TWO blue plaques marking people of cultural significance in north Bristol were unveiled on the same day.
The first was a plaque from Historic England for Hollywood icon Cary Grant at his childhood home in Bishopston. The event was attended by Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant and pupils from the actor's school, Bishop Road.
The second, but a first for Lockleaze, was a plaque from Bristol Civic Society honouring Reverend Ernest Marvin, who created a successful musical with young people from the estate in the 1960s.
Gordon Young, of the Civic Society, said: “It was plain to see that Rev Marvin is remembered with great respect and affection.
We’ve facilitated 42 plaques since 2015 and this one in Lockleaze was one of the most significant in terms of engaging with the local community.”
The Civic Society worked with Melissa Blackburn and Maria Perrett, Community Activator at the Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust. Reports: Page 3
Teenagers from schools including Montpelier High and Fairfield High are part of a new film from Integrate UK aimed at raising awareness of knife crime.
PAGE 20 Local heroes win recognition
Representatives of Ardagh Community Trust and Manor Farm Community Hub were among more than 20 recipients of Lord Mayor's Medals.
PAGES 4 & 5
Planned bike and pedestrian improvements to the "cycle hostile" Muller Road have been dropped, to the fury of campaigners.
PAGE 6
Above: Maria Perrett and Melissa Blackburn from Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust with resident Christine Welch and Lord Mayor Andrew Varney
Right: Arts Minister Chris Bryant and Dr Charlotte Crofts with Bishop Road Primary School pupils
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It was 60 years ago today, Rev Marvin wrote a Passion play
CARY Grant might be the better known name but a blue plaque unveiled on the same day as the Hollywood actor’s is just as important to one Bristol community.
Reverend Ernest Marvin, who is commemorated at St James Church, Romney Ave in Lockleaze, was an inspirational and innovative minister and has been honoured with a Bristol Civic Society blue plaque.
In 1956, he was just 26 years old when he was ordained, and Lockleaze was a new, growing suburb in a very different time –a pre-Beatles, Teddy-boy era.
The minister formed a church youth club, popular with teenagers. He stipulated that they had to attend Sunday service to join the club. In 1959, Rev Marvin collaborated with Ewan Hooper, a Bristol Old Vic actor, to devise a gospel play in a form that young people could directly relate to.
A Man Dies was the first Christian Passion musical and, arguably, the first rock musical.
It was first performed in the church and then went on to achieve spectacular success. In the early sixties, it ran for four years at the Colston Hall, playing to full houses for five nights on each occasion. In 1964, it made the capital, not only filling the 5,000-seat Royal Albert Hall but also having a soundtrack album laid down at Abbey Road Studios. It was also shown on national television three times in as many years.
More than 70 residents gathered for the unveiling by Christine Welch, who had appeared in the original performances.
Home where young Cary was happiest
ARCHIBALD Alexander Leach, born in Horfield in 1904, and his parents Elias and Elsie moved to 50 Berkeley Road, Bishopston, in 1906 and lived there until 1909 or 1910.
The family lived at six different addresses in Bristol during Archie's childhood but he has fond memories of this place, where he lived when he started at Bishop Road School. According to the Ladies Home Journal in 1963, Archie, who went on to become Hollywood star Cary Grant, recalled his years there as “the happiest days for the three of us”.
With his signature tan, suave and sophisticated style, Grant was the consummate leading man who came to symbolise the authentic American hero. But despite his fame, he never forgot his roots in Bristol. He visited regularly, returning to see his mother, and happily posed for publicity photos in his native city. Such is Grant’s fame that his celebrated publicity photo in
The plaque at 50 Berkeley Road where the young Archie Leach, who became film star Cary Grant, lived as a child. Far right, the home's current owners Keith and Anne Johnson
front of the Clifton Suspension Bridge continues to be recreated for selfies by visitors to the city.
In 2014 a new biennial festival – Cary Comes Home – was set up to celebrate his achievements with a season of film screenings, talks, walking tours and much more.
The blue plaque installed at 50 Berkeley Road late last year, shines a light on Grant's "rags to riches" story. It was unveiled by Arts
Grant’s widow Barbara Jaynes said, “Cary often spoke fondly of his childhood in Bristol, He cherished the memories of his early years, and I can only
imagine the joy he would have felt knowing that his roots would be commemorated in such a meaningful way. This plaque is a beautiful tribute to his humble beginnings and the extraordinary path he forged in Hollywood and beyond.”
Former Lockleaze youth club member Christine Welch unveils the plaque, watched by Lord Mayor Andrew Varney.Below: Residents at the event to commemorate Rev Marvin
Minister Sir Chris Bryant and Dr Charlotte Crofts, director of Cary Comes Home.
n LORD MAYOR'S MEDALS
TARA MIRAN
TARA has championed many causes including bringing together stakeholders from the council, housing and police in a regular forum to discuss how the community can be safe for all. This has included setting up and chairing a regular stakeholder meeting and continued pressure for improvements.
Tara’s achievements include:
• Bringing together the community to highlight the closure of the St Paul’s Dentist. Persuaded the landlord to ‘hold’ the property while the NHS seeks to find a replacement provider.
• Championing upgrading cameras.
• Helping to found St Paul's Community Garden, tackling social isolation and achieving community cohesion.
• Starting the Action on Representation group in Fairlawn School, celebrating and raising awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Supporting the community during the pandemic and helping to set up a fruit and veg co-op in St Paul's.
• Organising the St Paul’s Community fun day.
LOIS is the chair and a founding member of the Redland Green Community Group, launched nearly 20 years ago. She organises and participates in, a wide range of volunteer activities including:
• The annual Redland Fair.
• Runs the Annual
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Christmas Carol concert on Redland Green.
• Hosts a day of apple pressing, where residents can turn their surplus apples into juice.
• Litter picking
• Undertakes bulb planting, hedge laying, tree planting and maintenance of the Green’s meadows.
STELLA HARDING
STELLA has been the backbone of the Friends of Clifton Centre and Library since it was started in 2015. She has served as the secretary and is now the co-chair of the Friends group. Stella has performed a wide range of tasks - from curating the programme of events to taking responsibility for producing and arranging the delivery of the programme to all homes in Clifton, to putting out the chairs and welcoming the speakers to events.
Stella seemed to live at the library last year as it was used to deliver a very full and varied programme of activities under the Warm Spaces programme run by BCC.
There are many elderly people in Clifton who are asset rich but cash poor and they appreciated having a warm and welcoming space to come to in the energy crisis. This programme has been maintained in as volunteers and citizens value it.
For the last four years, the Friends have run an annual LitFest and Stella has been the driving force behind this too. This year, over 1000 tickets were sold for a very successful weekend of talks.
LOIS GODDARD
Lois Goddard, right, with the Lord Mayor and Cllr Fi Hance, who nominated her
Salute to our community heroes
MORE than 20 people have been recognised for their service to the community with the award of Lord Mayor’s Medals.
The local heroes and their friends and family members were invited to a private event at the Lord Mayor’s Mansion in Clifton, hosted by Lord Mayor Andrew Varney and Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Goggin.
Now in its 41st year, the Lord Mayor’s Medals aim to shine a spotlight on the brilliant achievements made by organisations and individuals across Bristol who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of their fellow citizens and local communities.
MANOR FARM COMMUNITY HUB
ANN Bennett is the chair of Manor Farm Community Hub (MFCH), and Anna George is the secretary of the organisation, which they founded with others in 2014.
Its initial purpose was to campaign for a community centre in Manor Farm - the shell of the building is now complete and due to be commissioned within the next few months.
Alongside campaigning for the community centre, Ann and
Anna have:
• Led MFCH to support residents’ wellbeing, social welfare and positive recreation and leisure time by providing facilities and information.
• Secured funding for improved facilities in Maskelyne Park, including play equipment, seating and picnic benches.
• Organised school holiday events in Maskelyne Park, Easter egg hunts, lantern making
ARDAGH COMMUNITY TRUST
THE work of the Ardagh Community Trust (ACT) was recognised with the award of Lord Mayor’s Medals.
