The Knowledge - Issue 84 by Knowle West

THE

For the residents of Filwood and parts of

Knowle & Windmill Hill

ISSUE 84 MAY - AUGUST 2019

Skemer's boxing club in new home p5 Filwood Fantastic funds! p3 New school in Knowle West p3 Young Heroes Awards p19

www.knowlewest.co.uk

KNOWL DGE

THANKS TO: the Newsletter Steering Group and Knowle West Media Centre (Sue Mackinnon - Editor and Community Journalism Tutor, Bart Blazejewski - Designer). All articles express the views of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Steering Group or KWMC.

Printed on recycled paper with vegetable inks by Doveton Press

A word from us As we go to press the news has just broken that local project Filwood Fantastic has been awarded up to £200,000 for three years -to creatively transform Filwood Community Centre and Broadway (p3). This is a shining example of a successful resident-led initiative and definitely ‘fantastic’ news for the area. There has also been £25 million of government money agreed for a new secondary school next to The Park in Daventry Road – and for the construction of a new centre there to replace the outdated 1970s buildings (p3). The past few months also saw the launch of Knowle West Alliance (p7) and Skemer's new boxing club venue (p5). And in April Knowle West bakery Step and Stone, which works with young adults with learning disabilities, won £50,000 of National Lottery funding (p10). This has been an issue of good news - with five young people from Youth Moves scooping awards at Bristol Young Heroes (p19). My personal favourite piece is Levi Hodge’s inspiring story of how he turned his life around to win the High Sheriff Award (p11). The Knowledge wants to congratulate him and all the young people for their achievements. Thanks to everyone who filled out a Knowledge survey, results (p14). This will really help us to improve the magazine and to apply for funding to keep it going. Wishing you all a great summer.

Sue Mackinnon Editor

Council policy on old lampposts reversed The council’s policy of taking down old lampposts in parts of Bristol and moving them to ‘heritage’ parts of the city is to be reversed. This follows an outcry after historic cast iron 1930s lampposts were removed from Beckington Road in Knowle at the end of March. The story hit the national headlines after residents approached the media and complained to local councillors and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees. The policy of stripping assets from South Bristol to put in more fashionable areas such as Clifton and Redland caused outrage. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees has since announced he has reversed the policy and if lampposts need refurbishing they will be put back in their original place rather than moved to other areas of the city to maintain the heritage look.

New housing planned for Knowle West The site of Broad Plain on Broadbury Road is being developed by Curo and a pre-application for planning has been submitted to Bristol City Council for 47 homes - this is due to start public consultation. The site of the former Filwood Swimming Pool is being developed by Livewest which is working up a scheme for 33 homes. When the layout has been agreed a preapplication will be submitted. It was previously hoped the site would be used for a supermarket – but Bristol City Council was unable to find any retailers to take the space.

Call: 0117 903 0444 Email: theknowledge@kwmc.org.uk Write to us at KWMC, Leinster Avenue, Bristol BS4 1 NL

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Copy deadline: Friday 12 July Newsletter delivered from: Monday 19 August

Homes for Heroes 100 To mark 100 years of council estates in the city - Bristol Cultural Development Partnership is running a year-long programme of heritage research and creative activities . Homes for Heroes 100 will be celebrating the council estate and its residents across the city – including Knowle West. It is funded from an £80,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant and £80,000 matched funding from the city council, Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) has just selected three artists to work on the project “100 years of Knowle West Style”. Former resident of 50 years and health walk leader, Cheryl Martin, will also be working with KWMC to create a series of neighbourhood walks. Visit www.kwmc.org.uk, see page 21.

My Wild City project Avon Wildlife Trust has secured money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its My Wild City project. The three-year project started on 1 May in partnership with Bristol City Council. The Trust will be working on eight local wildlife sites in different neighbourhoods – including Knowle West’s Northern Slopes and sites in Hengrove and Hartcliffe. People of all ages will have more opportunities to explore and learn about the plants and animals in each local wildlife site - as well as develop the skills to help care for them in the future. To get involved in the project email mywildcity@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

National Living and Minimum Wage Campaign The government’s National Living and Minimum Wage Campaign aims to make sure the UK’s lowest paid workers receive the correct rates of pay. Following the rise in rates on 1 April, the government is encouraging workers at risk of not being paid correctly to speak to their employer or complain to HMRC. For full details visit www.checkyourpay. campaign.gov.uk

Help with Universal Credit Bristol Citizens Advice has launched a new service to help people make their first Universal Credit claim. It is running a Help to Claim drop-in every Thursday morning from 9.30 to 11.30am at its Fairfax Street office. People can also access support via referrals, freephone: 0800 144 8 444 or webchat: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ helptoclaim

@Bubz54 Knowle West #HomeForHearos100 a city-wide project marking a century of council housing! Celebrate Knowle West’s culture, style &, stories & be part of what goes down in History. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A LIST OF QUESTIONS AND ANY FURTHER ENQUIRES MESSAGE ME ASAP

News

£25 million for new secondary school and community centre in Knowle West

he building of a new secondary school and community hub in Knowle West is a step closer – after a contract was signed in April. The proposed government-funded 900-place school will be run by Oasis Academy, with six forms of entry. It will be built on the site of the old Merrywood School in Daventry Road – and as part of the proposal The Park Centre will have a new community building next to the school. The plans which were passed by Bristol City Council’s cabinet in March represent an investment of £25 million in the area – which includes £4.45 million to The Park for the new building. As part of the plan, the council will release the covenant on land off neighbouring Tavistock Road to allow it to be sold to build 12 affordable houses – with the money going to The Park. Negotiations have been taking place between the Department of Education and The Park to agree a deal – which will give the charity a 150 year lease to

ensure the long-term future of the community centre. The Park is home to over 40 organisations including charities, social enterprises and local businesses, employing more than 100 people. It is currently housed in old 1970s school buildings on a 15 acre site - and has been concerned about increasing annual maintenance costs. The Park will now discuss the new building design and functionality with local people - before preparing its planning application for the new centre. Chair of Trustees David Freed said: "This deal has provided us with a timely opportunity to secure our future and will also provide a much needed secondary school for our community.” Construction of the new centre is planned for early 2020 to enable the secondary school to be built. The Department of Education will confirm an opening date for the school once planning is granted. The Park will move into its new buildings in spring 2021.

