Up Our Street Jul to Sep 2011

July to September 2011

For the residents of Barton Hill, Easton, Lawrence Hill, The Dings, St Judes, Newtown, Goodpenny, Whitehall, Redfield and Old Market

Residents reclaiming streets from prostitutes and punters page 7

What? No meat? page 19 Do you have a story or photo to share? Contact us on 377 3638 or sorrel@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Contact us

Contents

Neighbourhood Management Shop Mandy and Mubarig - 0117 353 2020

Local news

page 3

Me and my neighbours

page 7

Tracy Parsons Office and Finance Manager 0117 903 9975 officemanager@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Your councillors?

page 10

Stapleton Road feature

page 12

François Jensen Neighbourhood Facilitator 0117 377 3640 francois@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Old Market feature

page 14

Young at heart

page 16

Sorrel Parsons Communications Officer 0117 377 3638 sorrel@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Culture and lifestyle

page 18

Family fun

page 22

Sports

page 23

mandy@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk mubarig@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Penny Germon Neighbourhood Manager 0117 903 9879 penny@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

ADVERTISING RATES

Delivery of an insert £50 + VAT per 1000 Rate 1: large organisations / businesses Full page £250 + VAT Half page £150 + VAT Quarter page £75 + VAT Rate 2: small organisations / community groups Full page £200 + VAT Half page £100 + VAT Quarter page £50 + VAT Deadline for next issue is 30 August

Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management The Old Bank 108 Church Road Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9LJ Check out our website www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk WANT US TO TEXT YOU? SEND US A TEXT ON 07903089002

This newsletter is printed on 100% recycled paper.

Please dispose of it responsibly after you have finished with it.

Or do you want more regular news from your neighbourhood?

Contact Sorrel to be added to our mailing lists

Disclaimer: The opinions and information contained in this publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management.

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

Emmaus opens new shop in Barton Hill

Terry: 3 daughters born in Bristol

Eager shopper: Wilf Wallis-Smith

Emmaus have opened a new shop on Avonvale Road in Barton Hill following more than a year of negotiations with lease owner Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management.

Emmaus patron Terry Waite officially opened the second hand goods store on 2 June.

No stranger to negotiation, Terry Waite was famously take hostage in Lebanon in 1987 whilst trying to secure the release of others held in captivity.

Terry was kept in solitary confinement for four of the five years he was held.

Terry experienced the isolation, boredom, loneliness and sense of isolation from everyday life that is a part of both captivity and homelessness.

Cutting the ribbon he said: “One thing about Emmaus, it isn‟t just a place where people

who‟ve been homeless can get back into life but it‟s a place also that tries to serve the local community and tries to help the local community”.

“It‟s wonderful that you‟re here today to support it because also Emmaus would like to support you as well and that‟s a great thing so thank you very much for making it what it is”.

Malcolm Thorne of Emmaus said there are a wide range of goods and prices available for local people.

Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management are as disappointed as residents that it has taken so long to get the shop filled. They have now changed their agent and are hopeful that the remaining shop will be let.

STOP PRESS!! A lease has now been signed for a butchers in another of the shops!

Neighbourhood Management Shop likely to close in June As we go to print your Neighbourhood Shop may have closed owing to a lack of funds. The Neighbourhood Shop has been providing support to local people in the inner city since July 2000.

Ali Maow is a refugee that came to Bristol in 2005. As a single father of six children he is devastated about the news.

“When I came here I didn‟t know where to start so I came to the Neighbourhood Shop and they helped me with everything including benefits and the utilities.

If I were to go to other services they might be able to provide help but I would find it difficult to access without a Somali speaker to help.

Furthermore I would have

Worried: single father of six struggled to understand the system which is so complex.

Having someone I trust is saying the right stuff is vital.

It also makes it easier for services because they don‟t have to pay for an interpreter and can do their job more

quickly and easier. Even when I go to the housing office they ask me to go to the Shop for support.

In half an hour today it was finished. I had five letters from child tax credit. You need someone who knows the law and the people.

When I have letters I‟m worried but I come here and I‟m relaxed because someone knows everything. I feel it from my heart”.

With thanks to Mubarig for interpreting on behalf of Ali for Up Our Street.

We‟ll bring you more on this issue in the next edition. In the meantime if you need help you can visit St Paul‟s and East Bristol Advice Service. Turn to page 17 for details.

3 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Police run up and down high rise flats for local boxing club

Police: going beyond the call of duty for local people

Police officers from the Barton Hill Beat team have completed a marathon run in the stairwells of blocks of flats to raise more than £250 for the local boxing club.

Officers ran up and down the stairs of the tower blocks, starting at Croydon House and finishing at Barton Hill Boxing Club.

The club was set up for young people in 2007, to help them stay safe and of trouble through sports participation.

Money raised will be used to repairs to a leaking roof and replacement for water damaged gym equipment.

Spring clean for railway path Enthusiastic volunteers from the local community turned out on a sunny morning in late March for a clean-up to help make the Bristol & Bath Railway Path a brighter and more welcoming place for people to visit.

The litter pick was organised by the Avon Frome Partnership and the police with support from Bristol City Council.

It provided a great opportunity for the community to improve their local environment and meet new people while getting a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise.

East Bristol Sustrans Volunteer Rangers worked with one group along the Fishponds section and another group started out from Easton Community Centre.

After a morning of hard work, volunteers had retrieved a massive 80 sacks worth of rubbish, including everyday litter such as plastic bottles and cans, discarded clothing, several metres of cabling and a couple of old bikes!

Volunteers‟ efforts were appreciated by

Congratulations to...

