FREE EVERY MONTH in Totterdown, Knowle and Windmill Hill
southbristolvoice June 2015 Issue No. 1
www.southbristolvoice.co.uk
YOUR NEW FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE
Hot air ballooning in the park – photo special 12-13
WIN A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES – IN A HOT TUB FOR SIX – page 14
A new voice for the people and businesses of South Bristol INTRODUCING South Bristol Voice – the new monthly magazine for South Bristol. We aim to bring you all the important news about our community which you won’t find anywhere else. We believe people in Knowle, Totterdown, Windmill Hill and beyond want to know about the big Bristol issues which affect them – plans for the Arena, resident parking zones, bus routes, and more. And we’ll also bring you the community issues that make a difference – news about our parks, schools and services. We will be a unique platform for local businesses to find new customers. And as part of the Voice network, advertisers can get their message heard in other Voice magazines across Bristol. Above all we will celebrate why the south of Bristol is a great place to live – from its attractive residential streets, great views, and wonderful parks to its great sense of community.
New arena – what’s it mean?
WHAT will the new Bristol arena bring for neighbours? Page 5
Dogs at risk in poisoned parks?
Get ready for a parking zone p3 Get in touch
Tell us what you think we should cover – email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
or call 07811 766072
MAYOR George Ferguson has told South Bristol Voice that he expects a residents parking zone to be operational in Totterdown within two years. There are no current plans for an RPZ in the area. But the opening of the Arena in 2017 is expected to increase parking pressure on the area’s streets.
RUMOURS abound about threat to pets – but what is the truth? Page 7
Pardoned after killing PC
The first of our tales from Arnos Vale cemetery Pages 10-11
Row over sites for Shaun trail
ONLY one charity sheep sculpture in BS4 Page 19
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When it comes to selling houses in Knowle, we know our Hawthorne Street from our St Lukes Crescent. Get in touch for free, friendly advice or a market appraisal of your property. www.oceanhome.co.uk
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southbristolvoice Paul Breeden Editor and publisher
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Emma Cooper Advertising sales
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EDITOR’S NOTE: South Bristol Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. Feedback is welcomed: call editor Paul Breeden on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk. All stories and pictures are copyright of South Bristol Voice and may not be reproduced without permission. South Bristol Voice Ltd | 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX | Company no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76
USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Household waste, road maintenance Recycling and waste collections, maintenance of roads and pavements, street lighting, graffiti and fly-tipping, street litter. email: customer.services@bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2100 Pest control and dog wardens Report anti-social behaviour, noise and other pollution, risks to public health and safety (such as food risks), issues with pests or dogs 0117 922 2500
Council tax 0117 922 2900 Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Adult care & social services 0117 922 2900 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999
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June 2015
A message from the editor W
ELCOME to South Bristol Voice. Producing this first edition has been a labour of love, and I hope you like it. Whatever your views, I hope you’ll let me know, because I want to make future editions bigger and better. We deliver door to door in Windmill Hill, Totterdown and much of Knowle, and we have copies to pick up in Knowle and Bedminster. We do random checks to make sure deliveries happen. Tell us about the issues you want covered, and we’ll do our best to include them – from big stories like the Arena to local events. Many people helped South Bristol Voice happen but special thanks Emma, Rich, Hollie, Richard and Gary at Voice Press; my friends in Bristol NUJ; editorial consultant Mike Parkinson; George; and Cathy, without whom nothing would be possible. Paul Breeden
News
Libraries given stay of execution Consultation runs until end June but low response to threat to one South Bristol branch
TWO libraries in South Bristol – among seven which face possible closure in council cuts – have been given a stay of execution until next year. The Marksbury Road library which serves parts of Knowle and Bedminster, and the Wick Road library in Brislington, are both identified by the council as at risk. About one in seven of the council’s 130 library workers may lose their jobs if the plans go ahead. Compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out. The city council wants to save £1million from the libraries budget. The proposals are out for consultation until the end of June. Originally a decision was expected in July but now no closures will be announced at least until next year. A low response has marked a consultation process to discuss the Marksbury Road closure. Fourteen people attended a meeting at Windmill Hill City Farm, and only 16 responses sent to the council related to Marksbury Road out of a total of 692. However, council officials are to meet the Friends of
Marksbury Road group to discuss options for the building, which is only open for 3.5 days a week. It costs £53,000 a year to run. The Compass Point Children’s Centre is using the building on days when the library is closed, but discussions about other uses continue. The Friends group has suggested the library could attract more users by adding a toilet and an extra room, and bringing the garden into use. Mayor George Ferguson wants to use a review of the entire library service as an opportunity to improve the libraries that remain. He wants opening hours to be suited to the communities they serve, and make sure no library will close at lunchtime. Facilities must include online access and other moves to make the libraries more popular. Previously Bristol’s deputy mayor, Geoff Gollop, broke ranks with Mr Ferguson to object to the proposals. He represents Westbury-on- Trym, where the library is also slated for possible closure. There had not been proper consultation, he said.