Knowle Lib Dem councillor Gary Hopkins said the new school was very important for the area and although pupils were outperforming up to the end of primary school: “…Our children in Knowle have been disadvantaged by not having a secondary school in Knowle for a number of years…” He said there would also be a huge environmental advantage from children and parents not having to travel long distances. In 2016 Bristol Grammar School applied to sponsor a 1,000 place non-selective secondary school in Knowle but the plans were rejected by the Department for Education.

Creative funds to transform Filwood

Broadway – such as street furniture, lighting and signs. Spaces within the centre will also be improved, including furnishings and fittings for the main hall. There is also money for local people to start their own creative groups, clubs or run a themed event. Residents will also have plenty of opportunities to take part in dance, drama and community radio as well as arts and crafts and design activities.

Becky, a local resident who was part of the group who helped to design Filwood Fantastic says: “…It's amazing the project will have such a positive impact for the area with lots of things going on. I am so glad I was a part of it from the beginning.” Local councillor Chris Jackson says: “It’s a great opportunity for the area and residents. Wonderful how we have managed to get a large funded

Residents, workers and volunteers at Filwood Community Centre have been celebrating after securing a grant of up to £200,000 for the area for the next three years. The money will be used to creatively enhance both the centre - managed by Community in Partnership Knowle West - and the outside Broadway. The project, named Filwood Fantastic, will be led by local people and residents are being urged to get involved. The Big Lottery Fund, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch), the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Local Trust are working with 14 communities in the UK to deliver this Creative Civic Change. The partnership fund will "support communities to lead arts and creative projects that realise their own visions for their areas.” Project Lead Makala Cheung of Filwood Community Centre says: “The fund will be used to transform local spaces using creativity in order to bring people together, grow local pride, change perceptions about the area and nurture, support and showcase local creative talents.” The project will include designing and making new features for Filwood

Celebrations: Filwood Fantastic launches at the community centre. Picture Marcus Way.

Further match funding is being sought to take some of the ideas further - including a regular Filwood Market, crazy golf and Knowle West’s own version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame along the Broadway. Knowle West Media Centre and KWMC:The Factory will be supporting residents in the co-design with creative workshops. Other partnerships include Base Radio, Tobacco Factory Theatres and Circomedia.

programme in Filwood and things are looking up for the future!” To get involved in Filwood Fantastic call Makala on 0117 9149216 (Tues-Thurs), email makala@filwoodcentre.org.uk or visit filwoodcentre.org.uk to see the full programme as things are announced.

@bristol247 "Knowle West is full of fantastic people and community energy - this is a great opportunity to tap into that energy," says Melissa Mean of @knowlewestmedia: Creating positive change in Knowle West.The community has been awarded up to £200,000

News

Ilminster Nursery hits headlines for taking away its toys A local nursery has hit the headlines for removing all its toys – to encourage children to be more creative. Ilminster Avenue Specialist Nursery school replaced all its traditional toys with recycled items - from tin cans and bottle tops to cardboard boxes and train tickets – in a month-long experiment. The idea came from Acting Head Teacher Matt Caldwell, who has 25 years experience of early years teaching, basing

Parking Buddies School of Christ the King has taken action to improve pupil safety and stop parents parking on yellow lines – by placing Parking Buddies on the street. They are one of 11 schools in the city to trial the “little people” - cut out models of children with red jumpers to match the school uniform. The message on the Parking Buddies is clear: “Show you care, park elsewhere”. Lollipop patrol Carina Harvey says: “So far so good, they seem to be working.

Plans to tackle air pollution in Bristol Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK - with around 300 deaths in Bristol a year linked to poor air quality mainly from road traffic. A recent report from the World Health Organisation shows Bristol to be in the list of the 47 most polluted towns and cities in the UK - with 10 micrograms per cubic metre of fine particle emissions in the city's air. Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause chronic conditions such as cardio-vascular and respiratory diseases as well as lung cancer. Bristol City Council has already missed two government deadlines to provide a final plan setting out how it would comply with legal limits for nitrogen dioxide - or face legal action. But it says it will submit an outline case by September and a full business case by the end of the year. The local authority has been slammed by the Green Party and environmental groups for the delay and also been petitioned by healthcare professionals.

it on the model used in German kindergartens. He said it was not about depriving pupils but about going “back to basics” to help them use their imaginations more – and proving they didn’t need “shiny, expensive, electronic plastic things to have fun and be a child.” Staff, parents and children all took up the challenge for the No Toys project at the 230-place nursery which caters for two-four-year-olds. Lego, train sets and plastic dinosaurs were all locked away in the storeroom in favour of lollipop sticks, metal pans and wooden spoons. Matt told The Knowledge: “After a month we found that the children had been talking and socialising more and playing in a different way to before. “Parents provided us with a wide variety of things from carpet rolls to

house keys to pallets which we all played with using our imaginations and creativity. “We also had a lot of interest from the media and ended up on the local news, national radio and in the national press! It’s amazing what playing with a cardboard box can do!” The month has proved so popular the nursery is now deciding whether to extend the project in some of the classrooms.

They all love them the parents and the children. “There has been a problem with people parking up on the pavements and pulling up on the zig zag causing obstruction or using the loading bays…” The little people have caused a lot of attention and the school recently featured on Radio Bristol. Staff have reported that within just two weeks there has been a “huge improvement.”

