South Bristol Voice Totterdown September 2019 by South Bristol Voice

southbristolvoice

September 2019 September 2019

southbristolvoice

No. 51

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours

WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL – 10,000 copies of this edition

FREE EVERY MONTH in Totterdown, Knowle and Windmill Hill

If you go down to the fire station today ... The team at Bedminster Fire Station has recruited some specialist helpers to join its ranks – a crew of cuddly teddy bears lovingly knitted by a group of

local women. Around 80 trauma teddies were gifted to the station in Hartcliffe Road by the Knowle Townswomen’s Guild on July 25. There will be at least two

teddies on board each fire engine and they will be handed out by firefighters to comfort children

Read more, page 17

FOCUS ON ... BRISLINGTON

This month we celebrate the businesses and people of Brislington with a special six-page feature dedicated to the local area

Pages 9-14

A-LEVEL & GCSE RESULTS SPECIAL Darren Clasper, front left, and Andy Goode, front right, with women from the Knowle Townswomen’s Guild’s Knit and Knatter group and the trauma teddies

h me

Read all about the successes and triumphs of local young people

Pages 21-31

Find your perfect home with Ocean oceanhome.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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Contacts

Independent Community News Network member

Becky Day Editorial director 07912 484405 news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is September 11.

Ruth Drury Sales director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

September 2019

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Rich Coulter Production director 07775 550607 info@southbristolvoice.co.uk Deliveries: Greg Champion

on Facebook facebook.com/southbristolvoice on Twitter @sbristolvoice and on Instagram @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 0117 953 3575 for an appointment. My councillor? Post: You can write to all councillors at City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR.

Christopher Davies Lib Dem, Knowle Email: Cllr.Christopher. Davies@bristol.gov.uk Gary Hopkins Lib Dem, Knowle (Lib Dem deputy leader) Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159 Lucy Whittle Labour, Windmill Hill On maternity leave Jon Wellington Labour, Windmill Hill Phone: 07392 108804 Email: Cllr.Jon.Wellington@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 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 All stories and pictures are ©South Bristol Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse. South Bristol Media Ltd | Co. no. 11948223 | VAT no. 322 3640 38

n NEWS

UoB campus consultation Residents are being invited to share their views about plans for the University of Bristol’s academic buildings as part of its new campus development to the east of Temple Meads. A public consultation will be running from September 9 to 25 and there will be a number of events taking place locally to showcase the plans as part of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus development. It follows the university’s first part of the consultation, which saw proposals for 953-bed student accommodation across three, 21-storey high building blocks. The second phase of the consultation will reveal detailed designs of the academic buildings and public spaces of the campus. The university says that the campus “will be open to everyone and will provide inspiring spaces to meet, learn and make new connections”. They say that it will also “help create a new inclusive

city district in Temple Quarter, contribute to economic growth, revitalisation and job creation”. Work is anticipated to start on the site next year with the campus set to open in 2022. Public meeting: • Weds 18 Sept, 5-7pm at Hillcrest Primary School, Totterdown Drop-in sessions:   • Weds 11 Sept, 6-7.30pm at Engine Shed, Station Approach • Thurs 12 Sept, 5-7pm at Barton Hill Settlement  • Sat 21 Sept, 12-2pm at Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street Plans will also be on display at: • Engine Shed, Station Approach • University of Bristol, Beacon House, Queen’s Ave, BS8 1QU Feedback can also be given online from September 9 at: bristol.ac.uk/templequarter

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September 2019

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n NEWS

Decisions on the horizon for Bedminster Green developments Decisions could be reached in the coming weeks and months over a series of controversial high-rise developments planned around Bedminster Green. A2Dominion’s application to develop the former Pring and St Hill factory site in Malago Road, is due to be considered by the council’s planning committee on September 4. The proposal by A2Dominion is for the development of seven, 8-12 storey tower blocks, offering a mix of student accommodation and affordable housing. It is understood that Firmstone Consortia One’s (FS1) application for a 22-storey tower block at St Catherine’s Place will be the next to go to planning committee, followed by Dandara’s application to develop 329 homes in Little Paradise. Applications for the two other sites – the land adjacent to Dalby Avenue and Dalby Avenue car park – are still due to be submitted by Dandara and Deeley Freed, respectively. A spokesperson for Dandara said that the developer is currently focussed on Little Paradise and could not confirm when an application is due to be submitted for the site opposite

Dalby Avenue. South Bristol Voice is still awaiting a response from Deeley Freed. The proposed developments have faced fierce opposition from local residents and campaigners, with hundreds of objections filed against the proposals online. The Windmill Hill and Malago planning group (WHaM) has been critical of the plans and says that if the developments go ahead, they will have a “devastating impact” on people’s lives. Nick Townsend, the chair of WHaM, says people living in tower blocks are at risk of isolation and worries of the negative impact this will have on occupants’ mental health, particularly students’ wellbeing. Dianne James, secretary of WHaM, says that it is important that residents know that these applications are still live and that decisions are likely to be made on these plans over the coming months. She said: “People have left comments in response to the plans and think because nothing is happening, it’s all been put on the back burner, but it hasn’t.” A spokesperson for FS1 and Dandara says that since the Bedminster Green framework

– a set of guidelines for the developments – was put in place in March, the developers have been working “diligently” with the council to finalise their applications. The spokesperson said: “Given the under supply of highquality homes for rent across Bristol, Dandara’s proposal for Little Paradise would bring much-needed secure, long-term tenancies, in professionallymanaged accommodation. The proposals will create a safe and attractive new pedestrian link from Malago Road to East Street, part of the wider, longoverdue improvements which

will help revitalise this part of Bedminster.” Simon Potts, director of strategic land planning projects for A2Dominion said: “Our proposals are to create high quality student accommodation and affordable homes that will be built and managed by A2Dominion. A2Dominion already owns and manages over 500 student bed spaces for the University of Bristol across two developments. We have worked with the university over the last 16 years and we will be looking to continue this long-standing relationship once our Malago Road development is completed.”

An artist’s impression of A2Dominion’s Malago Road development

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n NEWS

Former Thali Cafe becomes community arts hub An historic Totterdown building, which has lain vacant for almost six months, has been given a new lease of life. The former home of the Thali Cafe in William Street will now run as Amba House - an arts hub for the local community. The community venture is ADVERTISEMENT

We’ve had a refurb! Hope you’ve had a fantastic summer! We’ve been busy refurbishing the shop, adding plenty more packaging free options and preparing to serve you up some delicious dishes! Pop in to find out what’s new! Alice Bowen will be running her eco Veggie Bag (pictured) sewing class on the 19th September, book your place before it’s too late by contacting us on events@foxandwest.co.uk.

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the brainchild of local resident Georgina Dawson who had always dreamed of launching a creative project. She approached Peter Croft, the owner of 1 William Street, who also shared similar ambitions for the building, and Amba House was born. Georgina said: “As a new resident to Totterdown, living a stone’s throw from the iconic building that once housed the former Thali Café, I wondered what would happen next with the building. It had always caught my eye, even before I lived in the area. “Since living in Totterdown, I have been overwhelmed by the sense of community and in ten years of living in Bristol, I have never felt more settled. Perhaps it was time to launch a creative venture I have always dreamt of. “Liaising with the owners, they expressed similar thoughts

and were keen to collaborate.” The building has had many uses since it was built as the King William pub in the 1860s, including a radio station and upholsters. Georgina says that she wants the building to continue serving the community as it was originally meant to do all those years ago. She added: “We want to create a space which supports and enriches the community but at the same time creates a viable and sustainable business model which will continue to maintain the building for many generations more. “The building has been restored back to how it would have looked when built in the 1860s and now the building’s infrastructure is being upgraded to run on renewable technology. We are looking to the future, join us and be part of this journey.”

Georgina and Peter are keen to hear from any local artists or practitioners who would like to run workshops at the venue. The space will also be available for private hire for events, parties or exhibitions. For further details, email gdawson871@gmail.com or visit Amba House on Facebook.

New refill shop to open in Totterdown

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Residents who are conscious about reducing their plastic consumption will be pleased to know that a new refill shop is opening in Totterdown. Bloop, which is set to open its doors early October in the former bakery in Oxford Street, will be selling beauty and home cleaning products, which customers can top-up their reusable containers with. The shop will be run by Jayne, who already operates her

vegan haircare business, Hairy Jayne, from the former bakery’s old kitchen, and her husband Karl. The couple decided to take the leap and open up the shop front to offer customers refills and to also support other eco businesses. Jayne, an experienced hairdresser, said: “My husband Karl and I live and work in the building, so this is going to be a bit of a step by step process.

“I’m running Hairy Jayne still and Karl works with sound and music, so we’re going to have to learn how to run a shop for the first time and figure things out as we go. We’ve settled in with the community though, and from who we’ve spoken to, I really hope that what we’re doing can help inspire those in the area to shop ethically.” You can follow the progress of bloop.bristol on Facebook and Instagram.

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September 2019

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n NEWS

Affordable housing development earmarked for St John’s Lane A disused health centre in St John’s Lane has been earmarked for an affordable housing development, South Bristol Voice can reveal. Bristol-based housing association, United Communities, will be taking forward the development on the corner of St John’s Lane and Wedmore Vale, and a public consulation event will be held early this month to discuss plans with local residents. If the application is approved,

the building - which has stood empty for some time since the new Marksbury Road medical practice opened in 2018 - will be demolished and rebuilt to deliver around 30 units, accommodating around 80 Bristol residents. It will be 100 per cent affordable housing and provide a mix of housing to accommodate those currently on the housing waiting list, as well as shared ownership homes for people who cannot

The former health centre in St John’s Lane

afford a home on the open market. Bristol currently has 12,000 people on the waiting list for affordable housing. The public consultation event will be held at Windmill Hill Community Centre on September

4, 3.30-6.30pm. Residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the design options and meet the team from United Communities. Refreshments will be provided and children are welcome to attend.

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September 2019

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n NEWS

Help Cosmo to achieve his futsal world cup dream Playing in a world cup is a dream for many young sports competitors. But for one local schoolboy, this dream is becoming a reality as he is set to play in the AMF Futsal World Cup in Barcelona this autumn. Cosmo Browne, 12, from Knowle West, is one of three lads from Bristol to make the Great British squad of 12 following team trials last year. The St Katherine’s School student will be competing for the world cup title alongside Bristol players Daryus Andrews and Lenny Johnson, and nine other top young futsal players from across the country. Bristol-based futsal coach Liam Andrews is managing the squad and is hoping to lead the boys to victory. But before they head out to Barcelona in October, the team needs to raise a substantial amount of money to afford the

opportunity of a lifetime. The boys are calling on their local communities to support their fundraising efforts of securing £20,000 to cover costs of travel, accommodation, kit and entrance fees. A fundraising page has been set up to collect donations. The boys will be competing in the C13 category which encompasses players from three academic years, up to the age of 13. Lots of hard work has been put into preparing for the competition with Cosmo training four times a week in both futsal and football, with matches at the weekend. Futsal has grown in popularity over the years as an indoor variation of association football – teams are 5-a-side, pitch size is reduced, and the ball is smaller and heavier, placing a greater emphasis on passing, dribbling and close control.

The sport was included in the Youth Olympics in 2018, but there are hopes that it will one day be part of the Olympic programme. Cosmo’s dad, Luke Browne, said: “I am so proud of Cosmo – he has an amazing energy and has worked incredibly for this. “He is buzzing to have been selected for the GB squad and it would be great for people to get behind these boys and support them in getting to the world cup.” Cosmo, who has played football since he was six and futsal for two years, said: “I’d say I’m shocked, happy and really proud of myself. “Playing in a world cup has always been a big dream of mine, so this feels so surreal to have been picked for the team. The standard at the trials was really high.” Cosmo says that he enjoys the creativity and fast-paced nature of futsal and has dreams of one

day playing football or futsal professionally. “As long as I’m still playing sport when I’m older, I’ll be happy.” To support the team in getting to the world cup, donations can be made via the team’s GoFundMe page: www. gofundme.com/gb-world-cup-c13

We look after adults and children at Home, and at school and provide residential and nursing care.. We are NHS and Local Authority funded with our hundreds of our staff working across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset. We are always on the lookout for great people and this is an opportunity for you to find out what is available, clinical and nonclinical. Flexible working patterns will always be considered (so long as our services can support your requests). Equally, we have a proactive Bank Team. We offer a wide range of benefits and Agenda for Change terms & conditions for some of our roles. Please submit a short supporting statement or CV as your application via recruitment@sirona-cic.org.uk, call us on 0300 124 5444 or take a look at our current vacancies here https://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/work-with-us/ You can also find us on Facebook @ SironaCIC or on Twitter @SironaJobs We look forward to hearing from you

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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n NEWS

Activist Carol awarded for her work in the community A south Bristol activist was among those recognised at a Police and Crime Commissioner Pride Awards ceremony last month. The awards, which took place on Tuesday, August 13 at Police and Fire Headquarters in Portishead, saw PCC Sue Mountstevens recognise 13 worthy winners with PCC Pride Awards - and Carol Casey was one of them. Recipients and their guests were then invited to have lunch with the PCC and Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Cullen before enjoying a tour of the communications centre where ‘999’ and ‘101’ calls are received. Carol Casey, a community activist from South Bristol, is nominated for her vital role in the launch of the Knowle West Health Association and she now chairs the South Bristol Independent Advisory Group (IAG).

