Lamplighter Arts CIC, creators of Church Road Lantern parade and lead artists for Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade, are running a series of free workshops this October.
Lamplighter Arts CIC, creators of Church Road Lantern parade and lead artists for Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade, are running a series of free workshops this October.
Lamplighters Arts CIC invites people of all ages to join in and celebrate Bristol's historical and cultural heritage through a spectacular lantern carnival on Sunday 30 October. Spooky stories steeped in Bristol’s rich history and mythology will come to life with a parade of illuminated giant lanterns starting in Broadmead and finishing on Queens Square.
To help bring these giant lanterns to life, workshops will be held in October at Bristol Old Vic, The Galleries and in Bristol’s Old City. The workshops are aimed at people of all ages and skill levels and include family-friendly half-term dates.
Workshops will allow participants to contribute to the creation of these illuminated spectacles, learning new skills and engaging in conversation about Bristol art, culture, history and nature.
Each lantern has been allocated a team, with participants choosing one lantern to help create and then follow as part of the procession. These include a Ghost Ship based on the Llangdoger Trow, an 8ft tall Bristol giant Patrick Cotter who lived here in the 1700s and bats made from recycled milk bottles.
Lamplighter Arts are also working with Bristol Old Vic, Dip and Fall Back Theatre and dancer Ripton Lindsay on workshops creating a giant processional spider, based on the West African trickster God, Anansi. Participants will make costumes and create a dance to take part in the procession.
Workshops should be booked in advance via the Lamplighters CIC website, with support from the Bristol events platform Yuup. To book your places click here
For those who want to join in from home, the bat lantern workshop will be released via YouTube. Makers can then get their spook on, dress up and bring their bats to carry in the parade.
Dee Moxon from The Lamplighters CIC says “We are so excited to create giant, lanterns and celebrate Bristol’s history with a spooky spectacle. We are really looking forward to this being a Bristol community project that brings people together with art and light and introduces Bristol residents to lesser-known stories. We are incredibly grateful for the grant from both Bristol City Council and WECA that will enable us to do this.”
Bump in the Night is another activity under the City Centre and High Streets Recovery and Renewal programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority’s Love our High Street project.
The City Centre Culture and Events Grants scheme intends to support projects of different scales and creative forms such as music, visual art, archi tecture, film, history and heritage across the city centre: events where people can share, celebrate or learn.
Did you know that the Bristol was once home to one of history’s most notorious female serial killers, or has gruesome items including an old cremation machine and a book bound in human skin on display within M-Shed.
Here are some creepy facts about Bristol that will send shivers down your spine.
Amelia Dyer, dubbed one of the UK’s most prolific female serial killers in recorded history, was born in Bristol. She mur dered hundreds of infants in her care over a 30-year-period during the 1800s. Dyer originally trained as a nurse before turning to baby farming - the practice of adopting unwanted infants in exchange for money - after she was widowed in order to support herself. Dyer initially cared for the children, and had two of her own, but a number of them went on to die in her care. She then began murdering children she ‘adopted’, strangling at least some of them before disposing of the bodies. She was discovered in 1896 when a bagged infant corpse was discovered in the River Thames, before being found guilty of murder and executed at Newgate Prison in 1896.
WHO DOESN’T LOVE A HAIR-RAISING TALE AROUND HALLOWEEN? BRISTOL HAS SCARY STORIES AND CREEPY FACTS APLENTY.
Some people in Bristol say they are plagued by a strange low-level hum, but nobody has ever been able to explain what it is. The mysterious sound first surfaced in the 1970s, when hundreds of the city’s residents complained to the Council that the ‘hum’ was keeping them up at night.
There are a number of theories about what it could be - most experts have put the sound down to factory noise, electricity pylons or tinnitus. But some creepier suggestions include secret military activity or flying saucers hovering over the city. Some residents still claim to hear ‘the Bristol hum’ to this day.
The huge door of the Hatchet Inn in Frogmore Street is rumoured to be made from layers of human skin from executed criminals, although this has never been proven with the thick paint and tar layers never removed to find out. Thanks to a cheery ‘welcome all’ sign painted above the door, you’d never know. The Hatchet Inn is Bristol’s oldest pub, first licenced in 1606. The notorious Bristol pirate Blackbeard is rumoured to have once been a patron.
Bristol boasts countless ‘haunted’ buildings and streets Bristol has a rich and at points dark history, so it’s no surprise that the city is thought to be frequented by all manner of ghosties and ghoulies - if you believe in that sort of thing. Here’s a list of the buildings and areas claimed to be the most haunted:
• Bristol Fire Station, Temple Back
Christmas Steps
Llandoger Trow
All Saints Church
The Highbury Vaults
So go enjoy Bristol’s ghostly and dam right creepy history.
Bristol Beacon will host an experiential evening of music presenting brand-new commissions from Carman Villain and the Manchester Camerata Ensemble this November
It’s classical music like you’ve never heard before as Manchester Camerata bring sound, excitement and creativity to their innovative ensemble. A breath-tak ing performance will transcend the hall at St. George’s in Bristol on Tuesday 8th November, hosted by Bristol Beacon.
