ISSUE 9 Dec 2003
YOUR NEWSLETTER Merry Christmas Knowle West from all the newsletter team! By the look of the fantastic Christmas lights on display around the estate in recent weeks, people have been getting into the festive spirit in a big way. But who will win the “Best Dressed House” competition? (see page 4). Winners will be announced in our next issue. Some great news…due to popular demand, and a need for more space to fit in all the articles about everything that is happening with Neighbourhood Renewal, there will be more issues of the Knowle West Newsletter in 2004. Instead of four there will be six!
If you have any comments about these, or any other articles in this edition, please contact: AA nn ii tt aa PP ee aa rr cc ee Neighbourhood Renewal Participation Group Filwood Community Centre Filwood Broadway Knowle West Tel: 908 4248 anitapearce.nr@knowlewest.co.uk ff rr oo nn tt cc oo vvee rr :: tt oott ss gg ee tt tt ii nn gg ss oo m m ee ee xx ee rr cc ii ss ee ,, aa rr tt iicc ll ee ,, pp aagg ee 8 8 ,, ff aann tt aass tt iicc KK nn oow w llee W W ee ss tt C Chh rr ii ss tt m m aa ss ll iigg hh tt ss ,, pp aa gg ee 4 4
WWW.KNOWLEWEST.CO.UK HEARTS & STARS AWARDS The achievements and efforts of many were recognised and rewarded on Saturday 15th November at Filwood Community Centre. HTV anchorman Peter Rowell congratulated the winners and presented them with their awards. Amongst the long list of winners, teenager Becky Belgium received the Young Person Award, Margaret Jordan was praised for Outstanding Achievement and Denise Britt was The People’s Choice winner. Rose Manning won the Lifetime Achievement Award and received a standing ovation. A much overdue accolade! The full list of awards and those who won them follows: R oo ss ee M R M aa nn nn ii nn gg & & PP ee ttee rr RRoo w w ee ll ll
Susan Smith - Churches Becky Belgium - Young Person Arthur Jones - Newcomer Jean Saunders - Senior Citizen Margaret Jordan - Outstanding Achievement Graham Blacker - Non-resident Denise Britt - People's Choice Vera Collins - Good Neighbour Inns Court Residents Association - Community Safety Rose Manning - Lifetime Achievement The evening was a great success. It was well attended and everyone enjoyed themselves.
VID PROJECT
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On Monday December 1st the Knowle West Media Centre had a celebration of all the work made on the VID project, a digital arts project involving 7 young disabled people. There was a display of digital prints and other artwork, and a screening of videos made by the young people. There was also video footage of music and drama workshops, and computer displays of digital animation. Cluna, the lead worker, presented everyone with a certificate, and the evening was rounded off by playing pass the parcel, listening to music and eating lots of good food. A great time was had by all! A nn nn aa O A O llii vv ee rr KK W WM MC C
Wo W o uu ll dd yy oo uu ll ii kk ee tt oo w w oo rr kk ii nn TT VV oorr rr aa ddii oo?? ‘Writing in the Margins’ is a scheme being run by the BBC to encourage new writing in places writing is not normally found. I am a poet and writer and have been asked by the BBC to run a scheme in Bristol. I want to get together a group of 8 or 9 people (from age 16 up) who are really keen on writing and haven’t really had the chance before. We will meet either every week, or every two weeks for 2 hours until April 2004. We will look at developing your writing with an eye to getting it on the BBC. Yes – it can be script ideas, plays, radio plays, TV, oral
MY STORY
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Overcoming obstacles can be a tremendous challenge. Life can be like a maze, where you wish you were tall enough to look over the hedge. Or maybe a castle, where you tend to stay in one familiar room that is warm and cosy. Much safer then opening an unknown door to an unknown room (never been that fond of spiders myself). The truth is the obstacle and the challenge will tell the story. When I was a little girl I loved to be on the stage. I was always the Queen on the throne. I can remember telling all the footmen where to go. The stage gave me a voice, a form of expression. This set me free from a very troubled childhood. The little girl that was seen and not heard suddenly had a voice.