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Arena pressure could force a parking zone on Totterdown TOTTERDOWN looks likely to have a residents parking scheme in place by 2017 when the Bristol Arena opens next to Temple Meads. In an interview with South Bristol Voice, Mayor George Ferguson said he thought it was “reasonable” that Totterdown would need some sort of residents parking arrangement within a couple of years. Ten RPZs have been approved so far in Bristol, amid much criticism that objections were overridden and ignored. Two more schemes – for Southville and Bedminster East – are due for decision shortly. If approved as expected, Southville is due to start installation during June with completion in the summer. Bedminster East – an area which stretches to Wells Road north of the railway – is due to start building in July and finish in late August. Residents – and the councillors who represent them in Windmill Hill and Knowle – have previously been heavily against a parking scheme. Though some local streets are used by commuters to park while they go to work in the city centre, there has been no groundswell of opinion calling for parking restrictions. But the picture looks certain to change when the arena is built. The giant entertainment venue will hold 12,000 for major events such as rock concerts and will also host smaller theatre-style events. The hope will be that many visitors will use public transport. The venue is next to Temple Meads station, while bus routes to
‘Residents should have this at least largely paid for by either the council or the operator’ Cllr Gary Hopkins Temple Meads are also to be improved with the opening of the £100million Metrobus network. But many arena-goers will still drive – and so far no extra car parks have been planned, leading to fears that on concert nights, Totterdown could become jammed with unwanted visitors. Mr Ferguson says other plans will help ease the pressure. The council has identified 2,500 parking spaces it says are within a 15-minute walk of the venue. Mr Ferguson said: “I understand the concerns but it wouldn’t do anyone any favours if we built a massive great car park. “There are 250 spaces on the site for operational use and for the disabled. “We are also working with the University of Bristol to develop an app – a smart system [to help motorists find nearby park-
Open space: A residents’ bay in Cotham, where a parking zone is in operation ing spaces]. Anyone driving to any event in Bristol will be able to find the nearest parking space that’s available and the cost.” Residents could also be protected by a scheme similar to those used near football grounds, he added. “We are looking at ways to defend the local area with the equivalent of a match day parking scheme,” he said. Cllr Gary Hopkins, the Liberal Democrat leader on the council and one of the two representatives for Knowle, is not impressed. “We have been pushing this for over a year without a straight answer,” he said. “It is clear to me that the residents should have this [an RPZ] at least largely paid for by either the council or the operator and we will press the case. “Residents in Lower Knowle did not want the 9-5 scheme he tried to impose a year or two back but they are fearful of the arena overflow in the evenings. In my view we should ask all residents within a mile-plus radius whether they want the subsidised scheme, and accept their decision.” ARENA PLANS: page 5
Children’s concert for Nepal
Half term fun galore in the Vale
A SOUTH Bristol children’s music school is holding a concert to assist people in Nepal whose lives have been affected by the two earthquakes which have rocked the country. The Totterdown school, called Blackbird Early Years Music, is hosting the concert on Saturday June 27 at 3.15pm. The Family
THE GREAT outdoors can still be sampled in the city, and Arnos Vale cemetery has a range of outdoor adventures for children at half term. The Kids Bushcraft Club tackles the tricky issue of Knife Skills on Tuesday May 26. Aimed at boys and girls of eight and over, it will teach vital
Concert for Nepal will donate all proceeds to the Nepal appeal. It will feature Catherine Ring on marimba and other percussion. It’s at Redcliffe Community Hall, Prewett Street, BS1 6PB. • www.blackbirdeym.com or www.facebook.com/blackbirdeym
safety skills while learning to use a bush craft knife to whittle wood. In the same vein the next day, Wednesday May 27, a Fire Craft session shows how to start a campfire safely outdoors. The cemetery is running several other half term activities. Booking is necessary. • www.arnosvale.org.uk
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June 2015
Meet the arena, your Noise, parking, traffic upsets, new homes – what are the answers?
The green way to the arena • The “Temple Greenways” proposals include a new pedestrian and cycle waterside boardwalk, running from the ferry stop near the Valentine’s footbridge underneath the railway station towards the arena site • New paths and seating around Totterdown Basin and The New Cut • Cattle Market Road to be one way eastwards, with new wide cycle lane • Conservation and improvement of wildlife areas at Totterdown Basin • Cycle lanes link with existing Bath-Bristol cycle path and cycle path along the New Cut
R
ESIDENTS of Totterdown, Knowle and Windmill Hill could be in for a rude awakening. The Victorian streets of this part of South Bristol are now immensely popular as mainly peaceful places to live and raise a family while being on the doorstep of the city centre and all its delights. But towards the end of 2017 we’ll have a new neighbour – the
Wishful? Publicity imagines Brit Awards in Bristol £90million Bristol Arena. On Page 3 we explored the implications for parking and the likely
need for a residents parking zone to stop the area being swamped with cars during a major concert.
But parking won’t be the only concern. How much noise will be generated? With the winning
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new neighbour in 2017 said: “The first will, as a result of the arena and enterprise zone, become impractical, and the second is already over capacity.” The council says any changes to the road network will be considered as part of the transport assessment. Preferred bidders to run the arena have already been chosen – SMG, which is the UK’s largest arena manager, in collaboration with Live Nation, the world’s largest concert organiser and owner of Ticketmaster. Both firms will have a say in the design of the scheme, as well as being responsible for leasing and operating the venue. The arena is expected to open to the public at the end of 2017. Work on the site, now dubbed Arena Island but previously the diesel depot for Temple Meads station, has already begun. The Homes & Community Agency (HCA) was owner of the site until March, when it handed it over to the council.
Crowd funded: The arena will regularly need to attract big audiences to pay its way for the operators design including a theatre space, how many events will be held around the year? What will be the impact of the Temple Quarter enterprise zone, expected with the arena to create up to 2,300 jobs? And what about the 300 homes expected for the site? Bristol City Council says residents will have several chances to raise all their concerns. The first round of consultation will start in late June. No dates have been announced yet, but some drop-in sessions have been promised. The views put forward will help inform the planning application for the scheme, which will be drawn up over the summer. Once the application has been submitted to the council, there will be further consultation. Noise will be contained, says the council. A spokesperson said: “The arena is an enclosed venue with a roof. It will be constructed to be a good neighbour, meeting industry standards and planning
requirements for noise.” A transport assessment is under way and will form part of the planning application. The council says the aim is to “look at providing an integrated transport solution for the Arena, with journeys not just by car but also on foot, and cycle, bus and rail transport.” But no new parking spaces are planned. Knowle councillor Gary Hopkins is calling for the arena operator to pay for any residents parking scheme made necessary
by the plans. He also believes the road network will need serious attention. “The Three Lamps junction needs remodelling to allow traffic flow from Wells Road to Bath Road,” he said. At the moment, traffic from Wells Road heading for Bath Road approaches Temple Meads and loops around to the right opposite Cattle Market Road – or heads up the hill to take the route through Talbot Road. He
Benefits of the arena – according to the council • The arena will sit in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone next to Temple Meads station and is an essential catalyst for the regeneration of the area. • With great transport links and the planned electrification of the London to Bristol line the arena can be expected to bring a wide audience to Bristol and local residents will no longer need to leave the city to see their favourite artists and shows. • Based on the experience of other cities Bristol can expect an arena to raise the profile of the region, create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and bring tens of millions of pounds of economic benefit to the city region each year.
Arena operators will have a say in the planning application As part of the deal the council received £5.4m from the HCA. It is hoped this can be used to buy the derelict former sorting office opposite Arena Island, to make it part of the Temple Meads enterprise zone. The HCA has also invested £11m on the main entrance to the site. A new bridge is being built over the New Cut, next to the station, off Cattle Market Road. This work will take until December – hence the closure of Cattle Market Road until then. There will be another entrance to Arena Island off Bath Road. Exactly where is not clear, but it is intended for drop-offs for VIPs and disabled, and will not take the majority. The HCA announced in March that 300 homes will be built on the site. Plans for these will form part of the planning application. • www.bristol.gov.uk/page/ planning-and-building-regulations/bristol-arena
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June 2015
Ask the vet:
Do I need to clean my pet’s teeth?
