South Bristol Voice Bedminster April 2018 by South Bristol Voice

southbristolvoice April 2018 No. 30

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Metrobus accused of failing to come clean over delays EXCLUSIVE: There’s only one iPoint, and services are still months away METROBUS stands accused of not keeping the public fully informed about continued delays to the £230 million project after it emerged that: • The Ashton Vale-city centre route – expected to open around Easter – will not be ready for months; • The remaining “snags” on the Ashton Vale route in fact include installing CCTV and lighting, plus driver training and vehicle tests; • The first route to open will be to Emersons Green – but this won’t be until a vital viaduct is finished;

VOICE COMMENT

Alone: The sole iPoint on test • Only one iPoint has been built – yet 78 of the hi-tech ticketing stations are needed, one for every stop. Officially, the Emersons Green route is supposed to open in the spring, “closely followed” by the Ashton Vale route. But when quizzed, Metrobus officials say that “spring” means May or June. It sounds likely that further delays could follow,

IF METROBUS wants the public’s backing, it has to be more open with the public. Its bosses point out, rightly, that the scheme is already bringing benefits. The South Bristol Link Road and bus lane improvements are reducing journey times in the city centre and around Parson Street. But if we are not to see wheels turning on the Ashton Vale route until the summer, then come clean with us. Let us know what’s causing the hold-ups, and how long they will take. Dripping out bad news in an inconsistent way is no route to retaining public confidence. turning spring into summer. Metrobus was expected to start services on the route from Long Ashton Park & Ride to the Continued on page 6

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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

A TIME TO CONSULT IT’S STRIKING that we have just seen the release of the biggest planning document of the last decade, and yet almost no one is talking about it. The Bristol Local Plan review sets the blueprint for the city for the next 20 years. There are huge changes on the way for South Bristol – probably the biggest since World War II. These are just a few of the schemes coming up: • Hundreds of homes on Bath Road, and new Metrobus lanes; • University campus at Temple Meads, with 25-storey tower; • Either an arena or – more likely – a hotel or conference centre on Arena Island;

You can find South Bristol Voice on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/ southbristolvoice Twitter: @sbristolvoice Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is April 11th • Hundreds of homes atop the Broadwalk centre; • Multiple tower blocks at Bedminster Green; • New bridges and thousands of homes on the harbourside; • Close to 2,000 homes in Hengrove and Hartcliffe; • New homes in Knowle West; • St Philip’s Marsh redeveloped; ... and the list goes on. You get the point. Many of the plans will bring tower blocks, which residents say they don’t want. Yet there’s been just one public meeting about the Local Plan. And the Urban Living document, about the new tall buildings policy, mainly avoids showing tower blocks, instead displaying low-rise schemes like Wapping Wharf. It’s time for South Bristol to wake up to what’s coming – and for some realistic consultation.

How do I get in touch with ...

My councillor? By post: (all councillors) Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY

Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster By phone: 07469 413312 By email: Cllr.celia.phipps@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: Cllr.stephen.clarke@ bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By phone: 07884 736111 By email: Cllr.charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pest control and dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999

Fire Inquiries 0117 926 2061 Emergency 999 Action Greater Bedminster Forum for the public, councillors and community groups. Next meeting Tuesday April 17: public forum; see page 6. • facebook.com/Action Greater Bedminster

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: Surgeries will be held on Friday April 27. Call 0117 953 3575 for an appointment.

EDITOR’S NOTE: South Bristol Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We strive to conform to the NUJ Code of Conduct for journalists: • nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code Feedback is welcomed: call editor Paul Breeden on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk. All stories and pictures are copyright of South Bristol Voice and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse. South Bristol Voice Ltd | 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX Co. no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76

That’s music to my ears!

April 2018

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n NEWS

Youngsters talk up apprenticeships SOME of Bristol’s biggest employers met hundreds of the city’s young jobseekers as part of an apprenticeship fair at the South Bristol Skills Academy in Hengrove during National Apprenticeship Week.

Firms attending the fair, organised by Bristol South MP Karin Smyth, included Airbus, Hargreaves Lansdown and Bristol Airport, joined by other key south Bristol employers such as Robbins Timber,

Computershare and Babcock. Staffing many of the stalls were apprentices, who talked to young jobseekers about the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship. • More on the Voice website

Parents: ‘You can change lives’ A CHARITY that helps change lives for families in difficulty is offering training to new recruits in Bedminster during April. Home Start Bristol trains volunteers to be a lifeline for a family, helping them get back on their feet and develop the skills they need to cope in the future. The charity has just taken on a perinatal support worker to guide help to families affected by postnatal depression and other mental health problems during and after pregnancy. “If you are a parent or

grandparent, and can spare 2-3 hours a week to do something amazing, you really will be changing lives,” said Home Start. One volunteer, Rachel, said: “After seeing a close friend go through post-natal depression I felt I wanted to help other mums. The course exceeded my ( ¨ expectations. It wasn’t easy but the support was fantastic.” The course lasts 36 hours over nine weeks and leads to a CERTA Level 2 qualification, which can be a stepping stone to a career. Volunteers visit homes for a

Ladies first

Grow with Gran

THE CLASSIC female blues and jazz singers of the 20th century are taken back to their roots in an evening called Ladies First. The multimedia presentation by Natalie Davies on vocals and Dave Merrick on guitar is at the Zion centre in Bishopsworth Road. They take on songs by Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and more, with film clips. It’s on April 13 at 7.30pm; tickets £8 and £10. • zionbristol.co.uk

CHILDREN at Parson Street primary school are getting together with older people to learn how to grow their own herbs. Grandparent Gardening Week started on March 20 and the pupils at the Bedminster primary school joined in the campaign to discover how to create their own food, and about the different kinds of herbs. The scheme is part of the Soil Association’s Food for Life campaign, run with with Bristol’s Pukka Herbs.

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few hours every week, providing practical help and emotional support to a family. In the last 12 months the charity has supported more than 130 struggling families. Home Start Bristol scheme manager Beverley Symonds said, “We’ve seen an increase year on year of referrals to us to help parents suffering from perinatal depression. Thankfully, we are able to deliver the help, because of our years of experience.” • More details: page 18 • homestartbristol.org.uk

Wild time for the under-fives OUTDOOR fun for toddlers is promised when My Wild Child returns to Northern Slopes. Every Wednesday during term time, from April 11- May 25, 1-2.30pm, Avon Wildlife Trust will run free wild-play sessions for families with under-fives at the Bommie in Knowle. Children can enjoy wild art, spotting wildlife, mini-beast hunts, playing in the stream, songs and storytelling. • avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Explosives man due in court REECO Fernandez, charged with possessing explosive substances at his home in Hastings Close, Bedminster on September 8, 2017, was due at Bristol Crown Court on Friday March 23, just after the Voice went to press. We will carry the result online.

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roads in and out of the zone and would record number plates. Five options are on the table: • A non-charging zone;

With Easter coming up, why not consider where your meat is coming from? As organic farmers in Chew Valley we know how to farm sustainably; helping protect our environment, providing tasty meat from our fields to your fork. We set up Meat Box so you know where your meat comes from and how it was reared. We only source from our farm and a select number of other Mendip farms. The farmers care about their animals, sharing our philosophy, rearing healthy animals, using the highest sustainable practices. So this Easter why not drop in to the Meat Box to see the range of cuts available. If you can’t get to us, no problem, give us a call and we can even deliver directly to you. Irsn’t it time you know where your meat comes from and, most importantly, what isn’t in it. MEAT AS IT SHOULD BE, FROM FIELD TO FORK UNIT 24, CARGO 2, MUSEUM STREET, BRISTOL BS1 6ZA 0117 934 9306 | HELLO@MEATBOXBRISTOL.CO.UK

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Clean air zone may include South Bristol CHARGING drivers of polluting vehicles to travel through South Bristol could become council policy later this year. Bristol city council has been told by the Government to decide by the end of the year how it will cut dangerous levels of air pollution – and most of the options include charging drivers. Two areas for a Clean Air Zone are being considered, to be installed by 2023. The small zone, shown by the blue line on the map, includes the city centre and also the south side of the river – mainly York Road and Coronation Road. The medium zone, outlined in green, extends almost to the Three Lamps junction on Wells Road and cuts though Bedminster along Whitehouse Lane to include all of Southville and parts of Ashton Vale. Not all residential roads inside the zone would be included. Cameras would monitor the main

April 2018

CLEAN AIR ZONES Where the lines could be drawn in South Bristol

Part of the council map showing possible charging zones. The blue line is the small zone, the green line is the medium zone. A large zone – reaching the M4 and the M5 – is ruled out for now: it would take too long to set up.

Source: Bristol city council

• A small zone charging all vehicles; • A small zone charging all vehicles except cars; • A medium zone charging all vehicles; • A medium zone charging all vehicles except cars. The non-charging option would allow any vehicle 17 visits in a year. The other options would allow 12 free visits a year. Bristol is one of 27 cities which has been told by the Government to reduce air pollution to legal limits by 2023. The council will hold consultations throughout the summer, and will choose one of the options in October. The council is using a market research company to find out how it can persuade drivers to change their habits. It’s unclear how the public will react. Tradespeople with diesel vans will be hard hit, as will low-income families with older cars. Taxi drivers won’t be able to put up fares – though the council

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? ABOUT 300 people a year die early in Bristol from air pollution. By comparison, traffic accidents kill an average of nine people a year. In the worst areas – the city centre and Lawrence Hill – air pollution accounts for one in 10 early deaths, or 10 per cent. The figures are not much lower in South Bristol wards.

WHICH VEHICLES WILL BE EXEMPT? Diesels Euro6 vehicles, mainly 2016 on Petrol Euro4 vehicles, 2006 on Hybrid and electric vehicles WHY PICK ON DIESEL CARS? Nitrogen Dioxide emissions from traffic in central Bristol HGVs 10% Buses 23% Diesel vans 22% Diesel cars 40% Petrol vans 0% Petrol cars 4% is encouraging ultra-low emission taxis. The city also has a large number of newer, less polluting buses. Cabinet member Cllr Kye Dudd said the plan is not a “war on motorists”, but a move to improve public health. Air pollution contributes to asthma, low birth weight in babies, poor lung development in small children and heart conditions, he said. PROPORTION OF EARLY DEATHS TO AIR POLLUTION Bedminster 8.68% Southville 9.05%, Knowle 8.34% Windmill Hill 8.98% WHERE ARE THE HOTSPOTS? Wells Road at Three Lamps, York Road, Coronation Road, Bedminster Parade, St John’s Lane and Parson Street gyratory all break EU legal pollution limits.

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Let us know of dog issues, says council THE COUNCIL wants to hear about any problems concerning dog walking at South Street park and playing fields in Bedminster. The Voice revealed last month that the playing field has council signs banning dogs – but these

have no legal effect. The field is shared with South Street school, which also lets others use it. The council says it has no record of complaints, though the Voice has been told by locals that some dog owners have been

aggressive when asked not to take their dog in the school field. Anyone caught dog fouling could be issued with a fine, the council said. It asked for comments to be emailed to neighbourhood. enforcement@bristol.gov.uk

Call for chippies and plumbers to finish off bus for homeless CARPENTERS and plumbers are needed desperately to put the finishing touches to two vital projects which will provide a place for Bristol’s rough sleepers to lay their heads. The appeal comes from Jasper Thompson, founder of Help Bristol’s Homeless (HBH), the Bedminster charity which makes accommodation out of shipping containers on a building plot at Bedminster Green. The latest project is to convert a bus into temporary accommodation. The doubledecker was donated by First Bus and is already looking smart in its new livery. Inside, however, the bus needs the attention of a carpenter or two to finish it off. The roof needs boarding, bed frames need constructing and fittings made. Once it’s finished, the bus will have separate floors for men and women and will be able to house up to 12 people at a time. It will be parked on the charity’s site at Malago Road, but before the bus can be opened, the

Laz Irvine, owner of Urban Lighthouse estate agency, hands £720 to Jasper Thompson to sponsor a bed on the bus. Urban Lighthouse is donating £25 to HBH for every home sold, and will match any extra donation from a seller to make it up to £100 people using it will need somewhere to wash and shower. Jasper has a 32-ft container ready to be made into a shower and toilet block, with a water supply already plumbed in. “We need to fit toilets, sinks and showers,” he told the Voice. “I think it would take three

WHAT’S NEEDED? Carpenters; Plumbers; Handy-people for decorating etc PLUS Electric showers 7.5KW – 3 needed Toilets close-coupled – 4 needed Basins 400 x 500mm – 4 needed Water heaters 10KW – 2 needed

plumbers about a week.” Dozens of Bristol firms have already given their time and materials to help convert five shipping containers into cosy, temporary homes. Now Jasper is hoping to find some more companies who haven’t contributed yet, who are willing to donate items like bathroom equipment or skilled tradespeople (see panel). In time, the charity aims to fit out six more containers, ready to be transported to a new base off Spring Street, behind York Road. More on this in a future Voice. • Facebook: Help Bristol’s Homeless CIC

Have your say on spending developer cash CAN YOU think of a project that would benefit Bedminster and could be funded by spin-off money from developers? A public forum to come up with ideas such as road safety improvements or parks projects will be held by community group Action Greater Bedminster. All four councillors for Bedminster and Southville will be invited to the forum, which is at the United Reformed Church Hall at the corner of West Street and Stanley Street, Bedminster, from 7-9pm on Tuesday April 17. Stef Brammar, secretary of AGB, said: “We know that safe roadways around our schools is likely to be one priority, but we do want as wide a consultation as possible to ensure that other proposals can be considered and local people’s voices heard.” Among the schools where there is a lack of safe places for children to cross are Compass Point primary in South Street and Holy Cross primary in Dean Lane. Up to £100,000 is likely to be available from developers from a fund called CIL or Community Infrastructure Levy. Previously, Bedminster councillors decided how to spend their slice of CIL locally. Now there is to be one pot for six South Bristol wards – Bedminster, Southville, Windmill Hill, Knowle, Brislington East and Brislington West. You can have a say online at facebook.com/Action Greater Bedminster.

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April 2018

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n NEWS money out of the city’s parks. But why should that be when Come and see Park trader: Rich Brady, who has run he has built up the busines from Hopper Coffee out of a threenothing, he asked? Piaggio vehicle for three If someone else does win the our swelegant, I want to keep wheeler years, has heard nothing from the pitch, they still have to apply for about renewing his pitch. a street trading licence, which serving coffee! council elegant show If he had a street trading site, takes five months, meaning the SOUTH Bristol members of an amateur dramatics society are inviting people to a “swelegant, elegant party” when they stage their own version of the Hollywood musical High Society. More than half the members of the Musical Theatre group are from the south of the city and they have been rehearsing in South Bristol for over 40 years. High Society is performed at the Redgrave Theatre, Clifton, from May 2-5. The romantic comedy musical was made famous by the 1956 film starring Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. It includes classics such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, What a Swell Party and Let’s Misbehave. Tickets are £15.60 (£1 less for children). There are large discounts for groups. Tickets from the box office on 0117 315 7800 or redgravetheatre.com. Recent shows include a sold-out two-night summer concert at Ashton Vale community centre in September. The group raises money for charities including St Peter’s Hospice and CLIC Sargent. • bristolmusicaltheatre.co.uk

River clean-up YOU CAN help clean up the riverbank on York Road, from the Banana Bridge to Bath Bridge, on Saturday, April 14 from 10am-12 noon, in the company of the Friends of Avon New Cut (Franc). Free cake is on offer. • franc.org.uk

THE OWNER of the much-loved coffee stall in Greville Smyth park fears he will be at a disadvantage if his pitch is put out to tender in a council bid to make more

it would be his for as long as he wanted. But he believes his park pitch could be open to tender – meaning anyone bidding more than him could push him aside.

site will be left empty – just like the outdoor café in Victoria Park, which shows no signs of opening. “I think it’s being poorly managed,” he said.

‘Just tell us when it will start’ METROBUS Continued from page 1 city centre last autumn. It’s not clear why this route will no longer be the first to open. Metrobus says it was decided, in consultation with the operators, to focus resources on the Emersons Green route instead. The news that only one iPoint has so far been built is very different from the impression Metrobus has given previously. In February, the Voice was told progress depended on how quickly the iPoints could be installed. If it proved easy, the Easter deadline could be met, was the message. It was never stated that the sole iPoint built would have to be tested at the Long Ashton Park & Ride before the order was given to construct the rest of the 3m-tall machines. The machine is being thoroughly checked to make sure it is working properly and is reliable 24 hours a day, and that it can’t be hacked, before the other 77 units are built. This is not the only mixed message Metrobus has given about the iPoints. The Voice was told in writing on March 22: “There’s no problem with the iPoints.”

METROBUS FACTS Faster journeys 17 minutes Long Ashton to Temple Meads (down 6 mins) and 30 mins Hengrove Park to Prince Street (14 mins less); Cashless Buy tickets in advance by card or smartphone. Some say this excludes the poor, but London buses have been cashless for years; Three routes M1 Hengrove Park-city centre-Cribbs Causeway;

M2 Long Ashton-Temple Meadscentre; M3 Centre-Emersons Green; Guided future Only M2 uses a bus-only guided route from Long Ashton to Cumberland basin; Hi-tech Buses will have wifi and USB ports at each seat; Fares ‘Similar’ to current fares; Cleaner The first buses will be the latest Euro6 diesels; will switch to low-emission hybrid or biogas.

