April to June 2011
A
monstrosity that is perceived by people in Easton and St Pauls to have split their communities, the divisive M32 may yet be crossed and overcome by the next generation. Children at Millpond and Cabot primary schools have been working together to explore the negative perceptions of their communities and cultures, spanning the great divide with new friendships. Given their own cameras, children worked together for several weeks in groups taking each other to their favourite places, and encouraging friendship and new relationships. My New Friends project, a collaboration between the schools, Love Works and Community Resolve has given children the chance to say what they think. “In Easton there are people I feel scared of” said one pupil at the start of the project. “In St Paul‟s it is Continued on page 13
What will English course cuts mean for our community? Is this the end of ESOL?
Bonnie Brown met which exEngland and Liverpool player when he won Volunteer of the Year?
Win a bike worth Details inside.
£200
Do you have a story or photo to share? Contact us on 377 3638 or sorrel@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Goodbye and thanks to EBAS We bid East Bristol Advice Service a fond farewell and thank them for all their dedication and commitment to providing advice to the people of Easton and Lawrence Hill. EBAS want residents to know that debt and welfare rights advice will still be provided in East Bristol. If you need help contact St Pauls’ Advice Centre on 9552981 or Bristol Debt Advice Centre on 9543990.
If for any reason you have trouble reading this newsletter come and see us at The Old Bank or call 0117 377 3638.
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2 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Will the plug be pulled on ESOL?
Some argue the cost of a course should be borne by anyone wishing to settle in this country. Others believe that a little money spent now will bring social and economic benefits for years to come. What do you think? Campaigners have already been arguing strongly against the cuts, and questions are being raised about the impact of these in the House of Lords. Residents have also raised this issue at our neighbourhood forums. If you‟d like to offer your support write to your local MP or visit http://actionforesol.org/
Ever heard someone say “Well, if they want to come and live here they should learn English?” Putting prejudice aside for a moment, it‟s a widely accepted view that to integrate into a society, get on with your neighbours and make a living, you‟ve got to know the lingo. David Cameron has made it clear he thinks so too. So why is government about to severely cut funding for English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)? If current plans go ahead, ESOL will only be free for students receiving Jobseekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance. From September only those actively seeking emSPAN learners ployment will have the right to learn our language without incurring cost. say ESOL If you‟re a mother of young children, in work but should stay. on a low income or an asylum seeker fleeing violence in your homeland, you‟re on your own. “It‟s important for everyone and for the government. The government spends a lot of money on benefits and "That includes making sure that immigrants for translation. If people are working they don‟t need speak the language of their new home and money from the government” ensuring that people are educated in the elements of a common culture and curriculum." “My children have found new friends and I have found new friends. Otherwise you stay inside the house” David Cameron on practical measures to help integration and prevent extremism “Help our children, help our neighbourhood and one day get a job to make your life better” Amadou Soumahoro is a Beacon Centre volunteer “You don‟t feel free. When my first child was born I have to and Migration Impact Fund Community Champion. ask my husband if I want to go doctor or health visitor. He‟s been taking ESOL classes at Beacon Centre. You have to tell someone else your business” “I didn‟t speak any English. “If you know English you can Nothing. When I was homeless talk to your children teacher” and someone wanted to help me they called me and I didn‟t “If you don‟t know English you don‟t know the people know what they said. Thank who are living here” God and English people that I understand now. It‟s harder for single mums. I couldn‟t talk I go to hospital by myself. No English if I was staying at home” interpreter. I speak for myself it is much better. If you didn‟t do “I have neighbour with no English. She can’t call the police or ambulance” ESOL you will not learn English quickly. They speak to you English language, English culture. It‟s much better if you speak English to go to the Anab Hirsi is taking ESOL classes at SPAN hospital, and a solicitor, to speak to the GP. Study Centre. She has two young children. It‟s very, very hard. One day I go to Refugee Action. “ESOL is most important because I’m speaking They don‟t understand me and I don‟t understand them. English. I didn’t understand before. Now it It‟s difficult when it‟s not your first language. It‟s very imgrows up, up, up. It can help me to speak Engportant if you can speak English. I meet many friends. lish: to go to the doctor, if someone visits at It‟s very, very bad [to take away ESOL funding]. If nohome. If you can’t speak English you can’t unbody going to English school what can people do? You derstand letters. That’s why I come to class. have to manage yourself. You don‟t have an interpreter in Last week they told the money would stop for immediate situations. ESOL. It makes me sad government is cutting The best thing now is I don‟t have to get someone to the classes...It’s most sad for me”. help me. I don‟t need interpreters. And I can speak to my friends”.
3 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Ace coach meets football legend An Easton Street Sportz coach has won Access Sports Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding work with young people in Easton. Bonnie attended a glittering gala dinner in London, where he received his award from ex-England player John Barnes. Easton Neighbourhood Police Teams partnership with Access Sports provides Friday night football sessions with free sports coaching. Easton Beat Manager PC John Shaddick who jointly set up the venture said that he was “delighted that Bonnie‟s commitment and enthusiasm has been recognised. Bonnie has built up a great rapport with the boys who are growing in numbers every week”. The neighbourhood team hopes to provide further opportunities for young people in the area.
Bonnie receives his award from the World in Motion football song rapper and ex-Liverpool star
Congratulations to Barton Hill Primary School... ...for being awarded OUTSTANDING for community cohesion, tackling discrimination and racial harmony by Ofsted.
