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southbristolvoice August 2016 No. 10
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LOCAL NEWS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE
MP on Brexit P8 | LETTERS P19 | PLANNING APPLICATIONS P27
Stadium faces huge challenge
A NEW bus service to take sports fans to Ashton Gate is about to be unveiled to combat fears of chaos when the redeveloped stadium reaches full capacity. Ashton Gate is almost ready to accept up to 27,000 fans, once the extensive adaptations are signed off by safety officials. But the two biggest games of the football season will take place in August. Former Premiership clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa play Bristol City at home on August 20 and August 27. Both games will bring sizeable away crowds – putting a severe test on public transport, on the facilities in the new stadium, and on the patience of neighbours in streets where fans try to park. Last season residents in Ashton spoke of desperation as their streets were flooded by fans. Some found cars parked across their drives and reported being sworn at if they asked drivers to move. Bigger crowds this year could bring chaos, warned Southville Continued on page 3
Back street eyed up by developers
Page 5
Dismay at first plan for the Green Page 9 How we voted in the Brexit poll Page 11 Arena: Latest on consultation
Page 13
Call for £100m leisure domes
Page 14
Face off
Meet man who puts the bang in the Balloon Fiesta
Pages 16-17
Street artist Xemayo keeps it hyper-real at Upfest on Sunday
“IT WAS the most diverse collection of artists, styles and colours we’ve ever had and the vibe throughout the festival was just extraordinary,” Steve Hayles, founder of Upfest, told the Voice after the city’s biggest-ever street art festival. “There’s been so much positive feedback from artists, residents and visitors. The
break- down is under way, and we’ll have the area in shipshape Bristol fashion within the next couple of weeks. “We would like to thank our community for accepting the festival, the artists and visitors who travel from across the world, our sponsors, local businesses and all of our volunteers!” Pictures: Page 4
Get ready for Sunday street fest
Page 21
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August 2016
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Intro
IT’S hard to know where the responsiblity lies for making sure that the £48 million revamp of Ashton Gate stadium does not make life hell for its neighbours. Last season, gates of 15,000 fans were causing unbearable problems in the streets of Ashton. The police stepped in with regular clamping patrols – which they say they will continue – but they can’t be everywhere at once. Saturday August 6 will be the first test, when the new West Stand will be partly open for the first Championship home game
against Wigan. But it’s the two biggest home games of the season, against Newcastle and Villa – the two clubs just relegated from the Premiership – that are the real worry. The West Stand should be open by then. But none of the long-awaited transport improvements are ready. We must hope that the new special bus services will be well supported. But wouldn’t it have been so much better if Metrobus, Park & Ride, and new rail services been available from the outset? Perhaps the club could have done more. But shouldn’t the council have insisted on these measures before the turnstiles swing?
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: People who would like assistance from Karin Smyth on any issue during August are assked to ring 0117 953 3575. My councillor? All councillors can be reached by post at Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster
By phone: 07469 413312 By email: Cllr.celia.phipps@ bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster By phone: 0117 353 3160 By email: Cllr.mark.bradshaw@ bristol.gov.uk Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: Cllr.stephen.clarke@ bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By email: Cllr.charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 07884 736111
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 Council tax 0117 922 2900 Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999 Fire Emergency: 999 Inquiries: 0117 926 2061
NEIGHBOURHOOD PARTNERSHIP The Greater Bedminster Community Partnership is the local forum that brings the public together with councillors, council officials and other bodies. Next meeting September 5, 2016, 7pm Acta Centre, Gladstone Street, Bristol, BS3 3AY
EDITOR’S NOTE: South Bristol Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. Feedback is welcomed: call editor Paul Breeden on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk. All stories and pictures are copyright of South Bristol Voice and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse. South Bristol Voice Ltd | 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX |
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Helping hand
Will new buses cope with 27,000 fans?
Continued from Page 1 Green councillor (and City fan) Stephen Clarke. Several major transport schemes which would help ferry fans to and from the stadium are not ready: • Ashton Gate station – 2021? • Metrobus – 2017 • More local trains – 2019 • Opening Long Ashton Park & Ride to fans – 2017? Cllr Clarke welcomed news of the supporters’ buses but added: “I’ve still got quite a lot of dread. I hope I’m wrong, but I think this will be a very stressful time for the residents of Southville, Ashton and Bedminster.” With Bristol Rugby in the premiership the number of big games will increase, he said. Martin Griffiths, chairman of Bristol Sport, which owns the
stadium, said the new transport arrangements – set to be announced on August 3, after the Voice was printed – would enable fans to get to the stadium from different parts of the city. The club has studied where fans need to travel to and from, and a publicity drive will be made to tell them that they can leave their car at home, he said. The Voice understands that a major deal is set to be unveiled this week with a Bristol bus operator, in a plan supported by the council’s cabinet transport chief Mark Bradshaw, who is also a Bedminster councillor. Mr Griffiths said he did not expect a capacity crowd of 27,000 for either the Villa or the Newcastle games because many people will be on holiday. He stressed that the travel plans the
club is about to announce have been in preparation a long time. “We will be publishing a timetable and routes based on the routes we know people use to get to the stadium from different parts of the city,” he said. Mr Griffiths has previously criticised the late arrival of Metrobus – which will have a stop at Paxton Drive, a short walk from the stadium – and of years of delays in getting use of Long Ashton Park & Ride. He also can’t understand why Ashton Gate station is not in use. He promised he would invite neighbours of the club in for a tea and a chat in September, once the season is under way, to hear about any problems. Police said they would continue clamping patrols, which were stepped up late last season.
