriet Kemsley. Fed up with being told how to look and behave since she was a teenager, comedian Harriet is taking a long hard squint at the beauty industry through her two remaining false eyelashes. As seen on ‘Live at the

Compass Point School PTFA will be having their annual firework display on Wednesday November 2, sponsored by Kimera, at the school on South Street, BS3. As well as the fireworks, there will be hot food, refreshments and glow items. Gates open at 6pm with the display at 7pm. The display always proves popular and last year sold out its 500 person capacity. Tickets are available on this link: eventbrite. co.uk/e/419660755617

Apollo’, ‘8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown’, ‘Hypothetical’, ‘Roast Battle’, ‘Guessable’, ‘As Yet Untitled’, ‘Comedy Central at The Comedy Store’ and ‘Bobby & Harriet Get Married’.

Until 12 November, Bristol Old Vic, ‘Hamlet’. Hamlet’s father is dead. His mother has remarried. He is alone with his thoughts. Then, he speaks. Haunted by grief, and with his world spinning violently out of control, Hamlet has to make some decisions: forget or remember; live or die. Rising star Billy Howle (‘The Serpent’; ‘MotherFatherSon’; ‘On Chesil Beach’) returns to Bristol Old Vic to play the title role. This visceral new production directed by John Haidar (‘Richard III’) excavates the dark subconscious of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy’.

‘There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom, and Other Stories’

Until 12 November, Bristol Hippodrome, ‘Beauty & The Beast’. This beloved ‘tale as old as time’ has been brought to life on stage like never before, with all the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle and her Beast. 25 years after its Olivier Awardwinning West End debut, members of the original creative team have reunited on this new production featuring all of the spellbinding songs of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice including ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’, ‘Be Our Guest’ and, of course, ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

13 November, Tobacco Factory, Jen Brister. If comedian Jen Brister has learned anything in the past 18 months, it’s that she’s no good in a crisis. (Unless you count getting into the foetal position in under 30 seconds.) Has the pandemic changed her for the better or is she the same old pessimistic naysayer she’s always been? I think we all know the answer to that. Let’s just hope she can make it funny.

16-17 November, Tobacco Factory, ‘Brown Girls Do it Too’. Fierce, funny, and wonderfully

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Jessica Fostekew. Photo: Emily Caddick

frank, Poppy and Rubina have sex and they aren’t ashamed to talk about it. Their critically acclaimed BBC Sounds podcast Brown Girls Do It Too’ (‘Best Podcast of the Year’ British Podcast Awards 2020, Asian Media 2021) has amassed fans who love their honesty and openness (love a period sex sesh…anyone else?) and faced enormous backlash online for breaking the silence on sex in Asian communities. Bringing their characteristic candour, quick wit and infectious personalities to the stage, Poppy and Rubina reflect on what it means to be brown British women and explore the seminal moments from their lives, from first orgasms and loves to racism and family politics. With songs, sketches and some very graphic content, come and meet the Aunties, Little Claire, Big Poppa and Reuben and find out why you’ll never match with Poppy and Rubina on Samosa Soulmates.

17 November-2 December. Arnos Vale Cemetery, ‘A Christmas Carol’. Red Rope Theatre Company return to the Anglican Chapel for the 5th time following their 4 sell out Gothic horrors performed at Arnos Vale. Bringing you their dark and harrowing take on Charles Dickens’ classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ adapted by award winning writer Matt Grinter. Poverty, disease, and hunger are 3 things that Ebenezer Scrooge has little concern for. The rich are indulgent and ignorant, the poor are dying around them. Three spirits will come to visit… you can’t escape the truth when it’s haunting

Bristol South Taekwando Tuesday and Thursday 6-7pm St Paul’s Church Coronation Road Bedminster BS3 1AS Tel: 07951 456407 Email: bristolsouthtkd@hotmail.com

you. Recommended for 14 years+ due to darker themes and content (younger audience members may still attend with an adult, we do strongly advise you not bring primary school age children).

17-19 November, Bristol Hippodrome, Elf. ‘Elf - The Musical’ is coming to The Bristol Hippodrome for the first time in an action-packed family show, featuring a large cast and a fullscale live orchestra. Based on the iconic 2003 movie, ‘Elf’, written by David Brenebaum, this lively musical features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (‘The Wedding Singer’) and Chad Beguelin (‘Disney’s Aladdin’ on Broadway), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (‘Annie’, ‘The Producers’, ‘Hairspray’) and Bob Martin (‘The Drowsy Chaperone’).

17-26 November, Bristol Old Vic, ‘Babytales: Cabaret for Little People’. Once upon a time all of the fairy tale characters gathered to tell us their stories...The Snow Queen teaches us to make snow, Hansel and Gretel dance their way through the forest introducing us to the animals of the wood, and in the end Sleeping Beauty sings us all to sleep. This November, Made in Bristol presents a brand new show for 0–3 years. Join us for Babytales: Cabaret For Little People and discover the sights, sounds and textures of classic stories in a playful sensory and musical exploration of fairy tales. A

Friday November 11 1.10.1.50pm

Lunchtime Live St Francis’ Church, Ashton Gate BS3 1JP.

