South Bristol Voice October 2018 by South Bristol Voice

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October 2018 October 2018

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No. 41

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours

The best news in South Bristol by quite a long way

FREE EVERY MONTH in Totterdown, Knowle and Windmill Hill THE NEXT TRAIN FOR BRISTOL SOUTH? * * Passengers may experience a delay of up to 20 years. Cost may exceed £4 billion. THIS is what the future of Bristol transport could look like – if the city accepts ambitious proposals. Planners are looking at an underground network running frequent, small trains to a French design already used in cities such

INSIDE

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Missing link ‘will be restored’ THE MISSING Metrobus link is back on the map after Bristol South MP Karin Smyth and metro mayor Tim Bowles persuaded First Bus to take another look at its plans. There was outrage earlier in the year when the route from Hengrove to Long Ashton was quietly dropped – even though the £45 million South Bristol Link was built in large part Continued on page 3

Skip hire – page 11 Roofing – page 17 Luxury tiles – page 20

Karin Smyth MP: Shares her views with readers on the arena decision – “hugely disappointing” – and more

PLUS TOP NEWS & FEATURES can be smaller and cheaper to build. A line to the airport could Continued on page 6

THE ARENA: IS IT ALL OVER? Only late interest by US firm shows any hope of a city centre venue Page 3

• HIGH RISE: OPPONENTS ‘IGNORED’ 4 • NEW SECONDARY POSSIBLE IN KNOWLE

• COULD YOUR SKILLS LAND A JOB IN FILM? 9

• EXCLUSIVE: WE TALK TO BETH ROWLEY 19 • SARAH’S CAFÉ PLAN TO HELP THE HOMELESS 26 • HISTORY: A WAR HERO AND A FASCIST 29-32

Get your home sold with Ocean… Call or pop into your local office to book a free valuation oceanhome.co.uk Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

October 2018

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2 Paul Breeden Editor & publisher 07811 766072 paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk Ruth Drury Sales executive 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Editorial team: Beccy Golding, Alex Morss, Martin Powell & The Wicked Witch. Deliveries: Greg Champion

Intro

NO RED CARPET BRISTOL is crying out for international investment. Mayor Marvin Rees has flown to the Far East and the South of France in search of investors willing to pump billions in to his plan for a 3,500-home transformation of the Western Harbour – and his even more ambitious vision of a rapid transit system, some of it underground, which would cost £4 billion. So when a team of investors fly in from Los Angeles, willing to spend up to £200m on a Bristol arena, with apparently no risk to the taxpayer, you might expect them to be welcomed with open arms

You can find South Bristol Voice on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/ southbristolvoice Twitter: @sbristolvoice Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is October 17th by everyone from the mayor down. That’s not what happened. The trio from Oakview Group (OVG) met not the mayor but his assistant, and the council’s head of growth and regeneration. Some would say it is similar to the mayor’s reluctance to meet representatives of SMG and Buckingham, the firms which wanted to build the council’s in-house Temple Meads arena. It contrasts with the mayor’s willingness to meet YTL, the firm that wants to build a Filton arena, three times in the last year. Investors do not grow on trees. Let’s hope that every investor with realistic proposals is welcomed and treated with appropriate respect. This is about more than an arena.

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n BRIEFLY n AS ONE shop closes, another opens. Totterdown’s much talked-about artisan baker Baked, in Oxford Street, has closed and is for sale. But the former Craftisan art shop and café at 186 Wells Road now has planning permission to become an upholstery shop and training venue, run by Bristol Upholstery Collective. Next door at 184 Wells Road, the former Melting Pot charity shop, a planning application has been made to open a physiotherapy practice. n THERE’S fun for children on Wednesday October 31 when Val and Kevin Matthews of the George pub help young witches and wizards look for the bestdressed gardens for Halloween. Then it’s back to the George for witches brew. All children welcome till 8pm. Further details from the pub on 0117 949 3314. n ANYONE who wants to work for themselves is invited to Live Your Work Dream, billed as “an evening of passion and entrepreneurship” at the Engine Shed, Temple Meads, on October

USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Council tax 0117 922 2900 Housing benefit 0117 922 2300

8. It’s hosted by PeoplePerHour, a freelancing community, and promises real-life tips from self-starting Bristol business figures. Those taking part include Faye Dicker, co-owner of Freelance Mum, and Nicky Spear, managing director of Sustainable Kitchens. tinyurl.com/enginesheddream n CONGRATULATIONS to one of the Voice’s longest-serving deliverers, Alice Knight, 18, who is about to take up a place at the University of Bristol. Alice, from Lower Knowle, is taking a degree course in education studies and her ambition is to become a teacher. n MUSICAL groups and choirs from South Bristol are being asked to volunteer their services to help Bristol’s children’s hospice-at-home service. Charity Jessie May hopes to stage performances throughout December at Clifton Down shopping centre to raise funds. To find out more, call 0117 958 2174 or email fundraising@jessiemay.org.uk.

Email: Cllr.Christopher.Davies@ bristol.gov.uk Gary Hopkins Lib Dem, Knowle (Lib Dem leader) Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159 Lucy Whittle Labour, Windmill Hill Phone: 07392 108805 Email: Cllr.Lucy.Whittle@bristol.gov.uk Jon Wellington Labour, Windmill Hill Phone: 07392 108804 Email: Cllr.Jon.Wellington@bristol.gov.uk Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999 Fire Emergency 999 NEIGHBOURHOOD MEETINGS No dates available

COMPLAINTS

• AS SEEN ON TV WITH HELP BRISTOL’S HOMELESS – C4’s BANG ON BUDGET and BBC1’S DIY SOS! • 5-STAR CUSTOMER RATING ON FACEBOOK e e e e e

01179 780 350 | 07971 683458 Leigh House, Whitchurch Lane BS13 7TA

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n NEWS

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ... My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Call 0117 953 3575 for an appointment. My councillor? Post: You can write to all councillors at City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Christopher Davies Lib Dem, Knowle

October 2018

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the South Bristol Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post (address below) or by phone: 07811 766072.

southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure

All stories and pictures are ©South Bristol Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse. South Bristol Voice Ltd | 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX

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Continued from page 1 directly for Metrobus. Ms Smyth was furious that no operator would run a service until new homes are built at Hengrove. Now, after Ms Smyth says she “metaphorically banged heads together,” First Bus has agreed with Ms Smyth and Mr Bowles to come up with a solution. “I hope that by bringing people together we can help find a way forward for the residents of South Bristol,” said Mr Bowles. Meanwhile the Labour MP has shared her views with Voice HOPE for an arena in Bristol city centre now rests on a group of US investors from Oak View Group (OVG) who are actively looking for new sites. But they did not get the red carpet treatment when three executives flew in from Los Angeles to examine the case of an investment of £150-£200m, the Voice can reveal. The trio were met at Temple Meads station not by any council representatives but by Stephen Fear, the self-made Bristol millionaire who is supporting their quest for an arena site after being asked for help by his friend, Live Aid promoter Harvey Goldsmith. And when they got to City Hall they did not meet the mayor, Marvin Rees, who was at a meeting of the Local Enterprise Partnership, but his head of office, Kevin Slocombe, and the council’s interim head of regeneration, Colin Molton. The Voice asked Mr Fear if the American trio were disappointed at their reception. Diplomatically, he replied: “It’s fair to say they were disappointed. But we stopped them being disappointed because we filled in – my people made sure that Bristol gave them a good reception.” Mr Fear and his team gave the OVG investors a tour of Bristol, from the harbourside to Clifton and including South Bristol, which he believes could benefit hugely from an arena on its doorstep. It

GET ON WITH IT, SAY HOTEL BOSSES THE LEADER of Bristol Hoteliers Association has welcomed YTL’s rival arena plan at Filton, and new £100m plans for Ashton Gate, but voiced doubt that the city council

MP speaks out on arena, Brexit and more readers in an interview on everything from the arena saga, the mayoral system and South Bristol’s building boom to anti-semitism and the future for South Bristol Hospital. She is “very disappointed” that mayor Marvin Rees has

ruled out a city centre arena. “The people of South Bristol will want to know that whatever goes on that site now is something

that rebalances the city in terms of jobs and local apprenticeships, and the cultural offer,” she said. Millions in public money has been spent on clearing the site and building a bridge, she pointed out. On Brexit, she says she belives Parliament is the place to deal with whatever negotiations throw up – though she does not rule out a second referendum. Sadly there’s no room to print it all but you can see our interview online: tinyurl.com/SBVkarinpart1 • Your MP: Page 38

US investors look like the last hope for a city arena won’t just be city centre shops and restaurants which will attract venue-goers, he said, but those in Totterdown too. Meanwhile there are young people in Withywood and other deprived parts of South Bristol who never go to the city centre. Developments like the arena and the £100m plan for investment at Ashton Gate stadium (see page 4) could create jobs for local people, he said. Mr Rees ruled at a cabinet meeting on September 4 that the island site was better suited to another use that would provide more investment and jobs. But a Legal & General plan for 10 towers including two office blocks, a conference centre, a hotel and 500 homes was slated online as ugly by Voice readers. Many Labour members – including all four for Windmill Hill and Bedminster – wanted to keep the arena locally, and councillors had voted 50-0 in favour of the central site. But the decision rested with the mayor. This led Voice readers and others online to call the

mayoral system “undemocratic”; several said they would vote against having a mayor if asked. Lib Dem and Tory members claimed the arena refusal broke 18 council rules. But an attempt to get the decision “called in” to the full council was rejected by a panel of councillors on September 20. Lib Dem Cllr Gary Hopkins of Knowle said Labour had packed the panel with pliant councillors. Why was the first approach by OVG group in July kept from scrutiny members, he asked? The council has been working with would-be Filton arena builder YTL for 18 months, he added. Mr Fear said he is still looking for possible five-acre sites within reach of the city centre. He wouldn’t confirm where he is looking but St Philips, which is set for redevelopment, looks the most likely possibility. There has been no word from SMG, backer of the Temple Meads arena, which may seek damages now the plan has been dropped. • Letters Special: Pages 16-17

can get Temple Island moving. Imran Ali said: “The BHA is completely behind Ashton Gate and YTL. There’s no doubt these exciting developments will progress quickly –  largely because they are in private hands and headed by people used to making

decisions.” He added: “With its track record, it’s unlikely that the city council will be able to resolve the quandary about what to do with Temple Island any time soon.  “My fear is that leaders at the council will continue to procrastinate.”

Controversial: The L&G plan

A wealth of autumn colour AUTUMN is upon us and we have an abundance of colourful seasonal goods to tempt your tastebuds. Pumpkins to eat and carve available over the next month! November will again see us showcase some wonderful artists and makers for the Totterdown Arts Trail. Check social media and our website for events and competitions over half term. Happy 1st Birthday to us at F&W in September, thank you all for your support. Here’s to the next 12 months!

Lucy and Hannah

foxandwest172 Fox & West www.foxandwest.co.uk

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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n NEWS New school shines in first Ofsted report OFSTED inspectors have given the newly-built primary school at Marksbury Road a glowing report. Oasis Academy Marksbury Road was judged outstanding in its first inspection, with high praise for head Clare Robinson and “outstanding” teaching from other staff. “In all year groups a higher than average proportion of pupils achieve the standards expected for their age. A substantial proportion of pupils exceed them,” said the Ofsted report. The behaviour of pupils was “exemplary”. Disadvantaged pupils “make strong progress”. Parents declared themselves delighted on social media: “I couldn’t be more proud that my child is here” said one. The school opened in September 2015.

merchantsacademy.org

CHOOSE

Call for a poll on high rises CAMPAIGNERS against highrise blocks have attacked the council’s latest statement on tall buildings for ignoring the public’s views. Consultation on the Urban Living draft policy earlier this year found that more than 80 per cent of respondents opposed buildings that were significantly higher than those around them. Yet the new draft of the policy contains no mention of public opposition. The consultation results are published separately online. They reveal that almost 40 per cent of the 665 responses were from Bedminster – many of them likely to be objectors to the multiple plans for skyscrapers on

Stadium plan: High rise homes in up to 17 storeys at Ashton Gate, in a £100m plan for a 4,000 seat stadium, two hotels and an 800-space car park. Details on our website and the SBV’s Bedminster edition Bedminster Green. New towers already have permission near Castle Park and at Redcliffe. Mayor Marvin Rees has said tall buildings “show ambition”. WHaM, the Windmill Hill and Malago planning group, said the new draft “does not adequately reflect the clear direction” given by the public. There is no appetite for tall buildings from the public, the group said, despite the document claiming that there is a “renewed appetite to build at higher

info@merchantsacademy.org

densities, including tall buildings”. WHaM chair Nick Townsend told the Voice that the mayor Marvin Rees made no mention of his enthusiasm for tall buildings to solve the housing crisis when he was elected. “The people of Bristol need to have a say in whether this is the future that they want for their city,” he said. Matthew Montagu-Pollack, founder of the Bristol Campaign Against Tower Blocks, said the new policy gave much less protection than the city council’s old tall buildings policy of 2005. The new draft “threatens to transform Bristol from a mid-rise European-style city to a high-rise North American-style city like Houston or Toronto,” he said, calling for a city-wide referendum on high rises. Cllr Nicola Beech, the cabinet member for city design, was unable to respond before our deadline. She has previously said the council is working to persuade developers to build high quality developments that benefit communities.

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n NEWS Parks plea

Play area vote

Parking survey

Inquest set

VIEWS on a new ambition to keep the city’s open spaces free to use are being sought by Bristol Parks Forum. The Parks 2030 Vision includes a call for a legal duty to maintain parks to a good standard. Deadline is October 17. bristolparksforum.org.uk

A DOG-FREE play area at the new Paignton Park, off Salcombe Road, Knowle, should be made as big as possible, residents voted at the Knowle community meeting on September 15. The meeting also heard complaints about rubbish and dog mess in the park.

PEOPLE living near Broadwalk shopping centre are being surveyed to see if they want a resident parking scheme when the centre and its car park are rebuilt. A planning application is expected to be made imminently. • Your councillors: Page 24

AN INQUEST into a homeless man who was found dead in Victoria Park is to be held at Flax Bourton coroners court on November 1. Justin Curnow, 47, was found on July 10. It is believed he may have died from the effects of drugs.