Award winning Catch 22 Youth Inclusion Programme (YIP) for securing funding until September. Up Our Street reported about the potential closure of YIP last issue. YIP are optimistic about future funding.

4 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Volunteers: more needed to keep path clean

passers-by who called out “well done!” and “thank you!” and were rewarded with a wellearned cup of tea at Easton Community Centre at the end of the day.

For more information about the Bristol & Bath Railway Path or future spring cleans, contact Paula Spiers at the Avon Frome Partnership on 922 4325 or paula.spiers@bristol.gov.uk

Forum news and your views

You said, we did...

3 people are being investigated for fly-tipping in Bayden Road/ Hayward Road.

Armoury Square has been swept and is being kept clean Dangerous driving and inconsiderate parking at Whitehall School/ Limes Nursery has been tackled with a day of action on 24 June.

Children are also looking at this as part of their school work, including leaflets for parents and presentations in assembly.

Police have closed a crack den in Harwood House. Police have ownership of the flat until new residents are found.

An arrest has been made following a man being hit over the head with an axe in a Lawrence Hill cafe.

Noise pollution reported at the last forum at a Whitehall address is under investigation by police, antisocial behaviour officers, housing and Safer Bristol team. Action will be taken.

Seven massage parlours were visited in Old Market and one woman helped back to her own country.

Police will undertake regular visits.

Our Neighbourhood Forum was back in May after a break owing to council elections. For the first time, residents unanimously voted on key issues that they wanted help with from the Neighbourhood Partnership as they took the floor during the „open mic session‟.

First to be voted on was better seating with backs.

Residents felt a lack of seats and benches in shopping areas and parks prevents our elderly residents being able to take much needed rest breaks. Residents rejected the argument that increasing benches may encourage antisocial behaviour.

Next to be voted on was the issue of loading restrictions on the outward bus lane in the mornings on Church Road, which residents said should be lifted. There is no traffic at this time and the bus lane is needed for deliveries of goods to the street‟s traders. The original consultation for the Showcase bus route had already argued that this restriction was unnecessary.

Residents also voted for the Neighbourhood Partnership to ensure the council takes account of planning decisions and the changing population when planning local services.

Residents said they were particularly concerned about the lack of school places and overstretched health services.

Finally residents discussed the naming of the new learning centre in Millpond. It was argued that the name „Junction 3‟ reflects the motorway that has divided a community and should be changed to something positive.

The Neighbourhood Partnership will be following up on your issues and Up Our Street will keep you informed.

Good news was shared for Hannah More Primary School, who now have the money to build six more classrooms. We’ll report more on this in the next issue.

Things we wish we didn’t see...

Fly-tipping has more than halved in the Beaumont Street/Goodhind Street area of Stapleton Road since communal bins have been installed.

Your campaigning success...

Plastic will be collected from outside people’s homes at the end of the year when the new waste contract is introduced!

AND Street sweeping will take place after the bin men have collected rubbish from your homes.

A door left off its hinges on privately owned property allowed prostitutes and punters to move in to Fox Road despite all efforts by residents to improve the area. Luckily Safer Bristol and our local police team have got this one sorted. Is your area blighted by sex and drugs litter? Call the council on 9222100 today.

5 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Disabled people demonstrate against ‘demonising’ benefit cuts Angry local residents took to the streets of London on 11 May in protest at cuts in benefits which they say will affect their basic standard of living.

More than thirty people also campaigned outside the Council House at College Green.

Easton resident, and Disability Equality Forum (DEF) manager, Laura Welti was one of the demonstrators. She feels the government is demonising disabled people.

“Everyone‟s being reassessed for Employment Support Allowance and Jobseekers Allowance and they‟re kind of claiming that there are so many scroungers” Laura said.

“The demo was to say this isn‟t true and what you‟re doing

Demo: determined residents

is contributing to disablist bullying and abuse, and throwing people into poverty rather than providing a basic standard of life”.

Laura suggests that one of the problems is that particular benefits are the gateways to others. “Past government research shows that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was the

Don’t put up with disablism WECIL‟s Disablist Incidents & Crime Education (DICE) project is raising awareness of disablism with local people.

Disablism is a crime or incident aimed at someone because they are a disabled person such as bullying or harassment, verbal and physical abuse, threats, intimidation, graffiti, theft and vandalism.

DICE gave practical and emotional support to John Smith* from Easton when he made a report to them. “The barber shaved fool into the back of my head instead of my name”, he said. “I think he did this because I have learning difficulties.

My sister seen it and I was angry but he was arrested. I don‟t go anywhere near that barbers now. The help DICE gave me made me feel calm and safe.”

If you have been a victim of a disablist hate crime or you know someone that has call DICE for advice on 3772732 or dice@wecil.co.uk or text 07795 446 313.

Visit www.wecil.co.uk for more information.

WECIL (West of England Centre for Inclusive Living) is an organisation run by disabled people, supporting and empowering disabled people to have choice and control over their lives. *name changed to protect individual’s identity.

6 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

least abused of all benefits, but this government has a target of kicking 20% off DLA. Once you do that your main way of getting your blue badge is gone, getting free buses, local authority support: you name it, it becomes nigh on impossible.

The march in London was disabled people coming together to impress on the government the impact of these proposals and to lobby MPs to vote against them and try to persuade government to change its plan”.

If you‟d like to know more or get involved contact Laura on 9140528 or TEXT only to 07810 506730 or email laura.bristoldef@gmail.com

Fox Road residents reclaim their streets

Kids: getting the job done

Residents are reclaiming Fox Road estate from drugs and prostitution with a series of measures to make life difficult for punters and sex-workers.

