South Bristol Voice Bedminster May 2017 by South Bristol Voice

southbristolvoice May 2017 No. 19

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours

LOCAL NEWS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE

FREE EVERY MONTH in Bedminster, Southville & Ashton • Why are our bins overflowing? Page 4 • Call to ban outdoor advertising Page 7

• Help catch North St ramraiders Page 15

Why no action to keep us safe? CHILDREN at Holy Cross school show off plaques to mark safe walking routes. But the yellow hazard lines behind them are still not legally enforceable after more than a year of council inaction. STORY: Page 3

Wild times! THE VOICE wants everyone in Bedminster to appreciate the natural environment this summer. That’s why, with sponsorship from Bedminster estate agent Besley Hill, we’re offering prizes to schools who take part in our art competition. Adults can win too – find out how on page 20.

This picture of an Ashton Vale fox wins reader Stephen Brain £10. © Stephen Brain

• Target South Bristol: How Nazis took aim at our former airport Pages 23-27 • Elections: Now we have two Pages 18-19 • MONEY OFF Ride to work via Slide Page 28 • Butterflies need our help Pages 38-39

We’re truly local & proudly independent… www.oceanhome.co.uk

May 2017

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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 & The Wicked Witch. Deliveries: Greg Champion

Intro ELECTION FEVER THE election for a metro mayor for the West of England is almost upon us. Polling day is May 4. You may not see the point in another layer of bureaucracy, or wonder what good this new authority will do. Like it or not, Weca (the West of England Combined Authority) will be spending £1 billion of our money over the next 30 years. Whoever the new mayor is, he or she will have real power over where thousands of new homes are built. They will have a big say in whether there will be a new road around the south of Bristol, new links to the airport,

You can find South Bristol Voice on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/ southbristolvoice Twitter: @sbristolvoice Co. no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is May 22nd more Metrobus routes or better rail services. Who do you want in charge of all that? Better to have your say, even if it’s to keep out a party you don’t like.

BAD EXAMPLE CHILDREN are taught not to be late for school and to do their homework on time. Do the same rules apply to the council? At Holy Cross primary, which is on a double blind bend in Dean Lane where there have been several accidents, precisely nothing has been done to make the children safer in more than a year. The fact that the school asked to pay for its own crossing patrol, but got no answer from the council, beggars belief. Cllr Stephen Clarke calls the situation ridiculous. We agree.

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How do I get in touch with ... My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Surgeries on Friday May 12 and 26. Call 0117 953 3575 for an appointment. My councillor? By post: (all councillors) Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY 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

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 Fire Inquiries Emergency

0117 926 2061 999

Greater Bedminster Community Partnership Local forum for the public, councillors, police, council officials and other bodies. Next meeting TBC. Email gbcpnewsletter@gmail.com

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

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

May 2017

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n NEWS

No action to make road safe at school on 2 blind bends STAFF and parents at one of Bristol’s most dangerously situated schools are wondering why nothing has been done to improve road safety more than a year after a series of measures were proposed. Holy Cross Catholic primary school in Dean Lane is on a double blind bend and there have been several accidents nearby. After protests from parents and councillors in February 2016, the council agreed to look into several safety measures including employing a lollipop crossing patrol, enforcing the ‘No Stopping’ hazard markings, and looking into traffic restrictions and speed bumps. Yet a year later: • The hazard markings can’t be enforced because the council hasn’t issued a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO); • A crossing patrol was employed and trained – but never started work, because the post was cut in the council’s emergency spending freeze last November; • Nothing has been heard of any of the proposed changes to the road, such as installing speed cushions, or diverting traffic down Catherine Mead Street and making Dean Lane access-only. • The school is prepared to pay for its own crossing patrol if the council won’t cough up. But when it asked City Hall how to go about this, it got no reply. “We finally got someone to be a lollipop person and then Bristol city council cut the funding,” said head teacher Jo Kingston. The

Left, one of the butterfly plaques made by Holy Cross pupils which will be put up in the area around Dean Lane as part of the Let’s Walk Bedminster safety initiative

concerns that parents and school staff raised last year after a series of accidents on Dean Lane “seems to have just gone away,” said Ms Kingston. Stephen Clarke, Green councillor for Southville, called the delays “ridiculous”. “There needs to be some urgent action,” he said. “This school has an almost uniquely dangerous road configuration with so many blind spots. “I would call it a health and safety emergency.” The council told the Voice that there is no funding for major road works but it is looking “at other measures we could introduce which may provide the opportunity to reduce traffic on Dean Lane and past the school.” It said the yellow lines would not be made enforceable until a review on the Southville residents parking scheme is complete. Cllr Clarke said to wait

End of road for Motaman ONE of the few remaining car accessory shops in Bristol is closing. Motaman in Bedminster Parade was once part of a chain of five shops owned by Yousouf Ramlugon. Motaman was launched in 1985 from the ashes of the failed Motorists Discount Centre (MDC). “The market has completely changed,” said Mr Ramlugon, who came to study in Bristol from Mauritius in the 1970s. He was area manager for MDC in Bristol,

Will you be a friend to park?

and he bought the Bedminster shop from the receiver. “In those days, people did their own repairs and spent money on improving the interior comfort of their cars and the outside appearance. “These days, you almost need a computing degree to work on a car engine.” The building has planning permission for nine flats upstairs but the ground floor is expected to remain a shop.

for the RPS review was “ridiculous – there’s no connection between those things at all.” He praised the council for its recent work in closing Upton Road, outside Ashton Gate primary, as a safety measure. Now it was time to look at Holy Cross, he said. The council said the school would also have to wait for a review of all the school crossing patrols to see if it could get funding. The Voice asked why the school hadn’t even had a reply when it asked how to go about funding a patrol itself. We received no response.

Swinging: South Street park THE FRIENDS of South Street park are appealing for help in dealing with the expected reduction in parks staff and funding. The group meets at 7.30 pm in the park on Thursday May 4, with updates on new seats, more trees for the Bark Park, a new litter bin for the children’s play area, play equipment for older children, and path lighting. If it’s wet, the meeting will be in Mezzaluna on West Street. • facebook.com/fossp • Streets strewn with litter: Page 4 • Park funding fears: Page 8

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

May 2017

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n NEWS

Park bins overflow as spring dawns and cuts bite COMPLAINTS are mounting about overflowing bins in open spaces as the council struggles to cope with a freeze to its parks budget. Mayor Marvin Rees has made his Clean Streets campaign a priority, pledging that Bristol will be a cleaner city by 2020. But with the beginning of fine weather, parks in particular are strewn with rubbish and bins are overflowing all over the city. Often the problem is made worse by fly tipping. Our picture shows a car burned out in Greville Smyth park in February, while Dame Emily park has become a regular dumping ground for bits of metal bars,

broken shelves and boards. Recently a sofa was left in the community garden. Emptying bins in parks is the duty of parks staff – who are facing drastic cuts leading to a zero budget for park maintenance by 2020 (see page 8). Mr Rees is looking at making Bristol Waste clear the bins in parks as well as emptying the city’s dustbins – but this will presumably come with a cost. “This might be one of the first visible effects of cutbacks,” said Cllr Stephen Clarke, Green member for Southville. “The Greens really support the mayor’s pledge for Clean Streets but these things take

Babes welcome

combines dance, martial arts and holistic movement (including yoga). It’s on Wednesdays, 1011am, £6 drop-in – no need to book – at Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue.

A KNOWLE mum is launching a new dance-fitness class for mums, with babies welcome to attend. Helen Drane’s Nia group

Older people’s computer café

Enjoy a free cuppa and friendly free support with computers, tablets and mobiles for over-55s in a relaxed, non-classroom setting • Mezzaluna Cafe, West Street, Bedminster 1.15–3.15pm, Monday May 8 and May 22, June 5 and 19 Then every fortnight at the same times • Tobacco Factory, North Street, Southville 10.15am–12.15pm, Friday May 12 and 26, June 9 and 23 Then every fortnight at the same time

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Burnt-out: Car dumped in Greville Smyth park. PICTURE Rich Brady resources,” he said. “Fly tipping is a huge problem.” The council said: “This type of situation is why we launched the Clean Streets campaign. “We are looking for further

solutions and throughout the summer bins in popular locations are emptied more frequently. “Over the last few years a significant number of bins have been provided, repaired or refurbished in parks, particularly by neighbourhood partnerships responding to local issues.” But savings now need to be made and new bins can’t be afforded. Instead, the council says it is looking at ways of making litter collection more efficient, and is asking people to take their litter home if the bin they come across is full. The Voice asked why the problem is worse this year. The council did not respond.

Children in care as mum arrested for suspected dealing A WOMAN suspected of dealing drugs with her two young children in the car was arrested as police continue an anti-drugs clampdown in South Bristol. The 27-year-old from Bishopsworth was arrested after her car was stopped on Queen’s Road. A total of 26 £20 deal bags of cannabis were seized, as well as cash and two mobile phones. Arrangements were made for her two children to be cared for. Meanwhile, police discovered an outbuilding behind a house in Crossways Road, Knowle, which appeared to be a purpose-built cannabis factory. A father and son aged 52 and 20 were arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis after a search warrant was used at the property. A police spokesperson said: “We discovered an outbuilding at the back of the house which appeared to have been purposely built to grow cannabis. We seized over 80 plants in various stages of growth, along with bags of dried cannabis ready to be sold.” Both men are on bail. More information, received via Crimestoppers, led police to search a property in Kinsale

Road in Whitchurch on April 2, where they discovered around 500 cannabis plants, worth over half a million pounds. Hartcliffe beat manager PC Richard Jeffery said: “The cannabis factory discovered in Whitchurch was a sophisticated set-up and is increasingly common in residential areas like this. Thanks to information provided through Crimestoppers we were able to stop hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of illegal drugs getting on to the streets and, importantly, make the dodgy wiring safe, which posed a serious fire risk, putting families in neighbouring properties at risk.” Officers also seized 43 mature cannabis plants from another grow on Tanorth Road in Whitchurch. A suspect is being interviewed. Numerous other arrests have been made and vehicles seized in recent weeks in South Bristol. Anyone with information about suspected drug dealing can call police on 101 – or 999 if a crime is in progress. Calls to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 are anonymous: callers won’t be asked their name

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

May 2017

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n NEWS

No secondary for Knowle, but Oasis is allowed to open two new academies BRISTOL Grammar School will not be allowed to open a new secondary school in Knowle, the Department for Education (DfE) has decided. Instead, the predicted need for secondary places in South Bristol will be met by two schools from the Oasis academy chain. Oasis, a London-based Christian organisation, will open one school next to its John Williams academy in Hengrove. Known as Oasis South Bristol, it will be run separately from John Williams and will have six forms when it opens in September 2019, with an eventual total of 900 pupils. The other Oasis school will be in the Temple Quarter area and will eventually be Bristol’s biggest school, with 1,700 pupils. It will open in September 2018 and reach full capacity in 2022. It’s not clear exactly where Oasis Temple Quarter will be, but as it will serve central and east Bristol, it’s expected to be nearer Barton Hill than Temple Meads. Bristol Grammar School’s bid to open a 1,000-place, non-

selective secondary school in Knowle was unsuccessful. The grammar school plan, unveiled at a public meeting at Redcatch community centre last September, appeared to be supported by those present. There were worries about finding a site, however. Grammar school head Rod MacKinnon had suggested The Park centre in Daventry Road. This used to be home to the Merrywood Boys secondary school until it closed in 2000, but it is now home to more than two dozen community groups, and there would be protests if they had to leave.

IT’S NOT THE END BRISTOL Grammar school head Rod MacKinnon told the Voice the school was very disappointed not be allowed to work in Knowle. The plan to open a new secondary won a lot of support in South Bristol, he said, and the school will be seeking more feedback from the DfE in the hope that it can find another way to work in the state education sector.

Homes plan for car sales site A SECONDHAND car lot on Bedminster Road is proposed to be turned into a block of 32 flats. Developer Johnston Land has applied to build the flats – 29 of two-bedroom and three one-bed homes – on the triangular plot between Bedminster Road and Highbury Road, close to Marksbury Road library. The site was a petrol station until 2006, since when it has been a secondhand car lot, under various owners. Originally the

Knowle councillor Chris Davies said: “Both Cllr Gary Hopkins and I welcome a new secondary school in South Bristol, but it was disappointing to learn it was not in Knowle, as expected. “We have campaigned for a secondary school in Knowle for the past 20 years, since the disastrous closure by Labour of both Merrywood boys and girls schools.” The news signals the DfE’s preference for large academy

trusts to run schools. St Mary Redcliffe primary school is being forced to join an academy trust after a “failing” Ofsted report last term. • Victoria Park primary school in St John’s Lane is in consultation with staff and parents over becoming part of the trust which runs Bristol Cathedral school. Governors are thought to favour a link; the Cathedral school has a good academic record and could share facilities.

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DID YOU KNOW ... • That we collect prescriptions from all local GP surgeries? Sharp angle: The bold design proposal was for 24 flats, but the number has been increased to provide more two-bedroom homes, which the developer says are in demand in the area. There would be 22 parking spaces, mainly underneath the building. The flats would accommodate up to 98 people.

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2017.03.10

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1745

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

May 2017

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n NEWS Diesel plan that won’t go away THE LONDON firm which has twice been refused planning permission to site 48 diesel generators in St Philip’s Marsh has appealed against the refusal. Plutus Energy said the generators will run for a maximum of 200 hours a year to generate electricity when demand on the National Grid is very high. Objectors from Rade Bristol (Residents Against Dirty Energy) last year challenged Plutus’s figures on pollution levels. The site is within 200m of St Philip’s Marsh nursery school, whose head, Simon Holmes, said the development would have an unacceptable impact on health and wellbeing of children. Rade said the number of residents who would be affected by noise and pollution was larger than Plutus admitted. New developments are planned along Bath Road, including at Paintworks, close to the site. A new secondary school is also planned for the area (see page 5). Objections can be made to the Planning Inspectorate using reference 3167991: • gov.uk/government/organisations/ planning-inspectorate

Our winner CONGRATULATIONS to Bethany Squire, the lucky winner of our competition in the last issue of South Bristol Voice. The prize is a spring bouquet from Flowers & Co of Parson Street.

Arena review will take till autumn MAYOR Marvin Rees has repeated his commitment to build an arena next to Temple Meads station – and revived the idea of a 500-space car park alongside it. Mr Rees has taken personal charge of the arena project after a cabinet reshuffle. “There is a sense of urgency around this. We want an arena, we are the largest city left without an arena, and that is not ideal,” he told the council’s cabinet on April 4. “But in terms of the challenges we face financially, we have to make sure it stacks up,” he said. The council is looking at the possibility of making the 12,000 seat venue smaller or cheaper. Residents will have to wait until the autumn for the results of a “value for money” review to recommend the options. It will also become clear in the autumn whether the council can persuade its one remaining contractor, Buckingham Group, to build the arena for close to its £91 million budget. The arena is years behind schedule and now can’t open before autumn 2020. A year of negotiations with the preferred contractor, Bouygues UK, ended in January without agreement and the council was left with just one of its list of five possible developers – Buckingham. The firm may be

allowed to start some work on Arena Island which will save time later, such as site levelling, piling tests and fencing. But the council is in “a very poor negotiating position,” said Gary Hopkins, Lib-Dem party leader and councillor for Knowle. Downgrading the design or the size looks unlikely to solve the problem because it would take time, and costs are rising rapidly. “We could finish up with a poorer design with little or no saving,” said Cllr Hopkins. Building a car park at 1-9 Bath Road makes sense, he said. The spaces should be priced at a premium and pre-booked to minimise traffic and to provide funds to subsidise public transport, he suggested. The cabinet report holds out little prospect of the car park making a profit – though the council told the Voice this will not be clear until the autumn. Meanwhile the extra traffic brought to the car park makes the case for alterations to the Three Lamps junction “unanswerable”, said Cllr Hopkins. Other risks to the project are identified in a report to the cabinet. Downgrading the facilities at the arena, or making it smaller to save money would mean a new planning application – and a new building contract. It would make the arena less attractive to big

CAR PARK IS BACK THE REVIEW will consider whether the council should spend £500,000 on an eightstorey, 500-space car park on the Kwik-Fit site at 1-9 Bath Road. Previous mayor George Ferguson was not keen on the multi-storey. But the plan has resurfaced because most of Arena Island is being sold to the University of Bristol as part of its £300m new campus. This means another site must be found for the 200 parking spaces which were promised to the arena operator. An extra 300 spaces could be provided at Bath Road, but they probably won’t be for arena visitors. It is thought the council would need to maximise income on these spaces in order to pay for the car park within 20 years. Building the car park will still allow room for the Bath Road promenade – a wide footpath and cycleway from Temple Meads. But the Promenade is not funded, or planned in detail. acts, and it would reduce the income at the venue. It might also make the operator, US firm Live Nation, walk away from its deal to run the arena. The council will still have to underwrite up to £8m in possible business rate rises which Live Nation is not prepared to pay. There are also risks attached to the deal with the university. Both Arena Island and the former Royal Mail sorting office site next to Temple Meads need clearance and possible decontamination. The council may receive less for the land than the £16m it has predicted.

ASK A VET: Why should I neuter my pet?

EUTERING is the term for the removal of the reproductive organs in cats, dogs and rabbits and is widely regarded as a routine procedure. The most obvious reasons to neuter your pet are to eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancies and reduce inappropriate sexual behaviour, but there are lots of health benefits too. Here are the top five reasons to neuter your pet: 1. Spaying your female pet will stop her from coming into season and prevents unwanted and expensive pregnancies.

