'Bigger and better' International Women’s Day event planned

A VOLUNTEER group organising this year's International Women’s Day event in Bristol is looking for more people to get involved.

Bristol Women’s Voice members are working together on a "bigger and better than ever" programme for the flagship event on March 8.

The free event at City Hall will bring hundreds of women from different communities across Bristol together, with more than 100 contributors and partners running workshops, performances, exhibitions, activities and talks.

Activities on health, nurture, poetry, music, film and photography, dance and visual arts are planned.

The event will also include an evening programme of entertainment, as well as a march through the centre of the city for women to "show their support for one another and make their voices heard".

A spokesperson for the charity, which is based at the Vassall Centre in Oldbury Court, said: "There is something for everyone, and we can provide support to help you get there via free public transport, a crèche and translation services.

"There’s a lot people don’t know about this small charity that packs well above its weight.

"In building their vision of equality for women in Bristol, the work they do includes working with transport companies and the council to lobby for urgently-needed improvements in women’s safety on public transport in Bristol.

A CLUB for model aircraft enthusiasts is hoping to spread its wings.

Landit Radio Control, which promotes modelling, maintenance and flying of radio controlled aircraft, was founded by Mark Holmes and Ricky West in 2014.

They wanted to bring together people with a shared interest to pool their knowledge and enjoy indoor flying.

Now the club, which meets fortnightly, has members aged between 10 and 80.

Last year's International Women’s Day event in Bristol. Picture: Mireya Gonzalez.

"Bristol Women’s Voice holds the police to account and acts as a critical friend via the Women’s Independent Advisory Group.

"They support and work with women’s organisations, members and other allies across the city to renew and strengthen their call for change."

The group also want to recruit volunteers to run women-only

Ready for take-off

It has evolved over time and includes people who are mastering the latest technology such as drones, which can range from the size of a cup coaster to machines capable of lifting over a kilo in weight.

Club secretary Ricky has written guides to help others understand the equipment they are using and get the best results.

He said: “Flying models is great fun, it’s just one part of what the hobby is about. The maintenance and model programming is another and we have some talented members who are always on hand to help other members. It’s a brilliant atmosphere.”

Landit is not only for those with plenty of time slots within the 70 citywide welcoming spaces and is compiling a single directory of services for women across Bristol. experience. Beginners are welcome and free tuition is always available.

Anyone who would like to help with the International Women’s Day event should email: VTcoordinator@ bristolwomensvoice.org.uk.

For more information on Bristol Women’s Voice visit the website: bristolwomensvoice. org.uk.

Balanced teams are arranged for competitive events so that novices can improve their radio control skills. The club even has a computer flight simulator.

It also arranges joint sessions with enthusiasts of radio controlled cars and hovercraft.

Landit is open to anyone aged 10 or above, or eight if accompanied by a parent.

Anyone who wants to see what the club is all about is invited to attend up to three meetings free before the start of April, on February 3 or 17, March 3, 17 or 31.

Meetings are held on a Friday, fortnightly, from 7pm to 9pm at 37th Kingswood Scouts HQ, Deerhurst, Kingswood.

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

NOW that we look to be past the worst of the recent wet and miserable weather, it’s lovely to see so many people returning to the park to enjoy some of the crisp sunny days that are cheering us all up a bit!

The recent heavy rains really did change the landscape, with flooding of the fields and the river coming up so high to make some of the pathways impassable.

December and early January saw a very cold snap that made the paths quite treacherous, and it was even cold enough for the lake to freeze over.

This came as several children’s lives were lost while walking on frozen lakes across the country, so we were very worried about something terrible happening here - but thankfully, there were no incidents this time.

We are discussing with the council the idea of warning signs that can be put out when the lake is frozen.

This time of the year, we start to notice more activity in the wildlife of the park - most notably the return of our favourite birds.

Who better to ask to tell us what’s going on than Eastville park’s resident guru, Larry Sweetland?

He writes: "Eastville Park is at the centre of an urban 'local patch' that in 2022 produced sightings of no less than 108 species of bird!

"Last year's highlight happened in Eastville Park in October, when a yellow-browed warbler appeared.

"This little bird would have been born somewhere in Siberia, most of its kind heading down to Southeast Asia for the winter.

"The year kicked off with a nice surprise when a firecrest was found in the overgrown cemetery on New Year's Day.

"The goldcrest is a familiar bird in the park throughout the year, but this firecrest was the first one I'd seen in the park for more than four years.

"The river Frome's high water level meant that one of the park's special birds, the dipper, was readily found along the smaller stream, Fishponds Brook, sometimes being remarkably approachable, along with the park's grey wagtails.

"Joining the lake's more familiar waterbirds were two little grebes, much to the delight of many onlookers.

"At this time of year the leafless trees make it