But in a letter to Environment Minister Therese Coffey in February, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said he was committed to improving the city’s air quality. He said initial proposals to address the issue “risk compounding the challenges we face tackling equality and economic exclusion” and could “undermine our economic strength”. In March a report submitted to Bristol City Council’s cabinet outlined five separate options for a Clean Air Zone, including plans for small or medium-sized charging zones that would either affect all vehicles, or exempt cars. There was also the option of introducing a non-charging Clean Air Zone. The council is also looking to invest more in sustainable transport, securing 110 clean bio-gas buses last year, and plans to retrofit the city’s oldest polluting buses. A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We are working on proposals to go out to consultation in the summer, with a view to a Cabinet decision in

September to submit an outline business case to Government. “We are committed to tackling air pollution in a way that protects public health and reaches compliance with legal standards, while maintaining our aims to build a city where nobody is left behind.’’ For more information visit www.cleanairforbristol.org Clair City provides an air pollution map of Bristol with the data being collected by the council. Visit www.claircity.eu

Clean Air Day

Clean Air day falls on 20 June – with a host of community activities planned for across the city. The national campaign is organised by Global Action plan. To find out about events in the area or to register an event visit www.cleanairday.org.uk

@BristolHealthP In @BristolCouncil's recent #QualityofLife survey, tackling transport was Bristol citizens’ biggest concern and has been for the last 3 years. @zoetw and @ZoeBanksGross blog on the solution: "The answer is #activetravel – basically #walking and #cycling."

News

Plans passed for £100 million Broadwalk redevelopment Plans for the £100 million redevelopment of Broadwalk shopping centre have been given the go-ahead by Bristol City Council – which will include 420 new flats. Developers Pelican will knock down the car park which has concrete cancer and replace it with a mainly underground one. A mixed use scheme will include 40-50 shops as well as restaurants and bars in a piazza opening onto Redcatch Park. The sale of the new flats in up to 12 storeys will help fund the development – but only 56 of these will be affordable housing. Of these 43 homes will be for social rent and 13 for shared ownership.

Community supports boxing club launch By Lewis Campbell It has been a long arduous battle – but Skemer’s Amateur Boxing Club finally opened the doors of its new home in Knowle West to the public in March. The local community turned out in force to support the new gym in the Jubilee Hall on Wedmore Vale – and find out about classes on offer. At time of going to press, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees was due to visit the club on the evening of 29 May – with members being invited to come and meet him. The Knowledge has been following this story since Chris Winters (known locally as Skemer) was given notice by The Park Centre in 2017 to leave his former club at Tavistock Road.

Plans revealed for £300m campus The University of Bristol has revealed plans for its new 300 million state-ofthe-art campus at Temple Quarter. A series of public events and online survey has been gathering feedback on plans for the seven-acre campus near Bristol Temple Meads station. The first phase of the public consultation looked at the design of the student accommodation arranged

The eightstrong planning committee unanimously passed the plans in March – but the proposals have split the community – with 171 people supporting them and 284 objecting. Laura Chapman from Ryde Road spoke on behalf of some Knowle residents who were concerned about the height of the 12 storey buildings which could overshadow nearby houses. She also said the large numbers of flats were “hyper density.” Other residents were concerned that services such as doctors surgeries and schools would be overwhelmed, although both have said they could cope with the extra numbers. A petition started by traders at the ailing shopping centre now has over 3,000 signatures in favour of the redevelopment – which they hope will prevent the centre from having to The organisation said it was having to sell the land “to secure its future”. Skemer tried unsuccessfully to raise £300,000 to buy the land. After over a year of searching for another building as well as contacting councillors and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees – he was granted the lease to the club’s new home at Jubilee Hall last November. The launch was well attended by local people – and guests included Bristol’s former world boxing champion Glenn Catley. Glenn said: “…What Chris has done for the kids in the community over the years is phenomenal and it’s only right that he’s been rewarded with this building. Now he can carry on doing the great work that he’s been doing for many, many years to come…” Other boxers attending included Skemer’s son, Duane The Gasman Winters - who is bantam-weight Southern Area champion. in three buildings up to 21 storeys high “wrapped around a central courtyard” and the layout of the whole site. A second public consultation in July and August will include the design of the academic buildings and public spaces on the site of the former cattle market and sorting office – where demolition started in January. A number of changes have been made following feedback. These include all student accommodation being located on Temple Island, two buildings on the cattle market site

close. A further blow was struck when Wilko recently announced it was pulling out in September. Operation manager for Pelican, Frances Hilton, said the new plan would provide a vibrant mixed use development and support up to 500 jobs. After concerns about parking issues in nearby streets, Broadwalk has also said the development would financially support a new Residents’ Parking Zone if residents wanted. The detailed plans will come back to future planning committees – and residents were urged at the meeting to keep making their views known. Visit www.regeneratingbroadwalk.co.uk

Boxers lend their support: L to r: Rocky Chakir, Glenn Catley, Skemer, Jacob Croot and Luke Clayfield.

Skemer, whose motto is “always believe” told The Knowledge: “ ...It’s been a year of battling to get this place but, fair play to Marvin Rees. I must thank him and the community because we couldn’t have done it without the community’s support…” As well as his usual boxing and anti-bullying classes, Skemer’s plans include new sessions in mixed gender and women’s boxing as well as Muay Thai, yoga and judo. Visit Facebook: Skemer Winters for more details. instead of three – to allow for more public spaces – and better pedestrian and cycle paths through the site. The university says the ground floor of the buildings will feature a 24-hour student hub along with commercial outlets, such as shops, bars and cafes. Work is due to start in 2020 – and the university hopes to welcome its first students in 2022. Visit www.bristol.ac.uk/templequarter-campus to view the plans

@NeilMaggs2 Having benefitted from #boxing myself, I am so pleased to see @wintersSkemer’s gym open. Physical fitness, #mentalhealth, discipline, respect, self control. Great our #WorldChampion @GlennCatley has been part of the journey. #KnowleWest. Another great Bristol story

Your community

Herbs and history By Jim Smith

www.knowlewest.co.uk

police report :

Anti-social behaviour on the Northern Slopes By PC PC Neal Scarborough I’m writing this article after our Easter heatwave. It didn’t last long but I hope you all enjoyed the bank holiday. Looking out of the office window I can see stormy clouds over Knowle and feel a chilly breeze. Perfect conditions I’m told for planting shrubs in the recently renovated area of the Northern Slopes. If you have never been to the Northern Slopes you’re missing out. It’s a popular spot for dog walkers, nature lovers and somewhere just to get away from the busy day to day life of South Bristol. Bristol City Council has spent a lot of time and money improving the site however, it is prone to some occasional anti-social behaviour (ASB). Off-road motorbikes have been using the open space to the annoyance of others. They also risk damaging newly planted trees and shrubs. Please help us to protect this area for the continued enjoyment of everyone. If you have information about who rides the bikes and where they store them, please get in contact. You can call the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you are caught riding a motorbike in the park you face a minimum of six points and a £300 fine. And we can seize the bike.