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PEOPLE with time and skills to spare can offer their help on a new Facebook group – while those who need a hand can use it to find assistance. The BS3 Helping Others group aims to bring together people who need companionship, help in their garden or perhaps with their shopping. Anyone in the area can use the page to request help or to offer their services. Current offers include help with ironing and cooking meals. Another member who is organising a charity event for a friend with breast cancer praised the “awesome” response to an appeal for help. • facebook.com/groups/ BS3helpers
Church saved
St ALDHELM’S church in Chessel Street is no longer under threat of closure. But its future could depend on community groups making use of its facilities by hiring rooms. Inquiries to 07500 635336. • staldhelmsandstfrancis.org.uk
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August 2016
Upfest picture special
Talking point: Odeith used Benny Hill’s idiot character Fred Scuttle to pass ironic comment on the Brexit referendum in this eye-catching piece in Raleigh Road IT WAS another record-breaking year for Upfest, as more than 330 artists from all over the world joined Europe’s biggest fesival of street art. Bristol artist Cheo created a new Mr
Men character, Mr Graff, to mark the 45th anniversary of the children’s books. There was music, DJing, affordable art for sale and dancing galore, and the weather was kind enough to allow around 30,000
Yu-Baba, in the Tobacco Factory courtyard
Jeremy Corbyn by Andy O’Rourke
Simian Switch, in South Street park
Climber, a visitor from the USA
Ask the vet:
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Drum roll: Music, DJ sets and live art performances and workshops for children all took place on South Street park onto North Street and its surroundings to see the artists at work. The weekend, from July 23-25, also raised £8,000 for the event’s long-term charity, Nacoa, which helps families of alcoholics.
Mr and Miss: The Mr Men mural by Cheo, opposite Aldi
Is my dog at risk of lungworm?
OGS of all ages and breeds can contract lungworm. However, younger dogs seem to be more prone to picking up the parasite. Also, dogs who are known to eat slugs and snails are considered higher risk. Lungworm can be fatal to dogs and it is easier than you’d think for your dog to become infected.Lungworm (also known as Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a parasite commonly carried by slugs and snails. Dogs can
become infected when they eat these pests (either intentionally or accidentally) or if they come into contact with their slime trial. Some dogs do not show visible signs of a lungworm infection; however, there are some symptoms to look out for, including coughing, tiring easily, nose bleeds, excessive bleeding (even from minor wounds), anaemia, weight loss, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or lethargy and depression. Lungworm can be easily
prevented by using a monthly spot-on or tablet treatment. These are available from your veterinary practice, and are very much encouraged as part of your pet’s regular prevention treatment. Speak to Highcroft Veterinary Hospital on 01275 832410 for more information or to check if your dog is protected against lungworm. For those who are interested in learning more about the infection, Lungworm.co.uk has a
Jenny Hamilton-ible MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon at Highcroft Veterinary Hospital, Whitchurch number of stories about pet owners whose dogs have been affected.
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Advice from a pharmacist by Ade Williams, Bedminster Pharmacy Don’t let illness spoil a holiday
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HIS summer, whether you will be one of the over 60 million UK residents travelling abroad, or you are holidaying closer to home, your local pharmacy is at hand to help you prepare for your trip. The elderly, families, young travellers – we have you all covered. Do ensure you have your health insurance details if travelling abroad. If you take regular prescribed
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medication, our advice is that you order repeat medications early. If you find yourself out of time, we may still be able to help. Emergency medication supply arrangements can be an option if your situation permits. Advice on travelling safely with medicines is another of our areas of expertise; storing fridge preparations, for example insulin; liquid preparation restrictions on airlines; legal classifications of some medicines abroad; and adjusting dosages to accommodate long haul travel, among other queries. While the need for
one of several reasons for refusal given by planners, who said that all parking spaces have to be big enough for an ordinary car. They also criticised the lack of affordable housing, the oversmall apartments, lack of cycle parking and the impact of a tall block on the Bedminster conservation area. The other two plans are still being considered. The plan for 37 Herbert Street, from Sandy Lane Construction, is a renewal of a 2012 plan which had lapsed. But it should still be subject to public consultation, said Neil Sellers of BS3 Planning. Mr Sellers also objected to the plan for the corner of Catherine Mead Street, which comes from BH Buildings, which he said was “misleading”. The application
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This column aims to show how all local pharmacies can offer help and advice on a range of conditions, helping to ease pressure on GP surgeries vaccinations or anti-malarial treatments are part of our standard travel advice, the pharmacy is also able to offer cost-effective and timely treatment without the need to obtain a prescription. Effective remedies for managing travel sickness and sun protection across broad age groups are available at the pharmacy counter. We can also help you prepare for the unexpected by putting together a travel first aid kit. This can include insect repellent, pain killers, stomach upset remedies and rehydration
Developers cast eye over Herbert Street DEVELOPERS are eyeing up Herbert Street as a likely site for new blocks of flats to meet the insatiable demand for new homes in the area. The street runs behind shops on East Street and is used mainly for parking and deliveries to shops. It has several vacant plots, and three planning applications have been made in the last year. Planners are now assessing two requests – one for a block of 11 flats over four storeys, with a lift, at 37 Herbert Street. Another is for a three-storey block of 10 flats on the corner of Herbert Street and Catherine Mead Street. Neither have parking spaces, and both elicited objections, though planning officials have not yet come up with a recommendation for either plan. Last year a proposal was refused for a nine-storey block by developer CMBM Ltd – much higher than the shops and buildings nearby – was refused. It would have had 12 flats – six with one bedroom, and six of two bedrooms over two floors. The striking, multicoloured design showed the building wider at the top than the bottom, allowing the upper flats to be larger. But the small ground floor only allowed parking spaces for five Smart-type cars. This was
describes the building as two storeys, but the drawings show it to have three floors. Like the other plan being considered nearby, it has no parking. But the residents will not be debarred from owning cars, said Mr Sellers. “The local infrastructure simply cannot absorb ever more residential units,” he said. The council’s transport development team has told planners that the BH Buildings scheme should have at least five parking spaces. It should also be proved that delivery lorries can still use the site to get to East Street shops, it said.
sachets, condoms, dressings and plasters. A pre-travel consultation for vulnerable patients at the pharmacy can ensure that you reduce the risk of ill health spoiling a well-deserved and often expensive trip. Our experienced multi-lingual staff will be very happy to help with a few key phrases to impress the locals on a foreign trip but, more importantly, our travel advice and products will be key to the holiday memories you deserve. • Bedminster Pharmacy, Cannon Street, Bedminster BS3 1BN; 0117 985 3388
Aldi closure sparks dismay BEDMINSTER has reacted with a mix of shock and bemusement to the news that its biggest supermarket, Aldi, is to close for more than two weeks. The North Street store is shutting from August 29 to September 14. It’s unclear what the refit will achieve but rumours that it will bring an in-store bakery appear unfounded. Reaction on social media ranged from dismay to ridicule. “How WILL we all manage. Arghhh,” posted one resident. Another advised, with tongue in cheek: “Be strong people. They won’t be closed for long.” Aldi was tight-lipped about the changes, saying they would bring “a fresher, improved shopping environment for our customers.”