Congratulations to Millpond Primary School... ...for being praised for the “purposeful leadership” of new teacher Mary Wyatt by Ofsted
Well done! to Friends of Netham Park for their hard woodland management work this winter. If you‟d like to help out more around the Netham get in touch with Alex Milne on 07941 322755 or milnealec@hotmail.com 4 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
By Robin Butcher Just before Christmas, a new 20mph speed limit was launched in central and eastern Bristol and residents and commuters are being asked to travel at or below the speed limit when driving through these areas. There are now a wide range of materials available to residents who want to support this campaign including „20 is plenty‟ key rings, car stickers, badges, information leaflets and cyclist‟s tabards. If you want to display any of these materials and possibly distribute them in your area to encourage safer speeds in Bristol, get in contact! Dr Hugh Annett, director of public health for Bristol, explains why 20 is plenty: “This new 20mph speed limit is all about making it safer for everyone to walk, cycle, play and socialise in the streets where they live. Vehicle speeds are the single most important factor in providing a safer environment for all residents.” The 20mph pilot zones have been developed as part of the Cycling City project in partnership with NHS Bristol and Active Bristol. For further details on the 20mph zone, or to get your publicity materials contact me on robin.butcher@bristol.nhs.uk or 900 2200.
Academy award winning radio station voted best in South West BCfm, the Bristol Community fm radio station and local charity is the number one station in the South West as voted by judges at the Radio Academy awards. The Nations and Regions award is for the station with an audience of under 300,000 (small station). The winning station will go forward to the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2011, and could walk away as the UK‟s best small station of the year. Judges applauded the aims and Awards host ambitions of the station and its inMustapha clusion of voices from widely rang-
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In Easton and Whitehall, there is an increasing amount of traffic on the smaller roads. On those roads with schools such as Johnsons Road in Whitehall, many drivers are blocking each other and overtaking without care, making it dangerous for children at school times. If people ensure they park safely and travel within this 20mph speed limit, then this will make the streets safer for our children and others.
Dan Stern, resident Bruce Road, Whitehall
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Just having the signs around you reminds you to slow down, sometimes you can feel the other drivers’ frustration behind you, but if this limit adds just a few minutes to each person’s journey to save a child’s life, then it is more than worth it.
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You could win a bike from 20 is plenty! See page 14
Mark Stone, Parent Governor of Limes Nursery, Whitehall
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Driving through east Bristol? Be aware of the new speed limit
ing ages, cultural backgrounds and levels of experience and said its schedule reflects the rich mix of Bristol‟s inner city population. Phil Gibbons, Station manager said it was a major award for BCfm 93.2fm. Laura Kan “It endorses everything we try to do introduces at the station. We came from humble the Chinese beginnings and have now grown into dragon a great radio station that does much more than make noise. This is a big thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who have worked so hard to make the station a truly community led project for the whole of Bristol”. 5 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Neighbourhood Partnership... ...heard about it? The Ashley, Easton & Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Partnership Who are we? We are 46 people who live and work in the area - ward Councillors, local residents, community and voluntary groups and local businesses reps – people who live and work in the three wards of Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill (the neighbourhoods of St Werburghs, St Andrews, Montpelier, St Pauls, Whitehall, Greenbank, Easton, St Judes, Barton Hill, The Dings, Old Market, Redcliffe and Redfield). We are one of 14 Neighbourhood Partnerships in Bristol.
What do we do? The whole point is to give local people more influence over decisions and getting things done. We hold regular neighbourhood forum meetings for residents and local businesses people to raise issues.
Small grants 17 local projects received small grants to do a whole range of things across Easton & Lawrence Hill. There‟s someone improving an area under the M32 (turn to page 11), a young person organising a cooking project with other young peo ple and older people organising computer classes and community gardening. We were inundated with applications and so sadly, we had to turn people down but watch this space for future opportunities.
Clean and Green We‟ve been working with City Council staff to improve the environment. On top of that we have secured funding for bulb planting; for residents of Bloy Street to improve their square; a forest garden on Peel Street (fruit and nuts!); a community day to make hanging -baskets in St Agnes and a mural on Moon Street.
Traffic Speeding, congestion and problematic parking is a big issue for our area. The Neighbourhood Partnership has a small budget to carry out „minor traffic schemes‟ (things like traffic calming and pedestrian crossings). We have a long list of problems reported by local people. At the March Neighbourhood Partnership meeting Councillors will decide which problems will be addressed in 2011/2012.
What can I do? Simple steps to getting things done... Report any problems on your street (it‟s very easy) from a pot hole to a broken street lamp. Go to www.fixmystreet.com OR phone Bristol City Council on 9222000.
Contact your local ward Councillor We advertise all meetings on the local community notice boards but if you want information direct please phone 3773638 and ask to be put on our mailing list.
You can visit www.bristol.gov.uk contacts page or call on the number above for your Councillor‟s phone number and email.
Come along to a Neighbourhood Forum 25 May 2011, Hannah More Primary School, 6.30 to 8.30pm 11 July 2011, Easton Primary School, 6.30 to 8.30pm
Drop in and see the people who work in 108 Church Rd Redfield OR St Agnes Lodge, St Pauls
6 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Forum news and your views At the January Neighbourhood forums you said that your priorities for agencies were fly tipping on Ducie Road, littering and dog fouling in Owen Square, drug dealing in the high rise flats in Barton Hill and car crime in St Philips, The Quadrant, Midland, Waterloo Road and Unity Street. Residents heard about the new 20 mile per hour speed limit at both forums. Clarification was sought on whether the 20 mile per hour zone is legally enforceable. The police confirmed that it is (read more on page 5). At residents request parking services and the planning department attended your forum in March. Residents asked why no parking officers had visited Armoury Square, and reported parking problems outside schools and on Beam Street, Barton Hill, and the ongoing commuter parking issues in The Dings homezone. A review of traffic management in The Dings is now underway. Residents questioned why there are flats and offices being built at Old Market and Temple Meads, but no convenience store. Planning explained that uncertainty of a customer base has been a barrier to attracting traders. Planning also agreed that they needed to liaise more with local services when new homes are built. 2000 new homes are needed for East Bristol. Residents also reported fly-tipping in Redfield, faulty lights in Gaunts Ham Park and Urban Park and an Easton shop selling alcohol to young people. Residents are Contact Farhan on concerned about the Farhan.Ahmed@bristol.gov.uk impact of cuts on our or 9036442. local services .