Carol said: “I want to say a huge thank you to my nominators from the Filwood and Knowle beat team. They are the best neighbourhood team I have worked with and it is a pleasure to work with them on a daily basis. I’m grateful to be recognised for my work in Bristol.” PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I always look forward to the Pride Awards as I get to say a big thank you to some truly extraordinary people; people who go about their everyday lives who make a difference to their local community with little or no recognition. “These awards highlight just some of the very special individuals we have living and working amongst us and their exemplary efforts are hugely appreciated across Avon and Somerset. It’s important we take the

time celebrate these inspirational and selfless individuals who work hard to help keep our communities safe and feeling safe.”

Carol (in yellow) with PCC Sue Mountstevens and other winners of the PCC Pride Awards

MP Karin urges residents to take part in local crime survey Bristol South MP Karin Smyth is asking for residents’ views on policing. Over the last 18 months, Ms Smyth has been taking part in the Parliamentary Police

Scheme - learning about the work of all aspects of policing - from community policing to counterterrorism. She said: “This summer, I want to hear what you think about

some of the issues facing the communities across south Bristol. Please take five minutes to fill out my crime and community safety survey. “I would really appreciate your

thoughts to inform my work on this issue in Parliament and across the constituency.” You can access the survey online by visiting: BristolSouthSurvey.com

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September 2019

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n FOCUS ON BRISLINGTON Brislington fact file

Population: 23,000 (11,800 in Brislington East ward and 11,200 in Brislington West ward). Based on ONS figures, 2017 Constituency: Bristol East – MP Kerry McCarthy (Labour) Brislington East (includes Broomhill and St Anne’s Park) Councillors: Tony Carey, Independent and Mike Langley, Labour Brislington West (includes Arnos Vale, Kensington Park and St Anne’s) Councillors: Harriet Bradley, Labour and Jos Clarke, Lib Dem

9 Places of interest: Arnos Vale Cemetery, Paintworks, Sandy Park Road, Beese’s Riverside Bar, Nightingale Valley, ITV West Country Studios, St Anne’s Woods History: Brislington’s history stems back hundreds of years – reportedly to 270-300 AD! During the 18th and 19th centuries, it had a reputation as ‘the prettiest village in Somerset’. The 20th century saw the development of industries and urban houses, and during wartime, many of its historic buildings were demolished. Brislington is now a thriving suburb of Bristol with a population of around 23,000.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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September 2019

Photo, Google Maps

n FOCUS ON BRISLINGTON

Sandy Park Road, Brislington. Date unknown. Photo courtesy of Paul Townsend, www.flickr.com/brizzlebornandbred

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September 2019

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n FOCUS ON BRISLINGTON

Photo, Google Maps

Brislington Picture Hall, Sandy Park Road, 1913-1956 – one of the earliest cinemas in this part of Bristol, owned by the Tomkins family. After its closure, it became a bingo hall in 1962, owned by the Chamberlain family. The building has now been converted into flats and is called Kinema House. Photo and words courtesy of Paul Townsend, www.flickr.com/brizzlebornandbred

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September 2019

n FOCUS ON BRISLINGTON

How we’re helping make Brislington a greater place Greater Brislington Together (GBT) is a group for the local area, bringing together residents, businesses and community groups to work together on local issues that are important to all of us. It started after the previously council run neighbourhood partnership and forum meetings were withdrawn due to budget cuts, and is run by volunteers. All meetings are free to attend and can be at a variety of community spaces over the year to ensure a local meeting for everyone. Last year’s committee managed to get the group incorporated, arrange a bank account and secure funding through our local councillors. This helped the group pay for room hire and other activities like helping sponsor the Springfest shopping bags. But our biggest achievement

was helping to secure approx £35,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for 7 local groups in the Brislington Green Trail. This year in addition to running the community meetings attended by the local councillors and the often local police team, GBT has listened to feedback from residents’ concerns on transport, play space and litter.

Monthly litter picks We now run monthly litter picks and have 10 sets of litter picking equipment on long term loan from Bristol Waste Company as part of the Clean Streets Campaign, and volunteers have successfully removed over 200 bags of waste and recycling from parks and footpaths from the area. For litter pick dates, visit our website. We have facilitated the Friends of Eastwood Farm with their 2019 CIL bid for £64,000 of match funding to replace dilapidated play equipment in Broomhill.

Bristol Ferry route extension

Residents helping out on the monthly litter pick

We have been talking with the Bristol Ferry company about the possibility of extending their routes to the Netham Lock. They have talked with the harbour master and know they can run the route, they just

need to know that they will have passengers. We’ve put together a short survey to give the ferry company an idea of likely usage and can be found on our website.

Supporting local groups GBT is continuing with supporting other local groups and events, as well as supporting this year’s Brizfest, Springfest and Brislington Window Wanderland. We are opening a Repair Café in Brislington. The very first Repair Cafe took place in The Netherlands in 2009 and since then they have spread worldwide. The concept is very simple, people bring their broken things that would otherwise be thrown away and replaced, to a local, regular venue where volunteers with skills to share try to fix them for free. And whilst all the mending is happening people get to meet their neighbours have the chance to enjoy tea and cake. What’s not to love? The Repair Café will meet at the Langton pub, Langton Ct Rd, BS4 4EG on the third Saturday of the month, 10-12pm, starting September 21st 2019. Please see the café’s Facebook page for more info: facebook. com/BS4repair

GBT annual general meeting Our AGM is September 26, 7-8.50pm and we are hoping many people will come to find out about supporting Greater Brislington, and again there will

be cake. It will be held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Sandy Park Rd, BS4 3PG. We will be meeting in the main church not in the crypt

Neighbourhood plan Our main focus in the next months is to help form a Brisling Neighbourhood Plan group. Community groups can set up neighbourhood planning forums to write their own policies for an area, which are used with the Local Plan to decide planning applications. Currently, council wards receive 15 percent CIL funding raised in the area but this is shared across a local area consisting, in our case, of five wards so the money isn’t guaranteed to come back to Brislington. With a neighbourhood plan in place we would receive 25 percent of this funding and it would be ring-fenced to spend inside Brislington. In real terms that means instead of receiving £30,000 last year we would have received £50,000 with a plan in place. With the likely future developments in Brislington the potential increase could be measured in hundreds of thousands of pounds. We are looking for volunteers to form a planning group. If you are interested in getting involved please fill out our form: tinyurl. com/GBT-plan Greater Brislington Together greaterbrislington.org

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

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n FOCUS ON BRISLINGTON

First 24-hour homeless shelter helps nearly 60 By Amanda Cameron, BBC LDRS reporter Bristol’s first 24-hour homeless shelter has been hailed a “great success” after its first winter season. St Anne’s House, which provides 30 emergency beds between October and March only, was approved last year despite fierce public opposition. But September’s approval was conditional on a report being provided by the homeless charity behind the shelter in Brislington detailing how the first season had gone. St Mungo’s report, discussed by a city council planning committee on July 10, showed that the shelter housed 59 homeless people in the five months after it opened in November 2018. Of those, 45 moved on to longer term accommodation. Newly elected committee chair Tom Brook, Labour councillor for Bishopston and Ashley Down, said: “I think it’s been a great success. “The minor complaints that have come in have been dealt with, including a complaint that the shelter was too quiet, which I found a bit bizarre.” Bristol City Council received more than 130 objections to the

scheme when the application was first lodged. Issues related to a lack of consultation, concerns about anti-social behaviour and drug use and the location of the shelter in a “quiet and predominantly residential” area of the city. But St Mungo’s received only two complaints about the behaviour of shelter residents during its first winter: one about a man “acting erratically on the road”, and another about a man who knocked on the door of a local resident’s house at 3am while drunk. One member of the public complained that St Anne’s House was so quiet that they did not believe that a shelter was being operated in the building. “Overall it is felt that the impact on the local community was minimal,” St Mungo’s concluded in its report. There were no complaints made to the council’s planning enforcement team or pollution control teams, the meeting heard. Conservative councillor for Bishopsworth, Richard Eddy, said: “I did share some concerns about the original application, so all I can say is I’m delighted to see there’ve been no complaints [to the council], and I congratulate St Mungo’s.”

Unlike most other shelters in the city, St Anne’s House does not require its residents to leave in the mornings and offers them holistic and practical support during the day. Its planning permission expires at the end of next winter.

A report prepared by a council officer concluded: “The site operated without any serious incident. “It is considered that there are no lessons that need to be learnt before the second opening period (1st October 2019 to 31st March 2020).”

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Trying something new

Wendy Calder Ceramics

W: wendycalderceramics.com E: wendyanncalder@hotmail.com T: 07748586332

ancy trying something new? I run pottery courses and workshops, private lessons on the potter’s wheel and children’s parties from my studio in St Anne’s. I make functional earthenware ceramics with botanical themed surface decoration. You’ll find details and a

selection of my ceramics at wendycalderceramics.com or call 0774 8586332

Pottery classes St Anne’s House, Brislington. Photo, Google Maps

A community space at the heart of St Anne’s Did you know that St Anne’s House has a large community space for local people and businesses to use? Supported by St Mungo’s, Coexist, which previously resided at Hamilton House in Stokes Croft, provides space within the building for community events, meetings, artist studios, co-working and more. For more information, visit: www.coexistuk.org/st-anne-s-house

Held at my studio in St.Anne’s, Bristol. All include tuition, materials, firings and a cuppa. n 4-5 week course from £70 n Saturday workshops from £25 n Children’s parties from £10 each (min 6, max 10) n Private lessons on the potter’s wheel available on request £20 p/h n Private parties can be catered for (min 4, max 6) n Gift vouchers available wendycalderceramics.com | wendyanncalder@hotmail.com

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n FOCUS ON BRISLINGTON

Long-standing senior vet retires from PDSA

After more than two decades working as a senior vet for the PSDA, Linda Day is retiring. Linda joined the charity in 1996 and moved to Bristol two years later to take up the role as a senior vet at the Brislington hospital. She says that she is leaving

the charity with a “heavy heart” but is looking forward to dedicating some time to herself. Although Linda is retiring, she says that nothing will stop her from volunteering for the charity in the future.

Pre-school spaces in Brislington available from September l Opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8-4 and Wednesday 8-12 l Breakfast available l Term time l We have funded and fee paying spaces available from September l £4.50 per hour for those paying fees l Toddler room for children aged 2-3 years l Pre-school room for children aged 3-4 years St Luke’s Church Hall, Church Parade, BS4 4LS For further information call 07780330203 or email brislingtonvillagepreschool@gmail.com

Why Carolyn is standing in 2020 local elections Local Brislington resident Carolyn Magson is one of the Labour candidates selected to stand in next year’s local elections. Carolyn, who is the founder of the Arnos Vale Residents’ Association, is standing as a councillor for Brislington West because she wants to campaign for better facilities for women, children and young people in the area, among other issues. The local mum became involved in politics after experiencing issues with securing parent funding. She got the bug for campaigning and has since been involved in fighting to save Wick Road library, securing funds for a local parking scheme and campaigning against plans to develop diesel and gas generators by her child’s nursery school in St Philip’s.