2. Neutering can greatly reduce testosterone-driven behaviour in males, such as spraying or scent marking and straying from home. 3. Neutering your pet can help to prevent many life-threatening cancers and womb infections. 4. Neutering helps fight pet over-population which otherwise could lead to animals being euthanised or becoming strays. 5. Rabbits reproduce much faster than dogs and cats and from a much earlier age. Unspayed female rabbits also have a 95 per cent chance of developing uterine cancer before the age of four.

Surgical developments have meant that female spays can now be done via keyhole surgery. Keyhole spays are safer and less invasive; your pet will have much smaller wounds, less post-operative pain and discomfort, and a much quicker recovery. Highcroft was one of the first practices in the UK to perform spays by keyhole surgery, putting us at the forefront of this pioneering surgical development. Overall, neutering can lead to a longer and better quality of life for your beloved companion. Book your pet in to be neutered before

Rob Parry-Hall MRCVS Ashton Veterinary Surgery June 30 and you will receive 20 per cent off. Contact Highcroft Veterinary Hospital on 01275 832410 to find out more.

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

May 2017

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n NEWS

Call for Bristol to ban advertising hoardings – especially digital ones DO YOU think advertising billboards help brighten up the streets of South Bristol? Or do you find them a blight on the cityscape? Campaigners are starting a conversation about outdoor advertising in the hope that the number of billboards can be reduced – especially in community shopping areas such as North Street, Southville. “Outdoor advertising is unique in that there’s a lack of consent,” said Ashton resident Nicola Round, who started the Adblock Bristol campaign. “If I look at Facebook or open a magazine, I might be annoyed at the advertising, but I have essentially opted in to it. “In North Street the majority of billboards are for cars, which raises a question about our status as a Green Capital city – there are no messages around green lifestyles. We have a huge problem with air quality in Bristol so why are we being sold cars? “It’s largely from multinational corporations which bring no benefit to Bristol at all. “You might have McDonald’s with a big billboard that’s in your face and in front of your children, yet a marvellous café down the road cannot do that.” Nicola would like to see the city freed of outdoor advertising – Sao Paulo in Brazil and Grenoble in France are two cities which imposed their own bans. Southville Green councillor

PLANNERS are turning down most of the applications for digital hoardings. Cllr Steve Clarke said Bristol had refused permission for 12 digital advertisement screens, while approving five and partly approving four more.

Recent refusals include two large panels planned for Bath Road, Totterdown, on the vacant former car lot nearly opposite Totterdown bridge. Planners said they would be “incongruous” near the mature trees on the riverbank

and Arnos Vale cemetery. Five residents objected to the plan, along with community group Tresa and Bristol Civic Society. Also refused was a display next to the railway bridge on St John’s Lane, Bedminster. The Civic Society said it would distract drivers, but it was refused because it would be highly visible to residents on the other side of St John’s Lane and in Clinton Avenue. In February another digital hoarding on Bedminster Down Road was turned down near the Miners Arms pub – this time because it was thought it would distract drivers.

Steve Clarke also wants to see Bristol ban hoardings, especially digital ones. “I don’t think people will realise how bad they are until they are put in – they are basically screens showing 20-second videos,” he said. They will distract drivers, he believes. “Sweden decided they are dangerous and banned them completely. “All over the world they are getting rid of them, from Auckland to Hawaii. They are also a terrible waste of energy – each one has 10,000 LED lamps and they use 25 times as much energy as an average home.” In 2015, the Green party tried to persuade Bristol council, under former mayor George Ferguson, to outlaw digital hoardings. They lost, because Mr Ferguson argued for the

revenue the screens will bring the council. Cllr Clarke addressed a packed Adblock meeting held at Hamilton House in Stokes Croft on April 13. In St Werburgh’s,

campaigners have succeeded in reducing the number of hoardings from 13 to six. Some didn’t have planning permission. Adblock Bristol is on Twitter: •@AdblockBristol

No change: Some of the Bath Road billboards which won’t be made into digital signs

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

May 2017

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n NEWS ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST eczema. Hay fever is caused by an Ask for help allergy to the pollen found in plants. Grass pollen is the usual but trees and weeds can also with the misery cause be to blame. These symptoms not only wear you down daily, making of hay fever life unbearable at this time of year,

NEEZING, runny nose, itchy eyes? The long-awaited warmer weather can signal the beginning of months of misery for the one in four people in South Bristol who are hay fever sufferers. Although some people develop hay fever for the first time as adults, most people are lifelong sufferers. It usually begins in childhood or during the teenage years. It’s more common in boys than girls. You’re also more likely to develop hay fever if you have a family history of allergies, particularly asthma or

but can also stop you enjoying the outdoors or even getting on with your daily activities. Days off school and work can be the result. The good news is that your community pharmacy is able to help you identify hay fever correctly and recommend the best treatment, compatible with any other medical conditions, pregnancy or prescribed medications. The options include antihistamines, which block the body’s allergic reaction to pollen, and steroids, which reduce the

inflammation and swelling associated with hay fever. These products come in tablets, liquid, drops and sprays and can be used alongside non-medicinal products. It’s also possible to prevent hay fever with some basic precautions: • Showering and changing clothes after being outdoors; • Staying indoors, avoid grassy areas when the pollen count is high (shut windows and doors); • Vacuum regularly; • Whenever possible, keep pets out of the house during the hay fever season; • Avoid smoking indoors as this can worsen symptoms; • Use an air purifier to extract pollen particles; • Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes

when you’re outdoors. At Bedminster Pharmacy we offer the advice, support, information and products you need to manage your specific hay fever symptoms effectively. Worryingly, some people visit A&E in desperation for help with hay fever symptoms. Our pharmacy team are confident that as your first port of call, we will save you rushing off to the GP or A&E when these symptoms appear. That said, the great British summer and your lawn that needs mowing; those are beyond our reach.We can, however, help get you ready for both. • This column by Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy aims to show how pharmacies can help with a range of conditions

Parks: More charges, and car boot sales Pet cemetery is among the ideas to save £4m OFFICIALS in charge of Bristol’s parks are looking at all kinds of options to save money – from selling spring water to opening flashy mini-golf courses. The council says many ideas will not be pursued. But the need for savings, and for generating income, is desperate if it is to achieve its aim of slashing the parks budget to zero by 2019-20. Commercial sponsorship, advertising opportunities and events such as car boot sales are being considered. Parking fees

could rise at Ashton Court, and may be introduced at other parks. Ashton Court may also get a Go Ape treetop adventure course and the council is also talking to mini-golf brand Putt in the Park. A council spokesperson said: “While some [options] may sound unusual or far-fetched, we don’t want to limit our thinking in the face of such a huge financial challenge. “In all likelihood, only a small handful of these ideas will actually be turned into more formal proposals for public consultation where appropriate.” The proposal to bottle water from a borehole at Blaise Court is “unlikely” due to environmental considerations, the council said.

A Putt in the Park course in Acton, London, where a round costs £8 Cllr Stephen Clarke, Green member for Southville, said it was reasonable to explore all kinds of ideas for savings. But the idea that the parks budget could be reduced to zero is “ridiculous” and will prove impossible, he predicted. Charging for parking will discourage the very people who

want to take exercise, he said. Susan Davies, chair of the Friends of Redcatch Park in Knowle, said charges for parking there would be hugely unpopular. And if the council will not pay for weekly safety inspections, all playgrounds will have to close. “Parents would be devastated. It is the only free outdoor healthy play many get,” she said. • More income could be raised at South Bristol crematorium in Bridgwater Road. The council is considering more burials there, including woodland burials. It is also looking for a new cemetery site in the south of the city. A pet cemetery is also on the cards. But no new sites have been identified, the council said.

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May 2017

southbristolvoice

n BRIEFLY

n NEWS

Metrobus gears up for big reveal of its two operators MAY is set to be a month of unfolding announcements for the £200 million Metrobus project. The revelation of the two firms who will operate the city’s three guided bus routes, which will dramatically cut journey times from South Bristol to the centre and the northern fringe, is imminent. Meanwhile, residents and businesses in South Liberty Lane are about to get their own entrance to the South Bristol Link Road. The new link at Brookgate will open shortly. Elsewhere, work on the Metrobus route continues. The adapted Sheene Lane traffic light junction is now open. Work to construct a new bus lane on Hartcliffe Way is “progressing well” and is expected to be completed by

autumn. Temporary two-way traffic lights have been installed at the junction of Novers Lane and Hartcliffe Way while a gas main is moved. MetroBus stops have been installed at West Street and Dalby Avenue in Bedminster. East Street will shortly be closed to vehicles for six weeks while a MetroBus stop is constructed outside Wilko. Buses will be diverted via Dalby Avenue Work begins soon to install

BRIDGE REOPENS PRINCE Street bridge is expected to reopen to traffic in early May – but only to southbound traffic (leaving the city centre). It’s expected to be one-way until summer 2018, after major works at Temple Circus are completed.

new stops either side of Bedminster Parade near Asda. The Metrobus route from Ashton Vale to Temple Meads is set to open in September. In the north of the city, the route from Cribbs Causeway to Hengrove will start running in November. The route from Ashton Vale to Hengrove via the South Bristol Link Road will be the last to open in the autumn. First Bus is the only firm known to be in talks about running the buses. The companies selected will be announced in early May. The routes have been built with £200 million of public money, including a bus flyover at Winterstoke Road. In return, the operators will have to run the routes without subsidy. • travelwest.info/metrobus

n BEDMINSTER councillor Mark Bradshaw is no longer the cabinet member in charge of transport after a reshuffle by mayor Marvin Rees. Mr Rees has taken personal oversight of roads, including a Congestion Task Group. Cllr Bradshaw was unavailable for comment. n A NATIONAL press report about Southville Green councillor Stephen Clarke exaggerated the amount he failed to pay in council tax. The satirical magazine Private Eye said Cllr Clarke owed £1,529 and was taken to court by Bristol city council. Cllr Clarke insists the debt was £153 and was the result of an administrative error. He was not taken to court and the debt has been paid, he told the Voice. n THE team at Bedminster Pharmacy in Cannon Street have been nominated for six categories in July’s C+D national pharmacy awards. more than any other chemist has ever had before. Last year the team was nominated for four awards and won one.

WHAT’S ON at St Paul’s Church? Comedy Night with Tony Vino St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road Tuesday 9 May, 7.30pm Tickets £10 for two from: Southville Centre; Glass Designs, North Street; Hare pub, North Street; Margot May, North Street; St Paul’s Church

Preston’s very own funnyman Tony Vino has been touring the comedy scene since 2005. Well aware of social and political issues, he mixes friendly well thoughtout observational humour with audience interaction and quickwitted responses.

Church Fun Day St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road Saturday 13 May, 12noon-4pm • Entertainment • Live Music • Bouncy Castle • Mr Brown’s Pig – Children’s entertainer • The Wardrobe of Infinite Possibilities • Stalls • Retro Clothes • Café • Entrance free Café Service St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road Sunday 14 May, 10.30am • Informal service café-style with a free breakfast during the service • Child-friendly service with live music • Real people telling real stories • Discussions • All are welcome

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

May 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS Police search for missing car after man dies POLICE are asking for the public’s help to find a car belonging to a man who died in South Bristol at the end of last month. The body of a 65-year-old man from Cheltenham was found at a property in York Road, Bedminster, on March 29. The man’s death is being treated as unexplained but police do not believe it was suspicious. However, his car cannot be found despite searches of the local area. The vehicle is a black Vauxhall Zafira, registration FD16 XCP and contains items belonging to the man’s wife, including a walking frame. If you have seen this car or know where it might be, call Bristol Investigations on 101 and give the reference number 5217069362.

Public get a chance to see latest plans for cycleway

A PUBLIC meeting has been announced to discuss the latest proposals to run a cycleway through Victoria Park. It’s at St Michael’s Church in Vivian Street, Windmill Hill, on Monday May 15 at 7.15pm. (The date is subject to confirmation – check the VPAG website, below.) Council officials are expected to outline plans for a compromise route which has been discussed with members of Forward Together, a community group. Forward Together grew out of the wave of protest against plans for a 4.7m wide “cycle superhighway” through the park, which attracted more than 600 objections and led to the proposal being withdrawn in January. Objectors said the wide route would encourage cyclists to ride

Southville Community Development Association Job Vacancy The SCDA Finance Manager The Southville Community Development Association (SCDA) is a forward thinking and progressive charity & company limited by guarantee that works with people in the Greater Bedminster community to help improve their health, wellbeing and happiness; we are currently building a second community centre. A key vacancy has arisen for a Finance Manager who has the experience, skills and vision to support the continued strong financial management and growth of the charity. We are looking for someone who has the right attitude and approach to be able to expand their role and that of their department as the organisation grows. Reporting to the CEO, this permanent position will be based at the Southville Centre, or nearby, and offered for the equivalent of four days/week (30 hours/week) flexible days/ hours. Salary £32,000, pro rata (£25,600) with 23 days paid annual leave plus the eight statutory bank holidays (pro rata). Application packs can be requested by emailing info@southvillecentre.org.uk or calling our reception on 0117 923 1039. The closing date for applications is Friday 2nd June, 2017; interviews will be held Tuesday 13th June, 2017.

fast and would cause conflict with other park users. There were also protests that widening several park gateways to allow for disabled access could allow motorbikes into the park. Now a compromise route has been suggested along existing paths, widened where necessary to 3m, with some short deviations around trees. However, requests to light the route with lamps in low-level bollards have not been agreed. The council wants to install 4.5m lampposts, which some feel could deter the bats who use the park. Forward Together asked for a survey of the impact of lights on

BRIDGE OF SIGHS

HOPES that the bottleneck of the St Luke’s Road underpass could be tackled with a cycle lane, with vehicles managed by traffic lights, appear to be a way off. Improved lighting under the bridge is on the cards within the next year but no other moves appear imminent.

bats. But the council is unwilling, as time is short if the £2.3 million Filwood Quietway is to be completed by next March, when government funding will expire. The council wants to hold public consultation during May and submit a planning application for the Victoria Park part of the route in June. Meanwhile, volunteers at the Northern Slopes Initiative (NSI) also hope to persuade the council to move the Quietway route. The NSI has suggested a route from Kenmare Road through the Slopes and around Cavan Walk, along the lane nearly opposite Kingswear. Members want to minimise the route through the Slopes, which they feel would disrupt the calm of the green space and lead to potential conflict with pedestrians, children and pets, especially on steep sections. • northern-slopes-initiative.co.uk • vpag.org.uk • travelwest.info/projects/cycleambition-fund/bristol/filwood-

Cash flows in to replace ‘the best swings in Bristol’ THE 35-year-old swings at Greville Smyth park have been removed after council officials decided they could be unsafe. Now an appeal by the park’s friends group, FroGS, to replace them has got off to flying start. An Easter egg trail organised by the Hopper coffee stall has helped collect more than £1,100 – over a tenth of the £10,000 needed – in just five days. Cllr Celia Phipps, who chairs FroGS, said: “We are committed to replacing the swings with play equipment, of which tall swings seem very popular, but would like to include something for less able children too.” Feedback from park users on Facebook showed that most wanted the swings replaced, preferably with tall ones like those that have been removed – which were the “best swings in Bristol”, according to some. The

Unsafe: The swings PICTURE Rich Brady council has declared it has no money to replace the swings or the surface – it is aiming to reduce parks spending to zero by 2020. The swings appear to have plenty of supporters. A video clip of the swings being torn down by a council contractor noticed up 2,000 views within two days. A crowdfunding appeal has been set up for contributions: • justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ greville-smyth-park-swings • facebook.com/frogsbristol

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May 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

Mums make plan for flexible childcare IT’S A chicken and egg situation for too many parents. They need to work to provide for their children. But they can’t work because they can’t find childcare. Now two South Bristol mums are trying to close that gap with an idea called Caboodle – providing affordable childcare for freelance workers who might need care at short notice. The big idea is that Caboodle will also be a workspace – so parents won’t have to travel to work after leaving their child. They won’t be far away if their

child needs them – and they will be surrounded by a community of other working parents. It’s the brainchild of working mums Eleanor Christmas and Isobel Kearney. Both from Southville, they realised that they were both finding it difficult to work as much as they would like. A quick survey of others who attend the Freelance Mum group at Windmill Hill City Farm got more than 70 responses. “A lot of people are struggling to get their business off the ground,” said Eleanor. “Some of

them are having to turn down work because they cannot get childcare, or they aren’t able to accept projects at short notice. “Plus there’s a shortage of childcare generally, and the good settings have waiting lists.” The pair see Caboodle as a place where people can rent desk space, while elsewhere in the building, qualified nursery workers are looking after their children. They want a place which will accept children at short notice, and not demand a commitment to regular times.

It could also become a community that offers support in parenting, as well as a network of freelance workers, perhaps with mentoring and training as well. Eleanor and Isabel are talking to possible venues across South Bristol. They hope to get grants to pay for start-up costs, and maybe charge a membership fee. They aim to be running pop-up events by September, while looking for a long-term venue. To find out more, email i.k.s.kearney@gmail.com or eleanor.freeman@live.co.uk.

Timber cornice introduced to head of fascia to match surviving one at no 219 North Street

2565

NOTES: Where replacement console brackets are required for nos 227-229, these should replicate the surviving one at no 219 Lion Stores - see photo sheet

287

New Console Brackets to both sides no 231 to match those above existin shopfront at Mack Daddy, number 23 North Street

4795

Paint finish to no 227 shopfront to be in RAL3003 Ruby Red

Paint finish to no 229 shopfront to be in RAL6005 Moss Green

New fascia with 1970s 'fish and chip style lettering as indicted - colours T Lettering to be lit from behind with concealed 'halo' illumination

ENTRANCE THIS WAY 2735

2785 New paint finished timber shopfront to no 227, traditional victorian details throughout including fine glazing bars, fixed lights either side of recessed outward opening entrance door. Entrance to unit remains in existing position. Doorway recess to have traditional tiled floor - to be to a pattern specially comissioned by Loungers to incorporate words LOUNGE and CAFE BAR Note - recessed outward opening door is required for fire escape purposes

626

319 3190

Pilasters to be expressed at both sides of all 3 shopfronts, overclad with paint finished timber

Timber cornice introduced to head of fascia to match surviving one at no 235 North Street This to include lead cover flashing, and timber drip mould

Hand painted 'distressed' sign to read LOUNGE

Existing Console Bracket retained, repaired and re-decorated

310

Surviving Console Bracket at No 225 North Street, bottom section missing

Individual powder coated metal lettering, with soft backlit halo illumination. Front faces to letters to be in off white, returns to be in gold

Existing Console Bracket retained, repaired and re-decorated

2920

THE LOUNGE bar in North Street wants to change its frontage so that it looks like the three shops it replaced. The Lounge was the first in a

chain of 80 café bars which eventually spread across England and Wales. It opened in 2002, helping to start the transformation of North Street into a popular destination for shoppers seeking independent traders. It started at 227 North Street, expanded into No 229 in 2005, and to No 231 in 2009.

Lounge seeks a retro look

Back to the future: How Lounge would look if shopfronts are restored

Each of the three shopfronts to numbers 227-231 should 'step down' the street with the gradient, with exactly the same increments as the fenestration and string courses do from one building to the next - evident on the first and second floors

New paint finished timber shopfront to no 229, with sliding folding windows where indicated; fixed light to centre. Stained glass fixed lights installed above sliding folding windows. Gloss brick tiled stall riser - colour / pattern TBC

No 231 to have new full-height sliding folding doors

Fixed light and panel in centre - it is NOT a door but is intended to reference where the door would once have been, and help to increase the indivduality of each of the three shopfronts

Rev

Date

RICHARD

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Email: fostering@five-rivers.org www.five-rivers.org/fostering Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

P E D LA R A R C H I T

AR C H IT E C T U R E • C O N S E R VAT I O N • U R BAN

RPCA 4 Grove Road Redland Bristol BS6 6UJ • 0117 974 2612 www.rpca.co.uk • info@rpca.co.uk Project

We have noted that existing console brackets appear to survive on nos 227-229 - and if possible, these may be saved and re-used in situ, once existing fascia has been removed.

Initials Details

Purpose of Issue

PLANNING & ADVERTISEMENT APPLICAT

LOUNGE, 227-231 North Street Bedminster Bristol

Client

Loungers Ltd.

Title

Shopfront Elevations as proposed

Drawing No.

LNG3577.03-

Scale

1:25 @A1 1:50 @A3

Date

DEC

Responsibility is not accepted for errors made by others in scalin drawing. All construction information to be taken from figured dim

May 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

Rapid repairs put a little library back in circulation THE LITTLE libraries which have been springing up in public spaces across the BS3 area are going from strength to strength – despite the efforts of vandals. Three Little Libraries were custom-made earlier in the year and installed in South Street Park, in Luckwell Road and in Ashton Vale. The idea is that they are a safe, watertight space for people to find and swap books, and they have been really popular. Organiser Eleanor Christmas says the reaction has been so good that she is not downhearted that the Luckwell Road library was vandalised on April 8 by louts who set it on fire. Luckily Wayne Smith, the craftsman who runs Waney Edge carpenters in Bower Ashton, who created the libraries, is confident he can repair the damage, and Luckwell Road should have its library back by the time the Voice is printed. Eleanor said the response to the idea has been “brilliant”. “People have been really enthusiastic,” she said. “They have told me that they have brought books to the libraries, taken books out and swapped them between the libraries. They have sat in the parks and read them, there’s a real variety of uses.” The idea hasn’t even demanded much work – once the libraries were stocked, including a donation of children’s books, local people have made sure

Popular: One of 3 Little Libraries there is always plenty to read at each location. “One of the libraries got a bit low – I saw a post on Facebook and people said straight away they would take books down there, which is really encouraging.” Eleanor is identifying other areas which might be suitable for their own mini-library. The first three cost £500 each, paid for by Greater Bedminster Community Partnership, but she thinks it might be possible to supply them for less. “I would really love to see a network of Little Libraries across South Bristol,” she said. “people have been so enthusiastic in their responses so I want to make the most of it.”

Lopresti’s accused of not paying the minimun wage LOPRESTI & SONS, one of Bristol’s best-known family ice cream makers, have been accused of failing to pay the minimum wage. The Bristol Cable magazine reported complaints from four ex-workers for the family, who run a fleet of ice cream vans from their shop in Bedminster Parade. Workers were paid as little as £20 a day, or £2.50 an hour, for a working day as long as 10 hours, the Cable alleged. The magazine sent in its own reporter to work for the Loprestis. He said he was paid an average of £3.42 an hour over two weeks. The minimum wage is £7.50 an hour for those over 25. Before April 1, it was £7.20 an hour. The Cable reported that its employee was told the payment – which was made in cash – included a five per cent commission on ice cream sales. Not paying the minimum wage is a criminal offence, whether commission is included or not. A story in The Sun on April 1 reported that the Filton Tory MP Jack Lopresti, who is a relative of the family, had “disowned” the actions of his relatives. The Cable made allegations that the Loprestis housed employees in substandard accommodation which they own. The reports also said that

bosses Salvatore and Robert Lopresti were abusive to staff. The family has not responded to the allegations in detail. The Sun said the firm gave no response to its story. The Cable received no answer to its first story, on March 30. A second story, published online on April 19, received this reply: “A number of issues you have raised in your last publication are incorrect. One being, mislead information of Jack Lopresti.” The firm declined to explain this statement to the Cable. The Voice was unable to obtain a statement from the company. We hope to report the family’s response to the allegations in a future issue. Bristol city council has been asked if it will reconsider licensing the firm to sell ice creams at council property such as Ashton Court. A council spokesperson said: “The allegations that have been made are undoubtedly serious and we would encourage staff to report these allegations to the appropriate authority. At this stage it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.” HMRC said it investigated all complaints about not being paid the minimum wage. Complaints can be made in confidence to Acas on 0300 123 1100.

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n NEWS

Rollo says it has deal to buy more of Bedminster Green DEVELOPER Rollo Homes – already embroiled in a row with residents over plans to build 10 storeys of flats at Bedminster Green – says it has a deal to buy another major part of the site. Paul O’Brien, owner of Rollo, told the Voice he had exchanged contracts on part of Plot 4 on the Green. This is an area near Stafford Street on the East Street side of Malago Road. Mr O’Brien has an agreement to buy part of the plot, which is split between several owners. Rollo Homes has previously been accused of failing to consult residents and not wanting to contribute to the community facilities envisioned in the Framework plan for the whole of the Green, drawn up by another developer, Urbis. But Mr O’Brien insisted Rollo does want to respect the Framework vision. He said he is talking to a local GP practice about building a new surgery. However, Urbis has already proposed a doctors’ surgery elsewhere on the Green. Similarly, Urbis has spoken of plans to build a district energy centre to provide heat and power for 2,000 homes in Bedminster and Windmill Hill, while Rollo has got in first with a planning application for its own energy centre on part of Plot 1. It is hard to see how developers can be allowed to build similar schemes in competition. All the developers working in the area

Criticised: The Rollo plan for flats are due to meet, at the council’s invitation, in the next few weeks. Mr O’Brien said: “We are going to have a meeting with all the stakeholders to work out exactly what everyone requires.” The firms are understood to include Rollo; Urbis; Longharbour, which is developing St Catherine’s Place; and City & Country, which is building flats in the old tobacco offices in Bedminster Parade. Rollo’s planning application for 217 flats on Plot 1 – the old Pring & St Hill site – has drawn almost 225 objections. The council insists it wants to keep open the option of building a bus lane along the edge of Plot 1, and Rollo is in talks about redrawing the plans. But this should only mean a delay of weeks, Mr O’Brien told the Voice. It’s unclear what Rollo’s purchase of part of Plot 4 will mean for the wider Green plans. Under the Urbis vision, the whole of Plot 4 was earmarked for up to

550 homes and an underground car park with 170 spaces. Urbis is focusing on Plot 5, the largest site on the Green, which includes the station (see panel). Meanwhile Rollo’s energy centre plan has drawn 14 objections. Critics say it is large and ugly, with a 31m chimney dominating the skyline. One resident of St John’s Road said: “The exhaust flue looks huge and will dominate this mainly residential landscape.” A spokesperson for WHaM, the Windmill Hill planning group, said: “WHaM notes with interest that Paul O’Brien is now intending to develop another plot in the Bedminster Green area. “Having failed to consult with the community, increased building heights on the Malago Road plot, not followed the councils recommended preapplication process or contributed to the master plan for the area, Rollo Homes has done nothing to inspire confidence in the community or change our view that the developer has any motive other than profit. “However, we are pleased to hear that Rollo now intends to take part in discussions. We hope that they will now engage in a meaningful exchange with other stakeholders, in particular the community, and present a design that is healthy, sustainable, appropriate, affordable and promotes community cohesion.”

RESIDENTS OBJECT TO 17-STOREY BLOCK DEVELOPER Urbis, which lost a bidding war to buy the Pring & St Hill site to Rollo Homes, is pressing ahead with its own vision for the other four sites on Bedminster Green, which could see up to 800 homes built. It expects to submit its own pre-application for an energy centre shortly. Urbis has been holding monthly meetings with local groups such as BS3 Planning and WHaM, the Windmill Hill planning group. Urbis has made a preapplication proposal for Plot 5 – the central area of the Green which will include a rebuilt railway station plus a doctors’ surgery, about 100 student flats, and 250 other homes – of which 30 per cent (about 75) would be affordable. There would be about 150 two-bedroom flats and 100 of one bedroom. Urbis is in talks with another builder, Generator, about developing Plot 5, but neither Urbis nor the council – which owns the plot – will accept any developer which will not meet the social homes threshold. WHaM’s chair Howard Purse welcomed the affordable homes, but said residents could not accept the scale of the buildings proposed – up to 17 storeys. “The height is completely unacceptable,” said Mr Purse. “This area is predominantly three or four storeys.” Other developments in the vicinity are much lower, he said, such as Wapping Wharf, which is mainly five storeys, or the Redrow site at Bedminster Road, which is up to three storeys.

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

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May 2017

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n NEWS

Video shows ram-raiders as they back car into Co-op POLICE have released CCTV footage as part of an appeal for information following a burglary at a Bedminster supermarket. A stolen car was used to smash through the metal shutters of the Co-op on North Street, at about 2am on Tuesday April 4. The video shows the car being reversed slowly into the shop’s shutter with just enough force to break the lock. Three men forced their way into the store and stole a large quantity of cigarettes. One of the men wore a grey or black hooded top, black jogging

bottoms, a grey woolly hat and gloves. A second wore a grey or black striped hooded top, grey jogging bottoms and gloves, while the third had a blue hooded top and black jogging bottoms with a white stripe on the side and gloves. The car, a Fiat Bravo, had been stolen in Burnham-On-Sea. It was found several days later in Southmead. Anyone who has been offered cheap cigarettes for sale or who has any information about the incident is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5217073787.

Caught on camera: Two men wait while another backs car into shutters

Pedal power can help you feel better IF YOU’RE going through stress, anxiety, depression, or you’re an older person looking for a new way to feel better why not try cycling? The Life Cycle project supports people who’d like to give cycling a try. In Southville and Bedminster, it’s offering “bike buddies” to the over-55s who might need a few tips before they get on the road. Spokesperson Julie Hares said: “Many older people tell us they want to cycle, but don’t feel confident about going out alone. The aim of this project is to give older people the confidence to start or return to cycling around their local neighborhood.” Life Cycle has recruited some friendly cycle buddies – experienced cyclists who will use their local knowledge to help people discover local cycle paths

can also help with low-cost bikes, free one-to-one training, and help in learning bike maintenance. It’s linked to a project called Bike Minded, which helps people who might be isolated or have mental health problems to get on two wheels. It says all its participants so far report cycling had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing; 85 per cent feel healthier and 79 per cent say they now socialise more. The group will be part of a

Cycling Activity Day on Saturday June 10 at the Bristol Family Cycling Centre in Bamfield, Hengrove, from 10am-4pm. There will be free cycling taster sessions for people of all ages and abilities. The centre has a range of cycles for people with various disabilities. It also runs bike maintenance sessions, can help find cheap bikes, and more. To find out more call Life Cycle on 0117 353 4580 or email julie@lifecycleuk.org.uk. • Lifecycleuk.org.uk/wellbeing

Ride on: Cycling for all abilities and quiet roads. Participants will be able to borrow a bike, and there will also be opportunities for social bike rides. The group

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May 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS Bookshop café Explore all the secrets of the Cumberland Basin DO YOU want to find out more walkers will tour the Cumberland hold the walks at 10.15am on for former fire about South Bristol’s own Basin, seeing how the Thursday May 4, at 1.30pm on waterway, the Cumberland Basin? development of the lock system Wednesday May 10, at 6.15pm on station building As part of the Bristol Walking and the Floating Harbour Wednesday May 17 and at Festival, Ed Hall will lead a walk entitled Exploring the Cumberland Basin. It will last around 1.5 hours, starting at the Cottage Inn on Baltic Wharf. The

Rebuilt: How the site would look ONE OF Southville’s historic tobacco buildings could be turned into a bookshop and cafe with a three-bed house on top. Plans have been submitted to the council for the Old Fire Station at 125 Raleigh Road. It was built some time after 1921 as a fire station for the sprawling Imperial Tobacco works. Its owners want to turn its courtyard and ground floor into a community bookshop and café, selling secondhand books. Co-owner Alice Sommerlad describes herself as a bookseller of 15 years who also owns a pub bookshop, Beerwolf Books, in Falmouth, Cornwall. The application says the plans have been altered several times to take account of concerns from neighbours, and have dropped a plan to sell alcohol in the café. Green councillor Charlie Bolton has objected to the plan. “I am increasingly not a fan of café/bar/restaurants in residential areas,” he said. “I also think there comes a distance from North Street where it isn’t North Street any more, and is a place where people live – this is about it.”

enabled Bristol to manage its high tidal range so that trade could flourish. Ed, a member of Franc, the Friends of Avon New Cut, will

1.30pm on Thursday May 25. Book a place by calling Ed on 07805 007304. Walks are limited to 20 people and cost £2. • bristolwalkfest.com

Let us keep our pitch, plead footballers to the City Farm Windmill Hill City Farm considers council request for a nursery FOOTBALLERS are up in arms over a threat to their cherished five-a-side pitch at Windmill Hill City Farm. The farm, in Phillip Street, Bedminster, is considering a plan to put a up a new nursery building in place of the pitch. There is a major shortage of nursery places in South Bristol, and government money is available to help Bristol city council pay for the new facility. But many of the players in the 13 teams who use the pitch don’t see why they should have to move out. “Providing pre-school facilities is important, but so is providing sports facilities,” said Elfyn Griffith, a Windmill Hill

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resident who has played at the farm for almost 20 years in a team called Stonybroke Celtic. Many of the teams who use the pitch don’t want to play anywhere else, he said. It is tucked behind the farm buildings near Whitehouse Street and causes no disturbance. “There’s a women’s team who have been playing there 25 years,” said Elfyn. “They don’t want to move because they find it a very safe environment in which to play – it’s a community facility, it’s off the road and it’s sheltered.” Elfyn said many of the players feel the farm has not invested in the pitch even though it receives fees from the teams of around £15 an hour. “Thirteen years ago it had really deteriorated and it was really quite dangerous and a few of the teams lobbied the farm to do something about it,” said Elfyn. The result was a £56,000 grant from the Football Foundation, which paid for a new artificial playing surface and new changing facilities. It was given with the expectation that the pitch would be maintained for 21 years. But now the pitch is deteriorating again, making the surface dangerously slippery at times – a player broke their hip there last year, said Elfyn.

He urged the club to promote the pitch more, perhaps raising charges slightly, and advertising competitions. Then the revenue might pay for it to be well maintained, he said. Steve Sayer, the chief executive of the farm, told the Voice: “This is clearly a big decision for the organisation to take and one that won’t be taken lightly despite the tight time frame. We’re weighing up which one of two competing community needs the farm is best placed to provide for. If it does come to losing the pitch facility then we’ll do our best to ensure that a good alternative is put in place nearby for the teams, many of whom have played here for decades.” The pitch is adequately maintained, but is getting old, Mr Sayer said. The farm’s board of trustees decided on April 24 to delay a decision on the use of the pitch, and to meet with representatives of the club to see if an agreement can be reached. Mr Sayer said the farm was under pressure to act swiftly because the funding is tied to a government scheme. If the farm does apply for planning permission for a nursery, the football players will oppose it, said Elfyn.

Meeting to tackle school cuts A BEDMINSTER school is to host a meeting highlighting claimed £32.6 million cuts to the city’s schools. Called Fair School Funding For Bristol, it’s on Tuesday May 16 at 6pm at Parson Street primary school. Parson

Street head Jamie Barry is Bristol secretary for the NAHT, the head teachers union. Speakers include Paul Jacobs, Bristol city council’s director of education. • facebook.com/groups/ FFFschoolsBristol

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May 2017

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n NEWS

Berry maze hits its cash target in a few weeks PLANS for a berry maze to transform a neglected piece of open space near the River Malago, between Marksbury Road and Parson Street, are taking off. Organiser Raluca McKett, who has been leading efforts to clean up Brixham Road open space, is delighted that all the £3,500 needed to get the project off the ground has been pledged. The idea is to plant a maze of soft fruit bushes, from raspberries to strawberries, loganberries and white berries, in the shape of a maze, with benches and raised planters. “If only a month ago the berry maze was just a lovely idea, it

Winner: A part of Harry’s vision now seems to have developed into a fully-fledged project!” she said. Raluca said she was “absolutely over the moon” about raising the money needed so soon. The idea led to a competition at Parson Street primary school, where pupil Harry Wood, 9, drew the winning design and helped win publicity for the project. Raluca said: “Thanks to the wonderful support of the local press and the amazing enthusiasm of the residents and volunteers high and low across Bristol, the maze, which will be

planted in November, instead of a field of weeds, is very close to becoming a reality.” Within three weeks, donations were piling up from local people, many of them pledging anonymously. They were joined by developer Redrow, which is building homes nearby in Bedminster Road, and local businesses such as Bedminster’s Ivory Flowers. More than £1,000 was raised before the Greggs Foundation, the charitable arm of high street baker Greggs, awarded a grant of £1,739. The total was agonisingly close until a final donation of £1,000 from an organisation called Growing a Greener Britain tipped the appeal over the target. And there may be more: Tesco shoppers can vote for the maze to benefit in its Bags of Hope scheme. Details on Facebook, below. The maze has also attracted a pool of almost 90 volunteers. It may become part of the Bristol Open Doors Day in September. To find out more, email malagocommunity@gmail.com • Facebook: TheBerryMaze2017

Police mounted unit set to find a new buyer A NEW owner may shortly be revealed for the land at Bower Ashton which used to house the police mounted and dog unit. Avon & Somerset police told the Voice that it is in talks with a potential buyer for the land, and expects to announce a deal in the coming weeks. Last year the Caravan Club applied for planning permission to make the site in Clanage Lane into a caravan park. But this was refused by Bristol city council in November, on the grounds that it would affect sensitive views around Ashton Court, and also because of a flood risk. The Caravan Club wants to find a new site near Bristol because the council may force it to move from the harbourside site off Cumberland Road, which is council-owned and would be very valuable to developers.

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May 2017

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n NEWS

Election catches most parties with no candidate yet THE SURPRISE announcement of a general election on June 8 has caught most of the parties on the hop, without candidates in place. In Bristol South, sitting Labour MP Karin Smyth remains her party’s candidate, and the obvious frontrunner. The Green party has selected Tony Dyer as its candidate – he stood in 2015, coming fourth behind Labour, Conservative, and UKIP. The other major parties have yet to select candidates. Dr Mark Wright, the Lib Dem challenger last time, told the Voice he would

not stand: he is father to a newborn child and doesn’t want to disrupt his family. The Conservatives, UKIP and the Lib Dems are expected to take a few days to pick their candidates – though all should be known by early May. An early declarer for Bristol South is John Langley. He is a former porn film producer and stood as an independent for Bristol mayor in 2016, and as a UKIP candidate for the 2015 council elections. He told the Bristol Post he was standing to challenge Labour’s record on building

THE GENERAL ELECTION

THE ODDS Bristol South, 2017 Labour Conservative Liberal Democrat UKIP Green

VOTING IN 2015

4/11 2/1 25/1 33/1 50/1

Source: PaddyPower.com homes. Mayor Marvin Rees has not met his promise to build 2,000 homes a year, he said. Ms Smyth holds Bristol South with a majority of 7,000. The seat has been Labour since 1935; from 1987 to 2015 it was held by Dawn Primarolo. Baroness Primarolo is now in the House of Lords and was a long-serving Treasury minister under Gordon Brown, then deputy speaker of the House of Commons from 2010. In the Labour landslide of 1997, the party took 60 per cent of the vote in Bristol South. That was down to 38 per cent in 2010

Labour Karin Smyth 19,505 38.4% Conservative Isobel Grant 12,377 24.3% UKIP Steve Wood 8,381 16.5% Green Tony Dyer 5,861 11.5% Liberal Democrat Mark Wright 4,416 8.7% TUSC Tom Baldwin 302 0.6% and 2015 under a growing challenge from the Liberal Democrats, Greens and UKIP. But it is the Conservatives who have been Labour’s most consistent opponent in Bristol South. Karin Smyth told the Voice that she sees the Tories as her chief opponents. A video interview with Ms Smyth will be on the South Bristol Voice website, and we’ll add interviews with the other candidates as soon as we can. Tom Baldwin has stood for the TUSC (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition) in Bristol South since 2010.

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May 2017

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n NEWS

WEST OF ENGLAND MAYORAL ELECTION

Too close to call, but how many will vote? THE ELECTION for the first mayor to have powers over the West of England is neck and neck between the Liberal Democrat and Conservative candidates, according to the bookies. Ladbrokes has the Lib Dem, Stephen Williams, at 11/10, the same odds as it is offering on Tim Bowles, the Tory. Lesley Mansell, the Labour candidate, trails at 8/1, down from 6/1 earlier in the campaign. However, an online poll for the Bristol Post had Ms Mansell only narrowly behind Mr Bowles. In a sample of 2,500 Post readers, 14.4 per cent made Mr Bowles their first choice, followed by 14.2 per cent for Ms Mansell. Mr Williams was supported by 11 per cent of readers. Fewer than 10 per cent opted for the Green, UKIP and Independent candidates, in that order. The Post sample may not be be representative, though. Labour traditionally has more support in Bristol than it does in South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset, the other areas in the new West of England Combined Authority (Weca). The poll also found that 43 per cent of readers do not intend to vote on May 4. There is an extra twist to the voting process, though. As in last year’s Bristol mayoral election, voters get a second choice. If a candidate gets more than 50 per cent of first preference votes, they win. If not, second preferences are counted. In the Post poll, the Greens led the second-choice votes, followed by Labour, Lib Dem, Conservative, UKIP and Independent.

WHAT HAVE THEY PROMISED?

This is a snapshot. You can read more from the candidates in the last edition of the Voice at issuu.com/ southbristolvoice and extensive coverage at bristolpost.co.uk/all-about/politics Tim Bowles Conservative Experience: business and district councillor. • Protect green spaces, prioritise urban regeneration, develop disused and brownfield sites. • New rail stations and services. • Improve junctions and traffic lights on South Bristol Link. • Prevent flooding on Scotland Lane, which links A4-Stockwood. • Invest in skills, infrastructure.

Darren Hall Green Experience: engineer, RAF officer, environmental consultant. • Make new homes more energy efficient and more affordable. • Ethical lettings policy. • Equal priority for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. • Clean air zones in Bristol and Bath. • Diversify and decarbonise to make Bristol-Bath world-leading smart city.

Aaron Foot UKIP Experience: dairy farmer, parish councillor, candidate for PCC in 2016. • End war on motorists and integrate transport network so bus, train and road work together. • Protect Green Belt, prime agricultural land and natural wildlife habitats. • Create a direct democracy platform in first 100 days in office.

Lesley Mansell Labour Experience: trade union negotiation, NHS management, parish councillor. • Build 4,000 homes a year, 1,200 affordable. • Help small firms chase late payments and obtain finance. • Free transport for 16-19 year-olds. • Action against rogue landlords. • Maintain business and cultural

THE ODDS

Stephen Williams Lib Dem Tim Bowles Conservative Lesley Mansell Labour John Savage Independent Darren Hall Green Aaron Foot UKIP

11/10 11/10 8/1 12/1 66/1 100/1

Source: Ladbrokes.com

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links abroad after Brexit. John Savage Independent Experience: business and NHS management. • A super-tram linking the city centre to Cribbs Causeway, UWE, Bath and Bristol airport. • Stop corporations letting development land lie idle. • Wants to bring Channel 4 HQ to West of England. • Build more modular homes. • Get more power from Westminster. Stephen Williams Lib Dem Experience: MP and government minister. • Scrap Severn Bridge tolls. • Improve rural broadband and make Bristol and Bath hi-tech and creative centre. • Tidal power in Severn estuary. • Low rent start-up space for tech businesses and social enterprises.

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May 2017

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n NEWS

Challenge to all fans of urban wildlife Entries invited as Voice launches contest to boost My Wild Bedminster CAN YOU beat this? Our photo of an urban – well, urban fringe – fox was taken at Ashton Vale by Stephen Brain. Stephen regularly patrols the fields near Ashton Vale looking for wildlife to photograph. He’s interested to see if the South Bristol Link road will make any difference to what he finds. Stephen is the first winner of our monthly £10 prize for adults for pictures of wildlife submitted from BS3. Send your photos to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk Schools have already been invited to take part in My Wild Bedminster, which aims to make us all more aware of the wildlife around us, and what we can do to

WHAT HAVE I SEEN? Do you want help identifying a bird, insect plant or any other form of wildlife? South Bristol Voice wildlife expert Alex Morss has set up an iSpot page where an online community can help tell you waht you’ve found. • ispotnature.org/projects/mywild-bedminster-alexmorss

Spotted: Bedminster hedgehog Distracted: Ashton Vale fox sights a butterfly improve natural habitats. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Besley Hill estate agents in East Street, we’re able to offer visits to schools from wildlife experts. We’re encouraging children to

PICTURE: ©Stephen Brain

make artwork of the wild creatures they see around them. The best will be in an exhibition in the autumn, with prizes for the best school to help them improve their natural

habitat – such as bird or bat boxes. One creature in short supply in BS3 is the hedgehog – which is why it was great to see this sighting (above) by Jackie Smith in Willada Close. Send your pictures to: • paul@southbristol voice.co.uk

New plan for Ashton’s art deco garage The new proposal for the old Mercedes garage at the corner of Winterstoke Road and Marsh Road

NEW plans have been submitted for a self-storage business on the site of the former art-deco garage at the northern end of Winterstoke Road, Ashton. Unlike an earlier plan, the application from Access Self Storage includes no housing. The old garage was a rare example of a 1930s art deco car showroom. Its short clocktower with its sculpted wheel symbols has been a famous landmark near Ashton Gate for decades. Planning permission was granted in 2008. But the land was found to be contaminated from its years as a garage and workshop, delaying the work and leading to a new plan without a basement. When builders got back on the site in 2015, the art deco tower was found to be crumbling away. It has been demolished, but is proposed be rebuilt to the same height, topped by a stainless steel cap with a wheel symbol recalling the original. The plan has already drawn one objection that people have not been adequately consulted. Neil Sellers, of the BS3 Planning Group, told the council:

“We are concerned at the claimed community involvement here. “We were not consulted directly and it appears that only seven days notice was given the local residents of an event [held in February] to view the proposals. For such a significant and highly visible site we do not believe that this is adequate.” The 2008 previous plan included 14 homes facing Bower Ashton Terrace, but these have been removed. Now the plan calls for 9,085 sq m of self storage units and 520 sq m of rented offices, with 20 parking spaces – 12 of them for the office users. There would be a separate entrance and exit for vehicles off Marsh Road. People living in Bower Ashton Terrace complained they would be overshadowed, would suffer from noise and their gardens would lose sunlight. The new plan says detailed assessments have found the homes will suffer no noticeable reduction in daylight, or overshadowing to the front gardens. Noise levels are high because of the road layout, it said.

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May 2017

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n NEWS

Magic mural to play by CHILDREN at Oasis Marksbury Road primary school have been watching a work of art take shape before their eyes – and now it’s part of their playground. South Bristol artist Olly Gage, well known for murals including those in Redcatch Park, devised his own story for the 100ft scene, using elements from the local area, nature, fantasy – and even fitting in the school’s four rules. “We wanted something that was going to make the space look great but also something that was

meaningful to school life,” said deputy head Clare Robinson. Olly has included local landmarks – such as Holy Nativity church in Wells Road – and colourful terraced houses. It took Olly five days to paint it all. While he was working the children were watching avidly from the other side of the playground with the constant refrain: “What are you painting?” A longer version of this story is online. • southbristolvoice.co.uk

Aim High: Artist Olly Gage and some of the Marksbury Road children

National awards for Bristol archers Families invited to try out tennis AN ARNOS Vale woman has been given a national award for her work making news about archery accessible to the sport’s many disabled followers. Sheena McCullagh is web master and archery coach at Golden Phoenix Archers, the disabled archery group allied to Bristol Bowmen. The two Bristol clubs – which shoot indoors at The Park centre,

Knowle – won Club Website of the Year at the annual Archery GB awards. Sheena also won a bronze plaquette and a signed Rio 2016 Paralympic shirt. She spends up to 40 hours a month making each issue of Archery UK magazine accessible to visually impaired members. • bristolanddisabledarchers.org.uk

BRISTOL is one of 15 cities that have been selected as a European City of Sport – and one South Bristol tennis club is playing its part. Knowle Lawn Tennis club is offering trial memberships for a whole family for £40. The aim is to get families to try tennis to see if they like it – either as a family activity or for individual family members.

Facilities include: •4 floodlit courts; • Clubhouse with disabled access (also available for private hire); • LTA coach • Big TV screen and licensed bar

Membership lasts six weeks and includes one free group coaching session for each family member. Members can use the courts during the day and also during Club Play sessions. The offer is open from May 6 to September 16, and if any of the family join the club, £40 will be deducted from their subscription. • knowlelawntennis.net

Watch out for the Great British Tennis Weekend, July 23-24 A chance for all the family to try tennis – racquets and balls provided.

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For more information contact Margaret Griffin on 0117 977 7800 or kltcmembershipsec@gmail.com Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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May 2017

n NEWS

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May 2017

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n HISTORY Living next to Hitler’s prime target in the Bristol suburbs

ARRY Fox grew up in the thick of it. Like everyone else who was born in South Bristol during the Second World War, he may have been little aware of the global conflict, but it was going on all around him. And though he didn’t know it, he was living next door to one of the most important locations in Britain – the first Bristol airport. Why was it so vital, and how do we know? Well, it was important to Hitler – as our picture (right) shows, the Luftwaffe went to the trouble of photographing it. The Whitchurch Flugplatz, as it was referred to, had a long runway of more than 900 feet, and as such it was of strategic importance. But there was another reason: Whitchurch was Britain’s back door to the world. It was one of very few civilian airports to operate during the war, and the only one with flights to Ireland and Portugal. The Irish route via

There’s little left to see now of the first international airport in Bristol – or its role in the Second World War

THE HENGROVE POEMS Barry Fox, who has lived in Canada since 1969, visited his father Bill in Hengrove in May 2000. Wanting to hold on to his father’s memories, particularly about the war, he tape recorded their conversations. Transcribing them, he said, “I saw descriptions of small events whose drama I had never recognised.” He wrote 32 poems in all, mostly in Bill Fox’s voice. You can read them at • www.acadiau.ca/~bfox/ poemlist.htm#young

He’d been up the early hours of the morning Going across to the moors Getting water cress. Now water cress Was another thing where people could get, What shall we say, the wrong thing. He knew what water cress was. It would be wild.

Bedminster before the War There was a man came round Bedminster Sunday lunchtime. My mother always Referred to him as Dirty Jack. And all the neighbours, because he looked Filthy dirty.

Shannon led to the United States, a hazardous journey open only to VIPs. Winston Churchill himself is said to have used Whitchurch as a stopping-off point on his wartime visits to President Roosevelt.

he Fox family moved to Petherton Gardens, on the edge of the aerodrome, at the outbreak of war. Barry’s parents, Bill and Marjorie, had been living with his grandparents in Broad Walk, Knowle, when they heard of a bungalow to rent.

You could have a great big lot from Dirty Jack. Mother and the neighbours would wash it -Salt and all that on there, lovely! Now that was a green, you see; That’s what you lived off of. Hygiene then was a different thing. So you had to watch what you were eating. Now if you buy it, It’s all processed. And they ask a lot more money.

The first Bristol airport

Grounded: Baby Barry and his father, Bill, just home from a shift at the aircraft factory before a night of duty with the Knowle Home Guard Bill was from Bedminster – he was brought up in Myrtle Street and then Hall Street, while Marj had lived in Stanbury Road, Windmill Hill. Baby Barry was not born until 1942. As a child after the war, he was at first puzzled by the strange landscape around him. Just off Petherton Gardens was an enormous hole in the ground, a bomb crater which at least one local boy used as a swimming pool. Indeed, the damage from bombs could be seen all over the area, from Wells Road across the airport and through Knowle Park, houses were destroyed and craters remained. Another target was the sevenacre site of the John Hall paint factory, just off Hengrove Lane. And who were the gang of exotic-looking workmen who were marched to and from the farmland which then bordered the airport? They were Italians – at first prisoners of war made to work the land, later reclassified as “displaced persons” or refugees. Displaced persons were not so exciting as POWs, the young Barry decided.

he fortunes of the Fox family were tied to the aircraft industry, just as the survival of Britain itself depended for a time on the aircraft which defended it. Barry’s father, Bill, was a tool specialist at BAC – the Bristol

Aircraft Company at Patchway. Bill tried twice to join the armed services, but he was refused – a skilled aircraft worker was too important to send to the front line. And in fact he was almost as much at risk as any soldier. The BAC works were a prime target for the Luftwaffe. On September 25, 1940, 58 German bombers carpet-bombed the vast factory. There were no RAF fighters to be seen, and Bristol’s anti-aircraft defences were poor. In a raid lasting just 45 seconds, the bombs killed 72 people in the factories and 58 in the surrounding area. More than 300 were severely injured, and 19 Continued overleaf

Target: The Luftwaffe’s aerial reconnaisance picture of the airport at Whitchurch. OVERLEAF: The map, marked with fatal bomb sites

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n HISTORY

southbristolvoice

Guarding the airport against Nazi paratroops

Continued from page 23 more died later. The factory workers had mostly taken cover, but the high explosive bombs penetrated six of their air raid shelters, creating horrific scenes. But it was a lesson Bristol learned quickly. The Luftwaffe returned two days later, but this time the anti-aircraft guns were ready. A squadron of Hawker Hurricane fighter planes had been rapidly stationed at Filton, and they scrambled, dispersing the German bombers before they could reach their target. Bristol’s two airfields remained targets for the Luftwaffe, and planes were destroyed at Whitchurch by bombs. Barry’s father and his colleagues were instructed not to rely on the air raid shelters. “Until further notice it is suggested that on leaving the vicinity of the Works buildings, employees should disperse over surrounding fields and take all available cover in hedges and ditches,” read the air raid instructions to BAC employees. There was no escape from war work once Bill got home. He wasn’t allowed to become a soldier, but like everyone else who could hold a rifle, he was expected to join the Home Guard. The part-time soldiers of Dad’s Army included teenagers and pensioners, but they might so easily have been on the frontline. The nation lived in fear of German paratroops, who had been behind the lightning takeover of the Netherlands and would find Bristol’s airport an easy target. Bill and his colleagues in the 10th Battalion Glos (City Of Bristol) Home Guard were charged with guarding the perimeter of the airfield, and often their shift would last all night. Bill could see the family home from the airfield – but he would still have to march up Red Lion Hill to the Home Guard HQ in Broad Walk (where the Church of the Nazarene is now) before being allowed to go home. In the war Bristol was a darkened city: all lights were out to avoid guiding enemy aircraft. Continued on page 26

TARGET SOUTH BRISTOL The Luftwaffe’s aerial photo of Bristol airport, taken in 1940 Amended to show fatal bombings

May 2017

The first Bristol airport

The German markings A, B, C refer to A: Flugplatz Airfield, 800 x 860m • 3 hangars • Administrative and outbuildings (just visible inside the bottom corner of the airfield perimeter) B: Peilanage Radio masts • 7 transmission masts • Operations building C: Flakstellung Anti-aircraft guns

4 5

18 19 20 21

AIRFIELD

The Happy Landings pub sign by artist Dave Fisher in 1985 – does anyone have a picture of the earlier sign? PIcture courtesy Mike Dowsing

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n HISTORY

16 1 3 2

Fatalities from German bombing raids 1940-41 Knowle and Hengrove Many other bombs fell in the area – only fatalities are recorded on this map. The large numbers below refer to the numbers in red on the map; the addresses in bold are where the bombings occurred.

WELLS RO AD

November 24-25 1940 14 7

8 10

AIRPORT ROAD 11

May 2017

THE HAPPY LANDINGS

TON HER

ENS

GAR

PET

18 Marston Road Martin Thomas, 56; 13 Marston Road Annie Cooper, 55; George Dunstan, 63, air raid warden, of 13 Beaconsfield Road; William Hazell, 35, air raid warden, of 18 Leighton Road; 15 Marston Road Gladys Harper, 42, ambulance driver, of 17 Marston Road; Dorothy Rookes, 41; Gordon Rookes, 14; Norman Rookes, 10; Sydney Rookes, Royal Marines (the Rookes were husband, wife and two sons). At Redcatch Road George Burt, 39, air raid warden, of 293 Wells Road; at Wells Road Gresham Fine, age unknown, of 501 Wells Road; William Tippin, 68, of 277 Wells Road. 23 Hengrove Road Bodwen Francis, 42. Salcombe Road shelter (at Broad Walk and Salcombe) Mavis Price, 15, of 85 Salcombe Road. 14 Newquay Road Albert Osborne, 57; 13 Newquay Road Charles Poole, 77; 15 Newquay Road Ellen Thomas, 27, of 40 Wedmore Vale, Bedminster. 92 Minehead Road Leonard Chilcott, 14. 19 Queenshill Road Mavis Bryer, 11, of 19 Somerdale Avenue, Knowle. 77 Kingshill Road Henry Drewett, 62. 143 Broadfield Road Ethel Davis, 59; Ellena Geddes, 29; Frederick Geddes, 32. 1 Springleaze Maria Greddy, 55; William Greddy, 54. 4 Hengrove Avenue Charles Moody, 25, air raid warden; Amelia Stephens, 45; 6 Hengrove Avenue Edna Nunney, 21; Jack Nunney, 26; 8 Hengrove Avenue Annie Popham, 32; William George Popham, 39, Home Guard; William Popham, 5; Margaret Williams, 18. 24 Hengrove Avenue Pamela Efford, 19 months; Sheila Efford, 5.

2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

December 6-7, 1940 Picture reproduced under licence from Alamy.com

43 Crossways Road John Jacobs, 12.

The first Bristol airport

14 15

11 Queensdale Crescent Arthur Baker, 40. 29 Kingshill Road Annie Randall, 57; George Randall, 57; Dorothy Randall, 28; 42 Kingshill Road Percival Weaver, 37; Roy Weaver, 15.

April 11-12 1941

17 Beaconsfield Road Dennis Green, 26, Aircraftsman, RAF; Edith Green, 26; Patricia Green, 5; (husband, wife and daughter). 66 Stockwood Crescent Robert Flower, 14; 70 Stockwood Crescent Ernest Cockram, 37, fire guard; Alfred Simmons, 63, of 136 St Peter’s Rise, Headley Park. Ilminster Avenue Amy Molton, 30, and Keith Molton, 4, both of 29 Short Street, St Philip’s Marsh; Vera Tooze, 14, daughter of Amy Molton; Ilminster Avenue shelter Emily Belcher, 56, and George Belcher, 56, both of 80 Ilminster Avenue; Thomas Bright, 62, and Thomas Bright, 39, (son), both of 192 Ilminster Avenue. 132 Salcombe Road John Bull, 14; John Davis, 56, firewatcher, of 141 Salcombe Road; 141 Salcombe Road Patricia Brennan, 17. 24 Throgmorton Road Edward Dursley, 33, fire guard, of 29 Throgmorton Road. 86 Willinton Road James Chilcott, 65; Mary Chilcott, 71; 86 Willinton Road Esther Wilkins, 44; Gladys Wilkins, 7. 38 Willinton Road Samuel Jones, 41, fire guard, of 34 Willinton Road. • Names complied by Barry Fox from data by John Penny at fishponds. org.uk

17 18

19 20 21 22

HAPPY LANDINGS and other questions

THE Happy Landings pub, built by Bristol brewery Georges in the 1930s and named for the airport, was on the corner of Hengrove Lane and Wells Road. It was put up for sale in 2010 and is now 11 flats. Barry remembers the sign outside bearing a grey, civilian plane, and would love to see a photo of it. He’s also keen to find out where the air raid shelter was on Ilminster Avenue, where four people died on the night on April 11, 1941, and how three members of the Molton family were killed on the street and not at an address. Anyone with answers – or with war memories of your own – can write to the Voice at the

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

n HISTORY

May 2017

southbristolvoice

The first Bristol airport

Guarding the airport against Nazi paratroops Continued from page 24 The airport was vast and full of hazards, like barbed wire. So Bill drew his own map, showing the runways and the trenches. It was probably strictly forbidden – but luckily it didn’t fall into enemy hands. Everyone was needed in the Home Guard, even one man who wasn’t properly fit. Bill said: “We used to run up hills with guns and all our equipment, training really seriously. And he collapsed and died.” Bill turned out to be an asset to the 10th battalion: he was a crack shot. Ammunition was short, but the Home Guard were allowed to practise with .22 rifles. These fired bullets less than 6mm across, more suited for hunting rabbits than military use. Bill scored 99 out of 100, making him the best Home Guard shot in Bristol, and winning the battalion a silver cup. His name was never engraved on it, though: a wartime precaution. And he dreaded that his shooting skills, might see him forced to become a sniper, he told his son later. It’s a reminder that even in the middle of war, when plenty of people had died from bombing in the streets around the Fox bungalow, many still did not want to take a life.

o what was so special about Bristol Airport? We’ll tell its full story another time, but it was founded in 1929, when the city corporation paid £15,500 for 298 acres of farmland on the edge of the city, between Knowle and Whitchurch, to construct a municipal airport. Filton was already a thriving centre of aircraft production, but its runway was too busy for passenger flights. Hence Bristol airport – often referred to as Whitchurch, including by the Luftwaffe – became one of only three council-owned airports in the UK, the others being Croydon (the first London airport) and Heston (close to what is now Heathrow). At first the access was from Whitchurch Lane but later a new

Crack shot: Lance Corporal Fox – actually, he was still a private here – with his battallion’s Bristol trophy, won thanks to his sharp shooting road was built from Wells Road. Airport Road led directly into the complex of hangars and airport buildings, stopping just after the junction with Creswick Road. (The hangars were where the Hengrove Leisure Park is today with its cinema and, a sole nod to site’s history, a pub called the Wessex Flyer.) The 1930s saw great enthusiasm for flying, which was as much a pastime for the rich as a serious means of transport. The Whitchurch site was run by the private Wessex Aeroplane Club and much of the activity was pleasure flights for groups such as Clifton rugby club. The first routes offered were short hops to Cardiff, Torquay and Teignmouth. In 1930, the first year of operations, just over 900 passengers used the airport. By 1939 this had grown to only 4,000 a year – compare that to the 450,000 passengers who used the current Bristol airport at Lulsgate in February 2017 alone. Flying was a very niche activity in the 1930s, then. As the reliability of aircraft improved

An Anderson shelter, like the one the Foxes had in their garden

(though they still crashed quite a lot), Bristol gained routes to Plymouth, Birmingham, London, Southampton and Liverpool. Exotic foreign destinations included Paris Le Bourget and Shannon, Ireland. But the approach of war gave Bristol a new importance. In 1938 a flying school was set up to train volunteer pilots for the RAF. The Wessex Aeroplane Club was also helping form a Civil Air Guard for what was seen as the inevitable conflict to come. Soon after the outbreak of war, in August 1939, Bristol airport was requisitioned by the government. But though it was used by all types of military aircraft throughout the war, it remained a civil airport too – at times the only one in the country. In conditions of great secrecy, regular flights were continued to countries that remained neutral – from Bristol to Lisbon in Portugal and to Foynes, the Irish seaplane base where flying boats left for the USA. When the Netherlands was overrun by Germany early in the war, its national airline KLM had a modern fleet of Douglas DC-3s – the Dakota, one of the most rugged and numerous aircraft ever produced. Six of the planes were kept from the Nazis and flew the Lisbon run from Whitchurch on behalf of BOAC – the British Overseas Airways Corporation, newly formed from the former British Airways and Imperial Airways companies. Imperial and British Airways had moved 59 of their own airliners to Whitchurch in a

well-planned move that took just two days in September 1939. The North Atlantic route was the only air link to America, which from 1941 was Britain’s most important ally. But the Lisbon route was more intriguing, being a backdoor route into enemy territory. Portugal was infested by spies of both sides – not least because it bordered fascist Spain, where the dictator Franco stayed out of the war. It was vital to Britain that Spain continued to sit on the sidelines. Did flights from Bristol help in this effort? And was the film star Leslie Howard a secret cog in the machine? Our panel (right) explores this fascinating episode in Bristol’s war. Only the most important business figures and VIPs were allowed to use the international routes through Bristol. They included Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the US president.

hitchurch was never home to squadrons of bombers or fighter planes, but it flew almost every type of aircraft as a delivery depot for Air Transport Auxiliary No 2 Ferry Pool. This ferried planes made in the West Country to the bases where they were needed. These included Blenheims, Beaufighters and Beauforts built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company at Filton, Hurricanes made by Gloster at Brockworth, Gloucestershire, and Whirlwinds and Spitfires produced by Westland at Yeovil. By 1941, five large new hangars had been built on the north side of the airport. The old runway was dwarfed by a new one 3,048 feet long, running east-west and allowing safe operation of any military aircraft – including the top secret Gloster Meteor, the first operational jet. Yet in 1944, in a sign of times to come, BOAC moved its flights to Bournemouth, where there was an even longer runway. After the warommercial flights were scarce. Flying clubs continued to use the airport, but it wasn’t until 1953 that Cambrian Airways, part of BEA, began flying a handful of domestic and French routes. Morton Air Services also flew to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Man. But as

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May 2017

n HISTORY

southbristolvoice

The first Bristol airport

FILM STAR OR SPY? LESLIE Howard was one of cinema’s top names in the 1930s. A star of Gone with the Wind in 1939, he returned to Britain the same year, playing roles helpful to the war effort, including a Spitfire pilot in First of the Few (1942). On June 1, 1943, he boarded BOAC Flight 777 at Lisbon. A regular service had been operating from Bristol to Lisbon, well away from the war zone, on DC-3 aircraft chartered by BOAC from the remnants of the Dutch airline KLM. The DC-3s ware also used by the military, and BOAC planes had occasionally been chased by the Germans. None, however, had been shot down. Until June 1, when eight long-range Junkers 88 fighters sighted the airliner 800 miles west of Bordeaux and shot it down. All 13 on board were killed. The Luftwaffe pilots were said to be angry that they hadn’t been told there was an airliner in the vicinity. But was it a deliberate target? Many theories were proposed. Leslie Howard was well-known as a patriot who’d left Hollywood to return to the UK. Had he been in Spain trying to persuade the fascist leader, Franco, to stay out of the war? Howard had links to the regime via a former girlfriend. Or housing estates grew up in what, before the war, had been open farmland, it became clear that the airport couldn’t be expanded further. The city elders looked at Filton again, and decided it was too busy, and too close to the city. They purchased RAF Lulsgate Bottom for £55,000, ignoring those who said it was too often fogbound. The days of Whitchurch – or Hengrove – as an international destination ended in 1957 with the closure of the airport.

arry Fox grew up in Petherton Gardens, attending the infant school in Petherton Road, where his mother was a dinner lady. For a small boy in his first year at school, it was as if the war hadn’t ended. “Sometimes in the playground we’d look up at echelons of aeroplanes droning overhead, wondering if they were going to drop bombs on us. The noise filled our heads. We stood looking up mesmerised every time. No one told us the war was

Passengers board a BOAC flight at Bristol in about 1941. This plane, a DH Albatross, crash landed at Shannon, Ireland, in 1943. Another Albatross was destroyed in an air raid on Whitchurch in 1940. Above, Leslie Howard was Howard killed because the Germans thought his death would demoralise Britain? Perhaps the Luftwaffe’s real target was Winston Churchill. The wartime prime minister was in North Africa at the time, and it was claimed German agents had uncovered his intended flight path from Gibraltar. Det Insp Walter Thompson, Churchill’s bodyguard, wrote later that Churchill often seemed clairvoyant about his safety, and had switched his departure to the next day. A CIA agent, Joseph B Smith,

later claimed that Leslie Howard himself knew of the German intention to shoot down Flight 777 – but he sacrificed himself for the war effort so as not to endanger British intelligence sources. Churchill believed the DC-3 was destroyed because the Nazis thought he was on board – even though the flight was in daylight and unprotected. “The brutality of the Germans was matched only by the stupidity of their agents,” he wrote in his memoirs. Others said Churchill was nothing to do with the incident.

Ron Howard, Leslie Howard’s son, believed his father was the real target for the Nazis. In one of his films, Howard had ridiculed Josef Goebbels, the notoriously prickly Nazi propaganda minister. Did Goebbels order the Junkers squadron to destroy Flight 777? The fighters were operating outside of their normal area. The latest biography of Leslie Howard by Estel Eforgan concluded the incident was a genuine mistake by the Luftwaffe in the fog of war. A definitive judgement, however, is probably impossible.

over, ever. It was exciting and frightening.” The school had an air raid shelter, but its purpose was obscure and frightening, and Barry was too scared to play in it. Later Barry overcame his fear of air raid shelters to make a den

in the one in his back garden. “I remember as a little boy trying to dry cabbage leaves in it – away from my parents’ prying eyes – to make cigars. My Aunty Kath worked in the cigar shop at Wills so I knew about the superiority of cigars and felt that I had a special

right to make them for myself!” he said. Bill Fox’s silver cup for being the best shot in Bristol sat on the family sideboard. It was never engraved, but the sideboard had its own story. A bomb that exploded in the field behind the house blew a piece of shrapnel through the ceiling and into the top – the Fox family was taking shelter in the church hall up the road at the time. The sideboard was mended, by a Mr Carpenter. Barry later went to Tyning junior school in Hengrove, then Bristol Grammar School. He became a teacher, working in South Yorkshire until he emigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1969. After retiring as a schoolteacher, he carried on teaching part-time at a university. He’s now compiling his family memories and photographs in the hope that his grandchildren – and others – will understand how different times were when he was growing up. The Voice is very grateful to Barry for sharing his recollections – and his poems.

Young Drunk Pilots at the City Ground Young pilots, young lads 18, 19 years of age. I remember going, (Of course the football went on in the war. They had football teams. The City and all the others, Things were still going on then.) I remember going down to the City ground And they weren’t too far away. It was Third Division South I used to go down there And a couple of these young lads. I knew one of them, At Queen Elizabeth, The ones who wore the yellow stockings In their school uniform.

I remember him because he lived Up by Bert Cochrane. Him and a couple of others, They only looked boys. I mean I was a man up to them To look at. Drunk. They were going into the City ground. Whether any of them knew anything about football, They just carried on. These were the pilots. Yes, never came back. No. Shame really. I mean that’s, that was what they were doing. They were going in it, Fighting mad, sort of. But there, some of them did come back.