history or poetry. You can work alone, or with a friend or a group whatever you want. The BBC, on their part, will come down and introduce the scheme and give us (some) access to their archives etc. They can also have successful writers come and talk to you. The sessions will be free! If you are interested, please call me, Ralph Hoyte on 07791 136 780 or email me at: ralph@hoyte.org.uk
OPORTO - AN INSIDE VIEW Seven young people from the Knowle area made Portuguese friends in an exciting visit to the twin town of Oporto for five days at the end of October. Our visit was hosted by a group from the Escola de Bagium in Rio Tinto. We had a tour of the city to take photos, a day of activities and traditional games in the school, and a visit to a traditional Portuguese restaurant. The group loved the change of environment and culture, and getting to know their Portuguese friends. A few lucky adults accompanied the young people - Dave Howe, of KW Youth Forum, Sam Hancock, of the Children's Fund, and myself, Jo Hansford, from KW Media Centre. The photography work from the trip will be exhibited after the return visit by the Portuguese on February 22-27. This coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the twinning between Bristol and Oporto in 2004. Look out for the show next year! JJ o oH H aann ss ff oo rr dd KK W WM MC C
Painting was something else I loved. My imagination would run wild with pages of vibrant little monsters; pink, blue, green-eyed with purple spots and spiky hair. I always seemed to be behind with my reading and my spelling was never very good. This made a huge dent in my confidence which has stayed with me. Until one day I found the “ Spell Checker ” on the computer. This opened the door for me. What was once a huge creative writing block for me suddenly became the maze and the castle. I am now in the early stages of writing a book. The title will be The Felt-maker’s Passion. My inspiration for this was learning how to make a felt bag. I will be running felt-making courses next year, which is the next chapter in my life. I am sharing this with you in the hope that it will be a source of encouragement. We all have a story to tell. I hope that you all have a Joyful Christmas and allow yourself to open the door into a creative New Year. B ee ss tt W B W ii ss hh ee ss ,, TT rr aa ccee yy PP oo ooll ee
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NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL NR - THE NEXT LEG! happening around supporting families, most parents said they would like to have more after school clubs available near them. The results are being taken to the NR Supporting Families theme group. The young people we talked to did not know what Neighbourhood Renewal was – only the Knowle West Newsletter! They all liked it, thought it was good and kept them informed about what was going on.
On the most recent Neighbourhood Renewal Tour Heather Barham and Anita Pearce targeted families and young people. They also did a questionnaire about Environment & Housing (see small info box below). ”We spoke to parents as they were collecting their children from schools around Knowle and visited Eagle House Youth Centre and The Mede Centre talking to young people,” said Anita. When asked what they would like to see
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ANOTHER ROADSHOW ON ITS WAY Business West are bringing a roadshow to KW in January to let everyone know about two new projects which could benefit businesses in our area.
II tt '' ss YY oo uu rr BB uu ss ii nn ee ss ss is the name of a new scheme which aims to increase: l l l
employment opportunities numbers of unemployed going into selfemployment the profile and business confidence in the area
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survival rates of businesses the number of socially excluded groups seeking to start a business business use of ICT access to finance
IITT @ @ W Wo o rr kk offers advice, training and support to businesses needing to consider their IT capability including trading online from 2005. Ffi: contact Amanda Salamon tel: 915 2654 email: amanda.salamon@businesswest.co.uk
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Neighbourhood Renewal is once again holding a competition to find the house with the best display of Christmas Lights. Street Wardens will judge as they do their rounds and the prizewinners will be
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announced in the next newsletter. Do you have a favourite? Ring the Street Wardens and let them know.
STREET WARDEN NEWS
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II nn nn ss C C oo uu rr tt RR ee ss ii ddee nn tt ss :: In September the Wardens, council officials and the Police accompanied Inns Court Residents Association on a walkabout pinpointing problems to draw up an action plan towards solutions. Many improvements are already happening, notably the recently installed motorcycle barriers.
A nn ttii SSoo cc ii aall BB ee hh aa vvii oo uu rr rr ee ppoo rrtt ii nn gg ff oorr m A mss :: Local residents are able to report any Anti Social Behaviour by using the confidential “self reporting” forms, which are available at the following locations: The Mede, The Park, Filwood Community Centre, Area Housing Office, Broadbury Road Police Station, The Kabin, Filwood Broadway, NHS Walk in Centre. Residents can also phone the Anti Social Behaviour hotline on 908 4223. This is an extremely useful tool for agencies such as the Police, Council and Street Wardens who endeavour to reduce the effects of Anti Social Behaviour. To date this scheme has been successful.