Carolyn, whose background is in television, became Women’s Officer for the Labour Party in 2017. In 2018, she was the only woman from Bristol that year to be selected for the Jo Cox leadership course. She has shadowed MP Kerry McCarthy in Parliament and former MEP Clare Moody in Brussels.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Nursery spaces available from this September Brislington Village Pre-school

St Luke’s Church Hall, Church Parade, BS4 4LS W: www.brislingtonvillage preschool.co.uk T: 07780330203 E: brislingtonvillagepreschool@ gmail.com rislington Village Pre-School has funded and fee paying spaces available from September. Fee paying is £4.50 per hour. We charge per hour and not per session and you can choose the hours that you would like to suit the needs of your family, with a minimum of 6 hours per week. We have a toddler room for children aged 2-3 years and a pre-school room for children aged 3-4 years. The site also has

its own allotment, which the pre-school children visit every week. We go to the library once a month and visit the local park. The opening hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8-4; and Wednesday 8-12. Breakfast is available and we operate term time. We cater for children from the age of 2 years old. Please call 07780 330 203 or email brislingtonvillagepreschool@ gmail.com for further information. Ofsted rating is Good – December 2018.

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

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

A bookshop with the community at its heart

Two friends, with a shared passion for storytelling and bringing people together, are looking to launch a community bookshop in Knowle. Stephen Frost and Alexandra Allen (pictured, right), who met while working in the charity sector, have been asking residents for feedback about their idea for ‘Next Chapter Books’ and the pair say they have been overwhelmed at the “incredibly positive” response they have received so far. Within 24 hours, Stephen and Alex collected around 250 responses through their online survey with many expressing a need for such a community venture in the area. Stephen describes the concept as a “community space disguised as a bookshop” and will be somewhere welcoming for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and develop connections. The bookshop will sell new and second-hand books, for children and adults, and it will also host a range of daytime

and evening activities and local groups. In addition, Stephen, who lives in Windmill Hill, and Alex, from Knowle, say they hope to develop partnerships with other local initiatives to help meet the needs of local people. Next Chapter Books will be a not-for-profit community business and, although a space is still yet to be secured, Stephen and Alex plan for the bookshop to occupy a space near the Broadwalk Shopping Centre area. Stephen said: “The response we have received has been incredibly positive – people are

keen on the idea of a bookshop and they want an opportunity to buy books, old and new. “There’s not really anywhere like this in our local area, so it feels important for us to create a space for people of different ages and backgrounds to come together. “The great thing about this area is that people want to see good things happen and they’re willing to help out. “We’ve had teachers, booksellers, so many people getting in touch offering to run book clubs and all sorts of activities. It’s been completely

overwhelming. We’re really excited to meet more people.” Stephen says that over the summer they will be collating feedback from the survey and from this, they will finalise a business plan that will help them with funding applications and securing the right premises. If you would like to contribute ideas or offer feedback about Next Chapter Books, you can fill in the survey here: bit.ly/ nextchapterbooks Stephen and Alex have been asking people to contribute a story that has inspired them to their community bookshelf, which will be a feature of the new bookshop. Here’s some of the books contributed so far and why: 1. Salt Creek by Lucy Treloar So sad and so beautiful that I loved it despite, or maybe because, of its sadness. 2. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou I read this in my late teens and it helped change the way I thought about life. 3. The Wasp Factory by Ian Banks First book that made me gasp out loud and made me realise how great books can be.

n SPONSOR A PET FEATURE Sponsored by Foxon & Foxon Tyson ready for a new home • Staffordshire Bull Terrier • 6 -10 years • Male Tyson is a fun loving, active dog looking for a home with lots of experience of his breed. He has gone through a long period of intensive training in order to get him ready to go to his new home. Tyson loves training and it benefits him greatly, so this is something his new owners must continue with in his new home. Due to his training needs, we’re looking for committed and co-operative adopters who are willing to come in to the centre several times initially, to spend time

Helping pets find forever homes

getting to know our lovely boy Tyson and his carers. This will give you the chance to get to know Tyson’s amazing personality, and set both you and him up for success! Rehoming requirements: • Potentially live with another dog (pending introductions) • Prefer not to live with cats • Prefer to live with adults only • Like a home experienced with dogs If you are interested in rehoming Roman, you can view his profile here: www. bristolarc.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/roman or give Bristol Animal Rescue Centre a call on 0117 9776043.

Your local, independent kitchen and bedroom manufacturer Call today: 01275 892937 www.foxonandfoxon.co.uk Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

... you’re sure to find knitted teddies!

Trauma teddies being used to comfort children Continued from front page who have been involved in distressing incidents. Knowle Townswomen’s Guild came up with idea to knit the trauma teddies after a member of its Knit and Natter group read an article about how the bears were benefitting other communities. The group contacted Avon Fire and Rescue, and the service was delighted to receive the bears. With the support of other local Townswomen’s Guilds, more than 200 trauma teddies have been knitted for the service and will be accompanying firefighters on trucks across the district. Some of the bears will also sit with the Children and Young

Person department and will be handed out at schools. Ten women make up the Knowle Townswomen’s Guild’s Knit and Knatter group and they have been busy knitting the bears since March. Each teddy is individual and ‘made with love’, the group says. Stella Tratt, of the Knowle Townswomen’s Guild, said: “I have distributed the knitting pattern to all the Townswomen’s Guilds in the Avon area and, while there is still a need, we will

carry on knitting.” This year, the group is celebrating the Townswomen’s Guild 90th birthday. The Knowle guild has been operating since 1935 – six years after the women’s organisation was formed – and it has played a key role in supporting women and the community throughout the decades. Bedminster Fire Station manager, Andy Goode, said that the service was ‘extremely grateful’ to receive the bears. He said: “We go to a number of incidents where children are involved and inevitably, they get distressed. These trauma teddies are a little tool in our toolbox to offer children, which will hopefully reduce their stress levels.”

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Darren Clasper, risk reduction watch manager at the service, said: “We are delighted that this group of extraordinary women have come together to provide these trauma teddies. “We often attend upsetting emergency incidents and we see children in distress who don’t understand what is happening and why they are there. “As a service, we understand how scary these experiences can be so any small act of comfort, such as a teddy, will go a long way.” The Knowle Townswomen’s Guild meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2pm at Redcatch Community Centre (excluding August and December). For more information about the group’s September meeting, visit our What’s On page. For more on the guild, visit facebook.com/ knowletownswomensguild

Talking Tables Cooking Sessions at Windmill Hill City Farm Aged 50+ and want to feel more confident about cooking nutritious and tasty food? Want to meet and eat with people in a fun and friendly environment? Every Friday 15th Mar - 26th Apr Every Tuesday 16th Jul - 20th Aug (v), 24th Sept - 29th Oct 2019 10am - 1pm Free Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EA

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0117 353 3042 Call Virginia: 07938 567886 Broomhill Junior School, Allison Road. 9:30am, 11.30am, (v) = vegetarian only Dean Lane 9:30am, 11.30am, Call Virginia 07938 567886 Bedminster LinkAge Network is the working name of LinkAge Call Virginia 5.30pm & 7.30pm 5.30pmslimmingworld.co.uk & 7.30pm West of England Ltd. Charity No. 1143816 in England 07938 567886 and Wales. Company No. 07403291. 07938 567886 0344 897 8000 Call Virginia Salvation Army, Salvation Army, 07938 567886 slimmingworld.co.uk Got a story for South Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk Dean Lane DeanBristol Lane 0344 897 8000slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000 Bedminster Bedminster slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS

he regional spatial plan ... Sorry if the title makes some lose interest and many might say “what has this Gary got to do with us Hopkins and Knowle?” Lib Dem Firstly the plan Knowle covers where development, including new housing and infrastructure,will be supported and encouraged within the former Avon area. This document has been developed over a couple of years by combining plans that the four local authorities had. As an example it contained plans for 105,000 houses. These joint plans are developed all over the country and are subject to inspection from specialist government planning inspectors. It is common for changes to be required and for queries to be raised but in the Bristol/Avon case things have gone massively wrong. The inspectors have said that the plans are so incompetent the

Knowle

councils should start again from scratch. They are right. Within Bristol the planned expansions at Whitchurch should be elsewhere and the unjustified attacks on various green belt sites are ridiculous. The plan was debated in Bristol City Council around two years ago with only 30 mins allowed for debate. Liberal Democrats voted against the plan and were joined by a couple of other councillors but it was waved through. The other three authorities were controlled by Conservative administrations at the time and there were lots of opposition, unhappiness and protest. The failure of this plan, for so many reasons, will cause potential chaos in planning matters and will lose the area government support and grants. Some good may come our way as the monstrous concentration of development further out along the A37 would turn the Wells Road into a car park and we will be lobbying, we think with government support for major rethinks.

MATTHEW KING STONEMASON CALL 07979 895569

BEFORE

AFTER

How to contact your councillor: p2

ome 16 years ago Gary and I set up the Friends of Redcatch Park. Since then various committee Chris members and Davies helpers have put in a Lib Dem huge amount of Knowle effort to improve the park with new play equipment, more trees, flower borders, benches, a MUGA, new tennis courts and car park and a measured walk, and they organised an annual fun day for many years. From being a no-go area for many, it is now the thriving heart of our community and has won top awards for many years. A few years back we were again faced with an empty former bowling green, so a croquet club was formed and survived for many years. Then there was a period when it was a vacant area and approaches were made with ideas to use this. Then resident Mike Cardwell brought forward the idea of a community garden.

Since acceptance of the plans by the council, and with support from the Friends and park users it has been a roaring and growing success. The wagon serving teas and coffees and home made snacks (Roots) is soon to be supplemented by a newly acquired catering container. With more polytunnels appearing, more organic veg is being produced and sales of plants are steadily growing. Family friendly events and themed evenings are now becoming a very popular and regular attraction for all ages. Knowledge on gardening is being spread, playgroups enjoy sand and water play; local schools learn gardening; and craft and training groups support isolated people and there are ideas for cookery and preserving classes. It is now a popular venue for parties and celebrations. This, along with neighbouring Redcatch Community Centre, is Knowle at its best. So many people pitching in to make the community better, and enjoying doing it. Thank you to everyone involved.

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS

ne of the Mayor and Bristol Labour Group’s manifesto commitments at Jon the last election Wellington was to improve Labour living conditions Windmill Hill for tenants. We recognise that more and more people are renting properties as house prices continue to rise, with Bristol among the most expensive places to buy or rent in the UK. An initiative that aims to improve housing and management standards for multiple occupancy houses (house and flat shares with three or more people) in privately rented properties in twelve of Bristol’s central wards started recently including in Windmill Hill and Totterdown. Better known as the ‘Additional Licensing’ scheme, it will upgrade the overall management and property conditions of over 4000 shared properties across Bristol.

Windmill Hill

The scheme proposes the proactive inspection of privately rented houses in multiple occupation. The ‘Additional Licensing’ scheme aims to improve the living standards of tenants by tackling inadequate housing conditions through engagement with landlords. With an increasing amount of residents in our area privately renting their homes, this initiative seeks to secure better living conditions for tenants and provide further protection for vulnerable tenants. Landlords will be charged a fee for licensing their properties to cover the costs of the scheme. I have already received correspondence from landlords. Advice and guidance on the necessary improvements required to ensure the property complies with licensing conditions is available - you can contact private.housing@bristol.gov.uk if you are a tenant or landlord and need advice about this. Further information is available at bristol. gov.uk/licences-permits/ property-licences.