You said, we did... 5 crack houses have been closed this year: three in Easton and two in Lawrence Hill. Car crime significantly reduced in St Philips and The Dings following an arrest. Thanks to you the Police and Bristol City Council have reclaimed 94 Twinnell House after class A drugs were found and arrests made at the address. Your request for CCTV at Ducie Road car park was agreed and one local shop is facing legal action for fly-tipping Officers have visited Armoury Square 192 times since November. 42 penalty notices were issued. Work is continuing to make Bellevue Park cleaner and accessible to all. A new bin has been installed. Following resident action at the forums, Fox Road cycle path will no longer be diverted through the play area. See page 11 for details. Community walkabouts have started around the Stapleton Road area and drop-ins for anyone concerned about the area (see page 15).
Say goodbye and hello to your neighbourhood policing sergeants Goodbye Jon Ames! Jon Ames is leaving the Barton Hill beat team for Fishponds. Andy Whelpton will take his place as Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant on 1 April 2011.
" I am very sorry to leave Barton Hill after over 7 years working with the community. I have made many friends and have enjoyed my time on the team. I am really happy that the community feels much safer now and am proud to have played a part in that process." We’ll miss you!! Thanks for all your hard work.
I'm Sergeant Tim Hill and from the 1st of April, I'll be the Easton Neighbourhood Sergeant based at Trinity Road, taking over from Andy Whelpton. I'll be responsible for the day to day running of the Neighbourhood Team of Beat Managers and PCSO's delivering local policing services in your area. I've a wealth of experience in Neighbourhood Policing, having spent 3 years leading a Team based at Fishponds. I'm looking forward to working with you and meeting many of you at local events such as the Neighbourhood Forums where Iâ€&#x;m Sergeant Andy Whelpton. After 3 years as the Easton Neighbourhood Sergeant, I'm moving on to a neighbouring area, taking over the Barton Hill team from Jon Ames. I would like to thank all those who have supported local policing efforts in Easton and look forward to my new role in Barton Hill from the 1st of April 7 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Celebrating women at Hannah More By Hannah Pepper, Parent Governor
Jo Bacon and Negat Hussein at the awards ceremony in March
International Women‟s Day was colourfully celebrated at Hannah More Primary School through an exciting collaborative arts day. With the help of local artist Grace Engel, the women of the school community produced a collection of sixty individual paintings and collages on eight inch square canvases. The women were briefed to create artworks which represented themselves, their experiences, and their journeys, through images, stories and a wide range of colours, textures and materials. The beautiful, elaborate and eclectic works demonstrate the rich and diverse cultural backgrounds on which the Hannah More school community draws, and the creativity of women‟s collaboration. The sixty canvases will be assembled into two large collages. It is hoped that the artworks will be exhibited widely before they are permanently hung in the school‟s well used Community Room. The day was funded through a grant from Bristol City Council‟s Development Fund. You can see more of their collection on page 18.
Wonderful local woman wins Women Who Make a Difference Award
Local woman Joanna Bacon has won an award for her outstanding voluntary work for Women Who Make a Difference. The annual awards are the brainchild of Bristol City Council and coincide with International Women‟s Day. Jo was nominated for running Easton Families Project‟s community stay and play group „Childsplay‟, which she has led in her free time for two mornings each week for the last six years. She said: “I was surprised and delighted to receive a Women Who Make a Difference Award for my voluntary work at Easton Families Project. It was very special and humbling for my contribution to be recognised and to be in the presence of so many worthy women who give their time and talent to their communities in Bristol. I am really grateful to the people with whom I work; Toria Moore, Project Manager, who nominated me; and all those who have celebrated with me. My life is much richer for the experience! It has always struck me what a huge potential for good exists within the varied people who make Easton what it is. Working with parents, carers and their children within Easton Families Project is just a small part of enabling that to happen and I hope the award goes some way to raising the profile of this work and the many wonderful people who support, encourage and enable others”. Volunteer, Negat Hussein, was also nominated and received a certificate for leading Easton Families Project Arabic speaking women‟s group Sadaka. 8 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Princess visits Barton Hill Settlement to mark start of centenary celebrations On 8 February HRH The Princess Royal visited Barton Hill Settlement to launch the celebrations of the Settlement‟s centenary year. The Royal Visit was the first of a year‟s programme of activities celebrating the work and people of the Barton Hill Settlement through the last hundred years as the organisation looks forward to the challenges to come in the next hundred years. During her visit Princess Anne unveiled a plaque and met staff, volunteers and local people who have been making a difference in their community. Residents were delighted that she‟d come to see them and even admitted to being a little starstruck. Anna said “She really boosts you. I had a bit of a rough time after Christmas and she boosted my confidence. She seems a really nice lady. She gave me a cheeky little smile on the way down. It makes you feel quite proud”. Ian O‟Shaughnessy agreed. “She makes you feel really at ease. I spoke to her myself about a couple of organisations”. It wasn‟t the only sur-
Junction 3 is close to residents’ art As part of the Junction 3 Public Engagement Arts Programme artists Davis & Jones have invited local people to get involved in the development by sharing their interests and talents with each other and the workers on-site. The first event saw people from the Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) perform „The Green Triangle,‟ a collection of short pieces inspired by the Performing on site Junction 3 site. „Make a builder happy this winter‟ involved local knitters making hats for construction workers welcoming them to Easton and keeping them cosy. At a hat giving event local knitters presented their handiwork to the somewhat surprised builders. Future events will take place over the course of the construction, and will include local people taking music and food onto the building site. Davis & Jones are keen to hear from residents and organisations that would like to get involved. For further information visit http://junction3.wordpress.com/
prise in store. “She‟s smaller than I thought she‟d be!” adds Anna. Future centenary events will include a series of plays by local children, their parents and residents telling „One Hundred Stories for One Hundred Years, June volunteer celebrations, the opening of the redeveloped Farmhouse building, and a glittering civic reception at the end of the year.