FF oo oo ttbb aa ll ll TT rr aa ii nn ii nn gg :: Senior Street Warden Tony Morris runs training sessions for girls’ football at Broad Plain and boys (5-8 years) at Eagle House. Tony has successfully raised several thousand pounds to sustain this project. Ffi: contact Tony tel: 908 4222. P rrii zz ee D P D rraa w w Our latest Prize Draw Winner from those who participated in the Crime Survey is Shawn Beldham, pictured here with his £25 Asda voucher!
DON’T BE A VICTIM OF CRIME AT CHRISTMAS T hh ee ff ee ss tt ii vv ee ss ee aa ss oo nn ii ss uu pp oonn uu ss aa nn dd w T wee w woo uu ll dd jj uu ss tt ll ii kk ee tt oo rree m m ii nn dd yy oo uu :: 1. Don’t leave your tempting presents on view in your car. 2. If you leave your house unattended, leave lights and television on. 3. Put all boxes and wrappings into bin carriers or take them to a tip. 4. Be safe coming home. If going out to parties etc book a taxi or arrange a lift with friends. All the Street Wardens would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a peaceful new year.
CAR CLEARING SCHEME
The Car Clear Scheme to remove abandoned vehicles before they are attacked by vandals and arsonists has been extremely successful in Knowle West.
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Avon Fire Brigade, Avon and Somerset Police and the Street Wardens are working effectively together.
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ACHIEVEMENT YOUTHMOVES FOR KNOWLE WEST YouthMoves is something you will be hearing a lot about in the future. It is the name given to a partnership of groups that has recently secured £1.5 million over the next 3 years for youth work in Knowle West. Local resident Gary Blake has been involved with the YouthMoves initiative from the beginning and has agreed to chair the new company set up to be responsible for the funding, to develop future plans and to build an even wider partnership. “This is really exciting news for Knowle West, not only have we won a substantial amount of money to benefit young people, we have also created a new way for different organisations to
work together” he commented. The partnership involves Bristol City Council Young People’s Services (BCCYPS), KWDT, The Mede, Broad Plain Youth Club and Filwood Club. The funding is coming from SRB6, Urban 2 and BCCYPS. Barry Scrase, the South Bristol Young People’s Services Manager, is delighted with YouthMoves success. “It is essential that organisations working with young people combine forces effectively to make best use of the limited resources that are available” he said. “Winning this funding proves the benefits of working together and over the next three years we have the chance to really build on that.”
POSITIVE FUTURES UPDATE Th T he e P Pa ar rk k N Ne et tb ba a ll ll C C ll u ub b The club has expanded from one to three adult teams and two youth teams, mainly local residents. The under 12s are top of the league! All the club members would like to say a big thank you to Johnny Boyce of Design Scaffolding, who has sponsored them with tracksuits. Un U nd de er r 1 13 3s s F Fo oo ot tb ba all ll This team is an amalgamation of players from all the youth clubs in KW. They had a perfect start to the season with a 7-3 victory over Mangotsfield in November. Why not consider joining us at training on Wednesdays 6.30pm at Filwood Community Centre? F ii ll w F wo oo od d Y Yo ou ut th h C C ll u ub b This youth club is thriving. There are now 43 local members aged 8 to 17. It offers a pool table, tennis, football and art. There will be a Christmas Card competition with prizes for the best ones. All new members are welcome to join this friendly club, open three times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6.40 – 9.00pm.
HENGROVE NEWS NR have supported Hengrove Community Arts College & Post 16 Centre with funding for their own School & Family Link Worker (S&FLW). Like the S&FLW who has been working with the Knowle West Primaries over the last 2 years, this worker will work with key partners in the college, e.g. Learning Mentors, the Education Welfare Officer and the School Beat Police Officer to impact directly on attendance levels in the school through support of students and the students’ parents/carers and families. Advertisements for the post will follow a series of 3 training sessions run by I.R.I.S with an aim of encouraging as many local people as possible to apply for the post.
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Contact Jemma Keegan on 0117 903 9808 for details.