How to contact your councillor: p2

n December I was lucky to give birth to my beautiful boy. Life with a new baby can be Lucy Whittle a struggle. Along Labour with joy, becoming Windmill Hill a parent can bring guilt and anxiety as well as the pressure of expectations about how you should be feeling. Parenting is one of life’s most important jobs, yet comes with no pay, holds low status, and brings a feeling of constant judgement. If you have any extra challenges such as ill health, money worries, or post-natal depression, problems can feel insurmountable. Despite feeling full of love for my new son, I have post-natal depression. I face a daily struggle; worries about my children, rent, local politics, Brexit, climate change, and life generally, merge into one, and make it very hard for me to cope. I’ve had PND before so I know I can get through

it. But when I feel at my worst it can seem impossible to hold onto the knowledge that it will pass. I have been fortunate to have support from family, friends, council staff and colleagues, my excellent co-councillor Jon Wellington, and a very caring partner, who all support me in my role as your councillor, and I am aware that this is a privilege many don’t have. But I also have help from two wonderful organisations that I would urge anyone with PND to contact: Bluebell offers an emotional well-being space, group programme, and 1 to 1 peer support, they also offer support for fathers; www.bluebellcare. org Tel: 0117 922 0746. Mothers for Mothers provides a visiting service, helpline, counselling and local playgroups; www.mothersformothers.co.uk. Helpline 0117 935 9366. Please don’t hold back from seeking help, PND can happen to anyone. By reaching out for help, you are doing the best you can for yourself and your baby.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n SCHOOL NEWS

Bright futures ahead for St Brendan’s students St Brendan’s Sixth Form College is celebrating another year of amazing achievements. This year St Brendan’s A-level pass rate is 96 per cent. The Sixth Form College provides students with a huge choice of 39 different A-level courses, and many subjects achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, including A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, English Literature and all three of the A-level language subjects taught at St Brendan’s. As well as A-levels, St Brendan’s Applied General (BTEC) results were also outstanding, and the college is celebrating a 100 per cent pass rate in all subjects, with 91 per cent of all results coming in at either a Distinction and Distinction* which is the equivalent to A and A* grades at A-level. Delighted Principal, Michael Jaffrain, commented on the results: “We have had an excellent set of results at A-level, which was particularly impressive in view of the new tougher linear curriculum and the personal barriers some of our students have had to overcome this academic year. “Our Applied General results have also been outstanding and are a testimony to the

range and quality of the subjects we have on offer at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College and the outstanding personal support provided by our Academic Mentors and Careers Team.” St Brendan’s students have secured places on some of the country’s most competitive university courses. Twins Leon and Victor Altherr and Ryan Everett will all be joining Oxford this September, whist

peer Ceinwen Baker is off to Cambridge. Together they will study a diverse range of subjects including law, natural sciences and psychology. Not all students have chosen to progress onto university though; many are also taking a gap year or moving on to an exciting range of apprenticeships with employers including Burges Salmon, Lyons Davidson, Deloitte, Rolls Royce, KPMG and Babcock.

Thinking about a secondary school for your child? Find out about the CST family of schools

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Pricing:

North Street Nursery aims to create a unique childcare experience for our neighbourhood. Something within easy reach for parents which provides opportunity, character and simplicity, whilst enriching and caring for its community. Children learn to be strong and independent through warm positive relationships. We believe a child will thrive in a rich, nurturing environment, that includes the cultures and diversities around them and in turn, develop a positive sense of their own identity. We provide care for babies from 6 months right up to preschool toddlers, located at the heart of the North Street community, with 3 dedicated rooms and a unique roof terrace garden for outdoor play and activities. We feel strongly about including our parents in their child’s journey, using a secure digital tool to track their development and keep you updated on their progress and our nursery news at every step.

www.nurseryvillage.co.uk

• All Inclusive pricing, with no Deposits or Admin Fees and a 5% community discount • Open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday including Bank Holidays • Early start or Late finish available • Under 2’s £32 half days or £60 full days • Over 2’s £30 half days or £55 full days

Limited Spaces special offer We have limited spaces available this year for Toddlers and Pre-School from 2nd September. • 10 Toddler spaces • 10 Pre-School spaces • Full Time only (4 or 5 full days per week) • 20% discount when confirmed before 15th September Contact info@nurseryvillage.co.uk

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n SCHOOL NEWS

A strong set of A-level results for Merchants’ Academy Students at Merchants’ Academy in South Bristol celebrated improved A-levels last month, with results up 8 per cent on last year - 83 per cent of students achieved A-E grades, 24 per cent of which are A-C. Subjects that scored particularly well this year include Business Studies and Media Studies A-level, as well as ICT and Sport BTEC, with high valueadded scores and 100 per cent of students receiving A-E grades. A number of students made outstanding progress from their GCSE starting points. For example, Ben Hammond achieved a Double Distinction in ICT and Elexcie Vowles achieved the equivalent of three A-levels, including a Double Merit in Health and Social Care. Ben will now read Computer Science at the University of Bournemouth and Elexcie will read Health and Social Care at the University of Plymouth.

Overall, 80 per cent of all Year 13 students have succeeded in gaining their first choice in university places. Ben Hammond, who collected his results with his mum Tina Hammond and who will be the first member of his family to go to university, said: “I’m so excited to be starting my degree. My form tutor, Mr Bryan, has been an amazing inspiration to me. He helped me to stay

focussed and motivated and now, not only do I want to pursue a career in Cyber Security, I’m already thinking about a PhD. “If I was asked to give advice to other students who might be finding it hard to focus on their studies, I’d say ‘don’t get distracted, always try your best and don’t give up too easily’.” Andy Marshall-Aherne, Assistant Vice Principal and Head of MA.16. Sixth Form, said:

“Many of our students have never travelled far outside Bristol, but today they are accepting university places across the country where they will continue to carve out a successful future for themselves.” Principal, Samantha Williamson, said: “Our students have worked extremely hard to achieve significant progress and they should feel very proud of their results. Some students have done so well they have upgraded to better universities.” Since September, the academy has been offering a broader Post-16 curriculum with increased vocational qualifications alongside existing academic subjects. The football academy, established as part of the Bristol City Community Trust, and the hair and beauty training centre and salon, have both been popular and will see the first students graduate in July 2020.

merchantsacademy.org @MA16_SixthForm 0117 301 5000

‘The Post-16 Destination of Choice’ A modern, dynamic, student centred Sixth Form, allowing students the freedom and independence to follow a personalised academic pathway towards their goals and aspirations. #AimHigh

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n EDUCATION n SCHOOL NEWS ADVERTISING FEATURE

Luckwell Primary School • Caring community • Hugely improved test results

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Book a tour September 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, all 9.30am (or call us to arrange your own visit)

Luckwell Primary School, Breach Road, Bristol BS3 3ET 0117 353 3382 www.luckwell.bristol.sch.uk

Compass Point Primary School

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Ashton Vale Primary School

• Exciting curriculum • Glorious grounds • Fantastic new library • Dedicated staff • Outdoor learning • Community focus Our school provides a happy, nurturing and supportive environment. Call us to arrange a visit. Ashton Vale Primary School, Avebury Rd, Bristol BS3 2QG 0117 903 0383 ashtonvaleprimary.weebly.com

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September 2019 n EDUCATION

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n SCHOOL NEWS ADVERTISING FEATURE

Opening a world of opportunities GATEHOUSE Green Learning Trust has been formed to ensure the provision of excellent and inclusive education for children in Bristol and their families. It comprises five schools: the secondaries Redland Green School and Ashton Park School and the primaries Luckwell, Ashton Vale and Compass Point. Working together in a multi academy trust brings advantages for children, families, staff and the wider community. Each individual school is valued and supported in the pursuit of a common vision and aims. Gatehouse Green Learning Trust is committed to collaborating to make sure that it is: • Driving school improvement and the best outcomes for young people both academically and in terms of personal

and emotional well-being; • Developing highly skilled, well trained and motivated staff; Providing coordinated operational and support services; • Sharing resources to ensure best value for money; • Creating high quality and coordinated enrichment opportunities across the MAT; • Growing and consolidating links with existing and new partners that improve the quality of provision and support offered to young people and the community. The trust is led by chief executive

officer Sarah Baker, the founding headteacher of Redland Green School, which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The board of trustees draws on a wealth of expertise from the world of education and from other sectors to enable it to develop its schools to serve their diverse communities. Each school has a voice in the development of the MAT. GGLT works alongside and in close collaboration with other local providers, MATs, LA, special schools, colleges and universities to share best practice and help to improve outcomes for young people in Bristol and strives to be a centre of excellence. The trust is connected to regional and national support networks, which broadens horizons, opportunities and support.

Ashton Park School

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n SCHOOL NEWS ADVERTISING FEATURE

How we are helping pupils achieve their full potential Message from Justin Humphreys, Head of St Katherine’s School St Katherine’s is a thriving, diverse school community that has educated pupils from all over Bristol for many years. Indeed, Year 7 pupils 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 belief 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 pupil an environment where they feel safe and happy so they can achieve their full potential. 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. Like our pupils, 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 have improved every year for the last six years - we offer a broad curriculum alongside extracurricular activities designed to develop our pupils in to 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 (Thursday, September 19, 6-9pm) or one of our autumn open mornings (details below) to experience it for yourself.

Headteacher at St Katherine’s School, Justin Humphreys

St Katherine’s School OPEN MORNINGS | 24 SEPTEMBER, 1 OCTOBER AND 8 OCTOBER, 9.00-11.00am St Katherine’s is a thriving, diverse school community where pupils enjoy an education that is busy, purposeful and ambitious but also great fun. We warmly invite you to visit, meet pupils and staff and experience our positive, engaging environment that helps every individual perform at their best.

“St Katherine’s brings my passions to life” (Year 7 pupil)

RESERVE YOUR PLACE by calling 01275 373737 or visit www.stkaths.org.uk St Katherine’s School, Ham Green, BS20 0HU

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n SCHOOL NEWS

Students achieve above and beyond expectations Students at Bedminster Down School, Bristol have been celebrating their GCSE results. The number of students achieving a grade 4 (standard pass) or higher in the individual subjects of English, maths or science is again more than 60 per cent. Fifty per cent of students achieved a grade 4 or better in both English and maths. Some individual students achieved over and above expectations. Edith Fritsch gained seven grade 9s (the highest grade), one grade 8 and an A* in her German A-level and will go on to study at a prestigious college in Berlin. Louise Dibble achieved mainly grade 8s across her subjects and Daniel Sherwood is celebrating his impressive grades 7, 8 and 9s. Bedminster Down School Headteacher Gary Schlick said: “Bedminster Down students have

worked hard with the changes to the exam system to achieve some outstanding individual results. “I’m expecting to see improved progress figures this year that illustrate how our

BEDMINSTER DOWN SCHOOL

quality teaching and pastoral support will bring out the best in our students. We’re now further boosted by being part of the Wellsway Multi-Academy Trust, who are seeing significant

improvements in GCSE results, to share best practice across several local secondary schools.”

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Visit bedminsterdown.com or t: 0117 353 2800 BEDMINSTER DOWN SCHOOL DONALD ROAD BEDMINSTER BS13 7DQ

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Elton Road, Bristol, BS8 1SJ £10/6 Family Ticket: £25 1532bristol.co.uk | 0117 259 1532

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n SCHOOL NEWS

Hard work pays off for Merchants’ Year 11s The hard work of staff and students at Merchants’ Academy in South Bristol was rewarded with strong GCSE results. Overall, a total of thirteen subjects saw an improvement in Progress scores. In particular, business studies students are celebrating excellent grades, with over 80 per cent achieving a grade 6 (equivalent to B+) or higher, including two Distinctions (equivalent to grade A) and one Distinction Star (A* equivalent). Physics students also have cause to celebrate, with 97 per cent achieving a grade 4 (C equivalent) and above, compared with 46 per cent last year. Music students achieved fantastic grades, with 92 per cent awarded a grade 4 to 9 (equivalent to grade C to A**), including three Distinction* and two Distinctions. Health and social care has maintained a strong performance with 86 per cent of students achieving a grade 4 and above,

against 77 per cent last year, including 13 Distinctions. Construction maintained strong outcomes with 79 per cent of students achieving a grade 4 and above. Students are now planning their next steps, with many going on to study A-levels, including at Merchants’ Academy sixth form centre MA.16, as well as three students who will join Colston’s Sixth Form as part of the Society of Merchant Venturers scholarship programme. There were a number of outstanding individual performances, including Gavin

MERCHANTS’ ACADEMY

Gan, who achieved one A*, two Distinction*, four grade 9s, one grade 8, one grade 7, one grade 6 and one grade 5. Filipe Goncalo Costa Rodrigues, pictured with headteacher Samantha Williamson, who achieved one A*, one Distinction*, one grade A, two grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6, said: “I was so nervous about collecting my results and what they mean for my future, but now I just feel delighted!” Amy Knapp, who achieved two grade 8s, three grade 7s, two grade 6s and two grade 5s, said: “I barely slept last night, but I am so happy with my results and can now train to be a veterinary nurse.” Principal Ms Williamson said: “Hard work and determination have paid off and our students will now take the first steps to building their future careers as they move into further education. Well done to each and every one of them!”.