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Buying + Selling
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Buying a new build? Here’s what you need to know. Regardless of whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned property owner, it’s important that you understand the differences when buying a new build home versus an existing property. Rebecca Browne, conveyancing associate at Barcan+Kirby, looks at what you should be aware of when making a purchase. How does a new build differ from an existing property? ✚ Existing properties are bought
from the current owners whilst new builds are generally bought from the developer.
✚ The sale chain is much shorter
– as you’re moving into a new property, you don’t have to wait for the previous owners to move out.
is important as most mortgage providers will ask to see it.
The differences between new-build and existing properties mean there are different legal processes to go through for each.
✚ You have less time to exchange
Is the process for buying a new build different?
✚ New builds are a clean slate
Naturally, the differences between new-build and existing properties mean there are different legal processes to go through for each.
contracts – usually 28 days or less. – they come with none of the previous occupants’ dodgy décor, giving you the chance to make them your own.
✚ Older properties are more likely
to have structural problems whilst new builds are constructed to 21st century standards.
✚ New builds are usually much
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Your solicitor will advise you on these, but here are some of the things they should be checking on your behalf: ✚ A structural guarantee from the
developer: this will last anywhere between five and ten years. This
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This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No: 568743.
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A home fit for 007? THE PROMISE of “James Bond-style” homes has drawn attention to plans for a longderelict building site on Luckwell Road, near North Street. Well-known Bristol developer Paul O’Brien has bought the site with partners Adam Phelps and Julian Hemmens. They expect to start work soon – and although the homes will not be finished until next summer, they will be marketed by Ocean estate agents from September. The site was formerly the Luckwell Club and scout hut. Planning permission was granted in 2011 to a previous owner, Matterhorn Capital, which started groundworks. Design was by Ferguson Mann, the architects’ firm formerly run by ex-mayor George Ferguson. Mr Ferguson is no longer a director of the practice. The plans show a terrace of 14
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Making it easier to get around
DO YOU have trouble getting around Bedminster? Are there routes or buildings that are difficult for people in wheelchairs or with sight problems to get to? The Greater Bedminster Community Partnership is thinking about forming an Access Team to alert the council and businesses to problem areas. To find out more, email gbcpnewsletter@gmail.co.uk.
Street libraries Contrast: Two modern homes on Luckwell Road backed by a terrace houses facing Balfour Road, with a block of three flats at the Carrington Road end. In sharp contrast are a pair of flat-roofed, semi-detached houses fronting onto Luckwell Road. No rocket launchers or shark-filled swimming pools are visible, but the design is
strikingly modern. The “James Bond” tag drew some derision on social media, with one resident commenting that Bond will find it hard to find a decent vodka martini on North Street. One parking space will be provided for each home, as well as visitor parking.
LITTLE Libraries will soon start to pop up in parks across Bedminster. A grant from the Better Bedminster Community Chest is paying for five enclosed bookcases, where people can donate books and take one to read. The idea is popular elsewhere especially Knowle. The Bedminster sites are being reviewed for work by October.
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Karin Smyth We need to understand reasons for Brexit vote
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ESPITE July’s swift changes in Downing Street, uncertainties created by the EU referendum outcome have dominated my email inbox since the result emerged. In my view it’s important now that the UK takes time to take stock of this huge decision, delaying Article 50 for as long as necessary to get this landmark move right. And it’s the duty of politicians to try to unite communities and the country which, as we know from the result, is split almost down the middle. Voice readers might not know this applied in Bristol South too, with 47 per cent of people in this constituency voting to leave. Misleading Leave campaign claims do not explain the outcome. Brexit voters had reasons
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The MP’s view Each month Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth gives her perspective for their decision, and those of us who campaigned to Remain need to understand these. In some parts of South Bristol there’s a serious feeling of being left behind from prosperity elsewhere in the city, reflected by the lack of adequate and affordable housing to rent and buy, and by low-paid insecure work. And there were serious concerns about
August 2016
pressures on the NHS, with difficulties getting a GP appointment figuring prominently. Sadly these problems were too often wrongly laid at the EU’s door, when they were in fact the responsibility of the Conservative government. That’s why housing, health, jobs and post-16 opportunities remain my priorities. For example, I’m pushing ministers for clear plans on how the NHS workforce will be managed post-Brexit. I’m also appalled that in some places the anti-immigration stance of parts of the Leave campaign seems to have contributed to a rise in race hate crime. Soon after the referendum I outlined my concerns to Theresa May, then home secretary, seeking a clear explanation of steps the Government is taking to address these. I’ve been in contact with Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI) for local updates and am maintaining contact on these issues with Avon & Somerset’s police and crime commissioner and chief constable. Vigilance and monitoring is essential, and any constituents who are victims, who witness hate crime, or who feel vulnerable should report it to the police so action can be taken. As always I welcome thoughts on this or any matter to karin.smyth.mp@parliament. uk or by post to Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
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Safer crossing: Due by April 2017
Dramatic: The arch to the gatehouse lodge will be enclosed in glass
Dismay over plan for 10-storey flats block NEIGHBOURS have reacted in dismay after they were shown proposals for developing Plot 1, one of the most significant sites on Bedminster Green, with blocks of flats of between eight and 10 storeys. Members of WHaM, the Windmill Hill and Malago residents’ planning group, fear that if the plan is allowed to go ahead it will set a precedent for the rest of the sprawling Bedminster Green area, which is all earmarked for redevelopment. Developer Paul O’Brien won a bidding war to buy the site of the former Pring & St Hill steel plant, which closed in 2003. The site was granted planning permission in 2007 for 183 flats in up to five storeys, along with shops, a café and parking, but this permission has now lapsed. Paul O’Brien is now understood to want to put in a scheme for 221 flats in blocks of up to 10 storeys with parking on the ground floor. It is not clear if any social or affordable housing would be included. The density of homes would be more than 300 per hectare – very high compared to the terraced streets of much of South Bristol. “We are very disappointed,” Howard Purse, chair of WHaM, told South Bristol Voice after members were shown the plans.
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New bridge at Bathurst Basin
Wraps come off historic gatehouse THE REBIRTH of the historic gatehouse to Ashton Court is a step closer with the unwrapping of the plastic covering which has protected it for six years. The restoration is due to be completed this winter, funded partly by the Lottery. Ashton Gatehouse was built around 1805 as the main entrance to Ashton Court, owned by the wealthy Smyth family. Once restored, it will become a learning and community space for students and local residents.