Hengrove is to become Bristol’s first pilot Full Service Extended School. Funding for this means that the College can staff a support team to put the following services in place, either on site or through partnerships with other agencies off site: Childcare Services; Health & Social Care Services; Family & Lifelong learning; ICT Services; Study Support Services; Sports & Arts services. Manager, Liz Rowbotham, has now been appointed, and will be in post from January. The support post of Childcare Development Manager and Administrator/PA will be advertised before Christmas. Please contact Jemma Keegan or Liz Rowbotham on 07967 808442 for details.
Building Communities
Working together for the future of Filwood Broadway What is the aim of the Building Communities project?
It is to regenerate Filwood Broadway! The project will: l replace Filwood Community Centre with a newly designed Neighbourhood Centre l help to improve the environment of Filwood Broadway l provide better shops and services for local people l create jobs, protect jobs and offer learning opportunities.
Ask yourself this question: Do you agree that Filwood Broadway could do with improving? If your answer is Yes we would like to ask you now to support this important project actively.
A reminder of how you can have your say in making these decisions: l Get in touch directly with your Resident representatives on the Project Board l Come along to supporters’ group meetings: 6pm – 8pm on the following dates at Filwood Community Centre.
Wider Consultation
Monday 12th January 2004
Community centres: The Community Development team is writing to all the centres of community activity. The idea is that we will go out to groups to keep people up to date with the decision making process. Are you a member of a group that would like to find out more about the Building Communities Project? Call Hannah Morgan or Janet Tomlin on 9531329
In addition to all this, we will be regularly updating you about the Building Communities project through your Knowle West Neighbourhood Renewal newsletter. Building Communities will continue to have a slot in each issue in the New Year
The Project Board is made up of 15 people, including 6 resident representatives, the chair of the Knowle West Development Trust and representatives from Bristol City Council, the Bristol Partnership and the Regional Development Agency. The supporters’ group will be open to everybody and we want to make it as
Street representatives: We want to set up a network of these, initially for the roads that are closest to Filwood Community Centre – particularly Barnstaple Road, Instow Road, Hartcliffe Road, Filwood Broadway, Bantry Road, Carlow Road, Belfast Walk, Tyrone Walk, Kinvara Road, Marwood Road and Connaught Road.. Would you be interested in representing your street, or a few houses on your street by passing on information about and getting opinions about
representative of the whole area as possible. Don’t worry if you lose the dates listed above – we will be advertising each meeting in the local press, local shops, community centres and churches so keep an eye out! You can also give Hannah Morgan a ring on 9531329 to get updates about meetings and decisions.
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FAMILY SUPPORT NURSERY NEWS Two years ago a group of community minded people started to bid for funds to open a Neighbourhood Nursery. They were successful! Parents in the Filwood ward can now look forward to three years of subsidised childcare places. Builders have been on site at The Park for three months converting parts of the old Merrywood School into a centre that will deliver full daycare in a specifically designed environment. Due to open early next year the Nursery will offer 36 places. There will be a room especially for babies from birth upwards, a room for under twos and a room for over twos. There will also be a crèche for 24 places where you can book a place if you need childcare for your child for less than four hours in any one day. The Nursery will also be able to offer Foundation stage places for 3 and 4 year olds.
This means if you have a child that is eligible for a nursery place in school we can deliver that nursery curriculum as a free session for your child. If you wish to receive further details or register interest in securing a place, or visit the nursery then please contact Kate Jones - Sure Start Childcare Development Officer tel: 0117 903 9805
TODDLER GYM
12 staff and parents from Knowle West passed their British Gymnastics pre-school assistant coach awards with flying colours at the end of October ! This nationally recognised award will enable them to lead gym sessions for toddlers.
The training will enable the staff and parents to provide high quality pre-school gym sessions for the children of Knowle West , and to support the very popular community sessions at the Mede. Tracy Matthews, the Sure Start Activity Worker who organised the training said “ I’ve been very impressed with the commitment shown by the candidates, and I’m very proud of them all”. Congratulations to Nadia Porter, Kerry Doggett , Debbie Rees, Paula Johns, Sandra James, and Christine Webb (Sure Start parents); Vicki Sadler and Jane Jenkins (Early Years Centre), Ali Smith (Connaught), Celia White and Lin Munford (Novers Lane nursery) and Helen Richards (Sure Start).
