October to December 2011
For everyone in Barton Hill, Easton, Lawrence Hill, The Dings, St Judes, Newtown, Goodpenny, Whitehall, Redfield
Beavers buried treasure pg 10 Easton & Lawrence Hill NM Annual Report pg 11 Do you have a story or photo to share? Contact us on 377 3638 Christmas competition pg 23
Community action pg 16-18
Twenty’s Plenty Watch your speed - pg 10
Contact us
Contents
Tracy Parsons Office and Finance Manager 0117 903 9975
Thank you awards
page 3
Meet the Inspector
page 4
Forum news & views
page 5
Our annual report
page 11
ShoutOut
page 16
Young at heart
page 19
Community Q&A
page 20
Local history
page 21
Christmas
page 23
officemanager@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
François Jensen Neighbourhood Facilitator 0117 377 3640 francois@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Stacy Yelland Communications Officer 0117 377 3638 stacy@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
e Advertis with us h and reac 13,000 people in al your loc area
Check out our website www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
WANT US TO TEXT YOU? SEND US A TEXT ON 07810506980 Do you want more regular news from your neighbourhood? Contact Stacy to be added to our mailing lists and we can keep you up-to-date. The opinions and information contained in this publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management.
Contact us to find out what great rates we can offer your business we are happy to discuss any size of advert.
We also offer a fantastic value leaflet delivery service so your publicity can reach the homes you need. We are confident our newsletter is read by hundreds of households in the area so don’t miss out on excellent advertising in these tough economic times. Contact Stacy on 377 3638 or stacy@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk today!
If for any reason you have trouble reading this newsletter come and see us at The Old Bank or call 0117 377 3638. 2
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Film on female genital mutilation to be released this autumn By Sorrel Parsons A powerful film made by local students to raise awareness about the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) will be released on You Tube this October. Silent Scream is a 12 minute documentary-drama made by 27 Bristol students, 24 of whom are from the City Academy in Easton. It aims to persuade communities that FGM must stop, by highlighting the physical and emotional pain endured by young women who experience the procedure to remove all or part of their genitalia. The practice is most common in the Western, Eastern, and North-Eastern regions of Africa, in some countries in Asia and the Middle East, and among certain immigrant communities in North America and Europe. As well as the extreme pain suffered by victims,
Star backing: The film has got the support of singer and Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon
complications can lead to infection, kidney failure, sterility and even death. Students worked after school, at weekends and during the school holidays with media
professionals from Zed Productions and Integrate Bristol, who taught them how to produce the film, based on their own script. One student, who wants to remain anonymous, said: “I hope the project will educate people from all communities about the devastating effects of FGM. I hope it will bring this horrendous act to an end and prevent girls being subjected to this evil and cruel procedure.” Another said: “Filming was really fun even though the subject was a difficult one. The film will make people think, especially parents, that they won’t want this to happen to their daughters.” The film premiered at the Watershed in June, and has already received the 'Chief Constable's Special Commendation for work to prevent FGM.' Visit www.integratebristol.org.uk to find out more.
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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Meet the new Neighbourhood Inspector Q&A
Up Our Street caught up with new Neighbourhood Inspector Chris Regan to find out what makes him smile.
If you weren’t a police officer, what would you be? An Engineer, I have always had an interest in construction particularly some of the major projects undertaken in the city. What makes you angry? Bristol Rugby's current position in the league. What makes you smile? Bristol Rugby on a winning run. Chris, you’ve worked in this area before – what’s the best thing about coming back? The people - there has been some fantastic work over recent years and it is great to be back and part of it. What changes have you seen in the area in the last ten years? I have seen some great work and some significant reductions in crime and some great improvements to the environment. There is clearly more work to be done, but there are some real success stories across our area. Following the tragic incidents on Stapleton Road, what police action can we expect over the coming months? We are working very closely with our partners and the communities of the Stapleton Road area to address issues of concern. Over the coming months there will be a real focus on preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. Those that don't change their ways will be brought to justice allowing the Stapleton Road area to thrive as a great place to live and work. If you could change one thing in the area what would it be? The media's perception of the area, I want the communities of Bristol to be hearing good news over the coming months. You can meet Inspector Regan at our local Neighbourhood Forum meetings (dates opposite). We’d also like to say goodbye and thank you to Inspector Julie Bowle who has moved to work at police headquarters. She did a fantastic job in our area and will be much missed.
Neighbourhood Partnership full steam ahead By Penny Germon We had a very productive Neighbourhood Partnership (NP) meeting in June. 26 people attended including ward councillors, residents, community and voluntary sector groups, traders and workers. You can see what actions were agreed in our ‘You said, we did’ column opposite. Don’t forget the ward councillors have access to a small amount of funding to 4
improve traffic management and the environment. If you tell us the problem we will do our best to sort it, or support you and your neighbours to deal with it. Coming up in December the NP will consider a ‘parks investment plan’ and will agree the future membership of the NP. Dates for next meetings are: 5 October and 14 December. You can find records of NP meetings at www.innercitynp.org.uk
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
or call 377 3638 for more information.
FREE MONEY Small grants are available for groups or projects in the Easton and Lawrence Hill wards. Get your hands on some cash by calling Diane Dodd on 903 9932 and asking about the Wellbeing Grant. The deadline for getting in your application is 7 November.