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First proposals revealed for Bedminster Green’s Plot 1
“It’s a massive block which is completely out of keeping with the surroundings. “Our big fear is that it’s going to end up as a precedent for the whole thing” [the Bedminster Green area]. WHaM members fear there will be no social housing and say the block is a poor design and the density is too high. Members also criticised the ground floor car park, which means the street scene along Malago Road will be blank at pavement level. Mr Purse said the developer had asked to hear WHaM’s views, and had said they would be taken into account in drawing up a planning application. But he fears that the bidding war for the land has forced the price up so high that only a large, highdensity development will be profitable. The Voice asked to see the proposals which were shown to WHaM but these were not available as we went to press.
The sale of the Pring & St Hill site will not disrupt the master brief prepared for Bedminster Green by developer Urbis, according to Urbis managing director Richard Clarke. The Urbis scheme was prepared under a memorandum of understanding with the council. It envisages a new Bedminster station and a range of housing, workplaces, health facilities and commercial spaces across the site, with student and elderly accommodation among among the 800 or so homes. Mr Clarke told the Voice he still expects to put in a planning application for the first phase of this scheme, comprising a district energy centre to provide heat and electricity for 2,000 homes, in August. He expects construction of the energy centre – at the far end of Plot 1, at the Lidl end of Malago Road – to start in early 2017. Urbis also expects to start consultation on another site, Plot 5, around the Hereford Street car park, to begin this year, with a planning application to include the new station plaza to be made before Christmas. Urbis is in negotiation to buy the land for the energy centre from Paul O’Brien. Both sides have confirmed to the Voice that a deal is being discussed.
A NEW bridge is soon to be built in Bathurst Basin to run alongside the existing bridge which links Commercial Road and Cumberland Road, opposite the Louisiana pub. The new bridge will include a new 3.5 metre cycling and walking path. New crossings will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to travel between Cumberland Road, Bathurst Basin, Wapping Road and Commercial Road. The new bridge will take traffic heading towards Cumberland Road, while the existing bridge will take traffic travelling to Bedminster Bridge.
Gardening with dementia group A GARDENING group for people with dementia and their carers has been started in South Bristol, supported by Bristol Aging Better. Called Growing Support, it offers a free weekly gardening session at Langhill Avenue, off Novers Lane in Knowle West. The group will meet every Friday from 10.30am-12.30pm from August 19. If the weather is bad there will be indoor activities. To find out more call Dale Cranshaw on 07581 281578. • growingsupport.co.uk
Childcare plea KARIN SMYTH MP called a Commons debate to raise fears that a Government pledge to double free childcare hours to 30 hours for three and four-year olds next year would fail. But Ms Smyth said the public accounts committee, on which she sits, had found a lack of planning to ensure there will be enough qualified early years staff. Childcare minister Sam Gyimah told Ms Smyth that the 30-hour pledge is “a high priority”.
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Revealed: How South Bristol voted in Brexit referendum SOUTH Bristol pepole are split on whether to stay in the European Union. The revealing figures, which show the way each ward voted in the EU referendum on June 23, show that, though Bristol as a whole wanted to remain, much of South Bristol wanted out. Across the Bristol South constituency, 47 per cent voted to leave and 53 per cent to remain. But this disguises much bigger Leave votes in some areas. In Hartcliffe and Withywood, the least affluent part of the city and one of the most deprived wards in the country, two thirds or 66.9 per cent voted out. It was the biggest Leave vote in the city. In Filwood and Hengrove & Whitchurch Park – two more wards with many low-income
Ward No. of votes Bedminster Remain 4,780 Leave 2,704 Bishopsworth Remain 2,766 Leave 3,807 Brislington East Remain 3,131 Leave 3,182 Brislington West Remain 3,595 Leave 2,944
% 63.8% 36.1% 42.1% 57.9% 49.6% 50.4% 55.0% 45.0%
households – the Leave vote exceeded 60 per cent. Bishopsworth also voted out, while Brislington East was almost evenly split. In more affluent Southville and Windmill Hill, the vote was convincingly for Remain, in both
Ward No. of votes % Filwood Remain 2,300 39.5% Leave 3,524 60.5% Hartcliffe & Withywood Remain 2,338 33.1% Leave 4,721 66.9% Hengrove & Whitchurch Park Remain 3,361 38.1% Leave 5,456 61.9% Knowle Remain 4,126 56.1% Leave 3,227 43.9%
Ward No. of votes Southville Remain 5,360 Leave 1,699 Windmill Hill Remain 5,437 Leave 2,035
cases by well over 70 per cent. Bedminster was not far behind with almost 63 per cent opting for in. Knowle voted in as well. Bristol South MP Karin Smyth, writing in her column for South Bristol Voice, says Remain supporters need to understand
the reasons for the Brexit vote. “In some parts of South Bristol there’s a serious feeling of being left behind from prosperity elsewhere in the city,” she wrote. “Sadly these problems were too often laid at the EU’s door.” • Karin Smyth: Page 8
BRISTOL OVERALL Remain 141,027 Leave 87,418 Total 228,646 Turnout
% 75.9% 24.1% 72.8% 27.2% 61.7% 38.2% 73.2%
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Malago clean-up a real success MORE than 40 people joined in a clean-up of the Malago open space and then celebrated their community spirit with a picnic. There are hopes that the group can get together again to repeat the action in September. One resident, Monika, told the Voice: “The picnic was a great success and an important step towards more community action in this area. People seem to be interested and very friendly. You feel safer in the community if you know people around you. “Also, it’s crucial that children see adults caring about nature and making the environment they live in nice and clean.” Picnic food was donated by Bedminster businesses including Greggs, East Street Fruit Market, and Polish shop Krakus. Anyone wanting to get involved can email magdalena. kowalik-malcolm@bristol.gov.uk
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Easing the step up to secondary
Winterstoke Road
New road to cross Longmoor Brook
Ashton Vale Road Better access: One of several options for a new road to industrial estate
More trains could mean new road A NEW road looks likely to be built across Longmoor Brook and the open space beside it to allow new access to the Ashton Vale industrial estate. It appears that the road will be necessary once the MetroWest project increases the number of trains along the railway line which runs beside Winterstoke Road. So many are expected that the level crossing at the end of
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Ashton Vale Road would be shut so much it would damage businesses on the industrial estate. Firms on the estate were consulted earlier this year on options for improving access. The MetroWest team said more consultation will follow before any road is built. The plan is separate from any new Ashton Gate station, which appears to be many years away.
