southbristolvoice
April 2020 April 2020 No. 59
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CORONAVIRUS
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Never has it been more important for our great community in South Bristol to rally round. For many people, communication will be vital, especially those who are housebound or vulnerable. At South Bristol Voice we will continue to give you updates online and on social media ... please email us at news@southbristolvoice.co.uk if you have news or if your business is offering help to residents at this difficult time.
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l Up-to-date and verified information l News updates l Offers from local businesses l Help for employers l Help for workers l Advice for your health
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Contacts
Becky Day Editorial director news@southbristolvoice.co.uk (Currently on maternity leave) Ruth Drury Sales director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Rich Coulter Editorial director 07775 550607 news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
Editorial team: Marcus Stone, Paul Breeden, Martin Powell, Charley Rogers, Dean Mortlock Independent Community News Network member
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April 2020
southbristolvoice HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ... My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Call the above number for an appointment My councillor? Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster
By phone: 07469 413312 By email: Cllr.celia.phipps@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: Cllr.stephen.clarke@ bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By phone: 07884 736111 By email: Cllr.charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Council tax 0117 922 2900
Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999
COMPLAINTS
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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: news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 0777 555 0607.
southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure
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April 2020
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n CORONAVIRUS ADVICE
Mayor's clear Coronavirus message - stay at home The message is clear, stay home and save lives. Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, is urging people to stay at home to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect vulnerable people in the city. Bristol City Council is working hard alongside city partners, health services, and the voluntary sector to support people in the city, including special measures for homeless people. But the mayor has warned this critical work will be hampered by people not listening to Government advice. The government recommends: • Avoid social contact • Work from home if you can • Don’t use public transport unless you have to • Do not attend social or extended family gatherings • Contact your GP or Health service via phone or online • Only leave home if you have to
– to buy urgent supplies, go to key work, or get fresh air a safe distance from others. Pubs, clubs, gyms, cinemas and theatres should now have all closed, and restaurants and cafes should only be providing takeaway or delivery. However despite this clear advice, people are continuing to congregate in areas of Bristol including outside pubs, in nonessential shops and in playparks, says Mayor Rees. He said: “The longer people ignore the advice and keep going
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out, the higher the chance that more people will get coronavirus. Catching the virus will prove fatal for some people. “Bristol’s hospitals and healthcare services are under huge pressure. It is everyone’s job to act now to help prevent more people needing medical help. The message is clear, stay home and save lives.” As we went to press, 20 people in Bristol had been reported to have coronavirus. Bristol City Council Director of Public Health, Christina Gray said: “At the moment only people in hospital are being routinely tested, so if you have symptoms and you are not sure if you have the virus, you may well not find out. “Therefore it is really important if you or someone you have close contact with displays symptoms to take extra precautions and selfisolate at home. The common symptoms to look out for are a
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new continuous cough and/or a high temperature. If you have these symptoms stay at home for seven days. If you live with other people it is likely you will infect each other or be infected already. ” The most common symptoms of coronavirus are recent onset of: • A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) • A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual) More information about social distancing is available online and in multiple languages at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/ covid-19-guidance-on-socialdistancing-and-for-vulnerablepeople
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April 2020
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n NEWS
Volunteers needed to help revive valuable community land in Totterdown Residents in Totterdown are being urged to support efforts to improve a public green space just off the Wells Road. Zone A is a small rectangular piece of land between Firfield Street and Highgrove Street, and opposite Patco and Banco Lounge. It was given to the community of Totterdown in the 80s as a reconciliatory gesture by Bristol City Council, following the demolition of the area around Angers Rd in preparation for a road development that was subsequently abandoned. Zone A is looked after and planted on by the local community and features a mosaic commemorating its history. Many local residents use it as a short cut or resting spot as they wend their way up the hill, and it is us ed as a venue for community events – most recently, The Great Get Together. The land is owned under deed by Totterdown Area Community Association. TACA would like to ensure that the land continues to remain a community asset for future generations, and are looking for volunteers who would be interested in managing and developing the land, and also for people willing to act as trustees of the land. TACA spokesperson Jez Welsh: “This is a great opportunity for local people to come together and improve a valuable community asset.
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Zone A is a blank canvas which could be used in many different ways, and I am excited that TACA are encouraging people to get together and discuss how to manage it in the future.” A public meeting is being planned for the hopefully near future, once advice about Covid-19 is relaxed, and the time and location will be publicised locally and also in the Voice. In the meantime, anyone who wants to find out more about the Totterdown Area Community Association and becoming a member can contact Jez Welsh personally on jezwelsh@hotmail.com or call 07969 899545.
Pictured, Jez Welsh at Zone A
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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
April 2020
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ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST COVID-19 How to survive and pass the test Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy shows how pharmacies can help people with a variety of health conditions, and ease pressure on the NHS
T
he backdrop, as I am writing this, is very worrying. Cases of the coronavirus have been rising, sadly deaths also. As a pharmacist, I have been sharing reassuring insights on national TV and
radio. With panic, the legendary British reserve has been cast aside - bringing amusement, shock and disappointment. From stockpiling loo rolls, desperate efforts to obtain hand sanitisers, even driving some to steal from local hospital wards then the selfish overbuying of food with no thought for neighbours and friends.
with Ade Williams
Why this meltdown? Fear. It is unveiling the worst of our flawed survival instincts. However, when the story is told of how we prevailed this crisis, it is not those sitting on the towers of loo roll or even the pasta niggards that will be remembered. It will be our community effort all of us doing our best for each other. We will all be significantly inconvenienced and made poorer for the collective good, but we must rally around those self-isolating with practical and emotional support. Especially showing love for the elderly and vulnerable in our community. If needed to help protect them, we will make it our privilege to. Not affording them this, will be our greatest collective failure. With schools and nurseries closed, families will also be under a lot of strain. To secure our rapidly eroding societal values, we must model for our onlooking adolescents - how family and community inclusiveness entails sacrifice. Maybe get them asking, How can I help? NHS colleagues, like the Bedminster Pharmacy team, will face multiple opportunities to catch the very infection others are avoiding. We will never leave anyone uncared for. Our families and loved ones also will be exposed as a result of our work. To pass this
n ADVERTISING FEATURE My Wild Bedminster
coronavirus test, we must all follow the government’s advice. We must support and pray for each other. Be socially responsible – not panic buying but offering kindness and compassion. Sign up to provide help! Finally, we must show gratitude to others, especially when their actions are keeping us well and safe. Do not let this virus become a fatal moral infection. Need us? Call 0117 9853388, we will be here for you.
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April 2020
southbristolvoice
n NEWS
Save our shops campaign in South Bristol In 2019 the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) began their Save our Shops campaign to support shops on the high streets of Britain. Last September they brought it to Broadwalk shopping centre. Broadwalk is for many, their local shopping centre. In recent years, many of the larger shops in Knowle have closed – including Store Twenty-One and Wilkos – and the shopping space now lies dormant with no one to replace them. The campaign around Save our shops focuses on three elements they would like the Government to do: - Economic measures to create a more level playing field between the high street and online retailing. - Fair pay and job security for retail workers – a minimum wage of £10 per hour, tackling zero hour and short-hours contracts, investment in skill and training. - Government action to protect jobs in the retail sector. Retail jobs are real jobs, and the retail sector is a key part of the economy, providing jobs and income for millions of families. When USDAW campaigned in September, shoppers made it very clear how important the Broadwalk shops are for their community. Accessibility, local jobs, and a sense of community are irreplaceable. USDAW’s petition on the day raised hundreds of signatures, and MP Karin Smyth came along to support the campaign, the shop workers and customers. There will be another opportunity to sign the Save our Shops petition when USDAW will be outside Broadwalk again at the end of March. For those of you who may miss their stand and the campaign, then please go the USDAW website at www.usdaw. org.uk and search for “Save our shops” and fill out the petition. USDAW is also doing fantastic work to help those in the retail sector affected by the coronavirus. If you work in that sector and need advice of any kind, then please do go on to their website for more
information, or call their national helpline on 0800 030 80 30 to be put through to your local USDAW office.
Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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April 2020
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n FEATURE - MATERNAL HEALTH
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e’re on a mission to stop women believing that it is normal to live with a poor pelvic floor and incontinence and work closely together to try and help as many people as possible. It is still a myth that leaking at any stage of life is normal, especially after child birth or menopause and that a tummy gap will stop you being able to function normally. Pelvic floor muscle training is the first line of treatment for incontinence. Listen to your body and get checked out if you have any symptoms of incontinence or pelvic/back pain. Kelly at Top to Toe
Physiotherapy offers Mummy MOT; a post natal Physiotherapy assessment from 6 weeks post birth onwards. She will assess your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles to ensure they are recovering well and give you advise on how to get back to exercising safely. Sian at Feelgood Fitness runs a Pilates studio dedicated to Womens Health and Fitness. She runs a varied timetable of classes to suit different stages of Womens life and needs and specialises in pre and post natal rehabilitation. Together we aim to give women their life back and get them fit and strong for every day life and exercise or sport.
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April 2020
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Thursdays – The Southville Centre, Southville 9.45 (0-13 months), Please contact Sian on 10.45 (0-13 months) bristolsouth@babysensory.co.uk 11.45 (0-6 months) 12.45 (0-13 months) or to book directly visit
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Relaxation for parent and baby Baby Massage Massage has many benefits for babies, these can include improving weight gain, aiding digestion, improving circulation, and easing teething pain. Massage is also great for bonding with your baby, you may find it relaxing, too! For more information, email sarah_jordan@hotmail.co.uk, 07525194486 or Facebook @IHMSarahJordan
Everything we do is for the needs of your child Osteopathy for children and babies is provided in our large bright room backing on to the clinic garden. We have welcomed babies and children through the doors of our clinic for many years. We start with a case history and time to gather your thoughts if needed around your birth story. We screen for any health conditions that may require referral to a doctor. The physical assessment is gentle and fun, starting with active movements, gentle assessment of joints and reflexes. Treatment is gentle and can incorporate cranial techniques, light touch to the head, ribs and pelvis. It may involve gentle movement of joints and with older children some light massage. It should be comfortable and based upon the needs and response of your baby/child. Jeni holds a post graduate certificate in Specialist Paediatric Osteopathic practice and is registered with the General Osteopathic Practice. You can book by calling 0117 9710221
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Women’s Health Our professional team includes qualified and experienced practitioners specialising in women’s health, from pre and post natal care to menopause and mental health. We offer a wide range of therapies specifically suited to women’s health: • Pre and post natal osteopathy • Pregnancy massage • Reflexology - fertility and pregnancy • Pelvic Floor advice • Yoga • Pilates • Acupuncture - fertility and pregnancy • Cranial and paediatric osteopathy • Relaxation therapies
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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
April 2020
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n NEWS
Youth climate strike activists lead 30,000-strong march By Charley Rogers Bristol Youth Strike for Climate, a group of young activists, welcomed the cause’s teenage initiator, Greta Thunberg, to a huge rally of over 30,000 people on 28 February. Greta is known around the world for starting a global action against climate change, which involves pupils marching out of school every Friday. But she isn’t the only one making a big change. Here in Bristol, there are numerous young people taking to
the streets and organising rallies to speak up for a cause close to their hearts. Two such activists are South Bristol-based Issaca and Billie, below, who at 16 and 17 years old respectively, helped organise February’s mammoth march. The girls are homeschooled and joined the Youth Strike for Climate as a way to act on their beliefs. Both Issaca and Billie are from eco-conscious families, and feel that although change on a personal level is great, it is large corporations who should be held responsible for the bulk of action on climate change. Billie said: “One of our chants is ‘system change not climate
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change’, and although personal change is obviously important, me not using plastic ever again won’t do that much.” It’s up to corporations and the government, says Issaca, to make sure that eco-friendly options are more affordable. Issaca said: “One main criticism, a valid criticism, is that being ecologically conscious is a privilege. It’s a massive privilege to be able to not shop from fast fashion places, to be vegan, to take the train instead of the plane, all these sorts of things. I can do it because I’m fortunate enough to come from a family that can afford those things. But that’s just not a reality for a lot of people. “That’s why I think it’s so important to put emphasis on the big businesses who can absolutely afford to do that, and on the government to fund
[services] so that people who are less fortunate can still afford to do these things.” There’s also so much more to the cause than Greta, said Issaca: “[Greta] started the movement because she wanted change to happen, not because she wanted her face on magazines.” Billie said: “There are so many inspiring climate activists of different races and genders.” More information about Youth Strike for Climate is available at www.ukscn.org Bristol Youth Strike for Climate is an apolitical organisation.
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April 2020
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12
n NEWS
Parties give their vote to postpone elections
By Adam Postans BBC LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice Local councillors have reacted to the decision by Bristol City Council to postpone the local election due to the Coronavirus crisis. The Conservative and Lib Dem groups say going ahead with May’s vote could have “undermined” a legitimate result as large sections of the community – if not everyone – would have stayed away from the ballot box. Meanwhile, the Greens have backed Labour mayor Marvin Rees to continue in office for a further 12 months. The position of mayor and all 70 council seats were set to have been contested before the Government called them off across the country last week. Southville Green councillor Charlie Bolton said: “I was planning to stand down, and looking forward to it. Having
got over my initial annoyance, I think that spending a another year getting paid to listen to Marvinspeak and Labourballs well, there will be a lot of people far worse off, so I’ll just get my head down and get on with it.” Bedminster councillor Mark Bradshaw said: “These are exceptional time’s and elections this May would be both a resource distraction and public health risk. Colleagues across all parties were not planning to stand again and this will cause some difficulty. As community leaders, our number one tasks are to reinforce public health
advice on Covid-19 and to support community and citywide initiatives helping the vulnerable and others, such as those in BS3. Thanks to all who are doing what they can.” Fellow Bedminster councillor Celia Phipps said: “I think the decision to postpone was the right one to make . I think this will bring challenges, as the Civic year will be disrupted but I am more than willing to continue. “A year is a long time in politics, but our communities are worth fighting for. I am very heartened by the huge community response and the spirit of support for others that the Pandemic has generated. Let’s hope this continues long after this cloud has passed.” Windmill Hill councillor Jon Wellington said: “ was due to stand down, mainly as I could not commit for another four years. I am pleased to be able to continue to represent Windmill hill ward for another year and will
continue to do my best to ensure all residents’ voices are heard.” Knowle councillor Gary Hopkins said: “Neither Chris Davies nor I were planning to stand down but is obviously a danger that those that were planning to step down have other plans that may prevent them from continuing to be fully engaged in serving their local community. “I think that the government had no choice but we are aware that many people are disappointed not to have the opportunity to make progress towards getting rid of the position of mayor.” Mr Rees said: “Bristol, the country and the world are facing a public health crisis. “These are unprecedented times and things are changing quickly, so it was right for the Government to postpone the local elections. “Our priority is keeping people safe.”