Barton Hill Primary School children excited to see Princess
Ian and Anna right royally happy after visit
Trinity Community Arts is looking for people to join
the organisation as volunteer board members. It‟s an exciting, dynamic organisation formed to manage the Trinity Centre, delivering a range of activities including, arts and heritage projects, individual development through training and work placements, community events and hall provision and live music gigs. If you have skills in areas including finance, HR and experience and understanding of the voluntary sector apply now. Contact info@3ca.org.uk or visit www.3ca.org.uk/about/get-involved/join-our-board
End of tax year issues You’ve been coming to see us about your housing benefit and council tax forms, which tell you how much you will need to pay over the coming financial year. Remember that if you are on active benefits you may not need to pay anything: the council sends everyone a letter saying how much council tax is for the year, even if it is paid for you as a benefit entitlement. Have you received your census letter and don’t know how to fill it in? Come to the Shop and we’ll help you. The Neighbourhood Management Shop is based at 108 Church Road (The Old Bank) 9 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Come for fun to our community allotment By Christina Crossingham Open on Thursday‟s 12 till 5pm, Easton‟s Community Allotment is a social space for people who’d like to learn how to grow fruit and vegetables and enjoy some healthy exercise in the fresh air. Volunteer gardeners have been growing fruit, veg and herbs at Easton Community Allotment for nearly ten years. Following organic principles, we compost, mulch, plant, hoe and harvest while making friends and drinking tea. Alongside the vegetable beds we have a wildlife area, fruit trees, two ponds a compost loo and a shelter to sit and admire our work from. Each Thursday there is a coordinator who welcomes everyone and helps us choose what we‟d like to do. You will be equally welcome whether you are a beginner or a seasoned grower. Gardening is hungry work so at lunch time we share something to eat. You can bring something for the meal if you‟d like but you don‟t have to. At the
end of the day we share the harvest which at this time of year doesn‟t amount to much but by late Spring there will be plenty! No previous experience is necessary - we learn from each other and bring books along when we‟re not sure about something. It‟s good to wear strong shoes and a waterproof jacket just in case. We open up whatever the weather. Recently we sat in the shelter with steaming cups of tea looking out at the snow covered garden but you don‟t have to come every week, just when you feel like it. There is no membership and decisions are made as we go along about what needs to be done so each volunteer can be involved as little or as much as they want. On your first visit you may like to just come and look around, have a cup of tea and a chat.
SHAME ON YOU! 14 long wooden poles have gone missing from Catch 22’s allotment at Beaufort Road, Strawberry Lane, St George. If you know anything about this please call Luis on 9556971 in confidence. And watch your own growing space...thieves are about. 10 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Grow your own at this beautiful community allotment
How to find us: Going towards Bath on the Cycle Path turn off just before the bridge that crosses Rose Green Road. It is a tiny path between the bushes which leads onto Gordon Road. Walk up the road to a lane on your right between the houses numbered 58 and 60, we are through the green gate on the left. Alternatively, coming from Whitehall Road, turn left into Gordon Road at the lights and find the lane between Nos: 58 and 60 on your left opposite the Rose Green Centre, just before the road goes downhill.
Cotton Mill Lane garden Supported by Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Mangets green light to sow agement, Sovereign Housing and Residents of Cotton Mill Lane in Barton Hill have been cracking on with their work to make their green space a place of sowing, sitting and growing. Children and parents came out in force in February to get digging and planting in time for their April open day.
Barton Hill‟s Walled Garden project, residents have great plans for this previously disused space. The new design will include spaces for growing vegetables, fruit trees, herb patches, and flower beds, with seating and a children‟s play area.
Cycle path victory for Fox Road play area Residents of Fox Road are thrilled at the council‟s decision not to divert a cycle path through their playground. Cycle City had proposed to move the cycle path that currently runs alongside the M32. Concerned residents first came to the neighbourhood forum to warn the council of the dangers fast travelling commuter cyclists might pose to local children. Cycle City have listened to
those concerns, and will now upgrade the cycle path but leave it in its original position. Fox Road residents are working with Neighbourhood Management and Safer Bristol to upgrade the playground for local people to sit and play. It is part of an ongoing mission to make Fox Road clean, safe and free from prostitution and drug-dealing. More on Fox Road next issue...
Designs and decorators needed for neglected M32 By Simon Dilly
Music and food included!
'Under the Motorway' invites all residents of Easton, Lawrence Hill and beyond to join us in adding just a touch of love to the space under the M32. Join us at Napier Road over the weekend of the 16th-17th April on either day from midday to paint, garden and decorate this neglected part of our community. There will be music and food on the day to keep busy bees buzzing away painting these enormous pillars a selection of beautiful pastel colours, trimming back overgrown greenery and hanging bunting. If you can volunteer your time to help organise the weekend, donate things like food or tools, or have any other ideas for the space or the weekend itself please get in touch. We also want local residents, businesses and groups to create designs for the bottoms of the pillars; messages to the community, loved ones, adverts, illustrations..... all ideas welcome. Get in touch by email on underthemotorway@gmail.com or call me (Simon) on 07988654464.