New secondary school could share site with Park centre Councillor lets slip plans for Knowle school run by Oasis KNOWLE may get a new secondary school, a councillor has revealed – though the location looks set to cause controversy. The Oasis academy chain is in talks to build a new school on the site of The Park community centre in Daventry Road. The Park was previously Merrywood secondary school, which closed in 2001 – but the buildings have reached the end of their life. Scores of community and sport groups use the centre and the trust which runs it is highly unlikely to agree to any deal which would displace them. But the hope is to completely rebuild the site so that The Park could co-exist with the new school, Cllr Gary Hopkins told a Knowle community meeting

hosted in The Park with his Lib Dem colleague Cllr Chris Davies. Cllr Hopkins appeared to have let the cat out of the bag as neither Bristol city council nor The Park was willing to talk about the plans. Discussions are still ongoing, government funding has not been agreed, and a deal is far from certain. In early 2017 a proposal by Bristol Grammar School to build a new school in Knowle was rejected by the Department for Education. The grammar school had wanted primary-level facilities as well as secondary, which Cllr Hopkins said had upset some of Knowle’s muchimproved primary schools. Most Bristol secondary schools are over-subscribed, and the city is expected to run out of places within four years. Oasis plans to build Bristol’s biggest school, of 1,600 pupils, at Silverthorne Lane, St Philip’s, as well as a 900-pupil school alongside the John Williams

Plastic attacks force action

SECONDARY Secondary applications to be placed by October 31st

October 2018

CAMPAIGNERS against plastic wrapping had their biggest success yet when six Bristol supermarkets were among about 100 targeted nationwide. The Plastic Attacks movement which started in Keynsham and South Bristol, has spread not only across the UK but around the world – an estimated 25 countries also took part on on September 15, World Earth Day. Asda at Bedminster and Sainsbury’s at St Philip’s and Ashton Gate were among the stores visited. At each one shoppers were asked to remove

all the unwanted plastic from their shopping. Alex Morss, the Voice’s environment writer and one of the campaign organisers, said: “The supermarkets are being forced to listen. They cannot ignore thousands of customers ripping off the single-use plastic and politely handing it back, at dozens of locations around Britain and hundreds around the world.” Lidl has said it will phase out black plastic trays – which cannot be recycled – next month, while the Co-op is switching to compostable carrier bags.

academy at Hengrove – due to open in 2019, though this is beginning to look unlikely. A Bristol City Council spokesperson would only say: “We are currently working to increase school places in Bristol. Plans and negotiations are ongoing with the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and key stakeholders regarding final locations for schools and school expansions.”

AbolitionShed plan looks lost A PLEA to the city council to turn the last available harbourside warehouse into a memorial to Bristol’s fight against the slave trade appears to have been lost. As revealed in last month’s Voice, campaigners wanted the museum in an empty Welsh Back building, owned by the council. The council was unable to tell the Voice what its plans were last month. But it has just told Bristol Live that the warehouse will be sold, while it wants the Georgian House museum off Park Street to take on the anti-slavery role.

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n NEWS FOCUS Congestion and parking fees to pay for a Tube Continued from Page 1 use a tunnel under the harbour – possibly one which also replaces the Brunel Way flyover at Cumberland Basin. Mayor Marvin Rees is seeking Far East investment of £1bn or so for “Western Harbour”, a 3,500-home scheme that could benefit from its own rail link. But even with any foreign investment, there is still a funding gap. The council proposes to help fill that with a tax on workplace parking, a congestion charge and fees for entering a Clean Air Zone. A workplace parking levy in Nottingham charges £1.50 per parking space per day. Bristol claims it could charge more, and cover a wider area than the city centre, to bring in £50m a year. It claims it could raise a similar sum from a congestion charge. A 2013 study said a daily £5 fee would reduce city centre traffic by up to eight per cent. The need to cut traffic growth is urgent. Reducing the proportion of people commuting by car from 53 per cent to 43 per cent by 2036 would still only keep traffic at today’s levels. Consultation on the new Bristol Transport Strategy until 2036 is open until November 2. The plan also talks about: • New Metrobus, bus and rail improvements (some of them also part of the Weca regional plan, right); • Reducing freight trips by road in the city centre; • A new cycling strategy and better walking routes. bristol.gov.uk/transportstrategy

THE METRO MAYOR

Meet the mayor who’s trying to get the West to pull the same way

HY DOES a city need three mayors? Bristol already has a Lord Mayor (ceremonial), a city mayor (Marvin Rees, taking the place of an old-style council leader) and now, since May 2016, we also have a metro mayor – Tim Bowles, who leads the new West of England Combined Authority, or Weca. Mr Bowles accepts that Weca’s name, and his own, may not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Indeed, he’s resisted calls to make himself more famous by becoming the “Champion of Metrobus” – a plea made to him when the long-delayed £230 million rapid transit scheme became bogged down in difficulties earlier this year. But, with some big projects coming across the West of England, there will be reason to pay attention to Weca. Four new Metrobus routes; tens of thousands of new homes; building in the Green Belt; and new rail and rapid transit routes, including to Bristol airport, are among the projects for which Mr Bowles expects to win hundreds of millions in public and private investment by 2036. In fact, despite his reluctance to be identified as the figurehead for Metrobus, he has got together with Bristol South MP Karin Smyth to reinstate the “missing link” – the Metrobus route from

The West region needs 100,000 new homes and lots spent on transport and skills. Tim Bowles is the ‘Third Mayor’ whose brief is to get the job done Long Ashton to Hengrove. This route was one of the main justifications for the £45 million South Bristol Link Road until it was quietly erased from the Metrobus map earlier this year. It has now been restored (though with no date – see page 3). “I think the important thing here is to understand how different everybody’s roles are,” he says, in his rather austere office in Bristol’s Temple Quay. He’s not here to do the work done by the three councils that Weca covers – Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset. That means he won’t get involved in the first three Metrobus routes, which were planned by the local councils before Weca came along. Nor will he influence planning

(You may need to pay for a vet appointment if they haven’t had a prescription in the last year.) They will check your pet for fleas and give you advice for a flea-free home. It is estimated that 95 per cent of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in your home, not on your pet. For each adult flea on your pet, there could be 20 developing in the environment, usually in your carpets and furnishings. If your pet does have fleas, the first step will be to treat them with veterinary treatments that are

proven to be effective and safe. All pets in your home will need to be treated. Be sure to get advice from your vet as some products can be toxic if given to the wrong pets. Wash and treat all bedding and use an insecticide spray (available at your surgery) that will kill the fleas and larvae living in your house. This could be a challenge if your pet has the run of the house – you will need to vacuum and spray everywhere. Include their beds, your beds, carpets, floors, furniture and so on. Don’t forget to

n NEWS FOCUS

southbristolvoice

THE METRO MAYOR

BIG CHANGES AFOOT …. HOUSING TARGET The Joint Spatial Plan calls for 105,000 new homes by 2036: Bath and NE Somerset 14,500 Bristol City 33,500 North Somerset 25,000 South Gloucestershire 32,500 Metrobus: more en route

applications or dictate exactly how major projects should work. Instead, Weca brings all three council leaders together to make plans for the big issues that affect the region – housing, transport and skills training. Mr Bowles seeks consensus, and then goes to Whitehall seeking backing. Weca’s Joint Transport Strategy calls for four new Metrobus routes by 2036. One route would go to Keynsham along the A4 Bath Road, with another orbiting the city. The latter depends on a long-debated South Bristol ring road, from the A4174 from Hicks Gate to the new South Bristol Link at Hengrove. The Bath Road plan involves a string of measures – including the controversial use of the Callington Road link, the old rail line between Brislington and Avon Meads, as a relief road to free up space for bus lanes on the A4. Mr Bowles is talking to potential private partners – including, intriguingly, the East Japan Railway Company (EJRC). One of the biggest rail firms in Japan, it operates several of the famous bullet lines, or Shinkansen, which travel at up to 200mph. We’re unlikely to get one of those – but EJRC also operates a futuristic monorail to Tokyo’s Haneda airport. What’s top of everyone’s wishlist for transport in the West? A better route to Bristol Airport, of course. “The

Tim Bowles: Winning backing for major projects across the West route to the airport is vital, and the people I was talking to are interested in that,” says Mr Bowles. “It can help us bring more visitors in to our World Heritage city of Bath, and those coming to work in the aerospace industry on the Northern Fringe, as well as making it easier for South Bristol folk to get to the new jobs that will be created as the airport expands.” Weca is in talks with the airport and with North Somerset council, which didn’t want to be part of Weca but does cooperate with it. Will the Japanese investors be interested in Marvin Rees’s idea of an underground network that could form part of a rail link to the airport? That’s not clear, but “Marvin and I work very closely,” on this and other projects, he says. One of Mr Bowles’s messages to investors is that they will be investing in success, not subsidising a region that needs a handout. “We are the only city region that pays money back to the Treasury,” he says. “Other regions cannot show that level of return. We are not looking for handouts, and we must keep driving that message.”

ASK A VET: How can I eliminate fleas?

ITH modern living and mild winters, flea infestations can occur at any time of year. It is much easier to prevent fleas than it is to combat a a flea infestation, which can take weeks to clear. The best way to avoid fleas is by giving your pets regular preventative treatment so that they, and your home, are constantly protected. If you think you may have a problem with fleas, speak to your vet practice, or book in for a free appointment with one of our nurses.

October 2018

r Bowles’s critics say he’s failed to make a mark in his first year and a half. A former South Gloucestershire councillor and ex-chair of Winterbourne parish

council, he has not sought the limelight so far in his career. On the other hand, he hasn’t put a foot wrong: refusing to be drawn into the Metrobus controversy, which involved plans drawn up years before he took office, may be seen as a wise move. His low visibility is partly a measure of his limited powers, and the fact that, so far, Weca has had little direct contact with the public. But that’s about to change. November will see the public consulted on the Joint Spatial Plan, for 105,000 homes, 82,000 jobs and other infrastructure. In the New Year there will be consultation on the region’s Joint Transport Strategy. Confusingly, this comes after Bristol city council’s consultation on many of the same issues (see left). The advantage of having a mayor is that they can be a figurehead who can stir debate and get things done. The downside, as Marvin Rees is finding with the Bristol arena, is that the attention can become uncomfortably hot. Tim Bowles will become the figurehead for the biggest changes to the West’s landscape and transport for decades. It will take a shrewd operator to steer these changes – many of which are undoubtedly needed – without taking the flak for the less popular plans. Life is about to get very interesting for the metro mayor.

HOMES IN THE GREEN BELT Up to 0.65 per cent of the Green Belt could be used for homes: • Bath Road, Brislington 750 • Ashton Vale & Colliter’s Way (in the Bristol Local Plan – no figure) • Yate 1,000 • Coalpit Heath 1,800 • North Keynsham 1,400 • Whitchurch 1,600

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TRANSPORT Among the schemes being studied: • Temple Meads masterplan • Mass transit options (see p1) • South Bristol Orbital route • East of Bath link • A37-Bristol Link • A4 MetroBus (Bristol-Keynsham) and Callington Road Link • A4 Bristol – east Keynsham • M32 park and ride • A37 park & ride • A38(S) park & ride • Walking and cycling routes

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RELIABLE, FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE RELIABLE, FRIENDLY SERVICE ContactFAST, Jeremy Abbott on Contact Jeremy Abbott on

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INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING • PATIOS • LANDSCAPING CallFENCING Paul on 07811 766072 or email LOG STORES • GUTTERING • FASCIAS ELECTRICS • DOORS • PLUMBING

paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

October 2018

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n NEWS Fresh food idea Food, art

New look tower

Treating kids’ sight overnight

music and poetry on Saturday evening. If you want to try something new, drop in to art, music and drama workshops, for adults and children, at the Baptist Church in Sylvia Avenue. Food is available at many of the venues as well as the Victoria Park and Windmill pubs, and the community centre. A free guide to the venues will be available on the weekend. Full details on the website: artonthehill.org.uk Live updates at: Facebook artonthehillbristol Twitter @Art_On_The_Hill

AN AWARD-winning opticians is one of the first in the UK to offer a new treatment which can treat myopia in children as they sleep. Lynne Fernandes Optometrists in Wells Road won Family Opticians of the year in the 2018 Opticians Awards. Myopia is often caused by the eyes growing too much. It can make distant words look blurry and cause difficulties at school. Lynne Fernandes is offering special soft daily contact lenses designed to slow myopia. The practice also offers an overnight option – sleeping with rigid lenses which gently flatten the cornea.

Runaway win SPENCER Bunn, Knowle’s ultradistance champion runner, added another awe-inspiring victory on September 23 – first place in the Cotswold Way Century 105-mile, two day run.

West Elevation

South Elevation

North Elevation

THE VIEW of one of the council tower blocks on Windmill Hill could soon change. Four different colour options are being considered for new cladding for Polden House. You can see all the options on the Voice website.

A FREE Saturday evening concert is one of the attractions at the Windmill Hill and Victoria Park art trail on October 6 and 7. Around 70 artists will be exhibiting in about 40 venues, many of them on hand to demonstrate and talk about their work, from painting, photography, drawing and printing, to sculpture, ceramics, glasswork, jewellery, textiles and installations. There’s music, dance and poetry in Windmill Hill community centre on both afternoons and there is a free Nearly Unplugged concert of

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

and music – what more could you want?

East Elevation

KNOWLE entrepreneur Sam Hearn aims to cut food waste with his Shake ’n’ Store containers. First revealed in the Voice in 2015, Sam has now found a manufacturer and is selling them on Amazon. The containers make it easy to tip spare food out of tins, and have a date marker. Sam hopes branches of The Range will stock the containers. The Voice will follow up in a future issue. shakenstore.com

October 2018

Cladding Options - Option 04 | Contemporary 30090 - Polden House Windmill Hill, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4UF

There was something for all at Victoria Park Fun Day on September 15, from fun runs to sideshows, music and a dog show. More on our website.

Could you land a job on a film set? PEOPLE with all kinds of skills are being invited to a two-day tryout where they can find out if they could work behind the scenes in the film industry. Bottle Yard studios in Whitchurch Lane, Hengrove – home to TV series Sherlock, Wolf Hall and Poldark– is holding a second Boot Camp for people with skills such as computing, transport, construction, sewing, hair and beauty. A similar boot camp in January attracted more than 500 applications and has led to some graduates taking further courses or gaining industry experience. They include Carter Caldwell who said: “After the Boot Camp, I applied for Skillset’s Trainee Finder scheme, and was lucky enough to get a place. As a result, I am working on The Spanish Princess, based on the book by Bristol-raised novelist Philippa Gregory, at the Bottle Yard.” The Boot Camp on October 25 and 26 will include visits to a

Relax, let us take the stress out of moving t: 0117 977 7672 e: knowle@greenwoodsproperty.co.uk

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

BRISTOL Thali, the company which owns the Thali Indian street food restaurants in Totterdown, Southville, Easton, Montpelier and Clifton, has been saved from asset-strippers. The chain will trade on thanks to a buyout by Juggard Ltd, which is 75 per cent owned by investor Michael Dillon and

partly by two Thali staff, kitchen manager Jose Blanco Rodriguez (aka Pepe) and Dominka Paulina Sawicka-Harris. The firm was put into administration in May after an expansion to Oxford went sour. Other offers were made for the company, but it was feared some buyers wanted to sell its assets.