‘Shropshire to the Somme’ – A recital of English art songs of remembrance. Admission £5 (£3). Tea and coffee available before performance. lunchtimelive.co.uk

story

beautiful 30-minute theatre show suitable for babes in arms and toddlers, accompanied by carers. 23-26 November, Bristol Hippodrome, English National Ballet - ‘Raymonda’. Get swept away by the passionate story of Raymonda – an epic journey of love and courage inspired by the pioneering spirit of Florence Nightingale. England, 1854. Raymonda runs away from her comfortable life to become a nurse in the Crimean War. There, she becomes engaged to a soldier, John, but soon develops feelings for his friend Abdur, a leader of the Ottoman army. As turmoil grows around and inside her, who will she give her heart to? Over 100 dancers and musicians bring it to life, updated with a dramatic new story that celebrates the courage of nurses and women who fought for emancipation.

24 November - 7 January, Bristol Old Vic, ‘The Nutcracker’. On a Christmas Eve unlike any

St Michael & All Angels and St Francis’s churches are holding a joint pre-Christmas Craft Market on Saturday November 12 at St Francis Church, North Street BS3 2AN. This will run from 10am until 3pm.

Everyone is warmly invited to join us.

If you are an artist or crafter and would like to sell your work, please email Smaaanews@gmail.com

It is £15 for a slot, which includes hire of a standard table for the event.

Sellers keep all profits made. Come along and pick up hand crafted items for yourself or for Christmas gifts. Refreshments will also be available.

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

25 November, Craft Fair. Whitchurch Art Club is holding a Craft Fair at Fortfield Road Community Centre, Bristol BS14 9NT from 2.30-6.30pm. Refreshments available. Affordable gifts for all.

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

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

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

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

£5 a session by cash or card.

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

ON

CAV WORLD

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

This is my first column for South Bristol Voice and I don’t have one. As a radio presenter having a voice is a real bonus. I don’t mean “having a voice” in the sense of being able to speak out publicly on the number 2 bus being cancelled and the bins not being collected, I mean literally opening your mouth and not even a squeak comes out.

And once it’s gone, it’s a whole weird world of silence, poking someone to get their attention, realising you can’t ask your wife if she’d like a cup of tea without sending a WhatsApp message, having to use your nobetter-than-the-age-of-nine scrawly writing to spell a conversation out to someone you’ve never met in a room full of strangers at a big, new-blouse-and-blazer worthy event.

The day after I did a four-hour live BBC Radio Bristol show from See Monster, the out -of-service North Sea platform now a free attraction on the sea front in Weston-superMare, I was also out of service. A cold had crept up on me during the week and the following day I was mute. That evening, I was due to host

a table at BBC Radio Bristol’s Make A Difference awards, a grand event on the Grand Pier in Weston to celebrate volunteers, communities and generally excellent people of the West Country who went above and beyond to help others during the pandemic.

I went on the ghost train at the Grand Pier but nobody could hear me scream. I tried to silently introduce myself as Radio Bristol afternoon presenter Claire Cavanagh, with waves and smiles and weird body movements, and then eventually by writing it down, to a table full of new people who had done the good things. They chatted between themselves and had a lovely time.

The lady next to me, an ex-nurse (“I’m nearly 80”) had made quilts, welcomed Afghan refugees, and baked thousands of cupcakes for NHS staff at the Children’s Hospital and the BRI. I hope she didn’t mind that the person sitting next to her could only nod their approval as she told me all about it.

The whole evening was full of stories like this and as a person prone to blub, I was a silent weeping mess more than once. I heard about Mary from Highridge in south Bristol, winner of the Great Neighbour Award, who’d cooked for “the boys down the road” and “others on their own” all through lockdowns. She’d arrived at the black tie event clutching one of her signature crumbles so it could be judged by Bake Off champion Giuseppe

The Community Group Award went to Fun 4 Families in Hengrove who take kids and grown ups on camping trips and days out at the seaside. They got the biggest cheer of the night. I clapped my hands like a manic seal to celebrate.

My new friend by the end of the night waved at me before she left and said it was nice to meet me. I waved back and said nothing, though I mouthed the words “and you”. It’ll be great maybe to speak to her one day and make sure she knows how important what she does is to those she helps, although I think she probably already has an idea.

Arctic Monkeys are confirmed for Ashton Gate Stadium in 2023

ASHTON Gate Stadium has confirmed that the Arctic Monkeys will play Bristol on May 29, 2023.

The Sheffield quartet, who headlined Reading and Leeds Festival for the third time in August, kick off their much-anticipated tour at Ashton Gate next year, which is supporting their seventh studio album ‘The Car’, which arrives on October 21.

