Clifton Voice June 2024

June, 2024 Issue 10

All change at City Hall

Greens take charge after winning 34 council seats

THE Greens were the big winners at the local elections, gaining ten seats to give them a total of 34 - two short of an overall majority.

The party will run Bristol City Council with the support of the Liberal Democrats, who went up from five to eight seats, including all three in Westbury & Henleaze, where they ousted the Tories at the polls on May 2.

The Conservatives dropped from 14 to seven seats.

Labour, which ran the council for the last eight years under outgoing mayor Marvin Rees, saw a net loss of two councillors, leaving them on 21. However, one councillor has already been disqualified so they now have 20. The Greens held all four seats in Clifton and Clifton Down.

Your new councillors: Page 4 More election details: Page 5

Left, the new Lib Dem councillors for Clifton Down, Serena Dalston and George Calascione

Welcome to Bishop Bosco

Bosco MacDonald has become the tenth Bishop of Clifton in a Roman Catholic ordination service at Clifton Cathedral attended by 1,000 people. PAGE 2

Ofsted judges school inadequate

Willow Park CofE Primary School has been put into special measures by Ofsted, which rated its provision as inadequate.

PAGE 11

Locals in bid to save their pub

Regulars at The Lion in Cliftonwood are hoping to buy the pub for the community.

PAGE 13

The Greens celebrate victory, above

n NEWS

Welcome to the new Bishop of Clifton

A THOUSAND people including most of the Roman Catholic bishops in this country packed Clifton Cathedral for the Episcopal Ordination of the new Bishop of Clifton.

Declan Lang, who has been Bishop for 23 years has stepped down for health reasons. He has been succeeded by Bosco MacDonald who was Dean of Clifton Cathedral. He is now the tenth Bishop of Clifton.

Before the Ordination Service, which lasted more than two hours, Bishop Bosco said: “It is a huge honour to be offered such a responsible job.”

Bishop Bosco has many years of pastoral experience, having worked in a number of parishes

both as an assistant priest, parish priest and cathedral dean.

Bishop Declan said of him: “He brings much experience to his new ministry within the

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Bishop Bosco during the ordination service

diocese which he will carry out with dedication and faithfulness. I am sure he will also be a valuable member to the Bishops’ Conference of England and

Wales as we discern the way forward in a changing society.” The Diocese of Clifton covers Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.

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Photo: Clifton Diocese

Dedication to helping others earns pair OBEs

TWO local people have been presented with their OBE medals at Windsor Castle.

They are Amy Perrin, founder of the Marmalade Trust, and Dr Teame Mebrahtu, a former lecturer and magistrate.

Amy, a health professional who lives in the Cotham area, was honoured for services to older people.

She said:“It’s an incredible honour to receive this acknowledgement and recognition of my contribution and work. I was so surprised to be nominated and kept re-reading the letter when I received it. I feel so passionately that we should understand the impact of loneliness and help to achieve a more connected society.

“It's an honour and a privilege to have worked with so many incredible people who have helped over the past 10 years. I’m humbled, honoured and grateful to those who nominated me."

With the support of hoteliers, publicans and many volunteers the Marmalade Trust

Dr Teame Mebrahtu and Amy Perrin, with their medals

ensures that isolated and lonely people will not be left on their own on Christmas Day. Last Christmas 222 older people were taken to a hotel or pub.

The Marmalade Trust helps people of all ages and is the only charity in the world specifically dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “Over the last decade the charity has had a direct impact with over 4,000 people involved in its projects, delivered loneliness training

to 55,000 people, as well as running global awareness campaigns.

Bishopston resident Dr Mebrahtu was honoured for services to education, refugees and the Bristol community. After he fled Ethiopia in the 1970s, he became a senior lecturer at the University of Bristol Graduate School of Education. In 1984, he was one of the first black magistrates in the city. With his wife Teblez, he set up a project feeding the homeless, and he has also spent many hours assisting newly-arrived refugees.

Bishop Bosco during the ordination service

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS

News from your Green Party Clifton Down councillors George Calascione and Serena Ralston

HELLO from Serena and George, your new Green Party councillors for Clifton Down! We’re writing to you just after the local elections and we’d like to thank all those of you who put your trust in us. We are honoured to serve this beautiful area.

We have been lucky to speak to hundreds of you on the doorstep over many years and of course in the run up to the elections. These conversations have given us a good overview of the issues that matter to you. As volunteers, we learnt the ropes with former Green councillors Carla Denyer and Tom Hathway, helping them with residents’ concerns such as drainage and street lighting and street cleaning.

Carla and Tom were respected and hard-working councillors, so we know we have big shoes to fill. Their successes included action for renters at Queens Court,

developing the successful Cotham Hill pedestrianisation scheme, and getting Alma Vale designated as a local centre in the forthcoming Local Plan to protect shops from being converted into homes. They also ensured that community funding from developers were used for local facilities such as the new bike racks around the area and new benches and planting.

Tackling Clifton Down issues

We are getting down to work, putting our practical skills to use. Serena works in communications, and previously in town planning and as a journalist. She is passionate about good urban planning, conserving our built heritage, and improving housing standards. George has roots in the community here – he grew up

News from your Green Party Clifton councillors Paula O’Rourke and Jerome Thomas

IN the local recent election, Green councillors in Clifton were returned with 59% of the total vote. Paula and Jerome are very pleased to have received such positive approval from residents and would like to thank you most sincerely for that vote of confidence.

Regular readers will see from the picture, that the ‘team’ is slightly different. Jerome, who was a councillor here from 2015-2021, when he stood down to stand as WECA mayor, has returned and Paula is very excited to be working with him again.

Green surge in Bristol

The election has returned 34 Green councillors, making the Greens the largest party in Bristol. The Greens do not have a ‘majority’ as that requires 36 councillors. Often, people project the model from the House of Commons, where the ‘vote in the House’ is the deciding factor, onto the local decision-making process. However, this is less relevant here, as decisions from the Full Council in Bristol are just ‘advisory’ and the real power of decision-making will be in the eight new committees and the Leader of the Council, which replaces the Mayor’s office.

To remind readers, the election also coincided with the move away from the mayoral model of governance to the Committee system, as voted on by a referendum in 2022.

So, City Hall is experiencing a lot of change! As we write, party whips and leaders are still in negotiations on roles, however, the Green position is to work with other parties for the

locally, attending Cotham School. His commitment to service began early, volunteering in the area. As an advocate for a vibrant Bristol, he enjoys organising events, and contributes to Disability Month, actively engaging with the community.

