www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Tel: 0117 954 2834 Post: Beacon Centre, City Academy, Russell Town Avenue Bristol, BS5 9JH
The distribution costs for this edition are funded by Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill Wellbeing Fund
contact@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter: @upourstreet Facebook: Up Our Street Charity no: 1081691 Company no: 04023294 Comm. Engagement Officer Currently recruiting Tel: 0117 954 2835 Finance and Office Manager Tracy Parsons Tel: 0117 954 2834 Interim Manager Matt Jacobs Tel: 0117 954 2836 Chair of trustees Sally Caseley Deputy chairs Amy Harrison Dominic Murphy Trustee board Joyce Clarke Matt Fulford Mike Pickering Aisha Thomas Jane Westhead
Call Tracy at Up Our Street on 0117 954 2834 to apply Deadline 10am 15 April
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Up Our Street is printed on recycled paper with vegetable inks and can be composted. It costs 45p to produce every copy of Up Our Street. It is hand delivered to 14,000 homes in the local area. The opinions and information contained in this publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Up Our Street. Advertisers are not endorsed.
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Listen to Up Our Street on BCfm 93.2 and Ujima 98fm every Wednesday at 8.45am Follow us on Twitter @upourstreet or join our group on Facebook Inside this issue Up Our Street news…………………page 3 Neighbourhood Partnership…...page 4 Have Your Say…………………pages 5 to 7 Get Involved………………….pages 8 to 11 Working Together………pages 12 to 13 International Women’s Day…...page 14 LGBT History Month………………page 15 2
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Healthy Living…………………….pages 16 to 17 Community news…………………………..page 18 Money advice………………………………..page 19 Food reviews…………………………………page 20 Local business news………………………page 21 Advertising…………………………pages 21 to 24
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
UP OUR STREET - People changing the world. One street at a time. Welcome to the Spring 2016 edition of Up Our Street. In this edition we have grouped articles into themes, which reflects the ethos running through everything we do. We hope that you feel inspired to have your say, get involved and work together.
Thank you for all the lovely messages we received for Stacy Yelland, we have passed on your good wishes. I am happy to report that Stacy had a baby boy and is enjoying her maternity leave. We look forward to seeing Stacy when she returns to work in November.
I would also encourage you to read all about our Endowment Fund (pages 8 and 9). This is a small grant fund managed by Up Our Street and is open to local residents and community groups. It is really simple to apply for and the Up Our Street team can help you with the process.
Our Active Citizens project is well underway, and you can read about our radio volunteers on page 13. Listen out for their broadcasts on BCfm over the next few months.
HAVE YOUR SAY The stories in this section are all about having a Political Voice. That doesn’t have to be about supporting a particular political party, it’s more about having influence over decisions that affect your life or your community.
GET INVOLVED The stories in this section are all about Civic Participation. This means all the different ways that people get involved in their community.
WORKING TOGETHER The stories in this section are all about Social Capital. This means the way that people work together to share skills and experience and build strong networks.
Kai Paulden has left Up Our Street to pursue other interests. Kai will continue to work with us, until March, on our contract with Playing Out. Tamsin Harcourt will be helping us to deliver our Active Citizens project. We will be recruiting a new Community Engagement Officer in the coming weeks. Some of you may have already met the new Up Our Street editor, Tamsin Harcourt, who is writing the newsletter while Stacy is on maternity leave. Tamsin is a freelance writer with 15 years experience in Bristol’s voluntary sector. As we go to press we are busy organising our first ever SOUP event. This is a fundraising dinner with a difference. Look out for more details in the Summer 2016 edition. Don’t forget to send your Tidy BS5 postcards to Bristol Mayor George Ferguson. More details on page 11. www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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NEIGHBOURHOOD PARTNERSHIP MaTThew CoLLinson Lawrence
What is the Neighbourhood Partnership? There are 14 Neighbourhood Partnerships across Bristol, which aim to give local people more of a say in how decisions are made that affect them. In this area we are covered by the Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill Partnership. The Partnership is made up of councillors, local people and voluntary organisations. They meet quarterly and anyone can come along and observe the meetings. There are also separate meetings called Neighbourhood Forums, Up Our Street organises the forum for Easton and Lawrence Hill. The Neighbourhood Partnership has a small grants pot called the Wellbeing Fund. At the last meeting on 30 November, £15,250 was awarded to ten different community groups for projects ranging from improving recycling rates to supporting the local boxing club. As well as these small grants, the Partnership also has a say in how main Bristol City Council funds are spent in the area. At the last meeting the Partnership discussed improvements to local parks and approved £38,000 to be spent on parks in Easton and Lawrence Hill. Other discussion topics included reports from local police and at the same meeting the Bristol Arena provoked a debate about whether local people would benefit from jobs created, and how increased traffic would impact local residents.
Hill RESIDENT Why are you a member of the Neighbourhood Partnership? In this area there are lots of good things going on and lots of challenges too. As a resident it is not always clear how to get involved. I decided to become a member as I wanted to find out how I could get involved with supporting positive community activities. What do you find most rewarding? I like the "can do" attitude that the Neighbourhood Partnership takes generally. Joining in with a community litter pick group (like Tidy BS5 for example) is surprisingly rewarding. Doing something about a problem is so much better than just moaning about it! What is the thing you’d like to change? I would like to see some agendas that really bring the Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill community together. I am still not sure that enough people know about the Neighbourhood Partnership or how they can get involved. Dates for your diary
Neighbourhood Forum Monday 21 March 2016 6.30pm to 8.30pm Redfield Educate Together Thursday 12 May 2016 6.30pm to 8.30pm Venue TBC
Will Bristol Arena mean more local jobs? 4
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Neighbourhood Partnership Monday 7 March 2016 6.30pm to 8.30pm St Mary Redcliffe Secondary School www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
HAVE YOUR SAY
Neighbourhood Forum
Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Forum is a space for people to come together. It’s a lively, interesting meeting with more than 50 people attending each one. Come along, bring your neighbours and get involved with decisions that affect where you live. Each Forum has a theme, suggested by people like you. This page gives a flavour of some of the things we discussed at the last Forum on the theme of Housing and Homelessness. Decisions made at the Forum are fed back to the Neighbourhood Partnership.