Mark Kelly, Managing Director for Ashton Gate, said: “We are thrilled to be able to announce the first of our concerts for next year. Building off the success of our 2019 Summer Series and this year’s performances by Elton John and The Killers, it is brilliant to be able to confirm such a huge international act as the Arctic Monkeys. For them to kick off their UK tour with us first is a huge honour and we can’t wait to do them proud.”

Arctic Monkeys first burst onto the scene with their seminal debut LP, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, which included UK No.1 single ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’. The critically acclaimed record was the fastest-selling album in British history upon its release in 2006, going on to win the 2007 Mercury Prize and Brit Award for Best British Album.

Tickets for the Ashton Gate show are on sale now.

creating props, scenery and costumes ready for the evening production.

Jacqui Ham, from Acting Out, said: “We can’t wait to produce another Christmas panto with the fantastic BS3 community. It’s so exciting to be all back together , with this feel good show, and we hope this year will be one of our biggest casts yet.”

Bristol Art Junkie’s Adele Lippiatt is keen to hear from any community groups who would like to get involved in making some of the props and scenery in advance of the event. Please email bristolartjunkie@gmail.com.

The workshop will cost £25 for children, with a sliding scale discount for families, and over 18s are free. To book a place please contact enquiries@actingoutdrama.com or book on the website www.actingoutdrama.com

Yes! It’s panto time again

By Jacqui Ham

Acting Out and Bristol Art Junkie are excited to produce their annual Christmas ‘Play in a Day’, which will be ‘Snow White in Bemmy’. This will be the seventh year in a row that the panto has been running, and this year the team will be working once more with the fantastic actor Chris Yapp, as seen in the fantastic ‘Outlaws’ on BBC TV.

The play in a day team will once again be recruiting actors and artists of all ages from the community to join the cast. Participants can get involved in the acting, or in creating props for the panto or can join in with both.

This community event will take place at the Hen and Chicken Studio, North Street on Sunday December 11. The workshop will run from 10am to 4.30pm where the cast will be rehearsing,

The performance will be at 6.30pm and is open to all. Tickets are £5 and can be purchased at BS3SnowWhite.eventbrite.co.uk. All profits from the pantomime tickets will be split equally between Cancer Research UK and BS3 Community Development Charity.

Afrika Eye at Windmill Hill

AFRIKA Eye - the South West’s biggest celebration of African cinema and culture –returns to Bristol from November 7 with a 11day programme featuring new and classic films, street art, spoken word, dance, music food and photography at city-wide venues.

Events will be taking place all over the city, including at South Bristol’s Windmill Hill City Farm, where there will be a screening of the much-feted Somalia-set drama ‘The Gravedigger’s Wife’ with Somali music and food.

See the Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court

THE Father Christmas Experience is coming back to Ashton Court, with lots of sparkle and magic between December 3-23, where kids can meet Santa and reall get set for the big day.

This is a fun, interactive experience with professional actors in the historic Ashton Court Mansion. Father Christmas will make an entrance that will surprise and delight the children.

Much more than a usual grotto, Father Christmas at Ashton Court Mansion is a magical experience held in the beautiful Victorian Manor house. Entry to the experience starts in the Great Hall.

To book, visit ticketsource.co.uk/ fatherchristmasashtoncourt

Arctic Monkeys. Photo: Zackery Michael

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

together against hate crime

MY team and I recently recognised National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Hate crime is an offence that is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity, instead of something they have done, the result of a disagreement or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Being targeted because of your age, race, sexual orientation, religion or any other reason is unacceptable and, as communities, if we see this behaviour we must challenge it and report it.

We must help give victims of hate crime the confidence to speak to the police or partner agencies about their experience.

If, as a victim, you do not feel like you can talk to the police for whatever reason, there are still many options available for support, such as Victim Support, SARI

or VOCAS, the Victims of Crime Advocacy Service.

VOCAS provides an enhanced advocacy service to those victims of crime who feel they need it and an opportunity to talk in confidence to someone who understands how race, sexuality, disability, mental health, age and/ or exclusion can contribute to you struggling to have your voice heard or understanding your rights and options.

To tackle hate crime, we must stand together and fight for a stronger and fairer society.

I also want to let you know about courier fraud scams, which appear to be increasing.

Unsuspecting victims receive calls from criminals asking them to withdraw cash and leave it for a courier to collect.

In one scam, the criminal pretends to work for the victim’s bank and says they are investigating counterfeit notes at their local branch.

They tell the victim to withdraw

money, and not to tell the bank what they have been asked to do.

The criminals then send someone to the victim’s house to collect the notes, claiming they will be checked to see if they are counterfeit – in reality, they just drive off with the victim’s money.

Another scam is when the fraudster claims to work for the police and says they have arrested someone using a cloned card belonging to the victim.

The victim is urged to withdraw money as part of the investigation - but is simply giving it to the fraudster.

These scammers pose as trusted officials and apply pressure in the hope people will let their guard down.

I want us to be one step ahead of them.

So, what should you do if you are targeted?

Take your time and consider if the police or your bank would really ask you to do this. If the answer is no, hang up - as long as

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

you have not provided your bank details, your money is safe.