Just before the elections, musicians at Alma Vale Studios made us aware that these studios are at risk of closure from a huge rent hike. For 50 years, the studios have been a beacon of creativity, providing an unrivalled recording space for local bands and serving as a nurturing environment for music teachers and young musicians alike. We promptly visited the studios and heard from campaigners. We are keeping a close eye on what happens next and we’d encourage you to check out the Save Alma Vale Studios campaign fundraiser at: Fundraiser by Craig Crofton : Help save Alma Vale Studios in Bristol (gofundme. com)

We have flagged with council planning teams unauthorised works to a Grade II listed building, previously the home of renowned Bristol conservation campaigner,

good of the city. More information on this in our next update when the dust has properly settled. Meanwhile, your local councillors are back to business and we thought it might be good to give you an overview of what that looks like. Here is a sample of some of the issues we’ve had this week:

• Objecting to the Planning Inspectorate about yet another family home being turned into an HMO;

• Chasing planning enforcement to see if a neon sign outside a pub was done with proper permissions;

• Responding to a resident’s call about a hole that appeared in the road on York Gardens and getting emergency action to repair it that same day;

• Liaising with the Downs manager to explore putting in a wildflower meadow on Christchurch Green at the site of the spoil heap from the playground – this was in response to a request from a resident who would like to do this in memoriam for a loved one.

• Supporting the Clifton BID (Business Improvement District) manager to challenge the Council’s unreasonable increase in the charge

Dorothy Brown.

And we are pushing for action on the derelict Be in Bristol building on Whiteladies Road. Serena has written to the agents several times about this appalling eyesore and will continue to chase. Greens delivering hope and action across the city Bristol’s Green Party has a vision of hope for the city and experienced councillors. Working together with our communities in the new committee system, we will address the city’s challenges with practical actions to deliver for Bristol. What next?

The first Full Council since the elections and the abolition of the Bristol mayoral system will take place on 21st May, 2pm in City Hall . Full Council will decide then on the make-up of the new committees. It is a public meeting, and it would be fantastic to have you there or following online. Please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Serena Ralston cllr.serena.ralston@ bristol.gov.uk

George Calascione cllr.george. calascione@bristol.gov.uk

they make for administering the BID levy.

• Working with the local community to support a community buyout of The Lion Pub in Cliftonwood.

So, you will see that the inbox of a councillor is rich and varied! We respond to issues that are brought to our attention, but we also have projects which we are proactively progressing. Matters like the change of infrastructure on Princess Victoria Street. £650,000 has been secured to make the temporary structures permanent and we are working closely with the traders and with the council to ensure that it is as good as we can make it. Although the funding, (which comes from WECA and not Bristol taxpayers), will be made available soon, the work won’t be done until January 2025 by agreement with the businesses who don’t want to lose trade at a busy time of year.

We will also be working to make Clifton a cleaner, safer and more attractive place to live. We know that the cuts have led to lowering of standards of cleanliness, we see the graffiti and the neglected state of the street furniture (heritage lampposts especially). The management of weeds needs special attention too. We also know that there is a real demand for EV charging and a review of the residents parking zone to make minor amendments. We know too that solving these issues will cost money. However, we hope now that Green councillors have greater control in Bristol we might actually be able to make an even bigger difference – we will certainly be trying very hard to do that!

We look forward to working with residents for the next four years. Glad to be back…

Greens to run council after historic victory

THE Greens stormed to victory in the Bristol City Council local elections but fell agonisingly short of an overall majority.

The party ended with 34 councillors, two shy of the magic figure of 36 required to be bigger than all the other groups combined.

Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats made gains over the Conservatives, but Labour, ended with a net loss of two councillors, leaving them on 21.

The Greens gained an extra

10 seats. The Lib Dems have eight members in the chamber, an increase of three, while the Tories lost half of their 14 seats and now have just seven.

The results indicate the Greens have a strong chance of winning the Bristol Central MP seat in the upcoming general election.

Carla Denyer, co-leader of the national party who has stood down as a Bristol councillor, is the parliamentary candidate trying to beat Labour and

become the second Green MP.

She said all councillors in every ward within the constituency were now Greens, with Labour losing out.

Labour group leader Cllr Tom Renhard said the party had some good results, including ousting a Conservative in Frome Vale.

Clifton

Turnout: 39%

Paula O’Rourke, Green: 2,126

Jerome Thomas, Green: 1,849

Elena Dirik, Labour: 872

Dan McTiernan, Labour: 655

Daniel Bond, Conservative: 376

Alastair Hamilton, Conservative: 362

Ana Ribeiro, Liberal Democrats: 242

Neil Harvie, Liberal Democrats: 230

Clifton Down

Turnout: 41.36%

Serena Ralston, Green: 1,813

George Calascione, Green: 1,705

Tristan Harris, Labour: 903

Nick Smith, Labour: 803

Michael Abbott, Conservative: 294

Oscar Lucas, Conservative: 250

Elizabeth Badman, Lib Dems: 186

Merche Clark, Lib Dems: 166

Suzanne Muna, Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition: 78

The Green Party group,which includes four councillors from Clifton, at City Hall before taking control of the council

BS48 and BS16!

Whether just starting your Early Years journey or looking for the next stop in your career – we always save a seat for the right person!

• Amazing location with great access from Sea Mills, Stoke Bishop, Shirehampton, the Portway and beyond! WHY SHOULD YOU hop on Red Bus? Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School Westbury Lane, Coombe Dingle email onboard@redbusnursery.co.uk or visit careers.redbusnursery.co.uk to apply online

• A vibrant, top quality setting - fun for children and adults alike!

• Competitive rates of pay and benefits

• Lots of opportunities for training and career progression!

Outstanding Ofsted for Red Bus Nursery

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School are pleased to announce that after an inspection of their Coombe Dingle setting in March, they have retained their Outstanding rating from Ofsted!

The inspector observed that “Staff have high aspirations for children's development…they put children's needs at the heart of everything that they do and guide children through exciting learning experiences that enhance their current skills.”

Early Years Manager Leah says “It’s all down to my amazing team! Despite the nerves that we all had, their passion and knowledge really came across and we’re so proud to get that result. We don’t do it for Ofsted, we do it for the children we look after every day – but having said that, it’s so nice to be recognised for the hard work the team put in to making these early years so special. And it’s a great excuse to celebrate!”

This is the fourth Outstanding inspection in a row for the small nursery group, which has sister settings in Downend and Flax Bourton. Red Bus Owner Liz says -

“It’s no secret that it’s a challenging time in the Early Years sector, with lots of debate and negativity surrounding it. Despite the landscape, we’ve been able to deliver the highest Ofsted rating consistently.

We have always held our own definition of what Outstanding childcare looks like – although wonderful to have it confirmed by Ofsted! My aim has always been to create an exceptional group of nurseries, providing the best early years education by the most passionate practitioners. I am lucky to have some really quality people at Red Bus, who can drive change and maintain our high standards of service, now and well into the future.”

https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50245452 https://www.redbusnursery.co.uk/

CLIFTON ARCADE BOUTIQUE OPENING APRIL 2024

One postcode – so many artists!