Get in touch if there is a topic you would like to cover at the next event. Email community@ eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk or call 0117 954 2834.
Streetlink is funded by the Government as part of its commitment to end rough sleeping and is the first step you can take to ensure rough sleepers are connected to the local services and support available to them.
If you’re worried that a person may be sleeping rough, you can visit www.streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 0914.
It is clear that finding good, affordable housing is increasingly difficult in Bristol. Private rented property has overtaken social housing, with 24% of the city’s population living in privately rented housing. While there are some good private landlords, this is not always the case. We spoke to ACORN, who are helping tenants stand up for their rights, to find out more. Nick Ballard is a community organiser for ACORN, and explains how they work “ACORN is a community union, a bit like a trade union, but for members of the community. We are a membership organisation that campaigns on social justice issues. Our most recent campaigns have focussed on housing, as it has such an impact on our members’ lives” We spoke about how housing in Easton and Lawrence Hill compares to the rest of the city “Housing issues are perhaps more extreme... There is a lot of private rented housing, nearly double the city average. Some is in very bad condition, with mould and damp, and some landlords are slow to make repairs. Added to this, the cost of renting is going up. There are more people trying to find rented properties, so lots of competition.” Last summer ACORN worked with tenants to hold a noisy protest outside some of the most notorious letting agents (pictured). When tenants complained individually, they were ignored, but when they acted together the landlords had to listen. As Nick www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
A recent ACORN demonstration explains “It’s about encouraging residents to stand up for their rights. It’s not about ACORN doing it for them, but we empower them and give support for them to do it themselves.” Just before Christmas ACORN secured backing from Bristol City Council for their Ethical Lettings Charter. This is a voluntary agreement for landlords which sets out minimum standards for private rented property. ACORN will be working hard in 2016 to encourage landlords to sign up to the charter.
To join ACORN visit www.acorncommunities.org.uk or call Nick Ballard on 07739 195 008 Up Our Street
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HAVE YOUR SAY are already heavily polluted, is not the solution!” Zoe adds “I heard about the planning application through Margaret Hickman, our local councillor. We knew we had to do something, to act together, so we had an initial meeting at Baggator to help spread the word.” There were around 10-12 people at the first meeting, and the group later grew to around 20 people. “But it wasn’t just the people who came to the meeting, many more people were galvanised into action, we were encouraging people to write formal objections to the planning application.” The RADE group realised that they needed to use the use the formal process, not just get angry, but do something about it.
“The group is a mix of people, some were very aware of environmental issues, others were less RADE group with local councillors experienced but were still keen to have their say.” RADE was able to support people to write Residents are celebrating a victory against polluting objections on specific grounds, particularly on air power plants in the heart of the inner city. We pollution and noise pollution, using air quality data spoke to Joe Firth and Zoe Banks from RADE, to back it up. Residents Against Dirty Energy, a group set up to object to controversial plans for diesel power plants And it was certainly successful. By the time the planning application was presented to Bristol City in Lawrence Hill and St Werburghs. Council, over 400 objections had been received. There were plans for two plants, one on Feeder Road in Lawrence Hill and one just over the M32 in Local residents were relieved and delighted when planning permission for the two power plants was St Werburghs. The aim with these small diesel or gas powered plants was to provide power at times refused at a council meeting on 9 December. When we ask how they felt about the result, the of peak capacity. This is usually first thing in the morning and in the evenings, as this is when people answer was clear “It felt good to be part of a community that cares. People really do care about are using most energy for washing and cooking. their local environment” (Joe) “It was really good to Joe Firth explains “As older large nuclear and coal- see so many people involved in their local fired power stations go offline, there is greater community” (Zoe). demand for power, especially at those peak times. You can find out more about the campaign at So there is obviously a need for more power, but www.radebristol.com burning diesel in residential areas, and in areas that
This is a small grant fund (up to £2,000) for projects community groups that would like to carry out an which: energy related project. The fund would particularly like to hear from groups led by communities that Support local people to reduce their energy are most affected by energy issues, such as fuel use (e.g. their use of electricity or gas) poverty, or those groups who don’t usually have a Support local people in moving toward voice in the energy movement, e.g. older people, cleaner renewable sources of energy disabled people, BME and migrant communities. Support local people to take measures that ensure they can afford to meet their energy needs Who can apply? The fund is targeted at small community organisations that are based in Bristol You don’t have to be an energy or environmental group. Applications are welcomed from other types of 6
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To apply for the fund, please contact Quartet Community Foundation on 0117 989 7700 or apply online at www.quartetcf.org.uk. Closing date for applications is 31 March 2016.
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
HAVE YOUR SAY
On 4 May 2016 you will be asked to choose local councillors, a local Police and Crime Commissioner and an Elected Mayor. But it’s not just about putting a cross on a ballot paper. Over the next couple of months all the candidates will be busy campaigning, and this is your chance to ask questions about the subjects you care about.
Up Our Street Hustings We will hold election hustings in April so that you can discuss issues that are important to you with the four main mayoral candidates and put your questions forward. We also plan to hold an Alternative Hustings so that you can hear from some of the independent candidates. We plan to hold a separate hustings for local council candidates. Dates for all these event to be announced, so keep an eye on our Facebook page and ebulletins for details nearer the time.