PUPILS from 13 primary schools were welcomed to Bedminster Down school during the last week of term to help them get used to their new secondary school. In all 150 children were introduced to aspects of school life from a science lab or French lesson to the practicalities of fingerprinting for school cards, the canteen and the school bus. Older students acted as guides. Bedminster Down headteacher Gary Schlick said: “It is unusual for a secondary school to dedicate a whole week to transition but we’ve found that if you can remove much of the mystery around school life now our new year 7s are less likely to suffer from an academic dip in performance.” In addition, primary school teachers made several visits to see secondary teaching methods and teach lessons themselves.
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Parking consultation delayed to next year The arena will bring benefits, residents told
CONSULTATION on parking controls around the Bristol arena has been delayed until next year. But this will still leave enough time for residents to be consulted in Totterdown, Knowle, Windmill Hill, St Philips and other areas that could be affected by the 12,000 seat venue, members of community group Tresa were told. The newly-announced delay will give time for the council’s cabinet to consider the implications of a wide-scale review of existing residents parking zones, a key promise of mayor Marvin Rees when he was elected in May. It is a new setback for the £91 million arena, which will now not open until at least the summer of 2018. Further delays – and cost increases – are possible once contractor Bouygues UK reports its project plan to the council in the autumn. Bristol will benefit from being the last core city in Britain to get an arena, council officers assured residents at the Tresa AGM on July 20. Measures like noiseproofing will be the best in any UK city, they said. Questions from residents
Big show: Worries about crowds included a plea for major concerts not to be on weekdays to minimise disturbance. This can’t be guaranteed, but concerts tend to be at weekends and the venue will be soundproofed, said council project manager Oliver Roberts. In addition the operator will need a licence from the council, and this will be subject to separate consultation. Several members called for the consultation to be widely publicised – something the Voice will attempt to do. Transport and parking were the major worries. What can be done to get 12,000 people away from the venue quickly, asked Tresa member Anne Silber? Park & Ride buses are already often full, she said. Additional Park &
Ride buses will be provided, with the aim being to line them up like taxis at peak times, said strategic projects team manager Oliver Coltman. Longer term, there is a desire for a new Park & Ride site off the M32, he said. With the area set to become a car park for the arena, what chance is there of the developer funding the parking zones, added Becky Mears. Nothing has been decided on parking zones, was the reply. Cllr Jon Wellington asked how Bath Road will be made safer for pedestrians and cyclists. A wider footway has already been started from Three Lamps. But widening the walkway from Temple Meads needs two new bridges, said Mr Coltman. At first, pedestrians will be guided by stewards from Temple Meads and Clarence Road to the safest access to the arena, off Cattle Market Road. But future development of the Temple Quarter enterprise zone to provide 17,000 jobs will require the new footway to be built. It will have to allow for a possible car park on the Kwik Fit site, which is now owned by the council, said Mr Coltman. • Cattle Market Road is set to reopen at the end of August – nine months after its first scheduled date. The delay has allowed for a new cycle and pedestrian access to be built.
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Imp may be run by neighbours
How it might look: The Imp HOPES are high that the Imp pub in Southville – bought by a developer who wants to turn it into five homes – could re-open. Members of Alphaville Residents Association are hoping they will be able to form a not-forprofit company and open a café bar or bistro on the ground floor. New owner Cabot Trustees is understood to be willing to lease the space to a community enterprise company. The firm is expected to submit a planning application soon for a maisonette, a cottage, two first floor flats and a loft flat.
Waste heroes WHO wants to be a Recycling Champion? That’s the latest challenge from Let’s Clean Bedminster, the campaign which aims to rid the streets of waste. Street recycling champions could help people who are confused about what can be recycled and in which bin. They also might help if someone old or infirm can’t manage to move their bins on collection day. Contact Greater Bedminster Community Partnership at gbcpnewsletter@gmail.com
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Like a garage, but for bikes CYCLISTS on selected streets in Bedminster, Southville and Windmill Hill will have somewhere safe to store their cycles after a number of lockable “bike hangars” were approved. It follows the city’s first bike hangar, installed in Eldon Terrace, Windmill Hill, last year, which has proved popular. A bike hangar is a lockable pod which sits on the road. It takes up around the same space as a parked car and can hold six bikes. There is a small annual rental charge for cyclists. Locations: Churchlands Road, Bedminster; Chessel Street, Bedminster; Howard Road, Southville; Exeter Road, Southville; Almorah Road & Hill Avenue, Windmill Hill. Greenbank Road, Southville, is among roads which are at the top of the waiting list.
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Leisure domes plea for South Bristol A PETITION is calling on the council to back an ambitious plan for a Center Parcs-style leisure park in South Bristol. Led by a Christian charity, the Joshua Trust, the petition calls for part of a development zone in Hengrove Park to be earmarked for a major leisure centre with two domes – a cold zone for skiing and snowboarding and a hot zone with an indoor beach. The trust said: “This project will bring many jobs to South Bristol and provide unique facilities for local communities and schools. It is time that South Bristol enjoyed greater prosperity.” Spokesperson Anne White said the site is large enough to accommodate many homes, local shops, facilities, cafes, a public
park and rugby club as well as a major leisure facility. The petition calls on the mayor, Marvin Rees, to set aside land for the project. It has almost 2,700 names – not far short of the 3,500 which would trigger a debate on the issue at a full council meeting. Ms White said a study by engineers Atkins had proved the idea was feasible. She said she has a backer able to finance the scheme. She wants to hold a meeting with council officials to discuss the plan but has so far been unable to get an appointment. Hengrove Park has seen major developments in the last decade. It has a leisure centre with a 50m pool, a community
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hospital, and the Skills Academy. The next phase is the building of 1,000 homes plus a public park. So far, the domes have not won council backing. A spokesperson said: “There are already plans in place for this site which will be subject to the usual planning permission considerations.” In March the council selected Kier Homes as its partner to plan up to 260 homes there, about a third of them affordable. Knowle councillor and Lib Dem leader Gary Hopkins said the leisure dome idea “looks exciting” but faced obstacles. “It would require at least £100m to build and for the 15 years or so that it has been proposed, no financial backing has been secured,” he said.