Fox Road is a quiet neighbourhood that hugs the M32. Its play areas and streets have been blighted by sex and drugs litter.

Frequent unsavoury litter has led to a feeling of neglect, causing further problems such as fly-tipping.

Local people have now formed their own residents association and with the support of Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management, Safer Bristol communities team, Bristol City Council and the police, the neighbourhood is getting an upgrade.

Better street lights have been installed to shed light on dark corners, and hedges planted to prevent people leaning against the walls of their homes.

Regular cleaning and clearing of overgrowth and landscaping are helping rid the area of corners for criminal activity. Newly designed and erected street signs are calling for respect for their community.

On a blazing hot day in April they showed what a community

can do for themselves when they painted their children‟s play area and litter-picked across the whole estate.

“All the plans we‟re doing are having a positive impact on our community” said resident Nanette Jackson “It‟s bringing us together and it‟s good for our children to see the difference we are making, because they‟re very aware of what‟s going on.

We haven‟t taken action as a group before and now it feels as though we‟re all on the same page”.

Sharon Benjamin agrees:“It‟s been a long time coming but we are meeting on regular basis now.

An affordable venue is needed so we can continue to keep up this exciting realisation that we in Fox Road and Warwick Avenue have gained power in numbers and that we can achieve great things together.

We hope to stop people misusing our neighbourhood and bring back a clean and safer community, which in turn will enrich the quality of all of our lives”.

Aiken Community Gardens is name given to Barton Hill green space Residents in Barton Hill got together on 16 April to name the green space loaned to them from Bristol City Council.

After a vote on the suggestions they had made, Aiken Community Gardens was the most popular, a historical reference to a former street the space is situated near.

Play rangers, face-painting and a halal barbeque provided entertainment, while younger residents started planting the newly dug beds.

Aiken Community Gardens can be used by the residents of Barton Court, Granville Street, Barton House, Cotton Mill Lane.

Thanks to Terry Black of Sovereign for providing great photos as always.

Planting: Children get planting with help from the Walled Garden project (above) and its time to eat (right)

7 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

New project asks residents to find time to grow in St Judes

By Jo Symons Rosemary Early Years Centre has teamed up with the St Judes Tenants Association to run a fortnightly gardening group called „Time to Grow „.

Our focus is on growing food in communal beds and its free to anyone in St Jude‟s who wants to get involved.

So far people have planted peas, dwarf beans, lettuce, herbs and flowers. Volunteers have also been able to take plants home to grow on their balconies - potatoes in a bag have proved very popular!

Clean and Green and the Community Payback team

St Judes: people spotted helping

have been in to clear a couple of the overgrown beds for us, so fingers crossed for a plentiful harvest this year.

Big Lottery funded „Time to Grow „also has a weekly spot on Wednesdays from 1pm in

„Rosemary‟s Garden‟ during Rosemary Early Years ‟Stay and Play‟ session. Again, all are welcome.

If you want to take part it‟s easy. If you see us pottering round the beds in St Jude‟s then just come on down and join us. Some residents shied away from the regular workshops but have been spotted watering and weeding as and when the mood has taken them........fantastic!!!

For further details please call Jo at Rosemary Early Years Centre on 903146 or email rosemary.n@bristol.gov.uk

Youth see the big picture in Barton Hill Thirteen young Barton Hill residents have turned a local eyesore into a visual delight.

In the „My Neighbourhood‟ project they identified and looked at solutions to local issues in their community. They picked out an unsightly public building and decided to brighten it up by using public art.

Pride of place in their mural is a Staffordshire bull terrier, which the young people say is a symbol of their neighbourhood.

My Neighbourhood is a partnership project with Catch 22 youth inclusion team and Barton Hill Landlords Forum, funded by Quartet.

My Neighbourhood: young people have answers

Victoria Parade residents are doing it for themselves

By Jenny Grinstead Residents of Victoria Parade in Redfield have secured £5000 in funding from the Neighbourhood Partnership for a „do it yourself‟ project to reduce traffic speeds and improve the appearance of the street. The innovative project, which is also supported by UK sustainable transport charity Sustrans, was conceived and developed by the residents themselves.

Instead of relying on traditional – and expensive! – methods such as speed

Success: slower traffic, greenery and neighbourliness in Oxford Photo by Sustrans/John Bewly

bumps to try and reduce traffic speeds, residents are planning to take things into their own hands and do things such as

8 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

paint patterns on the road and install large plant tubs.

These approaches have successfully reduced traffic speeds and improved the local environment in other places in the UK, but haven‟t been tried in Bristol before.

If you live in or near Victoria Parade and want to know more or get involved, mail DIY Streets on victoriaparaderesidents@gmail.com or drop the Victoria Parade Residents‟ Association a note c/o 50 Victoria Parade, BS5 9EB.

Living in the Dings?

If anybody would like to ask anything about the Dings please phone Rich on 9070858 or email madrich@ blueyonder.co.uk

Boat trip is one of many rewards for Britain’s best community

By Richard Seymour As you know the Dings Community won the award of the BEST COMMUNITY IN BRITAIN in 2010.They are now receiving their awards from AXA Insurance.

On the 8th May residents jumped onto a No.7 ferry at Temple Quay steps and were taken to Beeses Tea Gardens,

where they all tucked into various sandwiches and jumbo scones, cream and home made strawberry jam, tea, coffee, and squash.

The day was very hot and all had a lazy and laughable few hours. The skipper even went past our stop and took us around Bristol docks before sending us back to the Dings.

The Dings also has a Plaque to show off in their neighbourhood.

Lastly the famous mural in the Dings Park which has been there for over 10 years will be having a makeover by the AXA team. All the above was paid

by AXA insurance, so thank you to them.