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Lucid Dreaming workshops to help your wellbeing Local resident Rosanne Jacks has launched a series of lucid dreaming workshops running at Amba House. Lucid dreaming, a dream where you know you are dreaming, is fast becoming a mainstream tool for wellbeing here in the UK and beyond. Rosanne says ‘Once you learn to become aware in your dreams, you have access to a very refined state of consciousness -- it’s effectively like a powerful form of self-hypnosis. You can then carry out a number of exercises, from within the dream, to improve your health, wellbeing, relationships – or simply to have fun!’ Under the guidance of worldrenowned teacher and best-selling author, Charlie Morley, Rosanne has been practising lucid dreaming for the last five years. She has just completed 100 hours of Continued Professional Development in Lucid Dreaming for Therapists and Educators, also with Charlie Morley. She is excited to now be able to share her knowledge about this fascinating subject. See advert right for how to book. Facebook: Rosanne Jacks – Lucid Dreaming
Introduction to Lucid Dreaming Half-day workshops in spring/summer 2020
Learn to recognise when you’re dreaming and you can program your mind to create healthy habits and achieve goals in waking life
INTRODUCTORY TALKS Monday evenings FREE
TO BOOK Visit Eventbrite under ‘Lucid Dreaming Workshops’
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Saturdays, 11.30am – 3.30pm £40
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To be released asap. Contact Rosanne or go to Facebook: Rosanne Jacks – Lucid Dreaming
or go to http://bit.ly/2NZqLVF Facilitator
Rosanne Jacks, Certified lucid dreaming practitioner
Contact
For full programme and facilitator biography email rosannejacks@hotmail.com
Venue
Amba House, William Street, Totterdown, Bristol BS3 4TU
Workshop refreshments
There will be a short break for lunch – bring your own. Tea and coffee provided
To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664
April 2020
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n NEWS A Totterdown hair salon is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Innovation, on Wells Road, has made many changes such as a modern fresh facelift, and moving with the times by bringing a new product range to Bristol, which is Vegan and Cruelty free. The team, led by Kelly Harris and Lesley Pearce, also identified that junior stylists were not being recognised and supported as much as young up-comers should be. Giving these members of the team recognition they deserve has led to their junior stylists winning awards throughout their training. A spokesperson said: “Innovation strives to ensure that our clients are given 5 Star Service from start to finish, creating a bond with each, and every client, building trust and forming unbreakable relationship between Hairdresser and Client.” They invited clients and friends to a special anniversary party last month to celebrate the milestone. Pictured, the team outside the salon on the anniversary
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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
n YOUR MP
April 2020
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KARIN SMYTH
Labour MP for Bristol South
Community health services will be vital during Coronavirus
I
n April we will see the changeover of provider in adult community health services across the Bristol area. Bristol Community Health, which has run the service here for many years, now hands it over to Sirona care and health – which has been awarded a £1bn contract to run these services locally for the next 10 years. Community health services include things like community nurses, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, services that help recovery after a fall or a stroke, and services for people with dementia or learning disabilities. With some of the worst health outcomes in the city, people across Bristol South really do rely on this support. Demand for healthcare services across the area is expected to be particularly high in the coming months due to Coronavirus and I know
that the local teams are working hard to ensure this change of provider does not impact the NHS’s ability to cope. As a former NHS emergency planner, I pay tribute to former colleagues for their work tackling this pandemic. I’m pleased that the government is following their expert advice. Most people with suspected Coronavirus won’t go to hospital or even their GP, but will be supported in the community by services provided by local government and voluntary sector. This is where adult community health services are particularly important. I raised my concerns about this process and changing providers when Bristol North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG) put this out
to tender early last year. Working for the NHS, I have seen first-hand how changing providers can impact care. It’s a high-risk strategy; delivering quality community health services relies on a huge amount of local knowledge and relationships built up over years between staff and patients. I'm keen to ensure that people in Bristol South have access to the healthcare they need - now more than ever. I recently met with representatives from the CCG who have assured me that the changeover of adult community health services will result in an improved service; in more consistent care for patients and carers and improved access to care, as well as better joined-up working between partner organisations. This has an important role to play in helping tackle Coronavirus. I look forward to seeing this in action and will be following developments closely. Please do get in touch to share your experience of local adult community health services as I would like to hear more from you. Thank you. Twitter: @karinsmyth Facebook: KarinSmythMP Website: www.karinsmyth.com
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April 2020
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n NEWS
'24 bus route not working' say residents By Marcus Stone First Bus has been under increasing pressure from Ashton Vale residents following controversial changes to the no. 24 bus route, which saw the existing single decker replaced with a double-decker bus – meaning it could no longer travel under the railway bridge on Ashton Drive. As a result, the double decker stops at Winterstoke Road and a small shuttle bus (the 24A) takes passengers from outside the Robins pub to remaining Ashton Drive stops. Local community group Ashton Vale Together (AVT) has continued to put pressure on First Bus to review the arrangements as it has caused concern for many bus users. One of the main complaints is that the shuttle bus doesn’t always match up with the main 24 bus, with waiting around 15 minutes between the shuttle and the main 24 bus. Also the shuttle bus only runs from
7am to 7pm, leaving users with a long walk late at night, or even discouraging many people from going out at all, or needing to get taxis. And, for elderly or disabled passengers the shuttle bus creates an additional embarking and disembarking issue, especially as some claim the small bus cannot easily take wheelchair users. Alan Pratley of AVT said: “Drivers seem unsure of the route and what to do after 7pm, with some stopping at the Winterstoke Road stop by the Robins after 7pm when they are supposed to go on to the end of the journey at Langley Crescent. There have been people paying for their full journey on the 24A and then the driver on the 24 not accepting the ticket for the rest of the journey. “Overall many people are saying that the change that First have made to the 24 service is not working and that they should revert back to the old journey
with the single-decked buses. All of the double-decker buses are old and noisy, and there has been a lot of problems with them breaking down.” When South Bristol Voice spoke to First Bus, they said: “Any potential service changes will be agreed in May for introduction in September, however there is no intention of removing service 24A, without a replacement service for this part of the route.” It is thought the double decker was added to cope with higher levels of passengers, and First Bus mentioned Ashton Gate and the Bower Ashton campus when the changes were made, however most users say that the bus only really gets busy after it travels through the centre. It is not just the elderly being affected by the changed service, as many younger people use the service, especially at times when the shuttle bus doesn’t
run. Alex Connell, 21, uses the 24A/24 to travel from Ashton Vale to her stylist job at Central Studios in town, she said: “Since the changes the service has been rubbish, especially when I’m working late and there’s no shuttle bus, so I have to walk. This is a serious safety concern.”
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n TAKE A BREAK PUZZLE PAGE
Txtpert
The FIEND 8 3 6 5 4
Theme: human body
2 7 7 8 9 9
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2
3
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Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST
7
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Maths
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8 6 5 4 7 3 9 2 1
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2 7 1 3 8 5 4 6 9
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M A C C I D D E A T R O E L L
Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square. In the version for younger readers, the numbers 1-4 need to appear in each row, column and 2x2 square
6 4
S T O C R A G B L A N C H E S I P A T
1
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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Knowle and Windmill Hill
Knowle ward: Awaiting decision
Proposed first floor side extension. REFUSED
Windmill Hill ward: Decision
134 Broadfield Road BS4 2UZ Notification of prior approval for the erection of a single storey rear extension that would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6 metres, have a maximum height of 4 metres and have eaves that are 2.85 metres high.