Want an inside look into policing in your community? The Knowle and Filwood Beat Team is running a Citizens’ Academy programme. Starting on 19 June, we are holding five evening sessions at The Park, Daventry Road - giving you a

Jim Smith appeared in The Knowledge at the end of 2016 when he first established his Dig for Victory garden – reminiscent of the vegetable patches in the Second World War – and medicinal herb garden at The Park in Daventry Road. He gives an update on these two historic gardens.

Since I last appeared in The Knowledge things have taken off in Filwood Chase History Society’s Herb and Dig for Victory site. The raised bed where I was photographed has been dismantled, this means I have had to relocate the Dig for Victory garden into the courtyard. Since being there it has been a greater success than before. It’s a better site for rhubarb, strawberries, leeks, potatoes, Jerusalem and globe artichokes than the previous location (too shady). The herbs have matured and I can show people round the courtyard to explain the uses of the plants. Sage – leaves contain an antiseptic as well as being used in cooking. Foxglove plants – used for heart conditions. Hypericum – for depression. Horseradish – roots used to make sauce. The plants are next to the two archive rooms of Filwood Chase History Society containing maps, books and models of well known buildings all to do with the Bristol area. You are welcome to browse round, ask questions and look at items if you wish. unique insight into how we work. Guest speakers will talk about use of force, ASB, cybercrime, forensics and other topics. If you are interested, please email CitizensAcademy@avonandsomerset. pnn.police.uk. This is a great opportunity to see what we do. Hope to see you there.

Knowle West Alliance update By Community Development Worker Emily Smith Grant giving We have had a very busy couple of months and are really starting to get out into the community. We had our first round of grant giving and four local schools presented and received £100 each for their chosen projects. The children who presented were amazing, the projects fantastic and more importantly will all improve Knowle West. The next round of funding in May has already had quite a number of groups interested - so look out for news of successful ones on our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/KWAlliance. Alliance Facebook The Facebook page is going well with over 500 of you following it already, I’m looking for local residents who like using Facebook to help add local stories about the area, currently it can vary from pictures of a lovely front garden to awful fly-tipping, be a visit to a group or share information about what is happening locally. Get in touch if you want to help out. Alliance launch In March we had our official launch which was great. You never know how many people will turn up - but we had a full room, with great local speakers, local dancers and delicious buffet by local residents Kevin and Kerri. The evening finished with residents bringing up local topics to discuss in small groups - which ranged from a market on Filwood Broadway, fly-tipping and bulky waste to creating a community BBQ and a befriending scheme. Conversation hour I would like to run the conversation hour again throughout the community - so keep an eye out not just for the events but for ideas you can raise, as it’s your community. We can no longer expect the council to do all the things they used to - so have to think about ways we can do things for ourselves and our community. For more information about the Alliance email emily.smith@kwalliance. co.uk or call me at Knowle West Media Centre on 0117 903 0444. See Alliance launch p 7.

@lilytgreen Views from the Northern Slopes in Knowle West. On my way to record episode 2 of We Can Make Chat Show with @Makala Cheung John Bennett @knowlewestmedia @WeCanMakeHomes talking housing solutions and “What would the neighbours say?”

Your community Goodbye to Alex By Lewis Campbell In April we said goodbye to Community Development Worker Alex North - who spent much of his time connecting residents to create stronger community cohesion in Knowle West. Alex, who featured in the last Knowledge talking about his role, spent almost three years working in Knowle West. He has now taken up an exciting post in East Bristol where he will be managing The Network Project at Barton Hill Settlement. He says: “I’ve really enjoyed my time working here and will always have a strong connection with this community. There are a lot of amazing things going on which I feel lucky to have been part of. I am sad to leave - but I do it knowing that there are some great people driving positive change in the area. “Having knocked hundreds of doors over the past couple of years I know there is a huge amount of skill and expertise behind every door, people just don’t realise how much power they have to make change happen...” Alex feels one of his greatest achievements is “one small conversation” in summer 2016 - that resulted in the Filwood Boulevard idea and changed how “some local people felt about their ability to make a difference in the area.” He has most enjoyed “getting my hands dirty and being useful where I can” as well as challenging the way people feel about themselves and the community - and the Man Alive breakfast. “It has been a privilege to get to know so many people in the area… There are lots of people who have inspired me, challenged me and taught me how to be a useful community worker and a better person and I will miss you all!” We would like to thank Alex for his great work and wish him the best of luck in his next role and for the future.