Pillars of the community transform M32 space for residents to use On the weekend of 16 and 17 April more than forty residents came out to start the Under the Motorway project.

The columns holding up the M32 were painted, the area swept and cleared of undergrowth – aided by bicycle generated music and a sizzling barbeque.

Volunteers: busy with brushes

Easton resident Paul Murray was there on Sunday to lend a hand.

“Painting underneath the M32 was a splendid idea - the area looks so much nicer now. I find it hard not to smile when I walk past those enormous multi coloured concrete pillars now hopefully they make other peo-

Pretty: pillars painted in pastels

ple smile to!

Doing something constructive whilst meeting new people from your local community is really refreshing”.

You can see a time lapse video of what happened over the weekend at: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=iAShIcYBt48

Rest: time for a barbeque

9 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Do you have anything to say about the health or social care services you receive?

Bristol LINk (Local Involvement Network) is all about gaining peoples views and experiences – good and bad - of their health and social care services. So that’s doctors, dentists, hospitals, home help, day care and so on.

You can get involved as little or as much as you want. We hold several working groups to discuss specific issues around: acute hospitals, primary care, older people, mental health and self directed support. Or you could sign up to our mailing list to be sent information, and details of events and training about health and social care.

Share your views or find out more about by telephoning 0117 985 9325, emailing inf@linkbristol.org.uk, accessing our website www.linkbristol.org.uk or join our facebook page: just search for Bristol LINk. If you are a member of a community group and you’d like someone to come along and talk we are happy to join you, just get in touch.

LINk collects the health and social care issues from communities and feed them back to the people who buy and provide health and social care services across Bristol. In this way you can help influence how services are commissioned and shaped.

There are so many changes happening across the NHS and Social Care: LINk is also here to influence these changes and let the public know about them. Listen out for us on the local radio stations or visit our website to stay up to date with what’s happening.

Do you know who your Councillors are following the elections?

Lawrence Hill ward councillors

Faruk Choudhury 0117 3533372 07826 917691

10 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

john.kiely@bristol.gov.uk

faruk.choudhury@bristol.gov.uk

Margaret Hickman 0117 9222000

margaret.hickman@bristol.gov.uk

brenda.hugill@bristol.gov.uk

Brenda Hugill 0117 3533732

Easton ward councillors

John Kiely 0117 3534714

Migrants start campaigning against cuts on community day New migrants and other local residents came together for the last Know Your Community day held by the Beacon Centre in March to learn more about how to access local services and understand their community better.

It coincided with the National ESOL Day of Action to protest against the proposed cuts to English classes for migrants.

As reported in the last issue, women with children and those on low incomes are those most

likely to be affected by the cuts.

Views and opinions about the cuts were gathered on the day and fed back to local MPs and national campaign coordinators.

Residents took part in workshops, drama, music, eyebrow threading, henna tattoos and had delicious free food.

Displays and information stands from local organisations offered local people the chance to find out more about their area.

Know Your Community days have been funded by the Migration Impact Fund. The funding has now come to an end for the Barton Hill consortia that has included: Neighbourhood Management Shop, Muslim Womenâ€&#x;s Lunch Club (Barton Hill Settlement), Wellspring Healthy Living Centre, Beacon Centre and Somali Resource Centre.

It could potentially lead to the closure of the Neighbourhood Management Shop.

Know Your Community Day and demo in pictures

Saynab: community

champion for MIF

Local migrants: demonstrating against cuts to English classes

Saada: writing her concerns for demo

Eyebrows: shaped using threading

11 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Stapleton Road is one of the best streets in Britain!

Stapleton Road is finally getting the good press it deserves thanks to the efforts of local traders, organisations and residents. Traders brought their wares out onto the street in June to give local people a taste of what’s on offer inside their stores. BBC Radio Bristol also aired live from the street on Friday 10 June, following a week of features and community action to find out about the real Stapleton Road through the eyes of people who live, work and play in Easton. Up Our Street followed the action...

Claire and Sonny (Claire , left, trading on the street) 1st Choice Florists, Stapleton Road Claire: I’ve met traders I never knew. I felt connected with so many people I hadn't before and it brought all the communities together. The Somali community were really excited about the street. People were getting off the bus to see what was going on.

Sonny: A driver stopped and asked me what was going on so I told him it’s to do with the adverse publicity we’ve been receiving and we’re trying to bring positivity to the area. And he said “I don’t usually stop when I’m driving through” but he did. He parked his car around the corner and brought his family to look at the stalls.

Mike and Keith (right) Stapleton Road Congregational Chapel deacons Keith: People have physical needs but people also have a spiritual need and we’re here to help them. 144 years these door s have been open. We’ve stood the test of time. Many people go by here day by day and when they come inside they can’t believe how big and nice it is.

Mike: It’s a joy that we’re open for the community every day. It’s the different nationalities of our area and the chance to talk to them about their culture.

John (right) and Andy (left) (below) Easton neighbourhood police team

Graham Torrington (right) BBC Radio Bristol presenter I’ve loved it. What I’ve found is a community that seem to be together and want to come together. Once you’ve scratched the surface you find all sorts of things like music and arts and crafts and a general annoyance about the general media that have painted a false picture of the area. A lot of journalists want a sensational story. A sensational headline can damage an area for a long time.

John: It‘s a challenging place to work because of the diversity in the community and varying issues we have to deal with. The best thing is it‘s never boring: there‘s always interesting people to talk to and always community based work going on which we like to be involved in and support.

Andy: A lot of the community want to do something for the area. People speak to us as a person, not just as a police officer.