37 Greenleaze BS4 2TL Proposed two storey rear extension and front porch. GRANTED subject to condition(s)
24 - 26 Bedminster Road BS3 5PD Alterations to shop front, with the addition of two new doors. GRANTED subject to condition(s)
Windmill Hill ward: Awaiting decision
154 Marksbury Road BS3 5LD Proposed alteration of existing detached outbuilding, with reduced dimensions. GRANTED subject to condition(s)
1 Minehead Road BS4 1BL Single storey rear and side extension, and new porch to the front. 75 Bayham Road BS4 2DP Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed use or development - for a hip to gable loft conversion with rear dormer. Knowle ward: Decision 71 Springleaze BS4 2TY Single storey rear extension (resubmission). GRANTED subject to condition(s) 3 Greenleaze BS4 2TJ Proposed two storey rear extension. REFUSED 43 Somerset Road BS4 2HT Proposed single storey rear extension with raised decking. GRANTED subject to condition(s) 63 Harrowdene Road BS4 2JJ Proposed conversion of shop (Use Class A1) on the ground floor into a flat (Use Class C3) and the existing flat on the first floor to remain. GRANTED subject to condition(s) 50 Kingshill Road BS4 2SJ Notification of prior approval for the erection of a single storey rear extension that would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 5 metres, have a maximum height of 3.3 metres and have eaves that are 2.35 metres high. Prior Approval NOT REQUIRED 79 Somerset Road BS4 2HX Notification of prior approval for the erection of a single storey, rear extension that would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3.5 metres, have a maximum height of 2.94 metres and have eaves that are 2.75 metres high. Prior Approval NOT REQUIRED
Flat 3 The Bush Wells Road Totterdown BS4 2BA Application for variation of condition no’s. 2 (Details and implementation of cycle storage), 3 (List of approved plans) following grant of planning permission 19/03695/F. To enlarge dormer windows; insert new windows in west and north elevations and provide details of cycle storage 129 Cotswold Road BS3 4PH Proposed two storey rear extension. 7 Greendale Road BS3 5EW Notification of prior approval for the erection of a single storey rear extension that would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6 metres, have a maximum height of 3.13 metres and have eaves that are 2.91 metres high. 80 Cotswold Road BS3 4NS Demolition of rear extension and rebuild single-storey rear extension and roof terrace. 98 St Johns Lane BS3 5AQ First floor extension works to enable change of use from existing shop and flat to 4 No. residential units, with associated works. Land And Garage On The North East Side Of (bl43291 Monmouth Street Application to approve details in relation to condition 2 of permission of 19/05525/F Proposed demolition existing garage and replacement with 1no. bedroom house. 56 St Johns Crescent BS3 5ER Application to approve details in relation to condition 2(Structure Adjacent To) of permission 19/04861/F Erection of extension to form 2 no. self-contained two bedroom flats (Use Class C3) with associated works and landscaping. 2 Haverstock Road BS4 2BZ Hardstanding and dropped kerb.
32 - 38 St Johns Lane BS3 5AD Application to approve details in relation to condition 6 (Remediation Scheme) of permission 17/00764/P Demolition of existing garage and the erection of 3 x 4 bedroom dwellings and 6 x 3 bedroom dwellings with associated works. Condition application decided 30A St Johns Lane BS3 5AD Application to approve details reserved by condition no 2(Land Contamination ) attached to 18/05651/COU, which approved the notification for Prior Approval for a Proposed Change of Use of a Building from Shops (Class
A1), Financial and Professional Services(Class A2), a Betting Office, Pay Day Loan Shop, Laundrette or a Mixed Use Combining Use as a Dwellinghouse with a Betting Office, Pay Day Loan Shop, Laundrette, Shops (Class A1) or Financial and Professional Services (Class A2) to a use falling within Class C3(Dwellinghouse),1 Unit, and for Associated Operational Development. Condition application decided 152 Cotswold Road BS3 4NP Proposed ‘dormer’ rear roof extension and 3no. front roof lights. GRANTED subject to condition(s) 58 Windsor Terrace Totterdown Bristol BS3 4UG First floor rear extension. GRANTED subject to condition(s) 30 Richmond Street BS3 4TQ Conversion of 5 bedroom house to one bedroom, two occupant flat and two bedroom, four occupant maisonette. GRANTED subject to condition(s) • The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planningonline.bristol.gov.uk
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n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Longleat Safari Park - we're open for visitors Longleat has announced its drivethrough Safari Park it was open for visitors from 20th March. While Longleat House, walkthrough animal areas and other attractions are temporarily closed as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the worldfamous Safari Park will continue to operate under strict hygiene standards. The Wiltshire attraction believes the fact visitors will remain inside their vehicles for the vast majority of the experience will enable people to adhere to social distancing and hygiene guidelines. “We are keen to be able to continue to give people the opportunity to enjoy the Park in a safe and secure environment,” said Ceawlin Thynn, Executive Chairman of Longleat Enterprises. “In order to comply with the strictest hygiene standards, card payment pads will be disinfected
after each transaction and cash will not be handled during this period. “Toilet facilities within the Safari Park will be continuously staffed and disinfected, with additional hand washing and sanitising facilities available for guests. “In place of the usual food and
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beverage outlets, there will be a takeaway food and drink offering at the beginning of the Safari experience. All of these policies are designed to comply with guidelines on social distancing,” he added. Longleat has said the decision
is under daily review and will be guided by the advice issued by the government and Public Health England. · For more information please visit https://www.longleat.co.uk/ visitor-info/coronavirus-faqs · To book tickets, visit https:// www.longleat.co.uk/ticket/ safari-park-ticket ADVERT PAGE 24
n WHAT’S ON Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding coronavirus, we are suspending our normal what's on listings as most events in public places are cancelled until further notice. Please check with your organisers for more information. The following organisations have confirmed their events will not be taking place as scheduled
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n NEWS
Parson Street railway station to benefit from Government funding to improve access Railway stations across the region, including Parson Street in Bedminster, will have better access, after the West of England Combined Authority was able to secure £548,000 of Government funding. The investment will support access improvements at a total of eight stations, including Parson Street, Freshford, Lawrence Hill, Nailsea & Backwell, Patchway, Severn Beach, Stapleton Road and Yate stations. Work is anticipated to begin at some stations in April and roll out across the region later in the year. WECA’s successful bid to the Government’s “Access for All” fund focused on a range of improvements based on what rail passengers had said were
important to them in GWR surveys: - Better awareness of rail services - Improved integration of rail services with other travel options - Improved signage and wayfinding to connect stations with communities - Replacement of old-style shelters with modern, accessible facilities - A more consistent offer across the West of England area West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “I want to make sure our transport network works for all our residents, whether that’s building new stations and railway lines, accommodating the significant growth in passengers we’ve seen in the last 10 years, or making our stations more accessible.
“This additional funding we have secured will improve eight stations in the West of England and help bring them up to my new MetroWest standard, with new waiting areas, accessible stations and better signage.
“My MetroWest rail plans will bring improved rail access for 80,000 people across the region and, as part of my vision for inclusive growth, it’s crucial that those new services are fully accessible.”
Reflective Senior School Open Morning Thursday 7 May 0117 962 2641
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n THE WICKED WITCH OF KNOWLE In witch I embrace life with a dog I have met so many interesting people because I have a dog and take her for local walks. One of my favourites is a gorgeous lady who has two super obedient spaniels, her girls. The life of Mrs Gorgeous has been turbulent over the years I have known her. Close friends have become seriously ill, family members have died ...one died on the same day she buried another. So much grief. Then she nearly got carjacked. Driving along St John’s Lane there was a disturbance in the road. Before she realised what was going on, a man had jumped into her car and screamed “DRIVE”. She put her foot down but then screeched to a stop and yelled for him to “GET OUT”. Luckily, he did, and she carried on to Aldi completing her weekly shop. She normally locked her car doors when driving but on that fateful day she hadn’t. It really knocked her confidence.
I could see the Eventually she said – do THE WICKED sparkle dimming in my you have a dog? Ahh, WITCH OF fiercely independent mystery solved. KNOWLE friend as she struggled to cope. But she had Sometimes I get it her girls, her family and wrong. I remember us doggy walker meeting a doggy walker I friends – perfect had chatted to before; on therapy. She got back that day she was going in that car, locked those doors and for a walk around Arnos Cemetery the naughty twinkle returned. with another girl. I invited myself on their walk. It soon became Another doggy walker friend is obvious that I was unwelcome, but an inspiring lady in her 80s. I was it was too late. I was marching in shocked when she told me her age. step. I embraced it and spoke I always struggle to keep up with loudly about nothing while they her through Arnos Woods on that stomped along in annoyed silence. horrible, never-ending, steepest path ever. She is constantly When I’m feeling a bit fed up, I surrounded by a gaggle of rescue wrestle a reluctant Scrappy from dogs and is always laughing. She her bed and go and visit a grave in makes a dull day bright. the woodland burial site at Arnos. I was exhibiting at the Totterdown Arts Trail, glaring at the public scrutinising my work, when a lady spoke to me for a while before pausing and saying she was sure we had met before, she felt a familiar warmth from me (ha!) We tried to remember. Work? No. Mutual friends? No. Art? No.
Then there’s the doggy walkers I don’t see anymore because their dogs have died. They just disappear with their dead dogs. Ghostly memories on benches is all I have of them. But happy memories, because life with a dog is a happy one.
Who is the Wicked Witch? She’s the one with colourful friends on the dog walking trails THIS WITCH TWEETS: @witchyofknowle
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This grave is always spiked with an array of colourful flowers and decorated with tiny heart shaped stones. For a while it had a laminated card with ‘I miss you Mummy’ written in slightly lopsided colourful letters before the rain seeped in and the words blurred. We stand with her, me and the dog, in that beautiful peaceful place, reflecting on life until my problems become tiny and insignificant.
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n NEWS
Mixing his love of rugby and acting, Stewart set for Bollywood stardom An actor from South Bristol is to appear alongside top Bollywood actors in a featurelength international film, which premiered at Cannes in 2019 and is due to be released in cinemas this year. Stewart Wright, 46, will be starring alongside Abhay Deol and Emily Shah in Jungle Cry, directed by Sagar Ballary. Based on the inspiring true story of a group of Indian street kids who surprised the world in 2007 when they came to the UK and won the junior Rugby World Cup, Jungle Cry follows their triumphant journey. Wright secured the central role of Paul Walsh, the reallife rugby coach and former employee at British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, who inspired the team to play and helped them make Indian and British history.
The son of two doctors, Stewart Wright attended Wellington College in Berkshire in the early 1990s where his passion for rugby led to his
captaining the 1st XV and being a non-travelling reserve for the England Under 18s. Stewart went on to complete a BA in Acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 1996, and he has lived in South Bristol since 2004. He has been a regular performer at the Bristol Old Vic, starring in eight productions there including Swallows and Amazons and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Wright has played a wide variety of roles in film and TV for over twenty years, since his debut in Fierce Creatures, starring John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis. His breakthrough came playing Nick Levick in the awardwinning mockumentary series People Like Us in 1999. For two series’ he was Martin Clunes' foil, PC Mark Mylow, in the worldwide hit Doc Martin. In October 2019 his character
21
was brought back for a one-off special. Discussing his role in Jungle Cry, Wright said, “My first love as a kid was rugby. "When an injury cut my playing days short I travelled to India aged 18 and became inspired to follow my other passion of acting, so to find myself back in India 25 years later on a Bollywood film set playing a rugby coach has been very special. "I went from pottering about at home in Bristol to being flown out to Bhubaneswar in East India and being immersed on a Bollywood set with about two weeks’ notice. “It was such a privilege working with the talented Indian cast and crew and meeting and getting to know Paul Walsh who I play in the film. “He set up a rugby charity in Kolkata, where a lot of the Indian kids in the film were sourced from, and it was great fun getting them tickets to watch my inspiring home team Bristol Bears play when they were over in the UK filming.”
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Ladies Sandra Broome Men Bill Broome Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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We are opposite Broadwalk shop
Knowle Bowls Club, The Green, Kno
April 2020
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n NEWS
South Bristol Hospital benefits from charity-funded MRI scanner A new £1.5 million MRI scanner has been donated to the South Bristol Community Hospital thanks to the charity Above & Beyond. The scanner and its pod was funded by a generous legacy donation from Rosemary Gladys Hawkins. Staff are currently undertaking training with the new scanner, but when fully operational it will perform around 25 scans per day. Cathy Walsh, head of radiology services, said: “The new scanner is a highly specialist piece of equipment that will enable us to image the head and joints in new ways which will better support treatment decisions. “This is the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust’s first 3T scanner for adults and it gives us the opportunity to develop
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Paul Kearney, Above & Beyond CEO Bristol Lord Mayor Jos Clark Jeff Farrar, Chairman of UH Bristol Peaches Golding, Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol MP Karin Smyth
new and innovate ways of imaging in a relaxed outpatient environment, which means that some groups of patients can avoid the travel into Bristol city centre for scans.” Above & Beyond is the official charity for Bristol City Hospitals. Each year they raise £3 million to help patients, their families and the staff who treat them. Paul Kearney, Above & Beyond CEO, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to provide this piece of equipment, providing world-class clinical facilities to the hospital. “We are extremely grateful to the Hawkins and Heal families for their bequest that will make a huge difference to how patients are treated in South Bristol.” For more information about leaving a gift in your Will to Above & Beyond, visit their website at www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Supporting families at the worst possible time Ripples of Compassion (RoC) is a charity set up in memory of Ripley Olive Corless who died as a result of leukaemia at the age of 2 in 2017. RoC work with parents that have experienced the death of a child at any age and for any reason to provide them support through one of the most difficult experiences in their lives. There is no time limit on grief, so RoC help families immediately after the death or decades later. The support they offer includes: • Free bereavement therapy and counselling for bereaved parents for as long as it is needed, • Self-care boxes for bereaved parents to help them take time for themselves during difficult anniversaries or holidays, • Keepsakes that allow the family to have an item to help remember their child,
• Well-being walks that offer the opportunity to meet other parents with similar experiences for mutual support, • A bereavement library at support groups to allow families to borrow books that can help through bereavement. After the death of a child the world can feel like an empty and lonely place. By supporting Ripples of Compassion you can help parents feel less alone. For details of how you can support us visit our website: https:// ripplesofcompassion.com/how-you-canhelp/
To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664
April 2020
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n UPDATE FROM WEST OF ENGLAND MAYOR TIM BOWLES
Rail investment will really make a difference
Being situated just a stone’s throw away from the station, I regularly see Intercity Express Trains going in and out of Temple Meads from the from the Combined Authority offices. It was only two and a half years ago that these services were first introduced and yet they have so quickly become an everyday sight and symbol of our region. And, with the new timetables introduced last December, an even quicker link into London and other cities. I look forward to a time when my MetroWest suburban rail plans are fully implemented and residents won’t be able to remember a time before Portishead was connected by rail to Bristol or before communities such as Henbury or North Filton had stations. The West of England Combined Authority has been investing heavily to progress these plans, and they are well under way. A year ago, it wasn’t even certain that we would win the
Government’s commitment and funding to re-open the railway to Portishead and Pill. And yet now, thanks to the Combined Authority and working closely with our partner councils, we know that this project will be going ahead. At the end of last year,the Development Consent Order application was accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for examination, a process which will be ongoing over the next year or so. That’s not the only
n RECIPE ... WITH
good news on our railways that the work of the Combined Authority has brought to our region. I was thrilled at last month’s announcement by the Prime Minister of investment to upgrade Bristol East Junction. My team and I have worked closely with Network Rail and the Government to secure the commitments we need. This is a real boost for our region and a vital step in in realising the full MetroWest network with new destinations and services to make getting around the West of England easier, cleaner and more reliable. On the Severn Beach line, we’re planning direct services to Bath and Westbury, re-opening the Henbury line and more frequent services to Yate. We will also be opening new train stations in Portishead, Henbury, Ashley Down, North Filton, Portway, Pill, and Charfield, with plans for more. This will give 80,000 more people direct access to the rail
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Ingredients 250g strong flour 155ml warm milk / Dairy-free alternative 25g unsalted butter, melted/ Vitalite, softened 15g caster sugar 1 tsp Doves Farm Quick Yeast 1 tsp fine sea salt 1 tsp mixed spice ½ tsp cinnamon 80g sultanas For finishing: 40g plain flour, mixed to a thick paste with 30ml warm water1 tbsp golden syrup, warmed
Method 1. Sift together flour, sugar, salt yeast and spice mix, then pour in the milk and melted butter/ softened vitalite and mix to combine. 2. Turn dough out onto your surface and knead into soft, smooth dough.