The tooth hurts: Pets need dental care
A
nswer: Absolutely. Aside from keeping your pet’s breath smelling sweet(ish!), regular teeth cleaning is the best known way to prevent gum and dental disease. Ideally you should brush your pet’s teeth daily, just like you would yourself. However if this isn’t possible then aim to brush at least four times a week. You will need a pet toothbrush and specially formulated toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste! It’s never too early to start cleaning your pet’s teeth; teach them when they are young so that it is something they become used to. When training, always reward them during and after so that it is a positive experience. If you’re unsure of how to do it, feel free to pop in to see one of our veterinary nurses who will talk you through it. If unhealthy teeth are left untreated, it can cause your pet a lot of pain. When the tartar moves under the gum line, it causes them to become inflamed, red and very sore. This is known as gingivitis. Without intervention, it is incredibly progressive and can develop into serious periodontal disease resulting in tooth loss, abscesses or infection that can affect other organs around the body. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s teeth are healthy, book an appointment to see a veterinary nurse for a free dental health check. Call Highcroft Veterinary Hospital on 01275 832 410. Rebecca Forrest-Jones MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon at Highcroft Veterinary Hospital, Whitchurch
Setting off: The first Skyline Walk to find Bristol’s best views sets off from Temple Meads
Skyline walk shows off the best views in town DISCOVER views you never knew about – that’s the invitation from the organisers of the Skyline Walk, a new walking route that takes in the best panoramas of South Bristol. Tawny owls, cormorants and jays are among the wildlife you might just spot on the way. There are also excellent views of Bristol landmarks such as the Suspension Bridge. If you’re not sure what’s where, stop at the panorama plaque in Perrett’s Park. The walk is promoted by the Northern Slopes Initiative and 12 other groups. Len Wyatt, one of the driving forces behind Skyline, told South Bristol Voice: “Now that the walk is open we are looking forward to hearing comments about it, especially as it was set up to encourage people to get out and walk or run and explore parts of South Bristol they may not be so familiar with. Over the last year it has been really brilliant to see
the amount of support we have had to get the walk on the ground from the 12 groups involved, and from other groups and individuals across Bristol.” The group is now preparing “Follow the big toe” roundels to mark the route on lamp posts, as well as a video and an app. There’s a short route and a long route. The short route, through Totterdown and Perrett’s Park, is for those who are less energetic or want paved surfaces. It includes playgrounds. This is about two miles (three km) long and will take up to two hours. The long route is about six miles (9.6km), starting at Temple Meads and taking in the River Avon, Arnos Vale cemetery, the Northern Slopes and Victoria Park. It will take four to five hours. There are bus stops en route. A booklet and map can be downloaded: • www.northern-slopes-initiative.co.uk/skyline
Wonderful women
Tables up to scratch
DISCOVER some of Bristol’s many wonderful women of the past, and the contributions they made to our history, at Arnos Vale Cemetery. A walking tour takes place at 1.30pm on Saturday June 6 focusing on the great and good women remembered here from Victorian, Edwardian and 20th Century Bristol who “made it happen”. Tickets £5.00. • www.arnosvale.org.uk
VOLUNTEERS in Victoria Park are getting the park ready for summer by sprucing up the picnic tables. One in the children’s play area has been renovated, but help is need to paint another two. If you can use a paintbrush and would like to help out, then put Saturday June 13 in your diary. Meet at 10am at Mrs Brown’s Café. • www.vpag.org.uk
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News The truth about cats and dogs: are they really at risk from poison in our parks? IT’S EVERY dog owner’s nightmare: your pet is happily sniffing around your local park when a scent catches his nose and before you can do anything, he’s wolfing down something smelly he found in the undergrowth. But it’s not an innocent morsel. Within minutes the dog has lost his bounce. A few more, and he is unsteady on his feet. You soon realise that what he’s eaten is poison. As you rush your pet to the vet, you start to wonder: Is someone with a grudge against dogs setting poisoned bait to try to kill them? This is an invented scenario. But many dog lovers will have heard something like it from people they meet in the park. Cat owners have often heard similar tales: about felines coming home desperately ill after eating something unknown. Sometimes the tale concerns kidnap, not poison. A white van is seen on a corner: a hand stretches to a passing cat, grabs it and the van screeches off. What’s the truth behind these tales? South Bristol Voice asked a man who ought to know: Mark Coombs, one of three Animal Health Enforcement Officers who have responsibility for the dog wardens service at Bristol City Council. “You do get a lot of rumours,” Mark said. “Social media allows them to travel quickly. There was one a couple of years ago that spread very quickly – it was said on Facebook that the authorities had found 30 dead dogs in the disused Bishopsworth swimming pool, left by a dog fighting ring.” That one is definitively not true – Avon & Somerset police, among others, issued a denial, but it did not stop extensive discussion by worried dog owners on Facebook. But what about
dogs being poisoned? Mark said that Bristol City Council has never had any confirmed cases of intentional dog poisoning. Nor is there any record of white vans driving around looking for cats – or dogs – to steal in the area.
‘There is more danger to dogs from getting harmed by the parvo virus’ One variant which is very persistent is the claim that dog thieves make a mark near the entrance of a house where dogs live – supposedly so they can return to steal them later. Even after official denials, many pet owners remain to be convinced – as the discussion on Facebook following the Bishopsworth dog baiting denial shows. “I’m not saying that there isn’t anyone out there poisoning dogs,” said Mark. “But there is more danger to dogs from getting harmed by the parvo virus, for example, which they can catch from unvaccinated dogs and dogs kept in poor conditions. “If residents are concerned about this they can find more information on the RSPCA’s website.” The animal health enforcement officers work with the police, and with the RSPCA and local vets. If any systematic attempts were being made to kidnap, poison or otherwise harm our pets, these organisations would know about it. This isn’t to say that dogs and cats never get stolen. Pedigree animals or those that can be easily sold, or used for hunting,
Park life: Many pet owners fear their animals are at risk in public are sometimes stolen. Dogs and cats do fall ill from poison – possibly after eating bait left for vermin. But the message from the dog warden service is clear: while every case is carefuly investi-
gated, most of the tales about pets falling victim to poisoners and criminals are just that – tales. • http://m.bristol.gov.uk/page/ environment/dog-wardenservice
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Art for all Totterdown artist Andy Council is well known for including local streets in his art – even if the subjects often include dinosaurs! For us he has created a stunning mural that forms a backdrop to our new office. See more of his work at www.andycouncil. co.uk
Honest opinion
It’s the talk of Totterdown...
and Knowle, Windmill HIll and South Bristol ...
James Grimsted, managing director, Greenwoods
he new Greenwoods office is now T open — and it’s much more than a place to find a new home.