Alan (left) Easton Leisure Centre: gym user and local resident I like the gym—it‘s for my body and it‘s not too busy here. People are friendly and many nations: English, Somali, a mixture. I‘m happy.

12 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Awar Tariq (left, standing far right) Tariq’s bakery is a new shop on Stapleton Road and is proving very popular across all cultures.

“Stapleton Road had takeaways, internet cafes, but no bakery. I hope to help my family and my community. I like Stapleton Road, the people who‟ve lived here a long time.

The English people. We talk about the history and old bakers and I get to know people and the area. I‟ve had nice wishes and cards. Now I see people in the post office and they say “Speak to my friend from the bakery”. The same day I got the machinery here I had my new daughter. That‟s good luck for me in my traditions: a new business, new house, new baby. For three days I gave away bread for free here! “ Welcome to Stapleton Road!

Stephi (left, with BBC broadcaster Martin Evans) Easton bellydancing tutor I really like living and working in such a diverse community with lots of cultures and creativity.

Liam Orchard (left) Football player Bitton AFC whose mum is a local resident It‘s pretty decent but there‘s quite a lot of violence and hating on each other. People need to get on and get a job rather than drug dealing. People should love each other. The negativity is bringing Bristol down.

With my football I started at 3 years old. I could‘ve gone in the wrong direction but I‘ve got parents who are strict, supportive and loving. I‘ve finished top goal scorer in Bristol Somerset this season with 18 goals in 23 games and 10 assists.

Alan (left—Alan is sat to the right of cafe user John) Wild Goose Cafe I wouldn‘t mind living here. It‘s a lovely community. We try to keep it spotless and keep places as nice as we can. We want a good relationMy New Friends continuedship and for people to talk to us if they have any problems. If people drink outside and continue to drink, we shut. We want to think about the from front page mothers and toddlers walking past here. The community are as important to us as the people that come in. I used to be homeless and addicted myself and know how intimidating it can be to people. Anyone can change with the right support.

Dortris (left) Kensington Baptist Church: resident and member They say it’s the worst road in the world but I don’t think so.

The people are friendly.

Somalian kids sit on the door and they always greet me and there are no problems. I don’t have any problems, none at all. I buy all my vegetables, my fish and oil for my hair. I get everything I need here.

Esther (left) Kensington Baptist Church: resident and member What is good about the street is that there’s lots of people of different nations. I used to hear it’s a bad area but since I came to the church I find it useful.

We stand at the front of the church doing outreach telling people about the kingdom of God and all people want to listen, Muslim people included.

It’s peaceful.

13 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Bringing Old Market back from the brink Once a thriving shopping and entertainment centre, lined with boutiques and a gateway to the city centre, Old Market is fading from its former glory. Up Our Street met with Paul Bradburn of Old Market Community Association and Eva Steuzenberger of the Retail Sector Development Project to find out what can be done to bring Old Market back to the busy trading hub it once was.

Paul, a resident for six years, is the Chair of Old Market Community Association, (OMCA) which was formed to fight against the proliferation of the sex trade in Old Market. After campaigning successfully to stop the second lap dancing club application from going though, the Association has turned its attention to the wider issues.

“It‟s spent 15 years being cut off from Bristol” says Paul. “In the early 70s it got completely cut off in terms of traffic access because they put the ring road in so it became this little island on the outside of the city centre.

It was a thriving centre for people to come and go out until the 70s when it really started to fall to bits and buildings became derelict, people started moving away from the area, shops started closing down”.

Development control is clearly an issue for Old Market. Some shops have windows covered in spray paint so passers-by can‟t look in and there are few contact details for anyone interested in renting space. These are shops that were never designed to be open for business.

Paul thinks that residential flats have been developed in Old Market, with shop floor space as an afterthought. “Flats have been put in above and behind the shop, shrunk the shop floor space to virtually nothing, so that can‟t be used for anything that you can make a realistic living from”.

The new traffic scheme and bus route has also caused problems for the community. It‟s become pretty much a major thoroughfare into Bristol” says Paul. “West Street‟s just one way so you‟ve got traffic going at the rate of knots through there. It‟s smelly, noisy, unpleasant, a 14 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

little bit scary and just crossing the road has become a video game task these days, trying to avoid the buses trying to kill you”.

OMCA is now working closely with Eva on a project that was set up to mitigate the impact of Cabot Circus on surrounding traditional shopping areas (funded by Cabot Circus). Eva says that it‟s not just about supporting retailers, but working with council departments, the police and other local organisations to improve the street scene.

It‟s about being realistic about what can change. “I had a meeting with someone from the council‟s cleaning team and there will be a big Spring clean next month” [this has happened as we go to print] and we are working with the police to set up their Cop Shop; so lots of positive things are happening”.

The best thing is that we‟re talking to people” says Paul. “We don‟t pretend we‟re going to change anything drastically but if we can start by doing little bits and making the council and various organisations understand that there are people here who care, hopefully we can make a little bit of difference and eventually make a big difference and make it a great place to live.

He‟d like to see an art vision for Old Market, that will make it look loved. An entry sign above the road is one idea to strengthen its identity.

“It‟s already got the architectural facets which I think are fantastic but it needs a bit of development to help people realise that there‟s something going on. Stokes Croft did that whether you like it or not, and it raised its profile and the energy levels increased”.

What‟s it like living on Old Market? “It‟s a good community. There are a lot of people that have been here for a very long time. Andrew, for example, in the hairdressers. 43 years he‟s been trading from there. Steve from the guitar shop.

These are really good, solid core people in the area.