A music series for the brave and curious, Unquiet is a triumph of beauty that redefines classical music with its contemporary and untraditional overtures and scores. Featuring new commissions from Carmen Villain and Afrodeutsche and performing the music by Bruce Dessner, Hildure Gudandottir, Philip Glass and Mica Levi - audiences can expect to be exhilarated as the music takes them on a powerful, emotive journey.
Norwegian-Mexican artist and producer, Carmen Villain, makes atmospheric music made up of tapestries of field-recordings, acoustic instruments such as flute, clarinet, piano and electronics, culminating in her own distinctive sound which combines elements of fourth world, dub and ambient.
Also performing at the incredible evening will be Robert Ames and Ben Corrigan as CARBS.
An acclaimed duo of composers, conductors and curators, together they explore their voices, drawing inspiration from their vigorous history of collaborations and passion for electronic and clas sical music to produce music that’s both cinematic and easy to dance along to.
Through experimenting with composition and production, rich, detailed, abstract soundscapes are created with stunning harmonies and melodies. This is truly set to be a mesmerising event set in the heart of Bristol in the grand setting of the former Georgian church.
Conductor, curator and composer, Robert Ames, said: With Unquiet, we’re building an outlet for people to experience music in a live setting that reflects eclectic listening tastes. I’m excited to collaborate with minimalist greats, electroacoustic pioneers, DJ’s and producers.”
Matt Aitken, Senior Music Programmer at Bristol Beacon, said: “We’re hugely looking forward to Unquiet and are delighted to be able to introduce the Manchester Camerata to new audiences in Bristol. With a world premiere from up and com ing electronic artist Carmen Villain on the programme, as well as work from such renowned composers as Afrodeutsche, Philip Glass and Mica Levi, this will be a really interesting concert of contemporary work”.
Tickets for the unforgettable show are now available on the Bristol Beacon website. Doors open at 7:30pm with the performance starting at 8pm.
Halloween Party
Description: Our annual kids’ Halloween Party
2-3.30 2-5 year olds 4-5.30 6-10 year olds The ages are just a guide.
Venue: Long Ashton Community Centre Keedwell Hill BS41 9DP Bristol
Jurassic Encounter
Description: Join the Jurassic Encounter in Bristol as Ashton Court welcomes back the dinosaurs. The family-friendly dinosaur experience brings life-sized models of Tyrannosaurus Rex (18 metres high!)
Venue: Ashton Court Estate Long Ashton Bristol BS41 9JN
Club Blanco Halloween
Description: Club Blanco return to the cavernous industrial playground of Propyard for another brain eating halloween extravaganza. Expect a mind melding AV show as we transform the space into an unmissable gruesome feast. Tickets available via Headfirst, Skiddle & RA.
Venue: Propyard 39-46 Feeder Rd Bristol BS2 0SE Exhibition of magic & halloween makers market Description: Join for a whimsical day celebrating local folklore, witchcraft and magic at Willsbridge Mill. We will have plenty to add a little wonder to your Halloween weekend
Venue: Willsbridge Hill, Willsbridge, Bristol BS30 6EU
Description: Come and join us for our spooky spectacular Halloween PARTY! Disco Queen will be joining us to entertain all of the children with lots of fun and games! Dress up in your spookiest costume and come join us for some spooky fun
Venue: Imagination Fascination 72 High Street BS23 1HS
Weston-super-Mare Talking Tots Halloween Session
Description: Come and Join us for Talking Tots Halloween Fun. Fun Halloween themed games and activities for children aged 1-5 years
Venue: Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close, Lyde Green South Gloucestershire.,
Halloween Special!
Description: Join Liz & Team from Beyond The Horizons this Halloween for a Evening of Readings and Mediumship, but with a twist!! Doors open from 6.30pm for children’s ac tivities and crafts, as well as Tarot readings for the adults! Then doors close at 8pm, when Liz Stokes Medium starts the main demonstration, bringing messages through for the whole family.
Adults £10, Kids go free!
Venue: BAWA Leisure Centre 589 Southmead Rd Bristol BS34 7RG
Halloween ‘Cubs & Kittens’
Description: Come along to our ‘pre-schoolers’ Halloween Disco! Bring the kids along for a Halloween party with a difference, join us to for our ever popular Halloween disco! We’ll have spooky dancing, ‘zombie statues’ and a fancy dress parade with prizes to be won.
Venue: Zion Bishopsworth Rd Bristol BS13 7JW
Luxmuralis
Description: This immersive light show will take you on a journey of light and sound to the edge of the universe and back. Curated light art by the artists of Luxmuralis is ac companied by a bespoke soundtrack and will be projected onto the stunning architectural features of Bristol’s Cathedral.
Venue: Bristol Cathedral, College Green BS1 5TJ Bristol
Latino Rhythms
Description: Learn popular latin dances in this begin ners 6 week course. Salsa, bachata, cha cha cha and more! No need to bring a partner unless you want to. Book early to benefit from our early bird offer.
Venue: Bristol Dance Company 4A Brook Rd Fishponds Bristol BS16 3SQ
Bristol City v Sheffield
Description: Bristol City v Sheffield United (Sky Bet Championship) Tuesday, November 1st 8PM kick-off. Adults from £25, Un der-12s from £10.