Launch of Knowle West Alliance

nowle West Alliance was officially launched at The Park Centre at the end of March – with entertainment, speakers and a resident open forum. The Alliance is a group of local organisations and residents which has come together to work to improve the local area. With its mission: “rooted in the community, growing for the future” – organisations involved are Filwood Community Centre (Community in Partnership), Knowle West Health Park (KWHP) and re:store as well as Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) and The Park. Alliance Development Worker Emily Smith has been recruited to work with residents in the community and led the introductions. She said: “The aim of this event is to launch it officially and have a range of residents and organisations coming together to find out more…” During the evening attendees were also asked to pledge their support or get involved if they wished. CEO of KWHP, Heather Williams, told the gathered crowd they wanted the Alliance to “build on the strengths and skills” of the community” and for Knowle West to be “the best place to live.” Other speakers included resident Ian Watt who spoke about the importance of local people getting involved – so they could “have a voice and say” about their community. And Levi Hodge, described how he had got into trouble as a teenager and managed to turn his life around with the help of Youth Moves at The Park. The final part of the night was the open forum fielded by Community Development Worker Alex North who took suggestions for “things to be done locally to make this place an even stronger community.” These were then discussed in small groups – and included tackling isolation, a Knowle West market and the future of Filwood Library. The next step for the Alliance is to give out community grants of £100 for groups and individuals to improve the area. For more information visit www.facebook.com/ KWAlliance/ or email emily.smith@kwalliance.co.uk Full story and pictures www.knowlewest.co.uk

Get involved in Knowle West Fest Knowle West Fest is back on Saturday 7 September – and looking for local people to get involved. This is the festival’s fifth year and the theme will be “Cultures of Knowle West”. The event promises a host of activities for all ages at Filwood Community Centre - along with live music, evening DJs and a disco. Makala Cheung from Community in Partnership Knowle West (CIPKW), which runs the community centre, will be leading on the event for the second year. She says: “Residents, creatives, performers, stall holders are welcome with the theme of local and culture. "Residents are also welcome to be involved in making decisions and helping volunteer to organise and run the event…”

Visit www.knowlewest.co.uk for full stories.

Chinese fan dancer at last year’s festival. Picture Tanya Hazell. Meetings to plan the festival are being held at Filwood Community Centre on Barnstaple Road on the second Wednesday of the month from 1-2pm, and evenings are also possible on request. The event will run from 1-8pm. To get involved contact makala@filwoodcentre. org.uk, call 0117 9149216 or message Knowle West Fest on Facebook.

Your community

Slopes survey initial results solutions to fly tipping and litter

www.knowlewest.co.uk

he Northern Slopes Initiative has issued a thank you to those who responded to its recent survey on the nature reserve and vision for the Slopes in 2030. The group, which voluntarily maintains the area, is currently looking at all responses – but says one of the main concerns people have is fly tipping and litter on the Slopes. Chair of the Northern Slopes Initiative (NSI) Bob Franks said: “We are not surprised that complaints about fly tipping and litter is one of the strongest responses we received. “We are hearing that it puts people, especially families with young children, off visiting the Slopes.

Matthew Tree seeks allotment volunteers A crisis support charity based on Filwood Broadway is looking for volunteers to help out on its allotment sites and learn gardening skills. The Matthew Tree Project (TMTP) helps people in food poverty and supports them through addiction recovery, debt and housing issues through its Rebuilding Lives programme. The charity has plots on the Talbot Road allotments and the Hartcliffe City farm site and is seeking volunteers for a new project. Rosa Beesley from TMTP says: "Our vision is that the spaces will offer therapeutic opportunities and vocational skills training to tackle the long-term unemployment within our client group, as well as being a productive growing space to supplement the food we give out at our Rebuilding Lives support centres." Working with organic principles, volunteers will learn about food growing methods and gardening practices that encourage biodiversity. Drop-in sessions are being held from 12-4pm every Thursday at the Talbot Road plot. To find out more about the food growing project contact Rosa by email rosa.beesley@the-matthew-tree-project. org or call 0785 093 5910.

“This is really bad news, especially as initiatives such as My Wild Child, who had over 50 parents and young children on the Bommie recently, are encouraging more and more people to use the Slopes to help with their health and wellbeing.” He said the NSI would be investigating practical solutions to the problem, including working with volunteers as well as the city council and Bristol Waste. Bob added: “The most obvious solution would be for people not to fly tip and take litter home with them.” People can report fly tipping and litter problems on the Slopes – or other council owned parks and green

spaces by visiting: www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parkssports-culture/report-problem-in-park

Schools take over Berry Maze

Two local schools, Parson Street and Oasis Marksbury Road have also started to use the maze for educational purposes. One of the organisers, Raluca McKett, who had the first vision for the project says: “…The most exciting development is that the maze is finally becoming what it was always meant to be - a little natural hub for the local children…” Both schools have taken responsibility for raspberry plots and have regular working sessions at the maze. Parson Street School which came up with the winning design for the maze is having regular sessions with its Green Team there. Head of the school’s Eco Team Finette Devrell says: “…Their actions are helping build a better community that's a powerful thing. Quite apart from that, the kids just love getting into the dirt and their enthusiasm for weeding is infectious.” To get involved in this community project email the Malago Greenway Project at our.berry.maze@gmail.com.

It's been a year and a half since a derelict piece of land between Marksbury Road and Parson Street transformed into a Berry Maze of over 250 plants. The Malago Greenway Project - which brought the community together to donate time, money and skills to create the maze - has now

Parson Street Primary School pupils help out at the maze.

partnered with Urban Buzz and Buglife to create a “pollinator’s heaven” there with 500 types of wild flower as ground cover.

Get Growing Garden Trail Bristol’s eighth Get Growing Garden Trail will be held across the city on weekends throughout June – with 32 fruit and vegetable gardens open. This is the chance to explore the city’s community allotments, smallholdings and mini market gardens as well as city farms, orchards and productive parks. Locally Malago Berry Maze will be open on Saturday 10 June,

The Green Gym picking up rubbish on the Slopes.

10am-1pm and Redcatch Community Garden and Let’s Grow Community Allotment (Andover Road) on the weekend of 22 and 23 June. Redcatch will open its gates from 10am-4pm and Let’s Grow 12-3pm. Bramble Farm on the Northern Slopes, which was set up 11 years ago by celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley– Whittingstall with local families, will be open on Saturday 22 June, 12-4pm. For full details and times visit: www.bristolfoodnetwork.org

@bristolnoise  Love seeing glimpse of a project clearance in Knowle West during #thenoise2019. Great job team!!