As you can see, it’s already a place to sample the best work from our many brillant local artists. Selling and letting homes is what we do and we’re good at it. But we are about much more than that — at Greenwoods we want to be at the centre of the local community. That’s why we’ve made such a statement with our much larger, more comfortable premises. We’ll soon be welcoming more artists to put their work on our walls. And we’ll be out in the community supporting events and local organisations. Why not call in and see us for a cup of coffee and find out what else we’re up to? James Grimsted, managing director
When we’re asked to value a property, we don’t see any point in trying to win your favour by giving an inflated valuation. We give you our honest opinion of the value in the current market. We think it’s the only way to do business.
Touch sensitive You don’t have to wait till we’re open to find out what’s up. Our giant touch screen outside the office lets you browse the market at any hour or day of the week.
• • • •
FREE VALUATIONS SALES LETTINGS COMMERCIAL
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June 2015
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News South Bristol is at the heart of our plans A
S A South Bristol resident I greatly welcome the launch of South Bristol Voice – giving information to all in its delivery area, which I hope will grow with time. While there is a huge amount being achieved city-wide at the moment, I am pleased to say South Bristol is at the heart of some of our most exciting initiatives. This first issue coincides with the launch of Filwood Green Business Park in Hengrove – a £12m investment project designed to boost the local economy, create jobs and provide valuable energy-efficient workspace for small businesses. With outstanding
The Mayor’s view Each month Bristol mayor George Ferguson shares his take on South Bristol life environmental credentials, it is a milestone in the city’s European Green Capital programme which also sees many school projects as well as sustainable food, energy and transport initiatives across the area. On June 14,
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Bedminster’s North Street will be hosting the first South Bristol Make Sunday Special event – as we reach out to even more communities around the city. Lower North Street will be closed off and traffic-free, with street games, arts, crafts, theatre and sport taking over the streets between 12pm and 4pm. On September 6 it will be the turn of Dundry View, Hartcliffe. City Centre events are on the first Sunday of every month until September. The much heralded £90million Bristol Arena, which will give a huge boost to the local and regional economy, gets closer – with a projected opening at the end of 2017. The competition-winning design team are working up the plans, giving an opportunity for consultation on all issues before an application is submitted for planning late summer. The Arena will be a vital element of a new mixed use quarter around Temple Meads which will give added facilities and transport options, and is set to deliver thousands of jobs, hopefully principally for local people. There is so much more to share – next time!
New MP sets out her stall On May 7 Bristol South voters returned Labour’s Karin Smyth to be their MP. This is part of her acceptance speech: I’D LIKE to thank my fellow candidates for what has been a very civilised and policy-focused campaign. Dawn Primarolo has served Bristol South for 28 years, during which time her dedication and commitment to her constituents was evident for all to see. It is an honour and privilege to have been entrusted by the people of Bristol South to be her successor in Parliament. Bristol South is one of the most economically deprived constituencies in the country. There are many thousands of residents living locally who absolutely cannot afford another five years of the Tories’ austerity policies, which have hurt the lowest paid and the most vulnerable in our society, whilst giving a tax cut to millionaires. I would like to make a solemn promise to the people of this constituency – whether they voted Labour, voted for another party, or if they didn’t vote at all – that
Karin Smyth, Labour’s new MP for Bristol South
“
I will work my very hardest in Westminster and across Bristol South to ensure they continue to have a dedicated vocal champion for many years to come.
”
ELECTION ’15
Votes
%
Karin Smyth Labour
19,505
38
Isobel Grant Conservative
12,377
24
Steve Wood UKIP
8,381
16
Tony Dyer Green Party
5,861
12
Mark Wright
4,416
9
302
<1
Liberal Democrat
Tom Baldwin
Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition
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June 2015
Shown mercy – though he killed a policeman T
HERE are many moving tales behind the gravestones in Arnos Vale Cemetery. But few are more shocking than the story of the too-brief life of PC Richard Hill. PC Hill died aged just 31 on April 24, 1869. He was off duty and in plain clothes – his misfortune was to try to impose order on a drunken quarrel that got quickly out of hand. The assailant was 19-year-old William Pullin. PC Hill was in Old Market near the city centre when he came across William Pullin, 19, and his friend. The pair were abusing a donkey in the street. Pullin was drunk. Baker William Curtis saw 0121 WMAT IKB Open Advert the pair beating the animal and
Tales from the cemetery Every month we tell the story behind one of the gravestones in Arnos Vale Cemetery came out of his shop to remonstrate. Pullin and his friend had set about Curtis when PC Hill arrived and tried to intervene. But Pullin drew his pocket knife and stabbed the constable behind his knee. It was single blow but PC Hill lost blood quickly. By the time a hose and cart had been summoned to take him to hospital, he was dead. Bristol was rocked by the 120hx180wmm FV.pdffuneral 1 19/05/2015 murder. PC Hill’s at
Holy Trinity church attracted thousands of mourners, who also lined the route to the cemetery. WG Grace, the greatest cricketer of the Victorian era, was playing a match in Clifton the same day – but so many Bristolians chose to attend the funeral instead that the match was almost deserted. PC Hill’s tombstone in Arnos Vale commemorates his bravery. It remains a fitting tribute thanks to restoration works carried out in 2009 by the only known relative of Pullin, Elaine Rees. Mrs Rees discovered that Pullin was her great, great, great uncle while researching her family tree. Ironically she was then working as a front desk officer at 16:50 T rinity Road police station,
Restored: PC Hill’s gravestone where there is a memorial plaque to PC Hill. Perhaps surprisingly, given the strength of feeling in Bristol about the constable’s death, there was also considerable sympathy for his killer. He might have expected to be hanged for murder. But 7,000 citizens petitioned the court for mercy on the grounds that he
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45 green acres in the city: Arnos Vale is the jewel of South Bristol
“What is man’s life? Tis as a flower/ Looks fresh and dies within the hour/ How frail is man – how short his breath/ In midst of life we are in death”: The inscription on PC Hill’s gravestone was a young man who had been led astray by drink, and he was spared the rope. Instead he was sentenced to
20 years hard labour at Portsea prison. When he was released he became a wealthy landlord. Mrs Rees was able to per-
suade Avon & Somerset Police, the Police Federation and the National Police History Association to contribute to restoring the
ANY CITY would be proud of an open space as wild and free as Arnos Vale cemetery. Saved from a property developer after he threatened to build homes there in the 1980s, the cemetery has been restored over the past 10 years with £4.8 million in lottery funds. It’s a wildlife haven with owls, badgers, bats and deer. And there is a story at every turn – many of which will feature in South Bristol Voice. grave, at a cost of £1,100. Thanks to her and her sponsors, PC Hill’s sacrifice is still plain to see to visitors to the cemetery.