Fiona Wright and Steve Strong, trustees of the ACT since its creation in 2017, received their accolades in recognition of their contribution to the community trust, based off Kellaway Avenue. They were instrumental in rescuing the original derelict site from being used for housing, and turning it into a popular hub which benefits the local community through its many sustainable operations and positive
and community consultation evenings.
• Supported other local organisations, including the flourishing Manor Farm Community Garden, the Horfield Strollers and Love Horfield.
Ann and Anna said: “We
social and environmental impacts.
Fiona has been a volunteer for more than a decade, initially with the Friends of Horfield Common and then as a trustee of Ardagh Community Trust. She has focused on leading community engagement, ensuring people were able to contribute their views, skills and experiences.
The site now includes a community café, open seven days a week. There have been many supporters and volunteers on the project but Fiona is the longest-serving. Her commitment to inclusion through gardening has led to the development of
would like to extend a big thank you firstly to our former Councillor Philippa Hulme who nominated our group for this award, and secondly to the two Lord Mayors for hosting this very special and memorable occasion.”
the public gardens which grows some of the food, plants and flowers, and supporting the planting of 5,500 trees across Horfield Common.
Steve Strong led the Board of Trustees at ACT from 2017 to 2023. He founded the charity, developed it, ensured local residents influence its development and remains a trustee. Steve has worked with citywide partners and stakeholders to achieve success in a complex community asset transfer, enabling resident-volunteers to reimagine how the asset could support improved outcomes for the community.
Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Goggins and Lord Mayor Andrew Varney with Ann Bennett and Anna George from Manor Farm Community Hub
Dismay as improvements to 'cycle-hostile' road scrapped
CAMPAIGNERS have criticised the removal of planned cycling and walking improvements in Muller Road.
City councillors approved the next step of proposals for more bus lanes on Muller Road in Lockleaze.
But Bristol Cycling Campaign is furious that plans announced in 2018 to make active travel easier and safer on the route that links north Bristol with the M32 have been dropped.
The council’s transport and connectivity policy committee voted 8-0, with one abstention, to proceed with the revised second phase of the project by submitting an outline business case (OBC) for almost £1million to create bus lanes on the bottom half of Muller Road, from the railway bridge near Shaldon Road to Heath Road.
If it goes ahead, there will be
sections of 12-hour bus lanes on both sides of the road.
Transport improvements are needed because of housing development in Lockleaze.
A report to the committee in December said the plans also included a new pedestrian crossing next to Fairfield High School, installing bollards between Shaldon Road and Elmcroft Crescent to limit private vehicles while allowing access for walking and cycling, and a raised table at the junction with Stottbury Road.
It said these measures would ‘help encourage active travel users by providing a safe environment to walk and cycle, as well as reduce the likelihood of accidents’.
But Bristol Cycling Campaign chairman Ian Pond told the meeting that this was ‘misleading’.
He said: “We are extremely disappointed that walking and cycling has been dropped and is ‘out of scope’ of the OBC that’s been published.
“We propose that the OBC should be rejected.”
In a written statement to councillors he added: “Muller Road is currently a cycle-hostile road for only the brave and bold cyclist. We called for action to be taken to address this.
“We are extremely disappointed to read that following the consultation there have been no revisions to take
advantage of the opportunity to change this.”
The committee report said the original scheme included more segregation for cycling than bus lanes but that this would have led to the loss of between 28 and 53 trees and the need to acquire third-party land on the section over the hill, so it was rejected and replaced with the new proposals.
The first phase of the Muller Road project was completed in December 2023.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Why 'bowel movements' should be banned
A WOMAN who five years ago was told she might have only 12 weeks to live is preparing to run the London Marathon this year.
Bryony Thomas, 46, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2019.
She was told her tumour might be inoperable but doctors at the Bristol Royal Infirmary quickly decided surgery was Bryony’s best chance of surviving more than a few more months.
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust consultant Meg FinchJones performed the complicated surgery.
Bryony, who lived in Bishopston at the time but has since moved to Stroud with husband Tom and daughter Eleni, said: “I simply would not be alive without the work of the team. Only seven per cent of people with my diagnosis make it this far and I am so grateful.
“Even when I was having chemotherapy in the Dental
Hospital, during the coronavirus pandemic, care was amazing, and I can’t fault the treatment I’ve had.”
Bryony is in training to run the London Marathon in aid of charity Pancreatic Cancer UK to celebrate being cancer free for five years. She is also keen to raise awareness of the symptom of pancreatic cancer to help others spot it earlier.
Bryony Thomas
her urine had turned fluorescent yellow one day and a deep brown the next, that she called 111 and was sent to a local hospital’s Emergency Department.
Following her operation at the BRI in January 2020 Bryony had chemotherapy, led by consultant oncologist Stephen Falk, and now needs lifelong medication to replace enzymes which would usually be made by her pancreas.
so well and that she has chosen to champion pancreas cancer awareness.
Bryony said: “I went to see GPs on and off for years before my diagnosis and I was tested for so many different things. I was asked about my “bowel movements” but no one ever asked me if my poo was pale or floating. If they had I would have told them that it was. I later learned that this can be a sign of pancreatic insufficiency.”
It was when Bryony noticed
Bryony, who runs a marketing agency, believes people need to feel confident discussing symptoms without embarrassment.
She said: “I think the term ‘bowel movements’ should be banned. We all need to get used to talking about our poo, and doctors do too.”
Consultant Meg FinchJones, of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We, the Hepatobiliary Team, are so pleased that Bryony has done
“All patients are considered on a case-by-case basis, and a lot of factors go into making these critical decisions. But when surgery is possible, aggressive surgery and advanced chemotherapy offer the people in our care the best chance. Recent advances in chemotherapy are also improving lives for patients who cannot have surgery. Overall early diagnosis is key.”
Pancreatic cancer symptoms: Belly pain that spreads to the sides or back
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Light-coloured or floating poo
Dark-coloured urine
Itching
New diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes that's getting harder to control.
Family history of pancreatic cancer.
Professor turns to fiction
A LEADING mental health specialist has been inspired by his academic interests and personal experiences to write a ‘dark’ psychological thriller.
Professor Paul Crawford, who lives in Clifton Village, is the world’s first professor in the field of Health Humanities, which seeks to enhance people’s well-being through creative practices.
His book, The Wonders of Doctor Bent, delves into criminal accountability and mental health. He draws upon concepts such as social prescribing, which he has explored as part of his research, to demonstrate the positive impact of the arts on physical and mental health.
The Wonders of Doctor Bent will be published by Cranthorpe Millner on February 25 in paperback costing £12 99.
THERE is no simple and straightforward formula for coping with the grief that follows the sudden loss of a beloved family member in devastating circumstances. Yet getting words down on paper can often be a way of trying to make sense of something incomprehensible. Hence, ‘A Precipitous Life: A true story of sudden grief’, Tom Pelly’s book on the loss of his vibrant younger brother, is a raw yet poetic portrayal of a tragedy nobody could anticipate or comprehend.
Tom, who lives in Redland with his family and is a Horfieldbased GP, lost his brother six years ago, when, a few days after a happy family Christmas, Matt fell from the church tower in the village where they all grew up. And Tom’s life – and that of his parents and siblings – stopped in its tracks.
After two years or so of deep grief and trying to settle back into work, Tom felt he had “trodden a well-worn path and maybe had something to say about it”. As he says, “we are not very good at
A journey through grief –and what it means to live
talking about death and not very good at talking about grief”.
The aims of the book –his first, and independently published – are manifold. Tom says that he “didn’t want to write a manual for grief or a diary of what happened, but wanted to offer a celebration of Matt, and also try to understand what was going on and make sense of it all”.
in how his family had differing responses to the tragedy, as everybody does, but poignantly combines a tribute to his brilliant, witty brother with the dark horror of his sudden loss.
A long time in the writing, Tom learnt a great deal about the practicalities of the writing process, but also worried about whether it was “good enough. I wanted to honour my brother in the best way I could”. He added, “I never set out for this to be therapeutic, but it has taken a long time to get right and now I finally feel it’s ready. I think Matt would be proud that I’ve done it”.