3. Shape into a round and place back into bowl, lightly floured. Leave for around an hour in warm place until doubled in size. 4. Turn the dough out and flatten on your surface, sprinkle with the sultanas and knead to evenly distribute and to knock back the dough. 5. Split the dough into 6 equal size pieces. Shape into rounds and place on a baking tray, evenly spaced out, with a cm gap between them. Leave to prove for around 30 minutes until almost doubled in size. 6. Pre heat the oven to 210C/ Fan 190C, adjust shelf to top 1/3. 7. Spoon the flour paste into a piping bag, snip a ¼ cm hole and pipe continuous crosses over the buns. 8. Bake in the oven on the middle shelf for around 18 minutes, until golden brown. 9. While still warm, brush with the warmed golden syrup.
network and 180,000 will have better services to and from existing stations. The Prime Minister’s announcement also means that we can get on with building a new Eastern Entrance into Temple Meads, funded through the Combined Authority, simultaneously to the Junction upgrade work. This will save money and inconvenience to passengers to make sure Temple Meads is a fitting gateway to the West of England. Further to the improvements at Temple Meads, we will also be improving access to eight other stations across the region thanks to the Combined Authority’s successful bid to the Government’s “Access for All” fund. This investment will deliver improvements such as accessible access,new waiting areas and better signage. As part of my vision for inclusive growth, it is crucial that all our residents will be able to access the new services which will come with MetroWest. ADVERTISEMENT
So much to look forward to in Spring Spring has sprung and we’re looking forward to Easter, if you’re keen to get ahead, we are starting to fill the shop with delicious eggs and treats to satisfy all dietary needs. But first, time to treat a very important lady in your life, your Mum! Whether it’s wine, chocolate, beauty, food, homewares, jewellery and cards by local artists, pop in to peruse our growing selection of gifts. With local spring veg coming into season, why not try a veg box? Tailored to your needs and a delicious recipe card each week to add something new to your repertoire!
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n NEWS
A Royal Duke of Edinburgh’s Award visit for Bridge Learning Campus HRH The Earl of Wessex spent time with young people, teachers and volunteers from Bridge Learning Campus and New Fosseway School who are involved in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) on Wednesday, 11 March. The visit was planned to thank local schools and organisations who run the DofE for their young people, and showcase how doing the DofE could benefit more young people, schools, businesses and youth organisations in the area who are not yet involved. Since the DofE started at the schools in 2011, 160 students have achieved their DofE Award. Both Bridge Learning Campus and New Fosseway School ensure that every student has the opportunity to take part by making the DofE very low cost and accessible through special sessions for students who find group activities challenging. Currently 100 students are preparing for their Bronze or Silver expeditions, a record number for the school. During the visit The Earl met students from both schools
who demonstrated the skills they are building through doing their DofE, including drawing, Ancient Greek, netball, cookery and football, as well as their kit preparation for planned expeditions to the Mendips. He also heard about how Licensed Organisations are using funding from the #iwill Fund, through the DofE’s Diamond Fund, to expand their DofE offering. The #iwill Fund is made possible thanks to a £50million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support young people to access high quality social action opportunities. Lead teacher for the DofE at Bridge Learning Campus Stefan Dewer said: “We were able to share with The Earl the effort that goes into ensuring all our students have access to the valuable opportunities provided by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. At Bridge Learning Campus there are no barriers to taking part, and I’d like to thank the volunteer teachers, funding organisations and
supportive families who make it all possible.” Achieving a DofE Award helps young people to enhance both personal and professional skills, empowering them to unlock their potential. It provides young people with the opportunity to have new experiences while volunteering, learning a skill, getting fit, planning and going on an
expedition and, at Gold Level, taking part in a residential activity. Any young person aged 14-24 years old can do their DofE, regardless of ability, gender, background or location, and it isn’t a competition or about being first; it’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. For further information on the DofE, visit www.DofE.org
n NEWS
Significant improvement for Bristol school Less than three years after being placed in Special Measures in every category by Ofsted, Merchants’ Academy in Bristol has received official confirmation that the significant improvements made have been effective. Following a visit by Ofsted on 2627 February 2020, the inspector acknowledged that the “quality of education pupils receive is improving” and, as the upward trajectory continues, the academy still Requires Improvement. He was particularly impressed with the academy’s effectiveness under the category ‘personal development’, which he rated as Good. Specifically, he reported that “pupils are safe and well cared for, show respect for one another and appreciate different faiths and cultures”. The report cited the broad selection of co-curricular
activities and experiences, alongside a wide range of courses, good-quality careers guidance and well-respected work placements, as helping students to “aim higher in possible future careers”. He also praised the school’s leaders who “have overhauled the curriculum” and “made a real effort to improve the range of subjects that pupils study”. He observed that “leaders and school staff are wholly committed to improving life chances for pupils”. Teachers were described as having a “determined drive to improve” alongside “increasingly high expectations of pupils”. This has resulted in a year-on-year improvement in attendance and punctuality, with the inspector reporting that “leaders have worked hard to improve pupils’ behaviour and reduce exclusions, which are now in line with the
national average”. The inspector also expressed confidence in leaders, trustees and governors, who he said are “clear about the school’s strengths and weaknesses and are continuing to improve all aspects of the school’s work”. Principal, Sam Williamson said: “The report accurately acknowledges that we are only part-way through a transformative journey to make
Merchants’ Academy an excellent school for the young people of South Bristol. “Our pupils have higher aspirations than ever before, supported by dedicated teachers and a productive partnership between home and school. Because of this cohesive approach, our students are following exciting and rewarding career pathways that will positively impact on their futures.”
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n HISTORY Robert Southey PART 2 The poet's retreat – with a deadly secret Where now there are a couple of builder’s yards, once stood a grand country house on the fringes of South Bristol, writes Paul Breeden Image, left: Robert Southey, Bristol's only Poet Laureate
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ast month we revealed how Bristol’s only Poet Laureate, Robert Southey, first found joy in nature at his grandmother’s house on the rural outskirts of Bedminster. The manor house at Lock's Mills stood where today you’ll find the yards of a building firm, Bray & Slaughter, and a fencing contractor, First Fence. Between the two a straggling line of undergrowth hides the course of the once-important River Malago. A few yards away begin the lines of inter-war housing that characterise this part of South Bristol. But this corner of Bedminster still retains something of its rural past. The line of vegetation covering the river between the two industrial sites is where the millpond once was. And on the opposite side of the road, the path that the Southey family took over the fields to St John’s church in Bedminster, a mile away, is also there. Now it’s called the Malago Greenway, and is part of a cycle route from Filwood to the city centre – but how many of today’s commuters know that the route has been trodden before them for hundreds of years?