“I always vote, because people have died to give me the right to vote. It is really important, so much that it’s illegal not to be on the electoral register. I think the council would be very worried if everyone actually turned out to vote, we’d probably have a very different council. Unfortunately apathy rules in this city Phil Morris Barton Hill resident
“I vote, but I don’t think politics is accessible or that the community are empowered to make informed and clear decisions. The majority of young people I speak to vote for people who their family or friends vote for, as they are not educated enough within politics to confidently give themselves a platform to decide. However, I do believe politics affects them and their transitions in life, so they should have the chance to have their say.” Up Our Street hustings for General Election 2015
Aishah Shakoor Youth Worker
Are you on the register? If you are not on the electoral register, you will not be able to vote on 4 May. Forms were sent out to all households at the end of last year. If you are not sure whether you are on the register, call Electoral Services on 0117 922 3400. They will be able to check for you, free of charge. You can register online at www.bristol.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call Electoral Services and ask them to send you a paper form.
The closing date for registration is 18 April 2016. Don’t lose your right to vote! www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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GET INVOLVED
Would a small grant help you get more involved in your community? Every year Up Our Street distributes money to local residents and groups from a pot of money called the Endowment Fund. On these pages you will find out more about the fund and read stories from previous applicants. Each year we have around £10,000 to give out in grants. To apply you need to be either a local resident or a group with a local project.
Is there a form to fill in? Yes, but we only ask three questions: What do you want the grant for? Why do you need help with the costs? How will this money help you? Is there help available? Yes, just telephone, email or call into the Up Our Street office and speak to Tracy about anything relating to the Endowment Fund!
What happens next? A panel of local residents assess all applications and makes funding recommendations to the Up Our How much can I apply for? Residents can apply for up to £300, local groups can Street board. You will usually find out about the decision within four weeks of the deadline. apply for up to £1,000.
The Endowment Fund covers all of
The Dings
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Newtown
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Heber Street Residents Garden “Our small resident group found out about the Endowment Fund through a poster in the local park and in Up Our Street magazine. We went along to a very helpful grant surgery held at the Beacon Centre, where staff explained the application process and were very encouraging and supportive about us making an application for our shared street garden project. The application form was straight forward and we were delighted to be awarded some funding to improve our garden. The fencing around our shared garden had become broken due to age, weathering and vandalism and although in the past residents had held a street raffle to raise money for smaller jobs on the garden,
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this time we needed a more significant amount of money. We are now able to replace the broken fence and are putting on a new gate and signage to discourage local residents from allowing their dogs to foul in the garden, as it is an area for children on the street to play in. We will also be weather proofing our raised vegetable/herb beds, and adding a compost bin and bug hotel to help make the garden more environmentally friendly. We are grateful there's a local fund like the Endowment Fund to get support from, and would encourage other local groups to make use of this valuable resource.”
Tending Heber Street Garden
Amy Harrison and Mike Dixon, Heber Street Garden Group www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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Sally Davies, local resident “I didn't think it was for individuals but took a chance in asking and I'm glad I did!”. Sally received £300 to help with training course fees.
Luis Diaz, Learning Partnership West
There’s not much funding about nowadays so this local pot of money can really help a small project. I recommend everyone apply, you’ve nothing to lose!”
Hannah More Primary School: Project to welcome new families ‘We applied for funding because we wanted to run some activities for new families joining Hannah More school. We know that it can be a daunting prospect to join a big school, especially if you are new to the area or new to the UK. We also know that in a very diverse community, there aren’t always the opportunities to meet others or get to know them. Our welcome events were intended to be a bit of an ice breaker, a fun opportunity to get together, chat about school and families and children - and explore the city. It was also a chance to meet some key people from school. We went on an open-top bus tour and also had a play day at school. The application process is really straightforward. As long as you are clear what you want to fund and how to go about organising it, then it’s a simple process. You just need to make sure you record what’s happened, who came, and what went well. You also need to make sure you keep all your receipts and invoices so you can fill in the feedback form after the money has been spent.’
Ruth Cochrane Hannah More Primary School
Callum Strainge, Barton Hill Callum received a grant in 2015 to help him purchase camera equipment. When Up Our Street spoke to Callum it was obvious how much passion he has for photography, Callum said “When I was growing up I used to borrow my Aunties’ camera, then as I got older I was left some money by my Grandad which I used to buy my own camera. But as I student I didn't have the money to purchase extra equipment to expand my use.
Hannah More pupils enjoy the ride! means I can take photographs in different weather conditions such as in the rain and at night. It has also opened doors for me as I am currently taking pictures which will be used on the Barton Hill Settlements’ website. I found the whole Endowment Fund process really easy, there were only a few questions to answer, Up Our Street kept me informed as the grant was processed and I found their contact really helpful.”
Callum is using the equipment to support him on a Having the Endowment Fund grant helped me a lot, photography course at SGS College and will go it enabled me to get much better equipment which along way to help him with his course work!
The closing date for the Endowment Fund is 15 April.
Contact Tracy at Up Our Street on 0117 954 2834 to apply
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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GET INVOLVED fundraising, and making sure the organisation is strong.” We were all shocked to hear about the theft from Felix Road Adventure Playground by a member of staff at the end of last year. Zaena Barnard was convicted in November of stealing £27,000 from the charity’s funds. We spoke to Eddie Nuttal, Development Coordinator at Felix Road Adventure Playground, about how the organisation is coping, and their plans for the future. The most important news is that they are open for play from 1 February, but there is still work to be done.
The playground is becoming fully independent, with a Community Asset Transfer from Bristol City Council. This means that the playground will no longer be run by the local authority, but will be completely community-led. “It’s a lot of work for our voluntary management committee, the majority of whom are local residents. We need to get it right.”
