February, 2025 Issue 18
Bus gate plan for Park Street
MAJOR changes that will see through traffic banned from Park Street and buses given priority have been unveiled by the city council.
The proposals include a bus gate at the top of Park Street and a bus-only lane at the bottom from The Centre to College Green as well as more bus lanes and cycle lanes on Queens Road and in front of the Victoria Rooms.
The scheme is funded by central Government and is expected to cost £15 million. It is part of a wider £37 million package of measures to improve traffic flow across the city along the Henbury to Stockwood number two bus route.
The council's aim is to improve bus journey times and encourage more walking and cycling.
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “We need to make significant changes to our road network if we are to meet Bristol’s environmental targets and respond to the travel needs of a growing population. These are transformative proposals that rethink how road space is allocated and will change the way we all use the area."
George Burton, head of network at First Bristol, said: “ These proposals would make our services more reliable and help to encourage more people to travel by bus. Our Whiteladies Road services, including the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 77 and Y6, encounter serious delays because of congestion. At peak times, at around 4.30pm, journeys are taking an extra 10 minutes from this time last year. " More details: Page 6
£7,500 for toilets restoration bid
Sales of a reprinted book will go towards helping restore the Ladies Mile toilets on the Downs in Clifton.
PAGE 13
Tributes paid to road death victim
Tributes have been paid to Paul Adams, who died on Christmas Eve, three days after a collision with a car in Clifton.
PAGE 3
Tough choices on council budget
Bristol City Council faces tough budget choices this month as it seeks to balance the books. Libraries and museums face the threat of closure.
PAGE 14
Cllr Ed Plowden says significant changes are needed
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n NEWS
Anger at 'shameful' bins service failings
HUNDREDS of bin collections in Bristol are being missed because of staff sickness and vehicle breakdowns.
Residents have flooded councillors with complaints over the “shameful” service by city council company Bristol Waste.
The problems are worst in north Bristol, with 250 streets missed in Clifton alone in December.
The local authority says measures are being taken to resolve the issues permanently, including introducing four new recycling crews and an evening collection, plans to extend the recycling processing operations at Albert Road depot to 24 hours a day, and bringing forward a similar new facility at Avonmouth tip, which would reduce transport distances from the kerbside in the north of the city.
Lib Dem group leader Cllr Jos Clark said every councillor would have had numerous complaints from householders about missed collections over Christmas.
Cllr Clark told member forum on January 14: “This situation is unacceptable.
“The contract that we, as a council, and the taxpayer have entered into is that we put our rubbish out each week and it gets taken away, but unfortunately over the past few months that trust has broken down.
“Residents who live at the end of the pick-up round have not had their bins emptied for weeks and weeks, quite literally.It’s shameful as a city that we’re in this situation."
Cllr John Goulandris (Conservative, Stoke Bishop) said residents’ impressions of Bristol Waste’s performance were that the council was poorly managed.
Environment and sustainability policy committee chair Cllr Martin Fodor (Green, Redland) replied that improving the service was a priority.
“There was a very high level of sickness and vehicle breakdowns in December. The
latest figures show an almost complete, accurate rate in the last week and I’m really glad to say it’s caught up thanks to the measures that have been taken but we need to have a properly funded service and I will be pressing for that.”
In a reply to Cllr Jerome Thomas (Green, Clifton) he said: “Multiple missed collections is most frustrating for residents.
"We need to find out if there are recurrent missed streets because that means there is a pattern rather than something exceptional, so I will push for an answer to that.”
In a written reply to questions from Cllr Nicholas Coombes (Lib Dem, Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze), Cllr Fodor said: “Since July 2024, Bristol Waste has introduced four recycling rounds to build capacity back into service delivery. Subsequently in October, Bristol Waste introduced a proactive evening collection. As a result, there were improvements to operational performance, however there remained challenges in the north of the city.
“Bristol Waste has worked closely with the council to progress a planning variation for the recycling bulking station in January 2025. This will increase processing capacity and improve the efficiency of the service.
“Also, the council client team and Bristol Waste are expediting the opening of the bulking facility at Avonmouth.
“This will lead to a significant improvement in the recycling service in the north of the city as transport distances will be reduced between doorstep and depot.
“This will also improve the recycling service reliability for the rest of the city.
“Bristol Waste is expected to collect missed collections within 24 hours of a report. Performance is closely monitored.”
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Family's tribute after road death
THE family of a man who died in a collision in Clifton before Christmas say he ‘will be sorely missed’.
Paul Adams, 74, died in hospital on December 24, three days after he sustained serious injuries in a collision involving a red Peugeot at the junction of Whiteladies Road and Alma Road.
His family said: “Paul was born in Westbury-on-Trym and spent his whole life in that area.
“Before retirement, he worked for Rolls Royce and more recently Royal Mail.
“He had been happily married to Juliet for nearly 17 years.
"Much of his spare time was spent on charitable causes including Sacred Heart and St Antony’s churches, where he loved to sing, and the Mill Hill Missionaries.
“Paul will be sorely missed by his many friends, and especially by Juliet.”
Specialist officers are providing support for Paul’s family.
Police investigations are continuing. Anyone who witnessed the collision, or has any dashcam footage, is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5224407651 or contact Avon & Somerset Constabulary online.
End of an era for theatre school
BRISTOL Old Vic Theatre School in Clifton is ending its degree courses.
It announced last month that it would not be accepting undergraduate students from September 2025 although it would continue to offer postgraduate qualifications.
In a statement, it said: "Recent challenges that are having a widespread impact across the sector have combined to make the School’s undergraduate training model financially unsustainable. These include capping of student fees, restrictions to international student visas, cuts in grants, and increases in costs.”
Many stars of stage and screen have attended BOVTS, including Pete Postlethewaite, Olivia Colman, Brian Blessed and Jeremy Irons.
Paul Adams and his wife Juliet
Trial closure for Ladies Mile wins approval
A TRIAL weekend closure of Ladies Mile on the Downs looks set to go ahead this summer in spite of some concerns.