MATHS AND ENGLISH

TUTORING Camera, action: The Boot Camp includes a visit to a working set working production set and set-building and costume workshops and talks by industry professionals about the practicalities and realities of drama production work and about entry routes. Applicants for the 50 free places must be 21 or older with a qualifications or experience of the key skills required. Apply by Monday October 8 at 5pm at: callingtheshots.co.uk/skillset

Park lodge set to be office THE LODGE in Victoria Park looks likely to be turned into offices for a charity, with new toilets and a café kiosk in a separate building. Members of Victoria Park Action Group are considering the plan, though some are disappointed that the Lodge will not be available for community use. But Bristol city council is

Thali restaurants to stay open

backing the plan, under which Social Farms & Gardens, an association of city farms, would be moved from its council-owned home on Bedminster Green and installed in the lodge at the cost of developer Dandara. The lodge is near-derelict and needs repairs costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. VPAG will give its feedback in October.

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Admission £8 or £10 Friday Oct 26 @ 7-3 southbristolvoice

October 2018

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

New show for our old cinema TOTTERDOWN’S old cinema is to reopen with an evening of film and music on October 26. The former Knowle Picture House opened in 1913, though confusingly it was firmly in Totterdown – on the site of the Patco convenience store on Wells Road, near the junction with St John’s Lane. It closed in 1961. The grand facade is long gone, but Patco owner Kumar has created a cosy cabaret-style venue in the old auditorium above the shop. It’s reached at the rear, from Winton Street. The first event is billed as a Grand Re-opening – Jazz at the Movies, and includes a screening of Stormy Weather, the 1943 Hollywood musical. The film tells the story of Bill

Admission £811or Meeting on bike hangars

TWO bike hangars for residents in Somerset Road next to the George pub are beginning to be used by cyclists. Some residents were opposed on the grounds that the units would occupy parking spaces, and there was disagreement for more than a year on where they should go. But a majority of residents surveyed backed the plan. Knowle Picture House in the 1930s Stormy Weather: The first showing All 12 cycles spaces have now been allocated – all those who ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, tap dancer musical evenings which explore made a formal application have and actor, one of the highest-paid the songs and the lives of been given the the council. andmusicians see ‘Stormy Weather’, thea place storybyof original ‘ African-American entertainers in Come pioneering from Billie A meeting in the autumn will the early 20th century. It features fictionalized) Holliday to Bessie Smith. at the Old Knowle Cinema (pictured above discuss whether residents should in the Bill Robinson, Lena Horne, Cab Tickets to the event, at 7.30pm take over, for example by Calloway and Fats Waller. on Friday October 26, are £8 and deciding who is eligible for “If you like song and dance £10:‘Bojangles’ call Dave on 07505 461 892 (May Bill Robinson 25th 1878 – November 25th 1 spaces and how long they should 1940s style, this is the place to or 0117 985 6097. Refreshments be granted Homesand will bemost high and one of the best for. known be,” said organiser Dave Merrick. dancer and nibbles will actor, be on sale. leafleted with details, which will Dave and his musical partner entertainers Similar film in andthe music first half ofalso thebetwentieth century. on the Somerset Road Natalie Davis will also present a evenings may be held Facebook group. Queries can also short set of jazz and blues from periodically if the first one is be sent to Somersetrdbike the period. The pair are well successful. Owner Kumar is also The film features Bill Robinson, Lena Horne, Cab Calloway, F hangars@gmail.com. known in Bristol for staging considering other events.

Come and see ‘Stormy Weather’, the story of the original ‘Mr Bojangles’ (somewhat fictionalized) at the Old Knowle Cinema (pictured above in the 1930s). Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson (May 25th 1878 – November 25th 1949) was an American tap dancer and actor, one of the best known and most highly paid African-American entertainers in the first half of the twentieth century.

M TO ON O S D C U AY TO N 1 BE DA 5T R Y2 H 20 8 18 TH

The film features Bill Robinson, Lena Horne, Cab Calloway, Fatswith Waller, and Ada Brown together a host of African American entertainers at the p together with a host of African American entertainers at the of their If you like peak song and dancepowers. 1940s style, this is the place to be. like song and dance 1940s style, this is the place to be. LearnFrenchThisWay.com

This classic black and white movie will be introduced by Dave ‘Small Days’, withNatalie a briefDavis set of jazzTUTOR and blues from th Learn withand This classic black and white movie will be introduced by of Dave Merrick cabaret style because the space has been made over to of ‘Small Days’, with a brief set of jazz and blues from the Inexpensive period. The seating is venue. refreshments and ‘nibbles’ will be availab a qualified

cabaret style because the space has been made over to serve as a multi-purpose venue. Inexpensive refreshments and ‘nibbles’ will be available. secondary Venue: The Old Picture House, 7 Winton Street (behind Patco E-LEARNING school Tickets: Totterdown, Call Dave on 07505 461 892 or 0117 985 6097 Venue: The Old Picture House, 7 Winton Street (behind Patco), BS4 2BW Enter code when you book online for £10 oﬀ your order. Tickets: Oﬀer Call Dave 461 892 985 6097 valid untilon 1st 07505 December 2018 and or only0117 redeemable online.

French teacher

PIANO LESSONS

LET’S CLEAN UP BRISTOL – ONE PIECE OF LITTER AT A TIME Find new friends and help make your neighbourhood a nicer place to live. Call or visit our website to find out how you can organise a litter pick in your area or join an existing group. 0117 304 9022 bristolwastecompany.co.uk/litterblitz18 #BristolCleanStreets To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

Junior School Open Morning Saturday 10 November – 9.30am 0117 962 9451

redmaidshigh.co.uk #strivetobe @RHSjuniors1

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

n CHURCH NEWS Thought for the month

With Rev Brendan Bassett, Victoria Park Baptist Church

Activities

Bedminster Church of Christ

298 St John’s Lane BS3 5AY Minister: Jason Snethen churchofchristbristol.org

Church of the Nazarene

Broad Walk, Knowle BS4 2RD Pastor: Matthew Norris 07967 199995 bristolnazarene.com

Sunday 10.30am Sunday Service

MALE friend of mine recently asked, “What is your church’s policy toward people transitioning from one gender to another. What happens if I turn up in a dress?” That’s easy, I replied, just turn to page 187, paragraph 2, sub section 3.8 of the Church Rule Book headed People Wishing To Transition. I was joking, of course, no such rules exist. Not surprisingly,

most perceptions around what church is like usually originate from personal experience, either good or bad. Our aim at Victoria Park Baptist is to be an inclusive community, even if someone coming along doesn’t “believe” (we have atheists!) or feel they just don’t “fit in” anywhere. For us, community is worshipping Jesus as Lord. The outcome of this worship should be the disarming of our pride, the

Wednesday 6pm Kids Klub Thursday 7pm Youth club

Sunday 10am Bible Hour for all ages; 11am worship; 5pm worship Tuesday 7.30pm Bible study Thursday 10am Coffee morning Friday 3.45-5pm Kingdom Kids after-school; 7-9.30pm youth group

October 2018

southbristolvoice

Holy Nativity

Wells Road, Knowle BS4 2AG Fr Steve Hawkins 0117 971 2496 Facebook: Holy Nativity Knowle

Sunday 10am Parish mass Friday 10am Weekday mass

Knowle Methodist Church

Redcatch Road, Knowle BS4 2EP Rev Andrew Orton facebook.com/SBMCT

Sunday 10.30am Worship and Junior Church (Fun Sunday; Minnows for pre-school children)

St Martin’s

Wells Road, Knowle BS4 2NG Rev Becky Waring 0117 977 6275 Facebook: stmartinschurchknowle

Sunday 8.30am Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays 10.30am Holy Communion; 2nd Sunday 9.30am Rise and Shine: informal service, breakfast; 6pm Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10.30am Family Communion

St Michael & All Angels

Vivian Street, Windmill Hill BS3 4LW Rev Andrew Doarks 0117 977 6132 stmikechurch.co.uk

Sunday 10am Sunday service

dismissal of our notions of superior status, or the idea we have something to prove. In our number we have people connected to all five continents and a bewildering range of educational and social backgrounds, from the barely literate to the PhD, but all at different stages of a spiritual journey within our community. What does community look like to you?

For boys and girls aged 2-11 years

Mansion owner wins her appeal THE OWNER of the Gothic Mansion, the large Victorian house in Redcatch Road, Knowle, has won the right to build a fourbedroom home in the grounds. Misha Simmonite appealed against Bristol city council’s failure to consider her planning application, made in August 2016. She says she needs a new home as she is disabled, and her flat on the top floor of the Gothic Mansion is hard for her to reach. The new house will be on the mansion’s car park, which is

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southbristolvoice

n THE PROPERTY PAGE judged to be the best in BS4 Gold award for was for customer service. The awards are judged by “mystery shoppers” and claim to Greenwoods assess 90 per cent of eligible TOTTERDOWN estate agent Greenwoods has won a gold award for its lettings service in the British Property Awards. The independent Wells Road agency

agents. The BS3 award was won by Ocean in Southville (covered in our Bedminster edition). “We are thrilled to win this award as we aim to provide a

Tuesday 10am, 8pm Bible Study (at 153 St John’s Lane BS3 5AE) Wednesday 9.30am Communion

Totterdown Baptist Church Wells Road, Knowle BS4 2AD

tbc.org.uk Sunday* 10.30am Morning service 6pm Informal evening service *Services vary so please check website

Totterdown Methodist Church

Bushy Park, Totterdown BS4 2AD Rev Andrew Orton facebook.com/SBMCT

Sunday Family worship 10.30am; 1st Sunday Sunday School.

CLEVE HOUSE SCHOOL n NEWS & LITTLE CLEVE NURSERY

October 2018

Acres of room: The Copper Building is in the ex-Imperial Tobacco grounds

13 NEWS ABOUT SOUTH BRISTOL HOMES

fantastic service and go that extra mile for our clients,” said James Grimsted, director at Greenwoods. “A recent poll suggested that just 25 per cent of consumers trust estate agents, making it the second least-trusted profession. We entered in the hope to win and were then independently

assessed against a set of 25 criteria, most of which are often overlooked by clients. “This, in addition to our online impartial customer reviews systems with Trustpilot and Google Review, should provide our customers with a broad range of review material prior to any instruction

Lakeside homes to go on sale

at £150,000 – relatively cheap for new property in South Bristol. The developers are Places for People and Urban Splash, who also converted the neighbouring Grade II-listed former Imperial Tobacco headquarters into flats. The 10-acre grounds and lake were originally a garden for the Imperial workers to relax and take lunch in. Now they are a private space for Lakeshore residents to sit out, explore and grow vegetables. The new flats all have floor to ceiling windows, a balcony and an open plan living area. The first homes will be available for sale from October 6. tinyurl.com/copperbuilding

HOMESEEKERS will shortly have the chance to view flats in a new development with an unrivalled 10-acre garden. The Copper Building is the second phase of the Lakeshore development next to the Imperial Park shopping complex. It contains 136 one and two bedroom flats with prices starting

m atthews estates.co.uk

Matthews Estates is a family run, local business, specialising in properties ranging from flats to houses in South Bristol and surrounding areas.

New home: Artist’s impression separately owned, and the council had said Ms Simmonite had not proved that she had told the freeholder of her proposal. But the planning inspector said the notice was served on the car park owner in August 2018, and there was no reason to refuse the new home. Eight neighbours objected to the plan, fearing the new home might be let out to holidaymakers, as the mansion is. Ms Simmonite insisted the new house would be for the use of her family alone. with autism are to get a new building. The primary also has a new head, Stuart Woodburn. Bristol city councillors granted planning permission for the new schools, to go next to the Merchants secondary school in Gatehouse Avenue. • Read more on the Voice website

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

October 2018

southbristolvoice

October 2018

southbristolvoice

n MEN’S HEALTH ADVERTISING FEATURE

n CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT

It’s never too late to get fitter

Keeping the kids entertained

you to de-stress. Feelgood Fitness is run by Sian Fletcher, who makes men welcome in her mixed classes. She also runs single sex classes for pregnancy and postnatal fitness. If there is the demand, she will set up a men-only class.

Too often, men don’t take care of themselves and they see a lot of health activities as ‘women-only’. But keep-fit classes are enjoyed by men too

Feelgood Fitness Classes at The Park Centre, Daventry Road, Knowle BS4 1DQ sian@feelgoodfitness.org feelgoodfitness.org ILATES is usually thought of as being reserved for ladies that lunch or those with injuries – not too many men will look to it as a way of keeping fit. For one, it lacks the heartrateincreasing attraction of sports such as running and tennis. It also won’t give you the same

Bristol Pilates Fitness Pilates is not a women-only zone burn as lifting heavy burn as lifting weights or doing multiple repetitions of a push up. So why should a man do Pilates? Well, it will help give your body the stability it needs to perform at its optimal potential. This is because the system works to strengthen the deepest muscles of the torso (your core) giving your body better stability when performing other tasks, be it gardening or running. It will also make you think about your body, bringing awareness to your posture and everyday movements. As an added extra this means you will have to concentrate during class, helping

FITNESS SPECIALIST FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

Classes in Knowle and Totterdown 07951 933698 info@bristolpilatesfitness.co.uk bristolpilatesfitness.co.uk ETRA Lewis, who runs Bristol Pilates, practises Trigger Point Pilates. This is a variant of the popular exercise regime that also uses a technique called Myofascia Release, which is traditionally a hands-on therapy. This means you will be strengthening your core and releasing muscle tightness in the same class. Why is this good for men? Well, the approach is good for dealing with persistent pain – and we all know men are more likely to ignore a problem until it gets really bad. It can also help

Trigger Point Pilates can ease pain with recovery from injuries. Trigger Point Pilates helps alleviate chronic pain and muscular tightness, undoing muscular restrictions and enhancing movement. “At the end of a class one feels light, lengthened and able to move with total ease,” says Petra. Focusing on core strength allows a stronger, more flexible back, which can reduce or even eliminate back, neck and shoulder pain. Bristol This class attracts everyone, from thePILATES elite fit to the postrehab. Fascia restrictions occur fitness in everyone, whatever their age, activity or level of fitness. Bristol Bristol Bristol PILATES PILATES fitness PILATES fitness

fitness

BRISTOL PILATES FITNESS

With the half-term break coming up, here are some ideas for parents on diversions for young ones

Mini Potters Sessions at Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster 07414 230477 @minipottersbristol minipottersbristol.com INI Potters is a pottery painting studio based at Windmill Hill City Farm, where children and adults can paint pottery for fun, and create beautiful keepsakes or bespoke gifts for any occasion. Their friendly team can help you capture your little one’s hands and feet on pottery and in clay. They also offer hand-

ADVERTISING FEATURE the pictures so why not have the cinema brought to your home, complete with a fun and easy-touse popcorn machine? Portable Pictures will set up a portable cinema screen and full HD projector in any location, turning your living room, back garden, attic, marquee, village hall or local pub into a movie experience to remember.