Venue: Ashton Gate Ashton Rd, Bristol
The Rasmus Live
Description: The Rasmus are back with brand new music for their tenth studio album and their first since 2017’s Dark Mater. Formed in 1995, their debut record was certified Gold in their homeland Finland, followed by international acclaim with their huge breakthrough single, “In The Shadows”.
Venue: O2 Academy Frogmore St Bristol BS1 5NA
Portishead Camera Club
Description: Meetings are held at Redcliffe Bay Hall, Newhaven Road, Portishead, starting at 7.30pm every Thursday. Visitors, £3 including refreshments. Expert speakers, regular competitions and outings provide great learning opportunities for those want ing to improve their photography..
Venue: Redcliffe Bay Hall Newhaven Rd, Portishead, BS20 8LH
Its unmistakeable presence never fails to evoke a sense of the mysterious – and this unusual residence has perfect Haunted House credentials
Hauntings and old things often go hand in hand – so next up we have Bristol’s Oldest Unsolved Murder in Bristol’s Oldest Cinema.
Another of Brunel’s projects, well-knownthistourist attraction is said to be utterly riddledwith ghosts!.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Fewer know, however, that the engineer never lived to see the the completion. His distinctive top-hatted figure is said to walk the nearby paths of Leigh Woods,
This 17th century drinking den – which has been called Bristol’s Oldest Pub –boasts no less than 15 ghosts!
Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, The Banshees Of Inisherin follows lifelong friends Pádraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson), who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Pádraic, aided by his sis ter Siobhán (Kerry Condon) and troubled young islander Dominic (Barry Keoghan), endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Pádraic’s repeated efforts only strength en his former friend’s resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.
In cinemas now
Every Thursday
9:45 10.15am
(term time only)
Booking required
Rhymetime
Every Friday
9.45 10.15am 11-11.30am
(term time only) Booking required
Wednesday 10am 2pm
First 4 Saturdays of every month
A customer services advisor will be here to help with council enquiries
Lego Club
Tuesday 3.45 4.45pm
Ask at the counter for more information.
First Thursday of each month, 11am noon
Drop in session with Richard Green from Wards Solicitors.
Friday 10am noon
Would you like help with your family history research? Ask at the counter for more details. Basic computer skills are essential. Please book in advance.
Computer Buddies
Tuesday 1.30 4pm
Friday 2 4pm
Would you like help to learn how to use a computer, tablet or phone? Ask at the counter for details. Please book in advance.
Reading group
Second Tuesday of each month, 10am. Ask at the counter for details
Every Saturday, 10am noon
There will be lots of easy board games for children and parents to play. (term time only)
As the colder nights draw in, residents who burn wood or other solid fuels at home are being reminded of ways to do this safely and legally.
Burning at home can emit dangerous pollution both inside and outside, known as fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Fine particulate matter is known to cause serious illnesses, such as asthma, lung cancer, COPD and stroke.
Burning wood also emits more carbon dioxide than oil or gas.
The council is advising residents to check that they are using approved stoves, appliances and fuel to help reduce air pollution inside and outside.
The City of Bath is a designated Smoke Control Area, which means it’s illegal to burn smoky fuels such as wood and coal in an open fireplace or in a non-ap proved wood burning or multi-fuel stove.
Unless people are using an exempt appliance, they can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuels from DEFRA, such as anthracite or low volatile steam coal.
A list of exempt appliances from DEFRA can be found here. Only the type of fuel stated by the manufacturer can be used.
Under the Clean Air Act, anyone within the Smoke Control Area not complying with the law could be fined up to £1,000.
Information on financial assistance that may be available to make energy effi ciency improvements to your home can be found at https://www.energyathome. org.uk
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “As winter draws in and during this cost of living crisis, more people than ever are considering how to heat their homes in the cheapest way they can. However, if done incorrectly, home burning can pose a danger to our health and that of others living nearby.
“If you live inside the Smoke Control Area, please check that you’re using the correct wood burning appliance and the correct fuel inside and outside your home. There’s no proven safe level of PM2.5, so the more we can do to reduce emissions, the less impact we will have on air quality and ultimately our health.
“If you live outside the Smoke Control Area, there are currently no restrictions to what you can burn, but we strongly recommend that you follow the same advice.”
So, when I heard people in my property network complaining about the use of the word “Landlord” I didn’t pay it much attention – because we all know what a landlord is, don’t we? So, why does it matter? However, I was at a meeting in London a few weeks ago and a portfolio landlord, that I have a lot of respect for, put things into a different perspective for me.
Her take on the word was that she hated it and that it was extremely outdated, unhelpful, and shrouded in prejudice. She pointed to the historical concept of the use of the word “landlord” – which could be traced back to the feudal system, where a lord of the manor would own a landed estate. In her opinion, the word spoke of fiefdoms, inequality, ‘haves and have nots’ and bore little resemblance to the landlords we see today, who are, for the most part, businesspeople who work extremely hard in their property businesses and have mortgages, insurance, managing agents fees and all sorts of things to pay out, in relation to the “business of being a landlord.”
I don’t know whether this applies to you, but for me, when a word is so familiar, so ingrained in my everyday language, I don’t really register that it might have connotations or an implied meaning, beyond the context that I apply to it.
