SEA MONSTER

SEE MONSTER HAS AWAKENED

More details are announced this week about the free public events programme that kicks off during August Bank Holiday weekend, as SEE MONSTER’s transformation continues at the iconic Tropicana, in Weston-super-Mare. ‘The Awakening’ marks the emergence of the monster as it changes from a decommissioned North Sea offshore platform into one of the UK’s biggest art installations.

Beachside events will begin with three free drone shows, which will fill the night-time sky on Sunday 28 August, Tuesday 30 August and Thursday 1 September, created by the awardwinning studio SKYMAGIC, whose work includes the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and London New Year’s Eve. These magical moments will illuminate the story of SEE MONSTER and its journey from the North Sea to Weston-super-Mare, along with tales of reuse, renewables, and the great British weather. Over the following weeks, ‘The Transformation’ can be witnessed from the newly built Viewing Platform, situated inside the Tropicana. 30 During this time, people will see the decommissioned offshore platform evolve, as it is rehabilitated with an oasis of grasses, plants and trees selected to thrive in a seaside microclimate; shimmering scales made up of 6,000 pieces that form the kinetic façade; artist-designed experiments in renewable energy generation; and a seated amphitheatre, from which the coastline and Wales may be seen from the telescopes onboard.

SEE MONSTER’s Studio will also open in partnership with BBC Radio Bristol who will be broadcasting regular shows from the SEE MONSTER site, piloting new pop-up studio technology. This space will also be used by national and international broadcasters, content creators and educators, to tell stories of the monster’s themes.

SEE MONSTER’s roar will be heard when the waterfall begins its cascade in September, along with the unique lighting design, which will mark the next phase for this one-of-a-kind immersive public art installation.

By the end of September, visitors will be able to climb onboard this 35-metre beast of the sea, be immersed in clouds as they enter the Cellar, and witness renewable technologies in the Garden Lab, before reaching the pinnacle of the monster at the Helideck - a space that will reveal hitherto unseen coastal views.

Patrick O’Mahony, Creative Director and Founder of NEWSUBSTANCE, the Leeds-based studio leading SEE MONSTER’s creative team, said, “This is an extraordinarily exciting project to be working on, and we’re thrilled that the transformation of SEE MONSTER is underway. SEE MONSTER is a world first and while this has taken longer than anticipated, we are incredibly grateful to the people of Weston-super-Mare, as well as North Somerset and Weston Town Councils for their support and patience on this journey.” SEE MONSTER is one of ten major creative projects commissioned as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, which is currently underway in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Martin Green CBE, Chief Creative Officer at UNBOXED; Creativity in the UK, commented: “SEE MONSTER is no doubt the biggest of the UNBOXED projects, physically, but what it shares with the other nine, is incredible creative ambition. SEE MONSTER brings together enormously talented people from art, engineering, science, and design to make something that has never been done before. It’s about testing ideas for the future and our thanks go out to the people of Weston-super-Mare for welcoming this bold experiment, which we hope they will be very proud to have helped create.”

Cllr Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy at North Somerset Council, said: “SEE MONSTER is capturing the imaginations of residents and visitors who are eagerly watching its transformation from an offshore platform to a monster. The arrival in July was just the warm-up act, but the drone shows will be spectacular curtain raisers for what promises to be a very exciting autumn in Weston-super-Mare.”

ANOTHER ROUND-UP OF LOCAL NEWS FROM YOUR HARDWORKING LIB DEM TEAM

BOATYARD LATEST:

Local residents may be aware that the construction company, Mid Group, who were building the new Boatyard development by Totterdown Bridge has gone into administration. Over the last few weeks, we have written to the Mayor’s Office, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing, and Clarion Housing, who were due to be running the scheme, to offer our help and support and to ask that we be kept in the loop so that we can report any updates to local residents. We also raised our concerns about the blocked pavement, cycle path and bus lane on the northern side of the Bath Road adjacent to the site and the fact that the temporary lights to help pedestrians cross the busy road were switched off and then removed. We received the following response from Clarion: “We appreciate the note on the lights and have already engaged with a partner to address this and ensure that these are maintained and in full working order to maintain a safe environment. We understand the query on the pavement, and unfortunately this is currently not possible due to the crane position. However, we will look to get the footpath reopened as soon as we can once works recommence.” 32

CALLINGTON ROAD NATURE RESERVE:

Many residents were very concerned about the low water levels in the pond in Callington Road Nature Reserve. In response to a query we submitted to the council, we received the following advice from their Nature Conservation Officer: “As the pond is supposed to be a wildlife pond, as harsh as it may seem, it is better to let nature take it's course - the occasional drying out of ponds is a natural occurrence. It would actually be better for wildlife if the fish (which are presumably goldfish that people have released in there) weren't in there anyway. It is unadvisable to move them to other established ponds as this risks accidentally also transferring diseases. So unless someone wants to create a new or temporary pond to house the fish until that pond fills up again, I don't think there is anything that can be done.”Thankfully, the recent heavy rain has replenished the pond to a certain extent.

Thank you to everyone who came to this year’s Talbot Road Allotment Show. It was another successful event, which seems to get bigger and better every year. There was fantastic produce on display, delicious cakes and wonderful entertainment from a local ukulele band. Well done to everyone involved. GAOL FERRY BRIDGE CLOSURE:

Don't forget, Gaol Ferry Bridge has now closed for essential repairs. Please follow the diversion via Bedminster Bridge or Vauxhall Bridge. COST OF LIVING SUPPORT:

The rising cost of living is affecting everybody in the city in different ways. In response, the council have put together a guide with useful websites, community organisations, advice and guidance. https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-and-communities/cost-of-living-support BRISTOL HOUSING FORUM:

The next round of Housing Forums for council tenants and leaseholders is taking place online in September.

For the Autumn meetings residents are invited to help shape how the council improve the look and feel of blocks, estates and communal areas. Following the Big Housing Conversation in 2021, additional investment has been identified to help with this and the council would now like to know how residents think this money should be spent. The council would also like to hear views on security, and ideas for supporting nature and wildlife around homes. At the Forums, there will also be an update on the Bristol Housing Allocations Review and how residents can get involved and give their views. For more information, visit: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ council-homes/accessing-council-and-social-housing If you would like to attend a forum, you can book a place using the links below. Following registration further details will be sent to confirm your booking and provide the Zoom link/ dial in number to join the meeting. Online Housing Forum Wednesday 14th September 2022 1pm – 3pm: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/383951638687

Online Housing Forum Monday 19th September 2022 6pm – 8pm: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/383950415027

There's also a free phone-in option. For details, email tpu@bristol.gov.uk Hundreds of Brislington West residents have signed up to receive our monthly newsletter via email. You can register using this link: http://www.bristollibdems.org/efocus.

By Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370429

& Andrew Varney, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.andrew.varney@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 183381