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

May 2017

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n NEWS A half price ride to work for all our readers THERE’S a new way to get to work for many South Bristolians, and the Voice is offering readers half-price fares for a week. The new service is called Slide, a business which hopes to tempt commuters out of their cars with a service that’s more comfortable and convenient than a bus. Slide now picks up commuters from all over BS4, from Knowle to Brislington and Totterdown. It already serves Bedminster and Southville. Users get an app, which will guide them to their nearest virtual stop, no more than five minutes’ walk, where they will be picked up by a minibus. They will be dropped near their workplace in the city centre – usually not more than two minutes’ walk from their destination. Fares range from £4 to £7 – about half that of a taxi and a

little more than a bus fare, but with more flexible routes and comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with free wi-fi. Slide also offers real-time updates through the app, so users can know when they’re going to be picked up. The new areas have been added after a vote by potential users. Already much of north and central Bristol is covered. Voice readers who would like to try Slide for the first time can get half price fares for a week. Just download the Slide app and enter the code VOICE50.* Slide is part of a French group called RATP Dev, which runs bus services in London as well as public transport across Paris. * Code is limited to 10 trips per passenger. Valid from May 1 to May 26, 2017. • slidebristol.com

Tall order: These bus drivers from Hengrove aim to climb the three highest mountains in the UK in 24 hours

Peak fares for bus drivers AN INTREPID group of bus drivers from the First West of England depot in Hengrove aim to conquer Britain’s three tallest mountains in 24 hours. They’ll be scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon on July 1 to raise money for Help for Heroes, the charity for ex-services veterans. The clock starts at 6am and the team aim to be at the summit of Ben Nevis at 11am. They will then have to travel over 250 miles by 5pm, and get up and down Scafell Pike by 9.20pm. Then it’s

another 200 miles to Snowdon, climbing through the night. They will have to average at least 2mph going up and 3mph coming down – all the while carrying their supplies. Former soldier Dan Perrett, who is leading the challenge, said: “A few of us used to be in the army, so there’s experience of demanding training exercises that will prepare us well. But there’s also many that haven’t done anything like this before!” • justgiving.com/teams/ hengrove3peaks

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LETTERS Send letters to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to 18 Lilymead Ave, BS4 2BX Allotments are not in danger THE SHORT article, (Council homes in Ashton Vale, South Bristol Voice, April) was somewhat misleading, in that it stated that the city council is planning to build 140 new homes “on land known as Alderman Moore’s allotments”. You can imagine the ensuing panic among the 242 tenants who happily garden their allotments on the Alderman Moore’s site! At one time, Alderman Moore’s was a much larger site. When interest in allotment gardening declined in the 1980s, the decision was made to give up the most neglected part of the site, which was taken over by the council. It is this piece of land on which the housing will be built – not Alderman Moore’s allotments, which are flourishing. Readers may be interested that our allotment association

celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and a group of tenants has been researching its history. Alderman Frank Moore chaired Bristol’s Small Holdings and Allotments Committee in the early years of the last century. He was responsible for securing the tenure of a large piece of land known as Field Number 15, part of the former industrial landscape in Ashton Vale, most of which was owned by the Smyth family. Alderman Moore, later Lord Mayor of Bristol, presented the land to Hotwells Allotment Association in 1919 – hence the name it bears today. John Holland Chair, Hotwells and District Allotment Association

Network Rail’s tunnel vision DO NETWORK Rail think that the public do not know what they are up to? (Portishead delays

POLICE REPORT Don’t risk it and go the wrong way – you’ll be on camera ...

T’S BEEN great to see the sun shining over recent weeks - it certainly makes for more enjoyable foot patrols! Last month, a temporary camera was installed at the junction of Headley Lane and Vale Lane, in response to concerns from local businesses and residents about vehicles driving up Vale Lane against oncoming traffic. Be warned that if you dangerously ignore a N o Entry sign to jump queuing traffic on Hartcliffe Way, you will now be captured on CCTV and could be fined £50. I know it is frustrating when you’re sat in a queue and see other drivers selfishly putting others at risk merely to cut in ahead of you. But driving the wrong way down a one-way street is clearly dangerous, even more so when you add in the

imperil a station for Ashton Gate, South Bristol Voice, April). To say that the tunnels need to be wider is nuts. What about the big freight trains, ie car trains, which are mostly double height? If they can go in the tunnels why can’t passenger trains? I think that if the port was not there they would have to open the track for passengers. As for the price they say, well, I think they are pulling a price out of the sky. M Owen Clifton Street, Bedminster

Rubbish service NOW that the weather is better, we see bins overflowing with rubbish in parks and on streets. The council has asked people to take their rubbish home. Of course they should; but the council has a responsibility to ensure that there are enough collections to avoid this health hazard. Alternatively, we need more rubbish bins in public places. PS, Totterdown

attach the chain before opening the door to strangers.

ver recent months, we’ve had reports of cold callers selling over-priced products, rogue traders taking money for half-completed jobs and distraction burglars conning their way into homes. In May, Rogue Trader Week will highlight the impact this has on their victims and what you can do to

A SOUTH Bristol IT firm called Byteback has equipped more than 2,500 households with ultra-cheap computers. Its side project, Bristol Computer Reuse, takes unwanted computers from Bristol city council and other organisations, and refurbishes them. “Instead of surplus machines ending up in landfill or overseas, we take them away to be refurbished and then make sure they are ready to be used by new owners. The scheme is supported by Bristol city council and through it, it is possible to apply for refurbished computers from as little as £50”, said co-founder Nathon Hawke. The firm is based at Brewery Court off North Street in Bedminster. If you think Bristol Computer Reuse can benefit you or someone in your family, call 0117 370 6456 or email info@ bristolcomputerreuse.org • bristolcomputerreuse.org

With Sgt Caroline Crane Broadbury Road police station

speed people are then driving at to try and get up the road before someone comes the other way. It’s got to stop. When the roadworks first started, we had officers down at the junction, but we obviously can’t permanently police it in person. Hopefully, word will get around and the camera itself will act as a deterrent. ast month, a fight broke out outside the Spotted Cow on North Street after a football game, involving up to 15 people. I’m pleased to report that a 26-year-old man from Brislington and a 52-year-old man from Hotwells were arrested and have since been released pending further enquiries. If you witness a fight like this then please call 999.

Cheap way to get connected

Stay safe: Read our guide to dealing with doorstep callers prevent it. Follow these top tips to keep you and your neighbours safe from rogue traders: • Who are they? Check they have ID and give their company a call to confirm; • No details, no deal. If they don’t have any company details or offer to work for cash then remember it’s OK to say no; • Don’t speak to them alone. Genuine callers won’t mind coming back on another day when you’re not alone; • Keep your house safe. If you have a safety chain fitted, always

ur work to reduce the harm caused by drugs in South Bristol continues, with regular operations and warrants carried out, based on specific information from local people. At the end of March, a father and son aged 52 and 20 were arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis following a warrant at a property in Crossways Road in Knowle. We discovered an outbuilding at the back of the house which appeared to have been purposely built to grow cannabis. We seized over 80 plants in various stages of growth, along with bags of dried cannabis ready to be sold. We cannot do this vital work without your help, so please, please, tell us what you know. If you are not comfortable reporting to the police, then contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. They never ask for your name or trace your call and offer rewards of up to £1000 for information which leads to an arrest and charge. Until next time, Sergeant Caroline Crane

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May 2017

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n FEATURES

Wills, Trusts + Probate

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Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney? Anna Molter, Associate Solicitor at Barcan+Kirby, explains the benefits of planning for the future now. What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) enables you to appoint someone to act on your behalf should you lose the mental or physical ability to make your own decisions. It can also give this person specific instructions on important matters such as selling your house or arranging your care.

How do I make an LPA? Like a Will, an LPA is made with the help of a solicitor. There are two kinds of LPA – one for Health and Care Decisions, and another for Financial Decisions. The nature of an LPA is to be flexible according to your needs, so you can choose how much control to give your attorney when you draw yours up.

Why should I get an LPA? Making an LPA is arguably as important as writing your Will. In the same way that a Will appoints executors to handle your affairs after you pass away, a Lasting Power of Attorney appoints an attorney to make decisions on your behalf while you’re still alive if you can’t do so yourself.

When should I make one? The short answer is “now”. An LPA can only be made while you have mental capacity.

What if I don’t have one? With no LPA, if you lose mental capacity in the future then your family would have to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as your deputy. This would give them some control over your affairs.

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n YOUR MP

KARIN SMYTH Labour MP for Bristol South

Every school in South Bristol is about to see its budget reduced

S LOCAL MP I receive contact from people I represent about a range of issues. Concerns about cuts to funding received by our local schools have been prominent in my inbox recently. The Government is changing the way it calculates the amount provided to schools – describing the new mechanisms as fair funding. While nobody can argue against fairness, these measures will actually cause almost every school in England to lose cash. It seems the new formula is simply going to redistribute a sum of money that is inadequate to support our schools. Every school in the Bristol South constituency will lose out from funding changes. Some weeks ago I wrote to all local headteachers asking for information about how they believe the cuts will impact on pupil

learning in their own school. Of course the precise effect varies depending on how governors and heads choose to allocate limited resources, but it’s clear that losing £1.9 million in cuts across the city, with a £1.8m cut in the education services grant and a reduction in special needs funding too, can only harm the prospects of our young people. South Bristol’s children and young people

Bench taken away after ‘anti-social behaviour’ THE ONLY public bench on North Street, outside NatWest, has been removed after complaints of anti-social behaviour and street drinking. The bench – which was on the bank’s property – was taken out lots of complaints about anti-social behaviour caused by people sitting on the benches, said a NatWest spokesperson. “The feedback form our customers is that they feel a lot safer,” said the spokesperson. North Street traders, several of whom asked for the move, believe that anti-social behaviour has declined. But not everyone is happy. The bench was paid for by Southville Community Development Association (SCDA), mainly with older people in mind. “I’m saddened that the bench has been removed, especially as no one thought to speak with us first,” said Matthew Symonds, chair of the trustees at the SCDA. “I appreciate some people were concerned about how the bench was being used, but many

of the people gathering by the bench are extremely vulnerable and have complex needs. Removing the bench won’t move this group of people, it will just stigmatise them further and force them to sit on the pavement.” The bench was one of several funded by the SCDA after a report on the needs of older people. “The report told us older people felt they couldn’t go out to the shops if there was nowhere for them to sit and rest, unless they were able to buy a drink or something to eat. The absence of something as simple as a bench was resulting in them staying at home, becoming lonely and isolated,” said Mr Symonds. “I know we’re fortunate to live in a very caring community. I hope together, the traders, local churches and the community can work together with other partners to get the support that these vulnerable people clearly need and ultimately reinstall the bench so that it can be used by everyone in the community, as it was intended,” he added.

deserve better. As a member of the House of Commons public accounts committee I recently took part in an inquiry into the financial sustainability of our schools. Our report, published towards the end of March, concluded school standards are at real risk as a result of these cuts. The actions schools take in response to funding cuts are likely to increase teachers’ workload, with implications for recruitment and retention, and crucially, putting at risk the quality of education. We also found that education ministers don’t seem to have a plan to monitor in real-time how schools are making savings and the impact of these savings. Ofsted inspections and exam results are good measures but they are, by definition, time-lagged. The worry is that we won’t know the full impact of cuts on children’s educational outcomes until 2021 when new GCSE results come through. And that’s far too late for children and young people in school now. I know from my regular visits to South Bristol schools that staff and governors will do their very best in difficult circumstances, with many going above and beyond to provide the best possible start for our children. What do you think? As ever, don’t hesitate to let me have your views. (Contacts, p2)

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n NEWS

Free help for over-55s to get online ARE YOU over 55? Would you like to take advantage of some of things that computers allow us to do, but don’t know how? New, free computer courses in Bedminster aim to talk older people through the new world of computing, allowing them to use email, shop online and use websites with confidence. Free sessions will offer over-55s a free cup of tea while they get help with using their computers, tablets or mobiles. They will help over-55s learn the basics, and accomplish their ambitions – which might be to

set up free Skype phone calls, upload photos, pay bills and more. There are sessions at Mezzaluna Café in West Street, Bedminster from 1.15–3.15pm on Monday May 8 and May 22, June 5 and 19. There are also sessions on Friday at the Tobacco Factory in North Street from 10.15am–12.15pm on May 12 and 26, June 9 and 23. They are run by ILOP – Improving Life for Older People in BS3. If you’d like to find out more call Ruth on 07429 268673 or email lilacruthgreen@gmail.com

Free: Lottery-funded computer sessions are run in Bedminster

Wall order

A WALL is to be rebuilt next to the presbytery, or priest’s house, at Holy Cross, the Bedminster church which recently closed. The work is necessary to prevent the wall collapsing and has no connection to any future plans for the Catholic church. The wall spans the length of the presbytery’s driveway next to the Wessex Water site next for on Dean Lane. Planning permission was also granted to remove three self-seeded trees, a cherry, holm oak and ash, which are putting the wall in danger. A feasibility study on the future of the church continues.

Down on the Farm News from Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster

New babes in the farm ‘hood

HE last couple of months have seen the arrival of 10 ducklings, 12 lambs, and eight goat kids – all born (or hatched) down on the farm. They are all still at the especially-cute stage, as their many visitors will attest. New café The new café opens at the end of May. The new premises will

be large, light and airy with a picture-postcard view of the farmyard promised, and a new larger toddler play area outside. Inside there will be a new farm shop, stocked with locallyproduced goodies as well as the farm’s own meat, eggs, salad, herbs and veggies. There will be twice as many indoor seats as before, and a much larger counter, so service will be faster and the range of cakes and savoury ‘to-go’ treats bigger. The space will also be available for evening hire. The café will be able to offer more volunteering placements, use more seasonal farm produce and return more profits to the farm’s community projects. Wild Outdoors Day An event celebrating nature and the great outdoors is scheduled for Saturday May 13, 11am-5pm. The annual Wild Outdoors Day

New arrival: One of the goat kids offers forest skills, nature crafts, outdoor games, and local food and drink. Outdoors fun includes campfire cooking, spoon carving, flower crafts, magic potionmaking and even a dog show. There will be live music in the farmyard, a Texan-style BBQ and burgers from Farmer Tim - vegan street food also available. Entry is £3 for adults, free for children. The day is about encouraging

people to spend more time in nature and to show that you don’t have to go far to do this. The city farm is only 10 mins walk from the city centre and is set in five acres of land that was re-claimed by local people as a green community space. New tenants The building by the former adventure playground has new tenants. Nacoa – the National Association for Children of Alcoholics – offers advice, support and information to children of alcoholics, whatever their age. (Helpline number: 0800 358 3456.) The charity, which has been going for 26 years, moved to the farm in February. Steve Sayers, chief executive of Windmill Hill City Farm, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nacoa to the farm.” • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

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

May 2017

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RSPCA UPDATE

From Bristol Dogs & Cats Home

Your chance to find out what goes on behind the scenes

HERE is a buzz of excitement around Bristol RSPCA at the moment. That’s because, once again, it’s time for our Open Doors and Dogs Home Tours event! This year it takes place on Sunday May 21 from 10.30am-3pm. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever before. You will be able to go behind the scenes at our clinic, talk with our vets and nurses to gain a unique insight into the vital work they do, and get the chance to try some hands-on activities. You will also be able to sign up for a tour of our Dogs and Cats Home, led by members of our team. Not only will you be able to see parts of the home not normally on show to the public, you will also be in great company

Open Doors Day is our show-off time

as our staff will be able to answer any questions that you might have and tell you first-hand stories about working at the home. Last, but by no means least, we will have a range of stalls, games and refreshments for you to enjoy. Come on down for a chance to win one of our star raffle prizes, treat yourself to a tasty cake or two, learn more about our work, and meet some of our animal residents. For more

Chester enjoys some spring sunshine. He’s a crossed springer spaniel and Patterdale terrier seeking an active home information about the event visit • rspca-bristol.co.uk/events/id/102/ All money raised at the Open Doors and Dogs Home Tours event will go towards our day-to-day running costs. It costs over £5,000 every day to look after the animals in our care! We

are also currently raising money for a roof for our exercise yard so that our dogs can enjoy outdoor off-lead exercise every day, whatever the weather. To find out more about the appeal, and make a contribution, visit our website • rspca-bristol.co.uk/appeal

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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS 125 Raleigh Road BS3 1QU Change of use of office building (Building A) to café and bookshop (Use classes A1 and A3), to include a single storey extension. Extension of two-storey entrance building (Building B) to create a selfcontained dwelling (Use class C3). Pending consideration 46 South Liberty Lane BS3 2SY Details in relation to condition 2 (Contaminated land) of permission 17/00204/X: Construction of two storey detached house. Granted 2-6 Mill Lane BS3 4DG Second floor extension to accommodate a two bedroom flat with access, refuse and cycle storage. Pending consideration Holy Cross Church, Dean Lane BS3 1DB Removal and rebuilding of existing wall between presbytery and Wessex Water site. Granted 212 West Street, Bedminster BS3 3NE Change to facade from shop front to window and door, and use of property as single dwelling house. Granted subject to conditions Workshop, Back Road BS3 1SU Demolition of derelict factory and erection of two 2-bedroom houses. Refused 34 Aubrey Road BS3 3EX Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear by 3.14m, of maximum height of 3.4m with eaves 2.9m high. Granted

2BW Erection of two storey house to side of existing house. Withdrawn 23 King William Street BS3 1HH Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear by 3m, of maximum height 3m with eaves 2.6m high. Granted The Cigar Factory, 127-131 Raleigh Road BS3 1QU Variation of condition 15 (List of approved plans) of permission 16/00013/F: Conversion of second floor from Use class B1(c) to nine apartments (Use class C3) with third floor roof extension, external alterations, refuse and cycle storage: insertion of additional windows. Granted subject to conditions 31 Balfour Road Bristol BS3 2AF Rear single storey extension. Granted Redpoint Climbing Centre, 40 Winterstoke Road BS3 2NW Details in relation to condition 3 (Samples); Appeal APP/Z0116/W/16/3150770; Planning 16/01262/F: Extension of climbing centre to form assembly area (Resubmission of 15/04308/F) Granted 247-249 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1JN Change of use from shop (Use Class A1) to restaurant (Use Class A3). Granted

45 Raynes Road BS3 2DJ Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear by 6m, of maximum height 3m with eaves 3m high. Granted

Land adj.18 Victoria Place BS3 3BP Details in relation to conditions 2 (Contamination), 3 (Remediation), 4(Implementation remediation scheme), 5 (Landscaping), 6 (SUDS), and 7 (Samples) of permission 14/00826/F: Four bedroom single dwelling on land adjacent to 18 Victoria Place. Granted

43 Duckmoor Road BS3 2DQ Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear by 3.5m, of maximum height 3.67m with eaves 2.65m high. Granted

5 Greville Road BS3 1LN Conversion of existing HMO dwelling into three self-contained flats. Granted subject to conditions

86 Bedminster Parade BS3 4HL Remove modern, demountable internal partitions from ground floor along with the removal of the modern ventilation system in the banking hall. Granted subject to conditions

1 Melville Terrace BS3 1EU Details in relation to conditions 2 (Construction management) and 3 (Sample panel) of permission 16/02969/F: Change of use from store to single bed dwelling with first floor extension). Granted

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gable end and rear dormer roof extension. Granted 15-21 Bartley Street BS3 4DY Demolition of warehouse/store and construction of a residential block of six flats (Use class C3) with associated refuse and cycle storage. Withdrawn 39 Greville Road BS3 1LN Alterations to rear to provide access to a small raised platform and external stairs. Granted subject to conditions 107 Ashton Drive BS3 2PS Demolition of garage, and construction of replaement garage. Granted subject to conditions 88 Beauley Road BS3 1QG Rear roof extension and insertion of roof lights. Granted 25 Ashton Road BS3 2EA Change of use of first floor offices to self-contained flat. Granted subject to conditions Riverview House 171-178 Coronation Road BS3 1RF Details in relation to condition 24 (Travel Plan) of permission 15/02607/X: Variation of condition 44 (List of Approved Plans) attached to planning permission 11/01851/F for a mixed use scheme comprising employment floorspace and 78 dwellings, to allow for greater flexibility in the commercial space within Block A, by the incorporation of amended drawings and documents. (Major application). Granted 8-18 Brook Gate BS3 2UN Details in relation to condition 3 (Sustainable drainage – SUDS) of permission 14/05023/F: Grass verge to Robbins Timber building to be developed into a car park with 15 spaces. Granted

76 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1HJ Retrospective change of use from office (Use class B1) to residential flat (Use class C3), including alterations to front. Pending consideration 4 Rownham Close BS3 2JN Fell two eucalyptus trees, one fig and one magnolia. Pending consideration 18 - 34 Stafford Street BS3 4DA Removal or variation of condition following permission 16/05939/F: Demolition of warehouse and erection of nine flats: amended elevations. Pending consideration 21 Swiss Drive BS3 2RS Single storey side and rear extension. Pending consideration 95 Ruby Street BS3 3DW Loft conversion with rear dormer. Pending consideration 95 Ruby Street BS3 3DW Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear wall by 6.0m, of maximum height 3.4m with eaves 2.6m high. Refused 147A Coronation Road BS3 1RE Horse chestnut in rear garden: re-pollard to previous pollarded points. Pending decision 6 Hall Street BS3 5PN Loft conversion Granted Storage building and land, Raleigh Road Details of conditions 2 (Landscaping), 3 (Boundary treatment) and 4 (Construction management plan) of permission 16/05040/F: Demolition of single storey structure and erection of fourstorey residential building fronting Raleigh Road. Granted

20 Foxcote Road BS3 2BZ Single storey rear extension. Pending consideration

60 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1HJ Details in relation to condition 1 (Sound insulation) of planning permission 17/00164/ COU: Change of use from shop (Class A1), financial and professional services (Class A2), betting offices, pay day loan shops and casinos (sui generis uses) to restaurants and cafés (Class A3). Granted

95 Stackpool Road BS3 1NX Loft conversion and single storey extension. Pending consideration

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

36 Bedminster Parade BS3 4HS Erection of first, second and third floor extension and external alterations; creation of six flats. Granted subject to conditions

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

May 2017

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

HE West of England Partnership, the quango which covers Bath, North Somerset, South Charlie Gloucestershire Bolton and Bristol, has Green a spatial plan for Southville 2016-2036 which proposes building 105,000 homes. That means cramming another North Somerset and a bit into the area – a momentous challenge. It also has a transport plan, which states the number of daily journeys by car and van as 343,850 in 2016. In 2036, it is predicted to be 343,230 – a reduction of just 600 in 20 years. Consider this in the context of climate change. In Bristol, we are committed to being carbon neutral by 2050.We need to be over half way to meeting our targets by 2036. And this brings me to the problem. New houses are far more energy efficient than existing ones. But each new

Southville

house will add to the regional carbon footprint. At a time when we need to be halving our domestic energy emissions, we will be increasing them. Cutting the number of commuter car journeys by car by a tiny amount over the same period is pathetic. It might be fine. It might be that by 2036 all cars will be electric and all houses will be powered by renewables. But we do not know. There is no plan. My experience is that the Tories who dominate the West of England scrutiny commission don’t seem too bothered by climate change. But to me climate change remains the greatest problem of our age. (Unless Trump and Putin finish us off). It is vital that we keep up the pressure on all authorities to keep cutting emissions. Thus far, it scarcely registers as an issue. If you are concerned, please Google “West of England Spatial Plan and Climate Change petition”. Sign it. You know it makes sense.

S I WRITE the political landscape is still waiting to be decided in the metro mayor and general Stephen elections. Whatever Clarke the results, I am Green sure that Bristol Southville (especially this little corner) will continue to be a community that welcomes a wide range of diverse people. However, we all know many examples of people encouraging us to be suspicious of our fellow citizens from around the world and I recently saw an example of this first-hand, at the Global Green Congress in Liverpool. The Greens have groups all over the world, linked by a desire to preserve our planetary resources. Unforgivably, in my view, some delegates were refused UK visas despite having official invitations and accreditation. One woman was refused largely because she was single and apparently more likely to become

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How to contact your councillor: p2 an illegal immigrant. Another was because, despite being president of the Eastern Africa Green Federation, he didn’t earn enough to satisfy the Home Office. Surely this is not the kind of country we are becoming. Digital advertising– the phrase sounds innocent enough, but actually, these are giant, overbearing video advertising screens placed next to major roads. Just as many hundreds of communities around the world (including 700 in the USA) are banning them, Bristol is about to be hit by a swarm of them if advertisers have their way. The Greens are very much against the idea for three reasons; they are visual pollution in public spaces which no one has asked for our consent to look at; they are dangerous for drivers (Sweden banned them for this reason after a detailed study) and they have an enormous carbon footprint (up to 30 times that of a normal house). I suggest rising up against them (peacefully!) if one is planned near you.

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

Bedminster

Neighbourhood Partnerships any of you will know that we have a successful community partnership in the local area. This has been the mechanism where local people, community groups and local business can make a difference to what happens in the local area. Times are changing as we have been asked to consider what we, the current partnership, would like to see continuing in the future. It is likely that there will still be an opportunity to decide how a reduced amount of Community Infrastructure Levy money, which is obtained from local developments, will be spent. Bristol City council keeps 85 per cent of CIL funds to make changes required as a result of the development, often in roads and pavements. In the past 15 per cent of this money has been passed to neighbourhood partnerships for local schemes and we have spent it on a wide range of projects to improve the environment. But it’s really not all about the

Mark Bradshaw Labour Bedminster

Celia Phipps Labour Bedminster

money. We are keen to make sure local organisations continue to be involved with local decision making and are currently developing a new structure which will allow the key factors of partnership and networking to continue. It is likely that the councillors will remain on the new board as we are still legally responsible for the allocation of public funds. The partnership will be sending out letters asking for support for a new structure in the next month, so do let us know if you would like to become involved in this process. Let’s Walk Bristol Walking Alliance will hold a seminar this month to highlight

37 How to contact your councillor: p2

the pleasures of walking and perhaps more importantly, how this experience can be improved on our streets. The event A walk in The Park’ takes place on May 11 at the Watershed, staring at 6.30pm. Booking is free via Eventbrite and will explore the evidence for health benefits of walking in parks and green spaces. You can contact the alliance at • bristolwalkingalliance.org.uk Celia will be working closely with Asher Craig, the Labour cabinet member for public health, to assist in providing a directional steer for a healthy city. There is still time to complete the Quality of Life Survey 2017 which closes on May 29. This survey has been providing important insights into life in Bristol and its differing neighbourhoods since 2001. Your chance to vote, again At the time of writing, a general election has been called for June 8. This is right on the back of the metro mayor election in our area and will create uncertainly

as Parliament goes into recess this month. As a result, many decisions will be now be on hold until after the election. Maybe Beryl from Redland has got the last word on this! Despite the frustration, please use your opportunity to make your voice heard by casting a vote. Voting is part of an important democratic process and makes a difference. We’ll be out knocking on doors to meet as many people as possible this month. But, as ever,we are always happy to hear your suggestions about how we can make our community better so why not drop us an email. We regularly join coffee mornings and sessions running at Ashton Vale community centre, Gaywood House and Southbow House and have moved our drop in surgery to Mezzaluna on West Street on the first Saturday of every month between 10.30 and 11.30am. Or contact us direct – the details of how to do so are on page 2.

Train to Teach with UWE Bristol from September 2017 Places available to train to teach the following subjects at secondary school level: Art & Design, Business, Computer Science, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) plus Primary School Direct. “I had a fantastic experience The programme trains teachers to teach the 11-16 age group, during my PGCE at UWE along with opportunities to teach at A level. Bristol. I feel it equipped me • Tax-free bursaries of up to £30,000 available in some subjects. immensely well throughout • Well-established partnership with many local schools. the year; there were a • Employment rate is 94%. number of sessions that I truly enjoyed and I found Interested? What to do next: Visit uwe.ac.uk/traintoteach incredibly rich and fulfilling.” and fill in the form to find out more. Come to one of our drop-in sessions (search UWE Bristol PGCE drop-in online to find out more). Trainee Teacher, PGCE Secondary Mathematics, 2014–15 Apply through UCAS (search UCAS Teacher Training online).

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

’s

May 2017

southbristolvoice

n FEATURES

The hunt is on for Painted Ladies and Once they werre a comon sight, even in our cities. Will you help tackle South Bristol’s butterfly crisis, asks Alex Morss?

HO stole all the caterpillars? Whether it’s the wriggly-wiggly sort, crunching, munching, very hungry ones or less-famous varieties that help us explain and spell metamorphosis, we can’t do childhood without caterpillars. They help teach us about the natural world, and we may never forget the thrill of finding, drawing, growing, observing and releasing them. Yet these days we can barely find any beautiful

Have you seen us? Small Heath, left, and Small Copper butterflies. adult butterflies on a walk in our local Bristol green spaces. Trust me, I’ve tried. And now it’s been confirmed by Butterfly Conservation, which wants your help. To investigate the issue, I’ve been pacing up and down BS3 in my naturalist’s hat, attempting to tick off the

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PICTURES: John Murray, Butterfly Conservation

prettiest train-spotter list you’ll ever encounter – using the stunningly-illustrated Guide to the Butterflies of Britain, published by the Field Studies Council. It’s guaranteed to get you hooked on looking for all 59 species. Incredible pleasure for a mere £3. On a good day in South Bristol, I might see Cabbage White, Comma, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell or Red Admiral. Brimstone, occasionally. What happened to Holly Blue, Small Copper, Peacock, Painted Lady, Orange Tip, Marbled White and other lost friends? A decade ago I spent several months checking for Bristol’s lost Grayling butterfly on its last recorded local site – Troopers Hill. Nothing. I keep telling everyone that I am not seeing as many butterflies any more. Now new data from Butterfly Conservation confirms that populations of many species have indeed crashed dreadfully, most seriously in Bristol and other urban areas, with overall urban butterfly species falling by 69 per cent, compared to 20 years ago. The worst affected are the

MY WILD BEDMINSTER

IF YOU live in BS3, you can take part in My Wild Bedminster, a project supported by the South Bristol Voice, to make children and adults more aware of what they can do to improve the natural habitats around them. All the schools in BS3 have been invited to take part, by submitting artwork or photos for a competition and an exhibition.

Small Copper and Small Heath species – down 75 and 78 per cent. Katie Callaghan, regional media officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “The Small Heath has always been much more of a common sight in Bristol. It looks as though the Small Copper has suffered a greater decline in the city, to the point where both would be a fairly rare sight to see there these days.” Dr Emily Dennis, Butterfly Conservation’s lead researcher, based at the University of Kent, said: “Practically all butterflies we assessed were found to be struggling in urban areas, most likely due to the combined effects of habitat loss, climate changes and the intensification of land use.” The study found most urban butterflies are emerging on average two days earlier and are on the wing for longer than the same species living in rural areas, and had longer flight periods – thought to be caused by the urban heat island effect. The data draws on the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) which has used records submitted by the public since 1976 to monitor butterflies This work is sponsored by Besley Hill estate agents, Bedminster. Adults can send in their photos of wildlife in BS3 for publication in the Voice – the best one wins a £10 prize each month! Remember, the pictures can be of any kind of wildlife, but must be taken this month, in the BS3 area. No professional photographers. Send your entries to paul@ southbristolvoice.co.uk

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

May 2017

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n FEATURES

other lost friends of the butterfly world

Needs careful handling: A hawk moth.

PICTURE: Rob Skinner

across the UK. Anyone can join the project. Butterfly Conservation wants to know about your sightings in South Bristol, so if you’ve ever had the remotest curiosity for beautiful butterflies, now is the time to pursue it, and help. Butterflies are an easy wildlife group for a beginner naturalist to get to grips with. No special kit or technical training is needed. All it takes is a leisurely stroll somewhere green and wonderful, always on a perfect, sunny day. The charity is also launching its Munching Caterpillars Goes to Town project in South Bristolthis summer, to teach children about butterflies and moths and how to help pollinating insects to thrive. Butterfly Conservation’s education officer, Kate Merry, said: “This is the first time a project like this has come to Bristol and we hope to show children just how important butterflies and moths are, and

what children can do to help them. We will be encouraging wildlife right in to their school grounds, showing them that you don’t need to be near the countryside or have a garden to experience wildlife.” Local school children will be rearing caterpillars in classrooms, planting nectar-rich flowers, making video diaries and getting advice on making school grounds more caterpillar and butterfly friendly. The project has the world’s first pop-up ‘caterpillar café’, to tour events around the city, promoting the use of pot plants on balconies or pollinating plants in window boxes. Kate added: “The caterpillar café looks like an old-fashioned ice-cream cart, but instead of children choosing their favourite flavour, on the menu will be nectar-rich flowers and caterpillar food plants, and in place of cones, we will have plant pots and compost!” I’ve always

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

gardening/nectarbutterfly.html 5. Check out butterfly recording apps for smart phones, or get free identification help by posting photos on iSpot: • ispotnature.org 6. Share your photos and drawings of butterflies with South Bristol Voice. Submit them to: paul@ southbristolvoice.co.uk 7. Buy the £3 butterfly guide mentioned above: • field-studies-council.org/ publications/pubs/butterfliesidentification-chart.asp

1. Record butterflies for Butterfly Conservation: • ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/ uk-butterfly-monitoring-scheme 2. Tolerate caterpillars. Ditch the pesticides and designate ‘weedy’ patches for them in your garden. 3. Introduce caterpillar food plants, eg ivy, holly, nettles, wild strawberry, creeping cinquefoil, long grasses and bird’s-foot trefoil. 4. Add nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies: • sussex-butterflies.org.uk/

Fascinating: Another view of a hawk moth felt that butterflies trigger emotions in people. They give us a sense that magic is in the air, with stunning dance rituals, extraordinary sparkle dust

PICTURE: Kate Merry

courtship, wing pattern trickery and amazing tenacity, as they dive-bomb their eggs through tiny gaps in my brassica nets. I miss seeing them more often.

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

May 2017

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Bristol’s Largest Indoor n HISTORY The story of William Herapath Window and Door Showroom is Open at Crystal Clear

WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFLIGHTS

View the extensive range of stunning designer and traditional doors, windows and rooflights at Crystal Clear’s showroom or online at www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk ✓ Extensive Showroom ✓ Striking Designs, offering Low Upkeep, Energy Efficiency, Ease of Use and High Security ✓ PVCu, Aluminium, Sliding Sash and Casement Windows ✓ Composite, Bi-fold, Sliding, French, Stable and Patio Doors ✓ Exclusive Supplier of the MODO Collection from Apeer ✓ Established Local Company with an Excellent Reputation

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

May 2017

southbristolvoice

n WHAT’S ON Your guide to the South Bank arts trail THERE’s almost too much talent to take in at this year’s Southbank Arts Trail, held across scores of venues in Southville, Bedminster and Ashton on May 13 and 14, from 11am-6pm. More than 150 artists will cram venues including the Tobacco Factory and the Southbank Club as well as over 25 artists’ houses. New venues include the Steam Crane, Ashton Gatehouse, El Rincon, Factory 8 and Trika Yoga. As well as old favourites like Wonky House automata, highend contemporary craft at 33 Upton Road, a carefully-selected array of artists at 40 Mount Pleasant Terrace, live painting from Stephen Quick at the Tobacco Factory and a feast of art, craft and workshops at the Southville Centre, there will be new-comers Bristol Stitchery at St Francis’ Church, Trika Yoga offering taster sessions, Unit 10 art collective taking over Factory 8 (Upton Road), new performance from Brave Bold Drama at Margot May’s Tea Rooms and intimate back garden

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Saturday May 13 Paper Village, North Street Bristol Crocodile drop-in, 1-4pm Come and help launch the Bristol Crocodile Project by bringing along anything crocodile related to make a display. Southville Centre, Beauley Road Colourful Minds 10am-12pm and 2-4pm Children’s art, craft, science and baking. Make an animal shadow puppet. Launchpad Children’s Art 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm. Fun art activities in a garden shelter. St Aldhelm’s Church, Chessel Street 3.30-4.30pm Junk modelling to make animal masks and rainbows. Children can wear their masks in the musical Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo. St Paul’s Vicarage, Southville Road 12-4pm Fun day with Mr Brown’s Pig Puppets, music, café, bouncy castle, face painting and more. Tobacco Factory Let’s Make Art 10am-5pm Children’s bricolage workshop inspired by Japan’s Watanoha Smile Project, using found materials to create cheerful characters. £4 & £3

PERFORMANCE & MUSIC

Caution, artist at work: Stephen Quick at last year’s South Bank event concerts at 8 Hamilton Road. To find out more, pick up a map from venues or download it: • southbankbristolarts.co.uk. Acta Community Theatre 11am-4pm Taster workshop for 14-19s with a range of drama games and exercises. Book in advance on 0117 953 2448 or email info@acta-bristol.com Sunday May 14 Southville Centre Colourful Minds As for Saturday. Launchpad Children’s Art As for Saturday. Thali Cafe, North Street Let’s Make Art 11am on. Let’s Make Chapattis – make, paint, cook and decorate your snack. Kids eat free. • facebook.com/letsmakeartkids St Paul’s Vicarage, Southville Road 10.30am. Café service with live music, poetry and discussions St Aldhelm’s Church 1-4pm Southbank Sewing Bee with community Artist Sarah Herbertson. Pop along with your own UFO (UnFinishedObject), learn how to stitch a Starflower Brooch or a Binca Bookmark, or just come along and chat about making things. Free; basic sewing materials provided. All ages (children must have an adult). Details: 07968 373 164 •Facebook: SJPWorkshopsBS3.

A random selection of many acts Saturday May 13 Acta Community Theatre 1-4pm Primary school shows Tobacco Factory Market 1.30-2pm Hurry Up Harry Foot stomping folk and blues 3-3.40pm The Balkany Band Music with a Balkan twist St Aldhelm’s Church 5-5.45pm St Aldhelm’s Choir Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo Sunday May 14 Margot May tearooms 11am-3.45pm Brave Bold Drama Monologues and performances Tobacco Factory Market 12-12.30pm Gathering Voices Worldwide acappella songs St Francis Church 2.30-3pm Family and Friends Choir, Community Choir Southbank Club 4-4.45pm Verdisa Spirit-lifting reggae, blues, soul and funk

Join us for an evening of songs, hymns and spiritual songs from Harding University Choir on Thursday 18th May 2017 from 7pm.

Harding University is a Christian University based in Searcy, Arkansas. They will be visiting Bristol as part of their UK tour. For more information contact Jason Snethen 07795560990 Church of Christ, 298 St Johns Lane, Bristol, BS3 5AY www.churchofchristbristol.org www.facebook.com/bristolchurchofchrist

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

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n WHAT’S ON The message of Bob Marley

Powerful play that beat a ban

AN EVENING celebrating the genius and the politics of reggae’s biggest star, Bob Marley, takes place at Totterdown’s Thunderbolt on May 13. Author Brian Richardson will talk about his book, Bob Marley: Roots, Reggae and Revolution. There will be film of Marley and a reggae disco as well as Jamaican food. It all starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £7 and £5; proceeds go to London socialist bookshop Bookmarks.

DRAMA is often inflammatory but The Island was actually illegal when it was written. The South African political drama is set on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years and is based on the true story of two inmates performing Antigone, the great classical play of political protest. As John and Winston prepare for the performance with the limited contents of their cell, they debate the merits of their protest

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The Island: The story of political prisoners on Robben Island in apartheid South Africa caused its authors and actors to be arrested several times

and the tension of the uneasy relationship increases when one man finds out he may be granted early release. Written by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, the play was first produced in 1973 under a different title as it was forbidden even to mention Robben Island. After premiering in a small Cape Town theatre, it

was presented at London’s Royal Court and on Broadway. Following the South African performance, Kani and Ntshona acted in many productions themselves, winning a Tony Award. The Island is at the Tobacco factory from Tuesday May 23 to Saturday May 27. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com

A marvellous musical ragbag

bass and drums (in style, not in musicianship, which is grand). To look at, Totterdown duo Steepways (there are more band members, but only two tonight) are a bit oddball – a street busker and a matinee idol with cravat and swept-back hair. Their music somehow combines heartilystrummed guitar-songs meeting 1950s-esque crooning. When Bath-based Newton Country step on stage, something magical happens. Front woman Roisin’s voice has a range from airy and ethereal to raw, with a perfect country-twang. There is musicianship oozing out of all three – with bass and harmonies from Oliver and lead guitarist Joe stepping front-of-stage for his solos. They might have namedropped that they recently did a session for Whispering Bob Harris, but who could blame them? He could probably see that this band are on the way up. Beccy Golding

REVIEW Newton Country & others, Thunderbolt, Totterdown I ONLY caught the last couple of pretty, thoughtful tunes from singer-songwriter Douglas Joshua. The final song built to a good powerful crescendo. A great debut performance. Red Ray & the Reprobates are a six-piece who fill the stage with their energy. The banjo player looked pleased as punch, twice, after performing a solo, and the mouth-organist got a round of applause when changing his E harmonica to a G. Fun, charming, a little shambolic, and make you grin with their hill-billy vibes. The Duncan Stagg Trio’s tight-jawed frontman plays his songs with intensity. His band are the perfect foil – lazy, laidback

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n WHAT’S ON From April 27 n Tartuffe Tobacco Factory theatre. A radical new treatment of the classic Moliere play by the Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory team. A credulous government minister is duped into surrendering his family’s wealth – and very nearly his wife and daughter – to one of drama’s greatest conmen. Until May 6; tickets from £16. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com n Gas Girls Acta community theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. The untold story of the women who made mustard gas in Bristol during the First World War. 7pm, £4. Until April 29; then Rondo theatre, Bath, on May 5, and Trinity Arts Centre, Bristol on May 19. • acta-bristol.com Sunday April 30 n Tidy up Totterdown Litter pick with members of Tresa, Totterdown’s social and environmental group. Starts at 11am at School Road Park, continuing down Wells Road, via Zone A and the embankment by Barrington Court, finishing at Zone N, outside the gym, about noon. Equipment such as litter pickers and gloves is provided. • tresa.org.uk n Kate Dimbleby presentes Songbirds Tobacco Factory theatre. Kate is known for her tributes to artists such as Peggy Lee; this show is about “the voices around us and the voices in our heads”, including sounds and people recorded from the streets of Bristol to the forests of Canada. £10, 4pm & 7.30pm. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday May 4 n Star Wars: The Force Awakens Outdoor screening, Arnos Vale cemetery. 8pm, £11. Bring a cushion, chair or blanket, but not food: Kate’s Kitchen will offer hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and cakes, and Lucille’s ice cream van will be open. Showing on May 5: The Goonies. • arnosvale.org.uk/events Friday May 5 n Hannah & The Heartbreak The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. After being discovered on Amazing Radio, Hannah & The Heartbreak have won more airplay on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. 7.30pm; £5. • thethunderbolt.net Saturday May 6 n Ewan McLennan Saltcellar Folk Club, Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Road. Entrance to

A masterpiece, but just too overpowering

Not about the plot: Madam Butterfly marries a teenage girl to a soldier

REVIEW Madam Butterfly, Welsh National Opera, Hippodrome I HAVEN’T been to an opera before. I admit I had pre-conceptions but, as with every review I do, I aimed to approach it with an open heart. So I tried, I really did. At the end of the performance a plummy voice behind me said, “Of course it’s not about the plot,” so perhaps I should put aside my discomfort with the whole story – an adult American soldier marries a 15-yearold Japanese geisha girl in order to bed her, then leaves her for a ‘real’ marriage back in the US. I know opera is a tradition so perhaps I should ignore the almost all-Caucasian cast playing oriental, and the grown-up women cast as teenagers. And I know singing everything is not real-life so maybe I should not be bothered by the hammy acting and confusing direction. The lyrics are in

Italian, so I suppose I should be thankful there were ‘sur-titles’, it’s just a shame they were so high up that you could either read the words or watch the action but not both. And I did follow the story, so maybe it doesn’t matter that the translation seemed clunky. I could tell the singing was pitch-perfect and wonderful, unfortunately some of it was over-powered by the orchestra, who played magnificently. Sometimes I could see two or three people were singing, probably in harmony, but I couldn’t hear it. What I did expect, though, was some beauty. I

thought I might forgive everything because of the spine-tingling gorgeousness of voice and music. But I just couldn’t find anything to hook into. I recognised the air made famous (to me) by punkimpresario Malcolm McLaren’s 1984 operafusion album, but other than that I couldn’t discern any tunes, refrains, melodies or airs. I suppose it’s a grower. In summary – I Just Don’t Get It. But don’t let that put you off – if you’ve never been I encourage you to try it. It isn’t for me but opera might be for you. Beccy Golding

the Saltcellar is off Cemetery Road. Ewan is a troubadour, balladeer and storyteller in the old style. Plus floor singers. £5; tea and cakes on sale; bring your own alcohol. • saltcellarfolk.org.uk n Alun Cochrane & Co Stand Up For The Weekend, Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street, Southville. Alun Cochrane is familiar from BBC Two’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Mock The Week. Doors 7.45pm; £13 advance, £15 on the door. • thecomedybox.co.uk Sunday May 7 n Vintage Furniture Flea Paintworks, Bath Road, Totterdown. Furniture and homewares from the 1950s onwards. Earlybird entry 10.30-11am £3, after 11am £2, children under 12 free. • play.paintworksbristol.co.uk Monday May 8 n Photography Project Club

Arnos Vale Cemetery, with Ian Coombs, looking at the cemetery’s wonderful wildlife and other photographic subjects. No dogs; bring a tripod. Mondays from 10am-12noon. £5 fee donated to the cemetery. • arnosvale.org.uk/events n Victoria Park Action Group Monthly meeting to discuss matters relating to Victoria Park, including upcoming events, any issues that have arisen and ongoing projects, like creating the play areas, wildlife areas, mending benches and more. 7.30-9pm. • vpag.org.uk n Bridget Christie: Because You Demanded It Comedy Box at the Tobacco Factory. Until May 10. “If you didn’t want to leave the EU, or you did, but now don’t, then this is absolutely the show for you. If you did want to leave the EU, and still do, then you will still find it funny, but for different reasons, as you witness

the liberal female comedian’s exasperated and despairing meltdown.” £16.50, 8pm. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday May 11 n The Marked Tobacco Factory theatre. After sell-out success at Edinburgh Fringe 2016, Theatre Témoin’s The Marked visits Bristol on its tour of the UK’s homeless hotspots. Masks, puppetry and physical theatre outline a haunting, world inspired by real-life stories of homelessness. Shows at 8pm, 2pm on Saturday. £13. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Friday May 12 n Arnos Vale After Hours Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road. Explore the ethereal beauty of Bristol’s Necropolis. Bring a torch. Also on May 18 and May 26, 7.30-9pm. £9. • arnosvale.org.uk/events Shawn Smith The Tunnels, Temple Meads. Four of Shawn Continued overleaf

PICTURE: Jeremy Abrahams

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n WHAT’S ON Bessie’s life in blues brought back to life REVIEW Empress of the Blues: A Tribute to Bessie Smith; Thunderbolt, Totterdown SOME performers deserve to be known by more than their work. Bessie Smith won fame as Empress of the Blues in the 1920s, but there was more to her life than money and fame. She died in 1937, but 80 years on a good-sized crowd were held rapt at the Thunderbolt as Dave Merrick narrated her story, from a ragged upbringing in the American South, with the help of original recordings. Bessie shot to fame because her unique vocal style could cut through the limitations of 1920s recording technology. But it was the live performances the Totterdown audience were waiting for, and Natalie Davis on vocals with Dave on guitar and Brendan Whitmore on saxophone did not disappoint. Renditions of I Need A Little Sugar in My Bowl and ‘Tain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do made the magic of Bessie shine, from the slow-paced blues of the 1920s to the synchopated swing era of the 30s – showcased by a fascinating and stillexciting film clip from St Louis Blues of 1929. Often it’s the details that fascinate as much as the music, because the blues is the story of the black struggle, and life informed Bessie’s art. She earned a fortune and travelled in her own railway carriage, but she faced violence and oppression. She won over white audiences, but could only play to them in segregated venues. On tonight’s evidence, maybe the music could be spread more evenly through the story. But the show had the audience rapt. Paul Breeden

Continued from page 45 Smith’s songs featured in The Sopranos and he’s been called one of the best vocalists of all time by Mojo magazine. 7.30pm, £14. • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Saturday May 13 n Wild outdoors day Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. A great day out at the farm with nature activities, outdoor cooking, foraging, wood cutting, music, bar, street food. 11-5pm; £3 adults, children free. • windmillhillcityfarm,.org.uk n Deafinitely Theatre Acta community theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. Free drama workshop aimed at deaf and hearing young people aged 14-25. • acta-bristol.com Sunday May 14 n Spring Flowers Tour Arnos Vale cemetery, 2-3.30pm. Ecologist Mary will take you on a journey around the beautiful spring flowers that bloom in this Site of Conservation Interest. £5. • arnosvale.org.uk/events

Brimful of Asha: On a world tour after several extended runs Tuesday May 16 n A Brimful of Asha Tobacco Factory theatre. When Ravi takes a trip to India his parents decide it is time to introduce him to potential brides; but Ravi is not keen. Until May 20. On May 18 there’s a post-show discussion; tickets £5 for 14-25 year-olds include the evening show. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Wednesday May 17 n Pamper Night Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road, 6.309.30pm. Women-only treatments include reiki, Indian head massage, hot stones, hand massage, acupressure and more. Treatments from £5. Entry £2.50 includes glass of bubbly. • zionbristol.co.uk n James Acaster: The Trelogy Comedy Box at the Hen &

Chicken, North Street, Southville. The first of three solo shows from the multiple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee. This show, Recognise, is from 2014; followed by Represent on May 18 and Reset on May 19. All sold out, but check for returns. • thecomedybox.co.uk Friday May 19 n Little Cooks Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Monthly cooking classes with songs and crafts for preschoolers and their carers, with Holly Redfern. Email hollynredfern@gmail.com • windmillhillcityfarm,.org.uk n Natty Daps The ska party band at the Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. 7.30pm, £5. • thethunderbolt.net n Dap Disco Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road. A night of indie tunes, with covers band SMaLL plus DJ Marky. Bar and food from RibStreet Takeaway. Over 18s only. 7.30pm, £5. • zionbristol.co.uk Saturday May 20 n May Fair Bedminster Methodist Church, British Road, Bedminster, 11am-2pm. Stalls include plants, perfumery, bric a brac, cakes, books, bits and bobs, raffle, and more. Refreshments for sale. n A Play in a Day Tobacco Factory theatre. With the director of A Brimful of Asha (see May 16), devise a play that will be performed to family and friends at the end of the day. No experience necessary. Includes a ticket to watch A Brimful of Asha in the evening. 13-19 years £25, 10.30am-6pm with performance at 7pm. Also for 8-12 year-olds; same time and price. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Sunday May 21 n Julie Byrne SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville. American wanderer Julie Byrne’s second record Not Even Happiness “vividly archives what would have otherwise been lost to the road – bustling roadside diners, the aching weariness of change.” £9, 7pm. • southbankclub.webs.com n Vintage Home Show Paintworks, Bath Road, Totterdown. With 30 specialist dealers in items from the 1950s-1970s, from teak sideboards to industrial lighting.

Earlybird entry 10.30-11am £4, £2.50 after, children free. • vintagehomeshow.co.uk Tuesday May 23 n Let’s Make Art Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Start of weekly sessions in the new farm café. Pre-school art & storytelling for children 2+, 10.30-11.30am. No booking required. • windmillhillcityfarm,.org.uk

It's My Life: Homegrown drama n It’s My Life Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. Zahra wants to be a model, Yasmin just wants to be herself … what’s so wrong with that? A new show from parents at Hannah More primary school. Also on May 24. Tickets £3, 7pm. • acta-bristol.com Thursday May 25 n The Dead Romantics + Alien Stash Tin + Narda Narda Presented by the BCFM Sunday Rockshow at the Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. 7.30-11.30pm, £3. • thethunderbolt.net Monday May 29 n Bristol Walk Fest family farm trails Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Behind the scenes of the animal pens on a child-friendly walk, 10.30-11.30am. Also on May 31 from 10-11am. £2 per child. • windmillhillcityfarm,.org.uk Tuesday May 30 n Lego Days Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road, 10am-noon, also on May 31. Holiday fun with prizes, all Lego supplied. Please arrive on time; £2 per child, café. • zionbristol.co.uk n The Keeper of Souls Acta community theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. Also on May 31. A thrill-a-minute chiller from Who Cares Youth Theatre. For ages 6+; tickets £2, 7pm. • acta-bristol.com Wednesday May 31 n Squidge The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. “Formed in Bath in 2015, Squidge want to be at the forefront of the recent resurgence of alternative rock. Magnetic vocals, colossal guitars, introspective lyrics.” 7.3011.30pm, £5. • thethunderbolt.net

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