“It‟s been good today because I‟ve been digging a lot and using the wheelbarrow. It‟s good because it helps me get stringer. When it‟s finished I‟ll use it. I like this place very much” - Ben talks about his work on Cotton Mill Lane green space, Barton Hill.
1
2 3 What changes would you make to the M32 areas above?
11 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Dynay, age 11 “I liked making new friends, taking pictures from different perspectives, and the angles and effects. First we did a PowerPoint and then they gave us a camera and we went out in groups. I met Christena and Ria and some other people. It was quite scary at first because we didn‟t know them but we talked to them more and we got used to them”.
Deka, age 10 About the project she says: “It was kind of scary at first because you don‟t really know the person and they might be rude. Then I realised they were kind. We met year 6‟s at Cabot and took pictures of different cultures and people who believe different things like Sikhs”
Salma, age 10 I liked meeting new friends and people to link with. I thought they were going to be rude and not listen to other people but when I met them they were really nice. Christena was funny and the best. Now I feel really sad to leave them because we might forget each other and we don‟t have a way to communicate with each other”.
Faisan and new friend
Sultan finds fun in the park
Ria, age 11 “I really enjoyed doing the project because when I go to secondary school it will help me build new relationships. I don‟t know how to make friends and mingle and this project has shown me how to. When I go out I wouldn‟t maybe talk to no one from Easton but now that I know them I‟m really confident and I can make new friends. In secondary school I know how to make friends now that I‟ve met people from Millpond. Making new friends from Millpond is like finding an extinct flower. I‟m sad that I can‟t continue with the project because I miss my friends from Millpond. I hope someday that the wars between St Pauls and Easton can stop and we can become one big community and be friends”.
Leyla’s food
Mateusz sees angels
Ridwaan captured by aliens
12 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
My New Friends artwork page 12 and front page by Nicole Lawson ©
Innovative East Bristol youth programme under threat of cuts closure A project that has helped thousands of young people is facing the axe after ten years hard work. Catch 22‟s East Bristol Youth Inclusion Project (YIP), based at Barton Hill Settlement, is the only multi-agency youth programme of its kind in the inner city, yet faces closure due to cuts. YIP receives £82,000 core funding annually from national Youth Justice Board, which is considering which services will go in its wide-sweeping savings measures. It costs £100,000 per year for each child in a young offenders‟ institute. YIP works intensively with a core group of fifty young people each year deemed at risk of offending and their families. Referrals come from the police, schools, parents and other Settlement services. Families receive intensive support, helped on a range of issues from challenging behaviour to benefits entitlement. Yet YIP moves beyond the core, supporting children and their families across East Bristol with a diverse programme of eye-opening and challenging activities, particularly in the holidays when children can be at a loss for what to do. Up Our Street spoke to YIP youngsters at their celebration event in February, to find out what they thought of the project, and what it would mean for them if it closes. Somer, age 16, thinks the project is a resounding success for local children. She said “It helps everybody to get along better. It helps people with their emotional side, if they have problems at home or school. It improves your skills about communicating with peoMy New Friends continued
dangerous and people give you poisoned sweets” thought another. By the end of the project pupils had changed their minds. “St Paul‟s is not as bad as I hear” says Hodon. Badisha says that it‟s looking pretty good for the other side “I think Easton has changed” and Faduma agrees things are different since meeting her new friends. “I think Easton is good now”. Following a successful premiere of their photography exhibition in February, it is now on display at Millpond Primary School. If you‟d like to find out more about My New Friends contact Julie Perkins at Community Resolve on 0845 345 7461 or if you‟ve got thoughts to share about Easton and St Paul‟s contact Up Our Street.
ple and knowing right from wrong. It‟s got a lot of people out of trouble with the police because there are lots of activities to do”. Her brother George, 14, stands eagerly at the football display. He‟s a proud member of the YIP 5-aside team. “We meet people and make friends and communicate well with each other”. Photos show the footballers playing at Ashton Gate and watching an under 21 England squad at Old Trafford. Another 5-asider, Blake, 15, joins us. YIP is “something to do around the holidays, and I‟ve been on lots of trips”. He desperately hopes that the project will be re-funded. “There‟s nothing to do around Barton Hill. If they go we can only play football at the Netham”. YIP may be forced to close at the end of March as we go to print. If you‟d like to support YIP go to onlinehttp://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ saveeastbristolyip/
Meet the mentor... Jed Atkinson met Annie Vanbeck in 2009 at a training event for YIP mentors. Attending children are able to suggest which mentors they‟d like to work with. Jed picked Annie. Annie says “We started hanging out in September. We‟ve been to London for the day, and to Bath, where we swam in the river on the way, and a million bike rides”. “London was fun” enthuses Jed. “I get to experience things I‟ve never done before. The other day we went to Glastonbury Tor”. “One to one time is the most valuable part of the mentormentee relationship”, explains Annie. “It‟s nice that all the attention‟s on one person”. It‟s not all play and no work, as education is central to the mentor role. Annie helps Jed with his maths and science. “Then I reward him with bowls of chips” she laughs. Seriously, however, Annie adds that if her child was in need she‟d want quality mentor support. “It‟s part of being in an inclusive society, and everybody benefits”. She says that Jed‟s confidence has been hugely boosted. “He‟s really changed, he didn‟t use to be so chatty”. So will Jed become a mentor in the future? “I like the experiences” he says, “but I‟d probably want to do other things, like getting a job”. 13 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Win a free bike The 20mph zone makes our streets safer for walking and cycling, therefore the „twenty is plenty for Bristol‟ campaign has teamed up with Evans Cycles to giveaway two free bikes.