The idea from the Downs Advisory Panel was considered by the Downs committee on January 13. A couple of councillors spoke out against the plan, but the committee, made up of councillors and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, voted to press ahead with the experiement, although the details remain unclear.
In a report to the committee, Robert Westlake, chair of the advisory panel, said: “The opportunity could be used to explore future use of this potentially valuable location as an additional space for a range of commercial activities and events. A weekend closure could also be linked to the out-ofhours security initiative, to combat escalating anti-social behaviour.
“Ladies Mile Road in particular suffers from illegal driving and parking on the grass, while the highway itself serves no particular purpose other than as a rat run and for commuter parking.
Labour Councillor Kye Dudd said: “In theory, it’s a good idea, returning the road to recreational uses or nature. But there are a few factors that need to be considered and that probably in the long run prevent it from happening.
“We’ve got proposals now for parking charges on the Downs, so there’s the loss of income potentially to the council, that doesn’t exist at the moment but will potentially exist in a year’s time. Given the council’s financial position, that loss of future potential income will probably be in play, rather than closing off the road.”
Another issue is that Stoke Bishop people would have to drive further to get to the shops in Clifton. Many residents drive down Ladies Mile to get there, and they would have to drive a more circuitous route otherwise instead of straight through the park.
Liberal Democrat Cllr Caroline Gooch said: “Stoke Bishop doesn’t have much in the way of facilities. If they want to go to Clifton, the way to get there is to go down Stoke Road and along Ladies Mile. It’s an awfully long
way round, and would transfer all the traffic onto Blackboy Hill.”
The Downs committee doesn’t have the power to close Ladies Mile, but can make suggestions. The decision was referred to the events sub-group, who will themselves then have to refer the matter to the council's transport policy committee to take the final decision on closing the road. Despite the opposition, the majority of the Downs committee voted in favour of the trial closure.
Green Cllr David Wilcox said: “As a current member of the transport committee, I would welcome the closure of Ladies Mile. It would only be closed for one or two days on the weekend, and it would still be open five days a week. I think we need to think bigger about the trial, because statistically, closing it for one weekend isn’t going to prove very much.
“We need to do it for more weekends, to get some proper data about what the impact of closing this road is. I don’t agree that it’s a massive detour to get to Clifton. There’s a couple of traffic lights that might slow you down, but it’s not a massive way — considering some of the things we’re doing in east Bristol and south Bristol with liveable neighbourhoods. It’s not a big deal.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
How a bus gate could change Park St
THE changes that have been unveiled for the Number 2 bus route are an updated version of a scheme from four years ago.
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the public transport and connectivity committee, says they have been made in response to a public consultation held in November 2021.
A bus gate is now suggested at the top of Park Street and a bus-only lane at the bottom to improve journey times on the route along Queens Road, the Triangle, Park Street and College Green.
George Burton, from bus company First, said: "We fully support the council’s plans through one of the most congested parts of the city.
“The scheme to improve the road layout and prioritise buses through this busy part of the city is essential for us to run punctual timetables. We need to make bus journey times competitive against other modes if we are to promote sustainable travel in the city. These plans, along with other investment into bus infrastructure on key bus routes across the city, will help us to achieve these aims.”
The plans include
• Reducing Queens Road to one lane in both directions from Whiteladies Road to the Triangle.
• Introducing more areas of public space, including a large area in front of the Victoria Rooms on Queens Road.
• Closing Park Street to through traffic using a bus gate at the top of Park Street and a bus lane at the College Green and Canons Road junction.
• Adding a continuous segregated cycleway from the bottom of Whiteladies Road to link to the cycleway on Park Row.
• Upgrading bus stops and adding new ones.
• Widening pavements and improving crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Removing some pay and display parking and adding more disabled parking.
The main changes following public consultation include:
• Creating an inbound bus lane from Whiteladies Road that continues to the Queens Road/ Triangle bus stops.
• Adding more detail to the
Park Street would be closed to through traffic, making buses quicker and cycling and walking safer
Queens Road would be changed to one lane in each directon, with more open space outside Victoria Rooms
public spaces on Queens Road, University Road and Park Street.
• Installing a segregated cycleway going in the direction of traffic on the north side of Queens Road.
• More cycle and e-scooter parking and laybys.
• Making Great George Street one-way in to Hill Street and making Charlotte Street one-way out from Hill Street.
• New pedestrian access to College Green.
Consultation on the traffic orders required for the changes
will take place in the spring or summer and construction work could begin at the end of the year. In the meantime, the council will speak to local businesses to seek their input on what else they would like to see in the area.
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Responded
Angela
Treated
Staying balanced and aligned
Staying balanced and aligned
STARTING the day with a bike ride to work can feel invigorating, but nothing puts the brakes on that morning buzz like a slipped chain.
Matters of the Heart: Stress, Posture, and Your Well-Being
day with a bike ride to work can feel invigorating, but nothing puts the brakes on that morning buzz like a slipped chain.
Recently, on several chilly mornings, I found myself wrestling with a stubborn bike chain. Picture this: my hands, slick with oil and numb from the cold, struggling to fix the chain so I could push on. It turns out, the root of the problem was a dry chain that desperately needed lubrication – a simple maintenance step I’d overlooked in the hustle of daily life. Just like my bike needs regular oiling to function smoothly, our bodies require consistent care to stay in top form.
February often turns our thoughts to matters of the heart—love, care, and connection. But have you considered how your emotional health might be impacting your physical health, especially your posture? The connection between the two is stronger than you might think.
When you’re stressed, your body reacts instinctively. Shoulders creep up, your neck tightens, and your breathing becomes shallow. Over time, this tension can affect your posture, pulling your spine out of alignment. The result? Stiffness, discomfort, and even pain. But it doesn’t stop there— poor posture can also increase feelings of stress, creating a cycle that affects both your body and mind.
Recently, on several chilly mornings, I found myself wrestling with a stubborn bike chain. Picture this: my hands, slick with oil and numb from the cold, struggling to fix the chain so I could push on. It turns out, the root of the problem was a dry chain that desperately needed lubrication – a simple maintenance step I’d overlooked in the hustle of daily life.
so that it functions at its best. When your spine is in alignment, your nervous system can operate freely, helping you manage stress more effectively. It’s a bit like hitting a reset button for your body and mind.