Your Views and Forum News By Sorrel Parsons
You said, we did... Library Services are attending Neighbourhood Forums to find a name for the new library at Baptist Mills - you had said ‘Junction 3’ reflected a motorway that divided our communities. The Neighbourhood Partnership supported residents’ requests for more public seating (benches with backs). Trading standards are looking at how they can better deal with on-road car sales following complaints from residents in Easton. Waste enforcement officers have visited Victoria Avenue in Redfield to check on bins blocking pavements. A tenant has surrendered their key and moved out following complaints of anti-social behaviour in Proctor House, Redcliffe. A new tenant is being sought. Bristol City Council has been asked to relax morning loading restrictions on the outbound bus lane on Church Road. An arrest has been made following an increase in burglaries in Barton Hill, including St Luke’s Church, Barton Hill Settlement and the primary school.
A lovely, packed meeting at the July Neighbourhood Forum saw residents talking about the Showcase bus route, violent incidents in Easton, tenant management organisations, ongoing concerns in Westminster Road and a neighbourhood plan for Easton to name but a few items! The police updated the Forum on the incidents on Stapleton Road: residents said they thought the leaflets given out to local people by the police after the events were welcome and helped to prevent rumours circulating. One resident questioned how representative tenant management organisations are of the communities they serve, and asked that the Neighbourhood Partnership monitor their work until they have been voted on by residents. Local resident, Simon Dilly, suggested that a neighbourhood plan could be developed for Easton, as part of the Government’s localism bill, enabling resident groups to submit ideas about green spaces and housing. The Wild Goose Cafe informed residents about their proposed new ‘wet space’ where those with drug and alcohol problems could meet with doctors, nurses and support workers whilst consuming small amounts of alcohol. This will reach some of the most vulnerable people who may otherwise have no access to services. Other points raised included a request for reinstatement of the bus route between St Pauls and Easton and the problem of tree roots lifting sections of the cycle path. Next meetings: Thursday 3 November, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, BS5 6AW and Wednesday 7 December, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, BS5 0AX.
Use ‘sex worker’ not ‘prostitute’ say residents Residents have complained about the use of the word ‘prostitutes’ to describe sex workers in the last edition of Up Our Street. We would like apologise for any offence this has caused to local people. It is the intention of this magazine to be fair and inclusive: sex workers are also a part of our community, our families and our friends. Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk 5
Crime falls in Barton Hill but antisocial behaviour needs reporting Barton Hill is a good place to live and recent crime figures for the area show reported crime continues to drop. Over the last five years crime has reduced by 31% with crime figures from this time last year showing a 22% decrease. This is great news for residents making Barton Hill a safer place to live. The reporting of anti-social behaviour is low in Barton Hill and the police are concerned that incidents are not being reported. If you experience anti-social behaviour such as abusive
language, racial or other harassment, noise, problem pets, graffiti, fly tipping or disruptive children, please report it to your landlord and the police. The police are working with residents through the Neighbourhood Forum, Bristol City Council and the Barton Hill Landlord’s Forum to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood. Report nuisance neighbours by ringing the new national non-emergency number 101. Ring 999 for emergencies.
5,000 NHS places available at new dental surgery in St George A St George dentist is inviting 5,000 local residents to sign up for NHS dental care this autumn. St. George Oasis dental surgery has already registered 5,000 residents since it opened in December 2010. It is located in a converted church, and is the last of five new dental practices that NHS Bristol has commissioned for the city. The practice boasts state-ofthe-art equipment and an experienced team of four dentists, one therapist and six dental nurses. To make an appointment contact 951 5559 or visit Oasis Dental Care, Neath Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 9AP.
Still here to help: debt advice agency celebrates 21st birthday Bristol Debt Advice Centre (BDAC) is celebrating its 21st birthday this year and is inviting more residents to come to them for help. Volunteer legal professionals started the organisation in a room in someone’s house in 1990, and the service has grown into a fully staffed advice service at 48-54 West Street. BDAC have had 8,000 enquiries over the last year and Joanna Gooding says that demand for advice has continued to grow. “There has been an increase in demand for advice over the last year as more people become further affected by the effects of the recession including the increase in inflation and the cost of living and government cuts,” she 6
BDAC: debt advice team
explains. “More people are losing work and finding it hard to gain employment.” Most residents go to BDAC with issues such as not being able to repay what their creditors demand or knowing how to negotiate with them. This can lead to potential eviction, bailiff action or court
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
action. Often people find it difficult to understand correspondence sent by creditors or what action they should take. Joanna advises anyone experiencing debt or money problems to seek immediate help. “Debt has a devastating impact on people’s lives. Depression, fear, stress and anxiety is common and can lead to physical symptoms. People also often feel ashamed or embarrassed which can lead to isolation from family and friends.” Bristol Debt Advice Centre runs a drop in service for anyone on benefits on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9.30am to 12pm. You can ring for telephone advice on Thursday mornings. If you need help ring BDAC on 954 3990.
Neighbourhood Shop closes after ten years supporting residents By Sorrel Parsons On 30 June the Neighbourhood Shop sadly opened its doors for the last time to celebrate the achievements of the last ten years and thank staff, clients and partners for their support. Open since 2001, the Neighbourhood Shop has supported residents in Central and East Bristol with a wide range of issues including benefits and housing enquiries, dealing with utility and phone bills, bailiff intervention and accessing other local services such as schools and doctors. The Neighbourhood Shop saw 5776 people in 2010 alone. On average 250 people per month received one-to-one assistance. Dominic Murphy, Chair of Easton and Lawrence
Fond farewell: Shop’s last day
Hill Neighbourhood Management and local resident said he was disappointed that it had not been possible to secure funding to continue the work. “The Neighbourhood Shop has supported thousands of local people with multiple needs over the last ten years, helping them stay out of debt, keep their homes and understand their rights. The Neighbourhood Shop was often the first port of call for residents who received a worrying letter in the post,
needed help to fill in complex forms to receive the money they are entitled to, or who lacked confidence making calls to creditors. I would like to thank the Client Support Workers Mandy and Mubarig, who have gained the trust and confidence of the community and worked hard to make life less stressful for so many families.” Neighbourhood Manager, Penny Germon, added “although we will no longer be providing one-to-one client support in the Neighbourhood Shop, we will continue to help residents with community actions that make their neighbourhood a better place to live, work and play.” If you need help contact St Paul’s Advice Centre on 955 2981 or Bristol Debt Advice Centre on 954 3990.