If you want to call the police or your bank, using an advertised number, leave it at least 10 minutes or preferably use a different phone - fraudsters often stay on the other end of the line, keeping the connection open and pretending to be whoever you have dialled.

Finally, report it to Action Fraud, online or on 0300 123 2040.

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

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

Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.

a story for South Bristol Voice?

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

Luxury watchmaker returns to South Bristol after 46 years

BRISTOL’S oldest watchmaking company has moved back to the city after a near 50-year hiatus and has some super-exciting plans for the future in their spiritual home.

Founded in 1849, Fears Watches ran for 130 years before closing its doors in 1979 after a boom in cheaper imported watches brought many small boutique manufacturers, like Fears, to their knees.

But thanks to Nicholas Bowman-Scargill - great-greatgreat grandson of founder Edwin Fear - the family company was re-incorporated back in 2016 for a grand total of £12 and has since gone from strength to strength.

Nicholas moved the company’s headquarters back to Bristol earlier this year and this month he is opening a new watch showroom and manufacturing facility, with cases, dials and straps all assembled here in its original headquarters at the Paintworks opposite Arnos Vale

Cemetery, where the founder Edwin Fear is buried.

Nicholas Bowman-Scargill said: “Since I restarted my

family’s watch company, I’ve been focused on bringing it back to its historic home city: Bristol. The streets in this vibrant city

have so much of Fears history entwined in them and our new offices are moments away from where the previous managing directors are buried, overlooking what we are doing with the company today.

“At the core of the company is a strong belief in good capitalism which means investing in the people we work with and also the suppliers who help us create our beautiful products.

“The growth and success of Fears should benefit all who come into contact with the company. That is why it was correct to bring Fears back to Bristol and why we are growing the team here, employing local people.

“Now the headquarters is open, we are excited for the showroom opening in November and then the workshop opening at the end of the year. It doesn’t stop there with even bigger plans for Fears and watchmaking in the city.”

By Liz Nixon

SEVERN Vineyard Church has moved from Feeder Road to a new home at Totterdown Methodist Church, as the congregation was winding down using the church. The new Vineyard Church at Totterdown Methodist has already started and meets on a Sunday lunchtime.

We will be based there throughout the week. Our Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre Manager, Rebecca Kishtainy, is also running her centre from there. Her role is to help people on their journey to becoming debt free, through the Christians Against Poverty award winning debt management plan.

We are also operating a storehouse from there, to enable families to get baby and children's clothing and equipment for free.

Finally, our food bank team will also be based there: they will Totterdown Methodist Church as a storage and packing centre, from where they will do deliveries to St Anne's, but

New home for Severn Vineyard

they are starting a clinic on a Wednesday at St Barnabas Church in Knowle, opposite The Park Centre.

We are opening a walk-in (by referral) foodbank service in partnership with St Barnabas Church. They will host the weekly clinic, covering the Knowle West side of BS4, and people collecting food will be able to meet the team, have a chat and a coffee and piece of cake while collecting

their food parcel. It's exciting to be expanding in the community with a client facing service, as well as continuing to deliver to other parts of BS4.

We also run a Ukraine Welcome hub on a Friday morning. So, along with the existing groups such as Brownies, Guides and Cubs who meet there and the martial arts group, it will be used a lot more than previously. We are keen to

keep the existing relationship with them as well as build more in the local community.

There's a lot going on and we would so welcome any volunteers in the area who would love to get involved with any of the projects. Our heart is to be a blessing to the Totterdown, South Bristol and Bristol as a whole.

To volunteer, please visit severnvineyard.org or lighthousevineyard.org

School for Social Entrepreneurs has free learning programmes, workshops and 1:1 support for people in South Bristol with an idea for a business that makes a difference to people’s lives and shows care for our planet.

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HISTORY

Unwinding in the RAF

We continue our serialisation of Memories of Bristol Boyhood by Knowle resident John Fletcher, and this month he talks about his leisure time while in the RAF

MY job was to record all details of the trainee cooks during their stay at No 2 School of Cookery. It started on their arrival from leave, having completed basic training. Each new intake consisted of about 24 persons, quite often all male. When an intake involved females they waited until there were at least three or four girls.

My first job was to get each intake together and get them to fill in their record card. This included all the usual details: name, home address, next of kin, age, identification marks or scars etc. One of the questions that gave trouble was religion. I would start by saying ”If you are Roman Catholic, write RC” and run through the usual religions with abbreviations. Lastly I would say that if they were not particularly religious it was usual to state Church of England, or C of E. It was surprising to see the number of times I saw CV when I checked the cards.

The trainees’ official title was Cooks Assistant U/T (under training) Cook II. This meant that those who passed the 16-week course would become Cook II, while those who failed stayed as Cooks Assistants, which entailed all the odd jobs around the cook house – cleaning, fetching, carrying etc. It was quite common for those drafted into being Cooks Assistants to be illiterate so I would stay behind with them to complete their record cards.