1st prize is a voucher to the value of £200 to spend in store 2nd prize is a voucher to the value of £100 to spend in store Five runners-up will receive a cycle jersey. For a chance to win a prize, complete the sentence below:
20 is plenty for Bristol because………………………………………………….................. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................ To enter this competition please send your name, age and address and winning sentence to: 20 is Plenty campaign, Strategic Communications Department, NHS Bristol, South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol, BS1 3NX. Or alternatively, email robin.butcher@bristol.nhs.uk with your answer and details. The most interesting and innovative answers will be selected to win a prize. 14 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Stapleton Road’s got a lot more to give
The roads are looking cleaner now communal bins are in place.
Stapleton Road is alre a d y see in g so me changes since it became the focus of the Neighbourhood Partnership. Stapleton Road will soon have its own dedicated cleaning operative and new „dilly‟ route to keep the street swept every day, all day long. Look out for our new operatives and show them your support. The communal bin scheme is being rolled out from M32 to Old Market on 28 March as we go to print.
New working group A new working group for Stapleton Road of local traders, residents and agencies will coordinate and drive through improvements to the street and help to rebuild its damaged reputation. If you live or work on Stapleton Road or in the immediate streets surrounding it and would like to get involved call our Neighbourhood Manager Penny Germon on 9039879 or email penny@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Things we wish we didn’t see...
Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Partnership
Stapleton Road Drop-In Do you have concerns about safety on Stapleton Road or surrounding streets? Is the area being looked after in the right way? Come and talk to staff from Bristol City Council, the Police, Safer Bristol and your local Neighbourhood Partnership. The drop in will take on the following Snow canplace be fun... dates in April, May and June between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm. Stapleton Road Congregational Church Newton Street entrance 8 April 6 and 20 May 3 and 17 June Kensington Baptist Church Seymour Road entrance 11 April 9 and 23 May 6 and 20 June For more information or if you can‟t visit a dropin but have something to say call Neil Burwell on 077 954 464 29
Community policing event gives locals update on the death of Abdi Mohamoud
This is the state of Stapleton Road‟s pavements in places. Impossible for wheelchair users, tough on little legs and a hazard for elderly citizens. If uneven pavements are tripping you up let your Neighbourhood Partnership know about it. Contact ealh@neighbourhoodpartnership.co.uk
A prime suspect has been charged with the murder of Abdi Mohamoud, after being found by police in Spain. Following intensive work by Bristol CID to find him, he was successfully extradited after 14 days of legal procedures. Nothing further could be said to the audience due to possibility of this affecting the future trial. Abdi‟s family, including his mother, were present and were very appreciative of the support they had received. Superintendent Moss thanked the community for their support throughout the investigation. Residents attending the meeting were appreciative of the fact that their local police teams were keeping them informed. Some residents raised concerns regarding the media coverage of this murder compared to that of Jo Yeates.
15 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
New build for old care home Brunelcare‟s Saffron Homes, situated on the land between Devon Road, Prospect Place and Woodbine Road, have been home to hundreds of older people over the past four decades. Some of the buildings have been empty for some time as the facilities within them are below the standard Brunelcare believes is now acceptable. The company are keen to invest in the area to provide world class care for older people. They have looked at adapting the buildings on site to provide better New home for elderly accommodation but people with dementia have determined that the best way ahead is
to build a new, energy efficient building. A planning application has been made for a single building encompassing 48 bedrooms in the ground floor, up to 15 flats for older people on the first floor, and space for the Head Office staff on a second floor. The improvement programme will take about 18 months and will start with the removal of the redundant buildings in March 2011. The proposed design was presented at a Neighbourhood Forum in January. Brunelcare is very happy to have more local meetings with their neighbours, to describe their intentions and discuss what they and their contractors can do to minimise intrusion on your lives during the building period. If you feel a local meeting would be worthwhile or would like further information on what is happening, please contact Sam Taylor, Brunelcare‟s development manager, at info@brunelcare.org.uk or call 0117 9144221.
Looking for a new home? Could these brand new Barton Hill homes be for you? Sarah is a single mum of two living in a one bedroom high rise flat in Barton Hill. She has two children, Thomas, 6 and Anna, 4 who are sharing a bedroom. Sarah wants to move into a two bedroom house, but wants to stay in Barton Hill close to family and friends. Sarah could bid for a new two bedroom house being built on the old Winstanley site, managed by social landlord Sovereign Housing. She qualifies for the Affordable Rent scheme, also known as social rent. She is in on the housing register managed by Bristol City Council. An Affordable Rent home is one that is managed by the registered social landlord. Residents under this scheme have a long term tenancy agreement. If you, like Sarah, are on the housing register and would like to move into one of the new two, three or four bedroom houses, contact Terry Black on 3170705. Mr Abdi lives on his own in private accommodation. He‟d like to buy his own property and is saving for his deposit. He would like to buy a property in Barton Hill which is close to work, but is struggling to find the 25% deposit he needs to be able to get a mortgage. Mr Abdi could apply for a „rent to home buy‟ two bedroom apartment on the Winstanley site. Rent to home buy (also called „intermediate rent‟) is where the home is owned and managed by a registered social landlord, but there is an opportunity to buy the property. Rental prices are above that of social rent (Affordable Rent) but below that of private housing. It will give Mr Abdi the opportunity to save his wages to buy 50% of the property in the future, whilst living in his new home. Rent for the other 50% will be lower than private rental. If you, like Mr Abdi, would like to move into one of the 9 two bedroom houses or 6 two-bedroom apartments, contact Sovereign New Build Home Buy marketing team on 0845 6021618 for more information. 16 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Council owed garages may be sold to make way for new homes Several garage sites in Easton and Lawrence Hill may be sold for redevelopment, as the council looks for new housing land. Bristol City Council can no longer afford to keep garages which are expensive to refurbish and maintain, but bring in little revenue. Where sites are being considered for development, surrounding residents and existing garage tenants will be informed of feasibility studies taking place which will determine whether the site is right for homes. Feasibility can be a lengthy process, but if development is both possible and appropriate a local information event will give residents the chance to view proposals, comment, make any suggestions or express any concerns, before any Planning Application is made. The Garage Strategy team is currently considering development at the sites at Abraham Close, Mill House, Baynton House and Kingsmarsh House, although it is still very early days. This is 'hot off the press' and they have yet to contact all of the surrounding residents and garage tenants at all sites.