Young people inspire others to steer clear of gangs and crime By Kinny Chinangwa The Dings Young People’s project recently had some discussions with our young people regarding what issues are currently affecting young people today and what could we do to address them. A number of things were raised but one of the major issues has been the spread of street crime and gang culture in our local areas. The young people accessing our project have lost a few of their friends to incidents involving street and gang crime. It’s been a very traumatic period of time for them, so they came up with an idea of creating a wall of inspiration. The ‘Wall of Inspiration’ was an arts based activity to use graffiti to help young people on the edge of street crime form a positive message to encourage all young people to reach for their goals despite any setback or obstacles that may get in their way. Young people chose specific words that inspired them personally, and used
graffiti to create a design that was then transferred onto the wall. Our young people used creativity, team work, motivation and guile to complete this amazing piece of work with the help of Graffiti artist Acerone (Luke Palmer). Dings Young People’s Project - 955 6971.
The Dings Young People’s project was funded by the Neighbourhood Partnership Wellbeing Grants. The grants are now open for application by local community groups (deadline 7 November). Visit www.innercitynp.org.uk or call Diane Dodd on 903 9932.
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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St Judes garden party fundraises for emergency services for city’s women In August a garden party fundraiser attracted more than 150 people to St Judes Day Centre to raise money for services for vulnerable women in the city. Formerly a day centre for homeless and vulnerable adults, following a successful pilot in 2010 the centre is now an emergency night service for single vulnerable women. Women’s Services Manager at Novas Scarman, Tracey Tudor, said that the money raised would
help fund the emergency night service in St Judes and two women’s hostels in Bedminster. The emergency night service for single vulnerable women, who may be fleeing domestic violence or be young care leavers, is the only one of its kind in the city. Night Service Support Worker, Jane May, said they’d even had women stranded at the train station with nowhere to go. “We once had an entertainer who’d had all her bags stolen on the train.” The Day Centre is now consulting with local people to expand its community services. For more information contact Chrissie on 954 2958.
Raffle: Naming Tracey’s teddy to raise needed cash
Business award win for Easton trader Local business Pak Butchers recently won the Evening Post Business Award for corporate social responsibility. Owner of the popular South West butchers, Abdul Malik said he was delighted to win. Pak Butchers have four shops in Bristol, three of which are in Easton. Abdul has supported local entrepreneurs to start up businesses, runs a selfsustained ‘community point’ to provide help and support to local people, and was the first Asian Muslim Councillor from 2005 to 2009. A pro-active member of the Stapleton Road Working Group, he is working with others to set up a Stapleton Road Trader’s Association.
Winners: Pak Butchers at the Evening Post ceremony
A folk dance for Barton Hill By Theresa Burn Welcome to W.A.M.A. The Work As Movement Archive. Cleaner, Police Officer, Panel Beater, Business Woman; whatever your profession we are interested in recording your daily movements at work. Your contribution will be added to a growing archive of movements that will form the choreography of an invented folk dance for Barton Hill to be performed next spring. W.A.M.A. is an art project by Serena Korda, commissioned by Sovereign Housing to mark the completion of ten years of building in Barton Hill. 8
Collecting movements: WAMA at the Barton Hill fun day. Photo by Max McClure
W.A.M.A has been inspired by the industrial and working class legacy of Barton Hill, from The Great Western Cotton Factory to The Netham Chemical Works, that once resided along The Feeder Canal. Barton Hill’s history charts man, woman and child’s relationship to the rise of the machines and how they
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
began to shape our lives, movements and actions during the height of the industrial revolution. One particular effect of these industrial environments was that it was difficult to communicate due to excessive noise levels. Workers created their own sign language ‘meemoing’ in order to communicate. Does ‘meemoing’ still happen in your workplace? Get in touch with us and let us know about the special ways you have developed to communicate at work, or if you wish to donate a movement to the archive. Call 07912208791 or email us on wama@ fieldartprojects.com
More classrooms to be built at Hannah More next summer Hannah More Primary School will be looking forward to new permanent classrooms next year, enabling them to offer 100 new places for children. Following a feasibility study last year and consultation with parents, Hannah More's six new classrooms will be built on top of the current Victorian building, behind the gables that give the school its distinctive facade. Some internal remodelling will be required, including moving toilets closer to the reception class. The planned kitchen extension on the ground floor is the only building that will use a part of the school grounds, as the current cooking facilities are inadequate for the school's needs. At a consultation event in August, residents asked architects Skanska if there would be disruption to children's learning during the building works. Skanska is hoping to minimise any disruption by completing the majority of works in the summer holidays of 2012. Preparation work may cause some disruption in the lead up to the main build. Residents raised the issue that a lack of local public transport and parking for increased numbers
of
parents dropping children off to school, and staff increases, could lead to traffic congestion and road safety problems. Cycle traffic from the nearby railway path may exacerbate these issues, as could the narrow pavement space on New Kingsley Road. Hannah More Primary School is hoping to mitigate the impact by renewing their school travel plan and continuing to promote walking or cycling to school. The path between the Dings and the school may also be widened to enable a better access route for parents and cyclists. Residents remain concerned about transport and will be asking the local authority to consider a strategic plan for transport in the area. Residents and parents can expect to see work beginning at the school in July 2012 Contact the school on 903 9936 for more information. You can view plans and leave comments on http://oldmarket.org.uk/2011/05/ development-of-hannah-more-school
School places your views??? Did you get the school place you wanted? Are you happy with the place you got? Why did you choose the school you did? According to Bristol City Council there has been a 15% rise in the number of children in reception class, with 3,000 new places being needed by 2015 . What impact has this had on local primary schools and parental choice? We’ll be looking at this issue in the next edition of Up Our Street. What are your views? Get in touch to let us know on 377 3638. Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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Happy Birthday: Original Scout leader Jakki Waller (centre) with the time capsule that won’t be seen again for 25 years. Photo courtesy of Bristol Evening Post © For information about the fun activities your child can take part in with the Scouts, contact Jayne Richer on 07906004873
25th birthday box buried for future Beavers to treasure By Kim Nation, Beaver Scout leader th
On Tuesday 12 July the 128 St Gabriel’s Beavers buried a time capsule to mark 25 years of Beaver Scouting, which is being celebrated throughout the country. Beavers placed their photos, drawings, badges and group neckerchiefs into a strong waterproof container, which was sealed and buried within the gardens of our headquarters in
Woodborough Street, Easton. Our first ever Beaver Scout leader, Jakki Waller, had the honour of burying the time capsule, as beavers, leaders and even the Evening Post looked on and took photos. Hopefully some of us who were there may be able to attend the digging up ceremony, which would be really nice. Only time will tell, so I guess we will just have to wait until the year 2036 to see!