Your community

Memorial ceremony for Vicky

www.knowlewest.co.uk

memorial ceremony was held for a beloved staff member at Knowle West Health Park in March which included putting up a plaque and planting a Japanese Cherry Blossom tree. The ceremony - attended by past and present colleagues, family and friends - was held in memory of Vicky Martin who died last year at the age of 50 and was known for her sense of humour and fun-loving personality. Chief Executive of Knowle West Health Park Company, Heather Williams writes: Vicky started work with us in March 2010 and was our senior admin assistant. Obviously her death was so shocking to us as a staff team and Board members - and it is still difficult to believe it has happened. We wanted to do something to mark her impact at the Health Park. We have had so many lovely messages from people who came into contact with her. We purchased the tree from Bristol City Council (BCC) Blaise Nursery. John Atkinson from BCC was brilliant and gave us great support

Inclusive youth club at Filwood An inclusive youth club is now running weekly in Filwood – offering activities for both disabled and non-disabled young people. Run by West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL) and funded by Children in Need - the club for 13 – 19s moved from Inns Court Community Centre in January and has just increased its hours. Activities include board games, table tennis and making classes as well as the chance to learn to cook and then eat together as a group. This is one of three groups in Bristol which aim to “promote socialising, confidence, self-esteem and the building of relationships between young people.” WECIL Youth Lead Katie HanchardGoodwin explains: “It gives them the

Former Chief Executive of Knowle West Health Park Company, Vicky Morris (left) with current staff by the newly planted tree.

and advice about the best type of tree to choose. Holly Paton came along on the day to supervise the planting. re:work, especially Phil, Mark and Jane - have been so amazing in their support - advising as to where it could go, digging the hole, putting up the plaque and agreeing to care for the tree post plant. Vicky meant a lot to them as well. I invited Jim Smith to the event as the local tree champion, he was pleased that another tree was being put in the area. Vicky’s husband, Steve, chose the planting date and we couldn’t have chosen better weather for the event in between storm Freya and storm Gareth! KWHP staff pulled out all of the stops to provide an array of home baked cakes and provide a packet of crisps (Vicky’s favourite snack). Staff designed the plaque, which included some plagiarised song

words. Vicky loved music and singing in the office and it was fitting to choose a song quote that she was often heard to sing. We are so thankful to Chris Ingram from KWMC: The Factory for understanding our Word document design and producing such a lovely plaque. Thank you to everyone who came along to the tree planting and sent through kind messages of support. Vicky was a tiny lady and not in the best of health but her legacy has been proven since her sudden death in May 2018. The tree and plaque are a constant reminder of the fun she provided.

opportunity to socialise and move towards independence… “A lot of the young people here are non-verbal so it gives their parents a break and it’s an opportunity to work on things like communication… "We have had siblings that have attended and parents can and do stay - it is something the family can do together…” Katherine Summerhayes from Knowle West has been bringing her son Liam (16) who has autism and epilepsy for the past four months. She says: “He likes mixing, playing different games and loves cooking.

It’s a bit of a break for the whole family and Liam gets the independence…. They’ve closed his other youth club, so I think more groups in the area would be a good thing…” The Inclusive Youth Club runs every Thursday at Filwood Community Centre from 7-9pm. To join contact Matt Peal matt.peall@wecil.co.uk or 0779 544 6317, or just turn up to register.

@KnowleWestHealt #Panorama health is all of our business, what can we do to help ourselves before we visit a GP? There are lots of great resources in your community @KnowleWestHealt #knowlewestalliance

Local stories www.knowlewest.co.uk

Knowle West bakery which works with young adults with learning disabilities has just won £50,000 of National Lottery Funding as part of The People’s Projects. Step and Stone Able Bakers is based at The Park in Daventry Road and teaches up to 25 young people the skills they need to get into work – as well as providing the chance to socialise. The social enterprise - which has won awards for its produce - was started by Jane Chong and Jane Kippax, who both have a child with Downs Syndrome Their aim was to help “raise perceptions” about people with learning disabilities. Jane Chong explains: “Although young people are leaving school with some really great qualifications, so many people with a learning disability still struggle to find a paid job.We see absolutely no reason why this should be so and part of what we would like to do is show everyone just how capable people with a learning disability are.” The grant will now go towards paying for two full-time members of staff so baking can continue five days a week with up to 60 young people. Some of the money will also be going towards supporting social activities. The ladies say: “Making social connections is hugely important for everybody and we feel our youngsters should have every opportunity to

re:work is 20 By Community Reporter Ian Watt Charity re:work is celebrating 20 years in Knowle West running environmental projects from re-use to energy saving and helping young people "get back on track." Starting out on the site where The Park is now, the organisation was formerly called South Bristol Community Construction Company (SBCCC). It moved to its current office on Filwood Broadway in 2001 and started offering gardening contracts under the name Grow and Mow (now re:grow). On the opposite side of the Broadway re:store was opened in 2003, taking donated items of furniture and renovating and revamping them to sell in the shop. The organisation changed its name to re:work in 2005 “because SBCCC didn't fit any more.” Chief Executive Vicky Beckwith has been with the organisation for 11 years and says although they also work with adults in the community – a key role is helping young people facing the potential of