Paul would like to see more people come to

“We have this strange mixture of very successful shops, quite specialised boutique type sort of products, and ones that are struggling to keep going, and then we’ve got a lot of ones that are empty” Paul Bradburn, OMCA the OMCA meetings. “We need positive people to get involved. Anybody and everybody is welcome. You can‟t make things change unless you do something about it”.

Eva agrees: “It‟s about shaking people, waking everyone up and saying Old Market is there, listen to us”. Paul laughs “We are going to have a riot as well aren‟t we? We‟re planning a riot.

We‟re going to go up to Tescos and tell them to move to Old Market! They weren‟t right for Stokes Croft...not necessarily Tescos anyway, but that‟s the sort of thing we want to do. We want to welcome trade and say please come down here”.

Visit http://oldmarket.org.uk/ to find out more or contact OMCA on oldmarket.future@gmail.com

Congratulations to...

Snowcharity can beIndependent fun...

Old Market youth People has been awarded nearly £1 million in Big Lottery funding to improve the lives of young people leaving care and custody.

EARTH TMO opens at 70 West Street Easton and Ashley Residents and Tenants Housing (EARTH) are a resident led tenant management organisation (TMO) who are looking to take over the running of some housing services from Bristol City Council.

These services include housing repairs, care-taking, estate management, fly-tipping and litter and grounds maintenance.

Residents will be able to vote on whether they would like the services delivered by the TMO or council.

To find out more you can pop into the office for a cup of tea and chat from Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm or visit www.earthtmo.co.uk ‘Cop

Shop’ opens at 70 West Street

The neighbourhood policing team in partnership with the Easton & Ashley Tenants and Residents Management Organisation opened the doors of a new ‘Cop Shop’ on 8 June at EARTH TMO office, 70 West Street. Residents can discuss any concerns, and find out what’s going on in the area Eva and Paul: working together for Old Market

15 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

16 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Meet the senior citizens who say joining them is just the tonic Are you feeling a little lonely or haven‟t been out of the house much of late? Why not join the Newton Street Senior Club for a relaxing afternoon of chat, bingo and cakes. Up Our Street met with the sprightly senior citizens who reveal their saucy side.

Along with residents from Easton and Redfield, seniors come from as far as Stockwood, Kingswood, Lockleaze and Knowle. Weekly sessions include a groceries raffle, sharing of newspapers and magazines, and tea, cakes and biscuits.

“It‟s nice to get people out of the house.” Says organiser Jean Tuff. “Most of us get around by sticks, me included!” She says that transport is provided although some mobility is required to get into the vehicles.

Eileen Towler was married for sixty years before her husband died, leaving her lonely and needing some support.

“When my husband died I couldn‟t stay in the house” she said. “I dreaded going back in

Seniors: getting out is good

the empty house because he was always there. Over the 6 years I‟ve made new friends here”.

The club is a place to meet people when she‟s not with her daughter and grandchildren. “You can‟t be with your children all the time. She‟s got her family”.

Ages ranges from late 60s to 90s. “We lost our last man a few months ago” says Nancy Jennings wistfully of Henry the bingo caller. “We were playing bingo last week and Olive was calling out „Come back Henry, come back‟”.

Would they like more men to join them? “We‟d love it” said

Nancy, “ We‟re very naughty!”

There are cries of “Speak for yourself” and “Sweet and innocent”. “Hark at that” says Nancy laughing. “She‟s the worst of the lot”.

Nancy adds “We play bingo and have a raffle – we play for groceries. It‟s good fun. Gets you out for a few hours”.

They‟re a kind bunch. Betty keeps wining as the bingo begins in earnest and says she‟s had enough prizes. Let someone else have a go.

Brenda notices that the prizes this week contain a lot of bathing products. “We‟ll all be having a shower tonight” she says. They crack up.

The ladies would love for more local seniors to share a yarn with them. All newcomers will be given a warm welcome.

“It‟s a very friendly group” says Olive.. ■ Newton Hall Senior Club meets 12.30pm to 4pm at Newton Hall, Newton Street (off Stapleton Road).

Cost £2.50, £1.50 for 6 bingo tickets, £3 return journey. For more details contact Mike Pickering on 9413343.

17 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Making bread and new friends with Easton Bread Making Group One of the oldest prepared foods in history, bread is traditionally broken and shared between families and friends in much of the world. Up Our Street met with ‗Easton Bread‘, a women‘s cooking group, to find out how sharing recipes is breaking down cultural barriers. ‗Easton Bread‘ has brought together women from over 10 different cultural backgrounds including Pakistan, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Hungary and Britain.

Juliet Jensen is founding member of the group. ―In the school playground people tend to meet with people from their own cultural background. I felt lonely and in a minority and thought about how it could change. The group grew quickly – over forty different women have come at different times‖. Anjum agrees ――It‘s about meeting different people and the community is coming closer when you share recipes‖.

Ihssan first came with a friend. ―I like it. Every time we learn new recipes from each other, and different countries‖.

Does everyone speak the same Arabic? Ihssan laughs. ―Every time we speak in Arabic Juliet says can we speak in English! We speak the same Arabic but with different accents. Even people in Morocco speak differently, like Liverpool, London etc.‖ More than bread recipes are shared here, including English cream teas and pancakes. Pancakes are thought to be one of the earliest and most widespread cereal based foods in prehistoric societies across the world.

Zahra explains that the same ingredients are often used in many countries but using a different cooking style. ―In Somalia they put the sugar inside but in England they put on the outside with fruit like banana and chocolate‖. Anjum adds ―using the same ingredients you can make different things like Moroccan bread and pizzas‖.

made chocolate cake and Zahra‘s popular pizzas too. ―It‘s not put on for people. We make it happen and it‘s reciprocal. People are very generous‖ explains Juliet. ―Even if they‘re not cooking people will bring something along. It‘s good for people to appreciate each others‘ food. People are also more likely to get involved in other things‖.