Garages up for grabs? Abraham Close Bates Close Field View Hathway Walk Highett Drive Mill House
Payne Drive Kingsmarsh & Baynton House Hassell Drive Hayes Close Rosevear
New to Barton Hill or simply don’t know your way around? If you‟re new to Barton Hill and you‟d like to find out about anything local, help is at hand. Housing Champions are trained volunteers, who can give you simple local information or help you with more complex housing issues. Up Our Street met with Housing Champion Rachel to find out more.
Q What made you want to be a housing champion? A I‟m starting to think about what career I want to do.
As I was experienced in moving homes I wanted to help others in the same situation. I‟ve lived in Barton Hill for eleven years and understand what it means to live in the flats and need to move to another home when they were demolished.
Q What can housing champions do to help people new to the area? A We can do loads! We did thirteen weeks training to be able to offer informal, independent advice on housing issues. If you‟re new to the area I can show you where the local schools would be, the local crèches or the doctor‟s. When you move to an area no one tells you where the chip shop is or how to get Housing Champions like Rachel can into town. I can ring someone if they need help finding their way around, or if they get stuck. give you vital local knowledge
Q What’s the best thing about being a housing champion? A You know that you can be a mentor to people and help others in their own situations. Q What’s the best thing about living in Barton Hill? A Everything‟s communal, close and there‟s always someone
to turn to in an environment that‟s friendly. If elderly residents sit on the bench in the park they know that within ten minutes they‟ll see someone they know, someone to talk to.
Q If you could change one thing about Barton Hill, what would it be? A I would like to see some of the businesses that used to be here, like the butchers, bakers, hairdressers or DIY store. The next butchers here is at Church Road and if you‟re elderly it‟s a long way to go. The people haven‟t faded away, but the businesses have. If you’d like to meet up with a housing champion call Maggie at Barton Hill Settlement on 955 6971.
Spotted any empty homes? By Steve Lowe At any time in Bristol, there are approximately 1,500 empty residential properties. These are a wasted resource at a time of increasing housing need. Bristol City Council‟s empty property team is working to encourage, assist and enable owners to bring empty properties back into use for residential accommodation. Where this does not prove to be successful, we have a range of enforcement measures, including compulsory purchase. We‟re getting results.
A large property in the heart of Easton, which had been empty and derelict for many years, has been the subject of a compulsory purchase order. As result, agreement has been reached with the owner and work is nearing completion to provide 3 units of accommodation as well as a shop premises. If you would like more information about the services on offer, or you want to report an empty property, go to the West of England website on www.privatehousinginformation or phone us on 0117 3533861
17 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Scouting for the facts of firefighting By Maureen Waller On a snowy November evening the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of the 128 St Gabriel's Scout Group braved the cold for a trip to our local fire station at Temple Back. Firefighters demonstrated how they can be ready for an emergency in seconds when they dress, slide down the firefighters' pole and into their fire engines. The troop were allowed onto the engine to see harnesses and breathing apparatus attached to the seats for firefighters to put on while the engine races through the streets of the city with lights flashing and sirens sounding. While the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were being shown the inside of the fire engine there was a shout!! a phone call to alert the firemen that there was a fire in Bristol that needed attention. They were so excited seeing the firemen sliding down the poles, putting their feet in the awaiting boots and attached overalls and donning their helmets and jackets. Off the two fire engines went to put out the fire. Children were shown into the firefighters' sleep-
ing quarters for those on night shift and a well equipped gym where they work out for an hour a day. Firefighters‟ fitness is regularly tested to check that they are always in good shape. They have their own bathroom and laundry and a dining room where they take it in turns to cook: roast beef and Yorkshire pudding was on tonight's menu. If your child would like to join us to see the firemen putting out a fire in the summer or for any of our fun activities contact Jayne on 07906 004873.
Save your vouchers
Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at Hollywood Bowl
A working smoke alarm might just save your life Tips on staying safe:
Never leave cooking unattended Never overload plug sockets Make sure candles are placed in the correct holders, away from furnishings Make sure everyone in your home knows the escape route from your house, and where the keys for windows and doors are kept If you smoke, always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished after use and never drop a used cigarette into a waste paper bin Before you go to bed at night:
make sure all electrical items which don‟t need to be kept on are switched off, close all doors to prevent the spread of fire keep door and window keys within easy reach
We are appealing to our friends in Easton to SAVE their Sainsburys and Tesco Vouchers which help us to buy educational, games, and craft and camping equipment. You can put them in our letter box on the gate of our HQ or post them to: 128th Scout Group, Woodborough Street, Easton Bristol, BS5 0JA Avon Fire & Rescue Service carries out Home Fire Safety Visits, where firefighters visit homes to talk to you about fire safety, completely free of charge. They will also fit free smoke detectors if required.To find out more about Home Fire Safety Visits call 9262061 or for more fire safety advice visit www.avonfire.gov.uk and go to the „your safety‟ pages.
More art from Hannah More International Women’s Day (story page 8)
18 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
19 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
20 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Have you heard? The Community at Heart Endowment Fund is now open for applications! Are a group based in, or a resident of, the former New Deal for Communities area (Barton Hill, Dings and parts of Redfield and Lawrence Hill) and Newtown? Then we got good news for you!