Just like my bike needs regular oiling to function smoothly, our bodies require consistent care to stay in top form.
Often, we don’t notice the ‘maintenance’ we need until something goes wrong. We might skip sleep, indulge in less-thannutritious food, or skimp on relaxation and exercise because our schedules are packed from dawn to dusk.
But just as a dry bike chain can
At Kasa, we understand how interconnected your emotional and physical health are. Chiropractic care isn’t just about easing pain; it’s about realigning your body
But care doesn’t stop at the adjustment table. Self-love in February, and beyond, means adopting habits that nurture your overall well-being. Deep breathing, regular movement, and taking moments to relax can help ease the tension. Pair these with chiropractic care, and you’ve got a recipe for better posture and less stress.
Often, we don’t notice the ‘maintenance’ we need until something goes wrong. We might skip sleep, indulge in less-thannutritious food, or skimp on relaxation and exercise because our schedules are packed from dawn to dusk. But just as a dry bike chain can
eventually slip, our bodies can only handle neglect for so long before they signal for help.
eventually slip, our bodies can only handle neglect for so long before they signal for help.
This February, let’s focus on creating balance—not just in our relationships, but in our own bodies too. A healthy spine and nervous system can help you carry life’s challenges with ease, leaving you free to focus on what really matters. At Kasa, we’re here to help you feel aligned, relaxed, and ready to take on the world.
Regular exercise keeps your system running smoothly, much like how oiled chain glides over the gears. And don’t forget about professional tune-ups. Integrating routine chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy be likened to the regular maintenance that keeps your bike – and your body balanced and in perfect alignment. By addressing potential issues before they turn into problems, you can your body’s ‘chain’ from slipping off
So, let’s make a pact to keep our chains well-oiled, both literally and metaphorically. Your body (and your bike) will thank you for it, ensuring
To prevent breakdowns, think of selfcare as your daily dose of oil. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking moments to rest your mind.
To prevent breakdowns, think of selfcare your daily dose of oil. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking moments to rest your mind.
Charles Chiropractor | Director | Kasa 0117 974
www.kasachiro.com
Charles Herbert Chiropractor | Director
n EDUCATION
DAN Simson, the head of Sefton Park Infant and Junior Schools, will become headteacher of Bristol Grammar School Infant & Junior School in September.
He will replace Heidi Hughes, who is stepping down after six years in the role.
BGS headteacher Jaideep Barot said Mr Simson had done an outstanding job at Sefton Park, where he demonstrated a committed focus on the care of each child, and on knowing them and their families, to ensure they are able to grow and fulfil their potential.
“Mr Simson believes, as do we, that the key to a successful and fulfilled child is that they feel known, nurtured, challenged and celebrated,” he said.
Mr Simson said: “Taking on the role of Head of BGS Infants & Juniors, an amazing school in the city I love, is both hugely exciting and a real privilege. Working with children – and their families – to help to shape their futures, is a responsibility I take on with pride, humility and respect. BGS is renowned for excellence, care
Headteacher is on the move
and a progressive outlook. It seeks to be at the vanguard of educational development and to be at the pinnacle of local and national expertise, and I share that drive and ambition. I look forward to meeting pupils and parents in due course and to working alongside the leadership team and many brilliant colleagues, for the benefit of all at BGS.”
Mr Barot added: “We remain indebted to Miss Hughes, her leadership team, and her whole staff, who will continue to work with energy and commitment to lead the school through this academic year. Miss Hughes has been an outstanding leader for I&J since she joined us in 2019, and I know that she will continue to lead the school with the passion, care and commitment that are her hallmarks.”
Sefton Park has appointed Alex Powell, currently assistant head, as its new headteacher.
Dan Simson, who will leave Sefton Park for BGS in the summer
Opportunity follows
Prep School Open Morning
Thursday 6 February
Senior School & Sixth Form Open Morning
Friday 28 February
Whole School Open Morning
Friday 2 May Scan the code to book your place
badmintonschool.co.uk
Green plaque for social reformer
Hands-on heart event free for all
Work starts on apartments block
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
SOCIAL reformer Susanna Morgan is to be unveiled outside her former home in Clifton next month.
Sad farewell from popular restaurant
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
She was one of Bristol’s most active campaigners in the early 19th century for social reform although much of her work was done anonymously.
The plaque is being donated by the Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society which honours notable people who lived in the area.
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
THE Bristol Heart Festival, a free educational event open to all, takes place on Thursday 13 March 13 from 3.45 to 7.30 pm at the Wills Memorial Building.
WORK has started on transforming a former office block near the heart of Clifton Village into residential apartments.
A POPULAR bar/restaurant in Shirehamptonhas been forced to close because of “external factors that continue to impact small businesses”.
It will be unveiled by Peaches Golding, the Lord Lieutenant for Bristol. Afterwards Dr Michael Whitfield, who was senior lecturer in general practice in the University of Bristol, will give a presentation on the life of Susanna Morgan.
Hosted by the University of Bristol’s Bristol Heart Institute, visitors will be able to try their hand at being a heart surgeon, take part in taster sessions of Tai Chi and Yoga, learn how to improve heart health with diet and movement or learn a new life-saving skill with CPR training.
The window installation company 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”.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
For three decades Somerset House in Canynge Road was the Bristol headquarters of independent property consultancy, Hartnell Taylor Cook. The firm now has offices on Redland Hill, close to Clifton Downs, as well as in London.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place on March 22 at 11am outside 1 Gloucester Row, opposite Christchurch Green, where Susanna Morgan once lived.
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.
Whether you’re a curious student, a concerned parent, or simply someone interested in leading a healthier lifestyle, the Bristol Heart Festival offers something for everyone with a programme of hands-on activities, thought-provoking talks on living with heart disease, and interactive workshops.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
In a joint venture with Ceder Invest, Acorn Property Group has taken control of the threestorey Somerset House which was built in the 1960s. The group has won planning permission, through change of use, to convert the building into 30 apartments. Planning permission is being sought for an additional five apartments on the site.