BS9 ARTS TRAIL

8 and 9 June 2024, 11am to 5pm in Henleaze, Stoke Bishop & Westbury-on-Trym

WHERE can you enjoy the work of over 80 artists, find out what goes into making each piece and the inspiration behind it?

BS9 Arts Trail returns to our streets on 8 and 9 June 2024, in

leafy north Bristol’s Henleaze, Stoke Bishop & Westbury-on-Trym.

Buying direct from an artist means you can gain a closer understanding of each artwork and the person who made it.

Artists include painters, sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists, photographers, potters, jewellery designers, glass workers, enamellists and a wood turner

spread across 11 interesting venues.

All works are for sale and include items from £3 to £3,000, so whether you want a greetings card, a hand-crafted mug, a unique piece of jewellery or a statement painting, BS9 Arts Trail is the place to come!

The trail includes part-time and full-time professional artists, many of whom began their path to becoming professional thanks to the BS9 Art Trail. Some have made it their full-time career and exhibit in galleries and art fairs across the UK and beyond. Others choose to keep it local and you can meet all these artists right here in BS9.

Many of us have creative hobbies and perhaps you have wondered whether you could sell your work. This is the perfect opportunity to meet artists who

have taken that brave first step.

The venues are easy to access and all are located around the northern side of The Downs.

Most of the trail’s 11 venues host multiple artists. Many venues have cafés and facilities to provide a warm welcome. The trail is served by bus routes (1, 2, 3, 4), it’s a great area for walking and cycling, and all venues have parking nearby.

The event is sponsored by VWV. Leila Goodarzi, a partner in VWV Estates tax and trusts team, said: "As a firm with established roots in Bristol, supporting local culture is not just an honour but a responsibility. The BS9 Arts Trail is a testament to the creativity that thrives in our city, and we are honoured to support its ongoing success."

For full information visit https:// www.bs9arts.co.uk

Tributes to Peter Close contest for PCC

LABOUR’S Clare Moody is the new Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner.

She narrowly defeated the Conservative Mark Shelford, who has held the role for the last three years.

Just over 300,000 people across Somerset, Bristol, and South Glos voted in the election for the person to set the direction of the local police force and hold them to account. There were less than 5,000 votes between the two frontrunners.Ms Moody received 95,982, while Mr Shelford — who was ahead in every council area except for Bristol — received 91,006. Katy Grant (Green) received 64,623 votes and Benet Allen (Lib Dem) 45,864.

Turnout in the election was 23.09% — a drop from 30.72% in 2021 when the election was held concurrently with the West of England Metro Mayor election.

Speaking at the declaration, Ms Moody said: "The priorities that I have are those that I

campaigned on, which is about neighbourhood policing, it is around reducing violent crime, and that is particularly knife crime and violence against women and children. And it is also building that crime prevention that saves people from having to suffer from crime in the first place."

Chief Constable Sarah Crew, who attended the election count, said she was "really looking forward" to working with Ms Moody but was also "really grateful" to Mr Shelford for his work with her.

PCC column: Page 17

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Bristol’s longest-ever serving councillors Peter Abraham who has died aged 84.

Peter spent more than half a century in local politics, including three terms as the city’s lord mayor and as Conservative group leader on the city council.

He was first elected for Stockwood ward as a member of the Citizen Party in 1966.

Peter spent eight years on Avon County Council before it disbanded and returned to serve residents in Stoke Bishop as a Conservative from 1983 to 2021.

During his 55 years in local politics, he sat on virtually every Bristol City Council committee and decision-making body, as well as outside organisations such as Avon Fire Authority and Avon & Somerset Police Panel.

He also chaired many iterations of the local authority’s regulatory committees.

He held various positions including council deputy

leader and cabinet member for education & lifelong learning. He also served asTory group leader, deputy leader and chief whip.

Peter was made an Honorary Alderman of the City and County of Bristol in July 2021.

Tory Cllr Richard Eddy (Conservative, Bishopsworth) said: “Diminutive in stature, Peter was a giant of a man. I often said he easily had the ideas and energy of two people half his age. May he rest in peace. lived.” Peter is survived by his wife Pearl, son Christopher and grandson Noah.

NEWS FROM YOUR MP

Running in support of Bristol Refugee Rights and Brigstowe

I am writing this update on the morning after running the Bristol 10k in support of Brigstowe project. Brigstowe supports people living with HIV within Bristol and the surrounding area. Through delivering their vital services they are tackling poverty and unemployment amongst people living with HIV in our community.

A few weeks ago, I also ran in the London Marathon, finishing with a new personal best. I had run in support of Bristol Refugee Rights who do fantastic work with and for asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol. Thank you to everyone who supported my fundraising campaigns.

#ThisGirlRuns

Shockingly 860,000 girls are missing out on the joy and health benefits of physical activity. I raised this directly with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in the House of Commons. As a brown woman

growing up in the 1970s, I didn’t think sport was for me and missed out on its benefits until later in life. Now, as someone who tries to get out for a run most mornings, I want to make sure every girl in Bristol can enjoy sport and physical activity.

Labour’s plan for better buses

Buses are by far the most used form of public transport in the country, but the government’s broken bus system is failing the millions who depend on them. It is one of the issues people most often raise with me.

Labour has announced the biggest reform to England’s buses in forty years, which would put power back where it belongs: in the hands of the communities who depend on buses the most. Labour’s plans mean local leaders will have more control and flexibility over bus funding. It will also remove barriers that currently limit bus franchising powers only to metropolitan mayors and provide more accountability over bus operators.

Support for football fans

I led Labour’s response to the long-awaited Football Governance Bill which I had been calling on the Tories to bring forward for months. Football is at the heart of cities like Bristol. It was great to get on the terraces recently to see Rovers and meet with the owner and CEO ahead of the new law being debated.

In the debate I called for the new independent football regulator to have the powers it needs to ensure clubs like Bristol Rovers are financially sustainable, for strengthened owners and directors tests and for fans to have a greater say in how their clubs are run.

Opening up access to culture

Speaking at the International Opera Awards I recognised the importance of bursaries for young talented singers and of the joy and jobs opera brings to our country. Whilst the lazy criticism often levelled at opera is that it is elitist, historically opera has had significant interest and

involvement from working class people. I’m determined to make opera is for everyone. As Culture Secretary in the next Labour government I’ll revolutionise access to the arts, everyone should have a stake in our worldleading cultural sector.

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for £3,000

VALUATION DAYS* Tuesday 13th August, Stoke Lodge, Shirehampton Rd, BS9 1BN, 10am–3pm 19th century turquoise, ruby and garnet bangle modelled as a snake Sold for £2,200

*Join Chris Yeo and Izzie Balmer, as seen on BBC's Antiques Roadshow and Antiques Road Trip, along with our valuation team.