By Angie Nicholls, KPA Property Management. Property letting experts...
This conversation made me re-visit my views and also made me think a lot about the relationship between landlords and their tenants and how, maybe this word, was proving to be unhelpful? Over lockdown and, perhaps ever-since, we have seen relationships with landlords and tenants becoming more strained. As managing agents, we pride ourselves on developing and maintaining good working relationships with both our landlords and their tenants and it is often a place where we can add real value and, at no time was this more evident than during lockdown.
We see the relationship between landlords and tenants as mutually beneficial – landlords need tenants to rent and look after their properties and tenants need somewhere nice and safe to live. As the agents, we sit somewhere in the middle, keeping everyone safe, being an information and communication conduit and having a duty of care to both parties.
This is what we strive to achieve but we are not naïve enough to think that this is what exists everywhere. We have taken over management of enough properties, where relationships were, shall we say, less than harmonious, to know that at times it can seem like a battle and I am wondering whether, in a situation where both sides are feeling aggrieved with the other, the word landlord is adding to already existing negativity? Without mentioning specifics, you only have to look at some groups out there, with some pretty polarizing views, to see where I’m going with this one.
So, if not landlord then what…proprietor, lessor, title holder, property owner, or something new maybe? Has the word landlord become outdated and, in being mindful of the words we use and their meanings, for everybody concerned, should we be looking to change it?
It’s an interesting question but, one thing is for sure, of all the landlords we work alongside, the ones who are really successful, are the ones who foster positive and productive relationships with their tenants, so maybe your actions really do speak louder than your words or your title after all? An interesting concept and definitely something to consider!
People in the city are able to share their experiences of renting from a private landlord or letting agent in Bristol.
A new survey asks renters to share information about their experience of renting in Bristol, and this information will be used to inform the work of the Living Rent Commission.
The commission, which is made up of representatives from across the housing sector including renters, is exploring the issues facing people who rent and options to tackle the rent crisis in the city, ultimately looking at how Bristol can become a living rent city, without having a negative impact on the quality or availability of rental property.
Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “In Bristol we face a housing crisis. We have more than 18,000 households on our waiting list for social housing, along with over 1,100 households in temporary accommodation. The cost of renting in this city is one key cause alongside the lack of security that renters have in the private rented sector. This is why we set up the Living Rent Commission.
“The powers needed to ensure the rental market is accessible and works for all do not exist. The powers come from government, so we want to work with Westminster on policy development to reform the private rented sector, enabling Bristol to become a Living Rent City.
of
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commission.”
Consider what other powers
how to empower
of the commission, Professor Alex Marsh from the University of Bristol, said: “The commission is a great opportunity to bring people together to identify policy changes and innovative actions that will improve the city's private
sector. To do this we need a clear picture of tenants' current experiences of
took place in March.
The
•
•
renting and the problems they're facing. So, we're keen that as many
as possible complete
us about their situation. All the information is being collected anonymously.”
The survey has been extended until Sunday 13 November. You can take part here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ BristolRentersSurvey/
The information provided will be analysed by researchers at the University of Bristol. This analysis will inform the work of the commission and its final report. The report will be published later this year.
The garden begins to wind down in November as deciduous plants enter dormancy. leaves are falling rapidly and wind and rain are on the increase.
Whilst most of nature is hibernating in the colder months, winter is the ideal time to get new trees into the ground. trees are best planted in the late autumn when the soil is still warm but not too dry, giving roots time to acclimatise before the harsher temperatures of winter arrives. whatever your plan to do outside in Nonmember, take time to enjoy the garden as it fades, leaving structural plants and evergreens to take center stage.
the weather is turning so its time to get those plants protected - frost can do serious damage to tender plants. Frost tender plants in pots should be moved to the greenhouse, conservatory or porch. Exotic plants such as palms or tree ferns should be wrapped up for the winter with frost protection material.
Lift and store plants such as dahlias and tuberous bedding begonias that have been hit by bad weather. store in a dry, frost-free dark place ideally in a layer of sawdust. Check occasionally over winter to ensure they are dry and rot free. remove any that look suspicious to prevent the risk of further infection.
Tie in all the plants and secure structures an important winter job is to stake tall plants, climbers and young trees to protect against strong winds. Check that existing ties are not cutting into stems of plants that have grown over the summer. Structures such as arches, pergolas and fences should also be checked and ideally treated with preservatives. If repaired now there is less potential damage in high winds.
Trees add structure to gardens and landscapes. As well as being used as a focal point for the garden they also make good hedges and screens. they come in a huge number of varieties, shades and position. Whilst most trees are grown for there foliage or flower, some are praised for their bark and branch shapes. Some trees look fantastic in spring while full of flower and other burst into vibrant colour in the autumn.
Young trees should be staked diagonally. This protects them from strong winds and ensures the roots do not get damaged. Most varieties of trees will have specific planting instructions. There is a tree that will thrive in all soil types from wet soil to poor dry land and everything in between.
As winter draws nearer, residents of South Gloucestershire are being urged to help protect themselves as much as possible this winter by getting all eligible vaccines before colder weather sets in, and heating costs rise.
Respiratory viruses like flu and Covid-19 are expected to circulate widely this winter after two years of social distancing measures and restrictions in place, which may also lead to lower levels of immunity.