Day of action to warn motorists and cyclists Children at Whitehall Primary School took part in a day of action in June to offer words of advice to drivers and cyclists about the risks their behaviours may present to themselves and others around them. Children have looked at dangerous driving and inconsiderate parking as a part of their school work, including leaflets for parents and presentations in assembly. Thanks go to Whitehall Primary School, Limes Nursery, Safer Bristol and Council parking enforcement officers for making this event a success. Please take care when driving, cycling and walking around schools in the area.
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Stop and think: Pupils encourage everyone to be careful when driving or parking around their school
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Community at Heart
Annual Report 2010 - 2011 What have we been up to? • • • • • • CHAIR’S REPORT “This year has been very significant for all of us in Lawrence Hill and Easton – our first year as a neighbourhood management team and also the first real test of how two large inner city wards could work together and build a sustainable future. Perhaps the most impressive thing for me has been the positive way everyone has approached the challenges facing them; from how we will work together and make decisions across the two wards to the tough problems faced by residents and businesses around Stapleton Road. All this against a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the future of the economy as a whole and defining exactly what is meant by Government jargon such as ‘localism’ and ‘community empowerment’. All in all I think we have made a really good start to our lives as a neighbourhood management partnership, there’s still a lot more to do and for that reason I believe we must work hard at getting more people involved in all aspects of our work.” Dominic Murphy, Chair of Community at Heart
Other key events this year:
We continued to offer free support to local people at our drop-in Neighbourhood Shop on Church Road. The Shop saw an average of 250 clients a month. We moved offices and relocated to The Old Bank, 108 Church Road. We became the proud owner of four retail units in Barton Hill. One of these was leased to Costcutter. We worked with Bristol City Council and residents in Ashley to set up the Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Partnership. We produced four editions of Up Our Street which is delivered to 13,000 households. We supported two Future Jobs Fund trainees. And much, much more.....!
Client Support Worke r Mubarig Bodleh Client Support Worke r Mandy Wachon Office & Finance Ma nager Tracy Parsons Admin Assistant Anne Marie Elliot Neighbourhood Facil itator François Jensen Communications Of ficer Stacy Yelland / Sorre l Parsons Neighbourhood Mana ger Penny Germon
OUR STAFF
Case Study 1 • • • • • • CALL TO ACTION Residents living around Cotton Mill Lane wanted to protect an area of green space that had been ear marked for development. • • • • • • OUR RESPONSE
Community garden opens Cotton Mill Lane
Together with Sovereign South and West, we arranged for the Council to lease the land to residents. The green space has now been turned into a garden which is being looked after by the local community.
e their time These residents all giv ing our and energy to improv oversee the neighbourhoods. They d Lawrence Hill running of Easton an ement and Neighbourhood Manag s for the work help decide the prioritie are looking for of the staff team. We es to join us more volunteer truste and St Judes. from Newtown, Easton chat with us If you’d like to have a please contact about getting involved us on 377 3640.
Who are we? rd Meet our resident Boa in terested “I am in services for g n improvin nants in Barto te o Council d the Board s e in jo Hill. I ence uld influ the o c I t a th s across decision s been a good ha area. It a lot of change h year wit structure the t o re rI ave had er the next yea h e w s a v work. O s working to u way we e ke to se ighbourhoods li ld u o w ne ure our make s ng better.” tti keep ge
on Hill t r a B s k Tony Hic 2009 y a M d e t c Ele “I have always been keen on having a clean and tidy environment for people to live and work in and I have been a Neighbourhood Champion for many years. I joined the Board to have wider input and I hope residents will get to know that there is someone who cares about our local environment.”
Jo Curtis - Redfield Elected March 2011
“I’ve work ed area for th in the re and feel p e years as about sup sionately porting residents to improve s help ervices. I’ m really look ing forward to bringing my profes s the Board . I’d like to ional skills to assist communit yb develop th ased organisations eir to and enviro ideas on sustainab nmental is ility su particularl y intereste es, which I’m d in.”