An intensive 4 day training session took place at Novers Infants school in the spring and candidates then had to complete 15 hours of practical work with children as well as submitting a logbook to show evidence of planning and safety awareness.
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE CLOSES At the end of November the Knowle West Development Trust announced it had to close its Family Support Service due to funding problems. Denise Britt, resident chair of KWDT explained. “The Family Support Service lost a significant amount of funding at the end of September and failed to win some new funding at the same time” she told Knowle West News. ”Normally this would have meant closing the service from September but because we knew how important it was for Knowle West the KWDT Board decided to fund it until the end of November from our own reserves whilst efforts were made to find new funding. Despite considerable efforts being made new funding could not be secured in the timescale.”
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The Trust Board is now doing everything it can, continuing working alongside Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and other agencies, to find a way forward which represents the best interest of the community of Knowle West. KWDT is in the process of contacting users of the family support service to pass on information of alternative services. For further information contact Michael Webb (0117) 9084236 Denise Britt (Chair) Knowle West Development Trust Dec 2003
LOCAL COMMUNITY A COMMUNITY MARKET FOR KNOWLE WEST?
Knowle West could have its own lively community market by the summer. Ours is one of several areas in Bristol being considered as one of a network of markets in selected Neighbourhood Renewal communities. Community Markets Development Officer for the city council, Mike Cardwell is interested to hear if residents, businesses and community groups would welcome the idea. Mike says, �If you want to see a colourful, useful, vibrant market happening in Knowle West we need your support. Please take part in the consultation. But more importantly you can make the market a success by coming to do your shopping there. This will be your market so make your voice heard.�
The market would be weekly, selling a wide range of fresh, affordable food such as vegetables and fruit, prepared foods (bread, cakes, pies) and household provisions as well as plants, flowers, toys, books, fabrics and giftware. Experienced traders would work alongside local residents, community groups and enterprises who wish to trade or to raise funds for their projects. So get working on your bright business idea. Remember - the Body Shop started out on a market stall and just look at its success! Business support and training will be available. Questionnaires will be circulated to gather local opinions about this. Ffi: contact Mike Cardwell Bristol City Council Community Markets Development Officer on 922 2410
COMMUNITY COMPOSTING The Community Composting project running at Florence Brown Community School in Leinster Avenue has been running for over a year. The original project was based on recycling green waste from local gardens and organisations, as well as from the school grounds. A massive injection of cash was received in the summer of 2001 which came from the Neighbourhood Renewal fund and the SITA Environmental Trust to enable us to purchase machinery. The project is primarily educational, to promote composting and give young people opportunities to work with specialist equipment. Last year we processed 22 tons of Christmas trees and our machinery will be used to do the same this year. We produce other things too: carvings and rustic furniture; fuel; mulch; soil conditioner. The project has attracted visitors from all over the country.
Children Interested in Agriculture (CIA) has gained funding from Wessex Water and The Greater Bristol Foundation. The composting project will be providing compost to enrich the soil to make these vegetables a true community effort, in that they will be grown from the recycled brambles, weeds and privet hedges of Knowle West. D ii cc kk B D Bee rr rr yy ,, D D ee pp uu tt yy H H ee aa dd FF ll oorr ee nn cc ee BBrr oo w w nn C Coo m mm m uu nn ii tt yy SS cc hh oooo ll
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TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR BOBBY VAN - REASSURANCE ON WHEELS The idea for the Bobby Van came after statistics showed that homes, which have been burgled before, are more likely to be burgled again. Of the 950 homes which have been visited by the South Bristol van only four have been targeted since. The scheme can also visit other vulnerable people such as victims of domestic violence.
One of the force’s most successful crime reduction initiatives has recently celebrated its third birthday. The Bobby Van has been visiting the burgled houses of South Bristol since October 2000, when it was officially launched by HRH The Princess Royal. More than 950 homes, over 100 of which are in the Knowle area, have been visited by carpenter Richard Read (pictured). The Bobby Van visits elderly and vulnerable victims of crime in a bid to help reduce the risks of them becoming repeat victims. Many people lack the resources to make sure their homes are secure. Locks, bolts, door-chains, viewers and window locks are professionally fitted, free of charge. Smoke detectors, supplied by Avon Fire Brigade, are also fitted and low energy light bulbs, courtesy of London Electricity.