With predicted high levels of both viruses circulating, and the cost of living continuing to rise, South Gloucestershire’s new Director of Public Health Professor Sarah Weld and Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi, cabinet member responsible for public health at South Gloucestershire Council, are urging those in eligible groups to take up the offer of free vaccinations now.
Professor Weld said: “This winter could be very difficult with high numbers of flu and Covid cases expected, plus the rising cost of keeping warm and well. You can help yourself now by getting vaccinated.
“Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from serious illness caused by flu and Covid and will help protect others around you as well as the NHS from becoming overwhelmed this winter.”
Councillor Owusu-Antwi said: “First, second and booster Covid vaccines are available to anyone over the age of five at local clinics. Autumn boosters are available to people over 50, pregnant women and anyone over five years old with an underlying health condition. Book with your GP or find a local walk-in clinic at www.grabajab.net
“Free flu jabs are available to anyone over 50 (including those who will be 50 years old by 31 March 2023), pregnant women, people with certain health conditions or who work in some frontline jobs. You can book now by calling your GP or through a pharmacy.”
All primary school children and some secondary school children will be offered the flu nasal spray again this year, which is usually given at school. GP surgeries are also inviting children aged two and three years old (age on 31 August 2022) for the nasal spray vaccination at their practices.
As well as taking up the vaccines, everyone is encouraged to help stop the spread of respiratory viruses this winter by practising good hand hygiene, covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze and staying away from others where possible if you have symptoms.
Support to help keep warm and well this winter is available. The council has a number of financial support schemes and there are national funds and rebates to help with energy bills. Visit www. southglos.gov.uk/costofliving for details or call into one of the council’s One Stop Shops in Kingswood, Patchway or Yate.
The new path has now been constructed in Arnos Court Park from the steps leading to Arnos Vale Cemetery down to the main path through the park. To say we are disappointed with what has been delivered would be an understatement. The original application by the Friends group was for a tarmac path and that is what we were expecting. Unfortunately, someone at the council made a unilateral decision to change the specifications of the job and then failed to inform us. What has been delivered is substandard, not fit for purpose and won’t last. We have written to the council to complain.
We were delighted to speak in support of the Conham Bathers’ petition for Designated Bathing Water Status for Conham River Park at City Hall last week. It’s a beautiful stretch of the river, flowing through a deep, wooded valley and on warm, sunny days the river is particularly inviting and generations of local people have swum there. Unfortunately, water quality in our rivers has deteriorated. In 2019, the Environment Agency rated only 14% of rivers as being in good condition. Now, there are none. Every river in England is polluted beyond legal limits. Raw sewage is pumped into our waterways as a matter of course rather than exception. Research by the Liberal Democrats has discovered that many sewage monitors are faulty or simply not installed at all and so lots of discharges go unrecorded. Here in Bristol it has been reported that around 50% of people who swim in the River Avon at Conham become ill afterwards. Unfortunately, we have a dysfunctional government which is unwilling to legislate against the perpetrators.
Thank you to Jamie and family at the Lodekka who helped us clean up our Brislington War Memorial prior to Remembrance Sunday next month. We spent Saturday morning litter picking, sweeping, weeding and decorating the monument with hundreds of knitted poppies donated by our local churches. We hope you agree it is now a fitting tribute to The Fallen.
There is also a 2009 by-law that prohibits swimming in the river, which unwittingly supports this current state of affairs as it means the Environment Agency is not required to test water quality on a regular basis or investigate sources of pollution and prosecute perpetrators. By removing this by-law and establishing Designated Bathing Water Status, we can ensure that the river is properly monitored, poor water quality is investigated, and the public have the information they need regarding water quality before entering the river. The current administration in Bristol claims it wants excellent water quality in 100% of our waterways by 2030. However, by maintaining the 2009 by-law and rejecting the Conham Bathing application for Designated Bathing Water Status, it is making this more difficult to achieve. We hope on this occasion, they will see sense and join us in supporting the petitioners.
The Friends of Jubilee Pool are looking for help to get Jubilee back to its former glory this Sunday 30th October from 4pm. If you are an electrician, plumber, decorator, tiler or builder and can volunteer a bit of time to help, please get in touch. If you don’t have those skills but could clean windows, changing rooms or do some weeding or keep the team supplied with tea and coffee while they work, please also get in touch. Please email Matt for more details (matt_ blanchard@outlook.com) or join the Facebook event: https://facebook.com/ events/s/work-party/625754235814242/
Thank you to the organisers and volunteers who helped to make the ‘ Brislington Celebration Event’ a success. The event was held at St Christopher’s Church on Hampstead Road over two days and focused on celebrating and increasing awareness of everything going on in Brislington.
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@bris tol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 183381
The National Heritage Memorial Fund has saved Birnbeck Pier from collapse by awarding it £3.55 million from the Cultural Assets Fund. (CAF).
Since opening in 1867, Birnbeck Pier has been part of the DNA of Weston-super-Mare as a traditional seaside town, played a vital role during the Second World War as a site of experimental activities and weapons testing and was the backdrop to a famous 1963 publicity photograph of the then up and coming group The Beatles.