Terry Black - Elected Ma rch 2011 Sovereign S outh and W est “It really ha s been a pleasure to chair the Board. Ove r the last year I think we have made huge strides both in takin g forward the work of the past ten years and in developing our approa ch to puttin local people g in charge o f their own neighbourh oods.”
Dominic Mu rphy - The D ings Elected May 2005 “I have been involved in the community for ten years. I enjoy telling people what’s happening locally. I have been really pleased with the Forums and it’s great to see so many people attending and speaking to officers. I’d like to see this grow over the next year.”
Mike Pickering - Easton Elected March 2011
involved in n e e b e v a “I h ine unity for n it! I my comm still enjoy I d n a rs a ye f member o am also a munity Dings Com I think it’s n. Associatio t neighbours tha important r their look out fo nd each ya communit ome s have been are ready re e h T r. e e oth ues but w s is g in g n t real challe sorting ou to in k c to get stu sidents.” re issues for
- The Dings ey el s a C y ll a S Elected 2002
f o Chair o “I am als d Action oa Church R ined the jo Group. I re make su e to d r a o B wer ps’ views rly la this grou m particu e a I . d r a he s I feel romote th keen to p in Church Road a es ea in our business est shopping ar rd to a eb this is th rhood. I look forw p our e neighbou the Board to ke ant h as it le w p working rant and ib v a e tr local cen lace to shop.” p
“I joined the Bo was concern ard as I ed about the state of parks for my daughte r. joining I hav Since e become interested in improving the safety a nd cleanliness of the comm u n One challen ge was lettin ity. shops on A g the vonvale Ro ad. I’d like to see resid ents who w ork hard get the reco gnition they deserve.”
Joyce Clarke - Redfield Elected May 2009 “I like working with people from all different backgrounds. I think the Board is a good way to keep track of what is happening and I want to bring my experience from living around the world to this area. I am particularly interested in improving career opportunities for young people.”
dfield e R s i t r u Richard C 11 My New Friends h 20continued c r a M d e t Elec from front page
Manzoor Unar - Easton Elected March 2011
“I joined the Board because I wanted to be actively involved in the community in which I live and you can’t do that unless you have a voice to sing.”
ain “One of my m g kin o concerns is lo Park. I after Netham ally have been re work on proud of our ad over Stapleton Ro onths. I the past 12 m rum feel that the fo t to has done a lo uld ’ issues. I wo ts n e id s re s s addre Road s on Church like us to focu t.” nex
J Austin - Barton Hill Elected May 2009
edfield Alex Milne - R 007 Elected May 2
Case Study 2 • • • • • CALL TO ACTION Traders and residents were worried about recent violent incidents on Stapleton Road. There was concern about the cause of this and the impact on people using the street. Traders in particular were upset about the negative coverage the street was getting in the press. • • • • • • OUR RESPONSE We carried out regular street surveys and walkabouts to talk to people. We supported the BBC to promote the positive side of the street. We worked closely with traders, residents, police and the Council to set up the Stapleton Road Working Group. The group meets regularly to come up with solutions and put these into action. This work is ongoing.
Surveying residents Stapleton Road
Case Study 3 • • • • • • CALL TO ACTION Residents of Fox Road and Walton Street got together to raise concerns about drug dealing, fly tipping and the impact of sex workers and non-resident parking in their neighbourhood. • • • • • • OUR RESPONSE We worked with residents and Safer Bristol to put up community signs, litter pick, repaint the playground, improve lighting, protect parking spaces with chains and bollards and clear shrubs that were used for sex work. Residents also decided to set up ‘Fox Watch’ Neighbourhood Watch group.
Community actio Fox Road
Thank you to our Board members. We appreciate all your hard work: Alan Dando - Resigned May 2010 Richard Leeming - Resigned July 2010 Mohammed Elsharif - Resigned July 2010 Ayannah Griffith - Resigned July 2010 Sue O’Donnell - Resigned March 2011
n
• • • • FINANCE REPORT This is the first year of operation without New Deal for Communities funding. In 2008, Community at Heart was required by Government to show how the work would be sustained beyond the life of New Deal. A legacy fund of £786,000 (not NDC money) was accrued for this purpose. It will contribute to the delivery of neighbourhood management over the next five years together with income from our assets. Community at Heart has a number of ‘fixed assets’; The Old Bank (Church Road), Wellspring Healthy Living Centre (land & buildings), four shop units on Avonvale Road and the ‘Safe Ouse’ youth space in The Dings. This year the Board agreed to transfer the freehold of the Wellspring to the Wellspring Healthy Living Centre Ltd after they successfully applied for charitable status. The Community at Heart Board and the Wellspring Board believe this will help Wellspring to continue delivering services to the community in the long term. We expect to be able to transfer the asset in 2011/2012. Buildings can generate an income but they can also be a drain on resources. Ensuring the assets work for the organisation is a major challenge and will continue to be a high priority for the Board. We received a number of small grants from Bristol City Council, Safer Bristol and Sovereign Housing Association which help to deliver the day to day work which makes a real difference to local people. Penny Germon, Neighbourhood Manager
Painting and planters to brighten up Bloy Square
Children: Get busy painting Bloy Square’s sculpture
Residents in Bloy Square can look forward to a brighter environment since the arrival of eight new planters and the re-painting of the square’s sculpture. Residents met in August to give the large sculpture a much needed make-over, and to see the installation of the planters, which will help to prevent the square from being used as a football pitch. They first raised the issue of football playing causing damage to property and late night noise at a Neighbourhood Forum.
Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management were subsequently funded to work with residents to find solutions that worked for them. Young people are now being encouraged to play football in Owen Square Park. Bloy Square resident Barney Rivens said; “It’s been such a joy being involved in revamping our sculpture and a testament to community involvement and unity. Plus, it looks great and Snow can be fun... gives me a smile every time I look out my window or pass by on the square. Our square is unique and I feel very privileged to live on it. Now it finally looks loved and cared for. Big thanks to François for all his help and artistic impression, rain or shine!” If you feel inspired by this story and want to talk to us about something on your street call François on 377 3640.
Netham Park wins national award Netham Park has won the coveted Green Flag award for the second year in a row. The Green Flag Award scheme is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK, and recognises some of the best green spaces in the country. The well-maintained and multi-functional Netham Park, with its mixture of sporting and community facilities, wildlife areas and art work was one of 81 winners in the South West region. Friends of Netham Park are delighted that their hard work has paid off in helping secure the title. Group member Margaret Castle says that it means the Council will be obliged to maintain a high standard. “It means they’ll always be investing in it which is great, rather than neglecting it. But we, the Friends of Netham, are keeping an eye on that as well and making sure that they do look after it.” Friends of Netham Park meet on the last Sunday of the month to litter pick and clear woodland overgrowth before birds nest in the spring, usually followed by a good chat over a cup of tea and cake at the Pavilion cafe. “We clear all the undergrowth away and we
thin out some of the trees because you get a lot of saplings coming up through,” says Margaret, “and we also clear the branches from about six foot down so there’s a canopy so the birds can nest but the light still comes through so you get a lot of flowers and plants. This year it’s been interesting to see what’s come up, like daffodils that I’ve never seen before, and campions. Margaret says anyone can join them. “We’ve got a nice group at the moment. There’s six or seven of us regularly, but it’s always good to have new ideas and new blood.” Contact Alex Milne on 07941322755 or milnealec@hotmail.com for more information.
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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Finding out what ShoutOut’s about A local radio programme for our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community that offers an upbeat and enjoyable evening of chat, reports that don’t hit the mainstream press, great guests and volunteering opportunities has gone from strength to strength since it started a year ago. Once a half hour lunch time show, ShoutOut now airs every Thursday at 7pm on BCfm (93.2fm). Up Our Street caught up with producer Mary Milton and found out what ShoutOut is all about. Why have a show specifically for the LGBT community? I think there are things of relevance to the LGBT community that get lost in the mainstream media - or aren't always looked at sympathetically. It's important for any community to have a place where they can share information and discuss relevant issues. I'd stress though that ShoutOut isn't only for the LGBT community, we know from a website poll we did that Mary: At Pride in Bristol Thanks to www.goncalomartinsphotography.com a significant minority of our listeners identify as heterosexual. I also see ShoutOut as a vehicle for communicating the concerns of LGBT people to a wider audience, community radio stations like BCFM are a great resource for doing that - not just for the LGBT community but for other minority groups too. There's a lot that can be gained by talking and listening to each other. I also hope anyone who may be questioning their sexuality would be able to find the LGBT community in Bristol via our show. What issues come up on the show? We try to make the show fun as well as covering more serious issues. We feel it's very important to give out physical and mental health info that's relevant to our audience. We have done a whole show about ‘Coming Out’ which also featured a support group for families of Lesbian and Gay people. We've also featured more general topics like gardening, keeping fit, photography and music. Why did you get involved with ShoutOut? A couple of friends came up with the initial idea and wanted a hand getting it going - I couldn't resist, it was such a great opportunity to give something back to the community. Is the show exclusively for the LGBT community? No (see first answer).
Andy and Jayne: In the studio Thanks to www.goncalomartinsphotography.com
Who’s been your favourite guest and why? There have been so many fabulous ones. One of our volunteers did a lovely interview with Andy Bell from Erasure which we aired recently; it was great to hear from a musician who'd been ‘out’ from the very beginning of his career. What's been great about ShoutOut though is the amount of support we have had from the LGBT community in Bristol, ordinary people who have come on the show to talk about what they do. If you could have any guest you liked who would it be? I'd love to have Stephen Fry on our show, I'm sure he'd be a great guest - but even more than that I'd like us to feature the ordinary LGBT people of Bristol - doing interesting things, and getting on with our lives. Those sort of ‘role models’ were pretty much absent from the media when I was growing up and that needs to change - and is changing. What’s coming up on ShoutOut this Autumn? I don't know much that far ahead - we will be doing something special aimed at students during Freshers week at the beginning of October. 16
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Working together on Old Market In the last edition of Up Our Street we brought you a feature on the good work being done around Old Market. This time we talk to Leighton De Burca from VBRA West (Village Business Residents Association) about Bristol’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi -sexual, Transgender) community and their role working with Old Market Community Association to breathe new live into Old Market. By Leighton De Burca
The VBRA West is an organisation focused on the development and support of LGBT people to enhance their lives and help them stay healthy, happy and develop strong productive lives. The VBRA West is currently working on two major projects to achieve this aim. These are the development of a LGBT community centre and the regeneration of Old Market. The regeneration of West Street has meant the LGBT taking old disused buildings and breathing in new life over the years, thus protecting them from neglect. They have enhanced the area bringing with them new tenants for houses in the area and new footfall for the existing businesses in Old Market.