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.
The Hideaway Bar & Kitchen on Shirehampton Road closed at the beginning of January. It said: “Since we embarked on this adventure in 2019, we have faced unprecedented challenges, from Brexit to a cost of living crisis (and not forgetting the small issue of a global pandemic in the middle somewhere), all of which have placed immense strain on our operation.”
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.
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
To see the full programme of free events and to book your place, please visit Eventbrite.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
The redevelopment of Somerset House will also offer car park spaces available to be purchased separately.
Manager, Óðinn Ward, said, “Over the years, this little place has grown into something so much more than a business—it became a community, a home, and a family. And that’s because of all the customers. Each one brought laughter, joy, and warmth into our lives, and saying goodbye feels like letting go of something truly irreplaceable.”
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
'Temple of tinkles' book brings in £7,500
A BOOK that scandalised Bristol and was banned from the city’s libraries has made more than £7,000 for the city.
Ladies Mile is the title of the memoir of the late Victoria Hughes, who was toilet attendant on Clifton and Durdham Downs for more than 30 years until the 1960s.
“She kept detailed notes of the women, many of whom were ‘sex workers’ and used the toilets and cried on her shoulder,” said Kerris Harrop, who has privately republished the book.
“It was regarded by the city’s libraries as ‘too shocking’ to put on their shelves.”
By Christmas she had sold 700 copies and last month she presented the proceeds to Bristol Lord Mayor, Councillor Andrew Varney, chair of the Downs Committee. The money is for the restoration of the toilets where Victoria Hughes worked.
Kerris said: “As long as people order the book I will supply it and raise more money to improve our pretty Victorian loos on the Downs.
“The book is an amazing story of compassion and drama amongst the sex workers on the
Downs back in the day. Every penny goes to the restoration of the Victorian Temple of Tinkles.” Interest in the book has been widespread, with buyers from Wales, Scotland and other parts
of England as well as from Bristol and the surrounding area.
It took Kerris 18 months to get permission to reprint the book. “Firstly, I had to find out if Victoria had left the copyright to anyone. It meant that I had to check with the relatives of Victoria and the relatives of her editor, the late David Foot, a journalist and author,” she said.
When she was satisfied that no one had the copyright, Kerris had to approach the Intellectual Property Office for a licence to reprint the book. She then had to type the entire text ready for the printer.
Victoria Hughes died aged 80 in 1978 and is honoured by a blue plaque above the toilet entrance which says she “befriended and cared for prostitutes when she worked here”.
Ladies Mile is the name of one of the roads crossing the Downs which in the 1930s was used by local society ladies to ride their horses.
I am Labour’s candidate for the West of England Mayor in May 2025.
This area is my home. I grew up on the outskirts of Bristol, my family live across the West Country and I’m now raising my three children here.
Our region is a great place to live but I know there are challenges too. I will work every day to put our region on the map and deliver good well-paid jobs, reliable public transport and more affordable homes.
Get in touch and let me know what your priorities are for the West of England.
Kerris Harrop presents a cheque to Lord Mayor Andrew Varney Photo: Julia Foot
n NEWS
BRISTOL City Council is set to make some tough decisions this month in the face of a funding crisis.
Suggested ways to make savings include closing museums, reducing the library service, raising fees for meals on wheels, charging for disabled parking spaces and cutting council tax benefits for the poorest families.
A proposal to axe school crossing patrols across the city provoked widespread cross-party protest and looks unlikely to go ahead.
The budget options were discussed by two finance subcommittees in January before being put to the strategy and resources policy committee on February 3 ahead of a final decision by full council three weeks later.
Council leader Cllr Tony Dyer wrote in a blog on the council’s website that a crisis in local government finances had been driven by rising costs, a lack of government funding, a national failure to reform the country’s health and care
Council bids to close £52m funding gap
system, a national housing crisis, and a growing need for vital safeguarding services for vulnerable children and adults.
He said: “Bristol is no exception and will face bankruptcy if we can’t close a £52million funding gap over the next five years.
“This needs to start straight away. There is no doubt that it means difficult choices, more taxes and charges, and we recognise that the money we raise does not go as far as it once did.
“We don’t like that any more than local taxpayers do, but it is the reality we must contend with.
“We need to take a bigger,
bolder, and more politically courageous approach to our budget.
“We cannot keep salamislicing public services, nor can we pretend that words like ‘efficiency’ and ‘productivity’ hold all the answers. These approaches have been tried before. Too often the savings haven’t been made, the can has been kicked down the road, and we have overspent our budget.”
Cllr Dyer (Green, Southville) said it would “not be a perfect or painless process”.
At a finance sub committee meeting last month, councillors spoke up in support of the city's lollipop men and women.
Members heard that removal of the patrols would only save £314,ooo a year.
Cllr Ed Plowden (Green, Windmill Hill), chair of the transport and connectivity committee, responsible for crossing patrols, said: “If they are removed, more people may choose to drive and that could increase the danger for those, particularly deprived people, who may not be able to afford a car and will still be travelling actively.
“One way to reduce the impact of taking out school crossing patrols is to install zebra crossings where possible but often the patrol is there specifically because it’s not a simple site to do this and it’s not the same as a proactively attended patrol.”
“We can also review the need for them on an ongoing basis as we roll out school streets and liveable neighbourhoods and as we put in other measures to try to improve road safety overall.
“On disabled bays, the saving is so negligible, it would be a pity to take it forward.
Libraries and museums under threat of closure
SOME of Bristol’s 27 libraries face closure as part of Bristol City Council’s efforts to balance the books.
Draft proposals offer a range of options from keeping the current provision unchanged to halving the authority’s £4.7 million annual libraries budget.
Following discussions at a finance sub-committee last month, it is probable that the most drastic proposed cuts - £2.4 million – will not go forward. However, doing nothing is unlikely to be an option.
The chair of the public health and communities committee, Councillor Stephen Williams (Lib Dem, Westbury-
on-Trym and Henleaze) says he wants to modernise the library service, which he believes has suffered from years of “stealth cuts”. But this is not a simple process, he told councillors.