A Mini Potters party could be the perfect birthday treat this autumn painted artwork for that personal touch. Jess and the team provide pre-fired pottery, paint and advice in a clean, cosy and relaxing environment. Your creations are then dipped in glaze and fired in their kiln for a hard-wearing, professional finish. It’s fun and easy for both children and adults. Either pop in and see them or phone to book an appointment and they’ll be happy to chat about what you’re looking to create. They’re also a great place for parties for both kids and adults!

BRISTOL PILATES BRISTOL BRISTOLFITNESS BRISTOL PILATES FITNESS SOUTH BRISTOL SPORT CENTRE PILATES FITNESS PILATES FITNESS Create beautiful, bespoke gifts

The studio is available for Christmas work parties or if you just fancy doing something a little different with your friends. You have exclusive use of the studio for 2 hours and you get a free glass of bubbles when you arrive!

Portable Pictures 07968 109985 or 07984 149416 portablepictures.co.uk ORTABLE Pictures offer a unique cinema experience ideal for a stress-free children’s party. It costs a small fortune to take a group of kids to

Mr Brown’s Pig 07767 724401 chris@puppetsonline.co.uk puppetsonline.co.uk OOKING for an original entertainer for children? Chris Brown at Mr Brown’s Pig offers traditional puppet shows as well as pirate pantomime with table top puppetry. Both work well for schools or kid’s parties. He can provide a Pirate Horrible History, or introduction to puppetry workshops for Key Stage 1 and 2. He also does walkabout puppetry, comedy and cabaret for events. Entertainment for children, adults and communities.

6.30SPORT – 7.25CENTRE pm Men on mats SOUTHMon BRISTOL SOUTH BRISTOL SPORT CENTRE

keepsakes at Mini Potters Mon 6.30 – 7.25 pm Menand on mats Mon 6.30 – 7.259.15 pm Men on matsam Over 60s Tues – 10.00 pottery painting studio Tues 9.15 – 10.00 am Over 60s Tues 9.15 – 10.00 am Over 60s

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Special offer to Voice readers

Mon 6.30 – 7.25 pm Men on mats

FIRST SESSION FREE Personal training and classes

n Women’s health and fitness, personal training and pilates n Pelvic floor health, core restoration, fitness and pilates for pregancy, post natal and beyond. n Private sessions, small groups, classes and workshops. Classes held at The Park Centre, Daventry Road, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 1DQ CALL SIAN FLETCHER: 07804 238 070

www.feelgoodfitness.org sian@feelgoodfitness.org

REDCATCH COMMUNITY CENTRE REDCATCH COMMUNITY We’re now taking bookings CENTRE for Christmas! REDCATCH COMMUNITY CENTRE Tues 9.15 – 10.00 amWindmill Over 60s Wed 6.30 – 7.25 pm Beginners Pilates Find us at Hill City Farm. Wed 6.30 – 7.256.30 pm Beginners Pilates Wed – 7.25 pm Beginners Pilates

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Wed 7.30 – 8.25 pm Pilates Wed 7.30 – 8.25 pm Pilates

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VICTORIA PARK BAPTIST CHURCH VICTORIA PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

6.30 – 7.25 pm Beginners Pilates Wed 9.15Wed – 10.10 am Beginners Pilates Wed 9.15 – 10.10 am Beginners Pilates Wed 10.15 – 11.00 am – Over 60spm Pilates Wed 7.30 8.25 Wed 10.15 – 11.00 am Over 60s

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Wed 10.00-10.50am Beginners Pilates

TOTTERDOWN BAPTIST CHURCH TOTTERDOWN BAPTIST CHURCH

9.00-9.55am Beginners Pilates

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Wed 10.15 – 11.00 Thurs 6.45 – 7.40 pm Men on matsam Over 60s Thurs 6.45 – 7.40 pm Men on mats Hire our studio for your Thurs 7.45 – 8.40 pm Pilates Wed 9.15 – 10.10 am Beginners Pilates Thurs 7.45 – 8.40 pm Pilates Christmas work party and

TOTTERDOWN BAPTIST CHURCH Thurs 6.45-7.40pm Pregnancy Pilates

TOTTERDOWN BAPTISTenjoy CHURCH a free glass of bubbles

Thurs 7.45-8.40pm Beginners Pilates

HOLLY Wed NATIVITY CHURCH 10.15 – 11.00 am Over 60sfor every painter! HOLLY NATIVITY CHURCH

Pirate & Puppet shows Parties, Workshops Schools, Events

Thurs 6.45 – 7.40Pilates pm Men on mats Tues 7.30 – 8.25 pm Beginners Tues 7.30 – 8.25 pm Beginners Pilates 10%Pilates off your pottery *Discount does not apply to studio and artwork fees Fri 9.15 –Thurs 10.10 am 7.45 – 8.40 pm Pilates and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Fri 9.15 – 10.10 am withPilates this advert* Expires 01/01/19

HOLY NATIVITY CHURCH Tues 9.15-10.10am Beginners Pilates Tues 7.30-8.25pm

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Wed 9.15 – 10.10 am Beginners Pilates

Wed 10.50-11.40am Postnatal Pilates Sat

Have the cinema brought to your home – with a popcorn machine!

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Beginners Pilates

Fri 10.00-10.55am Beginners Pilates

Thurs 6.45 – 7.40 pm Men on mats

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Open Monday - Sunday 10am - 4pm HOLLY NATIVITY CHURCH Evening Bookings from 4pm until 8.45pm

Thurs 7.45 – 8.40 pm Pilateswww.minipottersbristol.com 07414230477 Tues 7.30 – 8.25 pm Beginners Pilates Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, BS3 4EA @minipottersbristol www.bristolpilatesfitness.co.uk info@bristolpilatesfitness.co.uk | 07951 933 698

www.bristolpilatesfitness.co.uk

@MrBrownsPig

Chris Brown: 07767 724401 chris@puppetsonline.co.uk www.puppetsonline.co.uk

HOLLY NATIVITY CHURCH info@bristolpilatesfitness.co.uk 07951 933 To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 a story or 698 any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk info@bristolpilatesfitness.co.uk ||Got 07951 933 698 Fri 9.15 – 10.10 am Pilates

Tues 7.30 – 8.25 pm Beginners Pilates

October 2018

southbristolvoice

n NEWS LETTERS SPECIAL Ooh aar, this must be arrrty

Arena decision ‘not democracy’

EXPECT the streets of Totterdown to be crowded with pirates, parrots and buried treasure when the Front Room Art Trail takes on a nautical theme, with art, music and performance of all kinds. If you’re an artist, there’s just time to take part in Bristol’s longest-running and largest arts trail – registration closes on October 8. The 17th Totterdown event takes place in scores of homes and other venues from November 23 to 25 – mainly on Saturday and Sunday, but with a few open on the Friday night. “Seeing an artist in action, chatting over a cup tea amongst the paints, clay and sawdust gives you a real insight into the artistic process,” say the organisers. frontroom.org.uk

Open letter to Marvin Rees and members of the cabinet I’M AN ordinary BS3 resident, unconnected to any organisation or political party. I’m dismayed you have shelved the plans for Temple Meads arena, despite overwhelming public opinion and councillor support for it. Marvin, you know it’s more than just a concert venue: it’s a multipurpose arts and events space for local, regional and national projects all year round. It will bring invaluable economic benefits to city centre businesses new and old, as well as boosting the surrounding areas. New innovative ventures will pop up around the arena, attracting fresh investment and creation in the tech and creative industries, and in other supportive businesses and feeder services. The Temple arena will boost our city’s wellbeing, and improve

THE ARENA

mental health and nurture community cohesion. We live in an era of on-going disconnect as the digital world gradually replaces everyday human exchanges. There is nothing quite like a live event to unite in a positive life-affirming way! I believe Bristol attracts investment and attention because it’s a healthy mix of independent thought, some cultural anarchy, and a lot of awesome hard-working pragmatic people. We deliver. How could the arena be pitched against building a conference centre, a five-star hotel and some tall towers? These generate minimal contact with the city and its people. The decision to halt the Temple Arena is not democracy as I see it. I hope going against the vote of the councillors and the will of the people will be legally challenged. I hope the dealings with YTL will be legally challenged. I hope the lack of contact and regular dismissal of other interested parties’

proposals and ideas will be challenged. I hope there will be scrutiny around the hiring by YTL of Barra Mac Ruairi (BCC’s ex-strategic director for the Temple Arena project) in 2017. I hope the powers given to a Bristol mayor will be reviewed or abolished. Name supplied, BS3

Eyesore follows broken promise I HAVE been following your reports on the arena saga in SBV with great interest. On September 4 the mayor cancelled the Bristol arena, thus breaking his election promise to the people of Bristol. Instead of delivering the arena, he has delivered failure. The Arena Island site will be wasted on an eyesore that nobody wants. I do not recall Bristol crying out for another conference facility. Any talk of an arena in Filton is redundant. It will never be

October 2018

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LETTERS and provide your postal address.

Please keep letters as short as possible,

built. Bristolians who wish to attend arena events will still have to travel to other cities. This is good news for coach companies so, to be fair to the mayor, his failure is not bad news for everyone. Many UK cities have built arenas for their citizens. They might be wondering why Bristol cannot do the same. A big part of the answer must be that Bristol has politicians who are not fit to hold the offices they occupy. This is a lesson for all of us to remember they next time they ask us to vote for them. C Hughes, Bedminster

Save our city’s low-rise charm SINCE we now have a vacant Temple Island wouldn’t it be great to have it as a community facility? What about a large square indoor market like St George’s Market in Belfast, which includes stalls from food to

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household, from crafts to vintage, with cafés scattered around, serenaded by folk groups: a vibrant atmosphere for people to meet and do some alternative shopping. Outside could be artisan spaces, studios for artists and craftsmen to practice and sell their work (like at Frome’s Black Swan Arts). Around this a park, with playgrounds and gardens. People could walk to the ferries to reach the Centre and the harbourside, and in the other direction have a link to the Paintworks. It would be a shame to fill the space with high rise blocks. Unfortunately the city’s present leadership seems determined to raise the skyline of Bristol, here and in Bedminster. Bristol is not London or New York. It has its own low rise charm, and with its river and interesting centre and accessible countryside it’s just right as it is. Let’s try to preserve its appeal to all ages. Pat Berman, Lower Knowle • Longer versions of these letters on the Voice website

17 Write to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to 18 Lilymead Avenue, BS4 2BX

Where’s Lower Totterdown?

Some pupils are written off

A message from the South Bristol Voice website I HAVE lived here 30 odd years and am perplexed at how people say they live in Lower Totterdown or Upper Totterdown. I have never heard of those places. Please clarify! Name supplied, Totterdown • Editor’s note: These are not official titles, but Lower Totterdown usually refers to the streets near Bath Road – also known as the Totterdown Triangle. Some would include the streets on Pylle Hill (around the mosque) as Lower Totterdown. Upper Totterdown is the area between about Firfield Street and Clyde Road. In between was known previously as Middle Totterdown; when the Wells Road was full of shops, people would talk about going “up top” or “down the bottom”. More opinions welcome …

PEOPLE go on about how good their child has done in GCSEs. But does anyone think of the children who try so hard and still fail? My son has worked hard, he has dyslexia and finds it hard getting things down on paper, but he’s not stupid. He’s got no support from his maths teacher who knew my son was going to fail back in January and gave him no support in trying to get him a grade. Please can we support kids that fail as it’s not all about the brainy kids. Name supplied, Bedminster

Price isn’t all INTERESTING to see in the last SBV that BS3 is such a house sales hot spot. But what does this mean for rents? They will just keep rising and making this area unaffordable to all but the rich. FG, Knowle

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October 2018

n INTERVIEW

Meet Beth, Knowle’s down-toearth star

Fully covered: The capes from Carny Valley were designed after 25 years of festival drenchings by Totterdown resident Cat Jamieson

Cat’s a caped crusader A TOTTERDOWN veteran of many music festivals has come up with a solution to the bane of every festival-goer – the weather. Cat Jamieson has founded a cottage industry, Carny Valley, with her own range of waterproof capes, starting at around £50. Claiming to be “the ultimate in wet weather protection for the carnival goer or the stylish wanderer” the capes come in 15 patterns and two lengths, designed to let the wearer keep

dancing while staying dry. Cat found a small-scale manufacturer in the Midlands who makes them out of waxed cotton, which lasts for years and doesn’t cause plastic pollution. “I’m really excited about our prospects as we head into autumn, because the capes are also ideal for ramblers and dog walkers. And we have a signature red style coming out for Christmas!” said Cat. carnyvalley.com

southbristolvoice

BETH Rowley, South Bristol’s home-grown singing star, would prefer to see an arena at Temple Meads. With a nod to the arguments about whether the city can afford the risk of a £150 million venue, she told the Voice: “There’s probably so much going on and it’s easy to say I would like [an arena] in the city centre – but that would be my preference. “I love Bristol but I have felt it does lose out, especially on the international front.” It’s a big year for Beth – on September 15 she played Bristol’s Fleece as she neared the end of a national tour (some

BETH ROWLEY lucky Voice readers won tickets in our online competition). And in July she released her first album in 10 years, the follow-up to 2008’s 100,000-seller Little Dreamer. Why has it been so long between albums? “It’s been a creative thing – I haven’t had the right combination, the right body of work. There have been so many changes over the last 10 years. There have been a few attempts with different managers, and you get one thing ready and then another changes.” But, this year, everything lined up, and Beth went into the studio and recorded the album as live in just three days. Beth is known for crossing musical genres, from soul to R’n’B to jazz and country. Bristol is Beth’s home town once more, after a seven-year break in London: “I went to London initially for a year or two to do some session work with other bands – that’s where all the work was. I ended up staying, but I did always pine for home!” Beth now lives in Eastville