It is also the only pier in the UK to link to an island. As well as a great claim to fame, the link allowed the RNLI to set up a lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island in 1882 and for 132 years volunteer lifeboat crew used the pier to access their station.
However, the pier was closed to the public in 1994 and it was placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 1999. The RNLI were forced to leave their station on the island in 2014 as the pier became too dangerous to walk across.
After decades of neglect and deterioration, accelerated by stretched resources during the pandemic, the Grade II* Listed pier is in grave danger of collapsing into the sea.
For many years, partners have worked together to try to save the pier. There is now hope on the horizon as North Somerset Council, have joined forces with the RNLI to secure its future.
With today’s funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and further funding from Historic England and the RNLI, the ‘legs’ of the pier will be stabilised and restored and a walkway installed, reinstating access to the Island. This vital first phase will allow North Somerset Council to move forward with their plans to see the Island regenerated for the benefit of the Weston community enabling the RNLI to pursue their ambition to re-establish a lifesaving facility on the island.
Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy at North Somerset Council, said: “This money is vital in our efforts to save the pier and start regenerating this treasured site. We are working tirelessly to secure a sale with the private owner, whilst continuing in parallel with the Compulsory Purchase Order. We hope this will shortly result in us owning the pier and allow us to start using the National Heritage Memorial Funding to save the pier, restore public access and get the RNLI back onto the island to continue their lifesaving work.”
Adrian Carey, RNLI Head of Region, said: "This successful grant funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund is a significant step towards North Somerset Council’s wider plan for the regeneration of Birnbeck. The grant means that the RNLI can move forward with the next stage of engineering and design works to restore access to the Island and reinstate a volunteer lifeboat station. While the success of the project is still dependent on many factors the charity is encouraged by this positive news."
Administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the government funded Cultural Assets Fund has awarded over £20m to nationally important heritage sites and assets across England which were left at risk because of the pandemic.
Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (£9.9m)
SS Shieldhall (£196,415)
Torre Abbey (£363,748)
Vigilance of Brixham (£820,000)
Joem Locomotive (£123,842)
Type Archive Collective (£1,409,861)
Hurst Castle (£500,000)
Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills (£420,575)
Macclesfield Silk Mills (£308,975)
Historic Chapels Trust (£3.6m)
Dr Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “I am thrilled to announce our funding for the future of Birnbeck Pier which will support The RNLI and North Somerset Council in their mission to bring this hugely im portant heritage site back into beneficial use.
“We’re extremely proud to have administered £20m of government funding for some of England’s incredible heritage sites and assets – from historic ships and locomotives to castles and chapels – helping them to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “This is most welcome news for Birnbeck Pier and for Weston-super-Mare. We have been proud to work with the Council, the RNLI and others over many years to try to save this celebrated Victorian structure. This award is an important milestone and brings our collective vision for the pier a step closer to being realised.
Arts Minister Stuart Andrew, Department of Digital, Culture Media and Sport, said: "I'm delighted that we are supporting the regeneration of Birnbeck Pier with £3.55 million in funding. Heritage is an important part of what makes a place so special. It connects us to our history, brings in visitors and makes us proud of where we live. Thanks to this National Heritage Memorial Fund grant, this iconic pier will once again be the pride of Weston-super-Mare."
BIRNBECK PIER IS ONE OF 11 PROJECTS SHARING THE FUNDING. THE OTHERS ARE:
A charity in Bristol is looking for more male volunteers to help people with dementia to stay connected to their communities and keep doing the things they love.
Side by Side, run by Alzheimer’s Society, matches volunteers with people with dementia who have similar hobbies and interests. Volunteers support peo ple with the condition to maintain their independence and live a fulfilling life by continuing the things they enjoy or trying something new. This could be going along to the football, taking a stroll in the park or joining a local club together.
With several female volunteers already providing valuable support, a handful of people with dementia are asking to be matched with male volunteers. Understanding and respecting what is important to the individuals who use Side by Side is central to the service so it can take time to source suitable volunteers.
David Alexander, 70, has been a Side by Side volunteer in Bristol for almost a year, “I was very appropriately paired with someone with whom I have a lot in common and as it turns out, we went to the same university and have mutual acquaintances.
We live half a mile apart so I quickly built a bond with him and his wife.
“We generally meet up once a week and go for walks and sometimes visit a museum, art gallery or National Trust property. We’ve even been to see his old school.
“The person I support has mild dementia and at times I don’t notice. He walks at a great pace and his memory is pretty good; he asks about my wife and remembers conversations we’ve had.
“In terms of having a man as a volunteer, well I think he values some male company and a change of scene.”
As dementia can effect day to day activities, through reassurance and support, Side by Side volunteers can help give the person with dementia confidence during the visits to complete tasks.
Sophia Simlat, Alzheimer’s Society’s Bristol Side by Side Co-ordinator said: “We try to tailor the service to the indi vidual. Some people have asked for a male volunteer because they have lots of women caring for them and it’s nice to have some male company for a change.
I’ve also heard people say they feel they might have more in common or more to talk about with another man but, of course not everyone feels this way.”
She continued “It’s estimated that 4,730 people are living with dementia in Bristol and too many are facing it alone. We support people affected by dementia through some of the hardest and most frightening times, to improve their lives and help to avoid crisis. We just couldn’t do the work we do without the support of our amazing volunteers.”