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Muller Road bus lane

Thangam Debbonaire writes for the Voice

Sports centre on track School in special measures

A NEW sports complex for Clifton College has taken a major step forward.

The contractors, architects and the project team visited the site at Beggar Bush Lane, Abbots Leigh, for a topping out ceremony to celebrate that the Chellaram Sports Centre is officially watertight.

The centre will have an eight-court hall for netball, team basketball, and badminton amongst other sports as well as hospitality and catering facilities.

It will replace the previous indoor sports dome, which is outdated and not fit for purpose. The college says the development is the most significant improvement to the sports site since 2012.

The new building, which will include seating for spectators, will meet current energy and sustainability standards, including BREEAM Excellent.

The centre is due to be available for use by both the

n BOOK REVIEW

college and community groups and schools at the start of the new academic year in September.

The sports complex has been made possible thanks to a donation by former pupil Mr Lel Chellaram, a shipping entrepreneur, and the Chelleram Foundation, which he founded.

The college says that his benefaction was one of the largest gifts in the recent history of public schools.

On a donations board in the college The Foundation is listed has having made a gift in excess of £250,000.

Mark Dudgeon, director at Speller Metcalfe, said: "We're delighted that the new Chelleram Sports Complex is officially watertight.

"The team has worked hard to achieve this milestone in spite of the challenging weather conditions over the past few months and we're pleased that the scheme is still on track to complete in September."

The Garden Against Time by Olivia Laing IN her previous books I have followed Olivia Laing along the River Ouse in search of stories held beneath the water’s surface and the ghost of Virginia Woolf, to the bottom of a bottle of Echo Spring, accompanied by authors and their drinking habits, to protests, prisons and art galleries as she examines loneliness in New York and to the culmination of a fictional experiment with Kathy Acker. Each experience has been intoxicating. So, when Laing holds open the door to Arcadia, I am delighted to join her there.

The Garden Against Time is her account of restoring a walled garden in Suffolk which once belonged to renowned gardener Mark Rumary. There is so much to do in the neglected garden – endless, backbreaking work – and yet, in her first year there, Laing must wait. Restraining herself, she must stop, take notes, watch as the garden reveals its secrets over the course of a year and only then begin to plan.

Meanwhile, she writes about what a garden is. She explores Eden with Milton and Andrew Marvell. With WG Sebald, she faces the destruction inherent in creating sublime estates. She delights in images held onto since childhood, such as Mary Lennox discovering her secret garden, but she also writes of land enclosures and private parklands funded by slavery, exploring the dead silence that follows when Fanny tries to raise the subject in Mansfield Park.

Each chapter invites the reader inside the walls, offers dizzying scents and crafted lists of plants, and at the same time asks us to notice who is in Arcadia and who without. It’s an extraordinary book, which leads one on twisting tracks to meet John Clare, William Morris, Iris Origo, Derek Jarman and Stella Gibbons.

Laing toils for hours, eventually opening the garden in all its blooming, flourishing success. But then drought hits. Her despair is deeply moving –through her deft descriptions, one can picture the soil broiled, the dahlias deformed, plump colour fading. Laing is forced to reconsider the role of endings and death in a garden and her own role too. She lets in disorder, welcomes imperfection and embraces her flawed, welcoming paradise. by Lizzie Moss, owner, Heron Books, Clifton

A PRIMARY school has been placed in special measures by the education watchdog after being judged inadequate overall in its first inspection.

Willow Park CofE Primary School in St Michael's Hill formed in 2021 by the, amalgamation of St George's and St Michael on the Mount CofE schools, has 117 pupils.

Two inspectors who visited for two days in March said the school's quality of education, leadership and management and early years provision were inadequate.

They rated the pupils' behaviour and attitudes and their personal development slightly better, as requiring improvement, and said arrangements for safeguarding were effective.

Their report said: "Pupils feel cared for and safe. They behave well and are courteous and kind. However, the curriculum is not ambitious enough and so pupils’

attitudes to learning are not always positive."

The Ofsted team noted that the school has a large proportion of children who speak English as an additional language and acknowledged the work done to welcome new arrivals but said the curriculum was not adapted well enough to support them.

A spokesperson for Willow Park Primary School said: “We take these findings very seriously, and we are committed to taking immediate and decisive action to address the issues raised during the inspection.

"We have already begun developing a comprehensive improvement plan that focuses on enhancing teaching and learning practices, strengthening leadership and governance, and improving the overall educational experience for our students. This rating is not reflective of the dedication and hard work of our pupils, teachers, and staff members.”

Eaterie praised

STAFF at a restaurant in Clifton are celebrating after the Queen’s son dined with them and gave them four stars in a newspaper review.

Tom Parker-Bowles, who is a restaurant critic made a surprise visit to The Clifton, a gourmet restaurant and bar in Regent Street. “He came of his own accord. We didn’t invite him” said William Rees a member of staff at the restaurant.

In his review Mr. ParkerBowles wrote: “This is a place that melds the big and bold with the light and lithe: a proper pub with serious food. Generous, too, in every way,” he wrote. “A pub to be proud of, and yet another Bristol banger.”

The Clifton has been open less than a year and has been made a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide recognising its “value for money”

Locals bid to save pub Nightclub closes

A POPULAR pub in Cliftonwood could be taken over by its regulars and members of the local community to ensure its future.

The Lion in Church Lane was packed for a public meeting to discuss ways of gathering support to buy the pub and ensuring the landlady can continue running it. One possibility is to set up a charity or company to buy the pub.

Fiona Vincent has been at The Lion for 16 years running it with the help of her family. She said that since the Covid pandemic and the present cost of living crisis it “had been a struggle”.

David Gilroy, who lives in Cliftonwood and is a regular at The Lion said: “Just under a hundred people gathered in the bar to discuss the issue. A small number of us have been meeting for about six weeks talking over the matter. But this was the first public meeting”.

He added: “We feel that

n NATURE WATCH with Dawn Lawrence

the pub will be better run as a community asset and opened up for more use than just food and drink. Also, the tied contract with the pub company who own it is pretty punchy in terms of the rent and the cost of beer in the ‘tie’ and that impacts the prices that consumers pay.”

Bristol City Council is considering an application to make the Lion an Asset of Community Value.

The Lion is owned by the UK's largest pub operator, Stonegate.

DOJO nightclub in Park Row has shut its doors after 25 years. The closure last month came just a month after another club, Gravity on Clifton Triangle, shut.

Dojo said in a statement on Facebook that its decision had been made because nightlife economic circumstances facing the industry had made it impossible for it to continue.

Dojo said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the immediate closure of Dojo Nightclub, one of Bristol’s longest-running and most iconic independent underground venues.

“Dojo Nightclub has been one of a pillars of Bristol’s vibrant nightlife scene, hosting countless legendary events for a community of music lovers. The club thanked DJs, staff, promoters and clubbers.