A deliberately short book (a little over 100 pages), its concise layout brings the personal rawness and bewilderment to the fore. Tom is searingly honest
‘A Precipitous Life’ is available in both paperback and hardback on Amazon –all proceeds from purchases of the book will go to the Air Ambulance Service.
From the Solent to the Somme
LOCAL author David Bull’s latest book reveals the links between Bristolian football players and Southampton FC during World War One. ‘
Saints in the Great War, which David wrote with researcher Gary Chalk, covers “how Southampton’s footballers were joined by fellow professionals from clubs nationwide to play war-league football and to serve the cause, from the forts on the Solent to fighting on the Somme”.
David has lived in Westbury-on-Trym for almost 40 years, working as a sociologist and lecturer at Bristol University, but he grew up in Salisbury and has been an ardent Southampton FC fan since he was five years old, following them around the country from wherever he has been living. Along the way, he has been appointed an Official Historian of Southampton FC.
This book was eight years in the making and involved extensive research. David bought many of the titles he used in his quest at Westbury’s St Peter’s Hospice shop, which provided a “wide collection of rare volumes” and Oxfam bookshop.
Of the latter, he said: “It has a fabulous collection of military books. I must have bought 50 to 100 of them!”
The book was originally intended to cover
BOOK REVIEW
in 2018 unveiling a plaque to fallen Saints of the two World Wars
both world wars, but so much information was gathered by the lead researcher, Gary, that it was decided to contain it solely to the First World War. Two military experts were also engaged to assist with the process, although one of them, Major Roger Coleman MBE, died in 2023.
The book describes how many of the Southampton FC players served in its shipyards, which attracted young men from all over the country, including Bristol. Local references include several to Avonmouth, which was used as a port of disembarkation
for Canadians.
“The route was meant to be from Nova Scotia to Southampton, but because of the U-boats around the latter, they were directed to stop at Avonmouth instead,” said David. The munitions filling station at Avonmouth also employed an army reservist who played for Southampton FC.
Discovery was also made of a Bath City FC player who lived in the mining areas around north east Bristol, but travelled to Dublin where he was involved in the Easter Rising in 1916. Surviving this, he was posted to France, where he lost a leg, but survived once again.
These are just a few of the fascinating stories featured in David’s book, his 12th about Southampton FC and the 14th book he has written or been involved with. It includes an extensive range of original photos, maps and posters, combining the authors’ passion for the club with insights into how footballers came to Southampton to play under special ‘war rules’ whilst fighting for their country.
The 368-page Saints in the Great War can be purchased at an RRP of £24 by contacting David on 0117 962 2042 or by email: bull. hagiology@blueyonder.co.uk
Bristol : Ethnic Minorities and the City 1000-2001
by Madge Dresser & Peter Fleming
I am proud to work in a diverse and multicultural city where 45 religions are practised, 90 languages are spoken and 180 countries of birth are represented. This book, by Madge Dresser, a Professor of History at Bristol University and Peter Fleming, Professor of Medieval History at the University of the West of England chronicles the lives of some of the many immigrants who made Bristol their home. The largest immigrant group, were the Welsh. Between 1390 and 1525, 22 men with Welsh surnames, held high civic office (bailiff, sheriff, mayor) and 456 apprentices were working in Bristol between 1532 and 1552. They were mainly economic migrants, working as servants, traders and craftsmen. The Welsh supplied the city with livestock, fish and dairy products, offloading their goods at Welsh Back, followed by a drink or two in The Llandoger Trow. With
England’s Irish colonies suffering from economic depression, many Irish came to Bristol seeking a better life. They were often made scapegoats for unsolved crimes. Most of the 37 taverns in Marsh Street were said to have Irish owners. Irish workers constructed the Floating Harbour and the M32 motorway. Continental Europe provided highly skilled Dutch and Flemish migrants working as brewers, leatherworkers and tailors. There were German migrants too, including Conrad Finzel who created Bristol’s first sugar refinery and George Muller who built the Ashley Down orphanage. The city also housed a small Italian community including Eugenio Verrecchia, who opened the city’s first ice cream parlour in Coronation Road. Black migration dates back to the 16th century when Bristol merchants engaged in slave trading in West Africa. Some came as enslaved servants from the West Indies, including
Scipio Africanus, servant to the Earl of Suffolk, and Pero who has a footbridge named in his honour. The first African Caribbean migrants were exservicemen who remained in Bristol after World War II. They were followed by the Windrush generation, mainly from Jamaica, who worked in the chemical works at Avonmouth and the Wills tobacco factories. They often faced discrimination, evidenced by the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963 and the 1980 riots, but gave the city a wonderful cultural legacy in the St Paul’s Carnival. The nineties saw several thousand refugees from Somalia escaping rape, murder and starvation in the civil war. They experienced frequent racial harassment, but established many small businesses in the city. This is a highly readable book, full of compelling human stories, demonstrating the positive contributions that ethnic minorities have made to our
city. For this book, and many more come and visit us at 100 Gloucester Road.
Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library
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Gary Chalk (left) and David Bull with Peter Francis of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
Redland: Emma Edwards and James Crawford (Green Party)
WE both want to wish all residents a Merry Yuletide, and a Happy New Year! It’s been a very busy year for us, with two elections, and being part of the new Committee system administration, but meeting with residents and representing you on the council has made it all worth it. As we move into 2025, we look forward to continuing this work. We will be door-knocking throughout the year and will continue with our surgeries at the Horfield Quakers Friends Meeting House on the second Friday of every month at 4pm-5.45pm. We hope to see you soon, have a lovely 2025.
Muller Road Phase 2 news
The Transport and Connectivity Committee approved an outline business case for Muller Road phase 2 in December. The scheme includes a 12-hour bus lane along the southern section of Muller Road from the railway bridge to Shaldon Road southbound and from Heath Road to Glenfrome Road northbound.
The first phase of the project, completed in December 2023, focused on the northern half of Muller Road, from its junction with Downend Road to Lidl. It saw a new 24-hour inbound bus lane, bollards to limit through traffic on key roads, and new traffic signals installed as well as resurfacing works. It was funded by the Housing Infrastructure Fund from Homes England, and was completed at the end of last year. Although most of the new phase is in Lockleaze ward, it does have implications for Concorde Way and connections to the new Ashley Down Train station.
The proposed changes include:
• Creating 12-hour inbound and
outbound bus lanes that would be in use between 6am and 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays;
• new bus stops on Muller Road;
• Installing a pedestrian crossing next to Fairfield High School;
• adding bollards between Shaldon Road and Elmcroft Crescent to limit through motorised traffic while allowing access for pedestrians and cyclists;
•creating a raised table at the same level as the pavement at Muller Road’s junction with Stottbury Road to slow down traffic.
Emma, who sits on the Transport and Connectivity Committee says: “We really hope this improves bus services to and from Ashley Down, and helps increase public transport to the Memorial Ground and the Cricket Ground. We’re also keen to progress with the improvements to Concorde Way, which we know is so vital to local residents.. By putting the right infrastructure in, to make walking and cycling safer and easier, it will relieve pressure on local roads while giving more people a safe active travel route.”
Give Racism the Red Card
At the end of November, Emma was delighted to attend the ‘Give Racism the Red Card’ event at the Memorial Ground.
This one-day event saw three local primary school come to the stadium to do workshops and activities that looked to tackle racism in schools. Emma met pupils and the Give Racism the red card facilitators, as well as Bristol Rovers Women’s Team player Layla Douglas, and sat on a panel to discuss ways of tackling racism.
It was a brilliant event and thanks to Bristol Rovers for putting it on.
Area Committee news
James and Emma were both pleased to have attended the first newly formed Area 2 Committee in early December. At this meeting, James was elected the new chair. The role of Area committees is to decide how funds raised by levies on development are spent. They also have responsibility for local decision-making which won't impact the entire city, such as decisions on tree planting as an example.