David said the person with dementia he was matched with didn’t specify he wanted a male volunteer but it’s worked out well, “His wife says he’s old fashioned and would have felt responsible for a female volunteer.
“I’ve learned so much from him so this volunteering has been of mutual benefit. If our walks don’t involve a pub then it’s two old blokes having coffee and brownies.
“If you’re looking to volunteer with Side by Side, come along with an open mind and allow yourself to fit in with the other person. From my point of view, I’m very grateful to the friend who suggested this, and to Alzheimer’s Society for introducing me to a new group of people.
To contact Bristol Side by Side direct, call 0787 28 66 501 or email SbSServiceBristol@alzheimers.org.uk
“He and his wife have told me this service is ‘a wonderful gift’.”
Backwell in North Somerset needs a new social heart to support village life as an increasing number of new homes are set to be built, says local property specialist Andrew Sim monds.
With hundreds of new homes given permission by North Somerset Council local people have ex pressed concern at the pressure on schools and the medical centre. But Mr Simmonds, a director of Parker’s Estate Agents, says a coffee shop where people can meet and chat is a priority.
He said: “The village has a fantastic sporting heart with the tennis, football and bowls club and shopping heart at Rodney Road and the Post Office but there are few places where people can meet in the day, socialise and chat.
“With a major prominent unit about to become available on the crossroads it would be great if this became that heart. It is just across the road from the Village Hall and WI Hall and together the three buildings would form a village heart that would be good for existing residents and future development.
“Villages need to keep the facilities that make them attractive in the first place and it is vital that Backwell is not swamped with new homes and does not become a dormitory. At Parker’s we are committed to the village and want to help people find the right homes to suit their time of life.
“There is already a good mix of properties and recent planning permissions mean there are more to come. There are limited opportunities to create a social centre that would serve existing residents and newcomers alike, so it would be a shame if the opportunity at the crossroads is missed.
“The pressure on schools and doctors is real but these tend to get addressed eventually by local authorities and public bodies. Social facilities are more difficult to regulate for and invariably rely on individuals and groups to get them started.”
Mr Simonds said the crossroads café would be a place for those with young families, pensioners and business people working from home to meet and chat during the day. The unit on the crossroads, currently has previously been an Indian Restaurant and the offices of a property company.
Here are this week’s puzzles designed to test your mental skills.
Remember you can download our puzzels and print them off HERE.
Good luck!
The winner of last week’s guess the word competition was Kenneth from Pill who won £25 cash!
If you want to enter our competition each week to win cash all you need to do is subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine HERE and guess the word. Then email us your answer with your name using the link in the subscribers email. Deadline for entering your answer is midnight every Tuesday.
Good luck!
Can you find your way through this difficult maze?
According to a recent survey Bristolians are most stressed about how to move their belongings when moving homes. The research was conducted among 2000 UK adults with the help of Opinium research.
The most common sources of stress for the Bristolians are: packing up all their belongings (76%), the cost of finding a removals company/van (56%), finding a removals company they can trust (52%), and worrying about damaging their belongings during the move (43%).
Women are more likely than men to find packing up their belongings stressful (75% to 65% respectively), while older people tend to worry less about damaging the property they’d be moving in (only 34%).
The most common arguments Bristolians got into were with a partner who they lived with (13%), a partner they were moving in with (7%), and other family members either in their household (7%) or not (7%).
When asked what kinds of arguments they’ve had, the most frequent one was about whether to get rid of some of the belongings before/after moving homes (50%). The second most common argument was about having too much stuff to move (46%).
Vladimir Minev, removals experts with Fantastic Services, says: “Do as Marie Kondo does and use this as an opportu nity to throw away items you no longer need. As tough as it is, moving to a new property is the perfect time to get rid of all unwanted or even junk items. But be careful not to infuriate your better half by disposing of the present that marked your first anniversary or the gift from your mother-in-law! However, much else is fair game if it has no practical daily use or long-lasting emotional clout. And remember – items may have resale value to help pay for your move, and those that don’t may still be warmly welcomed at your local charity shop.”
Other types of arguments they’ve had were about how much to pay for a removals company (15%), whether to hire a removals company (13%) and having to take too many journeys to move their stuff (13%).
Surprisingly, despite Bristol’s welldeveloped transportation system, none of the people said they relied on it to move their belongings.
People in the South West relocate every 19.5 years on average. The end of summer remains the most preferred season to move, while the last Friday of October is the most preferred date. The number one reason people are moving house in 2022 is to have better access to amenities. The second most popular reason is to be closer to friends and family, while the third reason is work.
Hengrove Community Centre
Fortfield Road
BS14 9NX
Tuesday 9.30am Sarah: 07879 443888
Bridgefarm Primary School
East Dundry Road BS14 0LL
Wednesday 5.30pm and 7pm Sarah: 07879 443888
Christ Church Hall Petherton Road Hengrove BS14 9BP Saturday 9:30am Keesa: 07399 597267
Half of Bristolians also prefer to use their own vehicles to move their belongings, while 35% have relied on a removal van company or had f amily/friends help move their stuff (33%).