“Usage of our libraries has enormous variations across the city. Avonmouth library has about 3,000 visitors a year.
“Henleaze library and Bishopston on the Gloucester Road have about 70,000 visitors a year – an absolute massive difference.
Cllr Williams told the finance sub committee that cuts of £40 million were needed across the council so the library service had to make a contribution.
• THREE museums might have to close, at lrast temporarily. Among the options being considered are closure of Blaise Museum, Georgian House Museum and Red Lodge Museum as well as the reduction and closure of the Cultural Investment Programme and reduction of hours at the Archives Search Room.
Members of the Equity union have written to Bristol City Council warning that cuts would do significant damage to jobs and cultural activities in Bristol, which is a UNESCO City of Film.
Reports by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
cliftonvoice
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
News from Green Party
Clifton councillors Paula O’Rourke and Jerome Thomas
Princess Victoria Street improvement works
By the time you read this, long awaited improvement works should have started on Princess Victoria Street. These works, which will take up to five months to complete, will include creating continuous raised level surface with natural stone paving, installing a strip of tactile paving to differ between pavements and the road, replacing the temporary park with permanent materials including bench seating, installing new planters and landscaping in the area, installing more cycle parking and replacing the bollards
News
either end of the road closure with gates to prevent motorised vehicles from entering.
Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity committee said “Princess Victoria Street is a vibrant area that has really seen the benefits of offering a traffic free space. I’m delighted the scheme is progressing to the next stage which will see the temporary materials replaced with permanent infrastructure."
Waste
collection
Your councillors are aware that regular kerbside waste collection were not of a satisfactory standard in Clifton and across the city in December. These problems have included missed collections and the council’s website not updated with dates for next scheduled collections when bins have been missed. Bristol Waste has stated that there have been problems with aging vehicles and staff sickness as well as a high volume of waste during the Christmas period. Jerome spoke at the Full Council on January 14, highlighting particularly councillor concerns
from Green Party Clifton Down councillors George Calascione and Serena Ralston
HELLO from Serena and George, your Green Party councillors for Clifton Down. We hope you have settled into the New Year. We’re looking forward to working hard on your behalf in 2025.
Budget news
Early options for the Council’s budget have been published and, at time of writing, were to be considered in public on January 15 and 16 by the cross-party Finance Sub-Committee. This is the step before drafting the budget, giving elected members and the public early sight of all options and a chance to provide feedback before a final draft budget is produced and voted on by Full Council at the end of February.
This budget will be built on collaboration and encourage contributions and ideas from all. It will be the first budget produced under the new committee system, with a more inclusive and participatory approach to budget setting, involving all policy committees, the cross-party Finance SubCommittee, and engagement with partners.
It will not be an easy budget to set. Across the country, councils of all shapes and sizes face bankruptcy. This national crisis in local government finances has been driven by rising operating costs, a lack of government funding, a national failure to reform the
about streets with multiple missed collections.
Parking enforcement
Cars are getting wider! On some streets they are getting so wide that they are preventing the access of emergency vehicles and are parking illegally on pavements, restricting the movements of wheelchairs, pushchairs and walkers generally. If you're purchasing a new or secondhand vehicle, please pay attention to its size and width as it may be increasingly difficult to park close to your home!
Call for foster carers
Bristol City Council is seeking to recruit new foster carers. Currently there are 750 children in Bristol council care, many of whom could benefit from a place with foster carers. Fostering is hugely rewarding and helps keep children in Bristol close to family and friends. If you are age 21 or over, have a spare bedroom and have time and energy to give to a young person you may well be a suitable carer. If you think you
country’s health and care system, a national housing crisis, and a growing need for vital safeguarding services for vulnerable children and adults.
Bristol is no exception and will face bankruptcy if we can’t close a £52m funding gap over the next five years. Too often in the past, savings haven’t been made by the previous administration, the can has been kicked down the road, and we have overspent our budget.
Work needs to start straight away. The Finance Sub-Committee will offer observations on the early options to help finalise a set of draft proposals. Those proposals will be part of a draft budget presented to Strategy and Resources Committee in early February. The draft budget will then be presented to the Full Council on 25th February.
The council is committed to being open with you, and will publish final proposals as soon as they are available. George and I will use this column to share more detail about proposals and how you can be involved in any next steps.
might be interested, please look at the council’s website or email fostering@bristol.gov.uk.
City council budget update
There is significant strain on the city council finances arising from multiple spending pressures including adult social care, growing special educational needs and required council home improvements following the Grenfell Fire. Proposed cuts that are being put forward include cuts to museums, libraries and a reduction in the generosity of the Council Tax reduction scheme. The budget will be finalised at the end of February. One piece of good news is that the Government has given a oneoff increase in funding to Bristol of £13 million. This goes some considerable way to plug the gap between income and expenditure for 25-26 but it also that means that the pressures on the council’s finances will remain intense.
Jerome Thomas: cllr.jerome. thomas@bristol.gov.uk
Paula O'Rourke: cllr.paula. orourke@bristol.gov.uk
Area Committees Funding
The council’s nine area committees make decisions on how funds such as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) local projects funding and some S106 funding is spent to support improvements in their areas. As councillors for Clifton Down we sit on the Area 3 committee along with councillors from Clifton, Cotham and Hotwells & Harbourside wards.
The next round of funding is now open in a process that will take place over the year. The first step is to gather local ideas and priorities for projects to submit to the council by 28th February. The type of projects could include improvements to open space, tree planting, or small road improvements.
We’re already in contact with community groups to find out what they would like to see. But we also want to hear from you if you have an idea for a project. Do get in touch with us if so.
You can find more information about the process and the types of projects that get funding on the council website under ‘Funding for Local Projects’ and the ‘Area committee funding process’.
Councillor surgeries
We hold regular surgeries on the first Friday of the month from midday to 1.30pm at Redland Library on Whiteladies Road. Do come and speak to us about any local issues. Or email us Cllr.george.calascione@bristol.gov.uk Cllr. serena.ralston@bristol.gov.uk We’d love to hear from you.