Bright futures The young people of Oasis Academy John Williams had much to celebrate as the school maintained its impressive outcomes. 60 per cent of students at Oasis Academy John Williams in Hengrove have achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths this year. Attainment at grade 4 or above was greater than 70 per cent in eight different subject areas, with 86 per cent of young people achieving grade 4 or above in GCSE PE. There were impressive results in History, Science and Maths, all of which recorded improvements on last year. The highest attaining male students was Henry Whitwell, who achieved 4 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s and a grade 7, whilst Katie Starling, the highest attaining female, achieved 1 grade 9 and 7 grade 8s. Principal Victoria BoomerClark said: “This year more of our students than ever are leaving us with the qualifications they need to take the next step towards a fulfilling career.”

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n SCHOOL NEWS

Another year of improved results for south Bristol campus Bridge Learning Campus is pleased to announce that GCSE results have improved for the third year in a row with many individual success stories to celebrate. This year, the school celebrates 100 per cent pass rates across eight different subjects, with more students achieving a strong pass of grade 5 and above in English and maths. In English, 73 per cent of students achieved a pass in GCSE English, surpassing the 2018 national average, and progress across all subjects has improved by almost one whole grade per student since 2017. One of BLC’s highest attainers was Matthew Tyler, who achieved nine qualifications at grade 7 or above, including two grade 9s in science and two Distinction* grades. Jodie Shackleton was another

m high achiever. She secured strong passes in 10 GCSEs (or equivalent), including grade 8 in English. A keen linguist, Jodie took extra lessons after school to study for Italian GCSE in addition to Spanish GCSE. Achieving an average of 1.5 grades above expected progress

in each subject was Jericho Vergara (pictured, above). His excellent grades have paved the way for him to study chemistry, biology and psychology at St Mary Redcliffe. Jericho has ambitions of studying medicine at Oxford University and one day becoming a doctor. Not missing a day of

secondary school helped Joe Sampson, who has just started his plumbing apprenticeship, make progress of nearly one grade better than the national average across all his subjects. Headteacher, Rupert Maule, said: “I am pleased that the hard work of the students and their teachers has been rewarded by these results. Students have responded positively to the high expectations we have introduced for all of our pupils and have risen to this challenge. “It is our ambition to be the one of the best schools in the South West and to be in the top 20 percent of all schools nationally. “Results in English show the high standards that we can reach and the improved results in all other areas show that we are on the right path to achieving our ambition.”

Calling all Year 5 & Year 6 pupils ... join us for our

OPEN EVENING Weds 25 September, 5 - 7pm OPEN MORNING Sat 28 September, 10am - 12 noon If you are unable to make our open events but would like to see our school in action, call 0117 353 4472 to book a tour Follow us on social media:

Relationships with teachers are respectful and pupils treat each other well - Ofsted 2018 @bristol_blc

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William Jessop Way, Hartcliffe, BS13 0RL • 0117 353 4472 • enquiries@bridgelearningcampus.com

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n SCHOOL NEWS

Ashton Park sixth form celebrates strong results Ashton Park Sixth Form students are celebrating their well-earned results, which include many notable successes. The vast majority of students, over 84 per cent, gained their UCAS places with confirmed places on courses ranging from nursing, criminology, midwifery, sport and business management and coaching. They go to universities such as Loughborough, Bath, Essex, Plymouth, Cardiff Met and Liverpool. Headteacher Nick John said: “On behalf of all the staff we congratulate all our students on their successes and thank them for their contribution to the school. We wish them well in their onward journeys to

higher education, employment or training and are confident they will be successful in their future endeavours.” At A-level, performance in the arts was particularly strong. Photography returned 1 A*, 3 As, 11 Bs and 1 C, which represented the whole cohort, and fine art 2 Bs and a C. Sociology returned an A, 2 Bs and 6 Cs while psychology gained 1 A and 6 Cs. The sciences also enjoyed success, with biology and chemistry achieving 4 Bs and 1B and a C respectively. The school’s vocational results were outstanding, particularly in sport, where the partnership with Bristol City Robins Foundation continues to thrive. Two thirds of the cohort gained Distinctions (A* to A grade equivalent).

Students who gained triple Distinction Stars were Lauren and Grace Phillips, Caitlyn Rice, Ollie Mesquita, Joe Eustace and Conor Mckeigue. Year 12 and 13

all achieved pass and above in the new specification. There was a similar story in IT with two thirds achieving Distinctions.

GCSE pride and satisfaction as high grades plentiful Students at Ashton Park School have found the formula for success with an extremely strong performance in science subjects this year. Those who took triple science - an option that is growing in popularity - did exceptionally well. Almost half the candidates achieved grades 9-7 and 98 per cent earned grades 9-5. Overall there was a significant increase in students achieving the highest grades across the board. Forty-eight per cent of students achieved a standard pass (grade 9-4) in English and maths and 31 per cent gained a strong pass (grades 9-5). A spokesperson said: “The partnership with Redland Green

School through the Gatehouse Green Learning Trust has helped raise standards at Ashton Park and is expected to have further impact across a wide and challenging curriculum in future years.” The school saw particularly strong results in arts, textiles and photography. Equally valued were some of the achievements of students attached to the school’s specialist learning resource provision and pupil support base. Students of all abilities secured the results they needed to successfully progress to the next phase of their education. As always there were a huge number of individual successes that were met with much joy and excitement.

Headteacher Nick John acknowledged the hard work of staff and students as well as the support of parents as key to the school’s success. ‘’As a community we celebrate all our students’ achievements with pride and wish them well as they move on to sixth form study, apprenticeships and college. On behalf of the staff and governors I would like to thank students for their contribution to the school over the last five years,’’ he said. Sarah Baker, chief executive of Gatehouse Green Learning Trust, said: “Well done to the students at Ashton Park school on your Key Stage 4 results, a secure preparation for the next stage in your learning. ”

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CJ Hole Southville invite you to accept our offer of a free sales or lettings valuation. To arrange an appointment, please telephone the office or call in personally. If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be considered to avoid a possible liability to pay two commissions.

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n HISTORY THREE BEDMINSTERS, PART 2

A millionaires’ playground - the other Bedminster Last month we learned how the religious divisions of 17th century England led to the founding of two places called Bedminster in America. What happened to the settlers and the slaves they brought with them? How did the Bedminsters prosper? And how similar are they today to Bedminster BS3? Paul Breeden reports

HE ROYAL deed to Bedminster New Jersey, issued by King George II in 1749, still exists. Giving a clue to the status of its present inhabitants, the document is owned by the billionaire Malcolm Forbes, publisher of the famous Forbes List of the world’s wealthiest people. He paid between $20,000 and $25,000 for it, but despite the fact that it’s one of the few artefacts remaining that links the area to its royal heritage, it’s kept out of sight in a Long Island warehouse. The Forbes are just one of America’s richest families who have owned property in Bedminster Township. Others include Robert Johnson, owner of the New York Jets football team, and John DeLorean, flamboyant car executive whose DeLorean car company crashed and burned in 1982 amid allegations of corruption and drug dealing. It was DeLorean’s fall from grace that forced him to give up his grand property at Lamington Farm. After a bankruptcy auction, it was later acquired for $35 million (£40m) in 2000 by Donald Trump, who the following year turned it into two golf courses and country club. It’s not even the only golf club in the township: there are a further three golf courses at Fiddler’s Elbow country club. (And if that isn’t enough, there are three more clubs just outside the township boundary). Yes, Bedminster Township is a rather rarified place compared to Bedminster, Bristol. It’s set in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey, in Somerset County (in the US, a county is a subdivision of a state).

It’s the home of millionaires and billionaires. There are so many horses that most of the roads are unpaved, to make it easier on the hooves. There’s even a genuine fox hunt, modelled on an English one, though its history is the reverse of hunts in the UK. The Essex Fox Hounds started in the 1870s as a drag hunt – that is, riders chased an artificial scent. This was because “the country was hardly suitable for the best results in foxhunting, as much of it was absolutely unrideable; and … the supply of foxes limited” according to the hunt’s website. But while in England, animal rights legislation has forced hunts to more or less avoid killing foxes and chase a scent instead, their New Jersey brethren have tamed their wild countryside, imported English foxhounds, and allowed their fox population to grow to a number which allows them to hunt regularly. Few in BS3 would approve, but the two Bedminsters are very different. Back in the day of the 1749 royal deed, though, the New Jersey countryside was untamed and unmapped. Hence the deed had to spell out the limits of the new township: “Beginning at the Mouth of a Brook known by the name of Chamber’s Brook from thence up the said Brook to McDaniels Mill standing at the North West End of the first Mountain, from thence up a small Branch of said Brook to the Second Mountain and along by the West Corner of Jacob Brewer’s house …” and so on. The royal deed gives Bedminster the right “To be and Remain a Perpetual Township and community in Word and in Deed to be Called

Hillary Clinton: Like Donald Trump, she also has a Bedminster connection. Her great-great grandfather was Edwin John Howell, who was born about 1866 and lived in King Street, Bedminster. (The street was parallel to Princess Street, next to the railway near Bedminster station, but no longer exists – it’s now covered by industrial buildings). Edwin, his father, also called Edwin, and grandfather Benjamin were all shipwrights who worked in Bristol harbour. In 1881 the family were at 19 King Street (they had also lived at No 2 and No 5) and Edwin, 15 was listed as a dray boy. Edwin emigrated to the USA and was living in Elgin, Illinois, by the 1890s. He later found work in the car factories of Chicago. His son, also Edwin, had a daughter, Dorothy, who, in 1947, gave birth to Hillary. Hillary Clinton once said her great-great grandfather had been Welsh. He wasn’t, though the family had Welsh relatives, and did live in Swansea for a time in the 1870s. and Known by the Name of the Township of Bedminster,” as well as permission to appoint a constable. Yet as we saw last month, this new land was not a free one for all its inhabitants. Many of the settlers, even the idealistic Quakers, kept slaves. And their treatment of the Native American population was abominable. William Penn, founder of

Pennsylvania, dictated that his huge plantation at Pennsbury, PA, should be worked by African slaves in preference to white servants. “It was better they was blacks, for then a man has them while they live.” This shocking sentence was in a letter he wrote from England to his agent in Philadelphia. Continued overleaf

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n HISTORY Continued from pg. 33 By this Penn means that he can keep Africans working all their lives. In contrast, white servants could be worked almost as slaves by being indentured for a number of years – but then they were free. Yet the Quakers were among the first to see that slavery was unChristian, and wrong. Penn himself proposed that Pennsylvanian slaves should be freed after a number of years, and allowed to live in a new Freetown. But the Pennsylvania Assembly, which he had set up and was dominated by Quakers, refused. The reason: there was a shortage of labour, not only for the huge job of clearing the new farms and townships, but for working the new industries such as ironworks, tanning, mining and salt-making. There was also a huge market for food – the slave plantations of the West Indies made so much money from sugar that their owners would not grow food there, and preferred to buy it from the new Americans. At first the white indentured

William Penn: This painting, Penn’s Treaty with the Indians by Benjamin West, shows William Penn, centre, negotiating a land purchase with the Lenni Lenape or Delaware Indians at the Treaty of Shackamaxon in 1682. Some historians believe Penn’s sons destroyed the treaty so that they could break the deal and obtain more land from the Native Americans.

servants were the majority. So many were shipped to the New World from Bristol that the city corporation ordered a record to be kept. The result, The Bristol Registers of Servants Sent to Foreign Plantations, 1654-1686, is one of the most valuable records of the period. The council’s aim was to prevent unfortunate youths being more or less enslaved – because the “servants” had no rights while they were serving their indentures. Generally they were entitled to land or other goods

FACTFILE Two Bedminsters compared Bedminster Bristol

Parking Two Resident Parking Schemes have not solved chronic parking woes, especially around North Street and Ashton Gate stadium Public transport Numerous bus routes including two ‘rapid transit’ Metrobus routes; railway stations at Bedminster (average approx 252 passengers a day), Parson Street (average approx 378 passengers a day). Sports Ashton Court stadium, capacity 27,000 – championship football club Bristol City, premiership rugby union club Bristol Bears. Swimming pools Dean Lane, Bedminster, 30.5m length. Annual membership £220 Golf courses Long Ashton golf club Annual membership £1,225 Places to visit Ashton Court – Tudor mansion and 850-acre estate; Arnos Vale – historic 42-acre cemetery & woodland; North Street – revived shopping street with acclaimed butchers, bakers, restaurants, craft and art shops Property Median home price £312,500 (BS3 postcode, home.co.uk) Poverty In Bedminster ward 21.7% of children live in low income families; Southville ward 15.1% Crime* Burglary 5.1 per 1,000 people Violent & sexual offences 27.2 per 1,000 All crimes 76.5 per 1,000 * Bedminster ward only, 2018-19

worth £10 when they finished their indenture – usually no less than four years. The devastation of Bedminster in 1645 at the end of the English Civil War no doubt contributed to the number wanting to emigrate to the New World, even if the conditions were harsh. The Bristol Registers contain 13 names of Bedminster servants bound to new masters. In the period covered by the book, most went to the West Indies or to tobacco plantations in Virginia rather than Pennsylvania; a

Bedminster NJ

Parking Gee, no problem. But more than half the roads are unpaved – the horses prefer it Public transport Somerset County service on Route 206 serves Bridgewater, Somerville, Raritan, and Hillsborough. Lakeland Bus Lines’ Route 78 rushhour service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Far Hills station 3 miles – serves Hoboken, NY and Manhattan. Average 113 passengers a day. Sports Essex Fox Hounds, Peapack; Mars Essex Horse Trials, Moorland Farm, Far Hills; Trump National golf course & country club: spa, tennis courts, riding trails, heliport, 11 cottages. Swimming pools Trump National, 22.86m length. Annual membership $300,000 Golf courses Five – two at Trump National, three at Fiddler’s Elbow county club Places to visit Vanderveer-Knox House & Museum – 1770s home used by General Henry Knox during the Revolutionary War; Pluckemin Continental Artillery Cantonment Site, where General Henry Knox created America’s first artillery training academy during the winter of 1778-1779. Property Median home price $382,700 (£303,000, niche.com) Poverty About 0.9% of families and 2.7% of population below poverty line (2010) Crime* Burglary 0.121 per 1,000 Assault 0.121 per 1,000 Theft 2.53 per 1,000 Motor vehicle theft 0.241 per 1,000 Murder, rape, robbery 0 per 1,000 *Niche.com

typical entry of 1656 reads: “William Taylor of Bedminster, Somerset, smith, to Henry Joice of Bristol, 4 yrs, Virginia”. Often the migrants were those who had lost a parent or breadwinner: in the same year, “Rebecca James of Bedminster, Som, spinster” and “Henry, son of John Saunders of Bedminster deceased,” both left for four years in the service of a John Kingford in Virginia. The life of the indentured servants was bad but but life for African slaves was worse: as Penn so gracelessly recorded, they could be worked their whole life. Yet William Penn may have been among the first to try to end the evil of slavery in the Americas. As mentioned, he tried to put a limit on the length of time slaves were in bondage. He also in 1701 wrote in his will: “ … and my blacks [given] their freedom, as under my hand already…” He seemed to have repented. Yet he wrote two more wills before he died in 1718, and neither of them mentioned freedom for his slaves. Quakers were nevertheless among the first to campaign for emancipation, in America and in Britain. When the Gradual Emancipation Act was passed by the Pennsylvania legislature 1780, it was the first democratic law ever known to abolish slavery. There were still 3,737 African American slaves in the state in 1790; by 1840 there 64. America as a whole, of course, did not agree to free the slaves: the question was not to be settled until it tore the country apart in the Civil War of 1861-65. THE NATIVE AMERICANS: Swindled and dispossessed William Penn also professed to respect the Native Americans who had inhabited the North American forests and valleys for 12,000 years before Europeans arrived. “My King hath given me

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September 2019

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n HISTORY a great province which I … desires to enjoy with their [Native Amercians’] love and consent”, Penn once wrote. On another occasion: “I desire to gain your [Native Americans’] Love and Friendship by a Kind, Just and Peaceable Life.” A peaceable life was one thing the unnumbered tribes of the North enjoyed. The Shawnee had been reduced from 10,000 to 6,000 in eastern Pennsylvania in 1700; by 1737 they were cheated out of their last lands by John and Thomas Penn, sons of William. The Penn brothers claimed their father had ruled that no man could buy more land from Native Americans than he could walk in a day and a half. This was known as the Walking Agreement, though there’s no evidence it existed. Even so, the brothers decided to cheat: Thomas hired the three fastest runners he could find to cover as much ground as they could. He succeeded in claiming half a million acres in 1737, which he then sold to settlers, just as his father had. Similarly, the Susquehannock of Pennsylvania had been reduced in number from 7,000 in 1600 to only 300 in 1700. In 1763, the remaining 20 were killed by settlers. The same story is told of the peoples known as the Wenro, Iroquois, Mingo, Erie, Mahicans, Conoys, Naticokes, Saponis, Cayugas, Wyandots, Chippewas, Missisaugas and

the Ottawas. Still other tribes in Pennsylvania were wiped out without being identified. It is a little unfair to characterise the story of the two American Bedminsters as one of savagery and repression. We tell the tale because it is still the story told less often than the one about the brave, industrious white settlers who founded the world’s wealthiest nation. Still, we should not condemn the new Americans any more than we should the English slavemasters who prospered in Bristol. The tale of the Bedminsters is also the story of Bristol. Let’s hope that in the future, there is more that unites us all than divides us. Sources • With thanks to Brooks Betz, aka Mr Local History, in New Jersey, who dashed off a most informative article when contacted by South Bristol Voice: www.mrlocalhistory.org/tale-of-twobedminsters/ • The Life & Family of William Penn: 260 Years of Bloody Colonial History Jim McNeill, Bristol Radical Pamphleteer • History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, New Jersey James P Snell, 1881 • Locality, Regeneration & Divers[c]ities edited by Sarah Bennett, John H. Butler • The ‘versus’ habit: Bristol, Banksy and the Barons, PJ Gough, in Lest We Forget, Black Dog Press, eds. Maggie Andrews, Charlie Bagot-Jewitt and Nigel Hunt, 2011 • The Bristol Registers of Servants Sent to Foreign Plantations, 1654-1686, Peter Wilson Coldham, Baltimore, Genealogical Pub. Co., 1988. • essexfoxhounds.org/about-us

Bedminster, Pennsylvania The fame of Donald Trump’s New Jersey golf course has overshadowed the other American Bedminster, in Pennsylvania. Its first landmark was the Deep Run Presbyterian church, founded in 1725. In 1742, residents petitioned the state’s Court of Quarter sessions to sanction a township. The survey was done by one John Chapman, said to be the man who named the town after Bedminster, England, though we don’t know what his connection was with Bristol. The 35 original residents were mainly Irish and German, and when the church was rebuilt in 1841 it was known as the Irish Meeting House, indicating both Irish and Quaker residents. Like the rest of Penn’s settlements, it attracted a wide range of nationalities, almost all Protestant sects. The town has also had a Mennonite church – a Dutch sect whose members refused military service and public office. It also had Tohickon Reformed church founded by a Swiss pastor, and Keller’s church, founded by German Lutherans. Originally the village was called Bedminsterville. The township also includes Dublin, Pipersville, Hagersville and Keelersville. Like Bedminster NJ, it’s rural and prosperous. In the late 1800s its businesses included creameries, taverns, mills, general merchandise stores, masons, painters, shoemakers, saddlers and harness makers, tinsmiths, wheelwrights, carpenters and builders, butchers, cigar makers and dealers. It had 6,574 residents in 2010, 93.6 per cent of them white, 0.8 per cent black or African American, 1.9 per cent Asiana and 2.5 per cent Hispanic. Just 0.2 per cent remain from the Native American population. Average income at the 2019 census was $29,153. About 2.8 per cent of families and 3.9 per cent of the population were below the poverty line.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

September 2019

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n THE CITY PAGE

BRISTOL CITY ROUND-UP

Brexit (not that one!) gives opportunity for new European stars MARTIN POWELL says there is a real spirit of Euro unity at Ashton Gate but fans will only be happy if this translates to ‘les triomphes’ on the field after a shaky start

t is an interesting project and we are all keen to know whether people from many nations across Europe can form a union and achieve success. Of course, I’m not talking here about anything that involves a referendum but Bristol City’s season following a major influx of new faces. From France we have the “wonderkid” HansNoah Massengo, bringing a combination of youth, talent and an amazing haircut to South Bristol and likely to be an instant hit with young fans. From Hungary we have Adam Nagy, who impressed in his first game against Birmingham and looks like being a rock in the midfield. From Czechia (that’s the Czech Republic for older readers and Czechoslovakia for

pensioners) comes Tomas Kalas, who impressed so much last year he’s made a permanent move to be the pivotal defender. From Portugal we have Pedro Periera, who again made an impressive first team debut with a promise of more to come as he settles in to his new surroundings. With a new Irish back-up goalkeeper in Rene Gilmartin joining the ranks that already boast players from Austria, Finland, Wales, Senegal, Sweden and England it is no wonder that former City player Kalifa Cisse has joined the backroom staff as he speaks five languages. The two players that stood out in the first few games are both from these shores. Tommy Rowe looks like adding some muchneeded maturity to a team of future stars while Kasey Palmer,

Kasey Palmer walking out onto the pitch with his son who on loan last year never quite fulfilled his promise, looks as though he is gearing up for a top season. Of course with enough new arrivals to form a team it means some players exiting Bristol City (let’s make up a word and call it Brexit for brevity). Adam Webster secured a superb deal that sees him playing Premier League football and the club ploughing much of the money back into Europe as a result. Marlon Pack, a solid performer over many years, made a surprise Brexit to Cardiff in a last-minute surprise deal. For Jamie Paterson and Mat Taylor, although there was much talk of a deal the deadline came and went and now Paterson finds himself on loan in the same division while Matty Taylor has to examine what “no deal” means for him. Let’s hope he gets an opportunity to play his part in the season ahead alongside newly

recruited Benik Afobe, as he has always given 100 per cent and is a fans favourite. August looked like a difficult month from the second the fixture list was published and a defeat in the first game at Leeds meant that all the talk of “team bonding” in Florida sounded a little hollow and sparked the influx of new players. Defeat in a penalty shoot-out against QPR means interest in the Carabao Cup is already over and an early injury to Jay Dasilva, who many thought would make an impact this year, shows just how hard it is to predict success. One thing is certain ... Bristol City as a business is making real progress. The value of the assets that each of the players represent has risen enormously in the last two years. The club is now trading players in the £8 million to £20 million category. But fans will only be happy if the value of those players equates to results. The hard work of bringing all the players together into a European Union that is popular with the public has just begun for Lee Johnson and his team.

Martin’s shorts

Former City player and Bristolian Steve Stacey is back at Ashton Gate on the evening of Friday September 6 (7pm) as his story “The Colour of Football” is published. He was the first black African-American to grace the game. He currently lives in Australia.

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LETTERS

Please keep letters as short as possible, and provide your postal address.

It’s not negativity In the latest edition of their leaflet delivered in our ward, Knowle Lib Dems once again career from the pavement into the gutter, with their unsubstantiated slur on local Labour Party members. The leaflet implies that Labour are opposed to the new school by falsely accusing local members of negativity. Those who genuinely represent the interests of the people of Knowle, by asking legitimate questions and raising concerns over consultation about a much needed new school in our district that may cost £26m, should be applauded not criticised. Chris and Gary may find that distortion and half truths don’t work next time they go looking for votes from those people of Knowle. Albert Lightfoot, Knowle

Power of faith Firstly, well done on such an

excellent publication each month, always a joy to read Secondly, thank you for the “Thought of the month’ included in each publication. It is I am sure appreciated by many of your readers. The message shared in the August edition is very real, that sense of loss and difficulty and yet the reality of the lady’s Christian faith shone brightly. This was what brought her through and undoubtedly will be a great encouragement to others facing similar challenges. With very kind regards, Graham P Steer BS14

A vital cause Across Bristol around 4,000 people are living with dementia. Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes. Of the top 10 causes of death, dementia is the only one we cannot prevent, cure or slow down. Alzheimer’s Society is calling on family, friends and colleagues to unite against dementia this

autumn by signing up for Memory Walk. I love taking part in my local Memory Walk every year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the life of my Nana Iris who I lost to dementia, whilst uniting with thousands of other walkers who are also affected. I’d love to see more people attend Memory Walk than ever before, raising more money and more awareness. We need new treatments for dementia now - there have been none in the last 15 years. We owe it to the 850,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia to do something to change this. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide vital information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change. Unite against dementia and sign up to the Bristol Memory Walk on Saturday 7 September at memorywalk.org.uk Name supplied Got something to say? Write to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX

Donations needed Are you able to donate the following items to support the work carried out by volunteers at Redcatch Community Garden? The group is in need of the following items and would be grateful for any items that can be donated: • Wheelbarrows • Watering cans • Secateurs • Garden fork • Spades • Hoes • Planters/large pots (not plastic) • Used shopping/carrier bags • A microwave Items can be donated at the Roots Cafe during the daytime.

Older people’s club Bedminster Social Club is an informal group of older people who meet regularly to chat and drink coffee/tea in a cafe in West Street. New members are always welcome. Membership is free. For more info, contact Ben Barker on 0117 9633652 or benbarker@blueyonder.co.uk

Little Cleve Nursery Spaces available from September 2019 We welcome children from 2 years-old 15 and 30 Hours Funding Accepted Eligible 2 year-old fund places available Please contact us for more information 254 Wells Road, Knowle Bristol BS4 2PN Phone 0117 9777218 Email: clevehouseschool@btinternet.com

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

n WHAT’S ON Tuesday September 3 n Knowle Townswomen’s Guild 2pm at Redcatch Community Centre. As part of celebrating the Townwomen’s Guild 90th birthday, we will be holding a “Challenge” afternoon where we will be: Making a new hat from an old one, making a cake from a 1929 recipe (the year we were founded), finding out the duties of a poll vlerk and chatting with someone new. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ knowletownswomensguild

YOGA with Jo Hatha Yoga - Mon, 6-7pm, Centre for Whole Health, BS3 3BP Hatha Yoga - Weds, 7-8pm, Windmill Hill City Farm, BS3 4EA Vinyasa Flow - Sat, 10-11am, Urban Gym, BS3 5AA

£9 drop in or 6 classes for £42

Book at www.yoga-with-jo.co.uk Tel: 07808215224 Email: hello@yoga-with-jo.co.uk

GOT A LISTING YOU WANT INCLUDED? Email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Arnos Vocale Do you love classical vocal music, great jazz standards and beautiful international folksongs? Join Arnos Vocale! Experience of choral singing & reasonable sight-reading ability preferable but come for a free trial. Sessions are £8 each week. Knowle Methodist Church Hall (entrance in Redcatch Road) every Tuesday 7.30-9pm. Contact Anya Szreter: szreter. afm@icloud.com

Thursday September 12 n SpeakUp! 6-7pm at Knowle Constitutional Club. A monthly club to practise speaking in public. Receive advice on what to say and how to say it in a relaxed, confidential and supportive setting. Tickets are £10 a session and can be purchased online: bit.ly/SpeakUpKnowle Saturday September 14 n An evening of music at Redcatch Community Centre, BS4 2EP, performances start at 7.45pm and end 10.30pm. The format will be an open mic

BRISTOL A.R.C. UPDATE

September 2019

southbristolvoice

followed by a spotlight then headline performances from two accomplished local acoustic duos: Jim Reynolds and Hilary Pavey, and Jan Vaisey and Ian Harvey. Entry is £8 (cash only) and £3 for open mic performers. It is a BYO event. We will be selling tea and coffee. n Nature Fun Day 1-4pm at Callington Road Nature Reserve. Fun for all ages - everyone welcome! For further details visit callingtonroadnaturereserve. weebly.com

SOUTH BRISTOL Wellbeing Choir Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian Street, Windmill Hill Every Thursday 7-8.30pm

A relaxed, fun choir with no need to audition. No subscription, just a suggested donation (£5).

FIRST SESSION FREE! Find us on southbristolwellbeingchoir

The Rising Sun live listings - August Windmill Hill, BS3 4LU Fri, 6th: Los Gusanos • Sat, 7th: TBC • Sun, 8th: Lewis Creaven and Patrick Farrell • Sat, 14th: Trip For Biscuits • Fri, 20th: Bandaoke • Sat, 21st: Benny J • Fri, 27th: Ruzz Guitar & Henry Slim • Sat, 28th: The Kitchen Syncopators • Sun, 29th: Red Ray & The Reprobates (trio). Live music on Fri or Sat starts at 9pm and 4pm on Sun. We also have a weekly Open Mic night now on Wednesdays, Jive Bristol 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month and ‘Jam On The Hill’ on the last Tuesday of the month. For daytime events, follow The Rising Sun on Facebook Saturday September 21 n Windmill Hill Community Centre Fun Day Vivian Street, BS3 4LW, from 2pm. Lots of local musicians playing after 4pm and in the small hall after 2pm

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

Get quizzical for rescue centre in September!

f you’re a bit of a ‘whizz at a quiz’ and know your Beethoven from your Brian Adams, or how much the heaviest dog weighs, get your dream team together and join a charity Quiz & Curry Night in aid of Bristol A.R.C.! In teams of 4 – 6, enjoy a tasty fresh curry and a beer while your team, made up from workmates,

your family or your friends, shows off their which team is really ‘top dog’. Best of all there’s a chance to bag a fantastic prize by taking part in our raffle on the night, with goodies from companies including Nando’s, Bristol Ferry Company, Costa, Locked in a Room and more! The Quiz is on-site at Bristol

A.R.C. on Friday 27 September, and free parking’s available on site. Doors open at 18.30 and the night runs from 19.00 until around 22.00. Tickets are £8.50 per person in advance or £9 on the night, available from Bristol A.R.C. or www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/ t-akdood. Your ticket includes entry plus a plate of delicious curry and

rice (meat, vegetarian or vegan options). There’s a licensed bar to buy beer, wine or soft drinks and we accept cash/card. So get your friends, your workmates or your family signed up and get set for a brilliant quiz night to support your local animal rescue centre!

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

September 2019

n WHAT’S ON we’re showcasing all our local volunteer groups. The following taster sessions will be taking place in the main hall: 2-2.30pm - Sarah Langford fitness pilates session, 2.30-3pm Paris Elton of Bristol Jeet Kune Do - practical self defence skills, 3-3.30pm Jumpfit bouncing exercise on rebound boots, 3.30-4pm - Jolly Tots under 5s play session. For more information, visit: www. whca.org.uk/funday

Nightingale Valley Community Choir No experience necessary, no need to read music. We cover a range of lighter repertoire from folk song to gospel, Broadway and even Mozart! St Anne’s Church, Salisbury Road every Monday 7.30-9pm (except 4th Monday of the month) Taster session, free then £5 each week. Contact Anya Szreter szreter.afm@icloud.com

southbristolvoice

GOT A LISTING YOU WANT INCLUDED? Email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Friday September 27 n A Century of Jazz on Screen at the Old Picture House, 7 Winton Street, Totterdown. Dave Merrick and Natalie Davis (‘Small Days’) will be showing and introducing classic footage from their favourite jazz on screen moments, involving classic blues and jazz singers, such as Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and others. Natalie and Dave will perform classic jazz and blues songs from the golden era of blues and jazz. Cost: £8 (Concession) or £10 per ticket.

Wednesday, seated and standing gentle exercises for older people with instructor Michelle Kusniere, 2-3.30pm at Knowle Methodist Church hall. Just £4. Contact: 07981 756965 or email timetmove5@gmail.com n Lunchtime Live every Friday at St Francis’ Church, Ashton Gate, 1.10-1.50pm.

Performances in a variety of genres: 6th Sept - Solo piano; 13th Sept - Double bass and piano; 20th Sept - Jazz duo, vocals and piano; 27th Sept Flute, cello and piano trio Tea and coffee available before each performance. Free entry, retiring collection. lunchtimelive.co.uk

Regular events n Baby Sensory is a learning development programme for babies 0-13 months. Classes at the Victoria Park Baptist Church Hall, Sylvia Avenue BS3 5DA on Tuesdays. For details email Sian at bristolsouth@babysensory. co.uk or visit babysensory.com/ bristol-south n Time to Move every

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Find out more and apply online or meet us at one of our regular recruitment events. www.brandontrust.org/jobs Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS check. We are an Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n CREATIVE COLUMN with JANE VELLENDER Artist

What inspires me to paint?

have always painted since I was a child growing up in the Cotswolds; it was a creative household, with a sculptor and seamstress for parents. Many of my students ask me what shall I paint? I tell them to look around, what do they enjoy, what speaks to you, as art affects the soul rather than head. What story does your painting tell, what memories or dreams does it hold for you? I am inspired by the variety of the natural world around me and Bristol, which I love. South Bristol is so under rated, with many tales to tell. It gives me enormous pleasure to talk to my customers and hear their stories and memories that they weave into the paintings they buy from me. I have noticed so many benefits of creating amongst my students, reducing stress and giving your brain a chance to rest from our busy lives, improving confidence and providing a sense of completion and achievement. Anyone can learn to paint or draw, no one has beaten me yet! Art can give so much enjoyment whether you collect art or paint, give it a go! Jane Vellender artist FB JaneVellenderArtist WhenArtMetCloth.com

Can you help students to help you in the community? Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Awards at the school this year. The award has four sections: Physical, Skill, Volunteering and Expedition. The volunteering section involves students giving their time to help people in need

in their local community for an hour a week spread over at least three months. “If you know of a group or organisation that students could volunteer or you belong to a sports club in the Withywood,

Hartcliffe or Knowle area, Merchants’ Academy would love to hear from you. Please contact Jonathan directly with details: jonathan.crouch@ merchantsacademy.org.”

Forums in South Bristol

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Invoet l Sept ved

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Local Housing Forums for Bristol council tenants

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Students at Merchants’ Academy in Withywood are looking for ways to get involved in their local area this year. A record uptake of nearly 50 students aged 13-16 are expected to start their Bronze and Silver

2019

Area 5: Monday 16 September 2019, 6.15-8.30pm Area 6: Wednesday 18 September, 2019, 6.15-8.30pm

Bedminster, Brislington East, Brislington West, Knowle, Southville, Windmill Hill

Bishopsworth, Filwood, Hartcliffe & Withywood, Hengrove & Whitchurch, Stockwood

At: City Hall Meeting Spaces First Floor - 1P 08, City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR

At: City Hall Meeting Spaces First Floor - 1P 09, City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR

Are you a council tenant in the areas listed above? Please get involved in your September Local Housing Forum - your opinions help us make decisions! Book a place and have your say on how the council housing service is run. Travel expenses can be reimbursed, plus free tea & coffee is provided. For further information contact: Tenant Participation (0117) 3521444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk. All details at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums.

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

September 2019

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n THE WICKED WITCH OF KNOWLE In witch I embrace the great outdoors

ot that long ago my family loved camping holidays, ramming the contents of our house into the car with the kids perched on top. Pitching our tent on a sloping field, a million miles from the toilet block. Pumping up beds, assembling tables, bickering, then opening the wine. Perfect. Now we are old, Himself is not so keen. Waking up damp and dewy, face pressed against the nylon wall after sliding off a deflated bed, just didn’t appeal to him anymore. So, we purchased a static caravan in Dorset which is basically a house and not quite the same. Our site allows tents and I prowl through this canvas village, eyes green with tent envy. The joy of sitting outdoors, a fire scorching the ground, gazing through the choking smoke at a sky full of stars is total bliss and I miss it. But wait. I am an Assistant Beaver Leader. As such I get to go

on Scout Camp, proper, wild outside madness. This year we headed off to a remote place near Frome. I had been given the map coordinates because I am in the Scouts and should know what to do with this information. I did consider them for a moment, wondering what they meant, then stabbed the postcode into Google Maps. Google obviously thought I was not trying hard enough and punished me by taking a crazy route via tiny weenie roads. One wasn’t even a road, it had grass down the middle. Two fraught hours later me and Akela (who was following, the fool) arrived to find camp had been set up without us. Happy days. One of the Scout leaders is a firefighter. He is the King of camp,

THE WICKED WITCH OF KNOWLE

albeit a little bit grumpy, our very own Bear Grylls but with a generator, fridge and matches. The fire was roaring after a blast from the leaf blower (naughty) and his legendary stew was bubbling on the stove. It was perfect. The kids arrived, immediately disappearing into the woods, screeching and laughing - the glorious freedom of our beautiful countryside. The weekend was filled with non-stop fun and a dash of danger. We played ‘kick the can’ at night. No idea what the rules were, I sprinted about blindly trying to catch kids, who all managed to twist out of reach – they were ridiculously quick. We cooked spirals of dough on long sticks, poked into the roaring fire which puffed up into grey/black bread then smothered in chocolate and devoured. Threw French Arrows that were immediately lost

Who is the Wicked Witch? She’s been taking a walk on the wild side with a group of very excitable youngsters THIS WITCH TWEETS: @witchyofknowle

high in the trees. Constructed a floating raft, with no drownings. But the best activity was the brainchild of my fellow Witch of the Cubs and one I had been sceptical about. It involved bandages, fake blood and realistic wounds. When the parents turned up to collect the day visiting Beavers they were greeted by the living dead and nearly had heart attacks. Made me laugh, a lot. My proudest moment was being presented with my very own knife. It was small, sharp, clipped onto my belt and became my catchphrase. Anyone asking for scissors or a potato peeler and I was there shouting “I have a knife”. I whittled sticks and buttered bread with it - a proper outdoorsy Witch. Then, as quick as a yawn from a tired Scout leader, the weekend was over. Bleary-eyed, grubby faced kids were collected, the fire was extinguished, and the tents were collapsed. The leaders had a group hug (shudder) and we headed home to sleep for a week.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

n THE MAYOR

Improving mental health for all of us

September 2019

MARVIN REES Mayor of Bristol and others. But I will continue to push for improvements to accessing mental health services; promoting and creating positive, fun and challenging opportunities to help children and young people develop their confidence, creativity and resilience. Thrive Bristol aims to improve mental health and wellbeing for all, with a focus on those with greatest need. The programme launched city-wide in 2018 and takes a One City approach to tackling shared challenges. Targets include eradicating mental health stigma and discrimination, rolling out Mental Health Awareness training, and creating mentally healthy schools, workplaces, homes and communities. In fostering an environment where it is safe to speak about feelings and by building our capacity for resilience, I hope our children of the future and today will find the summer to school transition an enjoyable process.

ur city is a great place to be over the summer with free cultural festivals and historical attractions not only bringing citizens but also visitors from across the country and beyond. In the past few months, we have seen engaging and exciting events including St Paul’s Carnival, Bristol Pride, the Harbour Festival and the International Balloon Fiesta. But the nights are drawing in and many of us will be going back to school or work after a well-earned break. However, this transition is challenging for some. And knowing how to handle change is critical, especially for our young people. Having worked in the NHS in mental health and wellbeing, this is and continues to be a key priority of mine. Bristol has a higher than national average rate of residents with mental ill health. This is a devastating reality and one that I am not willing to ignore. I want to ensure that we all thrive in a city that supports both our physical and mental health. Part of achieving this is promoting mental health and wellbeing with a focus on early intervention. Crucially, our schools, colleges

and universities must play a role in enabling our young people to grow into resilient and confident adults. Our daily lives may sometimes be stressful. Ensuring young people have skills to cope with this is key to preventing more serious issues in later life. The first steps involve helping them see how to talk openly about their feelings and care for themselves

“Bristol has a higher than

national average rate of residents with mental ill health. This is a devastating reality and one that I am not willing to ignore.”

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September 2019

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n BALLOON FIESTA

It was sadly a weekend of high winds and rain for this year’s Bristol Balloon Fiesta. But despite adverse weather conditions, plenty of fun was had on the ground, and clear weather on Thursday allowed for an early mass ascent across the skies and a naked nightglow in the evening. The Darth Vader balloon, which was made in Bristol by Cameron Balloons, was able to make its first voyage across the city, much to the delight of fiesta organisers and onlookers.

Readers’ photos: Clockwise from left, taken by 9 year-old, Eloïse, outside McColls, Knowle; getting ready by Tim Maynard; Phoebe and Benaiah looking out at the balloons in Totterdown; snowmen by Sam Astall; and Darth Vadar by Kim Hicks

Spectacular ... but rain leaves fiesta goers slightly deflated Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS Windmill Hill ward: Awaiting decision 10 Quantock Road, BS3 4PF Single storey rear extension with raised decking. 10 Ravenhill Avenue, BS3 5DU New raised terrace to rear. Windmill Hill ward: Decision 143 Sylvia Avenue, BS3 5BY Side and rear single storey extension. Granted subject to condition(s) Knowle ward: Awaiting decision 75 Kingshill Road, BS4 2SW Retention of detached single storey builidng in rear garden. Ilminster Avenue E-Act Academy, BS4 1BX Replace existing crittall windows and one door with powder coated aluminium on two sides of the building

September 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

25 Beaconsfield Road, BS4 2JE Application for Outline Planning Permission With Some Matters Reserved - Erection of 2 self-contained dwelling houses. Approval sought for Access, layout, and scale. Knowle ward: Decision 42 Greenmore Road, BS4 2LE First floor extension over existing garage and single storey rear ground floor extension following demolition of part of existing kitchen. Granted subject to condition(s) 12 Friendship Road, BS4 2RN Single storey rear extension. Granted subj to condition(s) • The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planningonline.bristol.gov.uk

Got news? Email news@ southbristolvoice.co.uk

Do you want to learn English? Would you like to understand native speakers better, or speak better and improve your pronunciation? Maybe you want to learn how to read and write. Here is your chance! During the course, students will: Listen First, we will understand your English level and all listening material will be graded to your level. We’ll listen to station announcements, weather reports, shop talk for asking questions and understanding responses. We will also listen to opinions, interviews, directions and university lectures! Speak You’ll learn how to meet and greet new people, ask questions, describe people, describe places, give instructions, opinions and advice and agree and disagree politely. We will tell stories, talk about the past and the future and take on difficult topics like the environment, and technology. Read Reading aids writing. It helps grammar and speaking skills. It also introduces you to new vocabulary.

It is an essential skill in language progress. You’ll first read short texts such as medicine instructions or signs. Longer texts will be emails, letters, stories, websites, blogs, essays, reports and reviews. Write We will write many of the texts mentioned in Reading. We use them as models and understand the structure of a letter, essay and a report. We’ll produce paragraphs and learn about links and cohesion. It will feel really good to see your words on paper! I am a teacher with over 21 years of language teaching experience. I’m highly qualified and will start English classes at Totterdown Methodist Church on Friday, September 20, 18.30-19.30. Cost is £3 per lesson. If you want to learn English, call me, Kavita on 0117 907 6752 for information and to register. Or, come to our first session on September, 20 to register and test your level. We look forward to seeing you there!

Selling with integrity Here’s a little of what you can expect when you deal with Urban Lighthouse: - One point of contact throughout - Experience, the kind that comes with 20+ years in the business - No kickbacks for referrals - A long-term BS3 resident with a genuine interest in the local community

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

with Edward Kelly Pastoral Team, St Gerard Majella, Knowle

once had a landlady who was rather proud that she could say exactly to the day when her living room carpet was laid. “Nineteen sixty three, Edward” she’d say “the day JFK was assassinated”. That was 1991, so her carpet had been down almost thirty years by then.

I thought of her the other day when it was announced that the floor of St Gerard Majella’s hall has been sanded (and generally upgraded) for the first time since 1938! Good news, I’m sure, for the salsa classes, but just think of the sheer amount of comings and goings across that floor in eighty

one years. Even if, like me, you have not had time off over the summer, September can still feel like a sudden rushed resumption to life’s normal comings and goings, schools start over, the Wells Road is at a standstill again, everyone’s “back” and someone is

talking about Christmas already. So it’s important to just take a step back and be still. You might consider sitting in any one of the places of worship below. In case you’re wondering the floor at St Gerard’s is marble (mainly) and has been supporting us since 1909.

Regular Services

Pastor: Matthew Norris 07967 199995 bristolnazarene.com Sunday 10.30am Sunday Service; Wednesday 6pm Kids Klub; Thursday 7pm Youth club.

Sunday 8.30am Holy Communion; 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays 10.30am Holy Communion; 2nd Sunday 9.30am Rise and Shine: informal service, breakfast; 6pm Holy Communion; 4th Sunday 10.30am Family Communion.

Rev Andrew Orton Facebook: SBMCT Sunday Family Worship 10.30am; 1st Sunday Sunday School.

n St Michael & All Angels Vivian

Sunday 10.30am Service with groups for all ages; coffee 11.30am. 2nd Sunday Parade Service; 3rd Sunday Communion.

n Bedminster Church of Christ

298 St John’s Lane BS3 5AY Minister: Jason Snethen 07795 560990 churchofchristbristol.org Sunday 10am Bible Hour for all ages; 11am Worship; 5pm Worship; Tuesday 7.30pm Bible study; Thursday 10am Coffee morning; Friday 3.45-5pm After-school; 7-9.30pm Youth group.

n Bedminster Quaker Meeting House Wedmore Vale BS3 5HX Clerk: Chrissie Williams 0117 923 0020 bristolquakers.org.uk Sunday Worship 10.45am; 2nd & 4th Sunday Children’s meeting; 2nd Sunday Shared lunch.

n Church of the Nazarene Broad Walk, Knowle BS4 2RD

n Holy Nativity Church Wells Road, Knowle BS4 2AG Fr Steve Hawkins 07834 462054 Facebook: Holy Nativity Knowle Sunday 10am Parish Mass; Friday 10.30am Weekday Mass.

n Knowle Methodist Church

Redcatch Road, Knowle BS4 2EP Rev Andrew Orton Facebook: SBMCT Sunday 10.30am Worship and Junior Church (Minnows for pre-school children).

n St Martin’s Wells Road, Knowle S4 2NG Rev Becky Waring 0117 977 6275 Facebook: stmartinschurchknowle

Street, Windmill Hill BS3 4LW Rev Andrew Doarks 0117 977 6132 stmikechurch.co.uk Sunday 10am Family Service; Wednesday 10am Family Communion

n Victoria Park Baptist Church Sylvia Avenue BS3 5DA 0117 977 2484

victoriapark.org.uk

n St Gerard Majella

n Totterdown Baptist Church

Wells Road BS4 2AD tbc.org.uk Sunday 10.30am Morning Service; 2nd Sunday All-age Service; 6.30pm Evening Service (entrance Sydenham Road).

n Totterdown Methodist Church Bushy Park, Totterdown BS4 2AD

Talbot Road, Knowle BS4 2NP Parish Priest Fr George Henwood 0117 983 3924 • bristol. stgerardmajella@cliftondiocese.com gerardmajellaknowle.co.uk Sunday Mass 9am & 5pm Tues, Weds, Fri Mass 10am Sat Exposition 9.30am Benediction 10.15am Mass 10.30am Confession 11am

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n YOUR MP

KARIN SMYTH

Credit concerns

ince Universal Credit was introduced for all new claimants in Bristol South last summer, I’ve been helping constituents with many problems including delayed payments, inaccurate entitlement calculations and historic debt. I’ve also raised multiple issues with Ministers in Parliament and have been in contact with the Department for Work and Pensions to highlight concerns. Many people who attend my Money Entitlement Events are seeking help with Universal Credit and I’ve welcome representatives from the local Jobcentre and Citizens Advice to help work through some of these questions and problems. My next Money Entitlement event takes place between 10am and 12noon on Tue 1 Oct at Hartcliffe Community Centre. All are

welcome. More details are on my Facebook page. I read with interest, the latest report from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Universal Credit released in the summer. It echoes some of the issues I have identified and calls on the government to take decisive action to address these. A comprehensive and much-needed report with plenty of suggested next steps. Most importantly it includes calls to abolish the five-week wait for Universal Credit, as well as more flexibility with assessment periods to cater for self-employed people and those who may receive two payments within one calendar month. It also suggests granting children of all Universal Credit claimants free school meals and expanding phone and face-to-face support for those who may struggle with computers. And it advocates writing off historic tax credit over payments, which often occurred due to poor administration by government. As with my trailer safety APPG, these cross-party groups are an important part of

democracy. Not only do they bring together politicians from different political parties with a shared interest in a specific subject, but they also bring in evidence from industry experts and those directly affected by the topics discussed. The report recognises Universal Credit as ‘the most important reform of welfare policy for decades’ directly affecting one in four people. It is hugely relevant for Bristol South and, apart from some piecemeal changes to processing times, we’ve not had a satisfactory government response to-date. I hope that the new government under Prime Minister Boris Johnson will take on board the recommendations of this report and I will continue to push for the changes needed. If you’re experiencing any problems with Universal Credit, please do get in touch via the contact details below and I’ll see if I can help. Twitter: @karinsmyth Facebook: KarinSmythMP Website: www.karinsmyth.com

Share your news and views with us ... email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or call 07912484405

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n LOCAL SERVICES

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KN OW LE.BRISTOL@H U NT E R S . CO M / 01 1 7 9 7 2 39 48 SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT / H U N T E RS . CO M