Zahra, whose favourite recipe was Jamaican fritters, says learning doesn‘t stop when you leave at 3pm. ―I learn at Easton Bread and I try to make at home. I sell my pizzas and we make money for the project and the school‖.

Women are relaxed and comfortable with each other, sharing stories and laughter as easily as recipes. Muna has come to the group for only the second time today. It has already given her the confidence to talk to people in the street. ―Before, I wouldn‘t say hello. Now I can say I know these people. I can say that I‘m a part of this area. Even as well for my son he is able to go out and be with other children.

It‘s good for him‖.

Kat is pleased that everyone has enjoyed her potato bake, and to see them eating together. ―I‘m really happy Juliet created this group for mums to share their happiness. It would be nice to see more mums come to join us‖■

Everyone gathers round to watch today‘s cooking session. It‘s Kat‘s first time cooking for a big group, a traditional Hungarian potato bake, (with halal sausage of course).

Children play happily with each other around the table, which is set for them to eat today‘s meal.

There‘s even a home-

Easton Family Centre (Quartet fund room space), 1.30pm to 3pm, Fridays, term time only. Contact Toria on 9555877 or project@ecfc.org.uk for more information.

See page 19 for Siddiga’s doughnut recipe

18 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Zalabia

Sudanese Doughnuts

By Siddiga Sidahmed 1 egg ½ teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla essence ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon yeast 2 cups warm water 3 ½ cups selfraising flour

Mix ingredients together and then leave for 3 hours in a warm place. Spoon the dough and drop into hot oil.

Cook for a few minutes until brown. Remove from oil and drain on kitchen roll. When finished cooking gently mix the Zalabia with icing sugar.

What? No meat?

Meet local vegan chef Shane Jordan, who is on a mission to introduce more vegetables into the British diet.

Shane cooks for Kabele, works in schools and for the Vegan and Vegetarian Societies and recently held a veggie awareness day at Bethesda on Church Road.

Is it possible to get all you need from a vegan diet?

It meets all your nutritional requirements.

What would you say to the die-hard meat eaters?

I would say to the really die-hard ones that it‘s not about just eating meat it‘s about cutting down. People eat large portions of meat, and they‘re eating the really processed meat.

If you eat a lot of red meat, maybe you should try eating more white meat, some chicken or fish. It‘s cutting down and allowing yourself to have more vegetables in your diet.

I‘m not one of these vegans that‘s like stop it ―I‘m right, you‘re wrong‖, but even health experts are saying people need to cut down on their meat.

What made you become a vegan?

What really cemented it was watching a documentary called Earthlings. It‘s like watching a holocaust of food. It‘s a very disturbing documentary. You see the reality of what‘s happening behind the scenes.

We‘re taking the grains from other countries to feed our cattle and we could live off the grain. When you look at it on that level, it‘s interesting and doesn‘t seem necessary.

What vegetarian or vegan products are out there?

There‘s vegetarian steak, lamb – all these different alternatives that look like it and have the same texture. You might think ―Oh I can‘t have milk‖ but there‘s so many different types of milk: rice milk, oat milk, soya milk, hemp milk...It can open you up to something completely different. I think people are shocked at how good these milks taste.

Do you think people are afraid of cooking vegetables?

People are buying pre-packaged food, processed, readymade food and these different things in a can. People just Continued on page 20 19 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

What? No meat Continued from page 19 want to use a microwave or warm something up. Cooking skills need to be improved on. Just the basics. Some people are fearful of cooking rice, boiling vegetables – ―how long do I do it for? ― Are more vegetables used elsewhere in the world?

In the Asian countries...they do a lot more with vegetables.

The only time some people really get vegetables in their diet is in their Sunday roasts. Or Christmas, people are proud to get their vegetables. Christmas is great. January comes and no one wants to talk about it.

What’s your favourite vegetable?

Probably the potato. You can do so much with a potato. And you can do so much with flour. Very basic things that if you‘re not taught you‘re never going to know. It‘s giving people that confidence that they can cook food for themselves and their children How does a bad diet make you feel?

You have to realise that you‘re food has an effect on you. If you‘re feeling depressed or angry it could be to do with the food that you‘re eating because it‘s your fuel. If you look at the main things people buy it‘s bread, milk, cheese and they buy a lot of meat. White bread is not the best option...and it‘s not just the bread, it‘s a lot of the refined sugar in these baked snacks and it just has an effect on people where you 20 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

have a high with the sugar and then a really drastic low and it‘s not doing anything for their self-esteem. It‘s not doing anything for their weight or anything else.

What would you say to people who think they can’t afford to eat 5 a day?

It‘s a lot easier to buy frozen vegetables than it is to go to the greengrocers and buy fresh vegetables. It‘s being practical with money. With perishables if it stays in your fridge it won‘t last as long so go for the frozen veg and frozen veg is very cheap. I wish people would cook. Even if it‘s just once a week. It‘s so nice for your child to come in and just see you make something, put it in the freezer and have it through the week: make it in bulk, which is a lot cheaper.

Do a lot of people associate veganism with extremism? [laughs] I‘m not going to lie. It‘s got a bad reputation. You say you‘re a vegan people look at you like they want to crucify you. It‘s not commercially known. You say vegetarian and people know you don‘t eat meat. You say vegan and it‘s like ‗what‘s that again?‘ Some people are vegan or vegetarian because of health, for some people it‘s about animal rights, some people it‘s about environment. Some people just feel good.

Do people eat more vegan food than they realise?