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Photo special: Ballooning in Perrettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park Park marks its balloon history in grand opening
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Photo special: Ballooning in Perrett’s Park
oloured bands that make it look like a balloon from the top of the park slope; right, the play equipment was an undoubted hit with youngsters HUNDREDS of children will never forget the day a real hot air balloon took off from their park. Perrett’s Park marked the opening of its council-designed, balloon-shaped playground in April with a visit by Bristol ballooning pioneer Don Cameron. He brought a full-size balloon, tethered it to the bumper of his car and with the help of council Up, up and ... well, he stopped at 20 feet, but the crowd were impressed. Don Cameron demonstrates the art of hot air ballooning. BBC Points West attended, but sadly weren’t able to broadcast the footage. The playground was designed by the council’s Teresa Crichton and owes much to just-retired councillor Mark Bailey.
staff and members of the Community of Perrett’s Park, took off. The park is known as a prime spor for viewing the annual Balloon Fiesta – begun by Mr Cameron. But it was also the site of a barrage balloon in World War 2, part of Bristol’s air defences. Two concrete anchors for the “blimp” were dug up and are now set beside an information board.
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Win six seats in the hot tub film club
FILM lovers will have a chance to enjoy top flicks while leaning back in a warm embrace – a hot tub. Hot Tub Cinema started as a private party in Exeter in 2006, but is now a regular fixture in Bristol, London and Birmingham. Paintworks Event Space on Bath Road is the venue for Bristol’s showings, from May 29 to June 8. The films chosen are all feelgood favourites, from The Lion King to Dirty Dancing. South Bristol Voice readers can win a free entry – but be quick. For your chance to win a pri-
June 2015
vate Hot Tub for you and up to five friends simply sign up at www.bit.ly/ BristolHotTub Winners will be notified on Tuesday May 26. Tickets start at around £24 each and £140 per six-place hot tub. Hot Tub Cinema founder Asher Charman said: “We encourage our guests to dress up, sing, dance, drink, play and enjoy their favourite films, alongside friends old and new.” Films showing include Grease, Labyrinth and Austin Powers – but many have sold out. • hottubcinema.com Dive in cinema: Open air at the Paintworks for films with friends in the bath
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Our first monthly column by Neighbourhood Sergeant Tony Westwell
L
IGHTER nights and sunny weekends often signal the start of a long-running seasonal issue for us – people riding offroad bikes illegally. Residents around the Northern Slopes - or Novers Common, Kingswear and Glyn Vale – as well as Dundry View, may well be all too familiar with the roar of an off-road bike. Or you may even have had your walk or jog ruined by reckless riders. We know it’s a real issue for people who live near or visit these areas, which is why we’re running our well-rehearsed and very effective Operation Biker. The operation gives us the power to issue Section 59 notices to anyone riding off-road bikes illegally or causing a nuisance. The warnings last 12 months and, if a rider is caught again, they risks having the bike seized. Officers also have the power to seize bikes immediately, depending on the circumstances. Please do your bit to help us make the operation effective by reporting incidents to us.
area four times a year. Details are below. Please do come along and take the chance to talk about any local concerns to your local police team and councillors. There is always a chance to talk one-to-one after the meeting.
F but you are our eyes and ears. Recently, a cannabis factory worth thousands of pounds was found on Glyn Vale, Filwood, and the plants and equipment seized thanks to information from local people. Don’t make the mistake of thinking of such crimes as harmless – cannabis cultivation is the second most common form of criminal exploitation. Often, it’s modern slavery. We’ve also seen two drug dealers locked up recently. A father and son from Broadbury Road, as well as a man from Wales, were all convicted for their involvement in a cocaine supply operation worth an estimated £330,000. The father was sentenced to four years in prison, his son to six and a half.
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EVER underestimate the importance we place on information coming direct from the community. It’s a real cliché,
ITHOUT a doubt, one of the most frequent local issues raised by residents and businesses at our Neighbourhood Forum meetings is speeding. I’m lucky to have the Bristol Speedwatch Coordinator on my team, PC Brett Worthington, whose area is particularly affected by the issue. Speeding is one issue that can be discussed at Neighbourhood Forum meetings, held for each
Creepy walk to the crypt
A ride on the ss Great Britain
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EXPERIENCE the creepy yet wonderful ambience of Arnos Vale cemetery in a dusk-todark tour on Friday June 12 at 7.30pm. The guided walk is billed as an exploration of tragic tales, folk customs and funeral etiquette of Victorian society. You’ll walk paths overhung with creeping branches, descend into the mortuary crypt and listen out for things that go bump in the night. Booking essential. • www.arnosvale.org.uk
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A LIFE on the Ocean Wave: the experiences of early passengers travelling to Australia on ss Great Britain is the subject of the next talk to Knowle and Totterdown Local History Society. It’s at 7.30pm on Friday June 12 at Redcatch Community Centre on Redcatch Road. The society is hosting two guided visits to the American Museum in Bath on Thursday June 25 and on Saturday July 11. • www.knowleandtotterdownhistory.org.uk/
INALLY, I’d like to bring you up to speed on a number of changes to your local team. PC Roger Ibrahim and PC Richard Scotter now cover the Filwood area, along with their PCSOs. PC Roger Ibrahim is also the dedicated officer for hate crime incidents, which is any criminal offence motivated by prejudice or hate. I would urge anyone experiencing hate crime, whether verbal, physical or on social media, to contact him. The Knowle area is covered by PC Gregg Macrae, and Windmill Hill/Totterdown are looked after by PC Brett Worthington, PC Sue Coates and PC Nicola Hampson. Until next time, Sgt Tony Westwell Get involved – Neighbourhood Forums • Windmill Hill/Totterdown Wednesday, June 10, 7pm at Windmill Hill Community Association. • Knowle - Friday, July 3, 7pm at Redcatch Community Centre. How to get in touch: Telephone us on the nonemergency number 101 or email us through the Your Area pages of our website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk. If you wish to stay anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Nutty Noah returns to make magic mayhem THE BIG event for children at the Tobacco Factory during half term is the arrival of Nutty Noah. Since he was last performing at the Bedminster venue, he won the Primary Times Party Entertainer of the year award. He’s been let him loose in the Brewery Theatre where he’s allowed to make as much mess and magic as he likes for the benefit of children over four. Shows are twice daily at 11am and 2pm from Tuesday May 26 to Sunday May 31.