With support from his management committee, Eddie made the decision to close the playground during January, ready to re-open on 1 February. “I felt we were spread far too thin. We needed to spend some time planning for the year ahead,
To volunteer at Felix Road Adventure Playground, please call Eddie on 0117 955 1265.
Eddie’s passion for his work at Felix Road comes through strongly in our conversation. As Eddie explains, it has been a stressful We talk about what is special about the time. “In December I felt like we were “...don’t take it playground. “I would say to people; just reacting to events, we were take it for granted, Felix Road is for granted, don’t focussed on just getting to Christmas. special! The way that children are so We managed to secure some funding Felix Road is involved, that children’s free expression for a Christmas party for the children is at the core of everything we do. Not special!” and stay open until 17 December.” all adventure playgrounds operate like It is clear that the support Felix Road that.” received from the local community after the news So how can local people help? Eddie is keen to came out was really valued by staff and volunteers stress that Felix Road really relies on volunteer “Public support is what has kept us going, support. “This can be in practical ways, coming definitely” says Eddie, who is originally from along to help at play sessions, working in the back Manchester and has been a playworker for over office. We definitely value practical help. But also twenty years. “When I first came here it was for our long term future we also need more immediately obvious to me that Felix Road is a real strategic support. This could be joining our community adventure playground. It is hugely management committee, if you have expertise in loved and protected.” HR or fundraising.”
The Playground is open Monday to Thursday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and on Sundays.
Home-Start Bristol supports families with young children, who are struggling to cope with family life. They are recruiting volunteers for their next accredited training course in April, at the Phoenix Social Enterprise offices in Redfield. Volunteers, who must be parents themselves, have the opportunity to gain qualification while training. Once trained, volunteers are matched with a family whom they visit once a week for 2-3 hours to provide emotional and practical support. Home Start offers volunteers regular support and supervision, and ongoing training.
‘The training was brilliant. It really opened my mind. It was life changing. I met people who had a big impact on the way I think and do things.’ (a volunteer) ‘Really good match... She listened really well and cared about my son and me, genuinely interested in me as a person.’ (a mum) If you would like to volunteer, call Home Start on 0117 950 1170 to find out more. 10
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www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
GET INVOLVED learn how to garden.” explains Cristina. “It’s very free and easy, and it really is collaborative. We give people access to a garden, a space to grow food, which they may not have at home.” Individuals choose what jobs they want to do in the garden, and share any produce between them. Dave, one of the longest serving gardeners, looks after the rainwater collection system which he also built. It’s an essential part of the garden as there is no mains water on site. The social side of the garden is also important, as Amanda, a fairly new gardener explains “I’ve recently moved to the area and so I’ve really enjoyed meeting people. It’s my first experience of gardening and I’ve picked up some new skills.” It’s Meet the community gardeners clear to see what a friendly group they all are as we Gardening can be great exercise, and it has a whole share a cup of tea in the wattle and daub shelter at host of other benefits, as we discovered when we the heart of the garden. paid a visit to Easton Community Garden on a cold If you’re inspired to get gardening, Easton crisp day in January. We talked to Cristina Community Garden is open on Thursdays from Crossingham and some of the other community 11am to 3pm during the winter, with longer gardeners who help look after the site, which was created from a patch of derelict land in 2001. opening hours in the summer. The garden is accessible from a lane that runs between houses 58 Despite the cold, there are team of around eight and 60 on Gordon Road, Whitehall. hardy gardeners when we visit, in summer months there can be up to 15 each week. “People here have Find out more about Easton Community Garden a mix of skills, we welcome people who want to at www.eastoncommunitygarden.org.uk
Tidy BS5 needs you! This is your chance to get involved and tackle dumping and flytipping in our neighbourhood. Up Our Street has launched a postcard campaign calling on Bristol’s Mayor, George Ferguson, to take action. Pick up your postcard and send it off today. Let’s create a flood of postcards that he can’t possibly ignore! Pick up your postcard today Where can I pick up a postcard?
Tidy BS5 litter pickers in November www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Up Our Street office, Beacon Centre, Russell Town Avenue J3 library, Lower Ashley Road SPAN (Single Parents Action Network), Easton Road Wellspring Healthy Living Centre, Beam Street Baggator Youth Centre, All Hallows Road All Hallows Hall, All Hallows Road Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road Counters of various small local shops, cafes and pubs Pick up yours today and send it to George! Up Our Street
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WORKING TOGETHER funded with a patchwork of small grants which John admits can be challenging sometimes. One of their main successes was to secure a contract with The Golden Key, a large lottery funded programme to improve services for people with complex needs. The programme aims to improve systems and services so that they work better for the people who use them. “We run the Independent Futures group (IF for short) which is an advisory group made up of service users. We make sure there is space for people who face these issues every day, and that they’re involved in finding solutions.” Their other main current project is Café Connect, which will be a café but also a community hub, provide training and work experience for members. “When we first got the keys to 114 St Marks Road it was in quite a poor state. Most of the work has been done by our members, all volunteers, using People sharing skills and supporting each other is at donated equipment and recycled materials.” He the heart of Bristol Reconnect’s work. Up Our Street raps the table where we are sitting. “This table for went to talk to John Fowler at their premises at 114 example, was made out of old scaffolding boards by one of our members.” Above the café St Marks Road, where the charity aims are offices and meeting rooms, and to open a café at the end of February. “Everything in this they are keen to hear from other Bristol Reconnect is a small charity community groups who would like to building is majority-led by people who face use the space. severe and multiple disadvantages representative of “We’re slowly transforming the which could include homelessness, social capital.” building. There has been a strong mental health issues, substance sense of ownership in the project, as abuse, experience of prison, or a we work together and create history of being in the care system. something from nothing.” We talk about the “Our main focus is not support” explains John “as there are many different support agencies out concept of social capital and John enthusiastically there. Instead we’re about giving people a voice agrees “Absolutely! Everything in this building is and influence, and a chance to be active members representative of social capital. People are building of the local community. We are a membership their skills and confidence.” organisation and everyone has a say.” Café Connect will be open on 25 February, to John became involved with Bristol Reconnect coincide with the end of Homelessness Awareness because of his own experience of homelessness. “I Week. The café will host a special exhibition called was on the streets myself at 17, but was able to get ‘Being Homeless’ This marks the end of a short support back into education and eventually project where Bristol Reconnect members who have university. I became a professional working in been homeless collect stories from those currently homelessness support, and became interested in on the streets, giving them disposable cameras to people with complex needs.” John feels that many document their lives. It aims to show the reality of support agencies can focus on one area, for example a person’s homelessness, when the person the homeless experience. has a complex mix of problems that they are You can find Café Connect at 114 St Marks Road. dealing with. The Being Homeless exhibition will be on “We started off as a group sat round a table about display from 25-27 February. Visit four years ago with just an idea - that people with www.bristolreconnect.org.uk for more complex needs should have a voice. This kind of information. work takes time.” Bristol Reconnect is currently 12
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WORKING TOGETHER
Up Our Street is training local residents in radio skills as part of the Active Citizens project, funded by Awards for All. Eight volunteers signed up for the training with BCfm, our local station with over nine years experience in community radio. The volunteers all have varying levels of experience and talked about why they got involved in the project. “I’ve recently moved back to BS5 after some time away and it sounded interesting” (Ian). Sami (who is a big fan of Ricky Gervaise) works for Integrate who have their office at the Beacon Active Citizens Radio volunteers in the studio Centre. “I started listening to the breakfast show when I started at Integrate. I’m applying for a journalism degree so I hope this experience will work, when volunteers took it in turns to interview help with that.” each other. A follow up session included a visit to the BCfm studio to get a feel for the set up. The The group talked about what it means to be an team is planning a series of eight shows, which will Active Citizen, and how to put together a radio be broadcast fortnightly on Fridays at 2pm on show on the theme. Pat Hart, station manager at BCfm. Look out for updates on the Up Our Street BCfm and host of the One Love breakfast show, ebulletin for details of broadcasts. explained to the group about how to plan a broadcast, what you can (and can’t) say on air, and To sign up for the Up Our Street ebulletin email how to put guests at ease when you’re contact@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk interviewing. Then it was time for some practical
Real Economy is setting up a buying group in Barton Hill, to allow residents to buy food collectively. Up Our Street asked Steph at Real Economy how it works. “Real Economy is a food cooperative for people who care about food and our food system. We're committed to sourcing fresh and locally produced food as directly as possible from the people who grow and make it.” Playing Out at Twinnell House Up Our Street is working with Playing Out, an organisation which aims to help local residents make streets and public spaces safer for play. Kai is running regular sessions on a Sunday afternoon at Twinnell House, which have proved very popular with children and their parents. As the children play, it’s a great chance for the adults to get to know each other and build stronger relationships with their neighbours. If you’d like to play out where you live, visit www.playingout.net to find out more. www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
“We've recently started a group in Barton Hill, who order their food online then collect it from a local drop off point at Café Conscious on Avonvale Road.” The food is packaged up in reusuable chiller bags to keep it fresh until pick up “It's a great way for people to have access to locally produced food, and ensure that the producer is also getting a fair price for it.”
You can find out more about the Barton Hill buying group at www.realeconomy.co.uk or call 0117 929 8642 Up Our Street
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY International Women’s Day is held on 8 March every year, and aims to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and recognise the fight for gender equality. We thought we would celebrate some of the inspiring women right here in Easton and Lawrence Hill.
Deniece Dixon is the woman behind Café Conscious on Avonvale Road, Barton Hill. Up Our Street spoke to her about what inspires her. Two years ago she was working as a PA for a big firm, working hard as a parent of five children. Then within two weeks, everything changed. “My Nan died, and then a week later my youngest child was diagnosed with autism. I went into a deep depression.” Deniece explains “It was like a lightning bolt, you think you’ve got it mapped out, then something happens.” To help herself she began to write lists of everything positive in her life, and realised that she wanted to change direction in her life. After filling notebooks full of ideas, Deniece kept coming back to the idea of a café that was also community hub. When the Avonvale Road premises came up to let, she felt she had found the perfect place. After months of hard work finding secondhand equipment and fittings, Café Conscious opened to the public in May 2014.
Deniece (centre) at 2015 Thank You Awards Photo credit: Evoke Photography
group for families with autistic children, a music therapy group for children with special needs funded by a Wellbeing grant, plus the Bristol Playbus parks up outside the café regularly for after school sessions with local children. “I get such a buzz from the people I meet. It keeps inspiring me to do more things.”
Deniece also feels that she’s setting a good example The dream is now a reality, and with her husband for her children “I think it’s valuable to show your Wayne as chef, the business is going really well. But kids what can be achieved. I’m showing them that just as important for Deniece are the other activities you can follow your dream, be determined.” that happen at the café. These include a support
Maureen Waller has been volunteering for the Scouts for well over 50 years. Up Our Street talked to her about her memories of Easton. Maureen first started helping out with a Cubs group aged just 15, and in November last year was awarded a long service award by the Scouts. She became a Cub Scout instructor in 1953. As she was living in Lawrence Hill (before the huge roundabout was built!) she started helping at 128th St Gabriel's Scout Group in Easton. When her children were young she moved to Kingswood and helped with the group there. However when they grew up she was pleased to come back to help at the Easton group again.
homes I stayed out front of the building until the police came.”
“One winter's evening whilst standing on the bus stop on Stapleton Road a police car stopped and asked if I was OK. They said that they were concerned for my welfare, especially as I was in my Scout uniform. I assured them I was fine as I knew most of the people in the area. Almost as if on cue a young guy stopped and shouted across the road, "you OK Akela? They don't think you're Photo by Roy Harvey waiting for business do they?" and we all laughed.
Following her husband’s death in 2013 Maureen found it hard to get out and about, but she Maureen says “There have been so many young continued to use her computer skills to make people that have attended the group over the years leaflets and posters to promote the Scouts. The and not always in easy times. I remember once in 128th St Gabriel’s Scouts isn’t currently running, but the 1970s being threatened outside the Maureen hopes that some new volunteers will come Headquarters by the National Front, after ensuring forward soon, as she believes Scouting has so much all of the young people were safe in local families’ to offer young people. 14
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LGBT HISTORY MONTH Along the way, we will have some amazing stories to tell. Many of those stories are played out on a national or even international stage, but others feature Bristol residents such as the popular author, Mary Renault; or Michael Dillon, the first person in the world to undergo a full surgical transition from female to male. We'll be telling some of these stories in a series of events in the week 15 to 21 February, culminating in a weekend of free talks at the MShed museum. Are there particular LGBT histories or stories from Easton and Lawrence Hill? Historically Old Market has been the "gay quarter" Cheryl Morgan of Bristol, and it is still home to many LGBT-friendly Photo credit: Lou Abercrombie. pubs, clubs and businesses, so there are plenty of stories to tell. OutStories Bristol is currently working February is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and with Bristol University to create an online map of Transgender (LGBT) History Month. We the city's LGBT history, so local people can look up interviewed Cheryl Morgan from LGBT Bristol what happened in their neighbourhood. ShoutOut What are the main aims of LGBT History Month? Radio, one of the UK's most successful LGBT radio shows, broadcasts from BCfm's studios in Redfield. LGBT people don't often feature in history, and All of this and more will be covered in our Local when we do it is often because we have been History Day at M Shed on Sunday 21 February. oppressed in some way. Nevertheless, we have always been a part of human society. Some of us What is the key message you want people to have done great things. These positive stories tend take from LGBT History Month? to be unknown because in the past it was "not That LGBT folk are ordinary people, just like done" to talk about us. Between 1988 and 2003 the everyone else. I want Bristol to be proud of the infamous Section 28 made it impossible to even talk LGBT people who have lived and worked in the city, about being gay or lesbian in English schools. not be ashamed and pretend that they didn't exist. LGBT History Month exists to bring the stories of LGBT people to light, and to help create a society in which sexual orientation and gender identity are no longer used as an excuse to discriminate people.
International Womens Day at MShed 12 March 11am to 5pm Join Bristol Women’s Voice on International Women’s Day for workshops, activities, stalls, music, speakers and more, including a curator-led tour of the galleries highlighting women featured in the displays and a women’s trail. Bristol Community Transport can be booked for free, Contact Bristol Women’s Voice on 0117 916 6555 www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Find out more about LGBT Bristol at www.lgbtbristol.org.uk or call 0117 353 4621
Easton Community Centre has more new solar panels on the roof thanks to Bristol Energy Co-op. Up Our Street went along to see the panels being fitted. Julian Weston, Finance Manager at Easton Community Centre said: “The solar panels plus other initiatives we have taken have reduced our energy costs by a factor of 50%. We think it’s a fantastic project because that saving, not only is it green and kind to the environment, it’s
Up on the roof... enabling us to use that money on other things around the centre.” Find out more about Bristol Energy Co-op at www.bristolenergy.coop Up Our Street
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HEALTHY LIVING Many people make resolutions in January to be more active, but by February we often find ourselves back in our old habits. Up Our Street has been finding out about ways of staying healthy and active in Easton and Lawrence Hill. Hopefully you will be inspired to try something new... give them a positive way to focus their energy”. He goes on to explain that all the instructors are “very disciplined, very mellow, there’s no bad language”. “We set up the group because we wanted something for the young people in Easton. The irony is that at the moment we’ve got more people coming from further afield, we’d love to see more people from the local area coming along.” It’s important to Joe that the group is affordable and accessible to the local community, so you don’t have to sign up for a whole course, you can just turn up and pay as you go. The first session is free, and then £4 for children and £5 for adults. Kickboxing at Newton Hall If you thought Kickboxing was all about fighting and aggression, Joe Sterling is keen to prove you wrong. Joe is passionate about martial arts, and runs the Bristol Kickboxing Association class at Newton Hall in Easton on Mondays and Thursdays. It’s something he does in his spare time, alongside his day job.
Joe says “I’ve found that the training helps kids knuckle down, helps them be more disciplined in other areas of their life. It definitely gives them confidence and many parents say it has a knock on effect on school work”. Joe believes that the group has helped people with difficult backgrounds, including young people in the care system. Joe feels this is because there is a strong emotional and mental side to the training. There is a range of ages in the group, with adult members coming along to increase their fitness and improve self-confidence.
Joe has been training for many years himself, and is emphatic that Kickboxing is not all about fighting To find out for yourself, come along to a session “It’s really about the martial arts etiquette and at Newton Hall, Newton Road, Easton on discipline. When we set up the group, it was Mondays or Thursdays, 7pm to 8pm. because we wanted to get the kids off the streets, Or call Joe on 07767 636 711.
WANT TO GET FIT AND HEALTHY AS A FAMILY? Alive N Kicking runs FREE healthy lifestyle programmes for children aged between 2-16 years old, funded by Bristol City Council. They run a local programme at Easton Leisure Centre, starting after Easter, which will involve looking at different nutrition topics like sugary drinks, food labels and snacking to name a few! As part of the programme they also do group physical activity to help young people get fitter and more active. Contact Alive n Kicking on 0117 9422602 or email bristol@ank.uk.com if you are interested in joining a programme. 16
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Up Our Street Is there a story you would like us to cover? Is there a group or organisation we should be talking to? Contact us on 0117 954 2834 before 8 April for story ideas for our Summer edition
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
HEALTHY LIVING loved football.” In her spare time she also plays for local team Easton Cowgirls. The girls’ club started three years ago, originally as an FA initiative. Numbers vary from week to week, and Sharifa is always keen to welcome new members. “Football is great for developing motor skills, and it’s a chance for kids to be active.” We talk about why some girls don’t play football. “For some parents, they’re really focussed on the academic side for their girls, and maybe don’t see sport as valuable.” But she believes there are many benefits from football, especially around a sense of unity and belonging, which can have positive effect on school work. Sharifa with Bristol Central Girls’ team After last year’s great performance by the England Women’s football team, has this encouraged more girls to take up football? We went to meet Sharifa James at who runs Bristol Central Girls’ football club at City Academy to find out. Sharifa is an FA qualified female football coach, and it’s easy to see that football is her passion. “I’ve been playing since I was eight years old, I’ve always
So what do the girls think? Iola (10) says “It’s relaxed but you get to play a proper game” and Gracie (9) “It’s made me more confident. You get to improve your skills.” They are both proudly wearing their red club shirts, which are awarded when a girl has attended six weeks in a row. Girls’ football sessions run on Wednesdays during term time, 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the City Academy sports centre. It’s £3 per session, pay as you go. Contact Sharifa on 07756 156 829 to find out more
Join us for Yoga at Barton Hill Settlement to relax and maintain a healthy lifestyle with others in your local community Every WEDNESDAY 6.30-7.30pm Limited spaces available. To sign up call 0117 955 6971 or email Sarah Dailly at sarahd@bartonhillsettlement.org.uk
Do you want to learn how to grow fresh food in small spaces and then cook the produce? Just over the M32 at the St Werburghs Centre is a FREE gardening and cooking course, which is open to residents of Easton and Lawrence Hill. The eight week course runs on Tuesdays from 10am to 3pm. Bookings now being taken for next course starting on 22 March. To book call the St Werburghs Centre on 0117 955 1351 or visit www.stwerburghs.org.uk for more info
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
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COMMUNITY NEWS As many of you will know, I’ve been receiving treatment for breast cancer and hope to make a As your MP I want to be your community’s gradual return to Westminster from next month. I’ve champion - Thangham Debonaire still been able to speak out on several national issues, but my illness has meant I’ve spent more Easton and time in my constituency than most MPs. This has Lawrence Hill are made me even more determined to be a champion great places to live, for Bristol West and all the groups, organisations with all sorts of and people who live and work here. I will celebrate positive things with you, thank you, cheer you on, listen to you. If it happening. That matters to you, it matters to me. was very clear to me recently when I So if you want to raise any issues with me, email me presented the Up on thangam.debbonaire.mp@parliament.uk. Or look at my website, www.debbonaire.co.uk, to see if I’ve Our Street Thank Thangham on Stapleton Rd written about the things you want to ask me. Please You Awards. But also email me if you need help with housing, there are also things we need to change. For immigration, health or any other problems. As your example, I’m working locally for safer, more MP, I can help you find out information from the affordable housing; better jobs for our young Home Office, the Jobcentre, the council, or any people; high-quality education; and for a more other organisation you’re having difficulties with. sustainable city. Bristol has real problems with I aim to use every bit of influence, power and inequality and poverty, but we have the collective knowledge I have to help to make Bristol West a will to make big changes. I can see this from the better place to live. work I’ve done and the people I’ve met.
You will probably have seen in the press by now that Lloyds Bank intends to close its branch on the corner of St Marks Rd and Stapleton Rd on 6 April this year. This follows the closure of other banks in the area and the Lloyds branch on Church Road in Redfield will close Ruth and Councillor Shah in April. It leaves us with no banks in outside Lloyds Bank Easton or Eastville. This is an issue that has been raised as a matter of concern, particularly by older people and disabled people, in several local meetings.
branch). However, older residents in the area have pointed out that they rely on the bank and can’t just ‘hop on a bus to Fishponds’. Lloyds also say that customers are using it less often, and also use other branches, and that 63% of customers also use other ways to bank, such as online and telephone banking. They say that only 9% of the branch’s customers use the branch more than 10 times per annum.” Lloyds told Ruth that they are willing to listen to local concerns and any argument that is relevant to this branch. Ruth believes that there is a strong case, as so many people using this particular branch are elderly and disabled or do not have English as a first language, and need to be able to talk to a person who can explain banking processes, rather than trying to access a service online or by phone. Ruth wants to hear more about what local residents and businesses think, so that concerns can be heard. At the time of going to press, Ruth was planning community meetings in early February.
Ruth Pickersgill and Cllr Afzal Shah contacted Lloyds Headquarters to try and find out the rationale There is also an online petition at behind the closure. “We were told by Matthew Harris, their Public Affairs Manager that, ‘it is simply www.change.org/p/lloyds-bank-stop-thenot sustainable nor practical to have more than one closure-of-lloyds-bank-in-stapleton-rd branch in such close proximity’ (to the Fishponds 18
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MONEY ADVICE This can be a tough time of year financially for many people. Up Our Street has been investigating what support is available locally to help you manage your money.
By Kerry Mead, Money and Debt Adviser “Hi, my name’s Kerry, I’m a money and debt adviser at St Pauls Advice Centre. We have been offering free, independent legal advice to people in the local community since the 1970s, and we are now funded to advise people in your local area too. We offer specialist benefits and debt advice, as well as general and immigration advice, either at our office or in drop-ins around the northeast and centre of the city.
especially with rent rocketing in Bristol and help for people on low incomes being cut. We have lots of experience negotiating with the council, housing associations and private landlords and advising people who are being threatened with court action and eviction. As well as problems with rent I speak to people about lots of different money issues; we can offer quick oneoff advice over the phone, point you in the right direction for help, or open up a case for you and act on your behalf to deal with debts if you need some ongoing legal advice.
If you want to speak to someone about your rent We know it can be hard for situation, or any other money topic, from people to get to advice sessions and appointments in office hours, so we now also offer budgeting to bankruptcy, please call us on 0117 940 5406. If we do not answer leave a message telephone advice through our dedicated Money and someone will call you back. If you prefer, you Advice Helpline. can also email us at We often speak to people about problems with moneyadvice@stpaulsadvice.org.uk. For benefits, their rent. Getting behind with your rent can be a immigration or general advice please call our real worry, and it is often one of the first things main reception on 0117 955 2981.” people struggle with when money is tight,
Talking Money is a charity dedicated to improving peoples' lives by tackling financial problems. They provide free, independent debt advice, financial capability education, benefits advice, energy advice and digital inclusion support to help people maximise their income and manage their money successfully. The main office reception on West Street is open for general enquiries 9:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday except Wednesday mornings when the reception is closed until 1pm. Phone lines are open for general enquiries Monday to Friday 9:30am – 5.00pm Call Freephone 0800 121 4511 or 0117 395 3990 or visit www.talkingmoney.org.uk
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Boost Finance at Barton Hill Settlement Fridays 9.30am-12.30pm
BOOST Finance can help you to explore: Ways your money can work better for you. Self employment, business start up ideas and support around employability issues. How Universal Credit will affect you and how you can best prepare for its arrival. Support with debt, repayment and budgeting. Community enterprise and co-operative opportunities, and much more.
Call Barton Hill Settlement on 0117 954 8881 to find out more, or just drop in on a Friday.
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FOOD REVIEWS
The Talia Café is a new venture at the Easton Family Centre on Stapleton Road. Up Our Street popped in to chat to Oumaima Yusef, who set up the café in October last year, and enjoyed a delicious Arabic coffee. This is strong black coffee served in a tiny cup with plenty of sugar and spices, together with kounafa, Arabic sweets, on the side. Oumaima is originally from Sudan, and came to the UK nearly nine years ago. “Before I had my family I was working in catering on the cruise ships” she explains. Then while her children were small she started volunteering at Easton Family Centre, helping out at playgroups. When the opportunity came up to re-start the café, Oumaima was ready for the challenge. “It feels like family here. It was so great to start the Talia Café, I was missing my job”. The café is named after Oumaima’s oldest daughter.
Oumaima Yusef at the Talia Café and the menu changes every day. But we do the favourites too; fish and chips on Mondays and Tuesdays is always popular.” Finally, we ask what Oumaima’s what her hopes are for the future “I just want to make everyone welcome. I’d like more people to come, to try our food. For every day to be busy!”
So what sort of customers come to the café? “It’s a real mix, we have teachers from the school nearby, staff from Easton Leisure Centre next door, people Talia Café is open 9.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to from offices, as well as families who come to groups Friday. Call Easton Family Centre on at the centre.” Oumaima describes the menu as 0117 955 3172 for more information. multi-cultural, with a focus on North African dishes. “There is falafel every day, we also offer hot dishes
The team behind Canteen on Stokes Croft have come to Old Market, refurbishing a building that was most recently the Flamingo nightclub but was built as a bank in the 1850s. In fact, the kitchen at Old Market Assembly is in what was originally the bank safe. The back of the building is home to Wardrobe Theatre, who are currently preparing for The Star Seekers, a performance for 3-8 year olds during half term.
Lunch at the Old Market Assembly 20
Up Our Street
On a wet and cold day, Up Our Street took refuge at Old Market Assembly, to see what the menu had to offer. The wood-burning stove in the corner was very welcome. The menu is divided into vegan, vegetarian, and fish/meat, with three choices for each category. There are also specials every day, and a strong focus on seasonal and local produce. We sampled the Pho - a rich seaweed broth with mushrooms and noodles, which came with a perfectly soft-boiled egg on top, kimchi and finely sliced red cabbage (£7.50). It was rich and tasty, and an extremely filling and generous portion. We were also offered fresh bread baked by Sanjay who runs the on-site bakery. Other intriguing options were a vegan Rarebit Tartine with ‘cashew cheese’ (£5.50) and a Burger made with organic Hereford beef (£8.50). Sadly we were too full to try any of the selection of cakes on the counter. You will find Old Market Assembly at 25 West Street, Old Market. Opening times Mon to Thu: 10am to midnight, Fri and Sat: 10am to 1am and Sun: 10am to 11pm. Visit ww.oldmarketassembly.co.uk. www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
It will be two years in March since The Greenbank pub reopened, after a successful campaign by local residents.
Up Our Street spoke to Patrick Winch, one of the residents involved in saving the pub from being turned into flats and who now works at the pub, handling their marketing, events and Monday night quiz. “It’s great to see that two years on, that vision of a community pub is real” says Patrick. “We’re keen to encourage families during the day and so we have a great programme of activities including baby yoga, Dragonbird Theatre, Poco Drom singing and a recent addition: beatboxing classes for kids”. Most of the activities are held in the upstairs space, which is also available for private hire.
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For full details of events at The Greenbank visit www.thegreenbankbristol.co.uk, follow them on Twitter (@GreenbankEaston) or phone 0117 9393771 to book the upstairs space.
ADVERTISING
Call Tracy at Up Our Street on 0117 954 2834 to apply Deadline 10am 15 April
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Slimming World
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