The silent greensong of the old land

WHAT did your street look like before it was a street? The lie of the land shows that a stream must have run roughly where Cranbrook Road runs now. The steeper slopes above it were likely pastures where sheep trod the flowery turf into little corduroy ridges. Beyond were scattered farmhouses surrounded by small fields dotted with ponds, the hedges with frequent standard trees (old maps are delightfully detailed on this point).

Remnants of that ancient landscape still persist. At the northern end of Elton Road you can still see a section of the stream and in the corner garden there is a stand of ash trees. They may not be old enough to pre-date the houses, but I bet their parents were.

The ancient track that now joins Bishop Road to Longmead Avenue is lined with hedges of native dogwood, blackthorn, field maple etc. Old maps show a stand of trees at the Longmead end: all that remains are elm suckers in the hedge, the trees taken by Dutch elm disease. The same map shows many of the still living ash and beech trees on Horfield Common.

What other hints are there? At the bottom of our road, there is a front garden where wild garlic crowds in from the edges. This plant

likes ancient, damp, shady places; no surprise then to find that about 50 metres away there used to be a wooded stream. I can imagine the bulbs being transported those few metres as the new gardens were topped with local soil. In the next road a wild bluebell (one of the deep blue, dangly ones) flowers at the base of a garden wall on the pavement with a few plants inside the garden. Bluebells would have lined the hedges and perhaps have also moved with

the soil.

The UK has lost most of our herb-rich grasslands in the last 50 years (barely 3% remain). Yet the delicate plants that have been extinguished by modern farming still persist in places in our area. The grassy slope by the Church of the Good Shepherd supports several uncommon grassland flowers and a lone pyramidal orchid popped up on a front lawn on Redland Road a few years ago. Milkmaids is another plant that indicates old pasture and can still be spotted around here. It seems likely that local turf was turned into lawns as the suburbs spread.

The arable fields have given us their weeds: swinecress, poppies, shepherd’s purse and many more now line the kerbs. I also find sorrel, goat’s beard and wild carrot from the pastures along with hedge woundwort, goosegrass and hedge bindweed from the hedgerows. Of course, there may have been many avenues of introduction of these species since this land was last farmed, but undoubtedly some of them will have persisted since that time. They still sing their silent greensong of the old land, as they creep by generations along the gutters or remain standing tall on the Common.

Bird’s foot trefoil (red buds and yellow flowers) and daisies on the lawn at Church of the Good Shepherd Photo: Dawn Lawrence

Nurse Emily is 'Lady with the Lamp' 2024

A NURSE at a Bristol charity had the honour of being the Lamp Carrier at the Florence Nightingale Commemorative Service at Westminster Abbey.

Emily Pimm was nominated from hundreds of Florence Nightingale Scholars and is the first nurse from the adult social care sector to be chosen as the Lamp Carrier.

Emily qualified as a nurse in 2006 and works as a social care deputy manager at St Monica Trust’s John Wills House Care Home in Westbury-on-Trym.

She was awarded a Florence Nightingale Foundation Leadership Scholarship in 2022 and has gone on to become a cochair for the South West’s Social Care Nurse Advisory Council.

Emily said: “I’m so proud to represent social care nurses and to celebrate what has been an exciting and pivotal year for the care sector.

“The Florence Nightingale Foundation Leadership

Emily and her escorts at Westminster Abbey

Scholarship and Social Care Nursing Advisory Council Programme has helped me to grow in many ways, as well as fuelling my passion to raise the voice and elevate the visibility of social care nurses.”

The commemorative service

was on 15 May with 2,000 guests in attendance. The service is an annual celebration of thanks for nurses and midwives from across the UK who continue Florence Nightingale’s legacy.

Florence Nightingale was known as “The Lady with The

Lamp” as she made her rounds at night tending to the soldiers wounded in the Crimean War.

The ceremonial lamp carried by Emily represents ‘the undying spirit of the service displayed by Florence Nightingale’, still demonstrated by nurses and midwives today.’

During the service, Emily was escorted by two Lamp Carriers and carried the burning lamp through the abbey where she placed it on the altar.

This year’s ceremony marked the 204th anniversary year of Florence Nightingale’s birth on 12 May 1820.

Chief executive of the St Monica Trust, David Williams, said: “Since she joined us in 2015, Emily has displayed a passion for ensuring that our residents can flourish within our care home environments and lead meaningful lives full of connection, contribution and choice. We could not be more proud of her.”

n NEWS College prepares for wartime anniversary

A SPECIAL church service for staff and students at Clifton College will be held this month to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in the Second World War. Much of the detailed planning of this top-secret operation took place at the college, which had been taken over by American troops.

While the servicemen were planning the world’s largestever sea-borne invasion, senior students from Clifton College continued their studies – albeit in makeshift classrooms more than 130 miles away from Bristol. Clifton’s headmaster had made arrangements for for them to stay in guest houses and hotels at the sea-side resort of Bude in north Cornwall so they could escape the Blitzes on Bristol. Meanwhile, boys from the prep school were moved into Butcombe Court, an 18th century house in north Somerset.

The first American soldiers

started arriving at the college in 1943 and by D-Day their numbers had grown to more than 300. They were joined by General Omar Bradley, who arrived from the Mediterranean where he had commanded troops in Sicily.

General Bradley took over the housemaster’s drawing room in School House on the corner of Guthrie and College Roads. Another housemaster’s study was used as a planning room while classrooms were put to military use. Clifton College’s Council Room became known as a ‘War Room’ filled with maps, charts and files of intelligence data.

The Wilson Tower, named after a former headmaster of the college, became a high security listening post with its top floor receiving messages from the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) along with information coming in from the Enigma code-breakers at Bletchey

n HISTORY with JULIAN LEA-JONES

Park, Buckinghamshire.

Another floor of the Wilson Tower became a map room where details of the American part in the D-Day Landings were compiled. Ordnance logistics were brought together by clerks working in the college’s library.

The character of this part of Clifton changed with the presence of American servicemen. The college’s boarding houses in the large Victorian residences nearby became billets for the troops. The school’s cricket field, known as The Close, became an airfield.

The soldiers were regular visitors to Clifton Zoo around the corner. They helped to spread the fame of one of the zoo’s most popular residents, Alfred the Gorilla, by sending picture postcards of him back to their families in the States. Alfred, who arrived at the zoo in 1930 from the Congo, could often be seen walking around the zoo grounds

wearing his trademark woolly jumper, accompanied by one of his keepers.

In November 1944 the college buildings were officially handed back to their owners. Four months later the teaching staff returned to Clifton with their students.

However, that was not the end of the college’s link with America.

General Bradley was back in England in 1953 to represent President Eisenhower at Queen Elizabeth 11’s coronation in London. He found time to return to Clifton College and asked the staff that America’s national flag, affectionately known as ‘Old Glory’ should be flown from the Wilson Tower every American Independence Day. This is a request that the college faithfully honours to this day.