Beth Rowley: Homecoming gig with husband Liam – who is from Hull, but didn’t take much persuading to move to Bristol. Beth, however, found herself explaining to estate agents and others that no, she wasn’t another Londoner escaping The Smoke, she was bred in Knowle. Admittedly she doesn’t have much of a Bristolian accent – which may have something to do with her mum, who if she heard a local twang in Beth’s voice would ask her to repeat herself. The Bristolian accent is still there, though: “It does come out, if I have a few glasses of wine when

with my friends!” Especially in Bedminster, apparently! Beth grew up close to the Broadwalk centre. She went to St Mary Redcliffe & Temple school, and some of her earliest performances were at Knowle cricket club pavilion. But her career started with a bold move. She went to an open mic night at the Old Duke in King Street. “I walked in with my Carole King songbook, I thought, ‘I’m sure I’ll find somebody!’” Sure enough, she found that barman Pete Rowe was also a guitarist. Before the night was over, they had played almost all of Beth’s Carole King songbook. Soon she was also friends with bassist Andy Lowe. They all started a band, under Beth’s name, and their careers took off. The title of Beth’s new album, Gota Fria, is a Spanish phrase, meaning “cold drop” – a weather event where a pocket of low pressure can stay trapped for days, then drop a mass of rain. A metaphor Beth clearly enjoys … • Longer version of this interview on the Voice website

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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October 2018

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n THE MAYOR

MARVIN REES Mayor of Bristol

I’m going use a range of media to engage with you all directly

FEW weeks ago I did my first Facebook Live event to answer questions from members of the public. It’s an engaging feature where people broadcast live to others, encouraging debate and conversation about different topics. I really enjoyed the experience, spending an hour answering questions on transport plans, homelessness, housing developments and the recent decision on Temple Island. I’m planning to hold more Facebook Live events, at different times of day, so that more people can speak to me directly on issues that matter to them. Details will be on my Facebook and Twitter pages, where you can also find previous exchanges. Anyone can submit a question to me via mayor@bristol. gov.uk or in writing at Mayor’s Office, Bristol

City Council, PO Box 3176, BS1 5TR. My cabinet members are always approachable on issues in their portfolios, and local ward councillors are also great sources of information and guidance about the council and local communities. I have my own blog site (see below) which

I use to keep people up to date with what I’ve been doing and share my thoughts and views. Similarly, these Voice columns (which appear in all the Voice newspapers which cover the city) are an important way to reach people who might not have access to the internet. In a time of fake news and growing use of social media I am really pleased to have opportunities to communicate with people directly. One part of being a city leader, unlike national politicians, is that I make my decisions while looking local people in the eye. Recently there have been some very wellattended council meetings, with lots of views and questions put forward on a wide variety of subjects. This forum is an important one for local democracy to debate the facts. As well as these contributions to our city’s conversation, I believe it is essential we have a representative media to ensure the diversity of world views are shared. This is especially important at a time when more people are increasingly finding their own news online and becoming sceptical about what they are being told. I hope that by starting these sessions more regularly I can add another way to engage people with local politics and give that opportunity to openly question and debate about what’s best for Bristol. thebristolmayor.com

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n COLUMNS

INVITATION

In witch I make a splash

FORLORNLY followed my fit friend around Redcatch Park, kicking a ball for her footballcrazy dogs. “Look,” I whimpered, wafting my bingo wings at her, “I’m so fat, frumpy and depressed”. “Right,” she told me firmly, “meet me at the Jubilee Pool tomorrow morning for a swim – I go most mornings and feel so much better, fitter and thinner.” She flexed her toned biceps proudly. I shuddered. Not Toe Nail Alley? Wasn’t it a bit grim? Mrs Fit laughed at my excuses. I arrived at stupid o’clock and breathed in the chlorine-infused air, peering into the 1930s Art Deco building as the memories flooded back. Evil doing the perfect breaststroke at her first swimming

Who is the Wicked Witch? She’s the one casting spells with a potion of hairballs lesson while her peers struggled to keep their heads above water. I was so smug; giving her the thumbs up and calling “Well done darling!” until a yummy mummy pointed out that she was walking along the bottom. Walking! The Jubilee has changed a bit; it now has a small gym. Mrs Fit dragged me in for a pre-swim workout and I rolled around on the mats for 10 minutes before we headed for the pool. Thankfully the Jubilee is nice and gloomy so you can slip into the water without really being observed, unlike

Hengrove, where they seem to use wattage of the most powerful – no hiding place for the not-so-fitties no matter how hard you suck it in. I pulled down my eye-popping goggles, assessing the rather busy slow lane, determined not to be overtaken. Setting my sights on a young thing with a perfectly dry top-knot gliding about half a length before me, I pushed off, aiming to catch her and trying not to look closely at the things floating near the bottom. Although there was a mesmerisingly large hairball rolling around like a tumbleweed. I completed a length. Top Knot was still half a length in front. How did that happen? I was ducking my head under like a pro. I had a go-faster swimming cap pulled over my wild hair giving me an instant facelift. I should have caught her by now. Top Knot was

Down on the Farm News from Windmill Hill City Farm with Beccy Golding Proper cuppa coffee

CJ Hole Southville invite you to accept our offer of a free sales or lettings valuation.

ROM October 1 the Farm Café will no longer offer disposable takeaway cups. You can either take a seat with a proper china cup, or bring your own reusable cup to take away. There are a range of reusables available to buy in the café, if you buy one there you get your first hot drink in it for free. Café manager Anna Ralph said: “Although we’ve been using Vegware compostable cups and lids for a while, those that are taken off-site probably end up as litter or landfill. Being an environmental and educational charity, it seems like the right thing to do. We need to be part of the solution and we’re hoping you’ll support us.”

Air your views ACTION Greater Bedminster is partnering with the farm and UWE’s ClairCity project to hold a community conversation called How Clean Is The Air In Our Neighbourhood? The aim is for people to get the facts about air quality in the area and discuss what can be done to improve it. ClairCity is a project involving six cities across Europe, looking at local options for clean air and

oblivious to my chase and serenely glided on, not a splash of water on her perfectly made-up face. I had a go at the front crawl. Big mistake. I thought I could do four strokes and then breathe. I managed three, turned my head and took a large gulp of water and God knows what, and swallowed. Lifeguard Girl nearly had to spring into action as I spluttered and flayed. To add insult to injury, Top Knot overtook me! I managed 20 lengths, I think. I tend to lose count after two. I staggered into the cold showers then tried to find a cubicle that did not have people’s stuff in it. I was forced to change in the communal bit. I am not an exhibitionist and my towel was not the biggest so I hopped about doing a great job of hiding my modesty until my toe got caught in my knickers, the towel dropped and it was game over.

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lower carbon emissions. Its air quality map of Bristol shows that parts of East and West streets in Bedminster break EU and national limits for air pollution. This event for adults will be followed by a half-term children’s workshop (ages 6 to 10). Details: Thursday October 18, 7.30-8.30pm Booking: tinyurl.com/cleanairconversation More info: cleanairforbristol.org

more. Cost: £3 per child, suitable for 4 years+. No need to book. There will also be a Halloween picture trail on all week – free worksheets from reception. Wild Outdoors Club on Thursday November 1 encourages your kids to leave their computers behind and experience gaming themes outdoors, around the farm. 10am-12 noon, £10 per child, suitable for 6 to 9-year-olds.

Half term Halloween

Play with your food

THE FARM is holding a halfterm Halloween Quest on Wednesday October 31, from 1-4pm. Dare you enter the spooky barn and collect tokens to complete Halloween-themed games? There will be apple bobbing, potion making and

FARM Flavours, the hands-on experience where under-5s get to pick, prepare, play with and eat farm grown food, continues on October 4, 11, 18 and 25. It’s £2, booking essential – contact Nicky Orr on 0117 947 1180 or email pgo@windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

October 2018

southbristolvoice

Residents parking HERE has been growing concern about parking in our streets, and a fair Gary amount of it close Hopkins to the Wells Road Lib Dem has been caused by Knowle commuters parking and hopping on a bus into town. This has not yet led to concerted demands for a residents parking scheme but the planned development at Broadwalk may tip the balance. Although the plans would bring a significant increase in parking spaces for shoppers and residents, there are currently quite a lot of unofficial “park and ride” commuters using the car park and these will inevitably be evicted. There could be a particular squeeze after the old car park is pulled down and before the new one is completed. The developers have promised to help fund a resident parking scheme if it is wanted, so we have

Knowle

distributed surveys asking for views to several hundred homes from Broad Walk to Woodbridge and Priory roads and part of Maxse Road. If you feel your road should be included in the consultation and has not been yet please contact us. Miniature railway ALTHOUGH outside Knowle at Ashton Court, we know from emails that many local people care about this wonderful little institution, which is run by a charitable group of volunteers and provides education and entertainment to many children and some adults. They have occupied a small corner of Ashton Court for 45 years, cost the council nothing and pay a small annual fee. I helped them to organise a protest at the full council meeting against the mayor’s plan to evict them, and talks are under way to solve the problem. Bullying small charitable institutions is not the way that any council should behave, especially when they have no alternative or constructive plans.

How to contact your councillor: p2

E hardly ever make comment on other political parties, mainly because we rarely see Chris them locally, but Davies the recent Labour Lib Dem leaflet distributed Knowle in Knowle demands a response, as it contains provably inaccurate assertions. We welcome the current administration carrying on the good work commenced by the Lib Dems, of setting housing standards and driving out slum landlords. This drive to improve the lives of tenants was sadly allowed to slip a little under the previous mayor. We also support efforts to get houses built in Bristol, but it is essential this is done with the efficient use of the limited land we have, and of course Labour should be honest enough to say that their planned borrowing for house building will leave each citizen with a record debt. It is

also ironic that our completed scheme, on one third of Salcombe recreation ground (now Paignton Park), which contributed a high percentage of the city’s affordable (shared equity) homes recently, was opposed by the previous Labour MP, with a petition that was supported by a large number of her followers. Despite claims to the contrary, total numbers of new houses and of affordable homes under the current Labour administration are still less than 50 per cent of that produced by the Lib Dems, although it is true that numbers dived under Mayor Ferguson. Building of council houses was constrained for many years by Gordon Brown taking money from Bristol housing funds to send to the North of England. But the Lib Dems had managed to restart council house building after many years of zero numbers and of course we replaced over 300 prefabs with new homes. All the stats are available and can be verified in council records.

October 2018

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS

HERE’S only one topic to discuss this month: the mayor’s decision to scrap the Jon arena at Temple Wellington Meads. This will Labour have a significant Windmill Hill impact on local residents, particularly those living in Totterdown. I have long been a supporter of an arena on the site, even when there was a lot of opposition to it locally during my election campaign in 2016. Over two and a half years have passed since the planning committee approved the arena for the site, and in that time it seems that most local people had come round to the idea of an arena on our doorsteps. Judging by the email and social media correspondence and personal conversations, most residents were disappointed (to say the least) by the turn that this has taken, though I also know many

Windmill Hill

who have always opposed it. Although I have had reservations about traffic and transport impacts, I was confident that they could be overcome and enthusiastically backed the use of the land as an arena in the vote earlier this year, as well as in last month’s full council vote prior to the cabinet decision. I am very disappointed that we are not getting an arena here. The mayor wants to focus on economic growth, jobs and housing, which an arena, it is argued, will not provide in the same way as a mixed use development. I agree with this argument, and respect the mayor’s rationale and priorities. However, my view is that it is rare in Bristol that a city centre site is available for a cultural venue on this scale, with the opportunity to build something exciting that local people could use and would help define the city. These opportunities do not arise very often and it is a shame that it appears that this now will not happen.

How to contact your councillor: p2

OTH Jon and I voted for the arena to be built at Temple Island, because we strongly believe that Temple Island Lucy is the best place Whittle for it. Labour Having spoken Windmill Hill to the mayor, his concern was that while Temple Island might be the best place for the arena, was the arena the best use of Temple Island? And I understand his concerns about the cost, and the risk to public assets and public money. I believe these are reasonable concerns: we have to take our responsibility for public money very seriously. If the private company running the arena went bust, like Carillion did, council taxpayers would still have to continue to repay the £150 million loan, long after the mayor has left office. To me, even if some people believe he is wrong, his determination to re-evaluate and prioritise the best outcomes for Bristol, despite

the unpopularity of this course of action, reveals this as a principled approach. There are several organisations and voluntary bodies who support his position, including Homes England. So while I continue to support an arena at Temple Island, if it is proved that there is an option that would be better for South Bristol, I will re-assess my position, in consultation with the residents I represent. I would want to see that the proposed development was creative, accessible, provided jobs or housing, and was environmentally sustainable, before deciding whether to support it or not. Lastly, do have a look at the Bristol Transport Strategy consultation on the city council website. You will find a short video giving an overview and a link to our simulator tool, you can play with to allocate various transport priorities, as well as a questionnaire for your feedback. The consultation closes on November 2. bristol.gov.uk/transportstrategy

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n PROFILE

October 2018

SARAH JADE: HOMELESSNESS CAMPAIGNER

I want to create a café where buying yourself a good lunch will also help someone in need Beccy Golding meets Sarah Jade, a single mum with a mission to do something for Bristol’s rising homeless population

“

IT’S AN idea I’ve had for a while.” Sarah says, “I became a single mum of two nearly four years ago. I had to use a foodbank for two months. The issue of food poverty clicked. This was Windmill Hill, quite an affluent area – and there was still lots of need – regular people were using it. And my rent went up twice in two years. It was a scary place to be, and I couldn’t get help.” Around the same time, Sarah got involved in helping refugees, with a small organisation called Calais Refugee Solidarity Bristol, “In two weeks we raised £20,000 and 40 tons of food, and took it to France. Most people were supportive but some said we should help the homeless here.” Buoyed by her success, she thought “Right, I can do something, and I will.” Sarah set up Coats & Jackets Bristol. “It was me and two friends, a van and some clothes rails.” They collected donated clothes and left them on the racks in public places, for anyone who needed them. The racks and clothes were destroyed – but Sarah was undeterred. The idea for the Humanitea Café was born. “Anyone can use

the café in the day. You buy a meal and you get a token, which you give to anyone you think could need it” – this could be to a homeless person on the street, someone couch surfing, a young person on benefits, anyone who is struggling. “They can use their token anytime between 4 and 7pm, when there will be a choice of nice, filling, homely food.” The café will “incorporate a food bank, clothing, and social groups to fight against social isolation and food poverty. Coming to the café is an invitation to everything else we’re doing – choir, drawing, art, a movie, books, nice things to do – haircuts, a shower and laundry service. All free.” Sarah has the whole thing ready to go. They’ll serve good quality vegan and vegetarian food – the menu is all planned – a “seasonal, local menu - vegan macaroni cheese, sausages and colcannon, kids picnic items and small plates,” to eat in or take away. And a special wonky veg soup, proceeds of which will go into a kitty for one-off needs. The café will be about “bringing people together. You can help just by having lunch. Even if you don’t have time or loads of money – you’ve fed someone else. And it’s giving people aid with dignity, which is important. “I’m desperate to get it open. I did a Prince’s Trust course in

Help make Humanitea a reality ALL DONATIONS gratefully received. If you’d like to host a benefit event or have a fundraising idea, email thehumaniteacafe@ gmail.com

October 2018

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BRISTOL ARC UPDATE

27 From Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

Staffies turn to modelling in hope of finding a home These dogs don’t deserve their reputation – they can make loving, faithful family pets

L Sarah Jade: Talking to possible funders of Humanitea, a self-help café 2017, worked up a business plan and market research – I’m confident it is needed.” The café will be a CIC – community interest company. “I have a sustainable business plan. Suppliers are lined up. I’ll be employing people, creating work experience opportunities. I need capital funding of £120,000 – I can’t find premises until then.” So far a crowdfunding campaign has raised £2,500 but Sarah is talking to possible grant providers and is also working with Julie Dempster, a homeless outreach worker, and Fareshare, the charity which saves food from going to waste. “Jasper Thompson [who runs Help Bristol’s Homeless, making homes out of shipping containers in Bedminster] got in touch. His idea is amazing, the containers are making a difference to the people living in them – it’s a nice community. He’s proof that ideas can become reality.” How did Sarah get to where she is? “I grew up in Surrey, with a single mum. It was an affluent area, there were lots of celebrities, I had friends in big houses. I didn’t feel how poor we were. “I used to do ski seasons in the French Alps. I met some • Facebook: search Humanitea Café • Twitter: @humaniteaccafe • Instagram: @thehumaniteacafe fundsurfer.com/crowdfund/ the-humanitea-cafe Down the line Sarah will be calling out for volunteers – keep an eye out on social media.

Bristol people who suggested I come here, plus my brother was in Bristol. In 2010 I moved in to a flat above the Old Duke (the jazz pub in King Street). My entire friendship group stemmed from there. “I was working at the Old Duke and me and some barmaids started singing – we got booked for a gig – it exploded! We were called the Beau Ties. Then I sang with [Bristol legends] Doreen Doreen for three years. “I moved to South Bristol when I was pregnant – Beau is six in January, and Stevie is four. It was when I became a single mum that things changed – it’s not just about you any more. Something just clicked. I have to do something – make it my living and my life’s work. “It’s emotionally draining. I’m battling with guilt – time for the kids and time for this. But they’ll be able to help. It’s opening up their understanding – they have far more compassion than me! They’ve decided Beau will be the fun manager of the café, and Stevie will be karaoke manager!” Sarah’s been in Windmill Hill for four years. What’s the best thing about living in South Bristol? “It’s super friendly. You’re never far from bumping into somebody. And I love the Windmill pub. There’s a huge community of people wanting to help each other. “I struggled in the early days (as a single mum), with anxiety and depression. Having strangers that have got your back – that’s an uplifting thing.”

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AST month we celebrated Staffie September. During this time we had 17 Staffordshire bull terriers or Staffie crosses in our Rehoming Centre – all with the hope of finding a brand new home. So we came up with an idea to try and raise their profile. We took five of these dogs to five famous locations in Bristol to photograph eye-catching shots celebrating the true nature of the breed. These included Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Victoria Rooms, the historic sailing ship Matthew, St Mary Redcliffe and Bristol Cathedral. Our aim

throughout the month was to highlight the gentle character of the breed and we shared the photos on our website and our social media channels. Unfortunately Staffies are often misrepresented in the media and it was our intention throughout the month to demonstrate their true loveable and loyal nature. Sadly sometimes Staffies can be the victims of irresponsible dog owners but if trained and cared for correctly they can make the most wonderful family pets.

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Staffies tour the Bristol sights: Matthew, left is pictured at Clifton Suspension Bridge while Zeus posed in front of the Victoria Rooms There is a misconception that Staffies are untrainable and unpredictable but they are actually very soppy, intelligent dogs who are just as capable as any other breed to learn commands and please their

owner. If you’ve been inspired by the noble nature of these dogs, take a look at their profiles on the Rehoming section of our website. If you’d like to know more call us on 0117 977 6043. bristolarc.org.uk/rehoming/dogs

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n HISTORY The colonel who wanted to save his men from slaughter in the trenches – then became one of the first fascists

A WAR HERO ... AND A FASCIST

Daniel Burges VC is an enigma – son of a Bristol dynasty who could have had a cosy life but chose danger in the army, and risked his career in order to spare his men from pointless slaughter

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IEUTENANT Colonel Daniel Burges, who’s buried in in Arnos Vale cemetery, is, to modern eyes, a contradiction. On one hand, Burges was a hero who led his men without thought of his own safety and, as a consequence, won the highest of British military honours, the Victoria Cross – and got his leg shot off for his trouble. He was honoured almost exactly 100 years ago, in the closing months of World War I. But it wasn’t in the well-known slaughter of the trenches on the Western Front: it happened in the Balkans, a theatre of the first war which few are aware of now. But a single act of heroism does not define anyone. There are two other things we know about Lt Col Burges that might sway our judgement on him one way or the other. The first is that he’s believed to have stood up for his men, on the eve of the Battle of the Somme, and refused to send any more of them “over the top”. The second: he was a fascist – a prominent member, from its foundation, of the first fascist group set up in the UK. What are we to make of such a contradictory figure? Or would

Lt Col Burges not have seen any contradiction at all, but believed of himself that he followed one set of values throughout his life, and tried always to do his duty?

ANIEL Burges was born in London on July 1, 1873, but he was part of a Bristol dynasty. His father was Bristol’s town clerk and remarkably his grandfather and great-grandfather had filled the same position before him, since the mid-18th century. The official family home was the Council House in Corn Street, though Daniel grew up in Clifton and in Brislington. The senior Burgeses were traditionally lawyers but Daniel’s father had helped to found the City of Bristol Volunteer Rifle Corps. He served as quartermaster to the unit until, as the Western Daily Press delicately put it, “meeting with an accident in which he was precipitated from his horse while out with the corps, he felt it necessary to retire”. Why the young Daniel chose the military as a career is not clear. Perhaps studying law bored him. After leaving school at Winchester College he went to the Royal Military Academy in Camberley, Surrey, and passed

The homecoming hero: Lt Col Daniel Burges, his leg shot off in the action in which he won his Victoria Cross, pictured with his wife Katherine when he was awarded the medal in December 1918 out as a second lieutenant, aged 20, in October 1893. He joined the Gloucestershire Regiment a year later, and in July 1897 won promotion to lieutenant. Two years later he volunteered to serve in South Africa, on the outbreak of the Boer War, and found a posting with the Dorsetshire Regiment. The Boer War is deeply unfashionable nowadays. It was the product of a desire to bring all of South Africa under British rule – its most famous proponent, Cecil Rhodes, wanted the whole of Africa to be part of the Empire. This brought conflict not just with indigenous African people but with the Dutch, German and French settlers who were the first Europeans to colonise the Cape. When gold was discovered near the Boer capital at Pretoria, the temptation for the British became too much. Its plans to annexe the Boer territories of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State provoked the Boer leaders into buying large quantities of

modern rifles and artillery. Many Britons genuinely believed that only British rule could bring Africa to its full potential under a more humane regime than any other colonial power. It was true, for example, that Belgian rule in the Congo had led to massacres and horrific exploitation. And the Boers resisted British control partly because they had never agreed with the end of slavery. The poet Rudyard Kipling called this view of colonialism “the white man’s burden”. Take up the White Man’s burden Send forth the best ye breed — Go bind your sons to exile To serve your captives’ need; To wait in heavy harness, On fluttered folk and wild — Your new-caught, sullen peoples, Half-devil and half-child. Nothing could be clearer – to those who agreed with Kipling, Continued overleaf

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n HISTORY Continued from page 29 these “new-caught, sullen peoples” would benefit from a dose of white man’s rule, even if, “half-devil and half-child”, they didn’t appreciate it. Was this the view of Lt Daniel Burges, as he rode with the British forces across the South African veldt, as commander of the Mounted Signallers Company? At first the British forces were outmanoeuvred and even outgunned by the Boers, even though most of them were farmers and not part of a trained, regular army. The Boers besieged several British strongpoints, making heroes of the defenders in the London press. But the Boers failed to take advantage of their gains, and eventually the much larger British forces retook the siege towns one after another. Burges was part of the force that relieved Kimberley, a diamond town cut off for 124 days, on February 15, 1900. Thousands of British lives had been lost in the process and the British Army had been made to look incompetent and outclassed by a bunch of amateur soldiers. Even after the whole of South Africa was conquered, the Boers continued a guerrilla war, attacking British convoys. The response was a “scorched earth” policy in which farms were burned to deny them to the insurgents. Infamously, this was when the British invented concentration camps, to inter Boer civilians, women and children included. They weren’t set up, as the later Nazi concentration camps were, with the intention of killing people. Yet an estimated 26,000 white women and children died in them from disease and starvation. There were separate camps for black farm workers – the number of casualties in these is not even known but could be higher. General Kitchener, in charge of the army, either did not know or did not care that depopulating entire areas meant the camps were overcrowded, and there was too little food. Was this the price of opposing the White Man’s Burden? Such cruelty, though publicised to some extent in the UK, did not dent the popular image at home that the war was a patriotic and selfless action by the British Empire which would turn out better for the peoples of South

A WAR HERO ... AND A FASCIST

General Kitchener, architect of concentration camps for Boer families, such as Bloemfontein camp, above Africa in the long run. Burges’s service in South Africa seems to have been faithful but not exceptional. He was awarded both the Queen’s South Africa Medal and the King’s South Africa Medal, but both these were awarded for service, not for bravery. In 1903, a year after the war ended, he was made a captain. In 1905 he married Katherine Blanche, the daughter of another army captain. In 1908 he transferred to the Punjab Volunteer Rifles in India, where he remained until 1913. He later became a staff officer with the 1st Glosters and by the time the Great War broke out in 1914 he was commanding the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion of the Glosters, based at Horfield barracks in Bristol. Burges served with the 2nd (Service) Battalion of the Glosters until the Second Battle of Ypres, in April and May 1915. Here he was wounded on May 9 as his company fought off a German

attack on Sanctuary Wood. He was mentioned in despatches – usually a reward for bravery. It’s not clear how he was hurt, but this was the first time the Germans used gas in a major attack on the Western Front. The Allied troops had never seen gas before, and were first confused, then terrified, as their eyes began to stream and they began to choke. Captain Alfred Pollard, who won a Victoria Cross in the battle, wrote: “The light north-easterly breeze wafted it toward them, and in a moment death had them by the throat. One cannot blame them that they broke and fled. In the gathering dark of that awful night they fought with the terror, running blindly in the gas-cloud, and dropping with breasts heaving in agony and the slow poison of suffocation mantling their dark faces. Hundreds of them fell and died; others lay helpless, froth upon their agonised lips and their racked bodies powerfully

MAYOR LEADS TRIBUTE

Bristol roots and I am sure he would feel truly honoured to know that he was commemorated in this way by his home city.” Stones have also been laid in the city to three other First War VC winners from Bristol on the centenary of their action. A stone to Totterdown resident Sgt Harry Wood, who won the VC in October 1918 and featured in the Voice in November 2015, was laid at his birthplace in Yorkshire.

BRISTOL’S Lord Mayor, Cleo Lake, led a ceremony to install a commemorative stone to Lt Col Burges in Castle Park on September 18. Present was Jill Leyland, Lt Col Burges’s great niece, who said: “I would like to thank the City of Bristol on behalf of my family for acknowledging Dan’s courage. He was enormously proud of his

sick, with tearing nausea at short intervals.” The waves of gas opened up huge gaps in the line protecting the Belgian town of Ypres, and it took great bravery to fight back and hold the front. Was Captain Burges one of the courageous officers who urged his men to hold fast and wait for the gas to pass, as it sometimes did? Did he tell them to try the only protection available – to use their urine, soaked into cotton pads, as a home-made gas mask? (Proper respirators were not to arrive until July 1915.) All we know is that it took the young officer several months to recover from his injuries. In November 1915 he was promoted to temporary lieutenant colonel and given his own battalion – not with the Glosters but with the 10th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. These were known as the Hull Commercials – like some of the Bristol battalions, a locally-recruited unit with a fierce loyalty to their city. Burges was to show a loyalty to them – at some cost to his career.

hat happened to the Hull Commercials in the summer of 1916 is still not certain, more than 100 years later. What is clear is that they were in the front line near Doullens, Picardie, as preparations mounted for the battle of the Somme. A huge artillery bombardment was supposed to

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n HISTORY crush the German front line and break the deadlock of the trenches, allowing the Allied troops to more or less walk in and take over. The problem was that the Germans were well dug in, they could tell what was happening, and they were firing back. The Hull Commercials were due to be in support when the 31st Division went over the top on July 1. But in the last week of June they were already taking heavy casualties from German artillery counter-fire. In a few days before the battle, they suffered about 100 killed and wounded – more than one in 10 of their number. Lt Col Burges was clearly devastated to see such carnage, but of course in the army everyone obeys orders. When an officer – unnamed by history but said to be the son of a wellknown politician – was killed in No Man’s Land near Serre, Burges agreed to send out men to recover his body. However, after two attempts to bring back the corpse resulted in more casualties, Burges had had enough. He refused to send out any more men. This was close to treason and could not be tolerated. If an enlisted man had refused an order, he would have been court-martialled and might have been shot. But for a senior officer, another solution was found. Burges’s refusal was dealt with swiftly, according to a single source – a book called The First Day on the Somme by Martin Middlebrook, published in 1971. Nearly all the published works which mention Burges ignore the incident in No Man’s Land. It’s not recorded in any of the newspaper obituaries after he died, nor in most of the publications about men who won the Victoria Cross. Even Middlebrook feels unable to name “the well-known politician” whose son had been killed and who exerted pressure to get his body brought home. Nevertheless, Burges had made his stand, and paid the price. He was removed from the line the same day, June 30. This was the day before the “big push” of July 1, which killed almost 20,000 British soldiers and injured almost 60,000 more. Indeed, the move might have saved his life. He was posted to Aldershot as an instructor in the

A WAR HERO ... AND A FASCIST

Well dug in: Bulgarian lines around Doiran, above, were deeply entrenched. From the German state archive Senior Officers’ School. It was to save his face – but he was in disgrace. His temporary rank was removed, and he served as major. Sometimes instructors’ posts were given to those who couldn’t cope with the front line. That can’t have been the case with Lt Col Burges, because little more than a year later he was back in the trenches – albeit on quite a different front line. On September 17, 1917, he was sent to command the 7th Battalion of the South Wales Borderers on the Doiran Front in Macedonia, facing the Bulgarian army. He was once again a temporary lieutenant colonel. The Balkans conflict was punctuated with bloodshed but was to remain a tense impasse for a further year. But by September 1918, an explosion was inevitable. Germany was facing defeat in France and both Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire (today’s Turkey) were exhausted. The Bulgarian forces were 300 battalions strong, roughly the same as the combined Allies, and they had everything to fight for. They knew the Greeks and Serbs wanted not only revenge but to conquer their territory. The Bulgarian government could foresee eventual defeat and secretly asked the British for peace if they could be allowed to

keep eastern Macedonia. But Greece would not stand for that, and the plea was rebuffed. The major Allied attack began on September 15, 1918. As on the Western Front, an artillery barrage came first, intended to destroy the Bulgarian defences. But the Bulgarians were well dug in, with concrete and barbed wire 100 yards thick defending their mountain-top positions. Burges showed his skill as a leader from the start. He reconnoitred the terrain at night, enabling the 7th Battalion to creep through the scrub of the Jumeaux ravine, shielded by artillery smoke and morning mist. They captured two hills just short of their main objective, Grand Couronne. It was a major achievement as the battalion was under strength from the effects of malaria and deadly Spanish flu. But their compatriots, the 11th Welsh and 11th Royal Welch Fusiliers, together with the 3rd Greek Regiment, had been caught in the open. The 11th Welsh suffered huge casualties. The Borderers were within 250 yards of the summit but they couldn’t carry the attack on their own. Then the haze lifted and machine guns opened up on them from three sides. In a Welsh soldier’s account published 20 years later, and

quoted by the military novelist Clive Aslet: “No feat of arms can ever surpass the glorious bravery of those Welshmen. There was lingering gas in the Jumeaux ravine (probably ours!) and some of the men had to fight in respirators. “Imagine, if you can, what it means to fight up a hillside under a deadly fire, wearing a hot mask over your face, dimly staring through a pair of clouded goggles, and sucking the end of a rubber nozzle in your mouth. At the same time heat is pouring down on you from a brazen sky. In this plight you are called on to endure the blast of machine-gun fire, the pointed steel or bursting shell of the enemy. Nor are you called on to endure alone; you must vigorously fire back, and vigorously assail with your own bayonet. It is as much like hell as anything you can think of.” In these conditions, a retreat can become a rout. Several of the company commanders were injured and Burges was hit. But he kept moving, exposing himself to fire as he urged his men on and kept them in formation. He was leading a resumed attack on the Bulgarian position when finally he was hit again, twice more, and fell unconscious. Continued overleaf

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n HISTORY Continued from page 31 He was captured, briefly, by the Bulgarians, but in the melée was abandoned in a dugout. Burges was rescued, probably in the nick of time. His left leg was shattered and had to be amputated. He took several months to recover. The bravery of the Welsh troops was not in vain. The battle was lost, with around 7,000 British and Greek dead. But their efforts forced the Bulgarians to keep reinforcements in the area. This allowed the French to break the line nearby. Within two weeks the Bulgarian army had surrendered. It was a significant event for the entire war – the Macedonian front collapsed, and the Germans asked for peace talks. The Victoria Cross – the UK’s highest award for military bravery – was presented to Lt Col Burges on December 21, 1918, six weeks after the Armistice which ended the war. In appreciation of the Welsh unit’s bravery, the French awarded them their highest honour, the Croix de Guerre. Burges was personally also given the award. Whatever disgrace he may have suffered at the Somme was forgotten. His rank, which had been temporary since 1915, was made permanent on January 1, 1919. He left hospital in February, and was invited to a garden party for VC winners at Buckingham Palace in June 1920. Despite his lack of a leg, he was given several more postings – as Inspector of QuartermasterGeneral’s services, then the command of a military detention barracks at Cologne, and later at a similar barracks in Colchester. In 1923, he became governor of the Tower of London, and was given a home in the tower itself.

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t Col Burges lived the rest of his life as a respectable ex-military man. He spent 10 years as governor at the Tower of London. His wife Katherine died in 1931 and the next year he remarried. The newspapers referred to the event as a “quiet wedding” in St James’s, Piccadilly, to Florence Wray Taylor. She already had a son; Burges was childless and this stepson became his only child. The couple moved to Bristol, making their home at Hyde Lodge on the Downs at Westbury Park, although at some stage they

A WAR HERO ... AND A FASCIST

A FANATIC FRINGE Fascism failed to catch on in Britain HE BRITISH Fascisti claimed it had 100,000 members by 1924. In 1932, when the most famous British Fascist, Oswald Mosley, was about to form his own party, it said membership was almost one million. But historians are pretty sure that these figures are a huge exaggeration. Two, Robert Benewick and Hilary Blume, believe that the Fascisti’s signed-up members were never more than a few thousand in the mid-1920s. By 1934, they probably had only a few hundred members;

seem to have lived in Clevedon. In 1933 he became president of the Society of Bristolians, and in 1936 was master of the Merchant Venturers. On the outbreak of World War II he was assistant army recruiting officer in Bristol. From 1943-45 he was county director of the Gloucestershire Red Cross. When he died suddenly on October 24, 1946, at the age of 73, he was given a memorial service at Bristol Cathedral. But there was little fuss: the family requested no flowers, his body was cremated, and there was no memorial at Arnos Vale. That is, until 2006, when a plaque was unveiled by local historian Les Turner, who had raised the funds, and Richard Smith of the Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust.

owadays “fascist” is a description that is only accepted by a small number of far-right zealots. In 1923, while still a far-flung fringe of politics, fascism was not seen to be as extreme as it is today. Lt Col Burges was an early member of the British Fascisti, founded in 1923 and inspired by the first fascist to lead a nation, Italy’s Mussolini. Burges was one of two lieutenant colonels to join the Fascisti, along with other senior military figures – five generals, two admirals and a rear admiral. Supporters included aristocrats and four Conservative MPs. What was the appeal of Mussolini to so many leaders of the British establishment? Was it the cliché that he had made Italian trains run on time? In part, yes. Mussolini had campaigned for Italy to enter

Mussolini: Inspired British fascists Mosley’s British Union of Fascists (BUF) was more successful, but had gathered no more than about 40,000 members in 1934. Mosley’s World War I to defend Italy and its peoples, who he saw as superior to their Slav neighbours and others. He promoted a strong, one-party state, believing democracy – particularly socialism – too weak to protect the national interest. This appealed to the British ruling class because they had seen what happened when socialists got the upper hand – to their eyes, chaos. Russia in 1917 had descended into an aggressive anti-capitalist regime, which was funding revolutionaries abroad. Germany too had its own revolution which overthrew the Kaiser in 1918. Many thought a revolution could happen in Britain, leading to anarchy. The threat seemed most real during the General Strike of 1926, when the trade unions tried to paralyse the country. This was well before the Nazi policy of attacking and then exterminating Jews and other “inferior” peoples. This racism was a more subtle kind. Barbara Storm Farr, a historian of British fascism, suggested that military men like Burges “mistakenly interpreted their experiences of front-line cameraderie as an esprit de corps which fortified class barriers.” Military officers in the Fascisti tended to have a paternalistic, ex-colonial military background. It’s not clear how long Burges remained a member of the fascisti. It clearly did his career no harm, because he remained governor of the Tower of London. During the General Strike it became clear that socialism was a long way from breaking apart British society, and after the strike ended the enthusiasm for

Blackshirts marched on Cable Street in the East End of London in 1936, it is true, but they numbered a few thousand, and were greatly outnumbered by the tens of thousands who marched against them. The Daily Mail (and for a while the Daily Mirror) wrote approvingly about the Blackshirts, but after a BUF rally in London turned violent the party lost even more support. Oswald Mosley and other fascists were imprisoned during World War II. When he was released from jail in 1943, more than a million people signed a petition of protest. Fascism, it seems, is not to British people’s taste. drastic solutions such as fascism waned. The fascisti were seen by some as ultra-conservative rather than fascist – one supporter, Arnold Leese, called it “merely Conservatism with knobs on”. Extreme right-wing views in any case attracted relatively little support in Britain despite the publicity attracted (see panel). Just as today, the most extreme figures in right-wing politics were often seen as violent bully boys – an image which may not have been attractive to a respectable ex-officer like Burges. In the end, without knowing Burges’s own views, all we can do is speculate about his reasons for joining a fascist party. It’s perhaps no excuse to say that, in his day, it was far more common to view one race as superior to another, and to think that the most “advanced” societies had a duty to those less fortunate. What was his real aim? Probably to help prevent Britain falling to a Bolshevik revolution. The Fascisti had not only senior ex-soldiers but the former head of MI5 in its ranks, and they may have thought that, if an uprising threatened, they could rally support against the socialists. Not a democratic solution, to be sure. But it doesn’t make Lt Col Burges a Nazi sympathiser. Sources: The First Day on the Somme Martin Middlebrook, 1971 The First World War Hew Strachan, Simon & Shuster, 2003 vconline.org.uk/daniel-burges-vc NEXT MONTH: The extraordinary stories of South Bristol’s WWI conscientious objectors

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October 2018

n PLANNING APPLICATIONS Knowle ward: Awaiting decision 8 Glena Avenue BS4 2LB Single storey rear extension to extend beyond rear of house by 3.9m, of maximum height 2.75m with eaves 3.58m high. 8 Glena Avenue BS4 2LB Single storey rear extension.

2-bed dwelling with detached double garage. Granted 4 and 6 Maxse Road BS4 2JG Ground floor rear extension to 6 Maxse road. Extension to roof of 4 and 6 Maxse Road. Granted subject to conditions 115 Queenshill Road BS4 2XG Part double storey, part single storey rear extension. Granted subject to conditions

62 Melbury Road BS4 2RP Single storey rear and side extension. 469 Wells Road, Knowle BS14 9AG Additional storey to convert bungalow into two storey dwelling. Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Knowle Request for an opinion as to whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for proposed redevelopment of the centre. First floor flat, 19 Cleeve Road BS4 2JR Rear dormer roof extension and conversion from a one bedroom flat to a three bedroom maisonette. Knowle ward: Decided 41 Norton Road BS4 2EZ Single storey rear extension. Granted subj. to conditions 20 Stoneleigh Road BS4 2RJ Rear roof extension, insertion of front roof light and external alterations to existing single storey extension. Granted subject to conditions 20A Stoneleigh Road BS4 2RJ Details in relation to condition 3 (Solar panels) of permission 13/01616/F: Two storey side extension to create

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32 Knowle Road BS4 2ED Demolition of conservatory and replacement with staircase to garden level.

12 Haverstock Road BS4 2BZ Rear roof extension and insertion of 2 rooflights to front elevation. Granted

Polden House, Alfred Road, Windmill Hill Replacement of doors and windows; fitting of external wall insulation to one of four colour options; garages to be over clad with brick; replacement of perimeter fence (like for like).

29 Weymouth Road BS3 5HH Single storey rear extension. Granted

Windmil Hill ward: Decided

2 Tyning Road, Lower Knowle BS3 5DE Two storey rear extension. Granted subject to conditions

14 Withleigh Road BS4 2LQ Rear roof extension in connection with loft conversion. Granted subject to conditions

14 Bower Walk BS3 5AN Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear of the house by 6m, of maximum height 4m with eaves 3m high. Refused

Windmil Hill ward: Awaiting decision

45 Hill Avenue BS3 4SR Mansard extension to main roof, including rear dormer roof extension. Refused

154 Marksbury Road BS3 5LD Enforcement notice appeal: erection of a detached ancillary building being larger than approved by planning permission. 55 Quantock Road BS3 4PQ Side return extension, basement excavation and internal alterations.

44 Brecknock Road BS4 2DD Single storey, rear extension that would extend beyond the rear of the house by 6m, of maximum height 3.3m with eaves a maximum of 2.8m. Granted

13 Haverstock Road, Knowle BS4 2DA Rear roof extension. Granted

21 Nottingham Street BS3 4SS Single storey rear extension. Granted subject to conditions Broad Plain Rugby Club, South End BS3 5AZ Fell white poplar within group TPO. Refused • The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planningonline.bristol.gov.uk

12 Haverstock Road BS4 2BZ Single storey wraparound rear extension following demolition of existing single storey element. 160 Bath Road, Totterdown BS4 3EF Change of use of ground floor shop and basement level excavation to create two 1-bedroom apartments. 25 Paultow Road BS3 4PS Hip to gable roof extension, rear dormer window and second floor rear extension above outrigger.