Comic slant on a deadly depression A NEW reworking of Nikolai Erdman’s classic comic masterpiece The Suicide plays at the Tobacco Factory Theatre ffrom June 4 to June 13. It’s staged by the graduating students at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Unemployed Simeon lives with wife and mother-in-law in a dingy boarding house. Depressed by his reliance on his wife’s wages, Simeon announces that he is going to kill himself. Desperate, Mary seeks help from their grubby Rigsby-esque landlord who tries to convince Simeon that life is beautiful and worth clinging on to. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres. com/shows
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feel a visit to view our slabs is essential! Our extensive stone yard is open to the trade and public. Here you will have the opportunity to be shown around our complete range of truly amazing, full sized slabs by our helpful and knowledgeable staff. From here you can not only choose the kind of stone that you prefer; you can hand pick the individual slabs that you would like our craftsmen to cut and finish to your requirements. Seeing the large slabs,
you will be able to appreciate the range of colour, texture and tonality of the stone. For the best experience and choice, please come and visit. No appointment is necessary and we are open all day Monday to Friday plus Saturday mornings, excluding bank holiday weekends. Bristol Marble & Granite Co Ltd in Filwood Road Fishponds Bristol is a family business established in 1937
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News Praise for the charity that wins over tots
A POPULAR Knowle toddler and commented: “Thank you for such pre-school group has won praise a terrific year! L comes home from parents for the “love, atteneach day excited to tell us all the tion and care” it offers its young adventures she had with you all.” charges. The group runs separate Sydenham Road Under Fives sessions for toddlers and prealso believes it is one of the most school children. competitively priced centres in Toddlers’ sessions are open the area, charging just £4 per Monday, Wednesday and Friday hour for its pre-school sessions. (term-time) 9.15am to 11.30am. The group, based at Newcomers are welcome and the Totterdown Baptist Church, first session is free. Wells Road (entrance via This group is ideal for Cemetery Road), is a non-profit children aged up to 3 years making organisation and the (siblings under 5 years are also committee is made up of parents welcome). Sessions include and carers who give their time on a baby area, craft activities, a voluntary basis. interactive song time, healthy One parent wrote to the group snacks for the children and tea to say: “We are so thankful for and fresh coffee for grown-ups. the love, attention and care Pre-school sessions are open you’ve have shown S. She has Monday to Friday mornings loved pre-school!” Another during term-time. Open to mr5050_PROMO[sbV](Lad) 12/5/15 10:23 Page 1
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Exploring the outdoors: One of the pre-schoolers’ activities children from age 3 years, this group is an Ofsted registered provider of quality Foundation Stage education and can be funded via the government’s nursery voucher scheme. “The committee is made up of volunteers from parents and carers of the children who attend the pre-school and toddler sessions,” said administrator Maria Hulme. “We take our
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Shaun under fire for neglecting less af fluent parts of the city Only one sheep sculpture in BS4: ‘why weren’t residents asked?’
EXCITEMENT at the release of the locations for the summer Shaun in the City trail has been marred by a row over where the sheep will be sited. While there are to be 35 Shaun sheep in the centre of Bristol, outer – and poorer – areas have a handful each. In BS4 there’s only one – the Broadwalk shopping centre in Knowle. This may be partly because the Gromit Unleashed trail, which proved tremendously popular in 2013, was criticised for having statues too far apart to visit easily. In addition each Shaun has to be sponsored at a cost of £7,000 upwards. Both the Gromit and the Shaun trails raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital – the Gromits netted £3.8 million. But Cllr Sam Mongon (Labour, Windmill Hill) said he wished the organisers had worked more with local people. “It’s a great scheme,” he said. “But it would have been great if they had asked residents where they would have liked to see Shauns.” In the BS3 area there will be five sites, including one in Victoria Park. Cllr Mongon said: “I don’t know how Victoria Park got one – I’m on the park’s action
Where to find Shaun CENTRAL: Temple Meads Station Anchor Road Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Hotwells Road Hannover Quay Outside Bristol Hippodrome Cascade Steps, Harbourside Castle Park St Mary Redcliffe Brandon Hill Nature Park Lower Castle Street Outside M Shed, Princes Wharf Outside Bristol 2015 Lab, Canon’s Road Bristol Aquarium, Harbourside Cabot Circus
Hard to miss: animated children’s hero Shaun the Sheep tries some of his hottest looks at the harbourside. Created by Aardman’s Nick Park, he has become another icon for the city – just like Gromit
group and we weren’t asked.” Why could Shauns not have gone to places such as Perrett’s Park or Northern Slopes, he asked? Cllr Gary Hopkins (Liberal Democrat, Knowle), said: “I am very pleased that we will have a Shaun at Broadwalk shopping centre but a little surprised that other sites in the area have not got a Shaun. Possibly a few more Shauns could have helped with the positive promotion of Knowle and South Bristol.” Karin • PUPILS at a Knowle school have been helped by a Bristol artist to create a miniature Shaun the Sheep sculpture. Children at the 140-pupil KnowleDGE school in Leinster Avenue worked with illustrator Tim Sutcliffe to make “Global Shaun” decorated with world maps and flags. It is one of 150 small Shauns decorated St Stephens Church, St Stephen’s Street Quay Side, Temple Back Baltic Wharf Queen Square Temple Quay, Temple Back East Outside Bristol Bus Station The Broadmead Podium Narrow Quay, Harbourside Broadmead College Green Outside Bristol Children’s Hospital St Nicholas Market The Galleries Pump House, Merchants Road Temple Church Gardens Aardman Animations, Gas Ferry Road Wapping Wharf, Wapping Road
Smyth MP said: “I’ve no doubt the Shaun In The City trail will be a great success, like Gromit Unleashed two years ago. “Some people living in South Bristol will have their own views about which local spots have been selected to display a Shaun. “It is of course too late to influence the locations for this trail, but I’d be happy to put forward any positive suggestions on behalf of constituents for similar arts initiatives in the future.” The by schools as a companion trail to the Shaun in the City event. The Knowle Shaun will be on show in Filwood Library and will return to the school in September. The winners of the school’s Cracking Design Challenge were Jahavnni Foster, 12, Kane Armstrong, 10, and Rebekha King, 13. Elton Road, Clifton Royal West of England Academy Victoria Rooms NORTH: Uni. of Bristol Botanic Garden The Mall at Cribbs Causeway The Downs Westbury on Trym Westbury Park Henleaze Whiteladies Road Horfield Common Gloucester Road SOUTH: Victoria Park, Bedminster Ashton Gate Stadium Bristol South Swimming Pool Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Knowle Riverside Garden Centre
row began when Labour MP for Bristol East, Kerry McCarthy, protested that there wasn’t a single Shaun in BS5. She tweeted: “Another Bristol thing aimed at tourists, who won’t venture beyond centre, rather than kids living in places like BS5 #ShareTheShauns.” The Grand Appeal issued a statement saying: “The sculptures in each location have been sponsored by local businesses and organisations, without whose kind support we would not be able to deliver this free arts trail to raise funds for the charity.” The trail is free, and starts on July 6. It will run until August 31, after which the sculptures will form an exhibition, The Great Sheep Round Up, in Bristol from September 12 to 20. The sculptures will be auctioned on October 8 to raise funds for The Grand Appeal. • shauninthecity.org.uk North Street, Bedminster EAST: Bristol Parkway Station Warmley Waiting Room Fountain Square, Staple Hill Snuff Mills Park (Frome Valley Walkway) St Werburgh’s City Farm WEST: Ashton Court Estate Avon Gorge Hotel The Mall Gardens, Clifton Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre Christchurch Green, Clifton Suspension Bridge Aspect Clifton Observatory • There are 70 Shauns but fewer locations – Ashton Court, for example, has two Shauns.