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Experts want all your finds
EVER found something in your garden which you were sure was a historic remain? There will be no need to wonder whether it’s trash or treasure if you take it to the Bristol Blue Glass showroom on Saturday August 6. Experts from Bristol & Avon Archeological Society will be at the glass studio, 357-359 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, 10am-4pm, to identify all kinds of finds.
Healthy and proud: Pupils at Ashton Vale with their award, left; right, watering the Southville vegetables TWO primary schools in Southville and Ashton are among a handful who won an award from the mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, for their hard work in improving pupils’ health. Ashton Vale primary and Southville primary have both been declared Health Improving Schools – which means that they not only teach children about healthy eating and cooking, they also focus on exercise, personal and emotional wellbeing. At Ashton Vale primary, head teacher Viv Champeney told the Voice: “We want to ensure that children in the BS3 community are fit and healthy not only now but in the future.” The award, she said, recognises schools that work to enable children and young people to make healthy lifestyle choices. “Ashton Vale primary school is pleased that it has been
Hunt for road rage cyclist
Schools on a health kick recognised as sustaining and building on previous good practice. Our children recognise the need to keep safe, have physical health and mental wellbeing”, she said. The children learn how to grow food and cook healthy meals, as well as taking part in exercise that is fun and competitive. “They maintain the co-operative values of self-help, selfresponsibility, democracy and solidarity,” said Ms Champeney. At Southville primary, pupils grew their own food and then learned how to cook it in class. Hayley Hayes, healthy schools
coordinator, said the award was “a testimony to how hard we work to educate our pupils in how to live and lead healthy lives.” “The school has worked hard on finding out where our food comes from and pushing the farm-to-fork message. “Our Eco Crew has taken responsibility for growing veg in recycled wellies which we will sell off at our summer fayre to raise money for next season’s planting”, she said. Twice a year the school has food festival weeks with a Farmers’ Market where the food the children have made is sold to the school community.
Wanted: The violent cyclist POLICE are looking for the cyclist in this photo after a road rage incident in which a group of cyclists suddenly stopped in front of a car on Winterstoke Road at 10am on June 8. “One of the cyclists then started to shout abuse and punch the car. He then punched the driver of the car in the face and shoulder,” said a spokesperson. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.
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Balloon fiesta special
Meet the man who wants to fill the sky with a show you won’t forget
A
LAN CHRISTIE is a man with a passion – he likes to make people gasp with wonder. And it’s one he gets to fulfil many times a year as designer and creator of fabulous firework displays. Events organised by his Bedminster-based company Skyburst take place by the score, up and down the UK, but his favourite is about to begin – the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, where the two big firework displays are eagerly awaited every year. What makes Alan especially proud of the balloon fiesta fireworks is not only that they celebrate Bristol, but that the whole event is put on for the free. He first got involved with the fiesta 20 years ago. He had already built Skyburst into a successful company with a string of fireworks shops – so successful that he wanted to give something back to the city. “I sent an email to the council and several others saying that we wanted to give a firework display to Bristol – the only criteria was that it had to be free,” he said. “The only response I got was from the balloon fiesta – they thought it was a great idea.” At that point the Ashton Court fiesta had a fireworks display but it was fairly traditional, with classical music. Alan’s approach is to inject a bit more drama, and excite the audience with a real mix of music from pop to swing to jazz, with film scores and classical pieces too. The balloon fiesta displays are famous for drawing gasps of
One of the UK’s top pyrotechnic experts gives Bristol a free show every year
What a display: The Ashton Court estate is an ideal setting for the spectacular fi
appreciation. Alan’s events are far more than using the odd rocket to hit the beat of the music – they are works of art. He chooses from thousands of fireworks and effects, from rockets to strobes, to shape colour and movement across the sky. From the design stage to igniting the fuse on each firework, everything is now computer controlled, meaning that effects can be timed pretty well perfectly to the music. The impact on an audience can be awe-inspiring, and this is what Alan loves. “We do the November display
for Downend Round Table and last year I was at my controls and all of a sudden I felt the stage bouncing. I looked round and all the presenters and everyone else was dancing! It really lifts everybody’s spirits,” he said. The annual Downend display is one of Alan’s favourites, but for him it’s an even better experience at Ashton Court. “For me there’s really nothing better than standing in the arena at the balloon fiesta and seeing the response from the audience, from the opening sequence, which last year made them all gasp, to the big finale.
“It makes me feel really good to see how we are making Bristol stand out from all the other cities.” There’s no doubt that the balloon fiesta is a unique event, and the fireworks are one of its main talking points. In keeping with the cooperative spirit of the event, Alan still does the display for free, creating a musical sequence with 600-odd fireworks – thousands of pounds worth – and working with a crew of 15-20 who all give their time for nothing. Work starts on the display months before. At a meeting in
Saturday & Sunday
Saturday Afternoon: Helicopter landing as Great Western Air Ambulance stage a mock road accident. 9pm Nightglow and fireworks 10.30pm Fiesta closes Sunday 8.30pm Fiesta closes
WHAT’S ON Bristol International Balloon Fiesta August 11-14, Ashton Court Thursday 12 noon Balloon tethering 6pm Mass hot air balloon lift 9pm Nightglow and fireworks 10.30pm Fiesta closes Friday 6am Mass hot air balloon lift 8am Model balloon competitions 12 noon Balloon tethering 6pm Mass hot air balloon lift 8.30pm Fiesta closes
6am Fiesta opens and mass hot air balloon lift 8am Model hot air balloon competitions 12-5.30pm Arena entertainment and air displays, including the Pitts Special aerobatic biplane, Matt Younkin in his Beech 18, and the Parabatix Flying Display team in powered paragliders. No timings for displays were avaiilable as we went to press. 6pm mass hot air balloon lift.
TRANSPORT A shuttle bus will run every 10 minutes from Temple Meads and the city centre. Admission to Ashton Court is free but parking and programmes are not.