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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October 2018

n WHAT’S ON Sunday September 30 n Raja Day Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road. A celebration of Rajah Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833), whose grave is probably the grandest in the cemetery. Raja is hailed as the father of liberal thought in Hinduism and spoke up for women’s rights and education for all. Prayers, singing, performance plus a few short talks in the Anglican Chapel, 12 noon-1pm. arnosvale.org.uk/events Tuesday October 2 n Audio Lates: Music Production Course Knowle West Media Centre, Leinster Avenue. Learn the basics of digital software, sampling and synthesisers, with hints and tips on mixing and arrangement on a 10-week course led by professional musician and sound engineer Harry Stoneham. For ages 18+. Fee £180, concessions available; email lewis@kwmc.org. uk or call 0117 903 0444. kwmc.org.uk/events Thursday October 4 n The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road. Actor Jonathan Goodwin makes an affectionate one-man homage to the world’s greatest detective that includes quick costume changes, humour and audience participation. Presented by Don’t Go Into The Cellar! theatre company. 7.30-9pm, £10. Bar open: 6.30pm arnosvale.org.uk/events n Rose McDowall & Band + New Haunts + Dead Space Chamber Music The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. Ex-Strawberry Switchblade Rose MacDowall finds a darker tone but retains her angelic vocals. New Haunts is a vocal/electronic solo project from Bristol “which contrasts the jarring with the serene” while

Dead Space Chamber Music are a local trio merging the Gothic with neoclassical ambient music. 7.30pm, £8.50. thethunderbolt.net Friday October 5 n Fun Quiz St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, 7.30pm. Teams of 4, £5 per person including light supper. Saturday October 6 n Kimchi & Sauerkraut Workshop Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Learn the science and health benefits of fermentation with Dr Caroline Gilmartin. Make traditional sauerkraut and a vegetarian Korean Kimchi. Cost: £55 + booking fee. Includes lunch. 10.30am-3.30pm windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk n Flossie Malavialle Saltcellar Folk Club, Totterdown Baptist Church, Cemetery Road. Flossie Malavialle is a French-born

October 11-27 n Preview: Beautiful Thing Tobacco Factory Theatre THIS acclaimed play about life on a vast South London housing estate tells how something frightening begins when two bullied teenagers get together. Beautiful Thing was created by Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey. Its 25th anniversary revival, directed by Tobacco Factory artistic director Mike Tweddle, is a sharply-observed trip back to the early 90s. It features pop songs from the 60s

and 90s performed live each night by the the theatre’s new Get Singing community choir, created for this show. After its South Bristol run, Beautiful Thing will tour to Stoke and Lancaster. Tickets are from £12 (limited availability) with most shows at 7.30pm. Youth tickets for those aged 14-25 are £5 on Friday October 19, when the theatre’s React team of Young Producers dive into the play’s themes of sexuality, bullying, homophobia and love. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Heavy weather at the battle of Agincourt n Review: Henry V Tobacco Factory Until October 6 ENRY V is a long play. This production clocks in at two and a half hours – enough to notice how uncomfortable the seats are, and for two audience members to nod off for a moment. That aside, this is classic theatre in the round, with a stark set – metal cages filled with gravel, moved to represent different scenes. The effect is startling in the betweenbattle scenes, soldiers hunkering down into dark uncomfortable trenches. The play’s most famous speech, “Once more unto the breach ...” is delivered here, Henry rallying his exhausted troops.

October 2018

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n WHAT’S ON This production marks the return of the Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory (SATF) company, who this year started premiering their shows in Bath. SATF are known for making Shakespeare’s dense text come alive, yet I found some sections rather static – long speeches with the cast transfixed on the speech maker. Eloquent speeches full of meaning, yes, but I sometimes lost my way in the dense talk of matters military and political. It is also relentlessly heavy, with few moments of lightness to complement the dark. The second half was easier to engage with. More movement and action helped, and the battlefield of Agincourt was well done. The ensemble cast manage a number of roles – changing a coat indicating well the change from one character (and side) to another. The arrangement of marriage between Catherine and Henry is, singer with an eclectic repertoire, and humorous Franglaise banter. Sadly December will see an end to the Saltcellar folk club if no new volunteers can be found. Tickets £5, or £3 for floor singers, 7.30pm. Refreshments, BYO alcohol. saltcellarfolk.org.uk Your event could be highlighted like this for just £5. Email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk n Stand Up For The Weekend with Phil Jerrod & Co Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken Studio, North Street, Southville. Phil Jerrod began his stand-up career underneath an Angus Steakhouse in 2012. Since then he has failed a PhD, walked out of a publishing job and won an accolade of “casual brilliance” from the Guardian. Plus guests. £12, 7.45pm. thecomedybox.co.uk Sunday October 7 n Solana Tobacco Factory bar, North Street, Southville. Polyrhythmic folk-world fusion from Solana, a Spanish folk group from Valencia who have settled in Bristol and are making a mark on the music and festival scene. Free, 8pm. tobaccofactory.com/whats-on Thursday October 11 n Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Fiddlers Club, Willway Street, Bedminster. This nine-piece, Chicago-based brass group features the eight Cohran

Rallying cry: Ben Hall as Henry V PHOTO: Craig Fuller

more importantly, a marriage between France and England. From our modern perspective, with messages haltingly translated from French to English and back again, this is an uncomfortable scene. Henry asks his bride: ‘Can you love me?’ but all we hear are Catherine’s cries as she struggles with the situation. A beautiful moment of harmonic singing towards the end created a grave but lovely atmosphere. Joanne Howarth, as the chorus, narrates and holds the whole thing together elegantly. Beccy Golding brothers on horns. The brothers started as a street ensemble before performing and recording with Mos Def, Erykah Badu and Maxwell. £14, 7.30pm. fiddlers.co.uk Friday October 12 n We Are Bristol – film preview Filwood Community Centre, Barnstaple Road. Performing dogs, dazzling singers, tap-dancing Brownies; spot the Knowle West stars in the first screening of a film made by Back to Back Theatre in summer 2018. Featuring over 140 people, it is part of We Are Bristol, a new project that brings together residents and international artists. Free, 6.30pm. kwmc.org.uk/events n Knowle From The Air Knowle and Totterdown Local History Society, Redcatch community centre, Redcatch Road, Knowle. After a brief AGM, Never Too Old To Disco Love to dance, but don’t know where? Feel the disco beat once more and reconnect with the old tunes you know and love at this fun, relaxed class. Charles Padfield Centre, Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue, BS3 5DA. Second and fourth Saturday of the month, 10.45-11.45am. £7, no booking!

Find out more from Zoe at: nevertoooldtodisco@gmail.com

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Mike Hooper and Peter Read will show aerial photos, highlighting Knowle. £1.50 members, £3 nonmembers, 7.30pm. knowleandtotterdownhistory. org.uk n Brazilian Night Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road. The sounds of Latin America reach Bedminster Down! Sounds, smells and tastes of Brazil. Brazilian food and music from Brejeiro. 7pm, adults £6, children £3. zionbristol.co.uk/events Saturday October 13 n Autumn Art Exhibition Redcatch Art Club, Redcatch community centre, Redcatch Road. Your chance to buy quality artworks by local artists. Donation to Children’s Hospice South West. 11am-4pm, free entry, refreshments. n Alfie Moore: Getting Away With Murder Entertaining Local Knowle, Redcatch community centre, Redcatch Road. Ex-homicide detective Alfie Moore is known to listeners of BBC Radio 4 for his gallowshumour series It’s A Fair Cop. His new show is about making the perfect killing – from choosing a weapon to disposing of the body. Tickets at £15 include curry cooked by acclaimed Knowle chef Sebastien Brochot. Tickets from Broadwalk News or email elknowle@hotmail.co.uk. elknowle.wixsite.com/elknowle Tuesday October 16 n New Singers Evening Victoria Methodist Church, 1A Whiteladies Road, BS8 1NU 7.30-10pm. Join Bristol A Cappella, Bristol’s premier close harmony mixed a cappella chorus, focusing on pop, rock and show tunes through the decades. The choir perform all year long and also compete. bristolacappella.co.uk/visit Wednesday October 17 n Baloji + support Fiddlers Club, Willway Street,Bedminster. A Colston Hall Presents gig with the charismatic Congo performer. £13.75, 7pm. fiddlers.co.uk Tuesday October 16 & Wednesday 17 n Plastic fantastic? Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. “‘All we wanted was a new washing machine!” What happens when you mix a multinational plastics firm, an eccentric inventor,

Peak thrills as we relive agony on a mountain n Review: Touching The Void Bristol Old Vic Until October 6 HERE’S been a book, and an excellent film, so it was intriguing to find out how this true story – in which one climber is driven to the extreme of cutting the rope holding his climbing mate – could be portrayed on stage. The cast of four young actors carry this heavy story, full of pain and emotional hurt, brilliantly – there are moments of jeopardy and horror, of course, but there are also many chuckles, a little light music and even a bit of synchronised dancing. We grow to like and admire them all, for all their quirks and challenges. So, how do you create a mountain in a theatre, stage terrifying falls and precarious

Fall guys: Edward Hayter and Josh Williams PHOTO: Geraint Lewis clambering? It starts with Joe (Josh Williams) hallucinating his own wake in a pub in Scotland. The tables and chairs become objects to climb, and Joe’s sister Sarah (Fiona Hampton), actually ascends the proscenium arch, right up to the ceiling of the Old Vic, roped and belayed by Simon (Edward Hayter). Later a massive metal structure, like a flattened dome, with cavities of paper, becomes a structure to climb, at times lying flat, or hanging from wires; slowly, like a glacier, it twists to create changing perspectives, facilitated by a

troupe of faceless stage hands, all in orange hooded parkas. There are some very clever effects – one moment Joe falls, not from above, but from the front, to the very back of the stage. Another fall is from the roof. A kind of magic trick has us thinking Joe is in a sleeping bag, exhausted, then he turns up at a table, drinking with his friends. We feel Simon’s awful dilemma, and his eventual decision to cut Joe’s rope. Spoiler alert – Joe isn’t dead (he wrote the book). He’s imagining his wake while lying at the bottom of the crevasse he’s fallen into, his leg smashed to bits. His mind conjures up his big sister to bully and cajole him along as he crawls relentlessly back to basecamp. As Joe tells his story in flashbacks and imaginings, actor Josh Williams has a superb repartee of pain: shrieks, cries, whimpers and exhaustion are all very convincing. By the time you read this the Old Vic’s swanky new front entrance will be open. Beccy Golding

innocent bystanders and dodgy geezers? A new play from The Thursdays, billed as a funfilled family laugh-fest with an ecological message. 7.45pm, £3. acta-bristol.com Thursday October 18 n Every Breath You Take: Community Conversation on local air quality Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Organised by Action Greater Bedminster in partnership with UWE and Windmill Hill City Farm. Admission free, 7.30pm, pay bar. Limited to 60 places: book at tinyurl.com/bedsairquality Further info: greaterbedminster.org.uk Saturday October 20 n Bats Ball Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road. The second annual Bats Ball is an evening of Gothic entertainment from 7-11pm. Choice of an after-dark cemetery tour, or a talk by Kate Cherrell on Victorian fashion and etiquette. Followed by gothic disco and bar. Art on sale by local artists, plus Victorian photo studio. Hosted by Dan Flew, bat expert and former grave-digger. Tickets £20. arnosvale.org.uk/events n The Regz 10th Anniversary Party The Tunnels, Temple Meads. One of Bristol’s favourite Continued overleaf

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

October 2018

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n WHAT’S ON Continued from Page 35 bands, the Regz bring their energetic brand of soul, ska and surprises. (The band has existed for almost 15 years, but their excuse is that the nine current members have been together for 10 years.) £10, 7.30pm. thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Wednesday October 24 n Don McCullin in conversation Martin Parr Foundation, Paintworks, Bath Road. The famous documentary photographer Don McCullin talks to Martin Parr. He discusses his latest photobook The Landscape. Followed by Q&A and book signing. 7pm, £8, students £6. martinparrfoundation.org Thursday October 25 n The Future for Organic Growing? Avon Organic Group. A talk on opportunities and challenges with James Campbell, chief executive of Garden Organic. The Station, Silver Street BS1 2AG, 7-9pm. Details from secretaryaog@gmail.com. Visitors £5, members £2. facebook.com/avonorganic

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n THE CITY PAGE

A raucous and tender pub n Review: Horses, Horses At Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room, October 1 HE BARTON Inn at Barton St David in Somerset is almost exactly an hour from Knowle. It was a nice, autumnal, windswept drive to get to a cosy country pub for this play that’s also a pub quiz. Johnny, our host at the fictional Nag’s Head, is also the quiz master. He’s a bit snarky, seems to get drunk rather quickly, and makes pointed remarks about his absent wife – slightly awkward.

Then Susan arrives carrying a suitcase. She’s a bit ground down – and talks in rhyming couplets. We realise that we are at once having fun down the local – the quiz a fundraising rally to save the pub – and witnessing the downward spiral of a marriage. George Williams is excellent as the disintegrating Johnny – his karaoke with an Elvis wig is the finest tragi-comedy, his shirt buttons unravelling as he does. Kesty Morrison as Susan has a strong direct gaze, a gentle air and a clear mellow tone when she sings. She’s staying with farmer Ted (Eoin Slattery) who keeps horses, including Susan’s beloved steed. The atmospheres chop and

change, from down the pub, to the farm with the horses, from bickering to intimate moments to sweet harmonious singing that brings a shiver into the air. There’s even a spot of Morris dancing. And all performed in the middle of the pub – actors squeeze between chairs, climb onto tables, dance and sing and interact with the punters – it’s a job to know who’s who – but we’re all in it together. It’s raucous, tender and enthralling. This very entertaining evening is touring pubs in Somerset until October 21. Pub shows are free, including the Beer Factory one on October 1. Venues include Bristol Improv Theatre. Beccy Golding wassailtheatre.co.uk

Friday October 26 Comedy Box at the Hen & Halloween trail and more, in n Quiz and Supper Night Chicken Studio, North Street, association with Happymess. Windmill Hill community centre, Southville. New show from Aimed at under-8s but all ages Vivian Street. Quiz and supper Ireland’s finest hip-hop musical welcome. 2-4pm, £6 per child, £4 held the last Friday of every comedian transforms the siblings; includes child’s drink. month, 8.30pm until late. audience’s likes, loathes and Facebook: Redcatch Community whca.org.uk/whats-on daydreams into songs and Garden n Abandoman (aka Rob stories. 7.45pm, £15. at Home is one of the most Right atUK’s Home is one of the UK’s mostRegular events Broderick): PirateRight Radio thecomedybox.co.uk trusted care companies. trusted Our carelocal companies. 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Saturday: juniors, 3-4 years and personal and personal care care and personal care Light Housekeeping 10.30am-12 noon 10-11am, 5-6 years 11am-12 noon, Light Housekeeping Light Housekeeping Meal preparation Meal preparation Meal preparation zionbristol.co.uk 7-9 years 12 noon-1.30pm, 10-11 Medication reminders Medication reminders Medication reminders Wednesday October 31 years 1.30-3pm, 12-13 years 2.15Post-operative support Post-operative support Post-operative support Holiday and respite cover n Halloween party The 4.15pm at St Francis Church Hall, and respite HolidayHoliday and respite cover coverand much more... Pavilion, Redcatch Community North Street, Southville. Sunday: and much more... and much more... To find out how we can help care for you or your family, call Garden, Redcatch park, Knowle. seniors 14-18 years 1.30-4.30pm, To find out how we can help care for you or your family, call To find out how we can help care for you or your family, call Spooky games, Halloween Tobacco Factory studio. Call 01793 602502 crafts, apple bobbing, biscuit Anne on 07984 069485. Or Orvisit visit www.rightathomeuk.com/bristol www.rightathomeuk.com/swindon decorating, temporary tattoos, danceblast.co.uk Registered with the Care Quality Commission. Each Right at Home office is independently owned and operated

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October 2018

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Registered with the Care Quality Commission. Each Right at Home office is independently owned and operated

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