On the corner of the Lock's Mills site is Novers Lane – another ancient route. Now it leads up to the housing estate of Inns Court, where almost 600 years ago stood a manor house of the same name, taking its title from its noble owner, Sir John Inyn. Sir John was an important man; not only was he Recorder of Bristol with a 100-acre estate around his manor, but also Lord Chief Justice of the King’s Bench, serving under King Henry IV and Henry V. The occupation of Inns Court goes back much further than this – Roman remains have been found near the manor site, including the grave of a young woman who had been buried in a coffin. (Little remains of the manor now, but we’ll return to its story another time.) Robert Southey, then, was living in an ancient landscape which probably felt unchanging to him. The house at Lock's Mills that he loved so much had been built by his grandfather only 20 years or so before, but Southey would have known that a mill had existed on the site for hundreds of years. It’s uncertain whether the name Lock comes from a previous owner, or whether there was once a lock built into the river here to make it navigable – it’s certainly possible. Last month we learned how much Southey remembered of the place, from memories of his beloved grandmother to the splendid gardens and orchard that supplied every variety of fruit and vegetable. I have so many vivid feelings
connected with this house at Bedminster, that if it had not been in a vile neighbourhood, I believe my heart would have been set upon purchasing it, and fixing my abode there where the happiest days of my childhood were spent. My grandfather built it (about the year 1740, I suppose), and had made it what
KILLED BY KINDNESS ike most families with children of the time in this pre-vaccination era, the Southeys did not escape tragedy. Robert was the firstborn in 1774, followed by his sister Eliza in 1776. Robert scarcely remembered her, as she lived to the age of four and died of measles in 1779. (Modern-day vaccine sceptics please note – measles kills many children if they haven’t been inoculated against it.) A brother, Thomas, was born in 1777, and then another sister, Louisa, in 1779. Southey calls her “a beautiful creature, the admiration of all who beheld her”. He recalls how the Methodist preacher Charles Wesley was walking up Union Street in Bristol when he met Louisa with her Aunt Mary. “The old man was so struck with the little girl’s beauty, that he stopped and exclaimed, “Oh! sweet creature!” took her by the hand, and gave her a blessing.” But, as Southey put it, his sister was soon to receive a blessing of a different kind, “an early removal to a better world” – in other words, death. Louisa died from hydrocephalus, a swelling of the skull due to an excess of cerebrospinal fluid. Today the causes are thought to be mainly inherited. but Southey blamed what he thought was unwitting cruelty for his sister’s death. In the yard behind Lock’s Mill house was a water butt, and into this his sister was ceremoniously dunked every morning. “This was done from an old notion of strengthening her,” said Southey, implying that she was a weak child who needed this extra stimulus. But he could see that it wasn’t doing her any good: “the shock was dreadful, the poor child’s horror of it every morning when taken out of bed still more so. I cannot remember having seen it without horror; nor do I believe that among all the preposterous practices which false theories have produced, there was ever a more cruel and perilous one than this.” Southey didn’t blame his parents or grandmother, and said he was grateful that they didn’t suspect they were to blame for Louisa’s death. MAINTENANCE It may be that Louisa was, PROPERTY like most hydrocephalus cases, born with the condition, in which case the dunking was not PAINTING to blame. INTERIOR & EXTERIOR But it’s known that the condition can also be caused by an infection FENCING • PATIOS • LANDSCAPING – something quite likely to occur from being dipped each day in a butt of standing water. Perhaps the old-fashioned “cure” was to LOG STORES • GUTTERING • FASCIAS blame after all.
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was then thought a thoroughly commodious and good house for one in his rank of life. The house and its gardens were a refuge for Southey as it was for his mother – and his grandmother: Neighbours of her own rank there were none within her reach; her husband’s
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n HISTORY
27
Robert Southey PART 2
DID HE REALLY LIVE THERE? n his autobiography (actually a collection of letters and writings assembled by his son) Southey describes the entire layout of the house and garden, and claims his memory is clear enough for him to draw it all in detail, if he had the skill. He was fascinated by plants and animals, and says he “knew every variety of grass blossom that the fields produced, and in what situations to look for each.” It’s surprising, then, that there is some doubt about whether his family really lived there at all. For example, he mentions steps up to the front of the house. This is odd, as pictures make the house appear on a level with the road. It has been suggested Southey’s childhood memory has misled him and the family home was actually Percy Hall, another grand house of a similar size, and also in Parson Street, but much closer to Bedminster, being almost opposite the entrance to Parson Street station. The modern Hall Street, built shortly after Percy Hall was demolished in the early 20th century, is presumably an homage to its forebear. Little is known about Percy Hall, and no pictures seem to have survived, but it too had a more or less rural outlook in Southey’s time. Intriguingly, both houses had a path which led directly across fields to Bedminster’s church of St John. (This ancient church, which may have had a forebear before the Norman conquest, was finally demolished in the 1960s after being bombed in the Blitz. Only the churchyard remains, as a small park off Malago Road.) Most maps showing Lock’s Mill reveal a large mill pond behind the house. Yet Southey’s description doesn’t mention a pond, which considering the detail he gives of the house and its gardens, is surprising. Neither does he mention the mill itself. Could Southey have been mistaken? It’s possible. He mentions there being only a field and a cottage on the other side of the lane. Early 19th century maps show a building opposite Percy Hall, but none opposite Lock's Mills. This is not conclusive though, as the maps are not contemporary with Southey’s residence. Perhaps more telling are other aspects of Southey’s description of Lock's Mills. He says: “It stood in a lane, some two or three hundred yards from the great western road.” The road he means is the Bridgwater Road leading into West Street. Percy Hall is less than 100 yards from this junction; Lock's Mills is about four times as far. It seems unlikely that the boy poet would be talking about such a long walk to Percy Hall when in reality the main road was in plain sight. Also significant is that Southey revisited Parson Street as an adult, in 1831. “It was a good deal altered,” he wrote. “Bow windows had been thrown out in the front, and a gazebo erected in the roof. After viewing about the front as much as I could without being noticed and deemed impertinent, I made my way round into the fields, and saw that the drawbridge was still in existence.” These details are important. The Loxton drawings and an early photograph of Lock's Mills show that it has bay (though not bow) windows. There is also an unusual structure atop the roof – a sort of little lookout tower which might well have been called a gazebo (the term then could mean somewhere to gaze from, not the open garden structure we think of today). And then there is the drawbridge. Southey says this spanned a “broad wet ditch”. Later maps show a broad mill pond behind the Mill – but perhaps in the mid 18th century this didn’t exist. There don’t appear to be any streams at Percy Hall. On balance then we can be pretty sure that Southey’s childhood refuge – the place that first inspired in him the love of nature that would inform his literary career – was Lock's Mills, Bedminster. Footnote: Lock’s Mill would still be standing if it hadn’t caught a stray bomb in the first major raid of the Blitz on Bristol, on November 24, 1940. In the years after Southey knew it, it was home to a philandering major, a destination for amorous Bedminster workers, and a scene of tragedy for quite a few South Bristol folk. But we’ll tell those stories another time…
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Lock’s Mill and the Malago. A drawing by Thomas Loxton made in about 1917 © Bristol Reference Library Continued from previous page acquaintance had mostly died off, and she had made no new ones since his death. Her greatest happiness was to have my mother there with some of the young fry; and we, on our part, had no pleasure so great as that of a visit to Bedminster. It was, indeed, for my mother, as well as for us, an advantage beyond all price to have this quiet country home at so easy a distance, abounding as it did with all country comforts. It sounds idyllic, and helps explain Southey’s central part in the Romantic movement. He left Bristol for a school in Corston at the age of nine, but returned to the city as a young adult in 1794. He was to introduce Wordsworth and Coleridge in Bristol. He was backed by the Bristol bookseller Joseph Cottle, who lived in Bedminster and later Knowle. Cottle backed his idealistic plans for a utopian community in America (Southey reckoned members would only need to work two hours a day, but fell out with Coleridge when Southey said he was going to take a servant). This story was covered in the Voice article on Joseph Cottle in August 2017. Southey married at St Mary Redcliffe in 1795, and after many wanderings about Europe, settled for the first time in his own house at Westbury-onTrym in 1798 – in a former alehouse which, significantly, had a large garden and beautiful views to the countryside. Here he wrote more poems in a year than at any time in his life, including his most popular