Bakery “raising perceptions” wins funding By Community Reporter Kasia Groves

participate in a regular, diverse set of activities. Just the same as any other young person.” Step and Stone became a reality in 2016 when the Janes – who carried out several months of research – decided to co-found the bakery and involve young people with learning disabilities. At the beginning, there were only four young adults working two days a week from Long Ashton Community Centre. The group soon started outgrowing the venue and moved to The Park in September 2018. The bakery now produces five flavours of lavosh flatbread - with the rosemary and sea salt variety entered for the savoury baking category of the most recent Taste of the West awards. The team won not only ‘Gold’ but also ‘Champion’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ categories. Other flavours are smoked paprika and cayenne and classic (which have also been entered into the Taste of the West awards this year), poppy seed and sesame. All flatbreads are made using top quality ingredients and local where possible. The Janes say: “Part of what we wanted to do was lift perceptions of what people with a learning disability can do - and producing a really delicious, beautifully presented product was part of that!” For more information visit www.stepandstone.co exclusion from the school system or where “everything has broken down.” They are teaching them skills like problem solving, using tools and working as part of a team as well as customer focusing. Vicky explains: “They work in real businesses – with our gardeners, in our shop or café.” (re:fill at Filwood Community Centre). re:work is not a large charity, it’s very much all hands on deck for many tasks. There are currently 12 employees and 15 regular volunteers each week including the young people. Vicky feels they have grown through understanding the needs of the community over the time they have been in the area. She says: “We’ve changed so much – mostly through listening to the service users.” The organisation also helps local people reduce their energy bills with a project called re:draught - and find work through its re:focus project. In the future Vicky says they would love to see “solar energy used more widely on the estate, have some more big gardening contracts and the opportunity to work closely with a new recycling centre if one opens nearby.”

Visit www.knowlewest.co.uk for full stories.

Local stories www.knowlewest.co.uk

Levi Hodge (22) has just won the acclaimed High Sheriff award (see p 19). Growing up in Knowle West was very challenging for me. I was at the top of the anti-social behaviour list and simply did not care or respect anyone, or anything! This was inside of school as well, as I had attendance as low as 20 to 30 per cent and would just mess around when I was there to get excluded and be at home. I had no aspirations and thought I would be fine being on the streets of Knowle West. However Youth Moves stepped into my life at a time of need, I was just 12 and didn’t realise I needed the help. Initially I did not want to engage with them but Denise, the youth worker, simply did not give up on me and saw the good things I could offer - rather than focusing on the bad things I was doing wrong. Denise started getting me involved in a range of things, one being attending community meetings to talk about anti-social behaviour in the area. This was surreal as it was

School of Christ the King pupils win awards By Filip (11) and Christina (11)

How I turned my life around By Levi Hodge

meetings where me and my friends would have been discussed. I even shadowed Sue Mountstevens (Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner) for a day! Denise helped me discover my self-worth and I started to want to do well for myself. I got my head down and back into school, started volunteering and found my passion for working with young people. During all of this I suffered a lot of heartache and had a lot of loss, including my mum. With the support from Youth Moves, I was able to become resilient and make a negative thing into something positive. I started an apprenticeship at Oasis Academy John Williams, where I attended and used to get excluded from! I started my career here and with Youth Moves and I am now supporting young people in a pastoral role at Merchants Academy. I am working in a team with people with a lot of expertise who have been in education for 20 plus years. That makes me feel so proud! However this is just my day job. Outside of this my passion still is with young people and I spend as much time as I possibly can giving back to Youth Moves and the young people of this area. I have been a

trustee for the charity since I was 18 and a lso give up my Friday nights to support the running of the inters youth club, along with ad hoc residentials and events. Some people say to me: “Why are you doing so much?” My response is: “Because I love what I do”. I know youth work does work and I want to be able to have an impact on young people, like Denise and Youth Moves did with me. In 2015 I won the Duke of Gloucester award and I was overwhelmed - but thought it would be the last I won. But no, this year I won the High Sheriff Award and WOW I did not expect it at all! Personally I do not feel I am doing anything special but I have been on a crazy journey and throw my all in to supporting the young people in South Bristol. It’s just part of my life now…

my achievements. The most important thing to do was to have fun especially with the SATS coming up.”

Eight-year-old Emmanuel from Year 4 is an expert on the school’s times table app ROCKSTARS. He was able to complete an

Ruby and Filip with Headteacher Matt Condon and Emmanuel.

A few weeks ago, Year 6 superstar Ruby (11) won a silver medal and two fourth place medals whilst competing in a swimming competition in Weston Super-mare. During April, Year 6 student Filip won a gold medal and two silver medals in a swimming competition. He said: “I’m really pleased with

Haydon lands star role in film We can all take a leaf out of Haydon’s book when it comes to caring about our local environment. The Year 5 pupil at Bridge Learning Campus (BLC) Primary has played a starring role in a special promotional video by Avon Wildlife Trust. Haydon (9) was selected to feature in the short film, which promotes the importance of connecting with

nature, as a result of weekly workshops run by the charity at the school. Haydon is one of three environmental enthusiasts to provide a voiceover for the video, which includes short clips of him and fellow pupils taking part in BLC’s wildlife club. He also had the opportunity to visit the studio to add finishing touches to the film. The film was premiered at a special event at Clifton Observatory, where Haydon and his parents got to meet

average score of 96 questions in a minute! Not only is he the champion of the school, he is a strong competitor with other children in the UK.

children’s television presenter Naomi Wilkinson. Haydon said: “I was really proud to have been chosen to be part of this film and to talk about nature. It’s very important that we respect it, because after all, if we didn’t have it, we wouldn’t be here.”

@GCB_Wicketz_LT We’re @theparkknowle with @InfoYouthmoves, @CommofPurpose & @ASPBristolSouth with their #BreakFree holiday programme. So far this morning there has been team building, #Wicketz, coding, arts and crafts PLUS, everyone has been fed. Amazing! #FightHolidayHunger

School news www.knowlewest.co.uk

Oasis Connaught raises over £1,000 from Knowle West half marathon Oasis Academy Connaught has raised over £1,000 to support its Community Hub – after parents and staff ran a half marathon around Knowle West. The school on Melvin Square organised the event earlier this year – with a group of sixteen parents and teachers running the 21k route. Pupils also ran a mile-long course around the school - and both groups were cheered on by watching residents. The final amount raised was confirmed in April - which will go towards improving and decorating the on-site Oasis Community Hub.