Crime Reduction Officer PC Andy Boulton (pictured) is the Bobby Van co-ordinator. He said: “The last three years have been hugely successful for the van. The reduction in repeat victims of burglary is tremendous. We realise that the elderly often suffer from a large fear of crime and so we also do a lot of proactive, preventative work, making their homes secure and making the residents feel safer.” The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust organised the sponsorship and support for the Bobby Van scheme, which now has eight vans operating around the force area. Richard Read, who has had Victim Support training said, “You only have to read some of the many letters of appreciation that have come in from people to see how worthwhile the Bobby Van scheme is”. "People feel that their homes are so much safer after being visited by me and my van.” For more information please contact Richard Read or PC Andy Boulton at the South Bristol Crime Reduction Unit on 01275 818181.
CRIMESTOPPERS IN KNOWLE WEST Crimestoppers is an independent charity working to fight crime. It is not run by the Police. It does however work in partnership with other agencies, including the Street Wardens and the Police by providing valuable information about criminal activity. In September a joint initiative with the South West Crimestoppers. Inns Court Residents, the Police and the Street Wardens held an Open Day at The Mede. A similar initiative based in the Filwood area is now under way with the cooperation of the KW Drugs Forum and other agencies. To date, people like you nationwide have provided Crimestoppers with information that has led to the arrest of over 53,000 criminals. Your information has resulted in the recovery of over £64 million of stolen goods and has taken over £70 million worth of deadly drugs off the streets. And as you all know from the television and newspapers, this information has been instrumental in locking up murderers, rapists and armed robbers.
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Well done to Knowle West residents! Since September the Crimestoppers
Hotline has received three times the number of calls from you. Two of the pieces of information led to drugs warrants on two independent addresses. But…other parts of South Bristol get many more calls to the Hotline, and as a direct result, they get more focused police action targeted against the criminals. Let’s move the action more into Knowle West. Just pick up the phone and ring Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.
DRUGS - IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR KNOWLE WEST On 30th September, Ian White CBE the Home Office Special Advisor on the Bristol Drugs Strategy visited Knowle West. He was shown around the estate by the Wardens and spent time with various agencies on the Broadway. He was very supportive of all the work that is going on in the community. His visit culminated in an open meeting at Filwood Community Centre where he discussed the Bristol Strategy and made suggestions as to how the Knowle Drugs Forum and what it is trying to achieve, can fit into that. He particularly encouraged
the Drug Forum to establish a clear set of facts and figures about the situation around drug use locally (how many people it affects, what drugs are being used, what services exist and how to use them to the best effect and where there are gaps) which we can use to influence how the Drug Action Team provides resources to areas like Knowle West and community groups. This was an encouraging visit that highlighted the positive partnership working that is happening and the impact this is having on the community.
THE KNOWLE WEST DRUGS FORUM On 19th November there was a major conference that launched a blueprint to bring all the statutory and voluntary agencies who work with drug users and their families, together. The conference launched the assessment of Bristol’s Drugs Strategy, written by Ian White CBE, the Home Office Special Advisor. It was chaired by Barbara Janke – Chair of the Community Safety & Drugs Partnership and Leader of the Council, commenting on the conference, she said the aim is to bring all the services together in Bristol and make sure that people who need help come first and are provided with an all-round, holistic service. The conference was attended by professionals from the Council, Avon & Somerset Constabulary, Bristol Primary Care Trusts, education and other public bodies. Other attendees were drug services and community organisations and drug users and their families. As well as presentations by Vic Hogg (Drug Legislation and Enforcement Unit, Home Office), Kate Croucher (Chair of the Drug Services Providers Forum and Manager of KWADs), Paul (a KWADs Client,) Paul Rowlandson