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June 2015
Half term at Windmill Hill City Farm THERE are lots of activities at Windmill Hill City Farm during the week of half term. On Tuesday May 26, there’s a chance to learn pizza making with the farm’s People Grow team in the outdoor kitchen from 10am-noon or 1-3pm. It’s free, all ages are welcome, and there’s no need to book. Puzzle Island arrives on Wednesday May 27 from 10am until 3pm. Play rangers will organise the fun; again it’s free and for all ages and there’s no need to book. Family Farm Tours offer a behind the scenes tour of the animals on Thursday May 28. Sessions take place at 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. The Ape Project will be at the Farm with their spin painting trike on Friday. To find out more call 0117 963 3252. The farm is at Philip Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA. • www.windmillhillcityfarm. org.uk
Cllr Chris Davies
Cllr Gary Hopkins
Do you know who your local councillors are?
HERE we introduce the four councillors for those who live in Knowle or Windmill Hill wards – the main area covered by South Bristol Voice. Cllr Deborah Joffe was one of several Green Party gains in the city in May’s election, winning one of the Windmill Hill seats. Cllr Christopher Davies, a Liberal Democrat, retained his seat in Knowle. The two others were not up for election this year. Christopher Davies, Liberal Democrat, Knowle, says: “Just to introduce us, we are councillors Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies for Knowle Ward and you can find out all about us and what we have been
Cllr Deborah Joffe
doing in Knowle for the last 13 years by visiting our website www.knowlelibdems.com. “ Gary Hopkins, who as well as representing Knowle is Liberal Democrat leader on the council, says: “I am very pleased that Chris Davies is again re-elected as my team mate in Knowle. With the arena planning decision looming we will be continuing to make the case very strongly for residents in Knowle to be protected from the arena parking and for changes at the Three Lamps junction to be planning conditions.” Deborah Joffe, the Green Party representative for Windmill Hill, says: “There are now 13 Green councillors in Bristol, making us the third largest party, and this means we can have much greater influence than in the past. Our platform is
Cllr Sam Mongon
to work for an environmentally sustainable city and for greater opportunity and fairness for all residents. We will be very pleased to co-operate with anyone who shares these goals.” Sam Mongon, the Labour councillor for Windmill Hill, said: “As we all know South Bristol is the best place to live in the city. I’m proud we were able to protect our parks and green spaces from cuts this year. My priority is to ensure more of the services our communities depend on are maintained. I’ll be pushing the council to take a lead on making Bristol a Living Wage city and getting landlords and letting agents to sign up to the Bristol Ethical Lettings Charter.” • The Voice hopes to include regular news from all our councillors in future issues.
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Cat’s put the hoop in the loop
A TOTTERDOWN hoop dancing instructor now has a loyal band of followers – and is looking to bring new converts into the loop. Cat Jameson, 42, began hooping in 2009. Since then her hooprelated antics have spiralled onwards and upwards, including overseas hoop conventions, charity challenges and fundraisers. Ironically, Cat could not hoop as a child. “I spent years practicing ballet but found that the formality of ballet training and a
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Round and round: Cat Jameson, left, with her friend Katie Pike, who is hooping to raise cash for a cancer charity Picture: Fern JamesonGreen lack of confidence in early adulthood left me feeling restrained. “I first picked up an adult dance hoop in 2009 and have never looked back. I started hooping purely because I’d never been able to do it, but saw a friend with a big hoop who assured me that it was the hoop, not me, and coincidentally then saw classes advertised locally. “She was right. With the right
hoop and experienced tuition, anyone can do it. Now it’s a really big part of my life. I travel with it, have met some amazing friends and it gives me a fantastic outlet for creativity in addition to being an alternative form of exercise.” Mum-of-two Cat also has experience leading after-school clubs in addition to hoop sessions with youth groups and children’s parties.
Another recruit, Katie Pike, 42 is hooping to raise cash for Prostate Cancer UK and the British Heart Foundation as part of a series of challenges in 2015. Classes run on Thursday evenings in May at the Holy Nativity Church basement hall in Wells Road. Classes run in blocks of six weeks. The next block will run from June 11 to July 23. • www.cathoops.co.uk
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What’s on
Monday May 25 Windmill Hill Community Association open day and table top sale 11-3pm. Meet members and organisers of the centre’s fitness groups and toddler groups. Hot snacks and refreshments served throughout the day with full bar. Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian Street, BS3 4LW 0117 963 4159. • www.whca.org.uk Tuesday May 26 Children can learn pizza making with Windmill Hill City Farm’s People Grow team in the outdoor kitchen from 10am-noon or 1-3pm. It’s free, all ages are welcome, and there’s no need to book. 0117 963 3252. Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA. • www.windmillhillcityfarm. org.uk Wednesday May 27 Puzzle Island arrives at Windmill Hill City Farm from 10am until 3pm. Play rangers will organise the fun; again it’s free and for all ages and there’s no need to book. 0117 963 3252. Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA. • www.windmillhillcityfarm. org.uk Thursday May 28 Family Farm Tours at Windmill Hill City Farm offer a behind the scenes tour of the animals. Sessions take place at 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.0117 963 3252. Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA. • www.windmillhillcityfarm. org.uk Opening of the Filwood Green Business Park, 12.30pm – 4pm. Residents and businesses of Knowle West and surrounding areas are invited to join project stakeholders, council representatives and Bristol Mayor George Ferguson. With family friendly entertainment with a ‘green’ theme. Displays from local businesses. Guided tours of the building, which has industrial workshops, offices and desk space to boost local businesses. 1 Filwood Park Lane, BS4 1ET. 0117 352 1162 • www.filwoodgreen.co.uk Friday May 29 Windmill Hill City Farm welcomes the Ape Project with their spin painting trike. 0117 963 3252. The farm is at Philip
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From the US: Dana and Susan Robinson at the Salt Cellar, June 6 Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA. • www.windmillhillcityfarm. org.uk Monday June 1 Victoria Park Action Group meeting at the Bowling Club, 7:30pm to 9pm. • www.vpag.org.uk/ Saturday June 6 Salt Cellar Folk Club welcomes Dana & Susan Robinson - two guitar-playing, banjo-frailing, fiddle-sawing, and harmony-singing interpreters of the American experience. A unique blend of contemporary songwriting and traditional Appalachian music. Folk music evenings take place at 7.30pm on the first Saturday of each month in the basement (or salt cellar) of Totterdown Baptist Church on Wells Road, Bristol, BS4 2AX. Admission £5 on the door. • www.saltcellarfolk.org.uk • www.robinsongs.com Get Growing Trail at Windmill Hill City Farm, 10am to 4pm. Bristol’s fruit and veg growers open their garden gates and community plots for Bristol Food Network’s 5th annual Get Growing Garden Trail. The City Farm is running lots of garden and nature-based activities for families. 0117 963 3252. Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA. • www.windmillhillcityfarm. org.uk Patchwork Community Gardening Group hosts the Get Growing Trail. Community Orchard, Upper Sydney Street (behind Tesco on North Street), Bedminster BS3 1HZ. 2–4pm Saturday. Access available all
the time, but volunteers on site 2–4pm on Saturday. Activities: Make a bee hotel. Cakes and refreshments. The Patchwork Community Gardening Group works to tidy up neglected patches of land around Bedminster and Southville. In 2011 the group started a community orchard and herb garden. • http://bedminsterpatchwork. tumblr.com • www.facebook.com/bedminsterpatchwork Bramble Farm Community Smallholding, Knowle hosts the Get Growing Trail, Saturday and Sunday. From Redcatch Road, enter Stockwood Crescent. Midway around the crescent, walk through the privet hedges on to Northern Slopes. Signs will lead the way! Sat nav postcode BS4 1AW. 11am–5pm Saturday & Sunday to meet the farm animals, Pet’s Corner, seed sowing in newspaper pots. Plant and produce sales. Children’s activities. BBQ and refreshments. Cake sale. Members on hand to give urban smallholding advice. • Facebook: Bramble Farm Bristol Sunday June 7 Totterdown Sprouting hosts the Get Growing Trail at the orchard at the bottom of Park Street, Totterdown BS4 3BJ. From 12–4pm Sunday (access available all the time, but volunteers on site 12–4pm). Totterdown Sprouting is a group in Totterdown growing edible food in public places. The orchard has fruit trees and bushes and a small raised vegetable bed. The
June 2015
group also grows herbs in raised beds in Oxford Street. • www.tresa.org.uk Saturday June 13 Help volunteers in Victoria Park get the park ready for summer by sprucing up the picnic tables. If you can use a paintbrush and would like to help out, meet at 10am at Mrs Brown’s Café, or come and find volunteers in the park until 12.30pm. • www.vpag.org.uk Sunday June 14 Country music from Sidewinder at Windmill Hill Community Centre. Country music act whose lead singer will be coming over from the US. £4 per ticket. Inquiries on 0117 963 4159 or email fle1110@icloud .com • www.whca.org.uk Saturday June 20 Summer Fayre, Victoria Park Primary School, 2pm. • www.victoriaparkprimary. co.uk Sunday June 21 Fun Day and Dog Show, Redcatch Park, 1-5pm. For children: adventure play, face painting, puppet show, magic show, and rides – all free. Food from Gopal’s Curry Shack, Sausagenius, burgers. Performances by Fantasy Dancers, pipers, scout band, air cadet band, Dance for Everyone, maypole dancing, Mad Rich Entertains and morris dancers. Dog show judged by local vets – dogs to be registered in advance. Stalls £10. • www.friendsofredcatchpark. com Saturday June 27 Family Concert for Nepal organised by Totterdown’s Blackbird Early Years Music. Starts 3.15pm at Redcliffe Community Hall, Prewett Street, BS1 6PB. All proceeds will help those affected by the Earthquake in Nepal. Featuring Catherine Ring on marimba and other percussion. Redcliffe Community Hall, Prewett Street, BS1 6PB • www.blackbirdeym.com Glass craft workshop, Redcatch Community Centre, Redcatch Road. 10am - 3.30pm • www.redcatchcc.com Have you got an event? Send What’s On news to paul@southbristolvoice
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What’s on
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Bristol’s battle of bands is all about talent with a grand finish
‘You don’t have to sell lots of tickets to win’
A
NEW ‘battle of the bands’ contest for Bristol-based musicians promises to promote local talent and reward the winners with a £1,000 prize. The Underdog is the brainchild of promoters from the Thunderbolt and the Fleece, who hope to use their marketing, planning and organisational skills to nurture up-and-coming performers. “Our team has been running events in Bristol for a while now, and we’ve noticed a thing or two about the national battle of the bands competitions that come through every year,” said organiser Jon Spencer. “Some have minimum ticket sales requirements in return for a minuscule share of the profits. We don’t. “Some judge bands purely on how many fans they can bring to a show. We use a panel of industry judges.” The Underdog is open to Bristol residents above the age of 16. First, there are 10 heats (five bands per night) at the Thunderbolt in Bath Road during July, with one band progressing from each event. Then there will be two semifinals at the start of August, with
May the best band win: The Thunderbolt in Wells Road is the venue for the heats of The Underdog the top two bands progressing from each to the final in the last week in August. One more band will progress in the wild card round, meaning five bands will compete at the Fleece in Saint Thomas Street for the £1,000 cash, with prizes also being awarded for the second and third places. Winners will be chosen by a combination of both audience
votes and judging from an industry panel. “This combination of the two procedures will test all abilities of being in a band, so the winner will be worthy of the title,” said Jon. “We’ve secured judges from the local music industry including local magazines, venue owners, radio hosts and musicians.” “We can offer bands professional marketing plans with
extensive online and offline promotion, through coverage in local media to posters, flyers and of course, plugs on social media. “All our events are meticulously planned and executed. This stems from nearly a decade of experience of running events in Bristol.” To find out more, including terms and conditions, visit • www.theunderdog.caxv.co.uk
When gladiators lose their cool WHAT would happen if a glamorous French actress and her hapless assistant staged their version of Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator? That’s what happens at the Brewery Theatre at the Tobacco Factory from June 16 to 27. Gloria Delaneuf is well-versed in mask, mime and the mysteries of stage-craft. Her UK tour manager Josephine Cunningham is not. Together they have created Gloriator - an awe-inspiring production of bravery, honour, and costumes made out of cardboard. Russell Crowe may not be avail-
able, but they are determined it will be a show you’ll never forget. Inventive, physical and very silly, Gloriator was created by the French-English female comedy duo Spitz & Co with the help of Spymonkey’s Aitor Basauri and Publick Transport’s Angus Barr. It won the Critics’ Choice Award at Exeter Ignite in 2014 and was originally developed as part of Bristol Old Vic’s Ferment. The show is suitable for over11s, but there’s a special babyfriendly performance on June 23. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres. com /shows/detail/gloriator/
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