Schools receive grants to improve Knowle West

our local schools were successful in receiving grants from Knowle West Alliance after presenting their ideas to an audience about plans to improve the local area. Ilminster Avenue Primary and Nursery Schools had a joint grant of £200 to help make Knowle West “a friendlier place” and are creating a video. Greenfield E-Act Primary Academy received £100 to buy equipment to carry out litter picks in the community and around the school - to help make the area “a cleaner place.” Knowle West Children’s Centre was given £100 to support the Walk to School campaign and reduce traffic on the school grounds - and is trying to make the community a “healthier, safer and more active place.” See Alliance column p6.

Inspirational visits from Lord Mayor and a balloon explorer This provides courses for parents and students beyond the academy day. Its building also houses a sports hall for a parents’ netball team and coffee shop for local people to socialise. Principal of Oasis Academy Connaught, Mrs George Fraser said: “…The children, parents and staff showed great determination and perseverance training for the run and on the day. We are very proud of all of them and delighted to have raised so much money.”

Ilminster Avenue Nursery staff complete Bristol 10k

The Lord Mayor of Bristol Cllr Cleo Lake and world record-breaking balloonist Brian Jones visited two local schools as part of a South Bristol tour. They dropped in to both Knowle DGE Academy and Oasis Academy Connaught to give inspirational talks about their careers. Brian, who used to live in the area, was able to share his experiences of travelling the world by balloon in 21 days and the Lord Mayor took questions about her role and responsibilities.

Ten staff from Ilminster Avenue Nursery School featured on the front of the last Knowledge training for the Bristol 10k – and all ten finished the route. The runners are pictured in Milennium Square after completing the course on 5 May - supprted by local families. They were raising money for the NSPCC and promoting health and fitness in the school. Aqua Class at KnowleDGE At Knowle DGE, the school was in the middle of a careers focus and Aqua Class had also welcomed in engineers to make bridges with the pupils.

Lord Mayor with Jayden at Oasis Connaught with his reading certificate.

And at Oasis Connaught the pair also presented certificates to children who have made outstanding progress in reading. Brian Jones, shared stories of flying a hot air balloon around the world with co-pilot, Bertrand Piccard which began on 1 March 1999 in Switzerland and took them three weeks to complete, landing in the Egyptian desert miles from civilisation. Cllr Lake said: “…It was important to me to share the visit with a local legend and I was particularly proud to bring world record breaking balloonist from Knowle West, Brian Jones, along with me as part of my tour of South Bristol Schools. I know so many would have gone home inspired.”

@ASPBristolSouth  This morning in an hour we stopped 9 cars exceeding the 20mph limit outside of @Oasisconnaught School. The children then spoke to all of these drivers and said a poem which they had written about why speeding is dangerous.

Working with reclaimed timber

Column

By Sarah-Jayne Turner of Pickles Craft Emporium

www.knowlewest.co.uk

orking with reclaimed timber is a bit of a labour of love. Each piece will be unique; this can often mean they are much more likely to be warped or bent. You can either just go with the shape of the wood or be very selective when choosing your pieces. I have used crates, cable drums as well as decking to make various things. When using power tools, I recommend ear defenders, a dust mask and goggles (bits of wood and nails tend to shoot off in various directions!); gloves are also a great idea to reduce splinters and glue. Pallets can provide an excellent source of wood for projects - but require disassembling with tools

such as a claw hammer and/or a reciprocal saw. The risk of using a claw hammer or similar tool is that it increases the likelihood of the wood splitting. With a reciprocal saw, the nails (once cut) can be either left in (creating an industrial look) or removed using a small metal punch and a hammer. If you do decide to leave in the nails, be aware sparks will fly if using an electric sander (which is also cool, albeit a little bit of a fire hazard). Bear in mind, if you see MB stamped on a pallet - is is neither suitable for up-cycling nor burning, as it’s been treated with methyl bromide, which is highly toxic. I’m currently working on an outdoor table, (see my blog for updates). This involves cutting the wood at angles to create a design which makes for a more visually engaging finish than simply lining them up side-by-side. Once each piece has been cut, it gets glued in place using wood glue - either clamp the pieces or weigh

to plan for your child’s future!

For questions on upcycling contact mrspicklescraftemporium@gmail.com, Facebook@pickescraftemporium or visit www.picklescraftemporium.com

Are you thinking of coming to Ilminster Avenue Nursery School?

If your child is 2 years old already and not entitled to free early education entitlement then contact DANIELLE for more information and to book a tour with MATT and JAKE the dog!

Would you like your child to be curious, excited to learn and make good friends?

Book early to avoid disappointment:

Nobody does this better than us!

0117 903 0255

@DCPCLewis Today's workshop team at @kwmcthefactory have produced some awesome street furniture for the Knowle West #community. #makerspace #teamwork

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IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY

them down with something heavy to ensure an adequate bond. As with any wood working project, it’s best to measure and recheck before cutting. I first sketch some design ideas then lay out my pieces of wood. For this project I was working with parts of pallets, so needed to rearrange my pieces to ensure they fitted together as snugly as possible. Using a piece of plywood as a base, I glued my pieces down and left them for a minimum of eight hours to dry. I chose pieces of differing width to add character to my overall design.

1. Do you read The Knowledge? • • • •

Always: 57.5% Usually: 20.5% Sometimes: 18.5% Never: 3.5%

2. Do you read: • • • • •

All of it: 44.5% Most of it: 40.5% Some: 11% None: 0% Not ticked: 4%

3. Top answers for what makes you want to read it: • See what’s happening in the area. • Good/local/interesting information • Events/local activities/what’s on. • Knowing people featured/in photos • The front cover. 4. Of those who sometimes or never read it: The main reasons cited were lack of time. One person suggested it needed more advertisements.

5. Does The Knowledge make you feel more part of the community?

• No idea what to write in it. • Good to have local letters page.

• 91% answered yes • 5.5% answered no • 3.5% did not respond 6. Do you feel able to send in or suggest content?

8.Do you ever visit the website www.knowlewest.co.uk

• • • •

Top reasons for visiting were:

answered yes answered no gave another response did not respond

7. If yes, what makes this possible?

• • • • •