Hours later, a spokesperson told us: “Getting them [the iPoints] working has not been as simple as we hoped.” South Bristol councillors have reacted angrily to the latest delays and the lack of information. “Metrobus and its political leaders need to come clean with the public. We are all being fobbed off. Just tell us when it’s going to start working,” said Cllr Mark Bradshaw, Labour member for Bedminster and a former cabinet member who oversaw earlier stages of Metrobus work. “If I was a government minister I would have my civil servants looking into this – it’s a lot of government money that has gone into this.”

Cllr Bradshaw suggested that if the iPoints can’t be made to work, if contracts allow it they should be abandoned, and smart ticketless systems used alongside existing bus stop digital displays. Stephen Clarke, Green party member for Southville, was also dismayed. Cllr Clarke chairs the scrutiny committee of the West of England Authority, which is overseeing Metrobus and major transport schemes. On March 22, he asked officials for an opening date, and was told Metrobus would start in the spring. “They should be clearer about what is happening. I’m very surprised by the delays. I don’t think Metrobus have kept us fully informed,” he told the Voice.

ASK A VET: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?

F YOU suspect your dog may have eaten any type of chocolate call your vet immediately. Let them know which type of chocolate it is, how much you think they have eaten, and keep any packaging. Chocolate contains theobromine which cannot be metabolised by dogs, and can have potentially fatal side effects if not treated quickly. Knowing the type of chocolate is important. Dark chocolate can be highly toxic even in small amounts. Milk chocolate has much lower levels of theobromine and is

therefore less dangerous in small amounts, but this depends on the size of the dog. Small dogs are vulnerable to toxicity from small amounts. White chocolate contains very little theobromine and is less likely to cause effects, however it is full of sugar, which has its own side effects, and should not be fed to your dog under any circumstances. With Easter upon us and our houses full with chocolate eggs and treats, it is important that everyone in the family is aware of the dangers and keeps their goodies

well out of pets’ reach. Dogs can sniff out chocolate, rip off the packaging and devour it in no time. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, abnormal heart rhythms, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures and respiratory failure. Chocolate poisoning at its worst can result in death from heart attacks, seizures, coma or respiratory failure. All veterinary practices have a 24-hour emergency service so, if your dog does get hold of your chocolate and eat it, please call the

April 2018

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southbristolvoice in Bristol The Best UK Stand Up Comedy

Thousands plead Growing fair for a city centre location STAND UP FORfor THEarena WEEKEND

AN UNUSUAL alliance of Green councillors, South Bristol’s Labour MP, thousands of REDCATCH Community Garden, petitioners and some Labour the people-powered plant-centre councillors are calling for the which has taken over the old Operating since 1994 Bristol arena to be sited at bowling green at Redcatch park, Temple Meads. holds its spring fair on Sunday It has looked increasingly April 15. It’s from noon to 5pm, likely in recent months that and stalls are still available. mayor Marvin Rees favours Visitors will be able to see instead a privately-funded arena what’s growing, including exotic proposed by Malaysian firm YTL crops such as kiwi fruit, in the at the old Filton airfield. vote goes, it need not sway the Knowle garden’s two polytunnels. He has dropped hints that the mayor’s decision. Mr Rees is 210 North St, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JF Meanwhile the Roots café in empty Temple Meads site – still awaiting a report from the garden has reopened after known as Arena Island – could consultants KPMG on the being forced to shut when pipes instead be used for a conference benefits of both arena sites, and burst in the early March freeze-up. centre or five-star hotel. will give his decision on May 2. TOU • Facebook: Redcatch Community R EX In addition, Mr Rees did not The Greens say even the TENS Garden appear to mention the arena as ION KPMG review is not transparent part of the Temple Quarter, – they have not been able to either when he met potential obtain its terms of reference. Chinese investors in December, Simon Hobeck, chair of ANGELA BARNES I SWEAR with FANS of affordable art will or at the MIPIM conference for Totterdown communityDavid group Get ready for another to epicnowhere: blast of Tom Stade! from Bridge ArenaDirect Island Trent is a hugely original comedian who uses findinplenty to peruse when the developers, held in Cannes, the Edinburgh Festival, the Canadian tour-de-force is back Tresa, also favours the multi-media city centre extensively his performances, offering Redcatch Art Club holds Bristol’s could go to Filton. which he visited in mid-March. option. Though an arena on our for another date with hisarena latest show. up high energy commentary on celebrity culture. "A its spring art comedy." exhibition on Saturday "Comedy greatness... Metro ThisMonumental" is “in direct conflict with creator of bold, category-defying The Stage The arena has also been left doorstep could cause some April 28. It’s at Redcatch a need to rebalance the city so out of the Local Plan – the disruption, it might be less than community centre, Redcatch that all areas can share in the blueprint for the entire city for other uses for the site. Road, from 11-4pm. All the art benefits of such large scale the next 20 years [pages 10-11]. “The arena was only going to is by local artists. Entry is free investment,” she writes. Now calls are building for Mr have big events 15 or 16 times a but donations are encouraged to “If the arena were to remain Rees to back an arena on Arena year, and that would have been in Temple Meads, then existing Children’s Hospice South West. Island. Councillors were due to workable,” he said. and future residents of Bristol vote on the issue at a full council South could access employment meeting on March 20, the day which after the Voice went to press. SHOUT and OUTcultural TO MYopportunities EX with PHIL CHAPMAN won’t Paul be so easy if itfrom moves to More than 5,000 people signed In 2015, comedian Sinha returned the Edinburgh Award-winning comedian Pierre Novellie brings his unique the northern fringe.” a Green party petition backing a a contented Fringe man. The next day, his happiness had comedy perspective to Bristol, having been born in South Other Labour members may vanished. Was this the end? Temple Meads arena, forcing the Africa and raised on the Isle of Man. "Wry, confident funny,back passionate Chortle observational comedy." The Sunday Times the and cityarticulate." centre option. council to debate the matter. "Hilariouslyalso Its backers say Temple Meads Cllr Jon Wellington, Labour has much better transport links, member for Windmill Hill, told and the arena would be councilthe Voice he intended to vote for owned, helping city finances. the Green motion. The Filton arena, though bigger Along with Bristol South MP – 16,000 rather than 12,000 Karin Smyth, he has long backed seats – would need £100 million a city centre arena, believing it of public investment in transport will bring jobs and investment to and other infrastructure, the RENEGADE PLUMBER TEZTIFY the south of the city. Greens claim. In her Voice column this Stand-up and miscellany fromAnd Britishprofits Comedy would Award As seen on BBC2's Mock The Week, Tez Ilyas presents go to YTL, notAward the council. month [page 54] Ms Smyth says nominee, Edinburgh Comedy nominee and his slick, smart and typically subversive new stand-up Chortle Award winner, Simon Munnery. as Whichever way the"Munnery Marchis20 show. "Ilyas has the slickness of U.S. comics, and the she is “disappointed” that

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Forget a tube – go cable car (or a pod)

Arena should be in the city, mayor told

Former transport boss says we should be looking at Heathrowstyle pods too

COUNCILLORS have voted decisively for Bristol’s arena to be built at Temple Meads. But whether a 12,000-seat venue will actually be sited there is far from certain. Under the mayoral system, councillors have little control over policy – and the final decision on whether to switch the arena to the Brabazon hangars at Filton will be taken by mayor Marvin Rees on May 2. The vote of 34-12 in favour of an arena close the city centre is largely symbolic – but it gives a powerful message to Mr Rees, who many think has been edging closer to the Filton option. At a public meeting in Windmill Hill in February Mr Rees dropped hints about putting a five-star hotel or conference centre on Arena Island instead of an entertainment venue. A Filton arena could be built by Malaysian firm YTL without public subsidy. It would be bigger

A BRISTOL developer wants planners to consider a left field solution to the city’s transport problems – a cable car system. Richard Clarke, managing director of developer Urbis, working on plans for Bedminster Green, thinks cable cars could be a serious option for Bristol. Mayor Marvin Rees has ordered a feasibility study of an underground system to run under the city centre, with one route emerging above ground somewhere near the A38, to travel on to the airport. Its cost was put at first as £2.5 billion, quickly escalating to £4.5bn. Some politicians are openly scornful of the subway idea, saying it will never be built.

Pie in the sky? A cable car system

Pod-tastic: Cllr Bradshaw at T5

However, Bristol’s crowded roads make siting a rail or tram link to the airport or anywhere else problematic. Instead, says Mr Clarke, why not think about a cable car network? A system would need supporting towers every 100 or 200m, but would be easier and cheaper than a railway or subway. Stops could be a mile or more apart, meaning people could travel from the city centre to the harbourside, then to a stop at, say, Parson Street, he said.

Having cars arriving every few seconds means thousands of people can be carried each hour. “In the Alps they travel five miles. People think it’s a tourist solution, but it could get out to [Bristol] airport,” said Mr Clarke. Mexico City, Dubai and several US cities already use cable cars for transport. And there are calls for a network in Oxford to rid the city of tourist buses. Mr Clarke admits he is no expert in the feasibility of cable

cars in Bristol, but believes some experts are seriously considering the idea. Cllr Mark Bradshaw, a former cabinet member for transport, is not sure if cable cars are the answer, but thinks a solution to Bristol’s transport woes is more likely to be above street level than below it. Under former mayor George Ferguson, he looked at a plan to run an elevated rail scheme – somewhat similar to the travel pods at Heathrow Terminal 5 – from Temple Meads to Broadmead. “Had it not been for a sharp rise in the cost of steel we might have [gone forward], because we had identified where the supports could go,” he told the Voice. “I think above ground is easier for Bristol than below ground.” Erecting supports for a high-level rail scheme wouldn’t cause nearly the disruption that tunneling would, he said.

Bridge to nowhere: The £11m, Govt funded Brock’s Bridge to Arena Island. The council has also invested £9m in the site. – up to 16,000 capacity – and have much more room for restaurants, bars and parking. But it would also be of less benefit to Bristol. The Filton site is within the city boundary – just – but the arena profits would go to YTL, not the council. A public subsidy of £100m or more in public transport might be needed. And instead of arena-goers flocking to the city centre to eat and drink, they might head for the Mall at Cribbs Causeway, which is in South Gloucestershire.

Several South Bristol Labour figures broke ranks with the mayor to support the Green party motion for a city centre arena, including Bedminster Cllrs Mark Bradshaw and Celia Phipps, and Windmill Hill Cllrs Jon Wellington and Lucy Whittle. Southville Cllr Steve Clarke, who moved the Green motion, said: “Now councillors have expressed their support for a Temple Meads location, I hope the mayor will act on the wishes of the public and their elected

representatives. People are getting sick of waiting for politicians to deliver on this project – if it’s going ahead, let’s build it in the heart of the city where it benefits everyone.” Cllr Bradshaw told the Voice the city centre option would be “accessible to those areas that need the jobs and benefits the most”. Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff and other cities have a central arena because “research shows that cities benefit most when that’s the case,” he added. “We wouldn’t be exporting all the potential economic gain to some enormous retail park on the edge for the city.” The arena does not feature in the council’s Local Plan, the blueprint for the city for the next 20 years [see pages 10-11]. Mr Rees is awaiting a report from consultants KPMG on the benefits of both arena sites, and will give his decision on May 2. • Your MP: Karin Smyth, 54

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BUILDING HIGH: BRISTOL’S LOCAL PLAN

The far-reaching plan that calls for 11,000 new homes in South Bristol We begin four pages of special reports on South Bristol’s future building boom with a look at the Local Plan, to guide developers for the next 20 years

SOUTH Bristol stands on the brink of the most ambitious proposals to transform its neighbourhoods since the second world war. Yet only one public meeting has been held to discuss the far-reaching Local Plan Review, which will guide development in the city for the next 20 years. Consultation on the plan closes on April 13. More consultation will follow in the autumn, after amendments have been made. Bristol South MP Karin Smyth

welcomed the idea of investment, but said local people must be consulted. The plan calls for South

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BUILDING HIGH: BRISTOL’S LOCAL PLAN

Housing everywhere, including the Green Belt, while creating more jobs WHAT’S IN IT FOR US? Above, the area of Western Harbour that could be rebuilt. Left, Karin Smyth MP says local people must be properly consulted on the proposals Bristol and St Philip’s to take the lion’s share of Bristol’s new housing, but she chided South Bristol Voice for referring to this as a “burden”. Homes are badly needed, and so too is investment in providing jobs and other services for the south of the city, she said. “It’s good to see the promise of infrastructure investment, but I am very keen that the existing communities in Bristol South are consulted and listened to. “We are also seeing issues

with funding for existing infrastructure which needs addressing. For example, local NHS services are struggling with massive rent hikes from NHS Property Services. Schools and nurseries are struggling with funding cuts. Public toilets and libraries have closed or are facing closure. We need to address these issues in Bristol South before absorbing the bulk of Bristol’s population growth over the next two decades,” said the Labour MP.

URBAN LIVING: Another way to say ‘skyscrapers’?

and subjective issue, and that considerable public debate should be both expected and encouraged”. It adds: “To acknowledge the important civic role that tall buildings could play in defining the image of Bristol, tall buildings should demonstrate design excellence ... achieved through: • architectural quality; • the effective use of resources; • high-quality materials; • innovative and sustainable building design and construction; • a high quality public realm; and • a sensitive and thoughtful response to the impacts [of ] tall buildings.”

THE NEW policy on tall buildings, called Urban Living, begins with mayor Marvin Rees’s assertion that “tall buildings represent ambition”. He says: “Years of low level buildings and a reluctance to build up in an already congested city is something I am keen to change.” Bedminster Green and the Temple Quarter enterprise zone are both included as sites suitable for high-rise buildings. Urban Living says that tall buildings “can be a highly emotive

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AMONG the proposals which affect South Bristol are: • A total of 11,000 homes built in the south of the city in the next 20 years. For comparison, the central area of the city is expected to get 13,500 homes, but this includes St Philip’s. North Bristol expects 6,000 homes and East Bristol 5,000. • Homes and new flood defences for St Philip’s, while increasing the number of jobs in the area, using “higher intensity employment uses”. • Replacing the bridges and flyovers in Cumberland Basin, which are “aging and outdated” with around 3,500 homes in a plan called Western Harbour, with potential for development on the south side of the River Avon as well as the north side. • Up to 2,200 homes in central Bedminster. Around 1,400 homes are proposed around Bedminster Green (though this number keeps changing). Others will be near Parson Street station, Bedminster Down Road, West Street and Winterstoke Road; it’s not clear exactly where. • Brislington’s Park & Ride could be moved to Hicks Gate, with the car park used for at least 750 homes, with around 350 more homes on “underused land in central Brislington”. • Hengrove is already expecting

HOW TO COMMENT THE LOCAL plan and the Urban Living document (about tall buildings) can be seen at libraries and at • bristol.gov.uk/en_US/ planning-and-buildingregulations/local-plan-review Queries can be sent by email to blp@bristol.gov.uk or by post to Strategic City Planning Team, Bristol City Council, City Hall, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS.

WHAT’S BEEN LEFT OUT? THE ARENA – still in theory a possibility to be built next to Temple Meads – is not mentioned in the Local Plan.

Looking north down a new avenue with shops at Hengrove Park 1,500 or more homes at Hengrove Park and up to 480 nearby at Hartcliffe campus. • New homes in Knowle West at Filwood Broadway, Novers

Hill and Airport Road. It has been suggested that there could be infilling between homes on the Knowle West estate. • Parts of the Green Belt on

the edge of Bristol could be used for housing. Details will follow in consultation later this year but land north of Ashton Vale town green, to the west of the Pavillions office complex, and west of Elsbert Drive are being examined. Allotments and Ashton Vale town green, Highridge common and Bedminster Down common will be preserved as open space. Outside the city, expect plans for new villages near Long Ashton. • The Temple Quarter enterprise zone is to be extended to include: Arnos Vale – the Arnos Manor hotel and former ITV studio; Mead Street – the industrial area including the Post Office delivery centre off St Luke’s Road; Brislington – the area between Sandy Park Road and Bloomfield Road.

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BUILDING HIGH: BEDMINSTER GREEN

When will people be able to look at a plan for all of Bedminster Green? BEDMINSTER Green, the muchdelayed major development site between East Street and the railway next to Windmill Hill, still has no masterplan from which the public can gauge its impact. Five developers are drawing up plans for the five major sites around the green. It’s now expected the area could take up to 1,500 homes, but the number has changed several times. Further details may emerge in early April, when the developers are due to make a presentation to local councillors. But there is no sign yet of a unified plan being

Five developers and no sign of how their plans fit together presented, even though all the developers meet as part of the Bedminster Green Collaboration Group. Councillors, residents and pressure groups such as WHaM and BS3 Planning want a framework plan that guides the whole site so that people can see how each plot fits together, and where the community facilities will be.In the latest twist, it has

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PLOT BY PLOT Plot 1 Malago Road, Rollo Homes seeking planning permission for 183 homes. After several revisions, no sign of a quick decision. Plot 3 NCP car park, Deeley Freed No plans or building heights have emerged. Judging by density of homes, it could be 6-8 storeys. But the firm has discovered it will need more land than it thought and has taken back a plot at Clarke Street, which it had agreed could be used by

Urbis for an energy centre. Plot 4 Little Paradise, off Malago Road Dandara No pictures available, but a 21-storey tower proposed among smaller blocks of one- and two-bedroom flats Plot 5 Whitehouse Lane, Urbis A new station opening onto a new open space, an 18-storey tower, but now no student homes. Land is council-owned. St Catherine’s Place, Firmstone Not strictly part of the Green, but next to it. See main story.

emerged that Urbis’s district energy centre, to provide electricity and heat to up to 2,000 homes, will have to move. It was due to be sited at Clarke Street, off Whitehouse Lane. But site owner Deeley Freed, which wants to develop the adjacent NCP car park, now needs the land, and Urbis is looking at a new site. Urbis’s Richard Clarke, promised consultation on the new site for the gas-fired plant when it is announced. “I appreciate that a number of people were concerned about emissions,” said Mr Clarke. There was dismay from several residents who attended a presentation at Windmill Hill City Farm about developer Firmstone’s plan for St Catherine’s Place. The site already has a 2014 planning permission for a 16-storey tower, but Firmstone now wants 21 storeys and 232 homes. This is “completely unacceptable,” according to WHaM member Howard Purse. Slightly less controversial is Firmstone’s plan to convert the unloved six-storey office block above the St Catherine’s shopping centre into 54 flats, adding two floors on top. It is still unclear what community benefits the different

developers will provide. The St Catherine’s Place plan from Firmstone includes a cinema, gym and restaurants as well as offices. But these are commercial developments, not free-to-use community facilities. Urbis wants to modernise Bedminster station, open up the River Malago and provide new public spaces – though WHaM opposes the loss of the Green and its trees, and can’t see the point of a new station entrance. Doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries have been proposed. Now it appears Bedminster’s new super-GP practice, which combines five family practices, doesn’t want new premises on the Green. A new surgery in Marksbury Road, now being built, will ensure there is enough capacity for Bedminster Green’s residents, it is claimed. No new school is proposed – yet. It’s not clear how many affordable homes will be built, though Urbis’s Richard Clarke has said taller buildings would allow more social housing. Southville Green Cllr Charlie Bolton backed the original plans for St Catherine’s Place but said he had “increasing concerns” about the plans that are now emerging. He is worried that developers are cherrypicking the elements they want.

CHANGING PLANS

submitted is from Bedminsterbased Rollo Homes. After several changes it has been reduced by one storey to nine floors with 183 flats but there is no sign of the council making a decision soon. Planning officials want an investigation of any contamination of the land at Plot 1, on Malago Road, which is currently leased free by Rollo to the Help Bristol’s Homeless charity. Transport officials haven’t published their views, which when revealed could add weeks of work on new requirements.

DEVELOPER Urbis, headed by managing director Richard Clarke, drew up the first framework for the area in 2015. It envisaged just under 1,250 homes, with work starting in 2016 and completed during 2019. Three years later, not a brick has been laid, no planning application has been passed, and the baton for the framework plan has been passed by Urbis back to the council. The only planning application

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BUILDING HIGH: BEDMINSTER GREEN

‘Don’t allow Bedminster to be ruined like Totterdown was’ LOCAL people are not being consulted on changes in council policy for high-rise housing which will change South Bristol forever, says the chair of one of the area’s most prominent community groups. “We are pretty much horrified by the proposals for high-density housing,” said Nick Townsend, chair of Windmill Hill and Malago planning group, WHaM. He fears the plans could be as much of a disaster for Bedminster as the botched plans for a new ring road in Totterdown, which destroyed hundreds of homes and tore the heart out of a community, all for no purpose. “This will change Bedminster for good, and such a short time has been allowed for consultation,” said Mr Townsend. Comments on the council’s wide-ranging Local Plan, and the accompanying Urban Living document that sets out a stall for high-rises, closes on April 13. Only one public meeting has been arranged. “I think people don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Mr Townsend. “My sense is that it’s being put through with indecent haste and local people are not being given opportunity to comment.” A lot of the documents are online and many people, especially older residents, haven’t seen the proposals, he said. Mr Townsend fears the communities in Windmill Hill and Bedminster could suffer as much as Totterdown did in the 1960s and 1970s, when a grandiose dual carriageway plan tore down 550 shops and houses, removing one of Bristol’s most vibrant shopping areas. “Totterdown was an absolute disaster and they are making the same mistake – Totterdown never recovered from that.” The mayor did not make his enthusiasm for tower blocks clear before he was elected, said Mr Townsend. He accused the mayor of producing only anecdotal evidence in favour of tower blocks – Mr Rees has said he knows people who grew up happily in council high-rises, while others were unhappy in

Plans by Firmstone for a 21-storey tower at St Catherine’s Place. Another developer, Dandara, proposes a 21-storey tower next to it. Yet no-one is showing how the buildings will look together low-rise homes. But all the evidence is that high rises are bad for people and communities, Mr Townsend said. “What we are after in WHaM is a healthy community,” he said. “Communities are going to be more and more important. As the workplace shifts to a gig economy, more of us live on our own, and the population ages, the local community becomes more important. “These changes could be disastrous for Bedminster. I think it’s storing up problems for the future.” The mayor and his cabinet members argue that it’s essential to build high-density housing to provide places to live for local people who currently can’t afford to rent or buy. WHaM is sceptical about how many Bedminster families will move into the Green. “Are these flats going to be affordable? I don’t think so,” said Mr Townsend. “We urge the mayor to start listening to the concerns of local residents and think again, instead of the present top-down, target driven approach Most people would agree that the building of tower blocks in the 60s and 70s was disastrous. The mayor says the results will be different this time, but he has not produced any evidence to back this up.” The council should be asking local people for ideas, he said. The council’s Urban Living document shows pictures of “ideal” high-density schemes at Wapping Wharf and at

Paintworks. Yet neither of these is high-rise – similar schemes might be welcomed at Bedminster Green, but instead tower blocks of 18 and 21 storeys are proposed, he said.

STATION TO STATION WHaM questions the need for the cherished mature trees and the green in front of Bedminster station to be ripped up. The aim of developer Urbis is to build a new entrance to the station on the Bedminster side, allowing much easier access, a short step from a new Metrobus stop. It will also improve disabled access, says Urbis. It will also mean removing several of the trees from the green as Whitehouse Lane is moved. More of the trees will have to go on the other side of the green to make room for a widened Malago Road, to allow an extra bus lane and better cycle and walkways. These encroachments will leave little of the green as it is. It may be ripped up entirely and a car park built underneath. Nick Townsend of WHaM says no one in Windmill Hill has asked for a new station entrance. The 18-storey tower Urbis proposes next to the green would be “absolutely suffocating,” he said.

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SPECIAL REPORT: OPERATION BASELINE

On patrol: How the police tackle drug dealers on the streets of South Bristol

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South Bristol Voice editor Paul Breeden spent a morning on the streets of Knowle with Operation Baseline. It was eye-opening.

PERATION Baseline is the continuous operation run by police in South Bristol to try to keep a lid on the drug trade. Officers don’t treat drug dealing as a problem for the police alone. Often the people involved have problems with housing, with addiction, with mental health or with getting a job, and what they really need is help. Police work with social services, housing teams, drug agencies and other organisations to help people with drug problems put their lives back together. But it’s also one of the police priorities to keep the peace. And this means sometimes direct action has to be taken to protect other people. There are many parts

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A DAY ON THE BASELINE 9am Arrive at Broadbury Road police station. The SBV bicycle is stowed in the secure car park, then there’s a briefing with an Avon & Somerset police press officer, and PC Ben Jefferies, who’s going to guide me through the day’s events. Ben explains officers will execute search warrants – obtained that morning from Bristol Crown Court – on two homes on a Knowle estate.

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of South Bristol where people are living next to drug dealers. They may suffer endless visitors to their neighbour at day and night, hearing violence and shouting, perhaps blaring music too. Sometimes the dealing is blatant – people knocking on a door or sidling up to a parked car for a quick swap of cash and a small plastic package. Sometimes things turn violent, when one dealer turns on another to steal their drugs, or to collect an unpaid debt. Even worse, there are dealers who think nothing of taking over the home of someone weaker than themselves so that they can find a new place to sell from. Sometimes they force the occupant to grow cannabis in their loft or bedroom. Sometimes people are coerced into doing what the dealer wants by the offer of some of the product.

Well protected: This front door was braced by two large pieces of wood, right. By the time police broke in “evidence” was doused in the bath

Intelligence suggests there will be Class A drugs such as heroin or crack cocaine, plus evidence of dealing. 9.30am We wait for the team to assemble – five officers will enter each property. Two will break the doors with a ram while three more rush in to detain the occupants and stop any evidence being destroyed. 9.50am We move outside. Both properties are up flights of stairs Continued overleaf

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Continued from page 15 so, to gain surprise, the teams are in two unmarked vehicles. Sometimes the sight of marked police vans leaving Broadbury Road is noticed, and warnings are passed to dealers in the area. 9.52am Ben and I get in a police Vauxhall Corsa. “Sorry, it’s honking,” Ben apologises, startled by the smell when he opens the doors. The car has obviously been used to transport someone with a hygiene problem. Ben opens the windows. 10am The teams have moved in, and we’re off. 10.06am We arrive at the estate. The two properties are visible to each other, which is why the raids are made simultaneously. There’s been no violence – if police had expected trouble, the teams would have been bigger. In the first property, we find two male occupants being searched in the living room. In the other rooms, officers are methodically searching everything, from food containers in the kitchen to bedroom drawers. 10.14am No drugs found yet – but in a spare room cluttered with old bikes and belongings, there are plastic containers of plant growth chemicals. There’s no garden; what’s been grown here? A possible clue: there’s a hole in the ceiling. It looks as if wires may have trailed up to the loft: to power a cannabis grow? 10.21am We take a look at the second property raided. Here officers needed a bit more effort to get in: the door had been reinforced with two heavy timber beams which slotted into brackets screwed to the wall. The occupant of the flat is being searched in a bedroom. “Do you want to go look in the bath?” suggests Sgt Dan Ashfield, who’s in charge of the operation. 10.22am Dan’s unusual request is soon explained. The bath has been filled with a few inches of water. But no one’s been washing their hair here: lying in the water is a complete set of heavyweight kitchen knives, including a cleaver, plus a penknife, and a mug. And a swirl of brown powder. Presumably, someone dumped these in here while the door was being bashed in. Are the knives weapons? Or have they got traces of drugs on them which the occupant hopes will now have washed off? 10.24am In the kitchen, on a plate, are 43 white pills. Next to them, two boxes of Propanolol.

SPECIAL REPORT: OPERATION BASELINE

Innocent items? Kitchen knives and a brown powder in the bath, and a baseball bat left handily by the window of one of the homes raided

Pills found in a Kinder egg will be sent off for forensic analysis

‘There are people who will seriously hurt you if you come up short’

10.45am We move back to the first property. We join two more officers who are searching the living room. This flat is disorganised, with clothes and belongings strewn everywhere, but it’s much more homely than the other one. Three leather chairs sit in front of the TV. 10.46am There is a coffee table in front of the TV. It holds a grimy ashtray and several homemade pipes of the kind used for smoking crack. One is made from copper pipe and a gas fitting. There are tiny twists of clingfilm and paper that Ben says are the kind used for individual wraps of drugs. On a cigarette paper is a tiny brown cube of what the officers say could be crack cocaine. 10.47am In plain view are a badly-scorched spoon and a small butane burner. Beside the

The pills could be paracetamol, often used for cutting or thinning out heroin to make a sale more profitable. Propanolol turns out to be a beta blocker, used to treat heart conditions – so perhaps it was prescribed to the occupant. 10.25am Not so innocent, however, is a baseball bat lying on the windowsill. The window opens onto an outside stairway. Was this the serving hatch where the occupant dished out drugs? 10.27am The living room, like

VILLAINS OR VICTIMS? IT MAY surprise readers that after finding such a lot of evidence of apparent drug dealing, no one was immediately arrested. As PC Ben Jefferies explained, that’s not aways necessary. “It would be different if we had smashed the door down and they were fighting with us, or they had dogs, or they are not letting us search them.” The morning’s events may sound dramatic but it’s an ordinary day for Operation Baseline. Officers treat low-level dealers as victims rather than master criminals. “They are not scared of the police but they are scared of the people in the food chain above

the rest of the flat, is dirty and has bare chipboard floors. It looks like one person lives here, in some squalor. On top of a heater is a bundle of banknotes, mostly £20s – several hundred pounds at least, weighted down by a bottle of aftershave. Next to it is a large jar full of coins, mostly £1 and £2 – probably hundreds of pounds more. Someone has taken the trouble to leave a note next to it saying this money is their personal savings. Stash of cash: Found in the raids

them. There are people above them who will seriously hurt you if you come up short. People get hurt for sums of money that are really ridiculous,” said Ben. The money seized from the property may have been due to a dealer. It’s a debt, and even though the police have seized it, the

money will still be considered owed. The only way to pay it may be more criminality. “Very rarely does it get written off,” says Ben. “People think it’s good guys and bad guys,” he says. But it’s not that simple: “We are dealing with lots and lots of vulnerable people.” But there is hope that young people are turning away from addicted lifestyles. Many of today’s addicts today took up crack on its first arrival in the UK in the 1990s. Ben said: “I think the younger generation are growing up seeing drug users on their doorsteps, maybe family members, and think they will turn their back on it, because they won’t like what it’s done to the people they know.”

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

April 2018

n NEWS table is a sharp kitchen knife. 10.49am An officer opens a drawer and calls Ben over. Inside is a syringe part-full of a dark liquid. Blood, I ask? No, probably drugs, says Ben. It’s left untouched, like all the suspicious objects, ready to be bagged up and sent off for examination. Also in the drawer is a cheap mobile phone. Two others lie nearby. 10.51am In a clear plastic bag on the floor are some packets of prescription drugs. One is thiamine hydrochloride, which can be used to treat people with cirrhosis, stomach problems or alcoholism. Nearby is a pack of cold relief capsules, containing caffeine. Someone might have a cold. Or it might be used to cut heroin to make a less powerful high called “cheese”. 10.52am An officer turns up several plastic Kinder egg inserts. These are popular with drug users as they can be used to store pills. These are all empty – except for one, which contains what looks like paracetamol. 11.02am Ben and I leave the property and get in the police car. I ask him what will happen next. “We have found quite a quantity of apparent prescription drugs and cash that’s been seized,” he says. Will the three occupants of the properties be arrested, I ask? Not necessarily, he says. If they are co-operative, there may be no need. That may surprise people, I say: there are clear indications of drug dealing, both flats had strange defensive precautions, and one contained both cash and several knives which the occupant apparently wanted wiped of evidence. Ben says: “We

THE AFTERMATH THE EVENTS of March 7 – just an average day for Operation Baseline – will take weeks or months to play out. Meanwhile, other avenues will open up. As the Voice went to press, the police reported that a man in his 40s was released under investigation from the first address. A quantity of white powder has been sent off for analysis and officers are awaiting forensic results before proceeding. At the second address, with the reinforced front door, the suspect, a man in his 30s, was again released under investigation. More than £600 in cash and a quantity of tablets were found at the address. Officers are awaiting the forensic results on the tablets and

southbristolvoice

OPERATION BASELINE can still gather evidence and interview people without them being arrested.” 11.25am Back at Broadbury Road, Sgt Ashfield explains the minimum-force approach that’s taken with Operation Baseline. He prefers to use local officers from the beat team, he says, as they are always out in the community and people get to know them. The suspects “are not master criminals”, he says, “maybe actually they are being used.” Operations are targeted where people are suffering most from anti-social behaviour – often in Knowle West or Hartcliffe. The police are thinly-stretched. I tell him about a Totterdown street where residents have complained of frequent noise and rough behaviour by a group of men who seem to think they’re above the law. He sympathises, and says the beat team are aware. 11.58am Another operation may be imminent. A suspect wanted on a warrant may be at home. But police need to confirm this; and are there children at the address? If so, social services will be needed. We wait. 12.15pm At four rows of desks, officers are busy filing reports. One phones the victim of a road accident and tells her how he’s traced the driver she thought had driven off for good. Others discuss a suspect arrested for violence. Several times, officers ask each other if anyone has any keys – they are looking for a spare police car they can use. 1.15pm A raid takes place – but without us. News came in of another suspect, and immediate action was needed. examination of a mobile phone. It’s expected that the occupants of the flats will be called into the station for an interview under caution and then officers will make a decision on whether to charge or not. Whether or not charges result, the police action is intended to send a message. Officers don’t believe they can end the drugs trade, but they can reduce it. In particular, they’re aiming to reduce the fear and the nuisance that living near a drugs dealer can bring. The more people see that action is being taken to reduce street drug dealing, and remove problem tenants from social housing, the more willing people will be to pass intelligence to the police. That’s the theory.

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

03.18.182

April 2018

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April 2018

southbristolvoice

Please keep letters as short as possible, LETTERS and provide your postal address.

High rise future for Bristol is an Orwellian vision RARELY have I seen a more miserable vision of the future than mayor Marvin Rees’s depressing manifesto for castles in the air in your recent issue of the South Bristol Voice. “Quality tall buildings”, otherwise called by those in the know tower blocks, have seen their day in Glasgow and Sheffield, among other places. Despite all the evidence, mayor Rees foresees a future of social cohesion, mixed communities

and a ‘liveable’ environment 30 metres plus into the sky. Some might say show us the evidence, emanating from Room 101 in the Council House. Dynamic Bristol, the gridlocked and polluted vision of the future, devoid of vision, any green space, any potential for collective or individual initiative except to join that of the developers’ paradise, must have delighted those Mass Observation volunteers from the sunlit uplands of Easton. What company to associate oneself with, what larks Pip, what money to spend? The council coffers are apparently overflowing. We might now grow to love this utopian vision of a Brave

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

New World, living under its rules of psychological conditioning and homes for all. We might decide we would all be better off to drop acid, Aldous Huxley’s alternative. They’ve certainly been imbibing something strong off Park Street. John French Monmouth Street

Development is tale of two cities I WELCOME redevelopment at Bedminster Green but it has to be high quality, and there has to be true consultation with local people. Instead, a series of high rise blocks, one of which may be 21

POLICE REPORT

N FEBRUARY, we identified a car wash business on Baynton Road that was being run by a man who was working in this country illegally. He was forced to live in substandard conditions, working seven days a week with little pay. Once identified by us, the man was dealt with by Border Agency staff. PC Paul Giddings said: “We are seeking to help people who find themselves being exploited in this way. We want to ensure that everybody working in our community has the appropriate working conditions, along with salary and employment rights.” Many people don’t realise that this type of modern slavery is happening all around us, in car washes and nail bars. If you suspect that a business is using staff that may be here illegally,

With PCSO Charlotte Tait Broadbury Road police station

who are being mistreated or exploited, please contact us via our website (avonandsomerset. police/contact-us) or by calling 101. Alternatively you can contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

storeys, are planned. The developers have not consulted with the local community in any meaningful way. Our mayor is personally championing high rise as a housing solution for Bristol (in tune with the Tory government) and I notice that the areas designated as suitable are all in the south-easterly, less affluent half of the city, not the richer north-west, where perhaps different standards are applied. It’s a shame Mr Rees doesn’t listen to the people who voted for him. The HAB development at Southmead (North Bristol) truly consulted locally and, guess what, they didn’t build any tower blocks. Esmé Clutterbuck Eldon Terrace, Windmill Hill

lso in February, a young man was seen by officers conducting a drug deal from his vehicle on Spring Street in Bedminster. Later that evening, officers went to his home in Windmill Hill and found a significant amount of drugs including suspected MDMA, cannabis, cocaine and acid. Officers also seized a number of scales, mobile phones, cash and receipts. A 19-year old man was arrested for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. This is a great success for the

community and sends a powerful message that we are committed to making our streets safer, but we need your help. Please report any concerns you have, or any suspicious activity you witness. You can do this via the ‘contact us’ section of our website or if it’s a crime in progress, call 999.

ast month, we were at Asda Bedminster in order to celebrate not only the 30th anniversary of the superstore in Bedminster, but also the opening of the new Police HUB by Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens. PCSO Greg Olszewski said: “The hub is a great facility, right in the heart of the community and gives us the opportunity to engage with local residents and to address their concerns. We are

Open: The police HUB at Asda looking into opening the HUB on a regular basis so that the community have as much of a chance as possible to engage with us face to face”. The Hub will be open every every Tuesday, 8.30-10.30am, and Thursday from 4-6pm unless there are policing commitments that make this impossible. Until next time, PCSO Charlotte Tait

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

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

April 2018

southbristolvoice

April 2018

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

We can show you how to avoid a nasty fall OLDER people are being offered a new way to feel safer on their feet – and reduce their chances of ending up in hospital. The council is rolling out Staying Steady classes across the city, showing people easy ways to avoid falling over. The classes are aimed at helping older people improve their independence, stay mobile and healthy while offering a fun way to stay active and socialise. There are estimated to be around 58,800 people living in Bristol who are aged 65 or over and 55,000, and of those 95 per cent are believed to be living independently. Of this 16,000 – almost a third – fall at least once a year. Of those aged 80 or over, about half have falls every year. And in 2015/16, figures show that 1,669 people were admitted as emergency cases to hospital in Bristol after being injured in a fall. Inspiration for the classes

has come from successful programmes in other parts of the country and a trial has been held at the Greenway Centre in Southmead for more than two years. Cllr Asher Craig, deputy mayor with responsibility for communities, said: “As we get older we know that many of the things that people take for granted can get harder. “We’ve seen how the classes can have a real impact on people’s lives, offering a chance to socialise, stay healthy and independent for much longer. “If you’re feeling unsteady when moving around, are worried about falling or are less mobile than you’d like to be, I would encourage you to come and try out your local class.” The classes are run by trained staff who can adapt the exercises to suit individuals of all abilities. Exercises can be done standing or seated.

Prevention: Almost 1,700 people were hospitalised by falls in Bristol

WHERE TO STAY STEADY The Park Centre Daventry Road, Knowle BS4 1DQ Phone: 0117 903 9770 E-mail: gym.instructors@ theparkcentre.org.uk Staying steady classes: Monday 3-4pm

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre Hengrove Promenade, Hengrove Park BS14 0DE Tel: 0117 937 0200 Email: hengrove.referral@ parkwood-leisure.co.uk Staying steady classes: Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm

Consultation on licensing of private rented properties in your area Bristol City Council is consulting on a proposal to introduce additional licensing in some areas of Bristol.

B PART OF IT

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Landlords of some private rented properties in 12 central wards, who rent a house or flat to three or more people who aren’t related (HMO), may need to apply for a property licence if they want to continue to let to tenants. The aim is to improve private rented accommodation. Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, neighbour of a rented property, or just a Bristol citizen with a view on the private renting sector, have your say today.

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Alternative formats available call 0117 9222 066 or email: private.housing@bristol.gov.uk Consultation closes 13 May 2018 BD10110

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

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

southbristolvoice

April 2018

southbristolvoice

n COMPETITIONS

WIN GYM MEMBERSHIP ... AND AN EASTER ROAST The new Snap Fitness gym at Ashton Gate is one of three in Bristol and more than 2,000 across the world

What could be tastier for Easter than an organic leg of lamb from Meatbox, where all meat is locally raised?

WIN a 3-month gym pass WIN a delicious leg of lamb SNAP Fitness is dedicated to changing lives through a resultsdriven culture in all its 2,000 locations. It offers members no contracts, high-quality workout equipment, and 24/7 access to all of its clubs worldwide. Everyone has fitness goals, but physical transformations are only part of what members accomplish in our gyms. Anyone can try Snapfit for a day for free – see the advert on The City Page, page 53, for

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THERE’S nothing like a Sunday roast to round off the Easter weekend. But how do you know where your meat has come from? With Meatbox, the butcher at Wapping Wharf, the answer is simple – it’s as local as you can get. Meatbox was opened last November by Chew Valley farmer Luke Hasell. All meat is humanely reared on Luke’s farm or a select number of other Mendip farms which also care deeply about animal welfare. Meatbox also

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details. For the chance to win a free 3-month membership, just email your name and phone number to Snap Fitness Ashton Gate at ashtongate@snapfitness. co.uk with the subject ‘3 months free’. The winner will be drawn at random at the end of April. • snapfitness.co.uk/gyms/bristolashton-gate

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delivers all kinds of pasture-fed, outdoor reared and organic meat. To win a 2.5kg organic leg of lamb worth £45 tell us: Who owns Meatbox? Email us by March 29 with your address and phone number to paul@southbristolvoice .co.uk or post to 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX. • meatboxbristol.co.uk

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To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664 10931097_BE_Fuel Good Fund_South Bristol Voice_250x180mm_AW.indd 1

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk 13/03/2018 16:56

April 2018

southbristolvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

SUPPORTING BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS

April 2018

southbristolvoice

n PICTURE SPECIAL

WINDOW WANDERLAND

Help us to buy books for cash-strapped schools Wanted: schools that could benefit from free books – and local businesses willing to back them WE ALL know that cuts are making it increasingly hard for schools to stick within their budgets. That’s why the Voice has linked up with a South Bristol bookseller to support a scheme which we hope will provide hundreds of books for local schools. We’re appealing to local businesses to back the idea with donations. For every £1,000 raised, educational publisher Usborne is offering to add free books worth £600. To start the ball rolling, the Voice has

enlisted the generous advertisers on these pages. Office space firm Bankspace, builder Gary Cleverley and travel consultant Charlotte Hingston have all placed advertisements in support of the scheme, and the Voice will donate half the amount they pay, meaning there is already £200 in the kitty. Now Usborne organiser Josie Abram wants to hear from South Bristol schools that would like to benefit from the free books. She has lots of fundraising ideas that schools can use to build their own book fund.

What can schools do? Josie can organise an event for schools called Ready, Steady, Read. This is a sponsored reading session where children raise money themselves by reading for a set time. However much they raise, Usborne will donate free books. For early-years groups, the event could be Ready, Steady

Fish fun in Exeter Road, whose theme was sea The Mexican Day of the Dead celebrated in Gathorne Road Wide selection: Josie Abram wants to help pupils to do more reading Listen. Other events such as bake-offs could also be held. Josie said: “I’ve been supporting schools in their fundraising efforts for books for the past two years and know the difference that sets of brand new books can make for the school and the children using them. “In the current climate of

cuts, this is even more pressing.” Schools and early years groups who would like to join the free books scheme can email Josie at josiesbooksforchildren@gmail.com If you’re a local business that would like to support the scheme – perhaps you have a link with a particular school – email paul@ southbristolvoice.co.uk

Pterodactyls, maybe? In Upton Rd

There were strange beasts a-prowling in Greville Road

Star Wars, Gathorne Rd

Flamingo in Truro Road

An octopus spotted in Exeter Road

Bringing High Street travel direct to you Introducing Bedminster’s local, independent travel service:

Charlotte Hingston Travel Counsellors Supporting Books for Schools

Supporting Books for Schools Fully ATOL protected, with 24-hour assistance. Email charlotte.hingston @travelcounsellors.com

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retirement living Book onto one of our Monica Wills House open days and enjoy a guided tour with the best views in town.

Set in the heart of Bedminster, stylish one and two bedroom apartments offer all the advantages of independent living with a vibrant community scene. From the panoramic roof garden vistas, to delicious dining, discover why the St Monica Trust offers the very best in retirement living. To find out more or book a place on an open day call 0177 919 4267.

Phone 07982 829 867 0117 405 7570

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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

April 2018

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

A teenager’s first step to independence Young people leaving care are looking for a home COULD you help a young person take their first steps in independent living by providing them with a room of their own? That’s the request from Bristol city council, which is looking for more people in South Bristol who are prepared to open up their home to a teenager. The council’s Branchout programme has been successful at finding first homes for a number of young people who have either just left care, or have been homeless. The key to success is making sure the young person and their host get on with other and agree some ground rules, said organiser Donna Forbes-Hamilton. “In the matching process they can see if they like each other,”

IMON and his family have been hosting a young person in their Southville home for seven months. So far it’s been a very positive experience, said Simon – not only for the 18-year-old who lives with them but for Simon, his wife and their two children, aged 14 and 16. “He’s a very smart, switched on lad who needs somewhere to live,”

said Simon. “He has come out of the care system and has a place at university next year. Meanwhile he is working part-time. “We all eat together, and discuss the issues of the world together, and he cooks with my wife.” Simon’s two children have welcomed the new house guest. “They have made him very

welcome, and it definitely wasn’t mum and dad saying, ‘There’s someone coming to live with us’.” Some of the Branchout young people need help with everyday tasks like cooking, but Simon says their young man is fairly self sufficient. “We have helped him with his CV, and helped him sort out accommodation for when he goes to university,” said Simon.

said Donna. “Once that is done we find it works really well.” The host receives £160 a week from the council, plus £15 from the young person, for providing a room and some support to the young person. They might appreciate some help with cooking, or they might need assistance filling in various official forms. Each young person taking part will have a support worker or social worker, and a Branchout co-ordinator is available to discuss concerns.

“Some will need help with practical tasks such as cooking, budgeting or shopping economically. Others will need more emotional support. Many will need both. The idea is that the young person gradually takes on more responsibility for looking after themselves until they reach the point where they feel confident about their ability to manage tasks on their own.” The teenagers will all have a job or be in education, so they won’t be at home all day, and

they will agree a behaviour contract, so they know coming home at 3am is not an option. “It’s a big commitment but it’s really rewarding,” said Donna. The idea is that the young person will learn the skills they need to live independently and get their own tenancy. They may stay as long as two years, but many leave before that. Some hosts are people who would like to be foster carers but perhaps don’t have the time because they work.

Can you help to unlock a young person’s potential? The Branchout Supported Lodgings Scheme was developed in response to an identified need to provide an alternative type of accommodation to both Care Leavers and Vulnerable Young Homeless people in Bristol. Branchout Providers rent a room in their home to a young person in education, training or employment, and give them the support, encouragement and guidance to develop the practical skills and confidence to manage a tenancy and live a successful adult life. The young person becomes part of the household and shares the facilities. We need people from all walks of life and from all cultures and ethnic backgrounds to become Providers. Being a Branchout Provider is not about having particular qualifications – it’s about having an interest in young people and having the skills and qualities to support them to reach their potential. In return you will receive an allowance to cover rent and support. Depending on the young person’s age and circumstances this could include Local Housing Allowance from the benefits agency and a contribution from the young person to help with their budgeting skills. Interested? We would love to hear from you – please contact the Branchout team, Donna, Liz & Marie. Email: branchoutsupportedlodgings@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 353 4108 for information.

April 2018

southbristolvoice

Buying + Selling

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

First-time buyer? Here’s what you need to know. Whilst exciting, buying a home can be an overwhelming experience. To help you understand the process, Alex Castiglione, Conveyancing Partner at Barcan+Kirby, has some practical advice for first-time buyers. Understand the costs

Protect yourself

The property price is only part of the overall cost involved. When looking at what you can afford, make sure you’ve considered any extra costs, such as legal fees, stamp duty, mortgage arrangement fees and moving costs.

This will probably be the largest purchase you make, so make sure you’re protected, not only in terms of the legal ownership but also what happens to the property if you die.

Arrange finances early It makes sense to arrange your mortgage before you start viewing properties. All lenders will be able to give you an agreement in principle – this lets you know how much you can borrow based on your income and outgoings. Make sure you’re familiar with the different types of mortgage and have your deposit organised early, ready for when your solicitor needs it.

Find the right property Whilst it’s unlikely to be your ‘forever home’ you’ll probably be there for several years, so it makes sense to research the area properly.

When looking at what you can afford, make sure you’ve considered any extra costs. When you find a property you like, try to view it at different times of the day and make notes of any obvious alterations – such as walls which have been removed and replacement windows. Check that the appliances and services are in working order.

Ensure the property is structurally sound If you’re taking out a mortgage, a valuation report will be carried out by the lender. However you should consider getting an independent survey completed – this will be more comprehensive and highlight any potential problems.

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If the property is a joint purchase, you can hold it as joint tenants so if one of you dies, the other will automatically inherit their share. Or you can hold the property as tenants in common. This means that, should you die, your share will pass under the terms of your Will. Choosing the right solicitor can make all the difference when buying a home, helping the process to progress smoothly. Barcan+Kirby has six offices across Bristol and Gloucestershire and a team of solicitors experienced in all areas of buying and selling. Please do get in touch for more information. Professional advice, simply stated.

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

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

April 2018

southbristolvoice

n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

GET SPORTY FOR SPRING

April 2018

southbristolvoice

n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

GET SPORTY

It’s the season to start stretching your

sporting abilities

The snow must surely behind us now, and it’s time to think of outdoor pursuits. There’s plenty going on locally to get you out of the house and making new friends this spring …

on 07815 837768, or visit the website or social media pages: • longashton.play-cricket.com • Twitter: @LongAshtonCC • Facebook: @LongAshtonCC

Greville Smyth Bowls Club

Greville Smyth Park Ashton BS3 2EA MEMBERS of the Greville Smyth Bowls Club believe it’s a club unlike any other. Why? You don’t need to wear special clothes. You can play on your own, with a friend or in a group. You can bring the whole family (there are also kids’ bowls). If you don’t know how to play,

season’s Grand Opening will be at 2pm on Easter Sunday, April 1, with Bonnets and Bowls till 5pm and perhaps joining in with the Friends of Greville Smyth Easter Egg hunt. • Facebook: @grevillesmythbowls • Twitter: @bristolbowler • gscbc.org.uk

Greville Smyth Tennis Club

Long Ashton Cricket Club

Bowling is for all ages and abilities they’ll show you how. If you don’t want to play at all, you can just sit on the sidelines and watch or even play table tennis! You can get coffee or, if you’re a member, a drink from the licensed bar. You can hire the club for a function or group activities and of course you can come to the film shows and other events throughout the year. The

Greville Smyth Community Bowls Club

Yanley Lane Long Ashton BS41 9LR WHATEVER your experience, Long Ashton cricket club would love to welcome more cricketloving members from South Bristol. The club has two Saturday league teams playing in the Bristol & District League and a popular friendly side, the Occasionals, playing T20 evening matches. The LA Ladies have fun playing softball cricket on Tuesday evenings and for younger cricketers there are junior matches for U9, U11, U13

Cricket: Training starts in April age groups, plus All Stars Cricket for 5-8 year olds. Pre-season training starts in early April with the league season starting in May. For more information on becoming a player, supporter, social member or if you are interested in hiring the facilities, including a licensed bar, please email longashtoncc@blueyonder. co.uk or call Andy Forsyth

• You don’t need to wear special clothes. • Play on your own, with a friend or in a group. • You can bring the whole family. • If you don’t know how to play, we’ll show you. • You can sit and watch, or play table tennis!

• Coffee bar • Licensed bar (members only) • Club available for hire for functions • Film shows and events held through the year The perfect place to drop in, spend some time and have some summer fun. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter

gscbc.org.uk

A beautiful setting for tennis surroundings of the park. Benefits of the club include free membership of the British Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which brings free entry to Wimbledon ticket ballots. Lessons are available from the club’s LTS coach at reduced fees. For full details and how to join, visit the website. • Facebook: @grevillesmythtennis • grevillesmythtennis.co.uk

Long Ashton Cricket Club Come and join us for a fun summer of cricket

We’re a club unlike any other!

Greville Smyth Park Ashton BS3 2EA GREVILLE Smyth tennis club is a friendly community-run club with two outdoor courts, and with unusually low costs. Members of all abilities and ages are welcomed, and there is a thriving junior section. The new season starts on April, and the cost for 2018/19 of full-price membership (including unlimited court use) is less than £1 a week for adults – even less for everyone else! There are various adult social sessions, some more competitive opportunities and league matches, junior and adult coaching – there’s something for everyone. Newcomers are always welcome in the beautiful

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS! Cricket for all ages All levels of experience LA Ladies Softball Cricket Junior and All Stars Cricket for Younger Cricketers At our Yanley Lane Ground Call Andy on 07815 837768

E: longashtoncc@blueyonder.com www.longashton.play-cricket.com

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

n NEWS Could Stacey be first woman ref to join the Premier League? A SOUTH Bristol teacher from Merchants Academy is aiming for the top in the world of football refereeing. Stacey Pearson is rising rapidly through the ranks of the women’s and men’s game and could yet become the first female ref in the Premier League. Merchants’ Academy in Hartcliffe, where Stacey is a PE teacher, is proud of her acheivements and is looking at plans to form a Football Academy on the site. Stacey is one of only three English women chosen to attend an intensive course at the UEFA Centre of Refereeing Excellence in Switzerland this May. “I just want to be the best that I can be and to continue to develop as a referee,” she said. “That

Aiming high: Stacey Pearson might be getting as far as I can in the men’s pyramid or it might be refereeing a women’s tournament – maybe even the World Cup. That would be really cool.” Stacey was a central midfielder for Yeovil Ladies for 10 years. She is currently the only female ref at her level in the South West; nationally, there are 323, of whom 10 are women. She now officiates at men’s Western League and Southern League matches and last year went to an Under-19 international tournament in Switzerland as assistant referee. In the women’s game, she referees at Women’s Super League games and cup matches. • COMMERCIAL • DOMESTIC

• MAINTAINANCE & REPAIRS

Anyone for tennis? Greville Smyth Tennis club is a friendly, community -run club with 2 courts, with something for everyone – adult social sessions, competitive play and league matches, junior and adult coaching for all levels. The new season starts on April 1, with the unusually low membership costs for 2018/19 as follows: Family Adult Senior 65+

£95 £50 £40

Unwaged Teenager Under 12s

£30 £20 £10

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT GETTING AN ELECTRIC CAR? Did you know that grants are available to fit a charging point at your home? Subject to a survey of your electrical system, the installation of an electric vehicle charging point could be cheaper than you think. Call us today on 0117 972 1745 to arrange a FREE initial consultation.

Also, allow us to explain the benefits of • SOLAR PANELS • ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING

For full details and how to join, visit: www.grevillesmythtennis.co.uk •Newcomers welcome in these beautiful surroundings

www.trimbyelectrical.co.uk Email: info@trimbyelectrical.co.uk 247 Redcatch Road, Bristol BS4 2HQ Tel: 0117 972 1745

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

April 2018

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n STOP PRESS

How could technology help us stay healthy at home?

BRISTOL’S LOCAL PLAN REVIEW

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ci dis ati EPS nter Res RC I llabor earch Co

Healthcare is changing and more conditions need to be managed outside hospital. SPHERE is working with homes across Bristol to explore this challenge and test an exciting new solution. SPHERE sensors are placed in the home to create a picture of how we live – from eating and sleeping to how active we are. Other sensors will measure room humidity, temperature and energy use. This information will help clinicians and researchers improve healthcare at home in the future - by spotting early warning signs of medical issues such as strokes and predicting falls. It could also help manage other conditions including obesity, depression, diabetes and asthma.

100 homes in Bristol can trial the technology.

April 2018

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n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Are you waking up to the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

ONVERSATIONS about a man’s prostate are usually very embarrassing or uncomfortable for anyone. However, consultant urologists Professor Raj Persad and Mr Anthony Koupparis of Spire Bristol Hospital are promoting the awareness of symptoms and treatments surrounding this topic to get men talking. Despite thousands of men suffering from it on a daily basis, an enlarged prostate isn’t exactly the usual choice of conversation over a pint at your local. The condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) does not occur because of the presence of cancer, but due to the fact the prostate continues to grow throughout most of a man’s adult life. The condition itself is not a threat to a

man’s health, but it can have dramatic impacts on the quality of life for an individual. BPH puts pressure on the bladder, causing a variety of symptoms, including having difficulty when starting to urinate; a weak urine flow (stopping and starting); and a sensation of not fully emptying your bladder and even having to urinate more frequently (especially at night), subsequently disrupting your sleeping patterns and likewise that of your partner. A midnight trip to the bathroom is never warmly welcomed by anyone. Consultants Professor Persad and Mr Koupparis of Spire Bristol Hospital were asked what can be done if you are diagnosed with an enlarged prostate? “Sometimes presentation of prostate cancer can

mimic the symptoms of BPH, so I advise you to consult your GP at the earliest opportunity to be sure. As for treatment for BPH, the mainstream therapy to date has been tablets for milder forms of prostatic obstruction, or surgery for the more severe,” said consultant urologist Mr Koupparis. “Surgery can be fraught with side-effects – excessive bleeding, incontinence and sexual problems – whilst tablets may be ineffective or cause sexual function problems.” There is, however, a revolutionary technique available which is suitable for most men,

‘Despite thousands of men suffering from it on a daily basis, an enlarged prostate isn’t exactly the usual choice of conversation over a pint at your local’

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE bringing relief, improved quality of life and minimal side-effects. “A new treatment called UroLift avoids the invasiveness of surgery and the unwanted side effects of tablets. It involves no blood loss or ‘cutting’ and takes 10-15 minutes for implants to be inserted into the prostate, prising open the prostatic urethra, restoring urinary flow and satisfactory bladder function.” explained Professor Persad. “‘It is being hailed as the new minimally-invasive treatment of the future for the majority of those with troublesome symptoms due to BPH – only in rare cases with atypical prostate anatomy is Urolift unsuitable,” he said. UroLift is available at Spire Bristol Hospital and patients can usually be in and out of hospital within the same day. The treatment is increasing in popularity as men can be put off by traditional surgical methods for fear of becoming impotent. For more information on the procedure or to book an appointment to see a consultant urologist, contact Spire Bristol on 0117 980 4080 or email info@ spirebristol.com

Would you like to find out more? If so, the SPHERE team at University of Bristol would love to hear from you. E-mail sphere-admin@bristol.ac.uk or call 0117 331 5689. www.irc-sphere.ac.uk www.facebook.com/ircsphere

SPHERE - Sensor Platform for Healthcare in a Residential Environment

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

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

April 2018

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n FEATURES

MEET ZOO VET ROWENA

I’ve caught a falling lemur, and helped save a newborn gorilla – what a job! Rowena Killick wanted to be a vet since she was 8. Now she’s got her dream job at Bristol Zoo, reports Beccy Golding

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a monastery! The monks helped OWENA Killick has a job us out a lot. Because they are that is a dream for many – Buddhist they don’t put down she’s a vet at Bristol zoo. stray dogs, there was an Rowena commmutes from enclosure for any that were unfit Knowle to Clifton daily, by bike, to survive in the wild – they lived but also works at the zoo’s Wild as a pack, it was very interesting.” Place, a large open air site near Rowena then did a one-year Cribbs Causeway. MSc masters degree in wild “I’d always wanted to be a vet, animal health at the Royal from about the age of eight. I Veterinary College, with training used to watch James Herriot [the at London zoo. popular BBC drama about a vet That helped her win her role in the Yorkshire Dales ]. My at Bristol Zoo. Since then she has mum says we went to the zoo had some dream-vet experiences. when I was three and a keeper “We used to joke on the MSc asked ‘who wants a snake around – it’s every zoo vet’s dream to their neck?’ Of course it was me!” work with wildlife in the wild and Single-minded, Rowena feel like you’re saving the world choose her GCSEs and A-levels – because there’s no money in (biology, chemistry and maths) it!” In 2015 Rowena got her with a veterinary career in mind, chance, a project in Madagascar. “even though I was repeatedly told I wouldn’t get in,” – there are only a small number of places to train – “and A Level requirements were higher than doctors.” But she won a place on a five-year degree course at the University of Edinburgh. Then she was “straight out as a vet – it was terrifying – 23 and let loose on the public! This was 20 years ago – now new vets have a year of supervised practice.” Rowena’s first job was at a mixed veterinary practice in PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Banbury, Oxfordshire. Her first INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING veterinary adventure was three gorilla baby Afia had months’ voluntary work in FENCING • Saved: PATIOSBut • LANDSCAPING to be reared by keepers as her Thailand, “working with rescued • GUTTERING FASCIAS was so ill. At• eight months wildlife. There was a lotLOG of STORESmum she was found an adoptive neutering stray dogs on a ELECTRICS table in • DOORS • PLUMBING mum

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Teamwork: Giving a scan to the pregnant gorilla, Kera. Rowena and her team saved her life and that of her baby, Afia

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Zoo vet Rowena takes a blood sample from a red ruffed lemur “Bristol zoo has a field station in the middle of the forest. “I spent two and a half weeks supporting a PhD student researching behaviour in an endangered, nocturnal lemur species – the Sahamalaza sportive lemur. They needed a vet to sedate them to put radio collars on so they could be tracked. “We had a CO2-powered dart gun [to sedate the animals] but that broke. Luckily a Madagascan student was amazing with an old-fashioned blowpipe! In the daytime we’d find the lemurs in their sleeping holes, or at night they’d be leaping around in the trees – we’d hold a sheet underneath to catch them! “Most of the rain forest has been destroyed, it’s very depressing, and in the city the river was full of plastic.” Then in 2016 Rowena was involved in a highly-publicised case of a baby gorilla born at the zoo, delivered by caesarean section. “It was February half-term. My boss and the other staff vet were away. We knew Kera was pregnant, and coming to the end of her term. At the start of the week she was a bit off-colour, we hoped it was a cold but as the week progressed we realised something was wrong. “I had to make the decision to anaesthetise Kera to investigate. We called in a specialist ultra-sonographer, and Professor

Cahill, a (human) fertility specialist who had given us advice on gorilla fertility in the past. He brought with him obstetrics and gynaecology specialist registrar Aamma Ali. “I anaesthetised Kera with a dart gun and we transferred her to the vet block. The scan showed the baby wasn’t very responsive and we made the decision to perform a caesarean.” Rowena supervised the team while Professor Cahill and his colleague performed the caesarean. “It took two hours to get baby Afia to breathe on her own.” This wasn’t the end of the story. “Kera had severe anaemia. It took months for her to recover. Baby Afia was hand-reared by keepers, and at eight months old, another gorilla, Romina, adopted her. Romina was trained with a teddy bear to take the baby and then give her back to the keepers for feeding. Romina and Afia are still together.” Kera is healthy now, and plays with Afia. A happy ending. For some, the idea of captive animals can be controversial. “Some say, why can’t you put animals back in the wild? But there’s not enough wild left – it’s tragic, in the last 30 years, how much has been lost – and wild animals aren’t safe in many places in the world. It can also be hard to engage people with the conservation message, or how

MEET ZOO VET ROWENA amazing nature is, without them seeing it for themselves.. “Zoos in the UK try really hard to have high welfare standards and conservation is more and more important. Bristol zoo has reduced the number of big animals – the collection fits with the space better now. Gorillas, lions and fur seals are the only big species. The okapi are up at Wild Place – it’s a huge estate. We are fundraising to reintroduce ancient species there – we already have wolves, the plan is for bears, and, long-term, wolverines and lynxes. “Some people think zookeepers are like jail keepers, but they are the most amazing people to work with. You wouldn’t do this job if you didn’t care – it’s not paid enough!” I asked Rowena if she had plans for more animal adventures. “There is enough here,” she laughs, “Wild Place is a work in progress – I get to work with giraffes and cheetahs, which I’d never worked with before. My favourite animals are ones that look like lots of different animals stuck together – like okapis and

aye-ayes!” And at home there’s George the ginger cat. “He’s an embarrassment – he’s so fat! We’ve had him for 13 years. We got him from a rescue centre. He’s got issues – once he stole the prawns off our neighbour’s barbecue!” Rowena lives in Knowle with her partner and their two boys, who go to Hillcrest primary school. “They take my job in their stride. They love going to Wild Place and the zoo but they are a bit blasé. Our five-year-old shows people around like he’s at home! “I love living in South Bristol – there’s a contingent of us at the zoo who live here. I think it’s a classic south-of-the-river thing – it’s quite arty, with a lot of nice communities. Where I live is an amazing community, people really support each other and are really down to earth. There are nice parks… and the graveyard (Arnos Vale) – I love the fact that I can hear owls from my house, see bats, see and hear native wildlife.” • There’s a longer version of this article on the Voice website.

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

April 2018

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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Knowle, Totterdown, Windmill Hill

April 2018

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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS 16-18 Mill Lane BS3 4DG Conversion to six flats, and new building containing 3 flats on adjacent land. Withdrawn 8-18 Brook Gate, Ashton Vale BS3 2UN Grass verge to Robbins Timber building made into 11-space car park. Refused 137 Parson Street BS3 5RB Conditions 2 (Environment management plan), 3 (Site characterisation) and 4 (Remediation scheme) for 17/03939/F: Two storey bus workshop and mess facility, installation of vehicle fuelling and bus wash facilities, extension of bus parking layout, and extended opening time to 2am. Pending consideration Workshop, Back Road BS3 1SU Details of conditions 2 (Construction management), 3 (Contamination) and 4 (Remediation) of permission 17/03083/F: Conversion of factory to two 2-bedroom houses. Pending consideration

152 South Liberty Lane BS3 2TJ Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear wall of house by 4.4m, of maximum height 4.5m and eaves a maximum height of 3m. Refused 168 East Street, Bedminster BS3 4EH Non-material amendment for permission 15/06489/F: Demolition of rear annexes, retaining main building, and redevelopment as nine flats (as revised 16.03.2016). Now proposed retention of single storey shop and revisions to internal layouts. Not agreed – planning application required 4 Stackpool Road BS3 1NQ Single storey side extension, second floor extension to main roof and outrigger, repairs and conversion of dwelling into one 2-bed and one 4-bed flat. Pending consideration 222 Ashton Drive BS3 2QA Single storey rear extension to

35 Bedminster, Southville and Ashton

extend beyond the rear of the house by 3.04m, of maximum height 3.7m with eaves 2.4m high. Pending consideration 294 Coronation Road BS3 1RT Rear dormer roof extension and extension over outrigger. Pending consideration 8 Leighton Road, Southville BS3 1NT Demolition of single storey extension and new single storey rear extension. Pending consideration 6-7 South Liberty Lane BS3 2SG Change of use from office (Use Class B1a) to four flats (Use class C3). Pending consideration

eaves 2.66m high. Pending consideration 17 Duckmoor Road BS3 2DD Certificate of lawfulness for existing use as residential (Use class C3): flat on first and second floors. Pending consideration 8 Allington Road BS3 1PS Single storey rear extension and raised decking. Pending consideration 43 Raynes Road BS3 2DJ Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear by 6m, of maximum height 3m with eaves 3.0m high. Refused

31 Birch Road BS3 1PE Single storey side-return rear and wraparound extension. Pending consideration

Ashcroft House, Baynton Road BS3 2EB Change of use from Use Class B1 (Business, including office) to a tattooist studio (Use class A1). Granted subject to conditions

12 Tregarth Road BS3 2QS Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear by 3.4m, of maximum height 3.6m with

• The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planningonline.bristol.gov.uk

Largest selection of plants in the city

Riverside Garden Centre & Café Join us on Facebook & Twitter

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Clift House Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1RX • 0117 966 7535

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

April 2018

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April 2018

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n THE MAYOR

MARVIN REES Mayor of Bristol

Everyone pulled together to offer protection during the freeze

N LAST month’s column I mentioned that February would see the annual budget full council meeting. I was pleased our budget for 2018/19 was agreed. This takes the necessary steps to keep the council on a sound financial footing while ensuring we enable people to have as positive an experience as possible of life in Bristol. However, I want to thank all those whose efforts during the recent severe weather meant critical services continued to operate, vulnerable people were cared for and major incidents were avoided. It’s often said that it is in times of crisis that you see the extraordinary qualities of people and I can confidently say that this has been the case. Staff from across the council helped essential services operate throughout the

We have roles available across Bristol, and surrounding areas. Please visit our full list of vacancies for more details: bit.ly/briscomjobs

We’re hiring:

In return for all roles, you can expect a salary aligned to the NHS Agenda for Change, annual leave which recognises NHS continuous service, a range of pension options (including the NHS pension) and access to a wide range of other benefits including; salary sacrifice schemes, discounted gym membership, physiotherapy for staff and much more.

• Advanced Nurse Practitioners

• Community Nurses

• Band 6 Physiotherapists • Band 6 Health Visitors

snow and freezing temperatures. They worked alongside colleagues from the police, NHS, homeless charities, Highways England, private care companies, voluntary agencies and many others. Social care staff walked miles to visit vulnerable people at home. Supported by the parks team in 4x4s and volunteer Bristol Community Links staff, they ensured that people received every expected meal. Some staff stayed in work overnight to ensure the residents of our specialist dementia residential home in Redfield Lodge were cared for. This dedication was shared by our highways teams who worked 24 hours a day to plough the roads. In difficult conditions

they travelled 6,000 miles and spread almost 600 tonnes of grit. Along with the invaluable effort of over 120 volunteer community snow wardens, they ensured that large parts of the city’s roads and footpaths remained passable. Outside of the council, volunteers and charity workers tirelessly worked to encourage rough sleepers to take the extra beds provided by the city’s charities. Their efforts ensured that the vast majority of the city’s homeless population had a bed during the worst conditions. Organisations across the city are joining forces to support our homeless population, school results are better than ever and improving, and slowly, but surely, the city’s transport networks are being integrated for smoother and more timely journeys. In this year’s council budget, as well as minimising the impact of government cuts on frontline services, we ensured funding in our capital budget for supporting these key city aims. At the top of our agenda is my key pledge to tackle the housing crisis. We are spending nearly £200m in our one-of-a-kind housebuilding programme. We are also well on our way to meeting our target of 2,000 new homes (of which 800 affordable) per year by 2020. Working in partnership with others is getting results and you will see real progress this year.

Choose a rabbit-savvy vet Gold-standard care for rabbits at Highcroft Veterinary Hospital

• Administrators

Highcroft Exotic Species Department awarded Gold Status by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund in January 2018

Call the Highcroft Exotic Species Department on 01275 832410

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HIGHCROFT VETERINARY HOSPITAL 615 Wells Road, Bristol BS14 9BE

19/02/2018 Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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April 2018

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ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST the simple rule: 400 calories We don’t realise follow at breakfast and 600 each at lunch and dinner (400-600-600). overweight is linked to how much we manyBeing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and even are eating cancers. We are on hand to explain

T WAS the Greek philosopher Hippocrates, 2000 years ago that said that “all disease begins in the gut”. So what’s wrong with our diet and how can the team at Bedminster Pharmacy help? It was reported recently that most of us are eating, and feeding our children, more food than we think, and more than we need. This has led to six in 10 adults become overweight. The solution is to

the right diet and food combinations. This is especially important because diabetes and hypertension are sometimes reversible if you can lose weight in a healthy and stable manner. We now have the Bio-Kult probiotic range for all the family including infants. Natural bacteria in the stomach play a big role in helping to defend the body from infections and to digest food easily. Taking antibiotics, stress, travel or eating an unhealthy diet can

THE REDBRICK Lodge in Victoria Park, owned by Bristol City council, is in a dilapidated state. The roof is leaking, the toilets are grim, and its condition is getting worse. Windmill Hill City Farm and Victoria Park Action Group are exploring opportunities to bring the Lodge back into use. The farm says: “Our vision is to make the Victoria Park Lodge into a thriving, multi-use building that enhances the green spaces of the park. We want to find out what people think are the priorities for the building, and have a short online survey to gather views.” • surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CZNSBJG

Go wild in the city

WILD Outdoors Day is this spring’s big outdoor event, with a focus on nature and outdoor play,

and the chance for kids to try building a fire, carving a spoon or cooking on a campfire. Live music, the farm bar, Farmer Tim’s BBQ, and lots more for big and little people to explore and do on Saturday April 21, 11am-5pm, entry £3 adults, £1 children.

Triple top

IN MARCH the café was awarded Best Family Friendly eaterie for the third year in a row in the 2018 Bristol Good Food Awards. It was also nominated as Best Café Food and Best Supporter of Local Produce. The garden team

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BRISTOL ARC UPDATE damage this natural bacteria. The imbalance produced can cause digestive conditions like constipation, loose stools, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food sensitivities, as well as atopic eczema, hay fever, rhinitis and a range of other auto-immune diseases. A simple remedy is to take a probiotic like Bio-Kult. We have also partnered with Bristol-based Pukka herbs – they are Fair for Life certified and organic – to bring affordable natural health and wellbeing teas and supplements. Our team can offer advice on all these products. We also have free samples. April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month. Blood in your poo can be a sign of bowel cancer. Unexplained

Down on the Farm News from Windmill Hill City Farm with Beccy Golding Park life

April 2018

were also nominated Best Grower. New products in the café shop this month include raw goats milk soap, made in Totterdown from the milk of a herd of goats in Sussex, and beeswax wraps, which are a non-plastic alternative to cling film. The café has a new collection point for Terracycle, to collect Ella’s baby food pouches and similar packaging. This is proving popular with lots of families. Each pouch is worth 2p to the charity, as well as reducing landfill.

Big ears

THE BIG Listen week in February – the farm’s annual review of visitor’s views and expectations – went really well, with more than 80 people taking the time to contribute. The farm is seen as a real community hub and green space for children and

weight loss, changes in toilet habit and pain in the abdomen are all symptoms to speak to your GP about without delay. You can also discuss symptoms with the pharmacist confidentially. We have the city’s most affordable Meningitis B vaccination and travel clinic service, and NHS prescription delivery with collections from all local surgeries. As you are out and about, do look out for the Bristol city bus with our pharmacist image sharing the NHS Stay Well message! • This article by Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy aims to show how all pharmacies can help people with a variety of health conditions and ease pressure on other parts of the NHS.

• windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

adults, although more could be done to promote awareness of the full range of projects and the support it offers the community. The majority of respondents were very local people who visit at least once a month, especially those with small children. Issues of concern are pollution, traffic, poverty and a lack of inclusion.

39 From Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

Come along for a peek behind the scenes at the ARC

OME along on Sunday May 20 from 10.30am and learn more about the amazing work that takes place at Bristol ARC every day. Enjoy our many stalls raising money for the care of our animals – they will include games, refreshments and homemade gifts. Take the challenge and play our quiz, with questions across the site, meet our resident animals on the tour of our Rehoming Centre and step behind the scenes at our 24/7 Clinic! It is a great day out for all the family, with something for everyone to enjoy. All the proceeds raised from this event will be put to excellent use here at Bristol ARC, caring for thousands of stray, neglected, mistreated, sick and injured animals every year. Please note that unfortunately you will not be able to bring your own dogs with you on the day – this is for the benefit of the

Your chance to see how we look after co-educa onal nursery school to sixth form all of our rescued and sick animals

Cli on High School

Nursery School to Sixth Form Open Morning: Thursday 10th May 2018 at 9.30am

animals in our care. The Rehoming Centre will be closed for the day to allow for the guided tours provided by our staff. The cost of admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children. We look forward to seeing you on the day! We have a limited number of

Look and learn: The rehoming centre is showing off all its animals

CLIFT HI?

trade stand spaces available, for details please contact grace@ bristolarc.org.uk Want to get involved and help out at our events? Email us now for details of how you can get

involved and help animals in need – fundraising@rspcabristol.org.uk or see our volunteering page on our website for further details! • bristolarc.org.uk

Blooming marvellous

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

April 2018

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HOSE who have been following the clean air saga in Bristol will be aware that there are multiple sites Charlie across the city Bolton which have illegal Green air quality – an Southville annual average concentration of nitrogen dioxide over 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Nitrogen dioxide – and the other main pollutant, particulates – have been linked to all sorts of medical problems and cause 300 deaths a year in Bristol. Of the pollution caused by vehicles, around 20 per cent comes from the bus fleet (as opposed to 40 per cent from diesel cars). Bedminster Parade is one site where the limits are broken, and also gets quite a lot of buses. The council has won a Government grant to clean up the exhausts on the bus fleet. I don’t understand the technology, but it is some sort of filter. It is also considerably

Southville

cheaper to clean them up than it is to buy new buses. So it seems to me that there is an obvious thing here. Get the clean buses to go down the dirty streets, to help clean up the air. Or to put it another way, ask the council and the bus company to ensure they send the clean buses to make Bedminster Parade a priority as a cleaner street for all. Meanwhile, the council has abolished neighbourhood partnerships, and replaced them with a largely unfunded area committee. The local one stretches from Ashton Vale to Brislington. Its funding will depend on payments called CIL, which come from developers. It will result in me taking decisions on local spending in Brislington (about which I know very little) and Brislington councillors doing the same in Southville. In addition, the wellbeing grants for community projects have disappeared into the sunset. The result – in my opinion – will be the worsening of the strength of local communities.

How to contact your councillor: p2

N THE first week of May, we are told that our mayor will be making a decision about where the longStephen awaited Bristol Clarke Arena will be sited. Green Many Greens Southville (including myself) have doubts about whether an arena is a good idea in the first place. It is a big lump of concrete generating a lot of carbon. Are Westlife gigs really worth it? I’m not so sure … If it is going to be built, surely it must be at Arena Island (in the centre of the city it is meant to serve) rather than out of town at the Brabazon hangar in Filton. There are numerous reasons for this. The most important one is how people will get there. If it is on Arena Island, people will be able to walk and cycle to get there, they will also be able to get the new Metrobus (if we ever see one) and of course the train to Temple Meads. If people still

want to come by car there are many local car parks, and Park & Rides at Brislington and Long Ashton, but the point is that there will be many fewer car journeys than if it is in Filton where that will be the only realistic option to get there. So much money (well over £20m) has already been spent on the site. Do we really want to end up with an £11.3m ‘bridge to nowhere’, for example? If it is at Temple Meads, some of the the profits from the events will go to the city coffers rather than to Malaysian-owned YTL, owner of the Filton site. The building will be an iconic addition to our city. It will look great and make Bristolians feel great every time they walk past it. The original Brabazon project was the largest plane in the world, constructed in the full flush of post-empire, post World War II pride. Technically brilliant, but a financial disaster; it only flew for 382 hours and it never carried a fare-paying passenger. Let’s not build another white elephant.

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS Improving rented homes in multiple occupation HERE has been a lot of consultation activity by the council recently, much of it about making difficult choices in light of dwindling finances. However, new proposals to better support private sector tenants deserve highlighting. Many people in Bedminster and across Bristol (nearly a quarter of all households in the city) rent their home from a private landlord. The legislation about licensing landlords is complicated and ministers have made it even more difficult for councils to licence their entire area in one go. That would be the ideal situation. The latest proposals from the council affect a number of wards which have a high proportion of privately rented homes in multiple occupation (HMOs) where tenants share some facilities. At the moment, this scheme would not include Bedminster. This is more about the government limit on the amount

Celia Phipps Labour Bedminster

of homes to be licensed under a single order, rather than implying our ward has not got a housing problem. We know from our casework that Bedminster faces many of the problems experienced elsewhere, with poor conditions, unresponsive or unhelpful landlords, rising rents and instability. While the new powers would not tackle rent levels, they provide significant enforcement where poor or dangerous conditions exist. That was certainly the experience when licensing of landlords came into force in Stapleton Road a few years ago. Multi-agency inspection teams, including from the fire service,

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found some truly hazardous conditions and the council and its partners were able to take action. Over 200 properties have been improved in the area. It is not only tenants who gain from this, but also responsible landlords who can demonstrate compliance in a very mixed and poorly regulated marketplace. Acorn, who have done so much to raise the plight of private tenants, support the measures. We want Bedminster to be included in this scheme, but if that is not feasible now, then in the next phase. Please take a look at the proposals on licensing and have your say by May 13. We want Bedminster to be included so do make this point, as we shall, in your response to the council. If you are or have been a private tenant in a HMO property and can share experience of how the market has affected you, then this would be helpful. Details can be found at bristol.citizenspace. com/communities/additionallicensing-scheme-for-hmo/

Full council, March 20 e had a full agenda including debates on three public petitions which have attracted high levels of public support; on advertising in parks; the St Andrew’s Park tea garden and café; and the location for the long-awaited Bristol arena. The Youth Mayors and Youth Council presented their annual report and we were all impressed by their dedication on several key themes affecting young people in Bristol. We had an extensive debate on a motion concerning the best location for Bristol’s Arena, when a majority of councillors backed Temple Meads as the preferred site. It already has planning consent, an agreed operator and nearby infrastructure to improve access. Mayor Rees will make the final decision in early May based on a batch of consultancy reports he has commissioned on the project, assessing Temple Meads against the potential location in Filton being put forward by a private developer.

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n HISTORY Servicing Bristol for over 3 decades

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THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY

Tobacco: The factories and the families that made us the centre of an empire ONE OF Bristol’s biggest industries has all but departed the city. But the Wills tobacco empire has left plenty of landmarks across South Bristol, as well as living on in the memories of thousands of residents who worked for the firm. Now the popular history of South Bristol’s tobacco workers has been reprinted for a fourth time – giving South Bristol Voice an excuse to delve into the memories collected from almost two dozen Wills workers.

A newly-reissued book, Bedminster’s Tobacco Women, tells the story of a lost age, where there were jobs for all the family, from the teens until it was time to retire

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OR centuries after it was first brought to Europe from the Americas, tobacco was an agricultural product, acrop that was bought and sold. Only in the 19th century did a new breed of capitalists make it the basis of an empire of factories and brand names. Henry Overton Wills I, the founder of what was to become South Bristol’s international tobacco industry, started as a tobacco dealer in 1786, in partnership with Samuel Watkins. They opened a shop in Castle Street, and by 1791 they relocated to 112 Redcliff Street. Tobacco leaf was dried and smoked, but it was also chewed. One of the first manufactured products was snuff – made from dried and pulverised leaves as a powder to be inhaled, often flavoured or scented. This needed a factory, or snuff mill, and in 1792 Wills and Watkins leased the snuff mill at Stapleton from the Bristol Corporation. They bought it outright in 1805 for £850 (about £840,000 today) – the start of Bristol’s long and profitable relationship with privatelyowned tobacco factories. Snuff-taking was then an upper-class habit, accompanied by much ritual, while the popularity of smoking tobacco in pipes grew steadily among the lower classes. Hand-rolled cigars were still expensive, but gradually the habit of rolling tobacco into a paper tube

Bedminster’s Tobacco Women tells the story of the Wills tobacco empire in South Bristol, based on conversations between the authors and 23 local people, men as well as women. It’s written by Helen Thomas, Rosie Tomlinson and Mavis Zutshi, and published by Fiducia Press at £6. The book is on sale at the Grenville Wick gift shop, 253 North Street, BS3 1JN, as well as M Shed and other outlets. brought smoking within the reach of more citizens. Tobacco was still something of a craft industry, though – cigarettes, as they became known in the 1830s in France, were rolled, filled and cut by hand, and fitted with a plug of wood or glass to stop the tobacco falling out. They became popular with British soldiers in the Crimean war in the 1850s. Wills hired a Polish expert named Bogosoff to show workers in London and then Bristol how to make the new cigarettes. A skilled worker (usually a woman) could make 1,500 cigarettes a day. The descendants of HO Wills, still based in Redcliff, introduced their first

Face from a distant age: This is Tom Long, who started work for the Wills tobacco firm in 1839, aged 9. He died in 1882, aged only 52.

PORTRAITS OF THE PEOPLE WILLS strove to be a a rewarding employer. Hence after passing the benchmark of 40 years service, workers were rewarded with the traditional gold watch. No doubt the timepieces handed out to management were considerably more valuable than those given to shop floor workers. An additional tradition that started in the early days of the company in the mid-19th century and lasted right up until the 1960s, was the reward of a portrait. Photographs were taken of employees as they reached their 40-year milestone, some even

taken in the infancy of photography in the 1860s. The archive of pictures taken of hundreds of staff is believed to be held in the M-Shed, part of Bristol Museum. For the highest-ranking managers, the portraits were painted by artists. The Voice hopes to share some more of these revealing photos and paintings in a future edition. Many South Bristol families must possess these portraits. If you have one and you’d like to share your memories, whether you worked at Wills or one of your ancestors was employed there, get in touch by emailing btwproject@ hotmail.com

cigarette, imaginatively branded as the Bristol, in 1871. It was made by hand in the firm’s new London factory. In 1874 it was was followed by a new cigarette, the Clifton. The famous Three Castles and Gold Flake brands were launched in 1878. Many thought that even if a machine could be invented which would do the job, customers

would prefer a hand-made product. How wrong they were. Five years later, the revolution arrived in the shape of the American Bonsack machine, which could roll and cut cigarettes with precision and speed greater than any human could manage. First installed in a new factory Continued overleaf

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

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n HISTORY Continued from page 43 in Baldwin Street, the Bonsack machines each turned out 200 cigarettes a minute, a speed which soon increased to 600. By now the company had more than 600 employees in Bristol and London, but that number was set to rocket as the benefits of the new machinery became apparent. Machines made it easier to make sure every cigarette was the same as the last, and so brand names took on a new attraction – a guarantee that the flavour and appearance would always be identical. Wills’ smartest move was to pay the US company Bonsack £4,000 (about £370,000 today) for the exclusive right to use its machines in the UK. In 1888 Wills introduced the Woodbine, which was to become one of the most popular tobacco brands of all time. Woodbines were initially made on 11 Bonsack machines, and the number had doubled to 22 by the end of the 19th C. Wills was now in a dominant position

in the UK market and Bristol was its base. In 1880 it had opened the No 1 Factory in East Street. It was expanded several times until, with Factory No 2, it filled the site of today’s Regent House and Consort House (which are now to be converted into flats) and the plot now covered by Asda. In 1900 the No 4 Factory was opened at Raleigh Road (now the site of Amerind Grove old people’s home). Confusingly, No 3 factory, today’s Tobacco Factory theatre and bar, opened later, in 1906. There were more – Factory 8 in Upton Road is now an arts space, and Ashton Gate primary school occupies another of the distinctive redbrick Wills buildings. But American competitors were prowling and, to see them off, Britain’s biggest tobacco firms combined into one powerful company, forming Imperial Tobacco in 1901. In 1892, the value of the Wills company was £756,000 (£75m today) – already a large company. But, with the addition of Players of Nottingham,

THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY Wild Woodbines: One of Wills’s most popular cigarette brands in the first half of the 20th century, gaining in popularity during World War I

Lambert & Butler and others, it became a giant, with a share capital worth £14.5m – almost £1.45bn today. It was the UK’s largest company, with Sir William Wills the chairman and Bristol its headquarters. It needed to be big. American Tobacco Company boss James Buchanan Duke had arrived in the UK in 1901 with $30m (around £1bn today) to spend, aiming to snap up Britain’s tobacco firms one by one. He bought Ogdens of Liverpool on the spot. But when he marched into Players’ head office in Nottingham, saying,” “Hello, boys. I’m Duke from New York, come to take over your business,” the Player brothers showed him the door. Smoking was a profitable business. If customers could be kept loyal to a brand, they kept buying, day after day and week after week. No matter that the habit was slowly killing them. Duke’s American Tobacco introduced free gift coupons into its packs for UK customers. But on home turf, Imperial had too much clout. Imperial offered to share its profits to any retailer who agreed not to stock Ogden’s products. It even offered a 10 per cent return to the shareholders of Salmon & Gluckstein, the largest chain of tobacco shops. Imperial took the battle to ATC’s heartland, buying land in Virginia and threatening to build its own tobacco factories there. After huge losses, ATC capitulated. It sold Ogdens to Imperial, and agreed not to sell in the UK market, if Imperial kept out of the US. It left Imperial Tobacco with an unshakeable grip on the British market. In 1904 it had

more than half the market for cigarettes. The First World War made smoking an almost universal habit among soldiers, subject to endless hours of stress and boredom in the trenches. By 1920, Imperial had 72.5 per cent of the British tobacco market, and sold 91 per cent of UK cigarettes.

THE FAMILIES WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES TO WILLS

t was sound business, but despite the use of advanced machinery, it demanded a large and skilled workforce. They had to be kept reasonably happy, and certainly well-paid – otherwise how could the quality of every packet be maintained, and how could the workers be prevented from pocketing the valuable products they made? By 1895, Wills workers in Bristol had a staff canteen, a sanatorium if they became ill, a convalescent home where they could recover, plus a resident factory nurse and doctor. They also had paid holidays and could spend their spare time at the company’s recreational clubs. Through most of the 20th century Imperial was by far the biggest employer in South Bristol. Thousands of staff trooped in to work every day at the Ashton and Bedminster factories and offices – not only from Bedminster but from Knowle, Totterdown and further afield, walking to work or catching trams or buses.

he newly-reprinted book Bedminster’s Tobacco Women captured the memories of some of these workers (including some men). All the quotations that follow are

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

April 2018

n HISTORY

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THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY

CARDS AND GIFTS: A friendly face for a deadly habit MARKETING was a key part of the tobacco industry from 1887, when Wills were one of the first UK companies to include cards in their cigarette packs. By 1895 they had produced their first collectable set of cards, Ships and Sailors. Soon the cards were wildly popular, among children as well as adult smokers. No doubt the lure of the coloured cards made the cigarettes more attractive to children and tempted some of them to start smoking. (But it wasn’t until the 1950s that smoking was seriously challenged as a health risk, and tobacco firms resisted health claims for decades more.) Wills’s series of cards included Aviation in 1910, Lucky Charms in 1923, British Butterflies in 1927, Famous Golfers in 1930, and, in 1938, as the threat of war with Germany grew, a set was issued showing Air Raid Precautions. In the 1960s, in need of a new way to keep customers loyal to their brands, Wills made their last marketing breakthrough – vouchers. Each cigarette pack contained a card worth points, and if they were saved for months and years, the smoker could choose a gift from a catalogue, from cheap from the book, with thanks to the authors. Imperial might have been the company name, but in Bristol people talked about working for Wills. The last descendant, Christopher Wills, great great grandson of the first H O Wills, retired as sales research manager in 1969. And it employed local families, encouraging workers to put their own relatives forward for jobs, so that three or four generations might spend a lifetime in one of the numerous Bedminster and Ashton factories. “People were so proud to be able to say that they worked for Wills,” said Annette Pearce, whose grandparents, parents and two great aunts all worked there. In 1947, Dian Keepin was helped by her aunt to win her job by passing a vital test – showing her how to do a piece of sewing that showed she had nimble fingers. Another attraction was the benefits – the decent wages, the sport facilities and good food in the staff canteen. These were

Firefighting: A Wills cigarette card from 1913 showing how to administer first aid PHOTO: Wellcome Collection glassware to a Kenwood Chef food mixer. In 1970, you could have an automatic washing machine for 49,000 points. With five points in each pack of 20 cigarettes, that was 9,800 packs of fags. Helen Thomas was a 15-yearold in 1967 when she spent the first of two summers working in the new voucher department. “It was developed in huge secrecy,” she said. “They produced the gift catalogue and advertising material in total secrecy and brought in staff from across the company to mail all the material

out to the suppliers and to the press. They didn’t want any of the other competitors to get wind of what they were up to.” Promotional material was so important to Wills that they had long owned the Bristol printing company of Marden Son & Hall, whose premises covered much of Redcliffe, as well as the St Anne Board Mill. This made it much easier to print all the catalogues and vouchers in secrecy. Helen’s job was weighing up the parcels of vouchers sent in to be redeemed for gifts. ”People

used to pack them us in great brown paper parcels. We would open the parcels and make sure they hadn’t put in bits of cardboard to make up the weight, and weigh them on scales that were calibrated to show how many vouchers there were. “They would then be sent their Kenwood Chef or whatever. The vouchers were then pulped and recycled into more vouchers! “That put them back in pole position in the market – and then of course Players and the others did the same thing.”

good to have – but the free health care was something priceless in the days before the NHS made medical care free in 1948. Eileen Willis started in 1940, and said: “Once you got into Wills, you were looked after. They were very caring; you know, if you had a toothache, you went to the dentist.” That was a choice many working people outside the Wills embrace could not afford. Mary Bessell was an undernourished 14-year-old when she joined in 1938 after the tough times of the Depression. “When I went in there to work I was underweight so I had to have cod liver oil every day, and then I went to Keep Fit classes because I was only six stone,” she said. Even those who weren’t on the payroll could benefit. Annette Pearce, mentioned above, had her school uniform paid for by Wills. Her mother wasn’t working for the firm, but because of her family’s long connection with Wills, they gave her a grant. The work, however, was tough. Two thirds of the workers

were women, and they did most of the manual tasks, from stripping the tobacco leaves to the cleaning and catering. Men tended the machinery and provided most of the management. Brenda remembered her first days stripping the veins out of tobacco leaves, in 1941: “And, oh, your fingers, they did bleed. You had to strip all the leaves off because that was the value of it. I used to come home crying. I didn’t like it.” Mary Bessell, the underweight 14-year-old of 1938, said: “They were very strict. You had a tub on one side and your 80 bundles on this side and you had to do 82 pounds – you’d strip the leaves off the stem and make sure there was not a bit of tobacco left on the stem, and if there was, you did it all again.” Pay was according to targets – if you took too long on your tea break you’d lose time, and probably not make enough weight to get a bonus. Even harder work was the

washing down room, where the women had to break up great cakes of tobacco, to be steamed and cleaned. “It was hard work, mind,” said Pat, who started in 1968. “We had to split they open with a crowbar. They was like squashed together and we had to put them through this brig and at the other end they’d come out steamed … sweat was running off you.” It was the same for the catering staff – “It was damned hard work,” said Barbara Giardina – and for the cleaners: “Everything has to be done precisely and exactly,” said Kay Lowe, who had inherited her cleaning job from her mother. “You’re given specific jobs to do, like cleaning all the skirtings or polishing all the wood doors, and after you did it, the charge hand would make sure you’d done it right.” Women were not always treated well. One woman was sent on a course to learn how to be a supervisor, the only female there. She was asked to do a talk, Continued overleaf

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

April 2018

southbristolvoice

n HISTORY Continued from page 45 which she’d never done before. She asked a male colleague: ‘“Oh God, what am I going to talk about?” And he said, “Don’t worry. Just wear a tight jumper. Stand up there and make it prominent and we’ll all be looking at it.”’ A #MeToo moment, decades before men were told to ditch such sexist attitudes in the workplace. But men were also victims of the rigid divisions in the workplace. Dian Keepin’s father was a hall porter: “He used to clean the managers’ shoes under the stairs, and it was all ‘Sir this’ and ‘Sir that’.” The big factories had separate entrances, staircases, cloakrooms and dining rooms – for men and for women, and also for supervisors and for junior managers, with the grandest facilities reserved for the top level of management. Eileen Willis worked in an office and was kept separate from the shop floor staff. “You weren’t expected to marry anyone from

the factory, the boys weren’t expected to get interested in the girls. It was a real class divide.” Indeed, for decades, women had to leave their job if they got married. Later, they could stay on once wed, but had to leave if they became pregnant, right up until the late 1960s. It meant many men could keep a job for life – and draw their full pension – while women would generally have a much shorter career. “You left if you got pregnant. They didn’t keep your job open, not like now. You had to get your pension out,” said Jackie. During World War II, with many men serving in the armed forces, women – even some who were married – took on male roles, like running the cigarettemaking machines. But in 1945 the men came back, and reclaimed their jobs. “When the war ended, married women had to leave, because the men were coming back, and wanted their jobs back,” said Eileen. Later the company showed more flexibility, and mums could

Jane Fackrell: Born in 1821, she entered Will’s service in 1831, aged 10. She worked 55 years in the spinning room. start work again. But Wills gave no help with childcare, so mothers had to leave their offspring with relatives, or give them a key to let themselves in after school. “I think my daughter was five or six when I started in there and she was a very sensible girl, she’d go to school and I could give her the key,” said Barbara Giardina. Later still, Wills introduced a schooldays shift, starting at 10am and ending at 3pm.

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THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY

o the millennial generation, these tales of a job for life, with a decent salary, a chance of career progression (at least for the men) and a company pension may seem like a fantasy. But the long decades of prosperity for Wills did not last forever. The company began to lose its technical edge. “They were losing trade because they hadn’t modernised,

they were still selling brands like Woodbines,” Helen Thomas, co-author of Bedminster’s Tobacco Women, told the Voice. In 1974 the vast new factory at Hartcliffe opened, and the friendly brick factories of Ashton and Bedminster were closed. “By the time they went to Hartcliffe they were already behind the game technically. The machines they were installing were not as fast as those Players had already installed in Nottingham,” said Helen. “People didn’t want to go [to Hartcliffe] – they didn’t enjoy it. They lost the sense of the community. “The real thing is what it did to the economy. East Street hasn’t recovered yet, and they closed the East Street factory in 1974.” Even Hartcliffe did not last 20 years before Imperial’s bosses realised they could produce cigarettes more cheaply in Germany and Eastern Europe. A cigar factory hung on to life in Winterstoke Road until 2008, when production was moved to Spain. The holding company has now dropped ‘tobacco’ from its name and is known as Imperial Brands (though staff still answer the phone “Imperial Tobacco!”). The world headquarters is still at Winterstoke Road, where about 400 people manage the marketing of cigarettes and cigars as well as vaping products, snuff and chewing tobacco.

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Sources: Bedminster’s Tobacco Women by Helen Thomas, Rosee Tomlinson & Mavis Zutshi, Fiducia Press, 2016, £6. WD & HO Wills and the development of the UK tobacco Industry: 1786-1965 by BWE Alford, Taylor & Francis, 1973.

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Troy arrived from the back to set up his conga drums, cow bells and tinkling chimes. He apologised for being late – he’d been cooking the food! So, definitely authentic! Troy is a charming showman – conducting his band as the mood takes him – dropping them down low so he can tell stories, winding the energy up or singing

Night of laughs and good food for a serious cause

REVIEW Curry, Comedy & Music, Redcatch community centre, Knowle BATTLED through a snowy evening to Redcatch community centre for a night of Comedy, Curry, Music and Shebang, all for Charity. I went with a cynical eye. I am a pro at organising these events; from sourcing the acts, selling tickets and then hosting, it takes planning and a team of people. I wanted to see what this onewoman team (Ruth Drury) could produce in such a short time. I was begrudgingly impressed. It was a sell out. I was in the

Organised by Voice sales manager Ruth Drury, Comedy, Curry & Music raised £1,000 for the Women’s Mission in Tenali, India. Thanks to the many firms who sponsored the event kitchen trying not to take over when a well-dressed chap came in demanding where he could get a drink. I told him tartily it was ‘bring your own’ and asked who the hell he was? It turned out he was the headliner from London. I immediately hated him. You can try to heckle, he drawled, but I am a pro and it will be futile. I

Silly but effective: Ian Macdonald

lyrics to one song above the rhythm of another. He also pulls the audience right in there too – so we’re all singing along with the reggae classics. The brass section – trombone and sax – are a delight, backed with laidback bass and rhythm guitar, drums, and keyboard providing echo, chords and dub-style sounds. Troy sings, dances and plays percussion. Troy’s dad was Jamaican singer Alton Ellis, known as the godfather of rocksteady, and Troy has taken the baton with aplomb – his joy for the music is contagious and we all leave this sociable night smiling. Beccy Golding

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he was good – a middle class expert. The only one to really push the boundaries with sexual crudeness on this largely god-fearing crowd, making me hoot with reluctant laughter. The next comedian, Bentley Browning, burst into a witty singsong sermon and ended by throwing a small drum to my cackling friend, asking her to beat it in time to his rap finale – carnage. A break for some curry. Oh my. Sebastien Brochot is undoubtedly the best chef in the whole of South Bristol. My plate was piled high with deliciousness complimented by side dishes from Desi. While we devoured our food, entertainment was provided by Hurry Up Harry, a slick one man toe-tapping blues and folk showman – a rocking crowd pleaser. The Wicked Witch

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took my seat, dangerously near the front, and waited. The compere (Ian MacDonald) was brilliant. I even cracked a smile when he encouraged us to cheer in various styles. It was silly but effective. Bring on Mr Arrogant (Matthew Baylis). I have to admit

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REVIEW: Jamaican Night at Zion AN TEDDY are Jamaican folk culture performers – a group of women who tell stories, perform poems and sing songs. Unfortunately, due to family issues, they were unable to make this event at Zion in Bishopsworth. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and they were replaced by

for the fried plantain and dumplings so we stocked up on hipster-esque jam jars of hot Jamaican punch from the bar – sweet and rummy, with a slab of fresh pineapple. As the hall filled we watched the ever-expanding band set up on stage. Eventually the plantain arrived, and then the dumplings – hot and crunchy, doughy in the middle.

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Answer: 15.

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Bristol legends Troy Ellis & His Hail Joy for Authentic Jamaica Reggae Band. the music: On arrival, Zion was smelling Bristol South Bristol from local great! There was Caribbean food reggae rhythm from ayour on offer – jerk chicken or vegetable legend with rice and peas, and Troy Ellis reggae master curry, coleslaw. There was a bit of a wait

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April 2018

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over 50 years from branch, The witches return, met by our St John’s Lane experience. Hasfor a real terror Macbeth and Banquo, who are The soundtrack is intense – promised powerful futures. with blasts of static white noise, And then, only 15 minutes in, a building like a pounding train. The grippedsothe call inwoman or phone us to discuss your car or in modern dress walks on, lights flash white for Macbeth’s a headset microphone. ranting internal monologues, flash fated Scottish with Macbeth and Banquo look startled, back to yellow for the real world. turn and exit. “Ladies and During the interval more home insurance requirements gentlemen, due to unforeseen people leave. For the second part tragedy? circumstances we’ve had to pause there is less than half of the REVIEW Macbeth the show. Please remain in your Tobacco Factory theatre seats.” She leaves. HE FLOOR of the theatre There is a hush. The audience smells and looks like look at each other. Is this part of it? crumbling black tar – it is Some modern interpretation – a loose rubber pieces – uneven and twist on the old plot? Then a thick so you sink into them as you rumble of fear – has something walk. The three witches, in white play begins again an hour after happened outside? Terror? A linen dresses and gauze tied across the start. A new actor playing terrible storm? their faces, speak in echoing Ross reads script in hand. It’s We sit. And wait. Eventually we Gaelic, eerie-sounding – unclear if an admirable performance. are told that due to an ‘incident’ it’s spoken forwards or backwards. The ensemble pull together a replacement actor will arrive A wounded shell-shocked captain and deliver a powerful, intense soon. Refunds or replacement falls into the round, bloodied and rendition of the reportedlytickets are offered to those who stumbling, legs falling beneath cursed Scottish play – stirring want them. Maybe a quarter ST JOHN‘S LANE, BEDMINSTER BRISTOL him. The282 atmosphere is building. of the audience leaves.BS3 The5AY TEL:stuff after an unsettling

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audience left. It feels like an intimate experience now. The banquet scene is a triumph, with Katy Stephens as Lady Macbeth at once holding it together and crumbling, while Macbeth (Jonathan McGuiness) rants, sees ghosts and disintegrates. The murder of MacDuff’s son (played by young Benjamin Pleat) is startling, and MacDuff’s (Joseph Tweedale) reaction is human and tragic, amid the clamour of war. I am delighted to have seen this bloody, intense, thoughtwww.markrichard.co.uk provoking performance, and to

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n WHAT’S ON

Until April 7 n Macbeth Tobacco Factory theatre. “Macbeth speaks to a world we find ourselves living in now; a world in which politicians lie to our faces but no one can plaster over the truth that the planet is threatening to turn on us.” Shakespeare’s unflinching look at the corruption brought by a lust for power continues in the first production staged by the Tobacco Factory’s in-house company. Tickets from £12. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday March 29 n Guana Batz Fiddlers Club, Willway Street, Bedminster. One of the UK’s most influential psychobilly bands, Guana Batz are on their 35th anniversary tour. 7.30pm, £19.80. • fiddlers.co.uk Thursday March 29 & April 5 n Wild Outdoors Club Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. “Cool crafts, fun nature activities, and great games galore!” 10am to 12 noon. £10 per child. • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Saturday March 31 n Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road. So popular it has sold out already, but check for returns or new dates. Stories of murder, rioting, adultery and more. Not suitable for children. 1.30-3pm, £5. • arnosvale.co.uk/events Tuesday April 3 & April 4 n Woodland Tribe Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Build your own adventure playground with hammers, nails and saws, 10am to 4pm. No need to book. £5 per child for 2 hours. Ages 6+; all children must be accompanied. • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

bubbles. He has so far produced almost 150 bubble inventions including the Mega Bubbles maker. £10, for all ages, shows at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Wednesday April 11 n Lost Sheep Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. Don’t dig a hole for your neighbour to fall into ... you may just fall into it yourself! Sheep escaping in a small Sudanese village leads to all sorts of problems. A family-friendly show, presented in partnership with Ashley Housing. Tickets are free, but all donations will be gratefully received. 7-7.45pm. • acta-bristol.com Friday April 13 n Morbid Curiosity Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road. On Friday 13th, this night tour relates some of the ways people in Arnos Vale died. From a fatal stabbing to diseases such as cholera and smallpox, the material is not for the faint-hearted, and not suitable for children. Sold out – check for returns. • arnosvale.co.uk/events n Tom Stade: I Swear Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street. The Canadian high-energy comic has extended his national tour. Nothing is taboo: “off-thescale charm, razor-sharp wit and a no-holds-barred attitude”. 7.45pm, £18.50. • thecomedybox.co.uk Saturday April 14 n Never Too Old To Disco Charles Padfield Centre, Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue. Love to dance but don’t know where? Reconnect with the disco tunes you know and love. Second and fourth Saturday of the month; also on April 28. 10.45-11.45am, £7. Details: email nevertoooldtodisco@gmail.com n The Regz + Hey Bulldog The Tunnels, Temple Meads. One

April 18 – May 12 n A View From the Bridge by Arthur Miller, Tobacco Factory THE SECOND of the plays performed by the Tobacco Factory’s new in-house acting company is by one of the 20th century’s most revered playwrights, Arthur Miller. In plays like Death of a Salesman, Miller elevated contemporary issues to the status of timeless tragedy. A View from the Bridge shows how the world of hard-working respectable Eddie Carlbone is shaken when he offers haven to his wife’s cousins from Italy. Eddie has raised his niece Catherine like his own daughter. When one of the cousins falls for

Catherine, the complicated currents inside Eddie start to swirl out of control. Mike Tweddle directs the new Factory theatre company in this their second show, following Macbeth, which plays until April 7. Marco is played by Aaron Anthony, Louis by Kirris Riviere, Alfieri by Simon Armstrong, Beatrice by Katy Stephens, Eddie by Mark Letheren, Rodolpho by Joseph Tweedale, Mike by Jack Riddiford and Catherine by Laura Waldren. Tickets start at £12 (limited availability) and shows are at 7.30pm, except for April 24, when the curtain rises at 7pm. There are matinée performances at 2pm

on Thursday and Saturday. • BSL interpreted performance Thursday April 26, 7.30pm. • Director’s Lab Friday April 27, 10.30am–4.30pm. Join Tobacco Factory artistic director Mike Tweddle on the set for a day of exploring the text and its many theatrical possibilities. • Post-show talk Wednesday May 2 sees a free discussion after the end of the performance. • Inside A View From the Bridge Saturday May 5, 10am–1pm. Discussions, lectures, workshops and Q&A sessions with experts in the field and the director of the production, Mike Tweddle. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com

of Bristol’s favourite bands, The Regz return to The Tunnels after last year’s sell-out. Motown, soul, ska and pop from this nine-piece outfit with brass section. Hey Bulldog play British 60s and 70s Mod and Beat. 7.30pm, £10. • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk n Stand Up For The Weekend with David Trent Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street. David Trent uses multi-media to offer high-energy commentary on celebrity culture. “A creator of bold, category-defying comedy,” said The Stage. Plus guests. £7.45pm, £11. • thecomedybox.co.uk

n Topette SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville. Acoustic dance music featuring English accordion legend Andy Cutting and French bagpipe maestro Julien Cartonnet, with James Delarre, Barnaby Stradling and Tania Buisse. “Sublime musicianship and a thumping set of tunes...” said fRoots magazine. 7.30pm, £13.20 • southbankclub.webs.com Tuesday April 17 & April 20 n Ladies’ Mile Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. Meet ‘loo lady’ Victoria: eavesdropper and observer of the twilight world of 1930s Bristol. Based on the memoirs of Victoria

Monday March 26 – March 29 React festival of theatre made by refugees Acta theatre in Bedminster, which has a long record of staging shows with disadvantaged groups, welcomes an international festival for refugee theatre. Six new shows by refugee drama groups will be complemented by morning-after discussions and questions with the performers and directors. The three React project partners from

Bristol, Rotterdam and Palermo will also come together with theatre companies and practitioners, academics and students for a series of afternoon workshops, presentations and conversations. There will also be matinee performances. Those attending the festival will come back together at Actacentre for dinner each evening, followed by a new show. Festival passes from £25. • acta-bristol.com

All together: The refugee festival

Hughes, a cloakroom attendant on the Ladies’ Mile public lavatories on Bristol Downs. A preview performance of a play being developed with community performers from Acta Company. Adult content: age 16+. £3. • acta-bristol.com Friday April 20 n Ferocious Dog Fiddlers Club, Willway Street, Bedminster. The Enemy Within tour; one of several gigs moved to Fiddlers when the Bierkeller shut unceremoniously. 8pm, £16.80. • fiddlers.co.uk Saturday April 21 n Wild Outdoors Day Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Outdoor fun at the farm for all the family. Nature activities, outdoor cooking, fabulous live music, bar, Farmer Tim’s BBQ, and stalls. Cost: £3 adults, £1 children, 11am to 5pm. • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk n Instant Wit Redcatch community centre, Redcatch Road, Knowle. Improvised comedy from Bristol-based Instant Wit. “This superlative comedy troupe continue to amaze packed houses with Continued overleaf

Musical message: The cast of Hairspray make a spectacular song and dance to put the world to rights

Talent wins out when prejudice takes on song REVIEW Hairspray Bristol Hippodrome HE STORY of larger-than-life Tracy Turnblad is set against the backdrop of racial segregation in Baltimore in 1962. She lives in the shadows, always wanting more – namely fame for herself and equality for others. The story shows her fight to dance on TV alongside her black friends who, thanks to segregation, only have one day a month to show their moves on the floor. As

ELMA (the mean and prejudiced TV producer, played by Gona Murray) can do really high loud notes even when she’s lifted high into the air doing gymnastics. Seaweed is a great fluid dancer with groovy moves. Motormouth Maybelle (Brenda Edwards of X Factor fame) is a powerful singer. The Dynamite dancers stole the show in their beautiful sparkly dresses and their phenomenal voices. Link Larkin (played by Edward Chitticks) is my favourite because he realises he loves Tracy and he’s a really lovely singer. I thought he was Elvis because he sounded like him and Elvis is a good singer too. 10/10. Lilly Drury, aged 7

Friday April 6 n Captain Cactus & the Screaming Harlots The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. How can you resist a name like that? “Messed up, swampy country folk blues Americana groove with harmonies. Come sweat and sway to tales of whiskey, murder and love.” £5, 7.30-11.30pm. • thethunderbolt.net

n An Evening with Sargon of Akkad Paintworks, Bath Road, Totterdown. A debate about politics, philosophy and the endless idiocy of political extremes. Carl Benjamin, who runs the YouTube channel Sargon of Akkad, has built a following of 700,000, subjecting ideological arguments to rational argument. £21.50, 7-9.30pm. • play.paintworksbristol.co.uk

Sunday April 8 n The Amazing Bubble Man Tobacco Factory theatre. The Amazing Bubble Man returns with his international hit show – bubble art, magic, science and lots of fun. Louis Pearl claims to be the world’s leading Bubbleologist and has been thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of

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always with a musical, justice triumphs in a full song-and-dance number where the audience can’t help but dance along and the world is put right for everyone. Racism and size-discrmination are prominent issues, but the show deftly retains the entertainment factor from beginning to end. A basic set was cleverly morphed into a variety of locations – and a few additional musical numbers not seen in the movie version created by John Waters. My daughter Lilly wasn’t so keen on the jail scene as she didn’t think the prisoners would really dance if they were locked away – but she liked the fact that all their clothes matched. Ruth Drury, aged 34

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Miller’s tale of timeless complications Eddie … I’m not only telling you now, I’m warning you – the law is nature … and a river will drown you if you buck it. A View From the Bridge: Emotional currents exposed by Arthur Miller

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

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Has real terror gripped the Scottish play? REVIEW Macbeth Tobacco Factory theatre HE FLOOR of the theatre smells and looks like crumbling black tar – it is loose rubber pieces – uneven and thick so you sink into them as you walk. The three witches, in white linen dresses and gauze tied across their faces, speak in echoing Gaelic, eerie-sounding – unclear if it’s spoken forwards or backwards. A wounded shell-shocked captain falls into the round, bloodied and stumbling, legs falling beneath him. The atmosphere is building. The witches return, met by Macbeth and Banquo, who are promised powerful futures. And then, only 15 minutes in, a woman in modern dress walks on, with a headset microphone. Macbeth and Banquo look startled, turn and exit. “Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen circumstances we’ve had to pause the show. Please remain in your

king@kwmc.org.uk • kwmc.org.uk/events/filmclub Friday April 27 n Networking with Freelance Mum Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Guest speaker Jen Gill, who has worked for executives at ITV and the BBC, tells how she runs her own business as a virtual PA, with tips on how to work more productively. 10am-12 noon, children welcome. £9 members,

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n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 51 extraordinary skills … a dream topping of an evening,” said Venue magazine. Doors open at 7pm for a supper of bread and soup. Show 8.10pm. Tickets £8.50. • elknowle.wixsite.com/elknowle n Stand Up For The Weekend with Pierre Novellie Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street. Fresh from Channel 4’s Comedy Blaps, South African-born and Isle of Man-raised Pierre Novellie shows why he was nominated for the Best Club Comic 2016. 7.45pm, £11. • thecomedybox.co.uk Sunday April 22 n The Baby Shakes The Thunderbolt, Bath Road. Mary, Judy, Claudia and Ryan bring rock’n’roll punk from New York in the spirit of the Ramones, with shades of Motown. £7, 7.30pm. • thethunderbolt.net Wednesday April 25 n Early Years Theatre Tobacco Factory. Theatre group Dragonbird will visit the Tobacco Factory once a month until July. Designed mainly for children aged from four months to five years, the show starts with a short story, then everyone gets to play and explore adventures based on the show. Tickets £3. Shows at 10.30am and 1pm. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday April 26 n Knowle West Tiny Film Club Venue is the We Can Make test home, beside Filwood Community Centre, Barnstaple Road. A cosy evening in with a good film, with a comfy couch, tasty snacks and a hand-picked movie. Space is limited so call 0117 903 0444 or e-mail martha.

April 2018

Intense: Katy Stephens as a blood-soaked Lady Macbeth seats.” She leaves. There is a hush. The audience look at each other. Is this part of it? Some modern interpretation – a twist on the old plot? Then a rumble of fear – has something happened outside? Terror? A terrible storm? We sit. And wait. Eventually we are told that due to an ‘incident’ a replacement actor will arrive soon. Refunds or replacement tickets are offered to those who want them. Maybe a quarter of the audience leaves. The play begins again an hour after the start. A new actor £12 non-members, children free. • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk n Comedy Depot Zion, Bishopsworth Road. Headliner Dave Thompson is a former Teletubby and clownish comedian who’s performed with Harry Hill, among many others, on TV and radio. Support from Katie Pritchard, Jon Udry, Costas Lukaris Ems Coombes and Charlie George. Doors open 7.30pm, £5. • zionbristol.co.uk

playing Ross reads script in hand. It’s an admirable performance. The ensemble pull together and deliver a powerful, intense rendition of the reportedly-cursed Scottish play – stirring stuff after an unsettling experience. The soundtrack is intense – with blasts of static white noise, building like a pounding train. The lights flash white for Macbeth’s ranting internal monologues, flash back to yellow for the real world. During the interval more people leave. For the second part there is less than half of the audience left. It feels like an intimate experience now. The banquet scene is a triumph, with Katy Stephens as Lady Macbeth at once holding it together and crumbling, while Macbeth (Jonathan McGuiness) rants, sees ghosts and disintegrates. The murder of MacDuff’s son (played by young Benjamin Pleat) is startling, and MacDuff’s (Joseph Tweedale) reaction is human and tragic, amid the clamour of war. I am delighted to have seen this bloody, intense, thoughtprovoking performance, and to have witnessed the curse of Macbeth at first hand. Beccy Golding Sunday April 29 n Vintage Furniture Flea Paintworks, Bath Road, Totterdown. Vintage traders selling furniture and homewares from the 1950s on. Entry £3 at 10.30am, £2 after 11am. Children under 12 free. • play.paintworksbristol.co.uk HIGHLIGHT your What’s On entry from £5. Email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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BRISTOL CITY ROUND-UP

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We can’t afford too many slip-ups if we want a chance of making the play-offs This time last year we were worrying about City’s safety; now there’s the slim but real prospect of going up, says MARTIN POWELL

E ALL know that Bristol City’s efforts to reach the top flight at the end of this season will not be over until the fat lady sings, but it does feel as if the opera diva spent International Women’s Day in the wings eating doughnuts. How long before she strides on stage and her notes blow the whistle on a fascinating campaign is anyone’s guess, but with the number of matches left to play now in single figures the team can not afford too many more slip-ups. As an optimist I have looked at all the remaining fixtures featuring the top nine clubs and

MARTIN’S SHORTS n LOIS Diony, asked about his hair in the City programme: “A lot of people talk to me about it. They ask me why I don’t cut it or say I have a pineapple on my head.” Nothing that a North Street barber couldn’t sort out.

Eros Pisano: The Italian has made his mark on the team since returning after a long injury lay-off PHOTO: BCFC still have City clinching a play-off place with 77 points. But with Middlesbrough and Derby set to play each other it could go right down to the wire. The biggest blow recently was the suspensions of Aden Flint and Joe Bryan. Bryan’s was as a result of a long season of stopping championship players and was somewhat predictable. Flint reacted badly to old team-mate Greg Cunningham spoiling his hair and was unfortunate, if understandable. If this turns out to be a significant season for City, then it has been a roller-coaster for Flint. He was left out for the first few games as speculation mounted about him being lured away; he then put in some fantastic performances to catch the eye even more. Since then he

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has had his contract lengthened and improved, tying him to the club, swiftly followed by falling foul of a last-minute lapse to be out of the team at a crucial time. There is still time for him to come back in and redeem himself and make a real difference in the last few games. Who knows? We could still see Flint heading the winner at Wembley in May to finally take City into the Premier League as plump songstresses from Cardiff, Preston or Middlesbrough pack up their bags and troop out of the stadium at the other end. Whether City take the big step up this year or have to play in the Championship again next season then holding on to the best players will be key. A year ago I was also working out the remaining fixtures for the

season; but at that time it was to ensure safety, so it is positive that City are now competing for the play-off places. It is also positive that the injury list is starting to look a little better with Duric, O’Neil and Pisano all returning to action after long lay-offs. Pisano has made the most significant contribution and it does feel that without such an injury list City might well be seven or eight points better off and looking set fair for the play-offs at least. Too many drawn games in crucial matches, some of them when dominating for long periods, have made the difference. Whatever division the team find themselves in next year it is hoped those lessons will be learned by a relatively young group of players.

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n YOUR MP

KARIN SMYTH Labour MP for Bristol South

Have your say on these major plans for homes in South Bristol

Y PRIORITIES as MP for Bristol South are to focus on employment opportunities and affordable housing to rent and buy, especially for younger and older people. Existing plans for developments in Hengrove and Hartcliffe are a key part of this. I also read with interest the recent Local Plan review, which is currently out for consultation. The South Bristol Voice ran a piece on the Local Plan last month. For me, the biggest question is around the infrastructure needed to support such large-scale housebuilding of the type we could see in Bristol South over the coming years. Infrastructure is more than new roads (although this is obviously important), but is about employment opportunities, healthcare

provision and support around caring – be it for children, elderly relatives, people living with mental health problems or those adults with additional needs. The Local Plan confirms that Bristol South is a “priority focus for development and comprehensive regeneration” and, while I welcome the housing boost (assuming the developers adhere to the affordable housing quotas), we must ensure that we can cater for the needs of tens of thousands of extra residents. When considering the height and density of buildings, we can learn from other

n LOCAL SERVICES

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European cities. We also need to consider what type of homes people want – terraced housing is often more preferable for young families than tower blocks. It’s clear that Bristol South is set to absorb much of the projected population growth in Bristol, with more than double the number of new houses earmarked for locations south of the river than north Bristol. Yet we recently learned that plans for the Bristol arena could head north – and with them millions of pounds of investment into transport infrastructure on the northern fringe. I’ve previously mentioned how disappointed I am with the suggestion that Bristol’s arena, set to be built in Temple Meads, could now be built miles away in Filton – in direct conflict with a need to rebalance the city so that all areas can share in the benefits of such large scale investment. There is no mention of the arena in the section on the Temple Quarter in this Local Plan. If the arena were to remain in Temple Meads, then existing and future residents of Bristol South could access the employment and cultural opportunities, which won’t be so easy if it moves to the northern fringe. I hope that you will take part in the consultation to ensure that your voices are heard. It closes on April 13.

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April 2018

INVITATION

CJ Hole Southville invite you to accept our offer of a free sales or lettings valuation. To arrange an appointment, please telephone the office or call in personally. If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be considered to avoid a possible liability to pay two commissions.

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268 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JA

t: 0117 963 4373 southville@cjhole.co.uk With 17 offices covering Bristol, Gloucester and Somerset

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MEDIUM AGENCY ESTATE AGENCY YEAR 2011

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