Each week the course would study various aspects of cooking for large numbers and the instructor cooks all had many years of experience. The week went from Wednesday to Tuesday and each instructor was required to fill in a progress report (marks and comments) for each trainee.

This detail would be passed to me to be transcribed onto their record cards. I had a filing cabinet with a tray for each course which built up to a complete picture of each trainee’s progress.

Halfway through their training, a week was set aside for them to have a leave break and it was my job to issue each person with a return rail coach warrant to their home plus (as the country was still subject to food rationing) a ration card. The last two weeks of the course included one week when they cooked the food for the whole unit and a week for examinations.

absent without leave or any other cause. This information was drawn from the record cards, for not only the trainees had one but also the permanent staff, although the officers gave only very restricted information. Each of these cards was enclosed in a plastic sleeve in a filing tray/cabinet and each absence was recorded by a different coloured tab representing the reason. Thankfully this kept me busy for most of my working hours which was much better than the boredom I would have had if I had remained in the Orderly Room.

It may seem that between work and sport I had only limited time left. The benefit of belonging to a small unit on a big camp was that we avoided all the formalities of the main camp but had access to all the facilities. The camp cinema was akin to a suburban one and showed films that were only a little behind the suburbs.

The main film was followed by up-to-date news then a corny serial such as ‘Flash Gordon’ or ‘Dan Dare’ where the goodie confronted by all sorts of dangers always came out on top. The admission charge was minimal and most evenings played to a full house. The audience was reasonably well behaved during the feature film unless there was a romantic scene when the odd wolfwhistle or similar reaction would take place. The serial feature was the signal for a lot of audience reaction with boos for the villains and mock cheers for the goodies. The periods of audience participation were part of the tradition and did not get out of hand.

playing cards. We favoured a small one situated very close to our unit which, although not having the full range of facilities, was much quieter and made for a more relaxed feeling.

RAF Innsworth also had a well-equipped hospital although no surgical operations were carried out there. I once had a need to take advantage of their services. I had been at home on a weekend pass and for Sunday lunch ate some suspect pork.

I returned to camp on the Sunday evening and in the early hours of Monday was violently sick. I attended sick parade that morning and the Medical Officer confirmed that I was unable to work that day and prescribed medication and bed rest which meant staying in the hospital ward. I felt much better within about 48 hours but was not discharged immediately. I stayed in the ward rest room enjoying the peace and quiet of some lovely summer’s weather reading the papers and magazines and listening to the radio (no TV in those days). I was discharged from hospital on the Friday morning just in time to apply for a weekend pass, leaving the camp for Bristol at noon the next day. Meanwhile at home my mother, sister Joyce and brother-inlaw Dennis, who had also eaten the pork and become equally as ill, still managed to go to work as usual on the Monday morning and carried on through the week. Just goes to contrast the difference between our hardened fighting men and the civilians that we were there to protect.

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

In the last days of their course the trainees were given details of their next posting to one of the many camps all over the UK or even abroad. The reaction of some was joy, others sadness, but mostly puzzlement as they had never heard of their new camp. Again it was part of my job to issue them with single tickets to their homes and single tickets to their new posting, together with ration cards for their compulsory week’s leave.

One of my other jobs was to complete a daily ration statement. For this I had to know the total number of personnel (officers and other ranks, permanent staff and trainees) and from this I had to deduct anyone who was sick, on leave, on a course, representing their unit at sport or other function,

The camp had several NAAFI clubs – the main one was well equipped and served excellent refreshments and had several snooker tables, darts facilities and

Another plus point for RAF Innsworth was that less than half a mile from the main gate ran the main road between Gloucester and Cheltenham which had a regular bus service. The camp was situated almost half way between the two so that anyone wishing to see a very up-to-date film or wanting to spend an evening on the town was well placed.

John Fletcher in the 1950s

The lady of the manor

WITH more than 1.6 million visitors each year, Ashton Court in South Bristol is one of the United Kingdom’s most beloved country parks. The majestic Grade I listed mansion house that sits in the middle of the landscaped grounds (designed by the admired Humphry Repton) is the former home of Bristol’s Smyth family after merchant

John Smyth bought the land in 1545.

Widowed Lady Emily Edwards came to live at Ashton Court upon marrying her first cousin Greville Smyth, who donated the land where the Southville park bearing his name is. Reportedly, Emily was having an affair with the Prince of Wales both before and during her marriage to Greville.

When Greville died in 1901, he left everything to Emily. And with no eligible male heirs, Emily became lady of the manor. It seems that despite her wealth she was also generous to those who were less fortunate that her. For instance, she commissioned a row of eight almshouses to be built in Long

Ashton between 1901-1902. The sign above the central gable reads: “Rest after toil, peace after stormy seas, doth greatly please.”

The Smyth family owned much of Bedminster and Southville, and had made their money from coal mines. When the Dean Lane colliery closed in 1909, Lady Emily donated the land to the community to use as a park and it was named the Dame Emily Smyth Park in her honour (Lady Emily was made a Dame towards the end of her life).