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
Visit our new furniture and bed store
Newly opened at 54 Princess Victoria Street, Green Woods Furniture offers furniture, beds and mattresses that are all UK made from sustainable sources, with bespoke and custom options available.
All of their furniture and beds are handmade by UK makers, including Bristol based, so bespoke sizes and custom designs are easily catered for, as well as the option for natural, “chemical free” finishes for those looking to avoid standard industry finishes.
Their bed range starts from £235 for the Langley bed frame, a sturdy, solid wood bed, made in Nottingham. Available in 23 different water based stains and finishes, from traditional oak to poppy red and silver, it’s an ideal first proper bed for kids (and you can avoid the dreaded trip to IKEA!).
They specialise in organic mattresses (Soil Association and GOTS certified), made from organic British wool and organic cotton. Traditionally made in Lancashire, these luxurious mattresses come with full 10 year guarantees and, due to the wool content, they don’t require any added treatments to pass the stringent UK fire regulations. Organic and fair trade
bedding is also available. Securing top place in a 2019 survey of how ethical furniture shops are in the UK (Ethical Consumer Magazine), Green Woods Furniture only uses wood from sustainable sources, including UK sourced reclaimed wood and dedicate a tree in the Bristol based Forest of Avon Trust for every new customer spending over £500. Now open Wednesday to
Saturday (10.30 ‘til 5), pop in and see what they can do for you, plus they’re offering free delivery (which includes installation and setting up) with the advert below.
n WHAT'S ON
March 29
n HENLEAZE CHORAL SOCIETY AND ORCHESTRA are performing J.S Bach's Magnificat and Cantata BWV 147 and Brandenburg Concerto No.2
Conductor - Robert Marson Leader - Helen Goodman
7.30pm at Trinity-Henleaze Waterford Road BS9 4BT TICKETS £18 to include an interval drink and programme. To reserve tickets email www.henleazecs.org.uk
Various dates
n WANT TO LEARN TO NORDIC WALK?
Our Beginner Workshops are run by friendly, professional instructors, are full of chat and laughter, and you’ll get an effective total-body workout. Meeting on Clifton Down, 4th Jan, 8th Jan, 11th Jan & 22nd Jan Visit www.bristolnordicwalking. co.uk or call Ros on 07886885213.
Regular events
Various days
n YOGA IN REDLAND Tuesdays 6.30pm & 7.45 Wednesdays 7.30pm
Suitable for beginners & improvers Yoga in Clifton Saturdays 10.30am Suitable for improvers Text Charlotte on 07533732035 www.yogabristol.com
n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS. Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-2, plant table always available. Interesting walled kitchen garden, free to enter, new volunteers welcomed.
n WEST OF ENGLAND BRIDGE CLUB based at RAFA Club, 38 Eastfield, Henleaze. Five sessions every week, catering for different standards. Thursday afternoon is Improvers. Monday and Friday afternoon is for more capable players; this is an EBU recognised session. You may come alone to any afternoon session; a partner will be found. The evening sessions are on Wednesdays and Fridays, and are open to pairs. www.woebridgeclub.co.uk or contact Secretary, Chris Frew, on 0117 962 5281.
Monday
n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. New members welcome. See www.dickens-society. org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for details.
n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA DISCUSSION GROUP meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday 9.45am to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to help to solve some of today's challenging issues with good company, tea and biscuits - contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.
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 2-4 pm. Interesting speakers, crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. Our lively, friendly and inclusive group welcomes visitors. Call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917
Tuesday n WESTBURY PARK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Girl Guide Hut on Westmorland Road from 7.00 - 9.30pm. We are an active and friendly group with a varied programme plus extra sessions for craft, coffee, book clubs, walks etc. Visitors are always welcome and for more information do call Sue on 07813795936 or email westburyparkwi@gmail.com
n MEET UP TO MEDITATE
Free Class Every Tuesday 7.30 pm-8.30 pm Starting 14th Jan 2025 At 80 Queens Rd Bristol Email: info@meetuptomeditate. co.uk
n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL is recruiting new members We are a 'threshold choir' actively 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 soothing and uplifting 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 or support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org
n BRISTOL BRANCH OF THE KNITTING AND CROCHET GUILD meet on the third Tuesday of the month, 10am-12pm, usually in the function room at the Boston Tea Party on Whiteladies Road. Free to attend, all welcome (members and non-members). We cater for beginners through to experienced makers. Email BristolKCG@gmail.com for more info.
Wednesday n HENLEAZE CHORAL SOCIETY
We are a thriving, non- audition choir performing mainly classical repertoire. Rehearsals take place at Henleaze Bowling Club, Grange Court Road on Wednesdays 7.309.00pm New members welcome. Go to www.henleazechoralsociety. org.uk.
n CLIFTON CRAFTERS
We all have craft items we started and are now lurking in a drawer unloved – dig them out and come and share with us a morning of knitting, crochet, tapestry, rag rugs or whatever you would love to resurrect or mend. Clifton Library every Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm
n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, open Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Originally a walled kitchen garden. Free to enter. We’re looking for volunteers. Our Café (+ homemade cakes) open 10-2, 18 March and 8 April.
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 area. Call 0117 435 0063.
n CLIFTON CRAFTERS We all have craft items we started and are now lurking in a drawer unloved – dig them out and come and share a morning of knitting, crochet, tapestry, rag rugs or whatever you would love to resurrect or mend! Every Wednesday in October at Clifton Library 10 30-12 30pm.
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. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@gmail.com.
n CLIFTON WOMENS INSTITUTE
We are a friendly bunch who meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Alma Church, Alma Road, Clifton BS8 2HG, from7.30pm. Anyone interested in coming to a meeting as a visitor is most welcome (£5). Visit our blog cliftonwi.blogspot.com for forthcoming events. For info about us contact thecliftonwi@gmail.com Thursday
n LOCAL CHOIR ACTIVELY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, BS9 1BW on Thursday, 7.45 - 9.15pm. We are a well-established mixed choir performing both sacred and secular music. See website www.henburysingers.org contact secretary at secretary@ henburysingers.org.
n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE
For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and
mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30pm start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit www. westburyparkspiritualistchurch.org
n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR
Come and 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 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 HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feeling stressed? Come and try our drop in sessions run by trained volunteers. Healing/Reiki is a gentle, relaxing, complementary therapy that helps restore balance and vitality. Donation basis. Venue: Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. s 3.30 pm to 4.45 pm. For information and dates, contact Selina at Bristol Healing Group: T:0117 9466434 or E:selinanewton@yahoo.co.uk.