We have grants of up to £1000 for groups and £300 for individuals You must meet at least one of the following criteria to enter a successful application.
Connected with and / or meets the needs of the community e.g. costs towards equipment, workshop fees or towards a local event Contribution to rent costs (relative to activities/ service delivery) Activities that support community activity Activities that promote the outcomes: be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution or achieve economic wellbeing Improving the local environment
Resident criteria:
On the weekend of 18 & 19 June 2011, Easton will be putting on a show! Local painters, photographers, sculpters, craftspeople and artists of all kinds will exhibit their work in their homes and local venues, and there will be music, performance and activities for all ages, in and outdoors. Everyone is invited to come and experience the sights, sounds and imagination of this unique neighbourhood and its famously creative community. Plus the fabulous Front Garden Competition will make Easton look even more colourful than usual, as green-fingered residents glam up their front yards in a garden contest like no other! www.eastonartstrail.co.uk info@eastonartstrail.co.uk
Group criteria:
Easton Arts Trail is back!
The grant is connected with, and/or meets the needs of the community Improves your health Furthers your education e.g. course fees or books not travel costs Improves the local environment Furthers your career e.g. additional training Purchase of equipment e.g. towards cost of second hand bicycle/ reconditioned desktop computer th
The deadline is Wednesday 4 May with decisions being made by June 2011. For an application form contact Alice Meason on 0117 9897700 or visit www.quatetcf.org.uk or write to: Quartet, Royal Oak House Royal Oak Avenue, Bristol BS1 4GB
Regular meetings for you to join Phoenix52 Community Arts Project Get involved in local arts projects. Visit http://www.phoenix52.co.uk Housing Solutions (Tenant Management Organisation) Find out what your TMO can do for you. tony@housingsolutionstmo.org Church Road Action Group Improving Church Road for all. richardcurtis874@btinternet.com Bristol City Council Central Housing Forum peter.heffernan@bristol.gov.uk Planning Solutions Local planning discussions and action richardcurtis874@btinternet.com Easton Energy Group Get involved with local energy projects easton.energy.group@googlemail.com Old Market Community Association Improving Old Market for all. http://sites.google.com/site/oldmarketfuture/ Friends of Netham Park See page 4.
21 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
BRISTOL & WEST ATHLETIC CLUB RECRUITING LOCALLY Many local residents will have seen the new athletics arena being built off Johnson‟s Lane, Whitehall. Now it is finished Bristol & West Athletics Club are using it to hold recreational running sessions from 7 pm every Monday with a view to helping
novice runners prepare for major local events such as the Bristol 10k and Bristol Half-Marathon or simply just to get fit. The club is also holding young athlete sessions on a Wednesday night (6.15 to 7.15 pm for school years 4 to 6 and 7.15 to 8.15 pm for school year 7 and above) in partnership with local schools and City Academy. If you are interested in finding out more about opportunities for adults or young athletes please contact the Club‟s Development Adviser at keithatrvp@blueyonder.co.uk or visit www.bristolandwestac.org.uk
Barton Hill History Group
Bellydancing EASTON
Would you like to know more about the history of your area? If so why not come along to the Barton Hill History Group. We meet the third Wednesday of each month at:
Mondays 7-8pm @ the Greenbank Pub function room. Beginner level term 2 knowledge of basic posture and moves required.
Barton Hill Settlement, Ducie Road 7.30pm to 9.30pm Admission £2
Contact Stephi* on 0770 9433643 or info@sjb-bellydanceinbristol.co.uk for further information. www.sjb-bellydanceinbristol.co.uk
The evening usually includes a talk and slides with an East Bristol theme. For further details ring Pauline on 9670588 e.mail bartonhillhistorygroup@gmail.com or website www.bhhg.co.uk
Barton Hill Pilates Class Relax, improve posture, strengthen your back, tone up and make new friends. In small, supportive groups. Interested in a class in Easton? Call Joyce on 9024603 or visit Www.walktallpilates.co.uk
*also available for ad-hoc workshops & 121 tuition.
What can Women in East Bristol do?
Women‟s Institute (WI) Greenbank started in August 2008 with the coming together of women that had been meeting in smaller groups throughout Easton and St Werburghs. They wanted to extend the support and friendship these groups gave to a wider circle, following in the footsteps of mothers and grandmothers to form W.I. Greenbank. Meetings have included many different subjects such
as food for free, female resistance in the second world war, wine tasting, felt making, healthy treat food and writing poetry to name a few. There are also social meetings for clothes swapping, sharing food and partying. If you are interested in seeing who WI are and what they get up to join them for a meeting or two. If you like it join us as a member. Meetings are on the first Monday of each month at St Anne‟s Church, St Leonard‟s Road, at 7.45pm.
Forthcoming W.I. Meetings 7th March: With relevance to International Women‟s Day we have a speaker from „Breathing Fire‟ Bristol Black Women‟s Playback Theatre Company. 4th April: Chocolate Tasting/Making 2nd May: No meeting- informal picnic 6th June: 1st Aid by St John‟s Ambulance & Book Swap 22 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
23 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Contact us Neighbourhood Management Shop Mandy and Mubarig - 0117 353 2020 mandy@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk mubarig@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Tracy Parsons Office and Finance Manager 0117 903 9975 officemanager@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Francois Jensen Neighbourhood Facilitator 0117 377 3640 francois@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Sorrel Parsons Communications Officer 0117 377 3638 sorrel@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Penny Germon Neighbourhood Manager 0117 903 9879 penny@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management The Old Bank 108 Church Road Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9LJ Check out our website www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk WANT US TO TEXT YOU? SEND US A TEXT ON 07903089002
Or do you want more regular news from your neighbourhood? Contact Sorrel to be added to our mailing lists
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