(Community Safety Director, GOSW) and Paul Hayes (Chief Executive of the National Treatment Agency) there were workshops based around the central theme of the National Drugs Strategy that gave everyone the opportunity to explore ways to improve working in partnership to tackle drugs in Bristol. Key action points from these workshops will provide the framework for future service delivery in the city. This conference was very positive and demonstrates publicly for the first time everyone’s commitment to delivering on the drugs agenda. Further information available at ww w ww w .. ss w wd d rr uu gg ss tt rr aa tt ee gg yy .. ii nn ff oo// tt hh eem m ee ss //bb rr ii ss rr ee vv KK aa tt ee C Crr oo uu cc hh ee rr -- C Ch h aa ii rr ooff D D rruu gg SS ee rrvv ii ccee ss PP rr oovv ii ddee rr ss FF oorr uu m m & &M M aa n n aa gg ee rr –– KK W W AA D D ss
NEW SECURE POLICE AIRWAVES Knowle West Police Officers are now hitting the streets with new equipment designed to tackle Crime and Disorder. The Airwave Communications system has arrived! So what is Airwave? It is a state-of-the-art, integrated, digital, mobile radio communications service. It cannot be listened in on by any criminal – even those who consider themselves rocket scientists - because it is impossible to be scanned. This will help make your community a safer place in which to live, not only day to day, but also during major incidents and emergencies, when
effective communications really can help save lives. By 2005 all Police Forces will be equipped with Airwave and all policing areas will be able to contact each other on the street at the press of a button. With a totally safe radio network that cannot be scanned by criminals, more members of the community should feel easier about giving vital details of witnessed crimes. II n n ss pp ee cc tt oo rr M Maa tt tt AA yy rr eess
LAGS MEETING The next Filwood Public Local Action Group Meeting will be held in the hall at the Filwood Community Centre on Thursday, 22nd January from 7 - 9p.m. It is a public open meeting that
brings together both statutory and non-statutory agencies to discuss issues of concern relating to crime and disorder in the area.
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NEW FACES
ELECTRIC DECEMBER
Are there no new faces at the moment? There are several and we will introduce them to you in the next edition.
Once again, the whole world can come to Knowle West, through the Electric December online advent calendar. If you have not yet had the chance to open and view each day’s ‘presents’ with a click of the mouse, check it out:
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NEWSLETTER NEWS
RAGS
LOCAL FILMS ON TV
In the next edition: how this newsletter is put together and how you can learn or improve some basic media skills e.g. photocopying, scanning a picture, editing text and designing a leaflet. KWMC will put on easy, short workshops for all in the New Year.
As a result of the Celebrating Diversity event RAGS and a group of local people are to explore new ways to improve the quality of life for Black and Minority Ethnic residents in Knowle West. If you are interested in getting involved, or finding out more, contact Ann Howell or Hannah Morgan on 953 1329.
Two locally made films ‘The Wall Around My Heart’ and ‘Hair’ have been shown twice on HTV. ’The Wall Around My Heart’ is a 10 minute poetic documentary made by Cluna Donnelly, in collaboration with Michael Smith, a young artist living in Knowle West who has autism and the film is his perception of the world. It came out of a disability equality arts project called Brave New World run by Knowle West Media Centre.
CLOVERDOWN DOORSTOP GREEN.... On 25th October over 25 local people filled 3 skips of rubbish and planted over 100 wildflower bulbs. Bluebells, daffodils, snakes head fritillary and garlic bulbs will be flowering in the spring!
All Green waste has been recycled by Florence Brown school recycling project (see page 9) Over 40 needles have been removed from the site.
By clearing the scrub, a huge amount of litter Look out for more Community workdays in the New Year including fruit tree planting in early has been revealed and meant several more days of waste removal by volunteers, trainees and February. staff from Hartwood Enterprises, including the Ffi contact: Ken Kennedy, CSV Environment removal of asbestos from the site. Tel: 935 9710 LL o occ aa ll vvoo ll uu nn tt ee ee rr ss ttaa kk ii nn gg aa bbrr ee aa kk ff rr oom m ss ii tt ee cc llee aa rr aa nn cc ee aa nn dd bb uu ll bb pp ll aann tt iinn gg ..
All articles express the views of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Neighbourhood Renewal Steering Group. The Bristol Objective 2 programme is part financed by European Community (ERDF)
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THANKS TO.................... The Neighbourhood Renewal Participation Group: Anita Pearce, Sister Joanna, Margaret Jordan, Denise Britt, Joyce Jenkins and Ann Smith. NR Manager Keith Houghton. Jo Hansford for photos including front cover. Heather Barham and Hannah Morgan All at KWMC, who facilitate the production of this newsletter Editor: Barbara Benson projects@kwmc.co.uk Design: Rowena Dugdale mail@rowenadugdale.com