Friday
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 details.
n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE. 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 FOLK NIGHT every third Wednesday of the month at the Victoria inn, Chock lane, Westbury on Trym. 7.30-10.30pm. All musicians and singers welcome or just pop in. Call 0117 959 0834
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 Sat (except August). This is a voluntary service run by experienced repairers.. FFI see Facebook @seamillsrepaircafe or email: repaircafe.seamills@gmail. com
BOOK REVIEW
Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner
THE year is 2013 and we find ourselves in a remote area of south west France. The main character and our narrator is 34-year-old Sadie Smith, an American undercover spy, hired by shady employers, to infiltrate a group of eco-activists called Le Moulin.
The novel is based on a reallive issue, the diversion of local water supplies into vast megabasins to support agribusiness at the expense of local farmers and the environment. Sadie is a complex and engaging character. She is good at what she does. She likes wine, enjoys driving and prefers older unreconstructed men. She is proud of her surgically enhanced body which she uses to full effect in seducing the men she is paid to spy on. These include Lucien Dubois,
who she accidently, on purpose, bumps into in Paris. Lucien has contacts in Le Moulin and she is invited to join their commune.
We follow Sadie as she gradually wins the trust of the eco-activists. We are also led backwards, through her life, and a long list of undercover assignments. Sadie hacks into the activists e-mail account, where she is fascinated by a series of messages from a 76-year-old activist called Bruno Lacombe, who lives alone in a cave. Bruno has forthright views on the superiority of Neanderthals and the inferiority of us Homo Sapiens. He believes not in revolt but in a return to our ancient past.
Although Bruno and Sadie are destined never to meet, his emails and Sadie’s analysis and
n REVIEW
My Friends by Hisham Matar
AS a young man in Benghazi in 1980, Khaled recalls gathering with his family to watch the BBC Arabic World Service. On one occasion the newsreader chose to read his audience a story rather than the news. A month later, he was killed.
The story he read is about a man lying in his room, a cat pacing about him. The cat begins to lick the man’s toes, then bites one. Slowly, ever so gently, the cat consumes the man until he reaches his head, ‘His head, which, he concluded, was the only thing he truly could not do without.’ At this point the man says ‘no’: ‘He knew he was not speaking for himself alone.’
That protest resonates with Khaled over the decades.
Moving to Edinburgh for university, he meets Mustafa al Touny. When they hear of students being rounded up and tortured in Libya, they decide to attend a demonstration in London outside the Libyan embassy. Officials standing inside the embassy shoot them. While Khaled’s life is saved, he is now permanently in grave danger, his family too. The Libyan authorities see and hear everything.
It is not for another decade that he will become close friends with Hosam Zowa, the author of the story and a figure in whom many have placed hope for change, for liberation, for saying ‘no.’
Though much of the novel is based in historical and political fact, as well as personal experience – Matar’s father was abducted, tortured and killed by Gaddafi – such detail is perfectly balanced with elegant writing. Khaled is walking around London, in places as familiar to him as his own body and in places he has not dared visit since the protest decades before. As he walks, he offers a simple tale of friends who each make a different decision when faced with the chance to go ‘home.’ Of course, it is a deeply complex one too, of exile, of bonds, of nations and of fear and grief; the events of the novel, specific to a politics, time and place ring out with implications across all.
Elizabeth Moss, owner of Heron Books, The Clifton Arcade
her commentary on them form the backbone of the book.
This novel is an enjoyable and engaging read, providing the reader with both a spy thriller and a thoughtful examination of larger issues including the future of humanity, individual motivation and the trajectory of our civilisation. A must read for 2025.
If you are seeking a New Year resolution which you can easily achieve, visit your local library and sign up for a library card giving you free access to more than two million books. You will receive a warm welcome.
Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library
Clifton Library opening hours Monday 10am-2pm Tuesday 1pm-5pm
1pm-5pm Friday 10am-2pm Saturday 1pm-5pm
n FROM BRISTOL CENTRAL'S MP
2025 gets off to a busy start
I HOPE you all found time over the festive period for rest and recuperation. I was able to take a short break to spend time with friends and family, but there’s also been lots happening over the last month to tell you about.
I was devastated to hear the news just before Christmas that Gaie Delap, a Bristol resident, was recalled to prison because the private company responsible for security monitoring couldn’t find a tag to fit her wrist. Gaie is 78, a peaceful climate protester and clearly no threat to the public. As Gaie's MP I tried everything I could to challenge this decision - including writing to the prisons minister and the probation service. Recalling Gaie to prison is disproportionate, unjust and a waste of resources, and I will continue to do what I can to fight for justice for her.
In December I joined a cross-party group of MPs outside
Parliament to call on the UK Government to stop arming Israel, took part in a Parliamentary debate on this issue, and met with Jewish and Muslim people working together for peace through the ‘Solutions Not Sides’ programme and the Arava Institute’s ‘Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza’ project.
I know that people in Bristol, including me, feel incredibly strongly about this. That’s why I will continue to push the UK Government to take action, as I did when I recently spoke with the Leader of the House of Commons about Amnesty International’s report which sets out that the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza. I will not stop campaigning on this until we see an end to suffering in Palestine and Israel.
I’ve heard from several constituents in recent months who have concerns about the rise
in employers’ National Insurance contributions and the impact this could have on GP surgeries in particular. These changes would be hugely detrimental for patient care and could lead to the cutting of vital services like social care. I, along with the other Green MPs, have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to urge her to rethink this rise. Thank you to those of you who raised this issue with me; I always appreciate hearing from you about the things that matter to you.