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Balloon fiesta special
Perfectly timed: Alan plots a musical display with pyrotechnic software
fireworks which follow the nightglows every year. Inset, Skyburst’s mini-balloon the spring, ideas are tossed around and suggestions made for the music. Eventually a sequence is agreed and Alan starts coming up with ideas. Heart FM radio DJ and producer Jay Dormer mixes the music together – and finally, this year just a couple of weeks before the big event, Alan can begin creating the show. He’s a keen musician himself – he used to play the drums – and often he can see the sequence he wants in his mind. But it needs careful attention to punctuate and dramatise the music – he reckons he must have-played one of this year’s
ATTRACTIONS
SLIDERIDER A 500ft water slide to raise money for Cancer Research UK. £15 for two slides. To book, search website for SlideRide: • cancerresearch.co.uk CHILDREN The funfair is much reduced this year to allow Cirque Bijou to perform circus skills, street theatre and acrobatics, as well as children’s workshops. • bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
tracks, by Coldplay, 40 or 50 times. He’s looking for key points where he can insert a timed cue which they will aim to hit perfectly with the right effect. From the time an electronic signal lights the fuse, to the 2.4 seconds a three-inch shell will take to reach 500 feet, to the moment the firework must burst in the sky, it’s all calculated by very specialised software. The computer will even print a label for each firework telling the crew where and when it fits in the sequence. Just picking out the fireworks for an event like the balloon fiesta takes a day, and setting them up takes two more. At Ashton Court, out in the 210-metre wide launching field, an £1,800 gizmo called a Time Machine stores the music and the timings and sends instructions through an impressive-looking firing panel and dozens of connecting rails (£300 a pop) and firing modules (£500 each) that are finally connected to the fireworks. But the human touch is vital. Alan will often shave a tenth of a second off the software’s cue if he judges it’s needed. “I’m always
tweaking. You know that some effects take 0.2 seconds to get everything going,” he said. Amazingly, the fuses that light the fireworks are still cut by hand. Much like the cartoons about criminals with round, fizzing bombs, these are a cotton string containing gunpowder which burn at a reliable 11mm per second. Sometimes old technology is simple and reliable. These days Alan can craft the show on his computer. It will take 50 or 60 hours but at the end he can play the entire event through– if it’s for a client, he can send them a copy. But little more than 10 years ago, before software and the Time Machine made the job easier, it was a case of reading the musical score and making notes, then working out all the timings. The display depended on operators hitting the Fire buttons right on cue throughout the show, setting off short sequences of fireworks in the hope it would all be in time with the music. One of Alan’s other favourites is a series of events called the Battle Proms, at stately homes like Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, where a live
A SPECIAL TREAT THE VOICE has been sworn to secrecy – but we can tell you that if the weather is good, Balloon Fiesta goers will be in for a treat this year. If the winds are not too strong, Alan has planned a fireworks effect on the Saturday that’s not been seen before and promises to be visible to the entire city. Listen out for music from Disney’s Frozen and from Coldplay – and hope that the weather is kind!
orchestra and the thrill of massed cannons going off mean that Alan can’t leave it all to the software. He has to keep in time with the conductor, or his display will finish 20 seconds before the music – or, worse, after it’s over.
A
lan got into the big bang business almost by accident. A boyhood in Frome lit the fuse – Bonfire Night was the big event of the year and like other boys he saved every penny he could for fireworks. Moving to Bristol as an adult meant there were plenty of firework displays to admire, which led him to design a short display for a friend on a weekend in Wales. The result was so good the friend offered to pay for it to be repeated. Realising he needed to learn the ropes, he joined the Fireworks Company in Devon, rising to become one of its supervisors. Fireworks were still a weekend occupation, alongside a workshop in Cooperage Lane, Southville, in which he restored classic Volkswagens. But when the recession of the early 1980s hit the car business hard, he found fireworks were still selling. Eventually he was to take over The Fireworks Co too, moving its operations to Bristol. Today he retains one shop in Nelson Parade, Bedminster – open by appointment only except in the run-up to November 5. Tons of equipment and a workshop are kept at a warehouse in Langford, Somerset, while the fireworks are kept where they can do no damage – mainly at a secure site deep in the Mendips. With his partner Debs he now lives in Claverham but lived for many years in Totterdown – “I Continued on page 18
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Plan for bridge firework special Continued from page 21 have always been a South Bristol person,” he said. Skyburst has only a handful of staff – including Alan’s sons, Luke and Jay – but has 200 trained firework operators all over the UK, from Land’s End to the Shetland islands. That means they can run 130 shows in Guy Fawkes season on top of about 170 more through the year. These range from weddings, costing from a few hundred pounds, to corporate events and major set-pieces costing thousands. Alan has his eye on the top spot at October’s British Musical Fireworks contest at Southport, where the UK’s top pyrotechnics experts compete. He’s previously taken second place. There’s one ambitious project he’d love to bring to Bristol. Alan has a spectacular show planned for the Clifton Suspension Bridge. He hopes to find a sponsor to make it happen one new year, when, he says, it will be
“a show for Bristol that will make the London Eye look like a little back garden event.” Strangely, Alan’s design didn’t win the bid for the fireworks for the 150th anniversary of the bridge in 2014, but he’s determined the people of Bristol will see it. The Voice has seen a preview – and it’s spectacular, creating movement that dances around the bridge, making a picture of its iconic profile. Let’s hope we all see it one day!
New look: How the new terrace will fit in to the houses in Argus Road
PHOTO COMPETITION
Homes agreed for old scrapyard
GET shooting! We want your pictures of balloons, taken from South Bristol (not Ashton Court). Email your photos of this year’s fiesta to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk by August 18. Once again Greenwoods estate agents are generously sponsoring the prizes – 1st place £25, 2nd £10, 3rd £5.
PLANNING permission has been given to turn a former scrapyard in Argus Road, Bedminster, into a courtyard with five homes. The site was once part of the Malago colliery. Vehicle access to the house will be from West Street. Three of the houses will face on to Argus Street and the other two will face into the courtyard. There will be
Monday
Knowle Filwood Community Centre Barnstaple Road, Knowle BS4 1JP 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm, 7.30pm Tel: Kim 07920 023170 Clifton St Peter & Paul Cathedral Pembroke Road, Clifton BS8 3BX 5.30pm Tel: Susan 07711 388511 Ashton Ashton Vale Primary School Avebury Road, Ashton BS3 2QG 7.30pm Tel: Emma 07701 030460
Tuesday
Bedminster Salvation Army, Dean Lane, Bedminster BS3 1BS 9.30am, 6pm Tel: Virginia 07938 567886 Knowle Church of the Nazarene Broadwalk, Knowle BS4 2RD 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm, 7.30pm Tel: Susan 07711 388511
Wednesday
Bedminster St Francis Church, North Street, Bedminster BS3 1JP
five parking spaces. Planners decided that as the yard has not been used for about 25 years, there were no concerns about loss of employment. The three terraced houses will have three bedrooms over three storeys, but will be the same height as their two-storey Victorian neighbours. Two other houses will be two-bedroomed.