Six new trees were approved for planting in December, the funding for this having come as part of the planning obligations for Bristol Rover's new South Stand. These trees will be planted over winter and are all located within a mile of the stadium, at the bottom of Springfield Ave and on Brynland Ave.
In January, applications will open for submitting new ideas for what to spend CIL funding on over the next year, and James and Emma encourage residents to submit applications for potential improvements they would like to see in their area. James says" "This a good opportunity for residents who have wanted local improvements to their area which don't necessarily qualify for consideration at a policy committee to get their suggestions considered by officers. If any residents want advice on how to apply, feel free to email me." The deadline for submissions is the February 28, 2025.
Safe walking routes for schools
For 2025 Emma and James are launching a new campaign in the ward to raise awareness of the importance of safe walking routes to schools. We have heard from
parents of Ashley Down School, Brunel Field School, Fairfield School and Sefton Park School rasing concerns about this topic and we want to help. In the past we have successfully got a School Street, extra signs, instant green man on crossings and bollards, but we know there is more to be done, such as adequate lighting on walking routes, keeping routes clear and discouraging poor driving and parking practices. If you want to be part of the campaign or let us know your experiences then do get in touch.
Bin updates
We continue to feed back issues with missed bin and recyling rounds to Bristol Waste, the most recent being issues around Quarrington Road. James says: ”Bishopston and Ashley Down has been one of the worst impacted wards by missed collections over the last year. Residents deserve a regular and reliable service and that just hasn’t happened. By continuing to hold the waste service delivery team to account for their disappointing performance, we hope to get these services improved soon."
The Bristol Waste team are continuing to look into these matters and improve them, but we appreciate it when residents let us know. The waste collection schedules for the festive period, including Christmas tree collections are now up on the Bristol Waste website and you can find out when your collections are here: https://bristolwastecompany. co.uk/household/festive/
Contact us
Cllr.james.crawford@bristol.gov.uk
Cllr.Emma.edwwards@bristol.gov.uk
Understanding TOLATA claims
PROPERTY ownership disputes often carry significant emotional and financial burdens, particularly when they arise between family members, cohabiting partners, or business associates. The Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) provides a legal framework for resolving such disputes, enabling the courts to clarify ownership rights, regulate property use, or order a sale.
What is a TOLATA Claim? When two or more individuals jointly own property, a trust of land is created. TOLATA governs the legal and equitable rights associated with land or property held in trust. Disputes often arise regarding ownership, use, or distribution. Under TOLATA, the court may:
1. Declare ownership interests.
2. Order the sale of property.
3. Regulate property use, including occupation rights.
Who Can Bring a TOLATA Claim? TOLATA claims typically involve disputes between:
1. Unmarried couples: Follow-
ing the breakdown of a relationship, disagreements often arise over the division of jointly owned property.
2. Family members: These disputes frequently involve disagreements over inherited property.
3. Business partners: Where property is jointly owned for business purposes, conflicts may emerge regarding its use or sale. Key issues in TOLATA Claims Ownership disputes form the crux of many TOLATA claims. While legal ownership appears on the title deeds, beneficial ownership, reflecting the right to use the property or receive income from it, may differ. Disputes often arise when a party seeks a larger share based on financial contributions or other factors.
Disagreements over selling property are also common, where one party may wish to retain the property while another seeks its sale. In such cases, the court assesses the circumstances and decides whether a sale should proceed.
Occupation rights frequently arise in disputes involving cohabiting partners with children. Courts can regulate these rights under TOLATA, considering factors such as the welfare of dependents and the purpose of the trust.
When deciding a claim, the court will consider any express agreements, implied trusts (e.g., those arising from financial contributions), and factors under section 15 of TOLATA, including the intentions of the parties and the purpose of the trust. Costs of a TOLATA Claim Potential claimants must carefully consider the costs of litigation. Complex and protracted proceedings can incur significant legal fees. In certain cases, the losing party may be ordered by the Court to pay the successful party’s costs. Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) The courts actively encourage parties to pursue ADR, such as mediation or negotiation, before issuing proceedings. ADR is often more cost-effective and faster than litigation and is
particularly advantageous where ongoing relationships must be preserved.
Conclusion TOLATA claims require meticulous preparation and a sound understanding of property law. Whether you seek to establish ownership, oppose a sale, or assert occupation rights, obtaining expert legal advice is crucial.
If you require advice or assistance with a TOLATA claim, please contact Martin Hall on 0117 973 3989 or email us at info@amdsolicitors.com
Wassail for a fruitful future at Horfield Organic Community Orchard
THE seasons are changing, drawing out the daylight that brings life to the fruit trees at Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO). Our members bring life to the orchard too, with their care for the trees, the orchard plots, and structures such as the compost loo. All this love and energy is renewed by the hundreds of visitors who come to celebrate the orchard at our public events. This year we are inviting everyone who loves the orchard to join us as a Friend of HOCO. Our Friends support the orchard financially. We also appreciate their help at events, and welcome the specialist skills and expertise they can offer.
Making time to connect with nature and taking practical action have proven benefits for our wellbeing. A community orchard is a wonderful place to do this. The tradition of Wassail celebrates the relationship between people and nature. Every year people from the local community gather to give thanks for last year’s harvest and to wake up the fruit trees for the new year. All are welcome to celebrate the joys of fruit trees at the HOCO Wassail on Saturday 18 January. Pigsty Morris will help us fend off foes and woes. Mulled
juice and homemade cakes for sale – please bring cash!
We also have lovely apple trees for sale by advance order. See the HOCO website for more information.
Wassail - Saturday 18 January, 2pm - 4pm
To find Horfield Organic Community Orchard (nearest postcode BS7 8JP) - Walk down the lane beside 22 Kings Drive (between Bishop Road & Kellaway Avenue), turn left and it’s the first gate on the right.
OR Take the lane beside 134 Longmead Avenue (BS7 8QQ) until you come to the last gate on the left.
Join us as a Friend of HOCO! Contact us c/o the website for more information about membership and fruit growing courses: https:// community-orchard.org.uk/
Phone: 0117 373 1587 Shannon Smith
Rolex - Gentleman's 18K Day Date automatic chronometer bracelet watch, ref.18038 Sold for £7,200
Farewell to florist
FOR 37 years, the family-run florist shop on the corner of Devonshire Road and Coldharbour Road has been serving the community of Westbury Park and beyond, providing flowers, plants and cards for all occasions, along with a warm welcome.
But now, the premises of Flowers by Barry Toogood are up for let. Barry and his wife, Jayne, are moving on and the business closed its doors for the final time just before Christmas.
Barry has also been a stalwart of the Westbury Park Open Gardens events and his knowledge and expertise will be very much missed.
Barry told the Westbury Park Community Association: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been a part of this wonderful community for 37 years.
"We have enjoyed the friendship and support given to us by our lovely customers and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone.”
The Westbury Park community also offers its thanks in return “not just for your cheerful everyday help, but for being there for birthdays, weddings and funerals, all of which had your complete attention.”
Best wishes to Barry and Jayne for a very happy retirement.
Chinese embroidered silk sea green or teal green robe, late Qing dynasty Sold for £1,400
Victorian diamond yellow and white metal brooch in the form of a Maltese Cross Sold for £3,700
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
Redland: Martin Fodor and Fi Hance (Green Party)
Storm damage
In December storm Darragh caused property damage and disruption across the region and our ward wasn't exempt; this including two fallen ash trees on Redland Green and damage to a car from a fallen tree nearby.
Global heating means more extreme weather with deeper depressions, heavier, intense rainfall, and stronger winds. When Red extreme weather warnings as for storm Darragh are called contingency plans are activated for flooding, unsafe buildings, etc. Tree officers prepared for dealing with fallen tree reports; they had contractors on standby from the Friday to follow up the inevitable losses and obstacles.
The scale of ash dieback disease across the city means a great many damaged trees to deal with and a big dilemma over how proactive to be when anticipating their demise and all sorts of obstructions and damage - versus clearing thousands trees at risk at vast expense which could actually turn out to last many more years. Through his committee Martin is looking at how the tree canopy in Bristol can be expanded despite these losses.