The location of the main pit head can still be seen beneath a large concrete cap in the centre of the park. In 1907, Lady Emily had laid the foundation stone for what would become the former Salvation Army building next door to the park and this building still stands today.

This is an extract from ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’ by Jane Duffus Books are available for £13 direct from the author (who is happy to sign copies) via her website: www.janeduffus.com

Photo: Rich Kenington

n LOCAL HISTORY

A NEW artwork embracing the industrial and societal history of the new home for the University of Bristol’s first research hub in Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus has been launched.

Commissioned by Bristol Digital Futures Institute, ‘Injurious Effect’, by local artist Ellie Shipman used accounts from residents in the Barton Hill History Group, interviews with historians Garry Atterton, Pete Insole and Dr James Watts, and local oral histories by researcher Lena Ferriday of the gas works in Avon Street to create an audio artwork and sculpture inspired by a Wardian Case.

The Wardian case, popular in Victorian homes to protect plants from perceived pollution from gas lights, explores the relationship between innovation, the fears and perceptions of technology, and societal change, prompted by the history of the building that was the former headquarters of the Bristol Gas Company.

The Bristol Gas Company introduced gas and gas lighting to Bristol, transforming the way residents lived and worked in positive and negative ways.

Bristol Digital Futures Institute commissioned the installation for their newly renovated home to illustrate the history of innovation on the site from the last 200 years with the question, how can innovation protect what already exists, be used for good and mitigate harm?

Local memories, artifacts and photographs as well as a BDFI report, ‘Avon Street Gasworks and Bristol Gas Industry’ were put to use by Ellie to create the work.

Garry Atterton, founder of the Barton Hill History Group that host local memory cafes said:

“It has been a real pleasure working with local artist Ellie Shipman on this very exciting project about the Old Gas Works. The Barton Hill History Group has always tried to give working class people a voice and allow them the opportunity to tell their stories in their words.

“Hopefully the audio piece from Barton Hill people captures their memories and stories for present and future generations to learn from and enjoy.”

Ellie Shipman commented: “Fear of the new, of change and hidden or unseen implications have always gone hand in hand with socio-technical innovation. This artwork invites reflection on the past, present and future of

Artwork delves into the history of innovation in St Philips

innovation in Bristol through the symbol of a Wardian Case, which represents innovation and all the wondrous possibilities and harmful impacts it can bring.”

Bristol Digital Futures Institute and Partnerships Manager Hayley Shaw said: “The development and production of the gas to fuel Bristol has many parallels with Bristol Digital Futures Institute which this art rightly addresses. It will help us and visitors to our Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus home a chance to learn and reflect on its history while we take forward the principals of developing transformative sociotechnical approaches to deliver a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future.”

The history report highlighted issues around working conditions, industrial action, the impact of war, the role of women in the workplace, the development of the night-time economy, crime, pollution, domestic life and the transformation of local businesses and industry including:

How improved lighting meant that people could now work at night, paving the way for the night-time economy and changing concepts of time away from agricultural rhythms.

The new gasworks, although dangerous, represented a steady and secure new source of employment.

The Bristol Gas Company can be linked to every large industry in Bristol during the last 200 years including Filton Aeroplane company, Wills Tobacco and Frys and Sons. The Bristol Old Vic was also an early customer.

During the Second World War George Jones, gas attendant knocked two incendiary bombs off the top of the Folly Lane gas holder near Avon Street, receiving the George Medal for his efforts. There is a plaque on the wall on the corner of Folly Lane and Days Rd.

Gas changed the lives of women in Bristol, not just through new employment opportunities but in the home being sold for cooking and washing as the ‘fuel of the future’.

Although gas was a significant source of pollution, with by-

products entering the air and water-systems, the industry was effective at marketing itself as environmentally-friendly, winning awards from the Royal Sanitary Institute.

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

Right: Wardian Case in situ at Bristol Digital Futures Institute

Garry Atterton, Barton Hill History Group, Dr James Watts, University of Bristol, Ellie Shipman and Hayley Watts, Bristol Digital Futures Institute (left to right)

Barton Hill History Group with the Wardian Case

A breath of fresh air in Bristol?

BRISTOL’S Clean Air Zone comes into force on 28 November with the aim of reducing pollution and providing fresher – and healthier –air in and around the city centre.

But will the CAZ really bring a breath of fresh air, or could it see some of the city’s historic scents, which may have been buried beneath engine exhaust emissions, resurface to stimulate the senses?

If you’re not sure about what kind of odours previously prevailed in and round the city centre, you should stick your nose into a good book, namely ‘Manson’s Bristol Miscellany Volume 2’, which has a chapter entitled ‘Smelly Old Town –the stink of the city’.

No doubt some people will remember the distinctive hoppy, malty air which hovered over the former Courage brewery in

Victoria Street, or the distinctive tang of tobacco from Wills’ multiple manufactories.

Go further back in time, and there were some distinctly foul, rather than fragrant, smells that prevailed, the worst of which came from the Rivers Frome and Avon, which acted as depositories for raw sewage.