Old Market: Tim Newman opening event at the Bristol Bear Bar
and better. If you would like to know more about VBRA West please visit www.vbrawest.co.uk
The community centre is the heart of any community. Whatever background you are from, having a place where you can meet other people with similar interests and concerns is what makes this country’s history great. With this in mind, Bristol used to have an LGBT community centre, many years ago and this project is aiming to rebuild the centre in our community’s heart which is Old The current role of the VBRA West is to continue Market. The LGBT community has had a long history in Old Market going back many years. One this work by working with Trinity Centre, such presence is Freedom Youth which is an Destination Bristol and Old Market Community organisation for young LGBT people helping them Association to enable this historic conservation area to thrive with new life. We are approaching the to socialise and to get support on issues relevant to them. For more information about the LGBT regeneration on many levels. We are creating a community in Bristol check out map of what is here, a history project of what has happened in this area over the years and looking to www.outbristol.co.uk the future on what developments need to happen to The Old Market area like so many parts of Bristol bring a prosperous future to the area while is a thriving community with many events and enhancing its heritage. attractions. We have an amazing array of shops to get you active from MMA Apparel for sports Old Market is a fantastic place to live, work and socialise with an amazing past, a diverse, exciting nutrition and mixed martial arts fashion, clothing present and a very promising future. As it is nestled and fight gear, Peter’s Bristol cycle shack where you can hire, buy or get your bike repaired, shops between Cabot Circus and the New Temple (continued...) enterprise zone, and the area is only getting better for snowboarding and climbing. Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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Who wants more trees in their neighbourhood? By Jon Clark (....continued) The area is not just about sport but has regular art shows at the Bristol Bear Bar, concerts and music events at Trinity Arts Centre, daytime and night time cafes to suit all tastes. If you thought you knew what is in Old Market, think again. There is so much to see in Old Market from architectural salvage shops to Bristol’s secret history, you will find this and more and it is only two minutes walk from Cabot Circus car park.
The Forest of Avon Trust is working with the Council and the Woodland Trust to apply for a grant to plant up to 4000 trees in streets and green spaces, including our area. To help the success of the bid email support to jonclark@forestofavontrust.org If you have suggestions for new tree planting locations or you want to help with planting or maintaining the trees contact Jon on 963 3383 and he will be in touch once the funding has been secured.
Over the following year we will keep you up-todate, in this article, on all the fantastic developments in Old Market and with the VBRA West. If you would like to get involved in any of these projects please feel free to make contact at leighton@deburcamedia.com
Garden Party: Barton Hill in September
Homemade & Handy By Chris Sunderland
Day’s park. The food was served out of the new outdoor kitchen in the Walled Garden, a beautiful wooden structure with a living roof. People sat on chairs and straw bales and were entertained by music from local people. We wanted to try a Homemade Festival and see how it would go. We wanted to do something friendly and relaxed, not mainly about selling things, but more about a celebration of the community and what we can do for ourselves. We would love to hear your response to it – let us know by phoning James on 07935332659. The Walled Garden is open every week on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am at 60 Barton Hill Road. Building a new ‘roundhouse’ begins this October. You are invited to come and help.
The Walled Garden at 60 Barton Hill Road, played host to Barton Hill’s first Homemade Festival in September. Celebrating all things homemade and home grown, the festival featured food from Poland and Bangladesh, homemade curries and cakes and a bicycle smoothie maker. Others exhibited bright and beautiful textiles and crafts. There was a bike workshop, tomato tasting, and a series of activities for young people in Dr 18
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
CALLING ALL GIRLS New girls and young women’s group at The Crypt, St. Luke’s Church, Barton Hill on Wednesdays between 4pm and 6pm. All girls aged 13-19 years are welcome and it’s free! Contact Gladys Gibbs on 955 5402.
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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Over the past few editions of Up Our Street we have heard about Stapleton Road from traders and police. In this edition we chat to Pat Usherwood, a local resident who chairs the Stapleton Road Working Group.
Pat, what is Stapleton Road Working Group? It’s a group which is made up of traders, residents and people from the local authority. We have looked at all Pat has lived on Felix the issues that Road for 40 years. She is people have told us married with two children. about in the past and we have drawn up an action plan and we hope we can keep people accountable to make sure things happen. Why did you get involved? I used to work in St Pauls. I got involved as I wanted to be part of the group focusing on the issues on Stapleton Road.
Do you have concerns about safety on Stapleton Road or surrounding streets? Come along to the drop-in service and chat to the Council, police, Safer Bristol and the Neighbourhood Partnership. 2 and 21 October 4 and 18 November 2 and 16 December Stapleton Road Congregational Chapel 3, 17 and 31 October 14 and 28 November 12 December Kensington Baptist Church All sessions are 10am to 12pm For more information about the drop-in or if you cannot attend but still wish to raise your concerns please ring Neil Burwell on 07795446429 (not 24hr).
We are carrying out walkabouts on Villiers, Walton, Felix and Landsdown so if you spot one of our team please stop and have a chat and tell them what you think we should be doing. Catch us on: 8 December, 1pm to 3pm 22 March, 4pm to 6pm For details about the Working Group call 377 3638.
Why is it important for residents to get involved in their community? It’s vital that people get involved where they live. You can’t sit back and wait for someone else to do it all. You need to work with other people. Stapleton Road has had a lot of challenges in the last 12 months. What can residents see from the group in the future? You can’t control everything that happens but what I would expect to see is the police doing what we have asked which is to monitor crime and address law breaking issues. Also traffic control need to be getting rid of the cars parked on yellow lines. Our group can make sure that everyone takes responsibility for their bit. I’d also like to see the youth service engaging with young people and finding out what they want. What are your best and worst things about Stapleton Road? The best thing is the community, it is very diverse and friendly and traders chat to customers. The worse thing is the new bus lane. This seems to have made parking worse and at the moment it’s not working for the road. If you could ask every resident to do one thing for their community, what would it be? Everyone needs to take ownership of their bit, even just outside their house. We all need to work together and if you see someone dropping litter or something tell them to pick it up. 20
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
The Living Easton Time Signs Plaques BEN TILLETT (1860 – 1943) By Mike Baker “Combfactory Lane in Easton links Easton Road with Bannerman Road, and it is on a wall outside number eight that you will find a plaque which commemorates the life of Ben Tillett, who was born at No 8 John Street (which is now a green space opposite the plaque, as it was redeveloped in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s). The plaque, which was erected on 1 September 2000, is designed in the shape of a Trade Union Banner, and shows various scenes from Ben Tillett’s life, e.g. gathering water when he was working at the brick works at the top of John Street, and as a boy near the Easton Colliery wall, and the Bristol based square riggers he would have worked on in the Merchant Navy. He went down the coal mine when he was six, and the experience was so bad that he ran away to a circus in Staffordshire.
strike in London in 1889 for ‘the Dockers Tanner’ on behalf of the Wharf, Riverside and General Workers Union, which had support from colleagues in Australia. Ben went on to be a Labour Member of Parliament, and Alderman on London County Council and President of the TUC in 1929.”
To view a film of Mike Baker describing the plaque, and also describing the loss of life after a land mine fell on John Street on WW2, please visit By the age of thirteen he had joined the Merchant Navy, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_OTGex1Pt8 but the conditions onboard ships were so horrendous that and for information about Living Easton, please visit their he thought he should do something about it, and so later website at on when he was 25, along with others, he formed the http://www.cems.uwe.ac.uk/~rstephen/livingeaston/ or Transport and General Workers Union. contact 377 3638 if you don’t have access to the web. He became world famous for leading the Dock Workers’ Coming soon from Barton Hill History Group Exhibition of historic photographs of Barton Hill and Redfield, commemorating 100 years of Barton Hill Settlement Saturday, 15 October, 10am to 4pm, free admission Barton Hill Settlement, Ducie Road, Barton Hill
Barton Hill: Come and see photos and share memories of old Barton Hill
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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Free festival to illuminate cultures of light
steward the event please also get in touch with us at Phoenix52 to register your interest. (Call 377 3638 if you don’t have email).
By Sally Reay, Phoenix 52 The Illuminate Festival on 29 October (2-8pm at St George’s Park) aims to celebrate several light based cultural festivals that take place around the end of October and the beginning of November, including the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), Diwali - the Hindu Festival of Light and Halloween/the Celtic Festival of Samhain. The idea is to share and celebrate these cultural festivals, mark the change of seasons and develop a sense a community in a creative, exciting and family-friendly way. The festival is built around sitespecific installations, projections and performances and kicks off with a lantern parade. We will be working with the local community on the build up to this year's festival to offer workshops and
activities that engage the young and old in the celebrations. Visitors will be encouraged to dress up and take part in the parade with their children. There will also be seasonal games, including a pumpkin lantern carving competition and the pinata (Mexican game), as well as live music, projections. If you are interested in finding out more about the free or low cost creative workshops for adults and children that will be part of the build up to the festival including creating your own Day of the Dead Shrine, Lantern Making Workshops and a Rangoli (pavement art) Workshop, email info@phoenix52.co.uk. If you can help run the festival and
The festival is master-minded and coordinated by Phoenix52, a community arts group based in and around Barton Hill, St George & Easton, and is funded by St George Neighbourhood Partnership and by Bristol City Council's Festivals and Event Fund.
Sex, Drugs and Litter We want more residents to get involved in making our streets clean and tidy by helping remove the dirt and rubbish that makes residents so angry. If you see fly tipping, graffiti, abandoned trolleys, litter or sex and drugs litter, please report it to Bristol City Council on 922 2100 (weekdays 8.30am to 6pm). They have to remove it within days of you telling them about it. Also you can report faulty street lights or road and street maintenance issues on the same number. We have a pocket sized leaflet that tells you how to get your streets looking clean and tidy, how to deal with anti-social behaviour and information on days when your streets are going to be swept by the Council. Please contact François Jensen on 377 3640 for more details about becoming a street rep.
Getting involved - Litter Busters We are looking for an army of volunteers to go out and help keep our streets clean and tidy. If you have some free time and wish to help your community then gives us a call to get your Litter Buster’s kit. We will give you information to become a first class Litter Buster. Imagine if lots of people picked up some of the litter in their street … what a difference it would make! To start to make the difference and collect your FREE Litter Buster Kit please contact François Jensen on 377 3640 for more details about becoming a Litter Buster today! 22
Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Up Our Street Christmas Lights Competition I
It’s that festive time of the year again and at Up Our Street we love seeing twinkling lights in windows. This year we are running a competition for everyone in our neighbourhood to wow us with your Christmas lights. We will be sending round a small team of judges on Monday 19 December to check out your Christmas sparkle. There are three categories you can enter: 1) house 2) flat and 3) business/shop You can enter yourself or someone you know, or even just someone whose lights you have admired on your walk home from work or school. To enter contact Stacy on 377 3638 or stacy@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk by Friday 16 December with the address you want to nominate. Fabulous prizes to be won!
Have a safe and Happy Christmas from Safer Bristol By Neil Burwell Make your Christmas safer and happier by taking a few simple steps: Do not leave Christmas purchases visible in your car – lock them safely in the boot. Do not carry too many purchases at any time, you may be more vulnerable to robbery. Be careful when using cash dispensing machines – check who is around. Do not put Christmas presents in front of the window at home. Do not put the large packaging from your new computer, TV or game console out by the bin – it advertises to burglars that you have got lots of exciting new stuff! Make sure you have locked all doors and windows at home when you go out or to bed. Do not leave candles unattended. Make sure all Christmas lights are off before you go to bed. Fit smoke detectors or replace the batteries in your existing ones. Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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