Antisocial behaviour
Fi met with the police, council officers, resident and businesses to try to find a way forward with problems that people have reported in the area near the arches. Some of the problems seem to revolve around the phone box by Elton Road so we are exploring getting it removed if possible. In the mean time, if
you experience problems here or indeed anywhere else it is really important that people call the police on their non urgent number 101. This helps provide them with the information they need to do their job effectively and means that they have a much better picture of issues in the area.
Divestment campaign
Fi has met with a number of campaigners who are concerned about the council and the Avon Pension Fund's investment in areas of concern such as arms and fossil fuels. Unsurprisingly this is a complex and difficult area to address, so as a member of the pension fund committee [which is administered by Bath and North East Somerset Council, whose councillors form the largest group on the pension fund committee] she has been seeking advice from the fund itself and other local authorities who are facing similar calls. We are delighted that the APF committee have now said they will look into the impact of such investments.
Lord Mayor's Medal for Lois=
Fi was glad to nominate local resident Lois Goddard for a 2024 Lord Mayor's medal. Lois has
been unstinting in her activities on and around Redland Green, including regular tree and bulb planting, litter clearing, carols, and previously the Redland May Fair. Congratulations to Lois for earning the medal and thanks for all the work she and other local volunteers do.
New Area committee gets started
After many delays the new Area committees of the council have finally begun their work. The first meeting of our new Area 2 committee allocated funds to replace trees in the neighbourhood. We also heard about the developer funds now being collected under the new boundaries which should be available for local projects. As there still isn't a large amount of new construction sadly these funds aren't expected to be that large. The size of funds and scope for community project ideas is being worked out and in January we hope the process for community proposals for projects will get underway. We’re also keen to see ways the new committee could help shape road safety plans, feed into park management, and other matters that could be devolved.
Making the council net zero
In December Martin’s committee discussed a report about the council’s target to be net zero by 2025 in its own internal operations. With this ambitious target set in 2020 in response to the 2018 Climate Emergency Declaration past initiatives have been galvanised to get us ever closer. Years of work to develop local renewable energy have paid off, energy efficiency in buildings and street lighting improved, and clean heating installation underway. Remaining fossil fuel for heating is being replaced by waste-based green gas until new district heating connections or heat pumps can be installed. The main barrier to
meeting the target later this year is now restricted access to capital and the replacement plans for council vehicles but this is being planned. The good news is Bristol is one of the very best performing councils in this field.
Reducing and recycling waste
Many of us want better ways to reduce waste, get repairs made, and recycling services expanded. Half of what’s in black bins in the city could be used again or recycled, especially food waste. We’ve inherited significant problems leading to unreliable collections, but after putting in extra funds these are generally getting better. Monitoring and improving this service is led by Martin’s committee.
The council will be consulting residents about improvements to the weekly recycling services including better storage ideas. It will also be asking how the steadily escalating costs of removing black bin waste can be managed better including preferences for two, three or four weekly emptying. Extra services for large families and collecting hygiene products are also proposed. If collection costs can be contained then better recycling and support for community initiatives to reduce and repair things could be developed in a new contract in the future. Check the Ask Bristol pages for details of the consultation which has been under development recently and do look at the detailed background information and options being offered for your comments.
Fi: 0117 3534720. Martin: 0788 4736101 Facebook.com/cllrmartin.fodor or / cllrfi.hance
Bristol window company named best in the South West
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, was named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the recent G24 Awards in London.
The team were narrowly pipped to the ‘Best Installer’ gong, but were able to leave the English capital with a smile on their faces thanks to the ‘Best in the South West’ title.
The winners of G-Awards were announced at a glittering gala dinner at the Park Lane Hotel on November 29.
“Out of 12,500 companies across the UK, we made it to the last six! Best in the South West, narrowly being pipped to the UK title by another family-run independent business in Lancashire,” The Window Hub’s managing director Danny Robb said.
Bristol-based window installation company, The Window Hub, was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a
business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it – 90% of reviews for The Window Hub on
Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
As well as being open and honest,The Window Hub is keen to raise environmental awareness.
“All of our products will help homeowners reduce their energy usage because they are extremely
energy efficient,” Danny said. “We also buy the majority of our products from companies in the South West.
“When we remove old windows and doors, everything is recycled, and we are currently planting a tree for every customer at a wildlife park near where we are based.”
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk
Bristol
Exeter
Newton Abbot
Wills, Trusts and Probate
Mental Capacity including Powers of Attorney
Older and Vulnerable Clients
Estate planning
Family, Cohabitation and Divorce
Residential Conveyancing Disputes
Accident and Injury
Employment Law Advice
Commercial Property Company and Commercial Services
Notary Public
Driving and Road Traffic Offences
Criminal Defence
n FROM BRISTOL CENTRAL'S MP
Looking forward to serving you in 2025
IT’S hard to believe that it’s been nearly six months since I was elected as MP for Bristol Central. It’s been an incredible time in which I’ve learnt a huge amount, taken part in important Parliamentary debates, and met many wonderful residents of Bristol.
It’s difficult to succinctly sum it all up, but here’s a taster in numbers:
• 700+ pieces of casework, supporting constituents on issues ranging from housing to asylum and immigration;
• 40+ meetings with local community groups and organisations;
• 30 surgery appointments to support constituents with particularly difficult issues;
• 30 letters or written questions to government ministers, seeking commitments on things ranging from ADHD medication and trans healthcare to the cost of electric vehicle charging;
• 24 contributions to Parliamentary
debates (and a whole load more that I attended but didn’t speak at, unfortunately with 650 MPs in Parliament not all of us get to speak at every debate);
• 121 Early Day Motions signed, on everything from the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, to the sewage scandal, to animal testing;
• Two Private Members Bills coproposed: the Climate and Nature Bill, and a bill to make solar panels compulsory on all new homes;
• One Private Members Bill tabled, aiming to hold the government to account over their responsibility to keep citizens safe;
• One Public Bill Committee, through which I advocated for safer and more affordable housing for renters.
Of course my work as your MP is much more than numbers
– what motivates me each day is you, the people of Bristol. It’s an honour to represent you in Parliament and be the strong, independent voice that Bristol needs.
n FROM BRISTOL NORTH WEST'S MP
I’ve been championing the issues that matter to you –including tackling the Climate Emergency, and urging the Government to scrap the two child benefit cap and do more to bring about peace in the Middle East. I’m proud that, alongside my fellow Green MPs, I have been able to put forward a more hopeful vision for a fairer, greener and more compassionate country.
This festive season I had the privilege of meeting the postal workers at one of Bristol’s Royal Mail Delivery Offices, and staff at Redcliffe Nursery School. It was great to be able to say a personal thank you to them, particularly during what is a very busy period for many of us. Now I want to extend that thanks to all of you for helping to make Bristol the amazing city that it is.
As we enter 2025, I’m looking forward to continuing to work with people across Bristol. As always, I would very much like to hear from you with your ideas or
Forward-thinking on the climate crisis
MY family and I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year!
Ringing in the new year makes us reflect on the one that has just ended. 2024 was certainly a momentous year that I will never forget, being re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Bristol North West and being asked by the Prime Minister to serve as a cabinet minister.
This time of year also makes us think about our hopes and goals. With this in mind, I’m holding a Town Hall event on Saturday, 18th January in Henleaze for a forward-looking discussion about the climate crisis.
As always, the audience will decide the topics to be discussed, but the recent COP29 conference will be on the agenda, with an invited speaker sharing the outcomes from this international climate conference.
On a related topic, in November, Viridor wrote to me to announce its decision to close
its UK plastics reprocessing site in Avonmouth at the end of the year because recycling rates are below what they were projected to be. Given the site only opened in March 2022, I know this news has come as a surprise to many people.
At the time of writing, Viridor said it is still undergoing a consultation process for the 120 employees at the site, and I have been informed that 14 of the employees are constituents. I sincerely hope that many workers can be redeployed to other parts of the Viridor business. (Its other facility at Avonmouth, which incinerates non-recyclable household waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill, will remain open. I’ve been reassured that plastics that would have recycled at the Avonmouth site will be sent elsewhere rather than incinerated, though.)
Bristol has had the highest recycling rate among English ‘core
Carla Denyer writes for the Voice
issues that you think I can help with.
If you live in Bristol Central and have a local issue you need support with, you can email me at bristolcentraloffice@parliament.uk or write to Carla Denyer MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
For enquiries about national issues please email me using carla. denyer.mp@parliament.uk
cities’ for eight consecutive years, with around 45% of waste ending up recycled. But we know that recycling rates are too low across the UK and that we must improve our use of resources. Even here in Bristol, we see recycling rates stubbornly stagnating.
That’s why this government is committed to delivering on packaging reforms and a transition to a ‘circular economy’ – moving away from the current unsustainable ‘take, make, and throw' economic model, and replacing it with the principles of ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’.
If you’re keen to find out more about a circular economy, I’ll be happy to answer your questions at the Town Hall.
And, yes, there’ll also be an opportunity to discuss the draft proposals reportedly being considered by Bristol City Council to reduce the frequency of general waste and recycling bin collections (which seems like a
daft idea to me).
To book a ticket, please visit darren-jones.co.uk/events or call 0117 959 6545.
As always, you can email me at darren.jones.mp@parliament.uk, call my office on 0117 959 6545 or write to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
Author inspires young writers School tops table
REDMAIDS' High School has been named by The Times today as the top school in Bristol for academic performance.
This latest league table ranks all state and independent schools based on GCSE, A Level, and IB Diploma results from the summer of 2024. It is the third year in a row that the girls' school in Westbury-on-Trym has been given this title.
Headteacher Paul Dwyer said: "To be named the top school in Bristol and achieve such a high regional ranking for the third year in a row is exceptional.
"It is a huge team effort to ensure that our students receive such an outstanding all-round education every day, and this recognition is a brilliant testament to that. What a wonderful addition to our celebrations this year, as we mark 390 years of excellence in girls' education."
in Years 5 and
Natasha’s 2020 book, The Voyage of the Sparrowhawk, won the Costa Children’s Book award, and her group of adventure stories extends to two further books: The Children of Castle Rock and The Rescue of Ravenwood.
The pupils were all eager to soak up tips about writing and to work with her on creating a story. The school’s recently opened fiction library has already hosted events and activities including book clubs, creative writing workshops and writing competitions. Parents have been welcomed in their own book club celebrating novels in the 8-12 years category and the school hosts parent and daughter browsing time after school twice a week.
PUPILS
6 in Redmaids’ High Junior School were delighted to hear author Natasha Farrant reading from her latest adventure book, The Secret of Golden Island.
Badminton School Prep
Reception – Year 6 Open Morning
Thursday 6 February
Year 3 – 6 Experience Day
Tuesday 25 February
badmintonschool.co.uk
Teens lead way with powerful knife crime film
TEENAGERS in Bristol have created a powerful short film about knife crime which will be used to educate youngsters across the country.
Young activists from Montpelier High School, Fairfield High School, Orchard School, John Cabot Academy and Empire Fighting Chance have been involved in the project
led by the charity Integrate UK.
The film, Theatre Boy, scripted and acted by the young people, was launched at a prescreening event at Chatham House in London and showcased at the Integrate Youth Conference in Bristol. It can also be viewed on YouTube.
The focus of the 12-minute film is on on prevention and
understanding knife crime from the perspective of those directly impacted.
Theatre Boy tells the story of Anthony, a student who gains sudden popularity after a fight video goes viral at school. His classmate Akira, however, is troubled by the attention that violence brings. As tensions rise and a new danger emerges,
Akira witnesses Anthony make a pivotal decision that will change both of their lives forever.
The film highlights how many young people face similar pressures and emphasises the lasting impact of the choices they make when confronted with peer influence and moments of crisis. Mukhtar Hassan, a project worker at Integrate UK, said:
"I think it's important to address issues like poverty, exclusion, and traumatic grief, and how they can lead to youth violence. Understanding the circumstances that drive young people to pick up a knife is crucial to preventing it effectively."
Lisa Zimmerman, chief executive of Integrate UK, saids: "We are incredibly proud of the work our young people do – if we really want a better society, we need to listen to our youth and ensure their voices are part of important conversations. If we give them opportunities and platforms and really learn to listen, anything is possible."
Judith McKenzie, Year 11 achievement coordinator at Fairfield High School said: “Integrate is doing a fantastic job working with diverse schools across the city to uncover racial and gender issues, ultimately focusing on one specific area with which to produce a video. Students then play a key role brainstorming and helping to create this resource.
“As part of this process, our students were nervous, empowered and excited in equal measure to travel to London to talk with those influential agencies and individuals. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Scenes from the film Theatre Boy, which aims to educate teenagers about knife crime: Anthony and his friends, and a group of young people
Fairfield High School students at the pre-screening event at Chatham House, London
Montpelier High School students at the Integrate Youth Conference in Bristol in December
Opportunity follows
Senior School & Sixth Form Open Morning
Friday 28 February
Whole School Open Morning
Friday 2 May
badmintonschool.co.uk
n NATURE WATCH with Dawn Lawrence
Ravens impress with their aerial acrobatics
ON a bright blue day just after the first frosts I took a walk to Horfield Common and was delighted to hear the bass tones of calling ravens. The pair beat me to the Ardagh and hung out for a while. This did not please the carrion crows and two immediately began to follow the ravens around, calling loudly but too wary to actually attack. The raven’s croak is so rich and low-toned that it almost makes the “aaarrrk aaarrrk” of the carrion crows seem light hearted but the crows were earnestly trying to hound these large predatory birds out of their space. Ravens will take young birds and also eat carrion and other scavenged items, so carrion crows (the clue is in the name) have good reason to defend their territory from these much bigger rivals, even in winter.
Ravens and carrion crows, like the jays we admired in December, are are corvids –members of the crow family - and another corvid soon joined in the pursuit, the flashy black and white wings and long tail of a magpie making a striking contrast to its coalblack relatives. The ravens were unimpressed, flying nonchalantly between the topmost branches and bantering with each other in casual tones, the fuss being entirely beneath their notice. Finally they sloped off, all in
flipped upside down with a quick sideways twist. Instantly righting himself he flew smoothly on, still croaking, only to do it again before passing out of sight over the rooftops. I have seen this behaviour barely a handful of times and never before in Bristol. These acrobatics can be varied and prolonged and are probably a way of demonstrating their excellent physical qualities to a potential mate or confirming an existing bond (ravens tend to mate for life). They are actively bonding in winter in preparation for mating which ravens do early, often having eggs in the nest in February.
their own good time, leaving the crows and magpies to reclaim the tree tops, the starlings to their convivial meeting, the wood pigeon to flounce out his feathers in a sunny spot and the sparrows to their patient scurrying of fallen leaves. The squirrels reappeared.
As I walked home, again came the croak. I looked up to see a raven flying low and slow and suddenly with no apparent effort or reason he dipped, folded his wings and
n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES
Ravens were first recorded breeding in Bristol in 1936, in the Avon Gorge, but then left again some years later. At last they came back to the Gorge in the 1990s (as did the peregrines) and now at least five pairs breed in and around the city so keep an eye out wherever you are. I once saw a peregrine harrassing a raven that was sitting like a huge gargoyle on top of the Wills Memorial Building. As wonderful as peregrines are, I especially welcome the ravens for their conspicuous attitude and their imaginative aerial manoeuvres: they are firmly in my birdy top ten!
LIFE in the vineyard has slowed to a rather mellow pace with all the tasks being done at a rather leisurely speed. We've continued adding mulch to the dryer areas of the vineyard and have started pollarding the willow so we'll have more mulch to use in future. In a few weeks' time, we'll start pruning the vines and the whole cycle will begin again. The recent storms haven't done any damage to the vines but they did blow a couple of dead willow over in the wind break and make a bit of a mess of the nets that were still hanging around the base of the vines. No big dramas though.
The wildlife sounds and sightings have reduced considerably from summer and seem to be focused around the rooks and jackdaws that hang around the vineyard in large groups. We've had sheep in the vineyard who have done a great job nibbling the grass right down so it's been interesting to share the space with them but the vineyard dog wasn't very pleased to be on a long lead all day. Unfortunately, he can't be trusted not to chase them but they never stay in the field for long so he'll be free again soon.
On the wine front we have now sold out of sparkling white but it may still be available from
the shops. We still have plenty of award-winning still rosé, sparkling rosé & sparkling red!
hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk
www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk
@DYvineyards (X/Twitter)
dunleavy vineyards (Facebook & Instagram)
This beautiful bird is one of the Tower of London ravens, you can see the ring on its leg. Photo by Christine Matthews
A great ceilidh night, me hearties
MORE than 200 revellers enjoyed a stomping night of music, song and dance for the Pirate Ceilidh. The sold-out event began with sea shanties from Sefton Park and Brunel Field students as part of the Folkstars project, which has provided them with a free guitar or violin and the chance to learn from experienced music tutors.
Project founder Will Rutter said: “It was lovely to see a wide range of ages coming together to enjoy all the bands and I’m especially proud of the Folkstars kids, many of whom had never performed before.”
The night was supported by the Incredible Brewing Company, Bristol Beer Factory, Bristol Party Hire and Fed. Guests also enjoyed sets of dancing from Ceilidh Tree, Heaps Morris, folk rockers Piratitude and surprise guest Andy Yates from the Longest Johns, who treated guests to the viral hit song “Wellerman” alongside former member Anna Cornish.
Ahoy there! Musicians entertain at the Pirate Ceilidh
n WHAT'S ON IN OUR AREA
Friday January 24
n BURNS NIGHT at Bonaventure Hall (BS7 8AF) featuring a bagpiper, Burns poems / songs, Scottish dancing with Ceilidh Tree, haggis and cakes by FED plus bar with whisky, wine and local ales. Advance booking advised - full details at www.folkstars.co.uk/ burns
n n
FOLKSTARS: We are looking to expand the Folkstars project in the local area. If you would like your school to be considered email info@folkstars.co.uk
ADULTS, want to try out guitar / violin or improve your playing? Folkstars are running a new tuition club in BS7 where you can learn weekly from experienced musicians in a relaxed / sociable setting. We have a limited number of FREE guitars and violins available to borrow for the first to join. The group will cover folk music alongside pop and rock songs as chosen by the members. To register your interest visit www. folkstars.co.uk/adult-tuition INSTRUMENT AMNESTY: If you have an unused guitar or violin gathering dust Folkstars would love to hear from you! Any condition, we will fix and use to give more kids in Bristol the chance to play an instrument. Smaller sizes a bonus but all sizes useful. Email info@folkstars.co.uk or text 07927746661 to arrange a collection.
REGULAR EVENTS
arious days
n PILATES classes, Northcote Scout Hall, BS9 3TY. Mondays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Mixed Ability inc. Beginners); Tuesdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Gentle); Thursdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.45am (Mixed Ability - inc Beginners). Small, friendly classes. Please register interest before attending. Full details at www. mindbodypilates.org. Contact; Leanne 07817189474 or leanne@ mindbodypilates.org
Monday
n SHARED READING AT ST PAUL’S LIBRARY. Meet and connect with others Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm. St Paul’s Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, Bristol BS2 8XJ. Email: support@thereader.org.uk
n REDLAND WIND BAND has
vacancies for some woodwind, brass and percussion players. This friendly group meets 7.30-9.30pm at Redland Church Hall, Redland Green. Contact via email on redlandwindband@gmail.com
n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875.
n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) 2-4pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www. goodafternoonchoir.org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk
n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA DISCUSSION GROUP are a merry band of retired people who meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday morning (9.45) and like to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to join and help to solve some of today's challenging issues, contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.
n BRISTOL COMMUNITY
GAMELAN play the music of Java at Cotham School from 6.30-8.30. We play by numbers – only 1-6, without the 4 ! So no auditions, no need to read music. If you fancy a different musical experience, contact us via email on keithripley27@gmail.com
n WESTBURY ON TRYM WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2.00 - 4.00 pm. We have interesting speakers, and extra activities of crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. For more information call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917
Tuesday
n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL welcomes new members. Our lectures, given by specialists in their own field, take place on the second Tuesday of the month from September to May at 7.30pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information visit our website www.theartssociety-bristol.org.uk
n BRISTOL HARMONY WEST GALLERY CHOIR and band sing and play lively church and village music from the 18thcentury. St Edyth’s Church Hall, St Edyth’s Road, Sea Mills, 7.30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. All voices (SATB), string, wind and reed instruments welcome. No auditions but ability to read music helpful. www.bristolharmony. wordpress.com or call Fritjof 0117 924 3440. Contact before attending.
n POETRY UNLIMITED – poetry circle meet on the First Tuesday of every month 11am - 12 midday. Basement Room, Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. £2.50 - £3.00 donation towards the cost of the room. Bring a couple of poems to share, other poets or your own. Contact Dee: wetwo@ gentlyblown.co.uk Web: www. poetryunlimitedbristol.weebly.com
n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL
We are a 'threshold choir' looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/ loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join/support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org
n BRISTOL A CAPPELLA: Tuesdays 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church. Bristol A Cappella is an award-winning mixed barbershop chorus of around 30 members who love to sing close harmony a cappella. Our songs are mainly from pop music, with a bit of rock and some musicals. www.bristolacappella. co.uk/ Contact: membership@ bristolacappella.co.uk
n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) on Monday afternoons 2.004.00pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male
and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www. goodafternoonchoir.org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk
Tuesday and Saturday
n BRISTOL HF RAMBLING CLUB
We are a friendly sociable club with a variety of walks. We have 2 Tuesday walks of either 8-9 miles or 5-6 miles. On Saturdays we have varying length walks including a hill walk eg Brecon Beacons once a month. If you would like more information please visit our website.
Wednesday
n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE
For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30 start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA. A vibrant, lively new afternoon WI in BS6. We have an exciting and varied programme to offer to members. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@gmail.com.
n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Tania by email at tanialake@yahoo.co.uk
n HEALING SESSIONS Spiritual Healing is available from 2pm to 3.30pm by the accredited healing team at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n WELCOME WEDNESDAY Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your local area. Call 0117 435 0063 for more information.
Thursday
n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@bristolbach.org.uk
n SWIFTS INCLUSIVE SPORTS swimming sessions are for adults 18+ with any disability (hoist available) on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm. £5 per session at Henbury Leisure Centre. Contact Karen Lloyd at 07734 335 878.
n BRISTOL VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR welcomes new members at any time. We meet at 7.30pm in St Werburghs Primary School during term time. See www.bristolvoices. org.uk for details.
n HIGHBURY BADMINTON CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/ highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westbury-on-Trym Village Hall
bishopstonvoice
n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING ]Looking for a new hobby?
Join us for fun, fitness and friendship (singles welcome). First evening free! Thursdays: New/ Inexperienced dancers 7–8.30pm (£4). Intermediate/Advanced dancers 7.30–10pm (£6). St Monica Trust, Oatley House Main Hall, BS9 3TN. www.rscdsbristol.info. Contact Ruth 01179683057.
n THE STEPFORD SINGERS
WOMEN'S COMMUNITY
CHOIR meets at Horfield Baptist Church, Bishopston on Thursday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm. No auditions and no need to read music! Come for a free taster session with our friendly, supportive group and learn to sing in harmony. For info, contact Fran franbolton66@gmail.com
n HENBURY SINGERS welcomes new members at Stoke Bishop Primary School, Cedar Park BS9 1BW, 7.30 – 9.15, a warm welcome awaits you at Henbury Singers. We perform sacred and secular music under our conductor Andrew Kirk. No auditions. www. henburysingers.org Contact the secretary at secretary@
n LETTERS Time for action on pavement parking
IT is now more than four years since the previous government’s consultation on pavement parking in England closed. Cars parked on, and sometimes hogging the whole pavement, will be a familiar sight to many.
Pavement parking is dangerous especially for families with young children, people with sight loss and disabled people. A recent poll found that 87 per cent of parents have had to walk in the road because of a vehicle blocking the pavement. It damages pavement surfaces too.
Living Streets has been campaigning on this issue for over 50 years and it's high time we saw an end to the problem. Pavement parking has been banned (with exemptions) in London since the 1970s. Scotland adopted a similar approach to London which came into force earlier this year. The Welsh Government has indicated they will take action on pavement parking – but England is way behind.
We hope your readers will join Living Streets and supporters like me, in urging the new Government to deal with the troubling legacy of pavement parking once and for all. Everyone will be the better for it.
Barry Fryer Montpelier
Can you spare two hours a week?
THIS January Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire are looking for volunteers who can spare two hours a week to offer families a listening ear, guidance and practical support. Our volunteers are generally parents themselves so understand some of the pressures of family life. Join us and receive training and support from our expert and friendly staff team. Our next volunteer training course starts on January 23 and runs every Thursday 9.30am – 2.30pm til March 6 in Southmead (with a break for half term). . To find out more, visit homestartbsg.org.uk or email admin@homestartbsg.org.uk or call us on 0117 950 1170. #Because Childhood Can’t Wait. #Because Tomorrow Starts Today. Catherine Potter
henburysingers.org
n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278
n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feel more relaxed, peaceful, calmer. Drop-in at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. NEW TIME 3.30 to 4.45 pm. Donation basis. Supported by Healing Trust members. Contact Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@yahoo. co.uk for dates and information.
n BISHOPSTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Meet on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.00pm at Horfield Baptist Church, 160a Gloucester Road, Bishopston BS7 8NT. Everyone welcome, no audition necessary. Contact us on bishoproadchoir@gmail.com
Friday
n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE Come and meet a group of
friendly people and enjoy talks in Spanish, musical events and social evenings. We meet every month from September to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For more info, see https://www. spanishcirclebristol.com/ n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB. Come along at 5.45pm on Fridays to see if bowling could be the sport for you. Coaching available. Experienced bowlers welcome. Situated in Grange Court Road, by Newman Hall. This is a friendly Club with good bowling facilities and social events throughout the year. Phone, Tom Logan, on 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@ henleazebowlingclub.org.uk for further details.
Saturday
n SEA MILLS REPAIR CAFE offers sewing, woodwork, general, electrical and cycle repairs at the Methodist Church, Sea Mills Square, from 10am-12pm, every second Saturday of the month (except August). This is a voluntary service run by experienced repairers. Donations welcome. FFI see Facebook @seamillsrepaircafe
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Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
n COMMUNITY NEWS
BISHOPSTON LIBRARY
IT’S been a busy year at the library. We’ve had a diverse programme of events, organised by the Friends of Bishopston Library with the support of the manager and central libraries team. The Friends would like to thank all of you who came to the library, got involved and supported us this year. We had a trio playing mandolins, authors and poets presenting their work, and our regular community music and writing groups.
In December, the Diverse Minds Creative Writing Group (which meets monthly) launched their anthology, with readings given by some of the writers. Sally Hare, who has facilitated the group for over eight years was delighted to host the launch and welcomed Alderwoman Clare Campion Smith to say a few words at the event. You can find out more about Diverse UK on www.diverseuk.org.
Stories that Inspire launched in November, hosted by Debs Penrice to encourage a community of writers to begin or continue their writing journey. The group
welcomes discussions about inspiring books and writers of all abilities and genres to join in and learn some practical, creative writing exercises. The next event will be at 1.30pm on Tuesday 21 January. Use the QR code to book or find us on Eventbrite for more information.
During the year, some of the former Friends of Bishopston Library have decided to hand over the reins to new volunteers. We are still looking for people who could help with some of the support activities, so if you are interested in launching a new event or helping to build a thriving local library community, please contact us on friends@bishopstonlibrary. org.uk or sign up for our email newsletters.
The story of Doris
BRISTOL Museum & Art Gallery has launched Is that Doris? an illustrated children’s book that follows the adventures of a prehistoric marine reptile.
The picture book is based on a story created by volunteer interpreters for families and schools as part of the Pliosaurus! exhibition in 2017. It featured a model, named Doris by museum visitors, which can still be seen suspended above the rear hall in the museum.
The book has been illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell, and is published by Bristol Books with support from Arts Council England.
The museum is sending copies of Is that Doris? to every primary school and public library across Bristol. The books are also available to buy.
n PHARMACY BLOG
Looking for personalised weight management? We can help you
KELLAWAY Pharmacy now offers effective injectable therapies for Healthy Weight Los.s
Thirty per cent of the UK adult population is obese or overweight, and this is not because they are not making efforts to address this. Losing weight can make you look and feel better, building self-esteem and confidence.
Importantly, if you are overweight, losing weight has many health benefits. It helps reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Making small, simple changes to what and how much you eat and drink can help you lose pounds. However, we also know it can be difficult, and behavioural change is key.
Downloading the free NHS Weight Loss Plan can help you access and guide the 12week weight loss plan, which can help you start healthier eating habits and be more active.
In recent years, innovative injectable therapies such as Mounjaro (tripeptide) and
K I D S F E E L I N G
U N W E L L ?
Wegovy (semaglutide) have been delivering safe transformative results if they are suited to you and used appropriately.
Mounjaro and Wegovy have made waves for their ability to help UK patients overcome long-standing weight loss struggles. Powered by similar mechanisms influencing appetite regulation by helping to reduce appetite and fight cravings, they have been shown to help yield double-digit body weight reductions. On average, Mounjaro users saw a weight reduction of 18% for the 84-week study, while patients on Wegovy saw a weight reduction of 15% at 68 weeks.
Both have been approved by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency MHRA for use in weight management.
Alongside behaviour support, a reducedcalorie diet and increased physical activity can be transformative changes for some patients - helping them overcome longstanding weight loss struggles.
Kellaway Pharmacy has been following
(1 YEAR & ABOVE)
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SORE THROAT
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IMPETIGO
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(CHILDREN AGED 30 DAYS TO 2 YEARS)
n NEWS
developments on these medicines, especially how NHS policy has shaped the safe and ethical role of novel treatments like this; we will always prioritise patient safety and have taken our lead from NHS advice and evidence.
A key part of long-lasting weight loss is offering necessary weight management support in a personalised manner. This is a model of care that already defines us. Why not book a private weight management option consultation with us? We will discuss your journey, assess and understand you better, and aim to determine your best options, including whether these new therapies are suitable and safe. Call us today to book : 01179246579
Festival is a first for city
FILM and literature buffs were treated to the newly-launched Bristol Literary Film Festival, held over a weekend at Henleaze’s Trinity United Reformed Church. The event, the first in the city to combine literature and film, was organised by,Anthea Page, previously director of the Newlyn International Film Festival.
Local writers and film makers came together to showcase diverse and fascinating talks, films and presentations, from the Bristol Film and Video Society presenting a selection of older films from 1935 to more recent productions, to an illustrated talk by local author, Susie Parr, on her book about Henleaze Lake. Awardwinning film maker and local resident, Martin Smith, presented his series of talks, Matters of Life and Death, while the film and Q&A, Zennor Spirit of Place, followed the arrival of DH Lawrence and his wife to the Cornish village of Zennor during WW1.
Sarah Tremlett and Lucy English introduced the audience to poetry film, while former BBC Bristol director Colin Thomas revealed the secret notebooks of Thomas Hardy. All profits from the festival went to St Peter’s Hospice.
Sophie Cullinane, the charity's community fundraising manager, said: “Thank you so much to St Peter's Hospice Bristol Fundraising Group for organising the Bristol Literary Film Festival, and for raising such a wonderful amount [£1,347.54]. The festival was such an exciting event, full of talent and creativity. I very much hope it will be a regular event on Bristol’s calendar. The money raised will help support our patients and their families in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. All our care is provided free of charge, but we rely on donations like this to continue to deliver our vital services.”
@kts.electrical info@kts-electrical.co.uk
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