Bristol hoteliers helped give students and jobseekers the chance to ‘have a go at hospitality’ at a special event aimed at encouraging more young people to pursue a career in the sector.
The three-hour event took place at DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre and was organised by Seetec Pluss and Bristol City College.
Other supporters included VisitWest, North Somerset Council and Weston College.
It is the first time this event has happened but members of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) welcomed the initiative and said they hope it will be repeated.
BHA Chair Raphael Herzog said: “The aim of the event was simply for people who already work within the hospitality industry to share their experiences with attendees, to enable everyone who went to get a good flavour of what it is like to work in our sector.”
A combination of the impact of Brexit and pandemic-enforced lockdowns have contributed to a severe staff shortage in the sector, which has hampered hospitality businesses in their attempts to recover from the various crises of the past few years.
They are also facing challenges of soaring energy bills, supplier costs and the need to at least meet minimum wage requirements.
Mr Herzog said: “The past few years have been incredibly difficult and the hospitality sector was hit particularly hard by both Brexit and the impact of the pandemic.
“We are often the first sector to be closed during the various lockdowns, and among the last to be allowed to re-open.
“The impact of Brexit limited the available workforce and staff who left during lockdowns found employment in other sectors and did not return.
“As we have all tried to get our businesses back up and running, it has been incredibly difficult because of a lack of staff.
“That’s why we were so pleased when this event was organised, to help show people what an exciting and vibrant industry we have and help highlight the many opportunities that it can lead to.
“Traditionally students have taken jobs in hospitality as a ‘stop gap’ but events like this show that there our sector can provide long, varied and enjoyable careers
“There are many benefits of working in hospitality, which can include excellent training, free meals, great service charges in restaurants and bars, complementary weekend stays and discounted rates at hotels.
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“The BHA would like to thank everyone involved in organising and taking part in the event, for doing their part to show case our sector and shine a spotlight on the wide variety of career paths
have to offer.”
Seetec Pluss delivers a wide range of training, skills, work and wellbeing services that empowers thousands of people to find and progress in work each year.
If something seems trickier than at first seemed, don’t get upset or frustrated, just stop and try to see it from all angles. If you have a gut feeling about something, try to follow it at this time as it stands in good stead. Be kind to yourself and be sensitive to your own needs.
Keywords. Intuition and be kind to yourself.
You may be thinking of starting a new interest. It could be quite a sociable time coming up this month. Trying to be a listening ear, more than giving advice, you will be surprised how much people will appreciate it.
Keywords. Study and sociability
You may get some new ideas for ways of sorting out diffi cult situations. Work with your intuition if possible, try to see other people’s perspectives. Try stepping back from things if they seem a little difficult, sometimes a different view with things make things seem clearer. Keywords. New ideas, intuition and review.
There could be some changes on the way, so don’t be surprised if you come up with new ideas, or interests. You may need to be a bit flexible with other people and think before you speak, and try to be sensitive to other’s feelings. Keywords. Changes, flexibility and sensitivity. .
Some changes could be about to come your way. If they’re not really to your liking, try and see them more as challenges, and look for opportunities within them. Remember that you have your own values, and don’t be shaken from these, but don’t be too hard on yourself either keywords Changes and oppor tunities
There could be some things that feel as though they are being held up right now, be aware and look out for opportunities that may help to sort these hold-ups, so that things will begin to flow freely again. It may also be worth stepping back and looking at the achievements you’ve made this year, and what other things you would like to achieve next.
Keywords. Opportunities and goals
You may otherwise miss oppor tunities that could be nearby. It does seem some things will be moving forward even if they have felt on hold for a while.
Keywords. Balance and opportunities
If Life seems a little trying see if there are other ways of dealing with things, to make life easier. You are often fair-minded with others, but can be quite hard on yourself. Don’t underestimate yourself; value yourself as well as others.
Keywords Find easier Ways, and make time for you
Relationships seem prominent, along with your home environ ment. You may find there are some new interests, or ideas that come to mind for you at this time. Be open to other people’s ideas or suggestions, Try to be aware of being calm, and fair-minded in dealing with others.
Keywords. New ideas and fairness.
It would be useful if you pay attention to your intuition, certainly in regards any situations that may be a little difficult. Try not to let anyone sway you from things that you have strong values about, and keep your integrity that there could be some changes on the way. Keywords. Integrity and changes
You may have noticed your vitality is little sluggish at the moment, if so, may be time to review lifestyle habits. Any cut backs are just a little tweak here and there that should make some difference. Try not to let things build up, or take up too much of your time, Try and listen to your intuition.
Keywords Changes, intuition.
Home and close relationships are prominent for you at this time. It seems as though there are a lot of things that need to be done, and a lot of people wanting your time and attention. Try and seek balance for yourself. Somethings may not feel that they are running as smooth as they should, try and keep calm, and know that things don’t stay the same, Keywords. Home, relationships and balance.
We pride ourselves on having happy homes, where residents and their families can enjoy spending quality time with each other and develop new friendships along the way.
homes in Bristol are located close to local shops and amenities, and benefit from strong connections with community groups. We offer a busy and varied activities programme that includes something for everyone and ensures residents get the most out of every day.
We care for individuals with a variety of care needs including Residential, Nursing and Dementia Care.
Our homes in