If you eat jacket potato, with some salad and some beans, that‘s a vegan meal! ■

Looking for local lunches at low prices?

Looking for a cheap lunch out? Our neighbourhood has lots of great places to go for a decent bite at decent prices. You just need to know where to look...

Up Our Street caught up with Bethesda cafe, who are getting an upgrade this summer.

“We have got a new lottery grant for chairs, matching crockery, tables, cutlery, new tablecloths” said Janet Gleason, one of the cafe organisers, “and we should look more welcoming.”

There are a lot of cafes on Church Road, so why should people pick Bethesda? “Well, it‟s friendly” says Janet.

“There‟s lots of space. Lots of the mums come in with their pushchairs because we‟ve got

reasonable. Very nice. And they‟re not skimpy with it”.

Satisfied: Beryl, front left the space to put them in the corner and we‟ve got high chairs for the babies, and toys.

We also get one regular wheelchair gentleman who comes on his mobility scooter, and just drives in”.

Beryl, a Bethesda regular, comes on Wednesdays for coffee, lunch and an afternoon ladies meeting. “It‟s quite a nice day. It gets me out the house because I‟m on my own.

And the meals is quite

Beryl says the cafe is a great place to catch up with old faces and make new friends. “I saw this lady who lived in Warren Court. I haven‟t seen her in years. Well I went over and spoke to her. I can speak to anybody really!!”

The cafe is run mostly by volunteers with a paid chef overseeing the work. It‟s a good first step into employment for some.

“The aim of this cafe is to serve this community” says Janet. “We‟ll probably do some special meals, have a special service on the 2nd July to celebrate that we‟re having this revamp and do some special events that week”.

Weekly lunch club (left) in Barton Hill: 3 courses for only £3.50 !

21 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Easton Baby & Toddler Group (0-2yrs)

By Fiona Burrow Do you have a tot or little one between the age of 0-2 years? We are a friendly group of mums and dads who meet every Tuesday morning 10 am – 12 pm (including school holidays) at Easton Community Centre , Kilburn Street, Bristol, Avon BS5 6AW.

lovely toys, and the hall where the group takes place is big enough for little ones to run around safely! And it‟s only £1.50 per session.

We hope to see you soon!

Find us on Facebook - search for Easton Baby and Toddler Group.

Why not come along and join us? The group is run by parents for parents – EVERYONE welcome. Our "stay an play" sessions are very relaxed; we usually have a cup of tea (café on site where you can get a cuppa and a cake!) and a chat while the little ones free play (a good chance to share experiences).

We aim to have a story telling session and/or sing nursery rhymes, however, the timetable is flexible depending the age of our tots. You‟ll find lots of

Look out for another community fun day in the Urban Park at the end of August which will be brought to you by Housing Solutions TMO! 22 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

Scouts renew their promise to Patron Saint On Sunday 8 May the 128th Scout Group attended a special church service at the parish church of All Hallows Church, Easton, for the dedication of the Beaver Flag, and for St Georges Day. St George is not only the Patron Saint for England but the Patron Saint for the Scout Movement.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about scouting please contact scout leader Jayne Richer on 0790 600 4873

Bowling in Barton Hill: from a toxic past to a sporting future There is a little known green oasis nestled behind St Annes Board Mill Social Club on Avonvale Road that has grown out of a toxic history.

Avonvale Bowls Club is the tender carer of a pristine bowling green that sits on the site of recreational facilities built by former chemical manufacturing giant Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI Ltd) in 1929.

ICI was a group of merged companies that included the Netham Chemical Company, established in 1859, which covered 65 acres of land from the Feeder to Avonvale Road.

Huge furnaces belched out plumes of smoke from towering chimneys, and workers paid local children to bring them flagons of ale throughout the day to sooth throats parched by the heat and fumes.

ICI created sports grounds for its employees, preferring bowls, cricket and football to the skittles and booze provided by its predecessor.

Avonvale Bowls Club

was formed in 1953. It now boasts a fully stocked and licensed club house, men‘s and women‘s changing rooms and 56 members.

The club is looking to build on its long history and traditions with fresh faces and young players. Club member John James and secretary, Dave Johnson, feel the sport shouldn‘t be seen as game run by and for ‗old farts‘. ―Youngsters look at this sport as a sedentary sport but it is becoming a young person‘s game now‖ says John, who has been with the club for three years.

He‘s right. Last year‘s winner of Gloucestershire County‘s under 40s, Max

Risby, turned 17 only the week before the final. ―It‘s for women as well, not just men. It would be great to have some youngsters, some new blood to carry the club into the future‖.

Dave also thinks that retirees of fast-paced sports looking for an alternative outlet for their competitive spirit overlook bowls for golf. ―People think it‘s a fuddy-duddy sport. I‘ve played football, cricket and other sports and it‘s just as exciting when you‘re in a league game‖.

Although if you‘re worried about winning, don‘t be, says John. ―People shouldn‘t be deterred by not hav-

ing played before or be daunted by competitions.

Joining members will be given tuition and all the help they can get before being introduced to friendly games‖. He adds: ―You can be sure of a warm welcome. Everybody knew my name in the first week‖ He recommends coming on a Monday club night which are ―buzzing with banter‖.

Membership to play is £70 for the whole year, but Dave and John insist that shouldn‘t put off anyone on a low income.

You can try before you buy, pay as you play, and there‘s lots of help available.

Free tea, cakes and sandwiches make matches a social occasion for the players and their friends and families.

John says the local community should come and take a look. ―Anyone can come and watch the games and have a cup of tea. He smiles and looks across the green. ―There‘s nothing better than an evening with a drink in your hand and the sun on your back‖. ■

23 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk