DESERTED on the streets as a young pup and suffering from a debilitating skin condition, Xena’s wasn’t good when she arrived at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, but the right care brought out her inner warrior, and Xena soon fought back Xena was just six months old when she was found as a stray at night and brought to Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.
Xena was given regular medicated baths to soothe her skin condition, and the team worked with her on socialisation skills to get her ready for rehoming.“Despite her terrible condition on arrival and the immense pain she must have endured, Xena was a strong little pup. You would expect after everything she had been through that she may be suspicious of people, but once her condition started to improve, she was a very playful pup and became much loved by the staff and other dogs here,” added Jodie.
“On arrival it was obvious she was in a lot of pain, and she was frequently itching and licking herself – she just couldn’t get any relief,” said Jodie Hayward, Animal Home Manager at Bristol Animal RescueDemodexCentre.mange is the most common form of mange in dogs and occurs primarily in dogs less than 12-18 months of age. Adult dogs that have the disease usually have weakened immune systems. When left untreated, it can lead to secondary infections, which can be very dangerous for dogs.
“We named her Xena because we knew she’d be strong. She overcame this horrible condition and is now living her best life. We couldn’t be happier for her,” said Jodie. Xena the warrior pup Xena
It became clear she had a serious infestation of demodex mites (also known as mange), which had caused her to lose her fur and have very itchy, inflamed skin and extremely sore pustules all over.
prognosis
Xena was later happily rehomed with an adopter who runs a glamping site in nearby Chew Valley –so she’s now got plenty of space to run around and enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.
September 2022 — Issue 81www.southbristolvoice.co.uk WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL - 12,000 COPIES OF THIS EDITION FREE EVERY MONTH IN BEDMINSTER, SOUTHVILLE, KNOWLE, TOTTERDOWN, ASHTON, ASHTON VALE & WINDMILL HILL Zion CentreCommunityissaved PAGE 3 Fancy becoming a top chef? PAGE 7 Dramatic fire on Northern Slopes PAGE 17 Looking after our new mums PAGE 23 Local history PAGE 35 Your letters PAGE 40 We Sell and Let Property Like Yours Tel: 01179634373 Email: Southville@cjhole.co.uk Web: cjhole.co.uk southbristolvoice
My Postcouncillor? : (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Tessa Fitzjohn Green, Bedminster By phone: 07584182801 By email: Cllr.Tessa.Fitzjohn@bristol.gov.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
NUMBERS
Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584184577 By email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk
Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Council tax 0117 922 2900 Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999 Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the South Bristol Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 07590527664 southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure All stories and pictures are ©South Bristol Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission. South Bristol Media Ltd | Co. no. 11948223 | VAT no. 322 3640 38 COMPLAINTS Contacts Ruth Drury Sales Director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Jane Williams Editor news@southbristolvoice.co.uk southbristolvoice Follow us on social media: Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is May 11, 2022 Emma Vincent and Lisa PearsonYOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR SALES & LETTINGS LANDLORDSWANTED! Special offer: THREE MONTHS FREE MANAGEMENT* * Conditions apply SELL YOUR HOME MORE EASILY WITH OUR NEW 3D TECHNOLOGY 3DTOURSVIRTUAL Trustpilot September 14 CALL JOE FOR A FREE QUOTE Tel: 0117 959 2143 Mob: 07891 253 www.alpine-landscaping.co.uk122LANDSCAPING Established family firm with 25 years experience H Senior Citizens Special H Garden Clearance — Regular or one-off H Patios H Fencing H Tree Work H Turfing H Hedgecutting H Planting (Shrubs etc) H Organic manure delivered — Also applied H Professional and guaranteed work H Brick & Blocklaying 25% OFFWITHADVERTTHIS Alpine sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 You have our best – every time Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Clifton, Thornbury and central Bristol Our friendly legal experts are always on hand to provide practical, common sense advice at a fair price. If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, we’re the people to talk to. This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No: 568743. We’re specialists in: + Buying and Selling + Family Law + Divorce + Separation + Wills, Trusts and Probate + Powers of Attorney + Dispute Resolution + Employment + Corporate + Commercial + Commercial Property + Medical Negligence + Personal Injury + Court of Protection + Notary Looking for a solicitor? Keep it local barcankirby.co.uk 0117 905 7088 hello@barcankirby.co.uk @barcankirby barcankirby
Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 07584183843 By email: gov.ukCllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. Christopher Davies Knowle Community Party. Email: Christopher.Davies@bristol.gov.ukCllr. Phone: 07826917714
Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584186535 By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk
My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: parliament.ukkarin.smyth.mp@
HOW DO
I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...
Gary Hopkins Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159
USEFUL
Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: bradshaw@bristol.gov.ukCllr.mark. By phone: 0117 353 3160 Tony Dyer Green, Southville By phone: 07584182862 By email: Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk
southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 2 September 2022May 2022 To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 southbristolvoice4
Latest estimates put the current canopy cover at 18%, according to mayor Marvin Rees, although this was disputed by environmental campaigners from the Bristol Tree Forum. One problem the council faces is replacing ash trees lost to the killer fungal disease ash dieback.
LAST month saw record high temperatures across the country, and experts predict similar extreme heatwaves to occur more often as the climate warms up. One way of protecting vulnerable people from heat is through planting trees, as the canopy providesBristolshade.CityCouncil is aiming to double the city’s tree canopy by 2046, from a baseline of 12% recorded back in 2018. Councillor Heather Mack, leader of the Green group, said: “Given the recent heatwave and the concerns about overheating, are we moving fast enough to replace where we’re losing canopy?“Ithink it’s crucial that a lot of the purpose of the canopy in the city is protecting from heat.”
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 3 n NEWS
investors, Zion’s
in for coffee and cake, kept our spirits up, helped out and shared this journey with us in any way at all. We are a fantastic community and what we’ve achieved is absolutely amazing and a testament to you all. “We wouldn’t be Zion without our team of staff who make each and every person feel welcomed and special and make Zion a place worth saving. Thank you to all the funders and businesses who have shown their belief and commitment to our vision with their financial support.
find out more about Zion and the campaign on their website zionbristol.co.uk
The September meetings will be on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6. If you’d like more information, please email bs3helpingothers@ gmail.com or check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ groups/BS3helpers
Support the community
Councillor Nicola Beech, cabinet member for strategic planning, resilience and floods, said: “Canopy changes are actually the last mile in this story, because everything that comes before is important, finding the plots, what’s the safest, quickest and most practical tree pit you want. It’s that kind of stuff that happens all summer while we get ready to plant the trees in the next planting season. So there’s a huge amount of work happening right“Thenow.majority of ash is not in publicly accessible spaces in this city, it’s in nature reserves or the big “Sowoodlands.inawooded environment, you’re not looking to replace like-for-like because the natural progression of that woodland will fill that canopy space.”
“Our directors and dedicated volunteers have steered us through the highs and lows of this project dedicating their time, experience and skills to help get us over the finish line.”
Triumph and success as South Bristol’s community space Zion is saved
Directors said: “A massive thank you to everyone who invested, shared, spread the word, popped
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
From September, the group will be meeting monthly in the Tobacco Factory snug, on the first Monday of the month at 6.30pm, and the first Tuesday of the month at 10.30am. There are regular speakers from local charities and community groups and it’s a chance to meet other like-minded people.
Have you got time to spare and fancy volunteering but don’t know what to do? BS3 Helping Others is a group which aims to bring individuals and the community together through connecting volunteers to local charities.
Calls for faster tree planting in Bristol to protect city from extreme heatwaves
ZION Bristol has been overwhelmed with the support shown from the community and beyond in response to its crowdfunding campaign to safeguard the vital art space and social hub in Bedminster Down. In April, Zion launched a community share offer to raise £249,300 to bring the building into community ownership and create a bigger and better community hub. The campaign has now successfully reached the minimum target, raising in total £254,908.With370
The Community Share Offer has now closed but you can
t h a t r e a l l y m a k e s a d i f f e r e n c e ? Want to start or grow an organisation Vision, values and measuring impact FinancesBusiness modellingBranding and marketing The 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. You will be guided in your learning with expert advice, witnesses with incredible stories to tell, and great resources to further your journey. Say hello: 0bit.ly/SBristolEntSupport7748314717|SBES@sse.org.uk...andmuchmore We will increase your knowledge and confidence in: in partnership with: MarshNurserySchool takingchildrenfrom2yearsold EarlyEducationforall3-4year-olds hoursfreeforeligiblefamilies) EarlyEducationforeligible2year-olds Crescent,BristolBS2 0SUwww.stphilipsmarshnursery.co.ukOutstandingeducationandcareasafeandstimulatingenvironment
StPhilip’s Nowtaking •15hoursfreeEarly (30hours 15hoursfree
St Philip’s Marsh Nursery School
Welcomes children 2-5 years old
The first market will take place on Saturday, September 24, 11am-4pm. The market will return on Saturday, October 29 and again on Saturday, November 26. It will then take a break until April 2023. Keep an eye on the city farm’s website for more.
Arnos Vale Cemetery officially recognised as one of the best parks in the country
ARNOS Vale Cemetery Trust is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award. The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. After two years that have seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, the news that Arnos Vale Cemetery has achieved the Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that make the green space a great space that everyone can Commentingenjoy.on the news that Arnos Vale Cemetery has met the Green Flag Award Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Arnos Vale Cemetery worthy of a Green Flag Award. Arnos Vale Cemetery is a vital green space for the community in Bristol. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
NurseryMarshPhilip’sSchool
St
• 15 hours free Early Education for all 3-4 year-olds (30 hours free for eligible families)
• 15 hours free early education for all 3-4 year-olds (30 hours free for eligible families)
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 5 n NEWS
The market is a partnership between Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol Market – an online directory of independent and ethical designer makers - and Square Route Events, the people behind the busy Temple Quay street food market.
Photo: Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust Got a South Bristol Email
•
• 15 hours free early education for eligible 2 year-olds Paying places available Breakfast and After School Club All families are welcome to attend our Stay & Play sessions, held twice a week
care
news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
• 15 hours free Early Education for eligible 2 year-olds Paying places available 0117 977 6171 Albert Crescent, Bristol BS2 www.stphilipsmarshnursery.co.uk0SU environmentin
St Philip’s Marsh Nursery School (2 5 years)
standard,
The aim of Windmill Hill Market is to showcase the very best of ethical designer makers from Bristol and beyond, with products made with care, love and the planet in mind.Géraldine from Bristol Market says: “We’re so excited to be bringing this new market to the Bedminster Community. Working together with the farm, our aim is to support small creative businesses who share our sustainable values, and to create a vibrant day out for everyone.”
Outstandingeducationandcarein asafeandstimulatingenvironment
www.stphilipsmarshnursery.co.ukCrescent,EarlyAlbert
Now taking children from 2 years old
The Windmill Hill Market will showcase local creatives, food producers and other independent businesses. Expect to find highquality handmade goods, beautiful prints, cards and original artwork, vintage clothes and homewares, street food and more.
A view of Arnos Vale Cemetery from the west.
Now taking children from 2 years old http://stphilipsmarshnursery.co.uk01179776171 15 hours free Early Education for all 3-4 year (30 hours free for eligible families) 15 hours free Early Education for eligible 2 year Paying places available
story for
New CityWindmillcomesmarkettoHillFarm
Voice?
GET ready for Windmill Hill Market, a new monthly Bristol market launching at the farm on Saturday, September 24.
Albert Crescent, Bristol BS2 0SU www.stphilipsmarshnursery.co.uk 0117 977 6171
The Green Flag Award scheme, which is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards wellmanaged parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
n NEWS southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 6 September 2022 themakershedbristol themakershedbristolf Visit our website for more information and to book your place today! www.themakershedbristol.co.uk Makershed the @ St Pauls Learning Centre a creative space for doing, making & learning new skills weaving sewing carvingwood palletwood fabric garment sharpeningdyeingfabrictool woodwork upholsteryprintinglino footstoolvouchersgiftthewood projects joinery Autumn terms courses & workshops in...BOOKINGNOW The VOICE SEPT 2022.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2022 11:43 Page 1 Yes! home!comeIt’s The Lionesses have been given pride of place for their Euro 2022 heroics on the side of a Great Western Railway train, which will be regularly making its way in and out of Bristol Temple Meads train station. Football came home with England’s glorious 2-1 extra-time win over Germany at Wembley, and GWR has provided a lasting tribute to their triumph on Intercity Express Train 800316. Substitute Chloe Kelly scored a dramatic 110th minute winner to spark delirious scenes among a record European Championship crowd. Ella Toone had come off the bench to put England in front just after the hour, only for Germany’s Lina Magull to equalise.
GWR Human Resources director Ruth Busby watched the match with her family and was overjoyed by the result: “The Lionesses have captured the hearts of the nation with their performances over the past month and I’m delighted we are celebrating their Euro 2022 triumph on one of our Intercity Express Trains. We at GWR have a long and proud history of celebrating Great Westerners – past and present heroes from across our network – and the Lionesses are truly worthy of recognition for bringing football home in such brilliant style.”
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 7 n NEWS
Emma Vincent and Lisa Pearson Trustpilot
Temple Meads ThreejunctionLamps Wells Road GREENWOODS Bath Road Please drop in and discuss our latest offers over a coffee! SELL YOUR HOME MORE EASILY WITH OUR NEW 3D TECHNOLOGY OUR HEAD OFFICE IS ON YOUR BS4TotterdownRoad,148atDOORSTEPWells2AG YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR SALES & LETTINGS LANDLORDSWANTED!3DTOURSREALITY Special offer: THREE MONTHS FREE MANAGEMENT* * Conditions apply
By Lucy Kane, Square Food Foundation SQUARE Food Foundation, a community cookery school in Knowle, runs a free course twice a year which is 12 weeks long and offers a unique look at Bristol’s delicious food scene. We’re excited to announce that a new ‘How To Be A Chef’ course will start on 14 September, running for 12 weeks and finishing on 8 December with a week’s break for half term (week of 24 October). It’s a hands-on course where we will equip you with the skills and experience to work in the hospitality sector, while cooking a wide range of dishes using a huge variety of ingredients. We have a lot of fun, cook together and eat together and you will leave with a food education unlike any other. You will gain a Level 2 BTec and a Food Hygiene Certificate, both of which are valued by employers in the food industry. The students from our spring/summer course have been to coffee brewers, a spice factory, a farm and taken part in a Bristol food tour alongside the cooking with plenty of guest slots with outstanding Bristol chefs. The group is very small, with only eight places available. This means that you will get plenty of one-to-one attention from our tutors and a personalised experience. It also means that you’ll need to be quick to secure your place!
Please note that you would need to commit to being at Square Food Foundation at The Park, Daventry Rd, BS4 1DQ for two days a week for the entire length of the course. Those days will be Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-4pm, and we need to ensure the places go to people who can commit to this and be on time every day so that we make the most of our cookingTheretime.arealso some other commitments such as cooking and serving at events for which your time will be paid. You will meet lots of employers, and we will support you to find a job in your area of interest in the food industry. We will invite you to meet one of the tutors ahead of the course start, and have a chance to look at the kitchen where you would be working. If you are interested in this free course, you are welcome to ring Lucy with any questions on 0117 462 2686.
Fancy becoming a top chef?
The development brief was produced by Stride Treglown and Mott MacDonald, and will guide and influence future developments in the area. The document cost £100,000, funded by a grant from the West of England combined authority.
Details needed on height of 1,500 homes in Totterdown
A MAJOR development brief, which cost taxpayers £100,000, sets out how the Mead Street area should be redeveloped.
To register your interest, please email: talent@ashtongate.co.uk
Bristol City Council has consulted local residents for their views on the huge scheme, but many have questioned the lack of detail on heights. The 5.6-hectare area lies between the Bath Bridge roundabout and the Banana Bridge, and between the river and the railway. It’s currently home to a motorbike shop, a car rental business, and a rock climbing gym, and could soon be completely transformed with 1,500 new homes. A six-week public consultation on the development brief asked for views on “four guiding principles”, including creating new sustainable travel routes and high-quality green spaces. But many responses raised concerns about the height of any new apartment blocks.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
F I N D O U T M O R E
Thebefore.”redevelopment site will also create space for shops and cafes, 500 jobs, and a walking and cycling route along Mead Street connecting Temple Meads to Bedminster. The scheme forms part of the wider regeneration of the Temple Quarter, which includes a new university campus, high school, and thousands of homes behind Temple Meads train station. Developers have already applied for planning permission to build apartment towers on Mead Street, raising fears among local residents that the famous view of Totterdownthe colourful houses along Richmond Street which can be seen from Temple Meadswould be blocked. The tallest proposed tower, behind the Fowlers motorbike shop, would have 22 Morestoreys.than5,000 people have now petitioned the council to “save the iconic views of Totterdown”. The petition, set up by Totterdown Residents Environmental and Social Action group, said any new buildings along Mead Street must not “obscure the panorama of the Totterdown escarpment”. Local councillors have also called for more detail in the development brief on the height of planned buildings. Green Cllr Ed Plowden, representing Windmill Hill, tweeted: “I would be very embarrassed if I had invested in a framework to guide the development of Mead Street to help all decision-makers, from architects to planning committees, and ended up with a document that did not say anything meaningful about heights—which is the most important issue.”
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said the heights will be “determined through the planning process”, and not by the brief. During a cabinet meeting in August, he said: “We can assure that change in Mead Street happens consistently, building a vibrant community around joined up infrastructure and public spaces, rather than as a series of disconnected development sites. It’s great to see a positive reaction to these proposals. But we did receive comments about the potential height and density of any new buildings in the area. “The height of the new buildings will be determined through the planning process, by whichever independent crossparty development committee the decision falls to. And remember, geographically Bristol isn’t getting any bigger. But its population is growing at speed, and this is a sustainable location which we need to maximise. We need to protect green spaces by preventing sprawl around the city, and that means building homes more densely than we have
n NEWS southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 8 September 2022 JOIN THE TE AM HONESTSALES• RETAIL • MARKETING • HR • H&S CUSTOMER SERVICE • MEDIA • OPERATIONS • FINANCE HOSPITALITY • KITCHEN • IT
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 9 n NEWS Please ask one of our experienced team for details Chapel Lane, Fishponds Trading Estate, Bristol BS5 7EY Tel: (0117) 951 7717 email: bristolcarpets@gmail.com web: www.bristolcarpet.co.uk facebook: @BristolCarpets One of the largest stockists of Carpet, Vinyl, Laminate and LVT in the South West A family run business for over 50 years, supplying and fitting quality flooring in the Bristol and surrounding areas Massive choice of quality carpets and remnants Fitting service available with expert fitters Removal & Disposal of existing carpets Delivery service available FREE measuring & planning service FREE NO obligation estimates FREE sample service (Charges apply) Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Sunday / Bank Holidays 10 am - 4pm Vinyl & Carpet remnants available - can be fitted in just 3 days! Plans underwayalreadyfor next Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade ORGANISERS of the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade are moving ahead with plans for the next project to begin in September and have announced a provisional parade date of Saturday 28 January, 2023. This date is subject to confirmation of the necessary road closures from Bristol City Council and raising the necessary funding. Eight primary schools will be taking part in the project, along with community groups, organisations and businesses and the key priority now is to raise the funds to make it happen. The organisers have launched a crowdfund campaign to raise £3,500 to help the project get off the ground, and need to raise at least £26,000 for the project to go ahead with lantern making workshops in the schools and across the community in the run up to the colourful parade. All contributions and support, however large or small, will go towards the artists and materials for the schools and community groups who take part. To donate, go to morebedminster-winter-lantern-parade,fundsurfer.com/crowdfund/andtofindoutabouttheproject,gotowww.lanternparade.org
‘’They are thrilled and so excited to see their work in a published book. The look on their faces when I showed them the finished book has been the hi-light of the whole project. I will continue to encourage the children to connect to nature and protect the world around them. “Their messages are poignant, direct and wonderfully illustrated. They are an inspiration to work with and all have something to say about what’s happening to the planet we all share and how we can help.’’
n NEWS southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 10 September 2022
‘No More Baby Sharks’ is a collection of words and drawings selected from more than 120 primary school pupils in response to the climate crisis. ‘No More Baby Sharks’ was launched at M Shed to coincide with the Think Global: Act Bristol exhibition, which will run until October 30. “I thought it would be fun for the children to do the author signing at the book launch. They absolutely loved it!’’ Melanie said.
The book is available from the M Shed gift shop, most Bristol bookshops and tangentbooks.co.uk.
COMMUNITY artist and play worker Melanie Ruth has teamed up with Tangent Books and M Shed to produce a book reflecting Bristol children’s hopes and concerns about the pressing climate crisis.
Signing the new book. Photo: Sandy Lacey At the M Shed. Photo: Miles Thompson
The project includes a handwritten message from Sir David Attenborough. Here is what he sent to Melanie: “One of the good ways to help the planet is not to Don’twaste.waste food. Don’t waste gas. Don’t waste electricity. Don’t waste packaging. Don’t waste paper. And lots of other things that you can think of for‘Noyourselves.”MoreBaby Sharks’ was printed in Bristol by Taylor Bros using 100% recycled paper and vegetable-based inks. The book features the work of children from the Ashley Down Afterschool Club and Ashton Gate Out Of School PublisherCare.Richard Jones of Tangent said: “As soon as I saw the children’s drawings, I realised they were an important contribution to the climate crisis debate and deserved to be put in front of as wide an audience as possible. There is so much hope for the future in the children’s work. It is truly inspiring.”
Children spread their messages of hope
“Councillor Hornchen and I have since worked with local community groups Speedwatch and Greater Brislington Together, to hold meetings with residents to bring forward wide-ranging proposals to tackle the dangerous driving on these roads. I’m pleased to see that councillors have voted to progress the plans, marking them as the highest priority issue for Brislington.”
He added: “I’m also pleased to see how comprehensive the package of improvements being progressed is. Bollards, dropped curbs, and improved signage should go a long way to stopping the dangerous driving and subsequent road traffic accidents we have on these roads. I look forward to working with the Area Committee for further funding, and hope to see additional improvements as part of the West of England Combined Authority’s A4 project in future.”
Trinity Academy, Romney Avenue, Bristol, BS7 9BY Tuesday 20th September Thursday 29th
Please visit the schools’ websites for details and to book your place
TRAFFIC calming measures for Wick Road and Newbridge Road - two roads with more incidents of speeding than the M32 - have been progressed by a Council Area Committee, after a lengthy campaign supported by Labour councillors Tim Rippington and Katja Hornchen, alongside the MP Kerry SpeedingMcCarthy.anddangerous driving is a significant problem for Wick Road and Newbridge Road; only last month, a pedestrian was taken to hospital with “potentially life-changing injuries” following a collision on Newbridge Road.
Tim Rippington and Katja Hornchen have been working with the local Speedwatch group and other residents to draw up plans and secure funding to address these issues. Additional funding for further measures could be provided by the West of England Combined Authority as part of the A4 project at a later date. A variety of measures were recommended in a council report published earlier this year, including bollards, dropped kerbs and tactile paving to improve safety for pedestrians, but the major focus for people living on the roads will be to slow down the traffic by using a variety of traffic-calming measures to be agreed with the council.
Speaking about the proposed improvements, Tim Rippington said: “As a newly elected councillor, one of my main priorities for Brislington was to do something about the road safety issues on Wick Road and Newbridge Road. There have been three major accidents this year alone and the police say these roads are worse for speeding than the M32, which really puts in perspective how much safety improvements are needed.
Open events for Cathedral Schools
Bristol Cathedral Choir School, College Square, Bristol, BS1 5TS Thursday 15th September Thursday 22nd bccs.bristol.sch.uk/admissionsSeptember
A Moveable Feast
Key Brislingtonplannedimprovementssafetyfor
St Katherine’s School, Ham Green, North Somerset, BS20 0HU Thursday 29th stkaths.org.uk/admissionsSeptember
By Christine Higgott Have you come across this way of spending an enjoyable evening with neighbours and friends in Windmill Hill? People sign up to take part on the agreed date and each pair agree to host about four more people for one course only. The other two courses are in other houses, as organised. If you are on your own, the organiser will find someone else in the group to work with you. So ideally you get to meet 10 or 12 people over the evening. And if you can all get together in one space at the end for tea and coffee that’s even nicer. We now have a Moveable Feast here twice a year and look forward to the next one in October or November. If this sounds like a good idea for you and your neighbours and you would like to know a bit more about how it works, I could help to answer your christinehiggott@tiscali.co.ukquestions.
Trust secondary schools
trinityacademybristol.org/admissionsSeptember
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 11 n NEWS
St Mary Redcliffe Church Stained Glass Design Competition And Who is My Neighbour? stmaryredcliffe.co.uk Free exhibition of five shortlisted designs to replace four small panels of one of the major stained-glass windows of St Mary Redcliffe Church
n NEWS southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 12 September 2022
Contact parish.office@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or visit our website for further information SAT 20 AUGUST - MON 19 SEPTEMBER / MON - SAT 8AM-5PM • SUN 12:30PM-5PM
By Our Whitchurch & Hengrove Community Group During the pandemic, a team of Whitchurch and Hengrove people, who didn’t know each other before then, got together and organised 150+ local volunteers. The volunteers helped get shopping and prescriptions, walk animals, cut grass and be a friendly voice on the phone etc. They helped those in the area who needed help because of the lockdown and the impact of Covid 19. As far as we know, everyone who asked for help from us got it. To acknowledge what the volunteers had done, we presented each with a certificate. It was handwritten by one of our team and personalised for each volunteer. It was also sealed with a waxMovingseal. forward, we realised that our area was missing a focal point, a place to find information about what is going on in our area. We needed a vehicle to communicate with each other and support all the other volunteers who had been tirelessly working in our area, often for many years. That is when Our Whitchurch and Hengrove Community Group wasWeborn.wanted to specifically support groups, clubs and organisations run by volunteers and on a not-for-profit basis. We also wanted to be a focal point for useful information from officialThereforesources.we have set up a Facebook group, a group within the Next Door phone app, and an Instagram account. We have also set up a website where people can find the contact details of groups, clubs and organisations, including commercial ones, that serve the people in our area. The information on the website is still growing. Perhaps one of the best things is we have launched a small grants scheme. This will hopefully support groups and clubs run by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis. Already, the group has given out £2,500+ to various groups that serve people in the Whitchurch and Hengrove area. Please bear in mind that the group is run entirely by volunteers and we are doing our best to fill a gap for the benefit of residents. Many in our area feel that we are the forgotten part of South Bristol. We are not reinventing the wheel, we are trying to bring all the good pieces together in a place where locals can easily find the information that they need. We are sort of an umbrella group. Visit our website for more details:
whitchurchandhengrove.co.ukwww. Strengthening our community www.elm-online.co.uk Meet with one of our qualified estate planning consultants to discuss your needs. Protect your family's inheritance Single & joint Wills £99.00from*IncludingVAT Call us today on 0117 952 0698 or email info@elm-online.co.uk Home visits or online appointments are available.
to book your FREE, no obligation review meeting. When booking mention DISCOUNT SUMMER 2022 and they will give you 20% off their already competitive prices for Wills, Additional Trust Protection and Lasting Powers of Attorney. This is a limited offer and to qualify you do need to quote DISCOUNT SUMMER 2022 when booking and your review meeting must take place before 31 August 2022. FREE WILL REVIEW WE ARE NOW ALSO OPEN IN WHITCHURCH TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT REMEMBERED FOR LEAVING BEHIND LEGAL PROBLEMS Simpson Solicitors’ award winning team will help you do the job properly. Protecting those you most care about with Wills and Powers of Attorney. At the FREE review meeting we’ll take as long as you need to consider what is best for your particular situation. Then we offer clear fixed prices with no hidden costs. 20%SPECIALOFFEROFF fullpriceof2 PowersofAttorney “We were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L. “You have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R. Wills Powers Attorneyof Probate BOOK YOUR FREE MEETING AT OUR WHITCHURCH OFFICE: Call 0117 202 2722 OR message Michelle at Simpson Solicitors OR call in at 93 East Dundry Road, Whitchuch BS14 0NL. If getting to us is difficult, our FREE Home Visit service covers South Bristol including:
“We
Being a fully regulated and insured law firm, Simpsons gives you that extra piece of mind that the work is being done, with clear fixed prices and free document storage.Don’tleave it to chance. Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney are how you make sure your wishes are followed if you suffered serious injury (and could not make decisions on your own) or if you died.Book now with Simpsons to make sure those you most care about are protected in the way you want, including appointing a Guardian for young children or protecting the inheritance you leave behind from unnecessary tax or care home fees. 93 East Dundry Road, Whitchurch, BS14 0NL 0117 202 2722 www.simpsonsolicitors.com
This September our local Will experts – Simpson Solicitors – have again teamed up with The Grand Appeal.Thescheme means you can make a donation to support the Children’s Hospital in your Will. With nothing to pay now, even giving a small percentage of what you leave behind could make a tremendous difference to help future generations of local sick children. To thank you, under the scheme, Simpson Solicitors will prepare a Will (or two mirror Wills for a couple) absolutely free to you. You will still receive their full awardwinning service. They hope that you will then leave a generous legacy in your Will for the Grand Appeal. As a further thank you, if you also need Additional Trust Protection or Powers of Attorney, Simpsons will take 30% off the usual full Michellecost.Baden-Daintree who runs Simpsons’ local office says: “I hope many people will take advantage of the scheme and leave a generous gift in their Will to the Grand Appeal. Call our friendly team on 0117 209 2722 if you would like to make or update your Will under this scheme. By leaving a donation in your Will, you can gift a sick child a brighter future.” 93 East Dundry Road, Whitchurch, BS14 0NL 0117 209 2722 message@simpsonslawuk.com
John GrindSigridDaintreeBaden-
Get a FREE Will and support Bristol Children's Hospital FREE WILL REVIEW WE ARE NOW ALSO OPEN IN WHITCHURCH TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT REMEMBERED FOR LEAVING BEHIND LEGAL PROBLEMS Simpson Solicitors’ award winning team will help you do the job properly. Protecting those you most care about with Wills and Powers of Attorney. At the FREE review meeting we’ll take as long as you need to consider what is best for your particular situation. Then we offer clear fixed prices with no hidden costs. 20%SPECIALOFFEROFF fullpriceof2 PowersofAttorney
On your own Your Will is how you decide who will inherit from you.
Local award-winning law firm Simpson Solicitors open their new branch in Whitchurch on 1st August. They specialise in Wills and Powers of Attorney and can be found at 93 East Dundry Road, Whitchurch, BS14 0NL. Summer is the time where families and friends tend to get together, whether travelling together to go on holiday abroad or for a UK holiday or visiting relatives. However, before you set off you really should make sure you have up to date wills - just in case something goes wrong.
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 13 WILL & PROBATE ADVICE We are so lucky to have Bristol Children’s Hospital covering our area. It provides an unrivalled level of service when our youngsters are most in need. The Grand Appeal charity covers the many extras that the NHS cannot – making life a bit more bearable for sick children and their families.
were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L.
Lasting Powers of Attorney Ensure your wishes are followed by appointing those you trust, in case of serious injury or illness.
have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R. Wills Powers Attorneyof Probate BOOK YOUR FREE MEETING AT OUR WHITCHURCH OFFICE: Call 0117 209
John GrindSigridDaintreeBadenemail message@simpsonslawuk.com Ashton, Whitchurch, Windmill Withywood.
Wills Service - Now open in Whitchurch DISCOUNT SUMMER 2022 Call Simpson's friendly team on 0117 202 2722 or
Bedminster, Hengrove, Keynsham, Knowle, Queen Charlton, Stockwood,
Hill and
On your own Your Will is how you decide who will inherit from you. Living Together Avoid disputes and provide for your partner in the way you want. Parent Wills In case the worst happened, provide for children under 18 and decide who you would want to raise them. Later Life Wills Protect your family’s inheritance from Care Home fees and Tax Lasting Powers of Attorney Ensure your wishes are followed by appointing those you trust, in case of serious injury or illness.
“You 2722 OR message Michelle at Simpson Solicitors OR call in at 93 East Dundry Road, Whitchuch BS14 0NL.
John Baden-Daintree, the solicitor who runs Simpson Solicitors in the South West says: “It is great to now have an office in South Bristol, as I think it is so important to be able to offer a face-to-face service for our clients. Our award-winning service will help you get the right legal protection in place of Wills and Powers of Attorney. At a FREE meeting we will take as long as you need as we guide you through your options for your Will – all for a clear fixedLegalprice”.advisor, Sigrid Grind continues: “I can’t wait to start seeing clients at our new Whitchurch Office. Plus our special Summer Offer means that if you have been putting off taking legal advice on a Will or Powers of Attorney – now is the right time to get sorted. I will explain everything in plain English. I will then oversee the signing process so that your documents are legally valid.”
Michelle Baden-Daintree WILL & PROBATE ADVICE
Living Together Avoid disputes and provide for your partner in the way you want. Parent Wills In case the worst happened, provide for children under 18 and decide who you would want to raise them.
Later Life Wills Protect your family’s inheritance from Care Home fees and Tax
If getting to us is difficult, our FREE Home Visit service covers South Bristol including: Ashton, Bedminster, Hengrove, Keynsham, Knowle, Queen Charlton, Stockwood, Whitchurch, Windmill Hill and Withywood.
May 2022 To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 southbristolvoice8 Bristol is introducing a Clean Air Zone to reduce harmful pollution. Older and more polluting vehicles will be charged to enter the zone. Check your vehicle online and find out how we can help you prepare for the zone. CleanBristol’sGetbristol.gov.uk/cleanairzonereadyforAirZone Summer2022
Doing it
This is Petits Zouzous, the creation of Audrey from the South of France, who has been spreading her love of the language through delighting families for the past 14 years.
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 15 n NEWS 1 WESTWAY FARM | BISHOP SUTTON | BRISTOL | BS39 5XP www.orientalrugsofbath.com | 01275 319950 MattWill Ltd trading as Oriental Rugs of Bath
5 DOORS FITTED FOR £479 ANY 5 WHITE PRIMED 6-PANEL ‘COLONIAL’ OR 5-PANEL ‘SUFFOLK’ DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF 6 STYLES OF HANDLE, HINGES, MORTICE CATCH, FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR £479* GLAZED DOORS EXTRA COST Additional Doors available DOOR EXPRESS 08000 973333 - 07767 376770 A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR FITTING ORDER DATE This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27” Other sizes available for a small extra charge www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk Tel: 01749 346900 | www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk The Works, Board Cross, Shepton Mallet BA4 5DX Installation - Repair - Services STAIRLIFTS NEW from £1,495 RECONDITIONED from £949 REN TAL from £55 per month
Just a few streets away, in Bedminster Methodist Church, passersby might hear Esther Steward (pictured) singing wholeheartedly along to the guitar, as gaggles of beaming toddlers spin and bounce around her. She sings new songs and timeless nursery rhymes at Rhymetime to bring musical sunshine to the children and babies. In both groups, adults appreciate the relaxed approach and time away from screens, and many enduring friendships have been formed over shared songs and laughter. Both women believe in helping families build a shared musical culture, where songs can smooth the bumps of everyday life with under fives. Over the years, they’ve honed these sessions to ensure families are in good hands, with a warm welcome and a chance to spend time together. They hope that their work will accompany families through their day, whether through the live sessions or their music on Spotify. For more details, visit the websites at: rhymetimebristol.co.uk and petitszouzous.com
IF you step into St Francis Centre on a Friday morning, you might see a grandpa singing to his toddler with a flamingo puppet on his hands, a mum chasing preschoolers while singing in French and a nanny rocking a baby to a French lullaby.
for the kids
From the panoramic roof garden vistas, to delicious dining, discover why the St Monica Trust offers the very best in retirement living. To find out more please call 0117 919 4269 Monica Wills House Registered Charity 202151 For available apartments please visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk
“Unlike most housebuilders we at Sovereign are driven not by profit but by social purpose. We invest for the long-term, in places and people, and we care about the homes we build long after they are built.”
Sovereign’s proposal is to demolish the existing buildings and structures on the site and to bring forward a high-quality residential development within a strong landscape setting. This approach will help link the site into the surrounding green spaces and create a high-quality public realm with a range of landscaped squares, routes and gardens with native planting and new trees to increase biodiversity and enhance nature. The development will provide much needed housing for Bristol including 350-370 homes ranging from one, two and three bed apartments to family homes. Around 50% will be affordable, to help meet the housing crisis.
The site is located between Paintworks to the west, the River Avon to the north, existing terraced housing to the south, and St Philips Causeway to the east.
James Gibson, Sovereign said: “At Sovereign we believe that everyone should live in a home and a place where they feel safe, part of their community and where they can thrive. Our vision is to create a flagship residential led development which sets out our commitment to build and maintain welldesigned, high-quality homes in great places to live now and the future.
RESIDENTS are invited to have their say on emerging plans for the redevelopment of the Castle Court site in Brislington, which was acquired by Sovereign Housing Association in May 2020.
Impression of the view from Paintworks.
Set in the heart of Bedminster, stylish one and two bedroom apartments offer all the advantages of independent living with a vibrant community scene.
Along the riverside, four buildings gradually rise up in height, from eight storeys beside Sparke Evans footbridge to a maximum of 20 storeys at the north-eastern corner, marking the main entrance to the site.
Who’s the king of Castle Court?
The scheme layout responds to the surrounding neighbourhood, with the tallest buildings located at the northern edge of the site to minimise shading of other buildings and spaces. The buildings range from three storeys, closest to the existing terraced housing off Bath Road, to five storeys arranged around a central green space creating a focus for the community. A taller apartment building of eight storeys is positioned alongside St Phillips Causeway.
Sovereign is keen to hear from neighbours and the wider community as the design proposals move forward. The first round of public consultation closed at the end of August. Feedback will help shape the more developed design proposals. A second round of consultation will take place in the autumn prior to submission of a planning application by the end of the year.
southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 16 September 2022 n NEWS
Sovereign’s plans also include around 500 sq.m of non-residential flexible spaces which could accommodate a café and community uses. Other features include a mobility hub with car club spaces and electric scooter parking, generous cycle parking and a Changing Places facility.
Credit: Sovereign Housing Association
The Northern Slopes is a treasured beauty spot
Dramatic fire on the Northern Slopes
DURING the extremely high temperatures of the heat wave in August, a massive fire broke out on the scorched grass in areas of the Northern Slopes. Firefighters have since said that they believe the blaze was started deliberately.Thefireswere started in various places on the beautiful South Bristol green space, and ignited so rapidly that it quickly grew, spreading up Kingswear Road, and ended up very close to people’s homes and back gardens at the end of Lurgan Walk and Glyn Vale in Knowle West.
Got a story for South Bristol Voice?
Commenting on the fire as it unfolded, members of the Northern Slopes Facebook group remarked on how quickly the enormous blaze was spreading. Due to the unprecedented heatwave this summer, fire services everywhere were stretched to capacity because of so many fires breaking out, which meant that firefighters from Patchway and Southmead had to attend because more local firefighters were already out attending to other incidents. However, the fire service successfully extinguished the big blaze before it could reach people’s homes.
The fire service has now said that it is concerned that someone had started a series of small fires deliberately on the tinder dry Becausegrass.theground was so parched due to the heatwave and lack of rain, the fire quickly caught hold.
Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 17 n NEWS
Avon Fire and Rescue Service duty group commander Dave Hodges was concerned about the range of places where the fires had started, and told the Bristol Post: “We were first called to the location off Kingswear Road at 9.19pm to reports of a fire and found it already well alight. That’s quite concerning to us, because someone has gone along the Northern Slopes setting a series of fires on very dry grass and“Giventrees. the conditions at the moment, a fire like this can spread extremely quickly - all it needs is a bit of wind and it can start to affect fences and gardens and then people’s houses. The police did attend and they will be following this up.”
southbristolvoice
As a consequence of the blaze, the section of the Northern Slopes between Kingswear Road and Lurgan Walk has been left with dusty charred soil, while the trees and bushes have been completely burned away.
But a quirk of planning rules could mean that permission is granted anyway. The ‘sequential test’ means if no other suitable sites of a similar size are nearby, then a planned development can still go Previouslyahead.
One likely obstacle is the council’s flood risk officer, who has warned of a lack of details on surface water drainage. The council has also received at least 51 public objections. One neighbour said: “We pay extra insurance because we are in a flood zone, and gardens that back onto the wasteland flood in heavy rain. The drain on Marksbury Road already blocks and floods regularly. Building on this land will increase our flood risk.”Another resident added: “This land is definitely waterlogged. It’s prone to flooding and any build there would put the houses that are already there in jeopardy of flood and subsidence. There is plenty of proof of flooding in this area in the past, and the water table is already very high.”
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By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
withVolunteerus
southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 18 September 2022 n NEWS
NEIGHBOURS have raised concerns that five new bungalows planned in south Bristol could worsen the risk of flooding from the River Malago. Local businesswomanpropertyAlex Fry is applying for planning permission to knock down a house on Marksbury Road and build five bungalows on a site which includes currently vacant wasteland. But people living nearby fear the bungalows could make flooding more likely. The bungalows would be built on land behind 149 Marksbury Road, while 149a Marksbury Road would be demolished. Four bungalows would have two bedrooms, and one would have three bedrooms.
A second issue with the planning application is the site is supposed to be protected from development by a restrictive covenant. When the council sold the land to the developer, it used the covenant to legally protect it from having new houses built there.But according to the council, restrictive covenants aren’t considered when applying for planning permission. If permission is granted, then the covenant would still protect the land from development.
refused planning applications for the site include demolishing 149a Marksbury Road and building seven twobed houses and one one-bed bungalow; and building nine two-bed flats. Both of these plans were considered to be too large for the localRepresentingarea. Ms Fry, planning consultant John Rooney said: “The [size] of development has been significantly reduced to provide a more appropriate layout and greater amenity space, while the reduction in heights addresses the issues of overbearing, without compromising on the design of the scheme. “The result is an attractive development of houses which makes efficient use of the vacant plot, and provides suitable accommodation for young families, people looking to downsize, or individuals.”
Plans for five bungalows in south Bristol would ‘worsen flood risk from River Malago’
girlguiding.org.uk/interested
‘I enjoy it so much. The girls are lovely and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s amazing!’ Tayba, leader
19_0000_VolunteerPostcard_Jan2022.indd 1 26/01/2022 23:29
If, while reading this, you nod off, it is hopefully welcome. However, let us attribute this effect to the subject matter not the writer!
FamIly SWImmING SESSIoNS are available aT weekends and ThroughouT The school
6) Do not smoke. Nicotine is a stimulant, so people who smoke take longer to fall asleep, wake up more frequently, and often have more disrupted sleep.
The FrIEndS OF JUBILEE POOL (FoJP) have been awarded the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of JUBILEE POOL by Bristol City Council and will take control from 30th September 2022. This is an amazing achievement, that has taken a huge amount of work from a dedicated team of volunteers. Our thanks go out to Bristol City Council, Jubilee’s amazing community, the staff at Parkwood Leisure, all those organisations and individuals who participated in our community consultation or provided pro bono support, and Locality, Sport England and City Funds for their advice and guidance. We would also like to show our appreciation for Quartet Community Foundation, The John James Bristol Foundation and The Society for Merchant Venturers for supporting our efforts through their grant funding. We couldn’t have done this without you all. We have a magnitude of work to do to make this a reality and finalise all of the new arrangements. However, the future of Jubilee Pool has never looked more exciting! Keep in touch & up to date holidays
7) Relax before going to bed and write away your worries. Taking a warm bath or listening to quiet music can relax your mind and body. Avoid watching the clock when you find yourself awake at night, which can increase anxiety, further preventing you from sleeping. If you tend to lie in bed thinking about everything you must do tomorrow, set aside time before bed to make plans for the next day. The aim is to avoid doing these things while in bed, trying to sleep.
laNE SWImmING & Gym SESSIoNS aRE avaIlablE 7 dayS a WEEk SaVe on paY-aS-You-Go, Join noW! Go to leisurecentre.com/jubilee-swimming-pool to become a member. Only £24.99 per month with NO Joining fee. JUBILEE POOL & GYM, Jubilee road, Knowle BS4 2LP Telephone: 0117 304 8180 & 0117 304 8181 Monday to Friday 07.00-22.00 Saturday & Sunday 08.00-14.00
JUBILEE POOL & GYM’S FUTURE IS SECURE
How to get restful sleep
5) Cut down on caffeine and do not go to bed full, hungry or thirsty. Caffeine in tea, coffee, energy drinks or colas, especially in the evening, will prevent you from falling asleep. Likewise, too much food or being hungry will disturb your sleep.
HUMANS are the only mammals that can delay sleep yet, unsurprisingly, anxiety about the cost of living crisis, global and ecological concerns, not forgetting the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and lockdowns, have adversely affected people’s sleep.
Up to a third of UK adults and children experience problems sleeping. Occasional episodes of insomnia (lack of sleep) may come and go without causing any serious problems, but it can last for months or even years for some people. Poor sleep can impact emotional, physical, and mental health, putting people at risk of serious medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Alcohol is a false solution. Its sedative properties help you fall asleep initially, however, it disrupts your sleep later in the night, robbing you of quality and quantity. This produces a feeling of being unrefreshed during the day. That is before considering all the broader well-documented health impacts of excessive consumption. Some simple lifestyle changes can make a difference in your sleep quality.
1) Keep regular sleep hours. Going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time every day will programme your body to sleep better.
2) Create a restful sleeping environment. Making sure the bedroom is cool, dark and quiet can improve the quality of our sleep. Make sure the mattress is comfortable and supportive.
Finally, if you really cannot sleep, get up and do something you find relaxing until you feel sleepy again, then go back to bed.
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 19 ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade Williams
4) Exercise. Moderate exercises such as swimming or walking can help relieve tension built up over the day. But make sure you do not do vigorous exercise, such as running or going to the gym, too close to bedtime, as it may keep you awake.
The Bedminster pharmacy team can help with self-care measures and short-term medicines to help with sleep difficulty, but if you or a child regularly find it difficult to get to or stay asleep, please speak with a GP.
Thank you for supporTing our campaign, we couldn’T have done iT wiThouT you.
3) Reduce electronic use before bed, avoiding using it in the bedroom. If you have a pet that sleeps in the room with you, consider moving it elsewhere if it often disturbs you at night.
A free and easy way is to take some deep belly breaths before meals, hum along to your favourite song and laugh with friends or family... a lot. These activities send signals to your brain that you’re calm and safe which directly helps to activate and strengthen your vagus nerve. Show your gut some love by regularly eating fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut and cultured yogurts. These foods help to naturally increase levels of mood-supporting gut bacteria.
Omega 3 fats like wild caught oily fish, flax and chia seeds help to increase beneficial gut bacteria, dampen inflammation and are essential for brain health. Aim to consume omega 3 fats daily to support a healthy gut andTrymood.these suggestions to start improving your gut health today and remember, small changes go a long way.
The vagus nerve is also responsible for calming nerves/anxiety and optimising digestion. Stress has a harmful effect on the vagus nerve which in turn can affect our digestion, mood and behaviour. Thankfully, there are several ways you can keep your GBA in good nick.
THERE’S no denying that after a summer of fun, no school and making the most of good weather, getting back into a routine that serves you well can feelWedaunting.knowwe need to move more, balance the broccoli to cupcake intake, practice mindfulness and restore boundaries for a work-life balance. So keep it simple, no big promises you already worry about sustaining.
Classes online
Bethany Horne
We now know that beneficial microbes living in our gut help to regulate the GBA via the production of important substances such as serotonin (the happy hormone), dopamine (the feel-good hormone), GABA (the anti-anxiety hormone) and SCFAs (soothingFascinatingly,compounds).thesebacterial substances can indirectly influence our mood and behaviour by stimulating the vagus nerve - one of the biggest nerves in the body connecting your gut with your brain.
www.sonapilates.com slimmingworld.co.uk slimmingworld.co.uk Hengrove Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Road BS14 9NX Tuesday 9.30am Sarah - 07879 443888 Whitchurch Bridge Farm Primary School East Dundry Road BS14 0LL Wednesday 5.30pm or 7pm Sarah - 07979 443888 n HEALTH
Try
Meanwhile, unfriendly gut bacteria can cause anxiety-like behaviour by producing harmful substances that activate the vagus nerve and send ‘danger’ signals to the brain.
1) Set your bedtime for the week with a reminder in your phone an hour before so you wind down, making rest a priority. You might manage four out of seven nights but change won’t happen if you don’t even start.
in
at
Mood and your gut microbes DO YOU EVER felt sick with worry or experience butterflies of excitement? That’s your gut-brain-axis (GBA) firing. The GBA is a super highway of communication between your gut and your brain, meaning your gut talks to your brain and your brain talks to your gut. It’s why people living with chronic gut disorders often report that stress exacerbates digestive symptoms and conversely, digestive symptoms can worsen stress/anxiety. In-fact, studies show that generalised anxiety disorder is five times more common in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Beth Horne, Nutritional Therapist and IBS Specialist, at www.bethanyhorne.com
2) Keep healthy snacks and a glass beside the kettle so that every cuppa comes with water and a piece of fruit and not your go to biscuits. Still eat them but make them less easy to get a hold of.
southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 20 September 2022 n PILATES Sona Pilates with Leanne Copley
3) Schedule movement, a Pilates class maybe? Text a friend and get a walk in the diary. Search for that netball team, golf course, roller derby and book a trial session. Community keeps you motivated, accountable and progressing. Here’s to healthier habits! Pilates and move every day with ease and joy. or person Wells Road Osteopaths.
The South Bristol Arts Trail is back SEPTEMBER 10 and 11 will see the streets of BS3 once again filled to the brim with creativity, and Bristol artists, they need you! The South Bristol Arts Trail gives the public a wonderful opportunity to meet artists, purchase locally created artwork and admire the talent within our local community. From churches to cafés, your kitchen or back garden, the homes and community venues of Bedminster, Ashton and Southville will be open for one weekendWhetheronly.you’re a painter, performer, printmaker or poet, the Trail organisers would love you to be a part of the South Bristol Arts Trail 2022. Applications are now open to trade, perform or exhibit for the weekend. Visit southbristolarts.co.ukIfyouhaveanyquestions, you can contact Fiona on contactus@southbristolarts.co.uk
How Often Should You Go to
Chiropractor?the
Chiropractic is the third largest health profession in the world, after medicine and dentistry. Every day, millions of chiropractic adjustments are performed for pain relief and wellness care. With so many people benefiting worldwide, how often should you go to a chiropractor?Mostchiropractors recommend a schedule of sessions to their patients to meet their health goals. The number and frequency of those appointments can vary widely. A new born baby will be recommended a very different schedule from a 45-year-old builder with a disc bulge. Often spinal problems have been there a lot longer than you’ve had symptoms. Three months of intense low back pain really started five years ago when the mild aching started, but really the x-rays show the spine hasn’t been working correctly for 15+ years. The ideal schedule and frequency for you will be based on several factors. How long your complaint has been there? Is the pain radiating, like sciatica down your leg? Are there other underlying health issues? And how old are Anyou?initial consultation is required to answer these questions and more. In that consultation your chiropractor will take a detailed case history, asking you many questions about your complaint and any relevant medical history. Then they will perform a full physical examination studying all your nerves, muscles and joints. Some chiropractors also take x-rays to view your bony structures. X-rays are very useful for assessing alignment of the spine and pelvis, viewing wear and tear or arthritis and ruling out the nasty stuff. With all this information, your chiropractor will formulate a diagnosis of what is causing your pain and a plan to get you back on track living life to the full, pain free. Your schedule of care could start anywhere between once per week up to three to four times per week for several weeks. As you progress, as your symptoms subside and you hold your adjustments for longer, your appointments will space out.
n SPINAL COLUMN
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 21 n NEWS
Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro Telephone: 0117 370 www.kasachiro.com2680
tofreshwater,forassomesolution,fast.alternatives,sustainablefoodindustrialised-carbon-intensivecurrentsystemisn’tgoingtocutit.Weneedlowcarbon,andlocalfoodandweneedthemWhilstthereisnosilverbulletseaweedcouldprovideanswers…Seaweedtakesupcarbonitgrows,providingahomemarinelife,requiringnolandspaceorfertilisergrow,andgrowsfasterthan
A conversation, YOUR ENTHUSIASM, laughter,ORGANISATIONALcompanionship,SKILLS,asmile. Have a love for the great outdoors? Enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of walking? Could you help support our residents enjoy organised group walks? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Would you like to help make a difference to the lives of older people? For details of the wide range of volunteering opportunities across our award winning care homes and retirement villages please call 07817 633 011 / 07875 406 891 or email volunteering@stmonicatrust.org.uk What can you share as a volunteer with THE St Monica Trust? walking group volunteers Registered Charity: 202151
n HEALTH NEWS southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 22 September 2022
SEAWEED — slimy, smelly and definitely not for eating, right? Beth Horne, a nutritionist from Totterdown, and her business partner Flo Taylor, a marine ecologist, want you to think differently.By2050, the UN estimates that we’re going to need 70% more food to feed an ever growing population. And given recent heat waves, floods and wildfires, it’s clear that our any land plant. Seaweed also delivers numerous health benefits, is rich in antioxidants, high in fibre and has an amino acid profile comparable to that of beef!Here in Bristol, Beth and Flo run seaweed workshops to show the incredible potential of seaweed for both body and planet. Now, they’ve taken things further and developed their delicious High Tide Seaweed EnergyHighBar.Tide is made with seaweed sourced from CârY-Môr - one of Wales’s first restorative ocean farms. The rest of the ingredients are organic and chosen for their nutritional power and complimentary flavours. The result is a nutrientrich sustainable snack that is genuinely good for your health, and better for our planet. High Tide is not just another snack bar, it’s taking action to protect and sustainably manage our ecosystems, leading to a more biodiverse future. High Tide is currently in development but will be available in shops, cafes and Bristol climbing centers soon, as well as Followonline.@high_tide_seaweed on Instagram for updates. Beth and Flo
Kelp! We have an emergency Seaweed superstars
People can find out more and book here: poppyandjack.co.ukcanIfareeventsandretreats.poppyandjack.co.uk/Becausespaceslimited,bookingisrequired.youhaveanyquestions,youemailmeat:charlotte@
I often refer to the Brunch Club as a much deserved feelgood booster for mums. Being a mum can be really isolating and you rarely put yourself first in the first years. The Mama Brunch Club gives them the opportunity to go out, have some good laughs, have a cocktail and enjoy some lovely food, cooked for them with love by the Malago’s kitchen. What is your background? What made you decide to launch this? I’m an antenatal teacher and the founder of Poppy & Jack. Before I started offering birth preparation classes, I worked in events for 13 years. I’m equally passionate about bringing people together and about empowering women, so those events are really special to me. I decided to launch those as I wished I could have found something similar in South Bristol when I was on maternity leave. I attended mum and baby classes but really missed a fun social event. How many people usually come to the brunch club and what sort of people are they? Each Brunch Club can be attended by up to 20 mums, but as we are only starting to be known the average so far is 10. They are for all mamas with bumps, babies or toddlers.
Where can people go to find out more about the club?
Looking after our new mums
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 23 RHS Level 2 Theory courses now booking for Autumn 2022 at theGardenBotanic For further details botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.ukbotanic-garden.bristol.visitac.uk01174282041 Start your career change here… Learn more about your garden… Voice RHS ad_Aug22.indd 1 11/08/2022 11:58 n INTERVIEW The Mama Brunch Club is a monthly meet-up for local mums organised by Poppy & Jack Hypnobirthing in partnership with The Malago on North Street. We caught up with organiser clubWhatoutCrowder-CattierCharlottetofindmore…isthegoalofthebrunchforyou? My goal is to connect local mums, and to give them the opportunity to share experiences in a supportive environment. I also want to give them the opportunity to ask questions and to receive practical tips from Experts. Every month we welcome a different guest contributor: breastfeeding, weaning and sleep consultants, first aid teachers, baby massage instructors, physios and women’s health specialists, and more.
PLUGINVAN GRANTELIGIB L ELBIGILETNARGNAVNIGULP ETEST DRIVE OU THE NEW HOME TOF HE NEW HOME OF ROADWORTHYBRISTOL.CO.UK/MAXUS FISHPONDS ROAD, BRISTOL MAXUS MBRISTOL AXUS BRISTOL VAN RANGE
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 25 An Extravaganza of Magnificence!Mid-Century An Extravaganza of Vintage Vendibles! A Treasure-Trove of Magnificence!Mid-Century Emporium 126 East Street SustainableOrganicAffordable 72 East Street. preservefoods.co.uk Want to reduce your food waste, plastic consumption and save money? Come and fill your own containers from a huge range of food, cleaning products and sustainable gifts. Vegan. Ethically sourced. Great prices. ON EAST STREET EAST STREET continues to thrive as a shopping centre with local shops providing a wide range of outlets for the community. We look at some of the shops in the area and find out a little bit about the services they provide. Emporium, 126 East Street A magnificent mid-century treasure trove... plus so much more. Lighting, décor, ornaments, art, tobacconalia, pubware, memorabilia, vinyl, plants, kitchen and dining, clothing, footwear and textiles, pet supplies, handmade winter woollies, baby clothes and soaps, directions, hair dyes, trinkets and nik-naks... If you want it, we’ve probably got it. If we haven’t, come back next week! Preserve, 72 East Street Small Bristol business making sustainable shopping accessible. Reduce your plastic, food waste and carbon footprint. Bring any container, refill as much as you like, everything is vegan and majority organic. Choose from the huge range of wholefoods, treats, toiletries and cleaning items in stock. Check out frozen foods, ethical gifts and homeware. East Street Emporium A collection of creative independent shops selling a range of products with sustainability at theirEastheart.Street Emporium is home to more than 30 independent makers and creative traders selling an eclectic mix of beautiful products. East Street Emporium opened its doors last September. Inside the Emporium, you’ll find vintage clothing and homewares, terrariums and plants, art, candles, ceramics, jewellery, crystals, upholstered furniture, children’s wear, weavings, batik, ethical make-up and much more.
What are you looking forward to about Art on the Hill? Meeting other makers and new customers is always such a joy, and just getting to see people browsing my work with big smiles and laughs is the most rewarding and humbling experience.
Bristol artist David Hyde Fierce talks to South Bristol Voice ahead of exhibiting at Art on the Hill. Tell us about your name David Hyde Fierce is a pseudonym that comes from my love of Niles Crane in ‘Frasier’ (played by David Hyde Pierce). My real name is Eloise and, when I’m not working as an artist, I run Heartbeat School of Drama in Fishponds. What medium do you use? Nowadays I do digital drawings on my iPad, but I started out with painting. During the first lockdown I was reading books that were falling apart and I didn’t know what to do with them. I started doing paintings on book pages for people and that really took off. Over time I’ve moved away from it because, truthfully, I find painting quite stressful. Digital drawing allows me to express myself creatively with much less stress… ‘undo’ is my best friend. What inspires you? I was raised by a goth mum who ran a dance school, and a dad who ran a punk record label from home, so what I grew up on ranged from Stephen King to ‘The Young Ones’, lots of swear words and even more leopard print! I’m also inspired by mental health, feminism and just being blunt and sassy. My main motivation is to make art that creates a sense of enjoyment and validation, to say the things that don’t get said enough.
Meet David Hyde Fierce
n WHAT’S ON n INTERVIEW To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 Providing unwavering standards and traditional values for 36 years • Newly worked stone • Carving • Restoration • Rebuilding • Pennant walling • Repointing • Paint removal • Buyer’s survey MATTHEWwww.mkingstone.comKING STONEMASON BEFORE CALL 07979 895569 AFTER You have our best – every time Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Clifton, Thornbury central Bristol Our friendly legal experts are always on hand to provide practical, common sense advice at a fair price. If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, we’re the people to talk to. This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No: 568743. Looking for a solicitor? barcankirby.co.ukhello@barcankirby.co.uk southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 26 September 2022
Art on the Hill is back
Windmill Hill’s annual arts trail is kicking back into life on October 1-2. More than 70 creatives will be exhibiting in their own homes and community venues across Windmill Hill from 10am to 5pm each day. A huge variety of arts and crafts will be on show, from in,fancyresinarchitectureandphotographs,paintings,printsceramics,toandcraft.Forthosewhogettingstucktherewillbeavariety of workshops including badge-making and leatherwork.Aswellas hosting some of the artists, the Windmill Hill Community Association will be buzzing with live music and food on October 1. There will also be the chance to buy raffle tickets for a range of prizes. Free trail booklets will be available from local venues before the trail, or you can pick one up on the day at any venue. For more information, go to artonthehill.org.uk
Feelgood Fitness is a local, friendly, small pilates and wellness studio in Knowle. We offer all ranges of pilates from beginners to intermediate, postnatal, pregnancy, barre fusion, low impact, reformer and large equipment, private sessions and massage. To book, go www.feelgoodfitness.org/tobooknow07804239070 comedyTheatre, and so much more for all the family
Bristol South Taekwando Tuesday and 6-7pmThursday St Paul’s bristolsouthtkd@hotmail.comTel:CoronationChurchRoadBedminsterBS31AS07951456407Email:
10-22 September, Redgrave Theatre, Joanna McNally. Described as “a truly gifted stand up” by The Sunday Times, join Joanne McNally as she revisits her irreverent and critically acclaimed show The Prosecco Express. Due to a relentless ageing process, Joanne is suddenly in her late thirties with no husband, no kids, no pension and no plan. She is full of questions: if she doesn’t birth anything, who will be obligated to watch her die so she doesn’t have to do it alone? Can she start a GoFundMe page to get a golden tomb built for single people to get buried in together, or do we all just get thrown into a mass grave and covered in cat hair? When a man on a dating app identifies as ‘spiritual’, is it safe to assume he has the personality of a spoon? If you do all your drinking in the bath, can you write it off as self-care?
3 September, Bristol Old Vic, Same Storm, Same Sky A musical performance about being apart and finding our way back together again. Many Minds have collaborated with a group of young people in Barton Hill and Bass Choir to make this playful performance about our experiences. We don’t normally get to be on this stage. Our voices don’t often get heard. We’ve been stuck in boxes. We were all separated but there was a storm happening that covered all of us. We have hummed, sighed, been on stompy walks and drowned in tea.
Totterdown Zumba Dance yourself fit and happy at Totterdown Zumba! Mondays 6.30-7.30pm in the Salt Cellar at Totterdown Baptist Church (use the Cemetery Road entrance). £6 per class. No dance ability required - all welcome. I guarantee you will leave with a smile on your face! For more info please contact Emily e_downes@hotmail.co.ukon
30 August - 10 September, Bristol Hippodrome, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat. The sensational brand-new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ comes to the Bristol Hippodrome for two weeks only! With stars from The London Palladium - Linzi Hateley, Jason Donnovan and Jac Yarrow - the show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me and There’s One More Angel In Heaven.
Lunchtime Live St Francis’ Church, Ashton Gate BS3 1JP, nr. Tobacco Factory. Friday 9th September 2022 1.10 - 1.50pm A recital of French piano music given by Richard Leigh Harris. Admission £5 (£3). Tea and coffee available before www.lunchtimelive.co.ukperformance.
7-10 September, Bristol Old Vic, Opal Fruits. Armed with pick’n’mix, politics and UK Garage, Holly Beasley-Garrigan wants to talk about the fetishisation of the feral female. ‘Opal Fruits’ is about class, nostalgia and five generations of women from one council estate in South London - an anarchic reimagining of the self-congratulatory solo show, and a wry interrogation of fauxworking-class cultural trends. ‘Opal Fruits’ is Holly’s debut solo show, having undergone significant redevelopment with a new and expanded creative team. The show explores what it means to be an artist who grew up in poverty… to have a stake in two worlds but to feel as though you don’t really fit into either.
30 September, Redgrave Theatre, City of Bristol Brass Band. City of Bristol Brass Band has been highly successful in both concert and competition throughout its history, becoming West of England Regional Champions and representing the region in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The band is committed to showing that brass band music is accessible, inclusive, relevant and fun.
2 September, St George’s Bristol, The Magnetic Fields. Helmed by Stephin Merritt, The Magnetic Fields hold a cult status with their short, sharp songwriting wit. Famed for their milestone 69 Love Songs, released in 1999, The Magnetic Field’s latest offering Quickies takes their tonguein-cheek charm to even briefer bursts of melodic and lyrical craft. Alongside Merritt, Shirley Simms shares lead vocals, the pair’s sly harmonic interactions a signature element to the band’s repertoire alongside accompaniment from a familiar cast of The Magnetic Fields’ musicians. Live, the playful and droll pop theatricality of their music shines through.
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 27 n WHAT’S ON
20-24 September, Bristol Hippodrome, Six. Winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, the 2022 Whatsonstage Award for Best West End Show and a gold-disc winning album, this sell-out Tudor take-off has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message’ (The Australian) and is ‘pure entertainment’ (New York Times). From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.
As we listened to chatter around us, the songs of birds and the scurry of badgers, we waited for the clouds to part and looked up into the same sky.
14-24 September, Bristol Old Vic, Outlier. Mal, Ama, Lewis and Oskar have grown up together; hedonistically charging through life in rural Devon. Living from party to party, they’re railing against the stories that have been written for them as they stand at the precipice of adulthood. But all the space can be suffocating, and it’s tough sometimes – feeling so low in a place so beautiful. The powerful poetics of Malaika Kegode and exhilarating music of Bristol band Jakabol combine with dynamic animation in this moving, autobiographical gig-theatre show. Genre-defying and hopeful, Outlier explores the impact of isolation, addiction and friendship on young people coming of age in the oftenforgotten places.
29 September - 12 November, Bristol Hippodrome, Beauty and 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.
2 September, Redgrave Theatre, The Handsome Family. The Handsome Family have written some of the most haunting and beautiful songs in American music. During a 30-year career, Brett and Rennie Sparks have created songs that transform the mundane landscape of modern life into a place of mysterious portent. In 2020 Loose Music will release their first two records, Odessa and Milk & Scissors on vinyl. This will be the first time these records have been released in Europe.
Body-mind workshop: PSOAS –Centre of Fear or Strength? Weekend workshop based on the Feldenkrais Method at the Southbank Club, Dean Lane, Bristol BS3 1DB on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Booking via Eventbrite or trefeldenkrais@gmail.com.contactTaughtbyTREFeldenkrais,collectiveofthreeFeldenkraisPractitionersandopentoparticipantswithinterest/experienceinmovementpractice.
Kyle Pyrke of Creative Learning said: “Until 2020, our theatre had only closed for repairs or refurbishment, even during both world wars the Bristol Hippodrome stayed open for its public, so it is incredibly moving to finally reopen the tours again and allow the public to hear some of the most moving, funny and in some cases tragic stories this beautiful theatre holds. The Hippodrome has been here for 110 years, visited by royalty, hosted performances from some of the biggest stars of the day and continues to showcase some of the biggest shows.” To book, visit hippodrome/shows/theatre-tour/bristol-atgtickets.com/
Participatory theatre is a form of interactive theatre in which the audience interacts with the performers or presenters. Participatory theatre is often used with very young audiences, allowing babies and toddlers to join in and is a great way of engaging. Think of a pantomime where all the fun lies in that interaction between audience and cast. Done badly it can feel like hard work and the audience can feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. But done well, interactive theatre is extraordinary, engaging and exhilarating. So I encourage you to be brave and cross the line!
beyouhowtheatreInteractive-justmuchdowanttoinvolved?
Jacqui Ham
southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 28 September 2022 n WHAT’S ON The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver
Interactive theatre is not a new genre but it has, in recent years, become hugely popular although it is difficult to define. The main characteristics are an active, physical relationship between audience and the production.Itcanbe at a site-specific venue, letting the audience make their own way around or it might be in that an audience is asked to step on to the stage and become part of the show. Sometimes interactive theatre is not made just for entertainment but is also produced to illustrate reallife political and moral debates.
Going backstage!
WHEN you go to see a show, are you happy to sit back passively and let the play immerse you or do you want to join in? You could argue that the audience participates in every live stage show by applauding, laughing and crying or even staying silent and listening. That we are participating with our minds and emotions as we travel on a journey with the characters and story. But interactive theatre asks more of you than a passive player – it wants you to be part of the action.
THE Bristol Hippodrome is thrilled to say its theatre tours are back. The Hippodrome is bursting with history and opulence. Theatre tours are packed with interesting facts and tales of the stars who have performed on the impressive stage. With stories of both tragedy and hilarity throughout, the tours are sure to keep all entertained.
Celebrating 30 years of their fifth studio album ‘It’s a Shame About Ray’, American rockers The Lemonheads will be playing the album in full at Bristol’s O2 Academy on September 28. The show will be a unique chance to hear the album live in its entirety. With its title taken from a quote frontman Evan Dando had seen in a Sydney newspaper about a boy named Ray being repeatedly kicked out of school, the 1992 record gained rave reviews at the time of its Awardedrelease.fiveout of five stars by Mojo, 8/10 by NME, 8.4/10 by Pitchfork and being honoured in Rolling Stone’s prestigious Album Guide, the album was a defining force of the early 1990s. Landing after the downfall of grunge, with which it shares a certain slacker attitude but with less distortion and angst, but before the arrival of Britpop, the album has stood defiant against the test of time. Evan Dando of The Lemonheads
n WHAT’S ON southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 29
The Lemonheads swing into town
‘Fire in the Belly’ is a tribute to the life and stories of Woodrow ‘Woody’ Wilson Guthrie and will be performed at the Redcatch Club on SeptemberWoodrow10.Wilson Guthrie was an American singer-songwriter whose influence is peerless. His work focused on themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. His music includes songs such as ‘This Land Is Your Land’, written in response to the American exceptionalist song ‘God Bless America’. He has subsequently inspired several generations politically and musically.
Old Brooms Know the Corners Keep an eye out for ‘Old Brooms Know The Corners’, a feelgood theatre show for all the family from acta’s Malcolm X Elders.Leonie is a typical British teenager, testing the boundaries and not worrying about the consequences –that is until she’s sent to live with her Grandma in the Caribbean. As her Grandma and the local aunties teach her to fall in line, they share stories from their own childhood, and lessons they’ve learnt along the way. Come along on the journey with Leonie as she learns that while new brooms may sweep clean, old brooms know the corners. Join acta’s Malcolm X Elders for this intergenerational show. Expect childhood stories and life lessons from the elders mixed in with Anansi tales and the singing our Malcolm X Elders shows have become known for. This is a feelgood show for all the family. The show is at acta on September 7. Followed by a performance at Malcolm X Centre on September 12.
The evocative story of Woody Guthrie
Dave Plimmer tells the story as a monologue in the voice of Guthrie, with his music celebrating his art and fire plagued story. A testimony to the emotional power of a single performer creating a living biography, Plimmer is able to take us into the world of Guthrie and create a sense of the bittersweet reality of his life. ‘Fire in the Belly’ is at the Redatch Club in the Redcatch Community Centre, Knowle, on September 10, with the performance starting at 7.45pm. The evening opens with an open mic session. Entry is £10 (cash only) and £5 (cash only) for open mic performers. Open mic slots need to be booked in advance by contacting Trevor on windmillbard@aol.co.uk or 0117 9665514.
org.ukVisitindependently.tosteady,dailybeupandFall-prooflikeStrongRon.isastrengthbalanceplanmadeofexercisesthatcandonealongsideyourroutinetokeepyoustrongandablegetoutandaboutwww.fallproofwest.tofindoutmore.
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 31 TRAVELLING TABROAD? RAVELLING ABROAD? CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE. FIT TO FLY FCERTIFICATE IT CERTIFICATE TRAVEL VACCINATIONS T& RAVEL & ANTI-MALARIA ATABLETS NTI-MALARIA TABLETS COVID-19 PCR SWAB CTEST OVID-19 PCR SWAB TEST 0 8 0 0 7 7 2 3 5 7 5 b r i s t o l t r a v e l c l i n i c . c o . u k AVAILABLE HERE!
Dancing in the streets
Street party winner Georgia Lewis
THANKS to estate agent Boardwalk Property Co, residents of Hebron Road in Bedminster will be layering up the bunting and popping corks at a bustling street party in the comingAward-winningmonths. lifestyle and property company Boardwalk launched a competition earlier this year seeing the winner awarded £250 to put towards a street party on their road to bring the community together. Applicants were asked to submit why they believe their road would benefit. After a number of amazing professionalentries,musician and Hebron Road native Georgia Lewis was announced the winner and she can’t wait to get the street kitted out for the Georgiacelebrations.said:“Ihave been dreaming of turning our little community into a festive street of bunting and merriment, swapping the pots and pans for the music and clapping hands. “I have ample amplification and a small army of wonderful people ready to make bunting. I can’t wait to see our street decked in colour, ribbons and music!” With more competitions in the pipeline across Bristol, give Boardwalk a follow on Instagram to stay updated @boardwalkbristol
southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 32 September 2022 n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH
THE Lionesses’ triumphant win in the Euro’s final last month was a truly historic event and a brilliant achievement which has changed the way people view women’s football in this country. And I hope this event will inspire generations of girls to pursue their football dreams. It was just over 50 years ago that the ban on women’s football in the UK was lifted. While improvements have of course been made since then, it is still the case even now that football is often not offered as an option in PE lessons in school for girls, with only 63% of girls being able to play football in PE lessons currently. This often stops girls from doing what they love. The Euro 2022 final with Germany was watched by an average of 11 million people on TV, a record for a women’s match in the UK. Times are definitely changing for women’s football, with the Euro win surely a major turning point for women’s sport more generally across the four nations in the UK. I hope that we see this change in attitudes towards women’s football reflected in the options available for girls and young women in school, and in other sports which have typically been viewed as dominated by men such as rugby and cricket. It’s so important that school children have access to a wide variety of sports, and I hope that when schools go back this September they’ll consider widening the options for PE lessons and clubs in school so both girls and boys can try out a number of different sports. In Bristol South, the Bristol Sport Foundation, based at Ashton Gate Stadium, is already working to get more young people involved in sport, and break down the barriers many face in getting active and healthy. Their programmes are designed to ensure families from all backgrounds can benefit from sport and physical activity. This includes providing sports coaching and after school clubs for primary schools around Bristol which can help young people have a go at sports which may not be offered in their schools PE lessons. With so much on offer, I’d urge parents, carers and schools to find out more about the programmes on offer via this website: theyjoinencouragessomethingstepstowomenbrilliantorg/our-programmesbristolsportfoundation.BristolGirlsCanisanotherorganisationaimedatinBristolmorewidely,inspirethemtotakethefirsttogettingactiveandtryingnew.ThelocalcampaignBristolwomentotheonlinecommunitywherecanfindadvice,guidance and support to help them in their fitness journeys. In the words of the Lionesses themselves, this is only the beginning. This is an opportunity to make a change that will impact millions of young girls’ lives. The UK Government must commit to investing in women’s sport so every girl has the choice and can pursue their dreams without barriers.
Lionesses are leading the way WWW.RDAVIESFUNERALS.CO.UK Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral. Unattended Funerals Attended Funerals Bristol Funeral FUNERALS FROM £975 9 Chessel Street BEDMINSTER 0117 963 7848 143 Church Road BISHOPSWORTH 0117 964 1133 The Poplars HAMBROOK 0117 956 6774 381 Gloucester Road HORFIELD 0117 942 4039 49 High Street KINGSWOOD 0117 944 6051 2 Pembroke Road SHIREHAMPTON 0117 982 3188 63 Westbury Hill WESTBURY ON TRYM 0117 962 8954 10 Gilda Parade WHITCHURCH 01275 833 441 CONTACT US AT: Whatever your funeral wishes or budget, we can provide a funeral to suit you. Prepaid funeral plans also available. TALK TO US ANYTIME
Experts say this exceptionally hot weather is likely to return every year from now on as the world heatsThinkup.
WHEN major developments take place, the council can raise a levy based on the size of the development known as Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This is used to mitigate the effects of a growing population and growing population densities.
Global: Act Bristol is a free exhibition at M Shed, it’s a great event for all the family. Do go and find out how to make a difference and add your views to what a green future looks like. Walden Communications who install telecommunications masts are pushing their luck in South Bristol. Residents in the vicinity of the mast close by Winterstoke Road are very upset that the applicant is trying to extend the planning application.Themast has already been there for 18 months without the need to apply for planning. It’s over 30 metres high and the worst aspect is that they emit a constant loudBothbuzzing.councillors have strongly objected and called in the application to the Development ControlObjectionsCommittee.canstill be sent into the planning portal application no Ref If20/30423/EXT.you’dliketomake a statement or petition at the meeting, ordemocratic.services@bristol.gov.ukcontactcall01179223758.
What is worrying is that people are already experiencing access problems for Health services and education. The council needs to make sure that there will be services for new and existing residents, which is what the other 85% of CIL is for. We are concerned that these are not being strategically considered alongside the existing pressures and we are not confident that the council is working with the NHS to make sure adequate services will be in place. We have already seen pressure on school places with the Council slow to respond. In preparation for 2024 when the council will be run in a more collaborative way, we are working with other south Bristol councillors to hear the voices of local people, and will be heading into the autumn with this as a major focus.
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 33
Some 15% of the CIL is allocated to local councillors to help make small local improvements. This is the source of funding for the St Lukes Road zebra crossing that is out to consultation now (let us know your views), and the outdoor gym just completed in Victoria Park. We are working on other proposals for a decision in November, including to revamp the skate park and replace the swings in Victoria Park, and plant more trees across Windmill Hill.
n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS
southbristolvoice www.southbristolvoice.co.uk CIRCULATION 15,000 INVITATION and FREE Bedminster, Knowle, Ashton Windmill Hill We Sell and Let Property Like YoursTel:01179634373 Email:Southville@cjhole.co.uk cjhole.co.uk Mayoral Vote PagePuzzlesWickedPagePageleftoverTimelinePageGrantedDevelopmentPageApprovalbun23This3343 Use your voice in Bristol'smayoral referendum on 5 MayBristol ReferendumBristolians previously changes favour which gardenthey’recomfortableCreating asafe spacefor dogs southbristolvoice www.southbristolvoice.co.uk SOUTH INVITATION Yours MONTHLY Bedminster, Southville, Totterdown, AshtonVale We Sell and Let Property Like Yours Tel:01179634373 Email:Southville@cjhole.co.uk Web:cjhole.co.uk Mayoral Development'PoorVoteDoor'GrantedApprovalPage9TimelineAnnouncedleftoverrecipePage19Page23inAreaPageWickedPuzzlesPage Continued Use your voice in Bristol's mayoral referendum on 5 May Referendum mayor. previouslycurrently However, coming mayoral stationsThursdayyourvoting Creatingcreateimprove a safe space for dogs We’re online too! Visit us at southbristolvoice.co.uk
AT EVERY meeting of full council there is a right for every councillor to ask up to two questions, with follow ups, of the mayor. That is if they are put near enough to the top of the list by their party. No barrier for us on that score.
Chris commented that it is 20 years since we set up the Friends of Redcatch Park and practically everything has been renewed by us locally. The football club, celebrating 10 years, and the garden, celebrating five years, are being let down.
THE extreme heat this summer is a frightening reminder of what the climate emergency really means.
Silverthorne Lane in St Phillips, a temporary site on Spring Street in the Whitehouse Street Framework Area has been identified to provide emergency provision for children who were due to start at the new school in September. Look out for details of a series of events and talks covering some of the industrial history of our ward, including the impact of the tobacco industry. We will also be looking at coal mining in the area and commemorating those who lost their lives in a pit explosion at Dean Lane Colliery. The development brief for the Mead Street area has now been approved by the Mayor. Part of the Temple Quarter regeneration project, the brief will provide a framework for forthcoming development proposals including 1,500 new homes.
Gary is focusing on the large sums from land sales that was set aside for Knowle West regeneration (much of this in the Knowle ward) and seems to be missing, and the parks improvement money locally raised which the mayor has spirited away.
The questions coming up from us this month relate to the complete failure of the council parks department over years to transfer the Redcatch Pavillion to a local group of volunteers and reassign a lease on the old bowling green to the community garden.
THE bridge is scheduled to close on August 22 to start the long awaited restoration and repair work. The works are now expected to take between six and nine months. For more information, including the diversion routes, please visit thewithwillresidentsyouthmoreStreetandWomenBehaviourfundingsuccessfullygaolferrybridge.bristol.gov.uk/BristolCityCouncilhasbidfor£750koftotackleAntiSocialandViolenceAgainstandGirlsbothinHartcliffeintheDameEmilyPark/Eastarea.Thefundingcanbeusedforstreetlighting,CCTV,andworkandactivities.Localandcommunitygroupsbeencouragedtogetinvolvedtheproposals.Duetodelaysinconstructingnewsecondaryschoolat
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Even the misshapen pier at Watchet came in for condemnation and was subsequently rebuilt to a more satisfactory standard. Ultimately, it didn’t matter: nothing would bring back the dead. The burial of Sarah and Harry was the very first in St John’s New Cemetery on the steep slope between St John’s Lane and Cotswold Road in Bedminster. Due to the massive press attention the Watchet drownings had generated — and the particular focus given to the doomed couple — their funeral became a public event attended by around 5,000 people.
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Sarah (who lived on Harford Street, Redcliffe, and worked for ES&A Robinson’s paper factory on Redcliffe Street) and Harry were drowned following a boating accident off the coast of Watchet, Somerset, in which at least six other people also died (the exact death toll varies considerably in Shortly before their wedding, the young couple (Sarah was 21 and Harry 22) were enjoying a seaside escape, as was common in the mid-Victorian era after the railways and steam power had made travel so much easier. Having taken a train to Weston-super-Mare, the couple joined the steam-powered, ironbuilt ship the Neath Abbey, which had been constructed in 1842 and was the pride and joy of the Welsh ironworks which had built it.
Were some passengers drunk (as certain reports claimed) and incapacitated?
newspaper reports).
A Watchet coastguard who witnessed the tragedy later said he was horrified so many people had been squashed into the tiny boats in the first place.
n LOCAL HISTORY southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 35 BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE BUILD YOUR NETWORK BUILD YOUR FUTURE Attend one of our FREE construction breakfast or lunch workshops
One week before the vicar of St John’s Church in Bedminster had been expecting to marry Sarah Jane Seymour to her beau Harry Larcombe in June 1859, he found himself conducting a funeral for the doomed couple.
The tragedy attracted a lot of press attention, and the angered and grieving people of Bristol wanted someone to blame. Was the Neath Abbey’s captain responsible (he was cleared of responsibility, not least because he immediately recognised the dangers posed and set off in a rowing boat to try and rescue those who had fallen in the water)?
Harry’s father George was one of those on the shore who watched, traumatised, as his son and future daughter-in-law whom he had come to greet drowned before his eyes.
Sarah’s coffin was carried by six young women and Harry’s was carried by six young men, and a huge procession followed the coffins from the church to the New Cemetery, which had only been consecrated just two weeks before. In the 1940s, following devastating damage to the church and its grounds in the Blitz, St John’s and the New Cemetery were demolished, and the space is now a small community park where only two gravestones remain. One of these is Sarah and Harry’s joint tomb. This is an extract from ‘The Women Who Built Bristol: Volume One’ by Jane Duffus. Books are available for £13 direct from the author (who is happy to sign copies) via her website: www.janeduffus.com
On 13 June 1859, there were several hundred pleasure seekers aboard the Neath Abbey for the trip along the coast. When the ship returned to Watchet at the end of the outing, boats were due to transfer passengers from the ship to the shore but when the time came there were just two small boats available, which could only safely carry eight people at a time. This was far from sufficient. Due to this lack of boats and the subsequent overcrowding, as well as problematic strong winds and high tides, the overloaded boats sank beneath the water line, became filled with water and many passengers fell overboard and drowned. Sarah and Harry were among them. It is important to remember that in the Victorian era, many people did not know how to swim and, in addition, women were overwhelmed by their cumbersome and heavy layers of clothing.
southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 36 September 2022
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 37 n LOCAL HISTORY
TABLE tennis was a sport that was well suited to inter-unit league and cup competitions as it required only four players and each of the very many sections at Innsworth and Barnwood could raise a team or even two. It also provided bored airmen with something to do during the long, dark winter evenings. Many tables were available in such areas as the Education sections, NAAFIs and empty Nissan huts, and with the availability of the RAF’s own in- house coach services between the camps it proved to be a well organised and enjoyable sport to take part in. As my finances were always tight I was very pleased to be asked to be a member of the camp table tennis squad because it didn’t cost anything. This enabled me to draw the table tennis room key from the guard room whenever I and another squad member had time to play. This room was used exclusively for table tennis with the table always in position. The conditions and lighting were first class and I spent quite a number of off-duty hours playing table tennis. Strangely enough, table tennis was not played at inter-camp level, but our team competed in the first division of the Gloucester/ Cheltenham league. I recall two table tennis related incidents. The first occurred following a league match in Gloucester. The game did not finish until just after 10pm and we rushed to catch the last bus. The double decker bus filled up with about 75% airmen and 25% civilians. A number of the servicemen had been “out on the town” and were quite boisterous. About half way back to the camp there was an incident between a few “worse for wear” airmen and a number of civilians and things became very noisy but in a reasonably jolly sort of way. The bus driver and conductor quite rightly took exception to all the noise and diverted the bus from the main road route direct to the Innsworth Guard Room. The officer of the guard called out the guard squad and all the service personnel were escorted into the Guard Room to produce our identification papers and be charged with bringing Her Majesty’s Air Force intoThedisrepute.following morning I was summoned to face the charge before my unit Commanding Officer. I had to comply with the full ceremonial of a trial. I was lined up in the Orderly Room corridor in the charge of the Disciplinary Warrant Officer plus an escort. The Warrant Officer shouted “Accused, hat off. Quick march. Into the Commanding Officer’s office” where I stood to attention before the Commanding Officer who read the charge and asked me to state guilty or not guilty. In response to my answer of not guilty he asked me to give my statement in defence. I told him that I had been representing the station in a table tennis match against a civil service team which had not finished until after ten and the only drink I had consumed was a cup of very weak civil service tea – case dismissed and that was all over. I do not know whether this incident was entered on my Therecords.otherincident happened when I had been selected to represent Home Command in an inter-command match to be played at Innsworth. This was a great honour for me and I turned up at a reception the evening before the game where registration took place. I was very disappointed to be told that I was not eligible to play as although I represented a Home Command team, I was in fact attached to No 2 School of Cookery which was only a lodger unit at Innsworth, and was therefore on the strength of Technical Training Command.Theofficials were very sorry and suggested I should apply for the next season’s Technical Training team. The following autumn I applied to play at these trials, was accepted and told to report to RAF Uxbridge in Middlesex. These trials lasted for three days and I was able to stay with Aunt Lizzie at Kenton which was quite handy. Again I was disappointed in that although I had played well in the trial and would have expected to have made the team, I was asked when I was due for demob and when I said this would be 2 January I was told that as all but one of the command games would be after that date it was not worthwhile to include me.
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 hearsender.willKnowle,Voice,ornews@southbristolvoice.co.uktopostthemtousSouthBristol111BroadfieldRoad,BristolBS42UX.AllitemsbesafelyreturnedtotheWewouldreallylovetofromyou! John Fletcher in the 1950s We continue our serialisation of Memories of a Bristol Boyhood by Knowle resident John Fletcher as he talks us through some of his sporting achievements during his time with the RAF. REPLACEMENTFORYOURTRANSFORMKITCHENAFRACTIONOFTHECOSTWITHDOORS&WORKTOPS ✓ Replacement made-to-measure doors & worktops ✓ Save £1000s compared to a new kitchen ✓ Door swaps in as little as one day ✓ 100s of designs and colour options 0117 990 customer@bristolkitchenmakeovers.co.uk2809www.bristolkitchenmakeovers.co.ukBEFOREBEFOREAFTER AFTER SHOWROOM NOW OPEN: Unit 3, Farrington Farm, Farrington Gurney BS39 6UB Bristol Kitchen Makeovers.indd 1 14/07/2022 09:41:46
‘Things became very noisy but in a reasonably jolly sort of way’
A Bristolonwindmilleveryhill
Michael Manson is the author of two volumes of ‘Manson’s Bristol Miscellany’, both are published by Bristol Books and available from local bookshops and online: bristolbooks.org
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 39 n LOCAL HISTORY
By Michael Manson
Life changing To book your place, contact Catherine Ball on 0117 933 9631 Reception Open Morning Tuesday 27 Junior9.30am–11.30amSeptemberSchoolOpen Morning Tuesday 11 9.30am–11.30amOctober
THE search for sources of free energy is as old as humankind itself. As well as the eponymous Windmill Hill (although nobody is quite sure of the location of the windmill) there were windmills, at one time or another, on Cotham Hill, Brandon Hill, Royal Fort (previously called Windmill Fort) and St Vincent’s Rocks. The earliest windmills would have been post mills, which allowed the windmill to be rotated to catch wind. A delightful carving of a four sailed post mill can be seen on a medieval misericord in Bristol Cathedral. There is mention in 1565 of a windmill on Brandon Hill, while the windmill at Windmill Fort, was pulled down in 1643, presumably to make way for the newly built Civil War fortifications.Laterwindmills were built with stone towers. With this design, just the cap of the windmill would be turned to move the sails in the desired direction. Cotham windmill, first recorded in 1670, and to be seen in Nathaniel Buck’s 1743 Prospect of Bristol, was later heightened
Windmills weren’t always on hills. Though, it has to be admitted, the low-lying windmills were the least successful. According to the 1718 edition of Millerd’s map, there was a short-lived windmill perched on the red cliff next to Treen Mill Lane (now Guinea Street). Even more surprising were the two windmills for grinding calamine for the Baptist Mills Brass Works in the Frome Valley to the east of the city. One was built around the 1750s, closed in 1814, and finally demolished in the 1830s. The other was capped off and used as a private dwelling until it was knocked down in the 1930s.
In the eighteenth century, Bristol’s windmills were mostly used for grinding snuff rather than corn. The Clifton windmill, built in 1766, perched above the Avon Gorge, was badly damaged in a storm in 1777 when, it is said, its sails could not be stopped and the wooden machinery became overheated and self-ignited. This was, apparently, not an uncommon problem for windmills.
to become an observatory with splendid panoramic views over Bristol. This tall, slender edifice was demolished in 1953 to make way for school playing fields. A more robust, chesscastle tower is the symbol of Cotham School.
Drawing of Redcatch Quarter proposal from Redcatch Park. Credit: Keep Architecture
Mark Hayward
Knowle community needs to stay strong
The great Knowle community has successfully challenged the erection of a phone mast in Redcatch Park. Now it is fighting to keep its swimming pool alive and we are sure the community will rally around to protect it. The next big fight will be to ensure the development at Broadwalk is fit for purpose. We want a good retail offer, not just 800+ apartments to help line the pockets of a developer. If the so-called Knowle Community Party won’t fight for us, we must do it ourselves. We are proud to be from Knowle and know our wonderful community will win out in the end.
It is inexplicable that they still seek to dismiss valid concerns without demonstrating that they even understand the plans. Residents who should be applauded for their civic involvement, and for being informed and concerned, are treated as an inconvenience. It is becoming very Alice in Wonderland, the incurious councillors are increasingly at odds with the majority of public opinion in Knowle and seem to exist in an alternate reality, blithe to the groundswell of public feeling. They desperately need a reality check and to reconnect with the people they are privileged to represent.
Carol and Phil Gingell Councillors must act on developmentBroadwalk
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southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 40 September 2022 n LETTERS Life changing Sixth Form Information Evening Thursday 13 5.00pm–7.15pmOctoberOpenEveningFriday7OctoberYear3toYear6:4.00pm–6.00pmYear7toLowerSixth:4.00pm–8.00pmIndividualtoursavailablemostweekdaymorningsContactuson01179339885
The recent public meeting made it crystal clear that the councillors are not on top of the ‘detail’ of the development. Given their inability to respond to sincere questions from residents with anything other than waffle and resentment at the impudence of well informed locals , they might now perhaps ‘wind their necks in a little’, ease up on the bluster and boosterism and respond in a calmer and more reasoned fashion.
I am bemused by the Knowle Community Party’s councillors’ attitude re the Broadwalk development. If the developers say ‘jump’, their only question is ‘how high?’
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 41 OPEN EVENING | Thursday 29 th September Reserve your place stkaths.org.uk/admissions St Katherine’s School, Ham Green, BS20 0HU | 01275 373737 Find us on: St Katherine’s School @stkathsschool ST Katherine’s is a thriving, diverse school community that has educated students from all over Bristol for many years. Year 7 students from over 50 primary schools are joining us this September. So why do so many parents and carers choose St Katherine’s for their child’s secondary education? I believe it’s because our approach is based on the principle that, as individuals, we all perform at our best when we feel confident, secure and valued. Along with my committed team, I am passionate about giving every student an environment where they feel safe and happy so they can achieve their full potential and pursue their dreams. We do this through our exceptional pastoral care and absolute commitment to wellbeing which makes St Katherine’s such a happy, thriving school. We take full advantage of St Katherine’s size to create a friendly atmosphere where every child is well known and cared for as an individual.
n MEET THE HEAD
Like our students, our staff are energetic, passionate and committed professionals, who stretch and challenge our young people both inside and outside of the classroom - we all learn something new everyday and it enriches and improves us all.
Besides our track record of academic success - our GCSE, A level and vocational subject results continue to reach new heights, securing pathways for all our young people. Our curriculum is broad, including our co-curricular offer shaped around SKYwards - St Katherine’s Youth Award designed to ensure everyone enjoys new experiences, helping them develop into young adults equipped socially and academically to take on the opportunities and challenges of life. Above all, a St Katherine’s education is busy, inspiring, ambitious and great fun! Come along to our September open evening (details below) to experience it for yourself. You and your child are guaranteed a warm welcome. SchoolStHeadHumphreys,fromMessageJustinofKatherine’s
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southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 42 September 2022 news@southbristolvoice.co.uk Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely FREE of charge. CALL US TODAY ON: 01454 740 034 MOBILE: 07537 149 128 WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: • EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING • 2 REMOTE CONTROLS • ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION • FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR • AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS garagefifor£895From*afullyttedelectricdoor. WAS £1,354 INCLUDING VAT. *O er valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override. My ByBedminsterwildBenBarker BS3 Helping Others (facebook.com/groups/ BS3helpers) links would-be volunteers with community groups in and around BS3. They publish a directory with nearly 80 groups looking for helpers. The BS3 Wildlife inidentifyhedgehog.project@gmail.com)Groupneighbourhoodinformationtoone(mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com)Groupisofthesewithitsmanyopportunitiesmonitorlocalwildlifeandsharepictures,andideasabouthowtomakeourmorewildlifefriendly.AlliedgroupsincludeSouthBristolBatandtheBS3HedgehogProject(bs3.seekingtowherehedgehogsarecurrentlyactiveBS3andtoextendtheirrangebylinking gardens and green spaces and providing food andSeveralwater. park support groups appear in the Helping Others directory. They help by planting wildflowers, digging ponds and leaving patches of long grass which can be very helpful for insects. Insects, in turn, offer food opportunities to a range of birds andAsmammals.wellasimproving larger green spaces, other volunteers help out with ‘community gardening’. This involves clearing ‘waste’ ground and creating an attractive garden. You probably pass a couple of these every day as you move around BS3. As well as a useful bit of exercise, being part of a community garden group is a good way of building up your circle of friends. The Blooming Bedminster network (bloomingbedminster@outlook.com) shares seeds and plants for gardens. Other wildlife helpful initiatives include the Front Garden Awards (did you get one this year?) and Secret Gardens: a summer weekend when many local gardens are opened up to curious visitors. n WILDLIFE
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“JEANIE?” the shrill voice squawked from the phone and I squinted wondering who they were putting me through to. “Jeanie, phone call for you, my darling.” I frowned. My mum is not called Jeanie. Mum was residing in another care home, a nicer one, this place had won awards. “Hello?” came the familiar voice of my darling Mum. “Why are they calling you Jeanie, Mum?” I asked and we laughed and then had a cry as I told her that Dad was coming home and I was going to pick her up and take her home too. “Oh, how lovely.” I wondered if it would be. Another tearful reunion was had, although this time it was a bit awkward as Dad was already in the car and I’d bundled Mum into the back. Dad strained to reach behind him to touch her and she was happily looking out of the window, ignoring him. So it was only Dad’s tears I had to deal with. We don’t really know what happened to Dad. At one point in hospital, he was so distressed it was miserable. “What are we going to do with you, Dad?” I whispered sitting helplessly watching his suffering and he replied, “Just let me jump out of the bloody window”. We did a quick risk assessment and found that it would be quite tricky to get him up onto the windowsill, the actual opening was too narrow and we were on the ground floor. That would not work. Anyway, the next day he was much better.
The hospital’s occupational therapist deemed Dad fit enough to go home and care for his wife. Dad can make a cup of tea and wash himself. Perfectly fit and capable.Twodays and three falls later, things are starting to fall apart. No surprise. Although I have not helped the situation. I had bought Mum some nice comfy bras, or so I’d thought. I went to visit and she looked a bit odd. I then saw that one boob was higher than the other one. After a quick examination I discovered that the lovely comfy undergarments were in fact nursing bras for breastfeeding mothers. One side had unclipped, and she was hanging free. I’d also bought her a pretty wraparound dress. My brother went to visit and sent me a picture asking what she was wearing. Mum was sitting in her chair with the dress open to the waist showing off her maternity bra which was thankfully clipped up. They’d been on a walk and everyone had complimented the dress. Of course theyMyhad.parents need to be cared for properly. I could move them to Bristol and we’d live together like the Waltons. But my house is not the safest and I am not Olivia Walton. In fact, I nearly killed Himself the other morning by leaving the Hoover at the top of the stairs (I’d got distracted by something more interesting). He didn’t see it, tripped, flew through the air and managed to save himself by grabbing the banister like a big beardy gymnast. No, I don’t think that would work at all.
southbristolvoice Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk September 2022 43 n WICKED WITCH
The information provided will be considered alongside the extensive evidence base already gathered by police forces and used to inform the community safety activities of police and partner agencies such as local authorities. No crime needs to have been committed in order to indicate where local people feel unsafe. It is important to remember that the StreetSafe tool should not be used to report crimes. To report a crime, visit:PCCwww.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/MarkShelfordsaid:“Iverymuchwelcome this free online tool; a crime doesn’t always have to be committed for you to feel unsafe but this feeling of unsafety is still very much justified. The police and partners want to understand local people’s experiences to help inform their community safety activities.
WINNER n NEWS
Police launch StreetSafe app
“I’m delighted that such activity has taken place already in Westonsuper-Mare and I know local policing teams are eager to undertake further action. I encourage local people to continue to use the tool so, together, we can make our communities safer.”
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Some 14% who try to make a GP appointment in Bristol and South Gloucestershire don’t get one, while more than 15,000 locals were forced to wait more than a month, it can be revealed. New figures from NHS England show that a shocking 14% of people in both areas could not get an appointment to see or speak to a GP or nurse the last time they tried. In June alone, 15,701 residents had to wait a whole month to see the doctor in the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire region. When the Conservatives first entered government, they scrapped the guarantee of a GP appointment within 48 hours. Now the Government has admitted it is failing to meet its manifesto pledge to recruit more GPs. Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “It’s a real struggle for some people to see their GP, and people are spending hours on the phone, and then being told nothing is available for weeks. When I was an MP in the last Labour government, I was proud that we guaranteed a GP appointment within 48 hours. Our NHS is Britain’s greatest asset but the Conservatives are running it into the ground.”
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southbristolvoice To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 44 September 2022
BRISTOLIANS are being encouraged to use the StreetSafe tool to anonymously tell Avon and Somerset Police and partners about public places where they feel or have felt unsafe. StreetSafe has been introduced as part of the Government’s response to tackling violence against women and girls, but all local people are being encouraged to use the tool to help identify areas where there are fears caused by anti-social behaviour and environment issues including lack of street lighting, abandoned buildings and vandalism.
The online tool enables residents to anonymously pinpoint on a map the location where they felt unsafe.
CONSULTATION about a proposal for homes on the former Pring and St Hill site on Malago Road, Bedminster is underway. The plans for 432 student accommodation homes are the final planning application for the Bedminster Green regeneration area. Having listened to the community’s concerns about the previous proposals, Watkin Jones has put forward a very different proposal. The number of buildings will drop from four to three, the buildings will be lower, and there will be 100 fewer homes on the site to reduce development density.
Malago Road faces regeneration proposal
Drawing of the proposed Malago Road scheme
n NEWS
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Tony Garner, development director for Watkin Jones, said: “This is an opportunity to transform a disused brownfield site to support lowering student demand for local housing, as well as boost the wider investment in Bedminster. We estimate that this development would generate up to £2.4 million a year in student spending that could reinvigorate and support local businesses on East Street and across the rest of Bedminster. “We’ve chosen to give a significant part of the site to open up access to the River Malago for the local community and create new public spaces that everyone could enjoy, as well as paying for improvements to local roads. “We have really listened to, and acted on, what people said during previous consultation exercises and public meetings. This is why we’re proposing a much smaller scheme with a look and feel that will match the wider Bedminster Green regeneration site. This is a new beginning for the site, and we will keep listening, which is why we want to hear people’s views before submitting a planning application.”Thescheme would open up a new route for people to enjoy the restored Malago riverfront and a public park accessible to the broader community. Residents of the scheme would be encouraged to use the links to public transport in the area or the storage space for 116 bikes. The only cars allowed would be three disabled car spaces with EV charging.There will also be tree planting and green landscaping along Malago Road, which will join the development with the council’s highway improvements and the river restoration works.
Working in partnership with We Care Home Improvements and Lendology CIC, the partnership takes the stress out of funding and finding contractors for home repairs, improvements or adaptations. If you are a homeowner, of any age, and need to make essential repairs to your home, call us today for more information. Works covered under the scheme include roof repair, electrical and plumbing work, damp and structural remedies, heating installations or replacement, amongst other works. Did you know Bristol City Council fund a loan scheme for homeowners?
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southbristolvoice
September 2022 45
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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.
*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.
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