ballads, such as The Sailor Who Had Served in the Slave Trade, about a man who agonises over his role on slave ships, where he had flogged a man to death. Southey made popular the children’s story of The Three Bears, though his version didn’t include Goldilocks, and wrote histories and biographies too, including one of Admiral Lord Nelson, which is still praised today. It’s true he made his name in the Lakes, and lived in Keswick for 40 years from 1803. But part of his heart never left Bristol, and it’s not fanciful to see reflections of Lock's Mills in his poetry. The ballad The Cross Roads, for example – can that be set on the lane to Bedminster? It’s a morbid tale of a servant girl murdered on a farm, but a coroner found her somehow to blame for her fate and ruled she should be buried “Where four roads meet in infamy, With a stake drove in her breast.” Southey swore it was a true tale, which happened a short way outside Bristol. The crossroads is “beside a brook” … “And there were water-cresses growing, And pleasant was the water's flowing …” An idyll that might well be the River Malago, whose gently flowing waters were still growing watercress in the 19th century. Sources • The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey, Cuthbert Southey, 1849 • Robert Southey and Bristol, Basil Cottle, Bristol Branch of the Historical Association, 1980
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April 2020
n THOUGHT OF THE MONTH by Nick Hay, Area Dean, Bristol South
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s I write this we are in the middle of uncertainty and confusion over the coronavirus pandemic. Reactions range from panic to fear to boredom to I don't care to, for some strange reason, I need to stock up on toilet rolls. While we have seen some selfishness in the stockpiling, we have also seen some real
loveliness in offers of help going around local facebook groups, in the singing in Italy and in the care expressed for the elderly by so many. As a local vicar I obviously think about what we can do to help, and plans are in place to do what we can, but I also want to hold onto hope. The lovely thing about Easter is it's all about hope, life in the face of death, about new life and
new beginnings. I realise there is a possibility that Easter services will be cancelled, but if they are and I'm alone in my house doing a live feed on our website, then I'll still be celebrating Jesus, who I believe conquered death and offers new life to all. God bless you all at this difficult time and may hope fill your hearts.
n CHURCH SERVICE INFORMATION IN LIGHT OF CORONAVIRUS All Church of England services are cancelled until further notice. For more information regarding St Aldhelms and St Paul's please looke to these websites www.staldhels.org & www.saintpaulschurch.co.uk or to our facebook pages. Live feed services There will be a live feed service every Sunday at 10:30 on the St Paul’s facebook page. This will include Easter Day. There will be a live feed Good Friday meditation at 12:30pm on the same platform. All services at Victoria Park Baptist are cancelled until further notice Please check our Facebook page for up to date information South Bristol Methodist Church (at Knowle, Totterdown, Bedminster and St Peter's
Brislington) is sorry to have to announce that our Easter Services and events won't be going ahead this year. We will still be worshipping God and praying at home though, and doing everything we can to support each other and our community. Please email southbristol51@gmail.com, phone Rev Sally Spencer 0117 9776714, check our website at southbristolmc.org.uk or Knowle and Totterdown facebook pages, for more information. No services in St Gerards Majella Church but Mass is being live streamed on the parish website on Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat and Sunday at 10am.
Please check out www.southbristolvoice.co.uk where we will be posting up-to-date information as it arrives with us
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n THE CITY PAGE
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BRISTOL CITY ROUND-UP
Is this season likely to be written off completely? MARTIN POWELL wonders exactly what will happen to this year's football season now there's the very real threat of having it completely cancelled.
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atch postponed. Those two words might not sound quite as devastating as “global pandemic” or “national emergency” but they have certainly thrown a huge shadow over the lives of Bristol City fans. The decision by the football authorities to pull the plug on all games for the rest of March, even though the Government were not at that time banning outdoor gatherings, means that with nine games to go the season is in limbo. It is easy to trot out the Bill Shankly quote: “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.” But the reality of the virus sweeping the world became more than just pictures of people far away suffering when football took the decisive action. Fans can debate whether it helps Benik Afobe be fit for more games this season and other
academic arguments, but there is no clear idea when or how games will be able to resume. Of course young, fit footballers are not in the top “at risk” category with Covid-19 but who knows which of them will contract the virus, and when and just how debilitated it will leave them. Many are calling for the leagues to be declared null and void – of course, Manchester United fans would be gloating at the thought of Liverpool having the Premier League title snatched away from them. In the past, football has
coped with large swathes of postponements, usually weatherrelated when large snowfalls, frozen or waterlogged pitches, or bad fog have prevented play. If they do get going again in April there is ample time to fit in the fixtures with a bit of jiggerypokery. In local football I’ve known circumstances where two 80minute games have been played in one day – with the fitness of players and size of squads in the professional game now that could even be a possibility. But for now, football must take a back seat as everyone tries to cope with
the challenges we face. Football scarves make ideal face masks until (suitably sanitised) they can be raised above heads once again at Ashton Gate. What a glorious moment that will be when the survivors gather to celebrate the return to normality.
Martin’s shorts City’s last game before the suspension of the league was a celebration of 125 years, treating some past legends and their families to hospitality and a nice view of the match. That was great – what wasn’t so great was the way they were introduced to the crowd. I spotted Alan Dicks looking sprightly, but it would have been nice if the crowd had a better view of them!
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n NEWS
Diesel ban could be delayed By Amanda Cameron BBC LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice Bristol City Council will miss the deadline for submitting its final clean air plans to the Government because it is awaiting a response from ministry officials. The authority’s controversial plans would see Bristol become the first UK city to impose a ban on privately owned diesel vehicles. The daytime, inner-city ban would sit at the heart of a larger charging zone for older, more polluting buses, taxis and other commercial vehicles which would operate 24/7. The council was supposed to submit its final version of those plans to the Government by Saturday, February 29 in order to meet an implementation deadline of March 2021. But a delay at government level means the deadline has been missed. The council did not respond to a question about whether the hold-up will delay the date for implementation. The authority submitted its outline clean air plans to JAQU, a joint unit of the Department for Transport and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in November 2019.
The council needs a formal response from JAQU before it can finalise its clean air plans, but is still waiting for that response. It is possible the Government will not allow Bristol to impose a blanket ban on all privately owned diesel cars. A council spokesperson said: “Following the submission of the Outline Business Case (OBC) in November last year, we have been working hard on the further modelling work and developing the plans to go into the Full Business Case (FBC). “We have been in regular discussion with the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU), but we are still waiting for a formal response on the OBC, and any direction on the next stage of our plans. “There have understandably been delays from Government due to the General Election and ministerial changes, but we hope to get an update soon.” The council is under a legal obligation to reduce air pollution in the city by lowering NO2 levels to within legal limits as quickly as possible. It was among 24 local authorities given the order by the government in 2017.
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House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. On Average cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal --Average On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal On average cheaper than than skipa skip
Tel: 07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89 Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179 Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199
www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
LOCATED IN DOWNEND
We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes.
Please book an appointment on:
0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com
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