Finally as last year came to a close, it was an honour to be named Bristol24/7’s person of the year. 2024 was the best year of my life (so far!); a huge reason for this has been because of the wonderful people in the city that I have worked alongside, and because I’ve been able to represent the issues that truly matter to Bristol in Parliament.
Carla Denyer writes for the Voice
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 carla.denyer. mp@parliament.uk
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Probate
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. Will Writing
n LETTERS
Majority support ban on traffic
HAVING read the letters on the pedestrianisation scheme of Princess Victoria Street in your January 2025 edition, I'm saddened but kind of understand that the public are uneducated about the great benefits of active transport schemes or of giving public spaces back to people from car traffic. That these investments have massive returns and are among the best that any authority can make has been proven over and over again. Just this very area, Clifton Village, has seen increased footfall since the scheme became operational, as our Green Councillors informed us in their April 2022 leaflet.
But statements such as "The scheme was forced on residents and traders despite 67% being against it" that can appear in this section unchecked not only do huge damage to local democracy, they also give Clifton Voice a very poor reputation. The survey results at https://www.ask.bristol. gov.uk/17616/widgets/50067/ documents/28725 as well as the
great majority voting for Green Councillors after the changes, are there for everyone in plain sight to notice: the scheme does enjoy a clear majority support. Clifton Voice could do much better to actually fact-check questionable letters before publishing them.
Marton Balazs Clifton
Editor’s note: Readers’ opinions are divided on pedestrianisation. We welcome letters on this and other topics.
It's time to talk about grieving
IT’S a universal issue, but when it comes to dying and bereavement we’re struggling to talk. Half of us worry about ‘saying the wrong thing’ to a bereaved person; and a quarter of us deal with bereavement by keeping as busy as possible.
Difficulty discussing grief heightens loneliness; and grief itself significantly impacts our mental and physical health.
The Harbour is a charity
Rolex - Gentleman's Oyster Perpetual Submariner bracelet watch ref. 5513 Sold for £6,000
providing counselling for people facing their own death, the death of a loved one, or following a bereavement.
They have been providing specialist, affordable counselling to help thousands of people in Bristol to live well with grief since 1992. They provide a safe space to talk and be listened to within
a culture which shuts down conversations about grief. Find out more about this longstanding Bristol charity: www.the-harbour. org.uk
All are welcome at their fundraising ceilidh on Saturday March 8 at the Elm Grove Centre. Go to Headfirst Bristol for tickets. Clare Hanson-Kahn
American Interest - William Faden, (1749-1836) - Plan of Charlestown South Carolina, 1780 Sold for £7,000
Howard & Sons armchair Sold for £3,000
Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6TT CLEVEDON VALUATION DAYS Clevedon Salerooms, every Monday, 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm
VALUATION DAYS* Tuesday 18th February, Stoke Lodge, Shirehampton Rd, BS9 1BN, 10am–3pm
*Join Chris Yeo and Izzie Balmer, as seen on BBC's Antiques Roadshow and Antiques Road Trip, along with our valuation team.
Clifton is not short of blue plaques, but I was particularly amused by this one in Manilla Road! Anonymous reader
CLIFTON emerged from the festive break with the satisfaction of a track record of eight successive victories to place them in joint second place in the league table.
The final game of 2024 saw them face gale force conditions at Old Redcliffians. They managed the elements well to secure a solid win with forwards and backs adapting their play to keep hold of the ball under challenging conditions.
Much of the success of this team is based on being a settled unit in recent weeks under the coaching of Director of Rugby Matt Salter and Head Coach Luke Cozens.
An early block of fixtures in 2025 presents no room for complacency as the first four fixtures sees the club facing all other top teams. First up was the home fixture against Luctonians, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season and, although not a spectacular rugby playing team , can be relied
n NEWS
upon to have the best defence in the league which is difficult to penetrate.
Following the Lucs encounter Clifton were due to visit Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, then face Hinckley at home and undertake the long trip to league leaders Camborne in West Cornwall for a game re-arranged from earlier
Clifton off to a solid start in 2025 Award celebration
A MORTGAGE advice firm has won a regional award, which recognises the essential support from financial professionals to the property sector.
The team at Mortgage Style in Park Street, Clifton, is celebrating after winning the Bristol Property Award in the financial category for a second time.
Managing director Marcus Robinson said he was proud of the group – which has more than 100 years’ experience in the industry between them.
Marcus, who founded the company nearly 20 years ago, said: “We’re proud to be taking home the financial title this year.
“The team works hard to source deals for clients, including in challenging circumstances, with a great success rate.”
storm postponements.
Against Luctonians Clifton had to overcome a slow start when they trailed their visitors by twelve points until just before half time. However, their strong resolve and self belief saw them wear down the opposition’ s solid defence and win the game by sixteen points to twelve. Momentum shifted in their
favour with persistent incursions into the visitor’s territory resulting initially in a try for flanker Jay Evans and a further touch down by centre Matty Smith. A tiring defence conceded two penalties for Ollie Milner to kick two penalties to see the lavender and black men home.
This placed the club in second place. Much of the recent 1St XV success can be attributed to the depth of players in the wider squad capable of performing at national league level. The current strength of the 2nd XV, the Wanderers, is important. They are positioned second in the Counties 1 League above the second teams of other national league teams and the first teams of other local clubs. Over half of their team are constantly pushing for first team opportunities.
Former stalwarts faced each other in a European Cup match. Joe Owen for the Bears and Andy Uren for Italy’s Benetton .
Roger Opie
New office opens
URBAN Creation has moved to a new office at 62 Park Street.
This follows a rebrand in December 2023, which saw the company split into two sub-brands—Urban Student for highend student accommodation and Urban Apartments for luxury serviced apartments.
The new office, in the former Mission Burrito site on Park Street, was completed in November.
“We’re thrilled with our new office and the opportunity it provides for our team to continue growing and delivering exceptional service,” said founder Jonathan Brecknell.
Urban Creation is restoring t 71 Park Street, transforming it into 16 student apartments, with a retail area on the ground floor. Urban Creation has also acquired 11-13 Whiteladies Road.
Matty Smith touches down for a crucial Clifton try Photo: Ian Clark