Before their tidal flow was interrupted by the building of the Floating Harbour in 1809, these rivers had a twice-daily cleanse but once this natural flushing process was interfered with, a malodorous miasma would hang over the nearstagnant docks, particularly in the warmer months.

Meanwhile a far more appealing aroma hung like a haze over Union Street in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, thanks to the production of Britain’s first eating chocolate bar, Fry’s Chocolate Cream, which left a distinctly sweet scent in the air.

The ‘stink of the city’ is just one of a myriad of intriguing stories about Bristol awaiting rediscovery in ‘Manson’s Bristol Miscellany Volume 2’, which has been published by Bristol Books.

The miscellany began as a compilation of things that grabbed author Michael Manson’s own curiosity as he wandered around the streets he has called home for 45 years in a quest to find the ‘soul of the city’.

It has evolved into a treasure trove of hidden histories and fascinating facts from the city’s rich tapestry of the past.

Volume Two reveals many

diverse discoveries, from plans for futuristic aerial walkways in the city centre to the infamous Bristol accent; from notable buildings to Banksy; aircraft to almshouses, there’s something to pique the interest of anyone keen to learn something new about Bristol.

Both volumes of ‘Manson’s Bristol Miscellany’ are available now from the Bristol Books website, www.bristolbooks.org priced £20.

Bursary

Michael Manson with his book

No weeds, no caterpillars, no butterflies

By Ben Barker, Secretary, BS3 Wildlife Group

EARLY in 2017, the BS3 Wildlife Group formed with around 10 members. Our Facebook now exceeds 1,500 participants sharing photographs, ideas and information. We began with a simple question: “how many species of butterfly can we find in BS3?”

We knew that the UK list was around 60 species, but that many of these were very rare or only found far from Bristol.

Members made notes in their gardens. Some looked at parks and allotments. By 2021, we had five years of data and the answer turns out to be, in most years, around 16.

They are Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Painted Lady, Comma, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.

In some years, there have also been sightings of the Small Copper, Common Blue and Marbled White, so, maybe 19.

Better than expected, but many are very rarely seen. 50 years ago, all would have been

quite common in Bristol.

Noting decline is one thing, reversing it is another. One problem is tidy gardens and parks. In the Middle Ages, people didn’t know that caterpillars and butterflies were stages of the same animal. But we should know better.

Caterpillars are ‘eating bags’ and have evolved to consume particular plants such as grass and nettles.

These are the things that gardeners and park keepers clear away. Big mistake! No nettles, no red admiral! No ivy and holly, no holly blues!

To join in, contact mywildbedminster@ virginmedia.com

Speckled Wood

Red Admiral

In witch I joined The Queue

I’M not a royalist but when the Queen died, I felt a strong urge to go pay my respects and be part of history. I put a post out on Facebook. A friend messaged saying that she too felt the need to go. This now meant I had to go. We dragged her sister into our planning and jumped on the train to London.

The night was full of strange coincidences. As we joined the Queue at Southwark Park, I spotted some familiar faces just in front. Neighbours from my street. I’d rarely seen them over the last few years and yet there

they were, about five people in front of me. We had a catch up, then a lady who’d travelled from France joined our chatter. We discovered that when Mrs France was 11, her parents had taken her to see Winston Churchill when he was lying in state, that queue had been even longer.

We stopped to take snaps of Tower Bridge, stunningly illuminated over the Thames and continued the slow march of the Queue. A young local chap in front gave a running commentary on famous landmarks, we called him the Tour Guide. His girlfriend raced

ahead to sit on benches, re-joining us once we’d caught up. A gaggle of nurses gossiped behind us and a lady in her 70s handed out squished blueberries every half an hour. She never complained or sat down. These were our Queue friends.

We reached Lambeth Bridge. An old soldier walked by in the opposite direction; medals proudly pinned on his chest. I caught his eye. “You’ve got another five hours,” he cried cheerfully. “You’re such a joker,” I called back.

He was not joking. We were five hours in at that point. Two of the nurses gave up and retired to their hotel room. We adopted the third who was determined to see it through and shared our sherbet lemons with her. I never normally buy these sweets but had been drawn to them, as had one of my friends and I later found out that David Beckham had been sucking on them, too. I Googled whether these were the Queen’s favourite sweet, sure it was a sign. They weren’t. She preferred Barley

Sugars. I was oddly disappointed. We shuffled past the coffin just as the sun rose. I did plan on curtsying, nice and low like Meghan, but I would have keeled over and taken out a few guardsmen as my legs were screaming. I bowed awkwardly. We were lucky as we got to stay for a few more minutes while the guards were changed. It was surreal and moving.

Then we were out into the sunshine. Ten hours of queuing over. As we hobbled to the tube my phone pinged. A text from one of the plumbers I work for. He’d tuned into the Queue’s live stream as he’d got up for work and there was my huge face on his TV, the camera had zoomed in on me and he’d choked on his cornflakes. Weird.