Maurice Fells

Memories of D-Day – and Crackerjack!

ALTHOUGH we know D-Day took place on the June 6, 1944, you may not be aware that was not the planned date. It was intended to be the day before, but bad weather forced a 24hr postponement. Much has and will be written about that fateful day, therefore I will limit this month’s article to some local events and anecdotes. The invasion details had to be top secret, but preparations saw a large influx of allied servicemen and women to the West Country. That February Bristol became the headquarters of Lt General Omar Bradley who came to oversee plans for the American D-Day spearhead. Clifton College became the nerve-centre for the preparations, (or as the General would have said, nerve-center). The College’s Wilson Tower housed their main signal operations. But what of the servicemen and women who came to Bristol in such large numbers? Although it was inevitable that cultural

differences would give rise to issues, these were largely resolved, with many Bristolians opening their homes to the ‘visitors’. Conversely the visitors were also generous to their temporary hosts, particularly to their children. Bristol societies also opened their doors. One such example was the Bristol Savages, the Art & Literary society that met (and still does) at the Red Lodge, on Park Row. As a gesture of hospitality, the Savages had beer mugs especially engraved for their visitors, with the slightly bizarre but hopefully heartwarming message: ‘Drink down all unfriendliness’.

Although as a four-year-old I was too young to understand much of what was going on, I do know our house on the corner of Hotwells and Merchants Road was bombed. We all survived but we moved to a house overlooking Eastville Stadium. Even after all these years I can remember our new home for three reasons:

The SMELL of new paint; EXCITEMENT, an American serviceman billeted on us, and our tabby cat had kittens on his bed; JOY, he gave us oranges as well as something unheard of: Crackerjack. This was caramelised popcorn and came in a long box, white waxed cover with a cartoon image of an American sailor.

Diane, my wife, also remembers a lady, whose role took her back and forth to America; she gave Diane something she had never seen before – peanut butter!

Frenchay Hospital was initially the American Forces 117th Field Hospital until August 1945 when it was passed to Bristol’s Health Committee. When Frenchay was staffed by military doctors and nurses, our Red Cross organised

the training of women auxiliaries. I wonder how many went on to become nurses or doctors?

On November 5, 1995, five commemorative plaques, representing the allies' Normandy invasion beaches Omaha, Utah, Juno, Gold and Sword, were placed in Castle Park. The memorials were unveiled by Lady Pamela Hicks, patron of the Bristol and District branch of the Normandy Veterans Association. These memorials were erected by ‘The Sword Fund’ Map of the beach landings, and the plaques donated by Courage Western, whose brewery was on the opposite bank of the river.

In an ironic twist, the stones bearing the inscriptions were brought from Caen in Normandy. On the other side of Castle Park are the remains of Bristol Castle, built by William the Conqueror’s men in part by with stones from Caen. Thus after nearly 1,000 years fate has completed the circle.

© Julian Lea-Jones May 2024

Help keep Kellaway Pharmacy open

KELLAWAY Pharmacy is not just a part of the NHS; it's a vital pillar of our community's healthcare system. It's a place that provides care for everyone and is open to everyone. We take pride in being the standard-bearers of the NHS values. However, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for us and our local colleagues as community pharmacies across the country are closing at an alarming rate. Recent reports now put that rate at 10 closures a week.

Why? Community pharmacies, most of them independents like ours, face a daily perfect storm of rapidly declining government funding, which no longer covers the cost of our service while carrying the burden of high inflation. The increased cost of operating a dispensing pharmacy means we are left subsidising our NHS service, which is neither fair nor sustainable. Add to all this the daily workload of managing medicine shortages.

Does it matter if we close? The answer is a resounding yes. When a pharmacy shuts its doors, it has far-reaching effects on our communities, particularly on vulnerable

groups such as older people, individuals managing long-term health conditions, including those living with and caring for those with disabilities, young families, and most especially, those who don't have the means to travel to a pharmacy that is further away. It is not only regular users that are impacted, but the entire fabric of our community is at risk.

Worse, it puts more pressure on the other local NHS and social care providers, including local pharmacies and GP Surgeries. More people seeking help, with fewer access points and appointments, only worsens things. The evidence is that it will widen health inequity and exacerbate the pressures on the NHS.

Despite the challenges, we are heartened by the unwavering support from our patients and the community. Your role in ordering and waiting to collect your prescription orders on time, as well as your courteous interactions with our team, all help to significantly reduce pressures, even putting smiles on our faces. Your support is not just appreciated; it's crucial to our operations.

We are proud that opportunities like the

new NHS Pharmacy First service are making a positive difference. This service allows us to prescribe antibiotics where appropriate, guided by sensible and safe use, also better inform people about managing symptoms and when to return for treatment.

Did you know that all patients through this service receive in-house care and NHS treatment as appropriate? The ability to refer urgently to the GP when the surgery uses the NHS Community Pharmacy referral pathway also means a quicker, safer, easier patient care journey.

This is just the start of what is possible. Our team will change over time, but we are optimistic that Kellaway Pharmacy, with your continued support, can build a brighter future for healthcare in our community.

EARACHE

(adults and children aged 1

SINUSITIS

&

(adults and children aged 12 years & above)

INFECTED INSECT BITES

(adults and children aged 1 year & above)

SORE THROAT

(adults and children aged 5 years & above)

SHINGLES

(adults aged 18 years & above)

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

(women, aged 16 to 64 years)

BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

(children aged 30 days to 2 years)

IMPETIGO

(adults and children aged 1 year & above)

n SPORT

Partnership is a win-win Tennis success

CLIFTON Rugby Club has always been an inclusive club and welcomed players of all abilities. Many served the club well and are perhaps better remembered for their contribution and activities as club members rather than performances on the pitch.

Several young players who have gone forward to feature in Premiership and international teams owe much to the development they gained through time at Clifton In many cases these young players have learned a great deal about true rugby values and gained match experience on the pitch.

This includes products of the club’s Mini and Junior section which has flourished since its formation in 1978.

Clifton have always enjoyed a positive relationship with the Bristol club, who for many seasons used their facilities at Cribbs Causeway as their training base.

In the days of amateur rugby many started their senior careers at Clifton and progressed to the Bristol ranks. The exchange worked the other way when Bristol stars chose to complete their playing time in lavender and black colours.

Among those who served Clifton well was Peter Polledri, an outstanding captain and coach who boosted Clifton’s advance when leagues were introduced. He was joined by famous players of the calibre of Ralph Knibbs, Simon Hogg and Paul Jeffrey. Alan Morley also contributed significantly in a coaching role.

In more recent times Premiership clubs Bristol Bears, Bath and Gloucester have loaned academy players to boost Clifton’s ranks. During the immediate past season Kofi Cripps, an outstanding back row forward has impressed and been awarded a contract with the Bears. Ioan Emmanuel, a Wales

age group player, from the Bath Academy has proved himself in the front row and learned from older players.

Emmanuel joins more famous current internationals who have spent time learning their trade in the front row of the Clifton scrum. These include Bears and England star Ellis Genge and Maku Vunipola who showed his potential as a nineteen year old. Local boy Scottish international Alan Sharp also anchored the scrum. More recently Bath’s Josh Bayliss found favour with the Scottish selectors after time with Clifton.

Further claims to the club’s international fame are that in 1881 James Alfred Bevan Became the first ever captain of Wales

Not only internationals but players of all standards are made welcome and details of preseason training for the 2024-25 campaign will be on the website

Roger Opie

n MESSAGE FROM POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

I will be visible and accountable to you

IT’S a privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve the people of South Gloucestershire as your newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.

My commitment to you was to be visible and accountable to all residents of Avon and Somerset, and I intend to fulfil this commitment now I have taken up this role. I will also be focused on the twin challenges of reducing crime and raising public confidence in our police.

I bring a wealth of experience to the role, gained from working across different sectors. I served as a Member of the European Parliament for our area, I worked at the heart of government in No. 10 Downing Street, and I was a trade union officer for over 20 years.

Prior to being elected to the PCC role, I was co-chief executive of an equality and human rights national charity. These roles have

given me a good understanding of how institutions work, and effective strategies for getting things done.

As your PCC, I will be tireless in speaking truth to power, calling out the uncomfortable, and above all, I will work to build a safer future for everyone. To do this, I will be working with community partners, police staff and police officers to understand and address the challenges we face – I am eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

In my time running up to the elections, the people of Avon and Somerset made their most pressing priorities clear to me. I heard that people want to see a greater connection to their local neighbourhood police and for their police service to address and reduce violent crime, particularly knife crime and male violence against women and girls. I also heard how people would like prevention of crime to be a higher priority, for the police service and

for others who run services within and for communities.

I am here to listen, and I am here to represent you. To do this, I need to truly understand how you feel and where you would like our police to prioritise their time and resources.

As I begin my term as your PCC, I will be getting out and about to hear from as many groups and individuals as I can across Avon and Somerset.

I’m also going to create a comprehensive Police and Crime Plan to address the evolving challenges in policing and to deliver lasting solutions.

I’m committed to actively listening to the concerns and priorities of residents – one way I will do this will be to run a public survey. The details for how you can take part will follow soon.

Please follow my office on our social media accounts for regular updates – you can find us

A YOUNG tennis coach from Henleaze has been recognised for his efforts by the national Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Tom Watson, 19, has been coaching youngsters through Thrive Tennis Coaching at Westbury Park Tennis Club since gaining qualifications in 2021. Having been nominated by his club, he has now been awarded the 2024 County Rising Star of the Year award for Avon by the LTA.

Currently on gap-year travels before taking up a place at Bath University to study maths, Tom missed the award ceremony, but there are plans for his award to be presented to him when he returns. He hopes to continue his tennis at university, but also to return in the holidays to coach back at the club.

on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn – search ASPCC.

I commit to being a PCC who stands for you, actively engaging with and understanding the diverse communities our police serve. Please reach out to me and my office with any concerns or suggestions you may have. For more information visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.

FEATURE

Aerospace Bristol and Cameron Balloons to celebrate Bristol’s hot air ballooning heritage this summer

‘Look up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will put hot air ballooning history on display, offer a behind-thescenes look at how hot air balloons are made, and give visitors the chance to enjoy a packed programme of family activities

From Britain’s first modern hot air balloon, the Bristol Belle, to the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta and the incredible colours and shapes that decorate the city’s skies each August, Bristol is the home of hot air ballooning in the UK.

This summer, Aerospace Bristol and Cameron Balloons will celebrate that heritage with a temporary exhibition at the museum and a special programme of hot air balloon themed activities running throughout the summer holiday.

‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will give museum visitors the chance to discover how and why hot air ballooning took off in Bristol, find out how Bedminster-based

n BOOKS

Cameron Balloons design and manufacture their amazing special shapes, and get hands-on with a range of hot air balloon themed activities.

Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, said:

"Aerospace Bristol tells a fascinating story of aviation achievements spanning more than a century, from the early days of powered flight to the supersonic Concorde and beyond. Thanks to this new partnership with Cameron Balloons, we’re excited to expand that story and celebrate hot air ballooning as an important part of our city’s rich aviation heritage.”

Jess Siggers, Marketing Manager of Cameron Balloons, said:

“Cameron Balloons are thrilled to be partnering with Aerospace Bristol this summer. Since our company’s inception in 1971, we’ve proudly created and built thousands of hot air balloons for pilots and operators around the world from our home of Bristol, born from the passion and vision of our founder, aeronautical engineer Don Cameron.

We’re looking forward to telling the story of Bristol’s ballooning heritage alongside Aerospace Bristol’s innovative ethos and

The Home Child by Liz

LIZ Berry is a poet and author raised in the Black Country. The Home Child is a novel written in verse, relating the story of her great aunt, Eliza Showell, who in 1908, at the age of 12, was sent from a children’s home in Birmingham to Nova Scotia in Canada.

Between 1860 and 1960, over 100,000 of Britain’s poorest and most vulnerable children were sent to Canada to work as indentured farm labourers and domestic servants. They were known as Home Children. Some like Eliza were orphans, but most were from families, who were unable to care for them due to poverty, illness or the loss of a working parent.

We follow Eliza’s story, starting with her childhood in a slum dwelling in Bilston, with images of earth spewing Sulphur and the pounding and hammering of men working in the steel furnaces

and the coal mines. She dreams of riding a horse bareback across a meadow, escaping the confines of the steelworks, the workhouse and the chapel.

When her sick mother dies, Eliza is separated from her two brothers and sent to live in a children’s home. From there she endures an eleven day voyage across the Atlantic to the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. She is sent to work at a farm owned by Mr & Mrs McPhail where she becomes Lizzie McPhail whose daily duties include rising afore cockcrow, lighting the fire, sloping the pigs, feeding the hens, cooking breakfast, washing the dishes, sweeping the floors, cooking supper, and tending to the bedridden Mrs McPhail.

In her free time, Lizzie finds solace in nature and animals, befriending a foal in the absence of any human companions. Her

Berry

life is transformed when a 14 year old boy called Daniel McFadden is sent to work at the farm. Eliza leaves him a pear on the step, he gives her a scarlet ribbon stolen from a local shop and they embark on a teenage romance, out of sight of their employers. This is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving novel, shedding light on a dark and shameful period of our history. The language is real and unflinching, infused with the dialect of the author’s native Black Country. You can find this novel, along with many others at your local library at 100 Gloucester Road. Please come and visit us and obtain a library card, giving you free internet access and the opportunity to borrow from an extensive catalogue of over two million books.

Review by Bob Deacon

educational qualities, celebrating the boundless possibilities of aviation together and hopefully introducing the joy and excitement of ballooning to some pilots of the future!”

‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will run from Wednesday 24th July to Sunday 1st September. The exhibition and activities are included with museum admission and Aerospace Bristol tickets include free return visits for 12 months.

Clifton Library opening hours

Monday 10am-2pm Tuesday 1pm-5pm Thursday 1pm-5pm Friday 10am-2pm Saturday 1pm-5pm

n WHAT'S ON

Wednesday June 19

n PUCCINI'S TRILOGY

The stories of the three shorter operas could not be more different. WNO Friends warmly invite you to the Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral for a talk by Ian Cartwright. 6.45 for 7.00 Easy parking, bar, Friends £8, Visitors £10

Further information from Melanie David, Tel: 01934 842014 email: melaniejdavid@btinternet.com

Saturday June 22

n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR'S SUMMER CONCERT will be a beautiful and entertaining mix of fun, thoughtful, poignant, and sensuous music, including secular works by Bob Chilcott, Cecilia McDowall, William Mathias, and George Shearing. 7.30pm, Redland Hall, Redmaid’s High School, BS9 3AW Tickets: £22 (reserved), £15 (unreserved), students & under 18s £1

Website: bristolbach.org.uk Tel: 0117 214 0721

Email: tickets@bristolbach.org.uk

Regular events

Various days 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, 1st June,5th June,19th June & 29th June

Visit www.bristolnordicwalking. co.uk or call Ros on 07886885213.

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. Café open 10-2 on 15 June and 13 July

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.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for further 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 at any meeting. 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 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 for more information and contact details.

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 10.30am12.30pm

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 to members. Visitors and new members will be given a warm welcome. 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). It’s not all Jam and Jerusalem, and we’re particularly keen to welcome members, young and not so young, who would like to meet like-minded women, mingle with a glass of wine and enjoy some varied and interesting talks. Visit our blog cliftonwi. blogspot.com for forthcoming events. For information 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 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. Used in healthcare to reduce stress. 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.

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

Friday

n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB. 5.45pm Grange Court Rd, by Newman Hall. Call 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@ henleazebowlingclub.org.uk

n U3A SCRABBLE GROUP meets at the Black Swan, Stoke Lane from 2 to 4pm. For more information, contact Anne on annestygall@gmail.com

n COMMUNITY NEWS

CITY VOICES CHOIR

THE choir are looking forward to their summer concert concert to be held on June 30 at All Saints Church, Pembroke Rd, Clifton. There’s a lively programme which covers a wide range of music, from vintage pop to English madrigals and includes an Elton John medley and a tribute to Oscar-winning film composer John Williams.

The summer concert is entitled ‘How wonderful life is’, a nod to musical hero Elton John. Sir Elton has been quoted as saying, “Just the noise you make, and the camaraderie…..it is the most lifeaffirming experience, singing in a choir.” All members of City Voices Bristol give a resounding “hear, hear!” to that. Tickets are available via Eventbrite or on the door at All Saints Church, Pembroke Rd, Clifton. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to come along to a rehearsal at Red Maids High School, Westbury on Trym at 7.15 pm on Monday evenings or visit the website www.cityvoicesbristol. org for more details.

ONE DAY CHOIR

A HUNDRED and twenty people joined together at Trinity-Henleaze United Reformed Church to learn and then sing the song One Day which raised £810 for the Red Cross.

The plan to use the song, with its theme of peace and unity in a war-torn world, was masterminded by music teacher and former headteacher, John Searle, who was inspired by a conversation about One Day with local care worker Christine Khalif.

“With there being so much death and destruction going on in the world we wanted to create a collective expression of compassion from anyone who wanted to join in whether they had any religious affiliations or not” says John, an Elder at the church.

In just an hour those who came, including choir members from around Bristol as well as those with no singing experience, were rehearsed by John with the aid of a backing band and screens displaying the words. Some of the verses were sung in Arabic and Hebrew. After a final run through their efforts were recorded.

Those who came were encouraged to watch a series of videos of the song being sung around the world by following this link: https:??www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XqvKDCP5-xE Stan Hazell

HENLEAZE OPEN GARDENS

THE Henleaze Society is hosting an Open Gardens Day on Sunday 9 June (1.30- 5.30pm). Eight gardens in and around the Henleaze area will be open - free of charge - to Society members. Many hosts will be collecting for their favourite charities and providing refreshments in addition to selling plants.

Chair Helen Furber said: “This year we are welcoming two new garden hosts. We anticipate hundreds of people visiting the gardens. Many will also take advantage of some excellent refreshments, in addition to purchasing plants. We hope that current and new members will enjoy the event – whether they choose to visit one or all of the gardens.”

Annual membership of The Henleaze Society, covering everyone in your household, is £5 (or £7.50 including postage if outside the Henleaze area).

Find out more at https://www. henleazesociety.co.uk To join the Society email ths.newsletter@ gmail.com.

BRISTOL BOTANIC GARDEN

A GARDEN gifted to Bristol by its Chinese twin city Guangzhou has been unveiled at the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden.

The garden, which was crowned Best in Show at the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, is said to leadi the way in environmental sustainability.

It was formally opened by the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Evelyn Welch and Mr Li Liyan, Minister Counsellor for Cultural Affairs, from the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

The garden highlights the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly water, and how planners must work in harmony with nature to better connect people with the natural world.

Inspired by the holistic landscape stewardship programme of environmental planners in Guangzhou, the garden features a pool of water, trees, shrubs, shelters, green foliage, and moisture loving perennials including plants in the ginger family.

Spoil heap removed from Downs at last

A HUGE heap of rubble and soil contaminated with lead has been removed from Clifton Downs exactly a year after it was left there.

The heap was the result of work on a children’s playground near the Clifton Suspension Bridge. In May last year workmen were drilling drainage into the solid rock below the playground to prevent it from being a quagmire every winter.

As part of the original bid the

Cliftonvoice

contractors said they would take out the residue topsoil and spread it over the Downs.

“When it was taken out it was discovered that it was contaminated with lead. It’s not dangerous but obviously it could not be spread around the Downs, ” said Cll=. Paula O’Rourke, a Green councillor for Clifton ward.

“The engineering project has worked very well. It has certainly been tested

this very wet winter. However, trace contamination has meant the soil and rock has had to be disposed of in a more complicated way than usual.l”

The rubble and soil was taken to a landfill site. The spoil heap was on one of the new wildflower beds which have been planted on various parts of the Downs.

“We have spoken to the Downs ranger to ensure that the land is restored to its previous condition, ” said Cllr O’Rourke.

07982 196 197 @kts.electrical info@kts-electrical.co.uk