And as we collapsed onto the train at Paddington, exhausted but feeling incredibly patriotic and very British this tweet popped up from Andrew Freudenberg which summed it up nicely: Americans: “Man, the queues at Disney are huge...” Brits: “Hold my scone...”

Remember, remember to train your dog for November

Fireworks night can be terrifying for many dogs, but did you know that teaching dogs to cope with noise fears in advance can help lessen the stress they experience when they hear the unexpected whizz, pop, and bang of fireworks? To avoid the fear and anguish many dogs will go through during fireworks displays, it’s so important that owners plan ahead to help them, and their dogs feel prepared and comfortable when the 5th of November comes around.

Gradually teaching your dog that noises are not scary will help them cope with unexpected noises over time. This usually involves playing recorded versions of the scary noises but starting at such a low volume that your dog is not worried by them. The volume and direction of sounds are changed over time, but so slowly that your dog shows no signs of any fear. The sounds should also be associated

with something that they enjoy, such as their favourite treats or a game.

Dogs who are very frightened already may require support from a qualified, experienced behaviourist. For more tips and advice visit Dog School, a national network of experienced trainers providing fun, educational courses for dog owners based on up-todate scientific research. Using reward-based training methods, we teach the key skills your dog needs to thrive in everyday situations, including focusing on helping dogs to cope with unusual sounds, so they remain relaxed and happy.

We’ll help teach you how to slowly introduce noises to your dogs and help them learn that fireworks are not so scary after all.

Bec Konteh Bristol Dog School

Nightmare builders

My neighbours and I in Upper Knowle were interested to read Alex Seabrook’s article in the

October issue of South Bristol Voice.

We share the concerns of those in Brendon and Mascot Roads who are suffering at the hands of careless builders whose antics are encouraged by lack of monitoring. Our lives too have been made intolerable for several months now by the inappropriate conversion of a small terrace house into six bedsits each with an ensuite. We pity the tenants who are paying handsomely for tiny rooms in what is still a building site.

The builders have worked outside permitted hours, have consistently ignored safe working practices, have been verbally abusive and threatening to residents and routinely blocked the road with vehicles. Noise and foul language are habitual. The police have been involved on one occasion.

There must be a more proactive approach to project management; I dispute Bristol City Council’s assertion that ‘all development sites are closely monitored by planning enforcement officers’.

Name and address supplied

Boardwalk development

We are writing in response to the letter printed in your last edition. We find the attitude of both KCP councillors astounding. They describe Mark Hayward’s letter as ‘abusive’, then go on to misrepresent all who dare to oppose the Broadwalk development.

The concerns of residents are not ‘bogus’, we do want to see the site developed and know

concessions will need to be made.

Redeveloping Broadwalk will need funding and the building of apartments will provide this money. The only arguments, valid ones we believe, are the number of apartments, the density and effects on local infrastructure. We are concerned residents, not story tellers. We are the community the Knowle COMMUNITY Party is supposed to represent.

The KCP is not the dragon slayer riding to the rescue of us poor Knowle residents, it is, supposedly, our representative body on the council and should work with us not against us. Let us work in partnership to bring about the development we all want and need. Enough mud slinging from local councillors, do your jobs and represent the whole of Knowle, not just that part that agrees with you.

Phil Gingell and Carol Griffith

Note from the editor:

At South Bristol Voice, we are pleased to publish most reader letters that we receive, but please be sure to include your name and address. If you would rather these details were not printed, please let us know. However, we are unable to consider for publication letters that are received anonymously. Letters can be sent to news@southbristolvoice. co.uk. Thank you!

The Great Bristol

AT the end of September, thousands of runners laced up their trainers, had a final emergency trip to the loo and nervously lined up on Anchor Road, ready for the annual Bristol 10k and Half Marathon. Our editor Jane was one of those as she took on the 10k.

For anyone who has done the run before, this year the 10k took on a new route, avoiding the out and back section of the Portway altogether, and instead taking a more scenic journey through Queen Square, out towards Temple Meads and then weaving through the old city, past Castle Park and back to Anchor Road to be greeted by deafening cheers and whoops from the hundreds of supporters who have lined the roads to cheer everyone on.

Organised by the Great Run company, this is always a key race on a Bristol runner’s calendar. With a chunky medal and a decent tech t-shirt to show off afterwards, runners can enjoy several music stations along the route to keep them motivated, as well as hundreds of smiley marshals and ample clear signage to ensure you never go wrong. But really, unless you’re the front runner (and I definitely wasn’t), just follow the people in front!

The dates for 2023’s races are yet to be announced, but keep an eye on the website for information and ensure you book your place! greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run

Notice of upcoming consultation

Consultation on the Whitehouse Street Regeneration Framework will be launching in the coming weeks. Sign up to our mailing list at whitehousestreet.com to find out how you can get involved.

The Whitehouse Street Regeneration Framework sets out the vision for the regeneration of the area and has been shaped by engagement with the local community and businesses.

ROOFING