9.30am, 5pm, 7pm Tel: Kelly 07760 623115
Thursday
Bedminster Oasis Academy, Marksbury Road, Bedminster BS3 5JU 5.30pm, 7.30pm Tel: Kelly 07760 623115
Saturday
Bedminster Salvation Army Dean Lane, Bedminster BS3 1BS 9am Tel: Susan 07711 388511
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Jail won’t bring end to grafitti
he can learn from this and will spend his spare time more productively.” Keeling won’t be spending any time productively while serving a 16 month jail sentence at the expense of the tax payer. Surely a far more fitting punishment in these cases would be six months of community service scrubbing off tags from Bristol’s buildings. I hope Bristol’s police and criminal justice services will review their sentencing policy immediately to make the punishment fit the crime, along these lines. RV, Southville
Can’t we get a bit of peace? IN Bedminster there has been a lot of work going on generally for many years, to upgrade housing to modern standards. That’s OK, it needs to be done. While people DIY on Sundays they didn’t used to get builders in on that day. The current trend is for a (wretched) dormer window. The builders for these seem to show
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up seven days a week as standard. Even though these people don’t respect their neighbours’ privacy, they should at least let us have a day’s peace on the weekend. It’s common decency to not have builders in on a Sunday. Grump over! Thanks! Name supplied, Bedminster
Affordable? No sign of that ... I AM very sympathetic to the notion that major housing developments such as the one at the old Imperial Tobaccco office,
19
Have you got strong views about what’s happening in South Bristol? Email paul@ southbristolvoice.co.uk, post to Letters, South Bristol Voice, 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX or call us on 07811 766072. Please keep letters short. We may edit your letter. which your described in last month’s issue, ought to include an element of affordable housing. The councilllor is also right to point out that local people are fast finding it impossible to afford to buy a home anywhere in Bedminster. Without a change in the law about what is truly an affordable rent, or other moves to deflate the housing market, I’m not sure that this situation is going to change. And the underlying message is that we need many more homes, and perhaps we will have to get used to developments like this which bring very dense, but hopefully well-designed, areas of housing. BH, Bedminster
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HANDING out a 16 month jail sentence to Jack Keeling, 24, of Bedminster for graffiti tagging offences as part of Operation Block, the city-wide anti-tagging police drive, is a custodial stretch that seems wildly disproportionate to the crime. I’m absolutely no fan of tagging and live close to Lucky Lane, a BS3 hot-spot for defacement through tagging which costs time and money to remove. However, our justice system often hands out far shorter jail sentences to perpetrators of serious crimes such as grievous bodily harm and sexual and domestic violence – if and when these cases are brought to court in the first place. The judge in Keeling’s case commented that he hoped the prison sentence would act as a “deterrent to others”, so this young man and others like him are clearly being made an example of. Investigating officer PC Stuart King said, “I hope that
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Police raid finds tobacco but no ‘legal highs’ POLICE acting with Customs and council officials seized more than 20,000 cigarettes, 1.7kg of tobacco and 300 bottles of spirits from shops in Bedminster. Sniffer dogs were taken to five shops and found secret stashes of tobacco – possibly untaxed and illegal – hidden at two of them. But police found no banned psychoactive substances – drugs such as spice and mamba which used to be known as “legal highs”. Police believe that some shops in Bedminster may have been selling them before they were banned, along with nitrous oxide or laughing gas, in May. Sergeant Caroline Crane said: “The fact that no psychoactive substances – previously known as ‘legal highs’ – were found at shops we had previously warned is a really positive result.”
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August 2016
Fitness giveaway at Amy’s new studio AN EXERCISE entrepreneur who spent years hating her own body is so keen to get others started on the path to fitness that she is giving away thousands of pounds worth of memberships to her new fitness studio. Amy Oldfield, who is opening the Empowered Fitness studio in Duckmoor Road, Southville, in September, says she struggled with her own body image. ‘’As a child I was overweight, and as a teenager I was underweight. I got bullied for being too fat and too skinny. I couldn’t win! “For years, I had a bad relationship with food, with episodes of binging and purging. I once threw a tuna sandwich at my mum because I was scared I’d get fat if I ate it. It was crazy!’’ Amy has been a personal
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Amy Oldfield: Appealing to those who aren’t gym fanatics trainer for several years but is about to fulfil her ambition to open a fitness studio for ordinary people, not those who are obsessed with going to the gym. She is currently holding sessions at Functional Fitness in South Liberty Lane. “I want to open a personal training studio to support people who aren’t gym fanatics, who are fed up with what they’re doing and want to change their bodies in a healthy way,” she said. She is offering 20 free memberships – worth a total of £7,000. This includes one annual pass worth £2,820, one
six-month membership worth £1,560, one three-month membership worth £855, plus monthly and weekly passes. Entry is via the Empowered Fitness website. Entrants have to give a reason why they should win. The best answers will be picked on August 15. Training is carried out in a “semi-private” group of two to four people. Amy said: ‘’I starved myself and became addicted to exercise trying to fix it but it did more harm than good. “Enough was enough. I started learning how to exercise correctly and how to eat food which nourished my body. I started noticing how great I felt and how my body was changing. “Although today I’m fit, strong and healthy, I’ve been exactly where so many other people are right now. I’ve hated my body, I’ve battled with exercise and I’ve struggled to eat well. “Despite all the exercise, I still have to watch what what I eat – I just have to look at a doughnut and my jeans get tight – so I can sympathise with every woman on the planet!’’ • efitbristol.co.uk/giveaway
Flats allowed – but you can’t see out, to protect the neighbours CONVERSION of the old Vector office furniture factory into homes and offices can go ahead, planners have decided. Residents in Lime Road, which backs onto the old factory, had protested that the new flats would overlook their homes from as little as seven metres away. A total of 19 flats are allowed, with the possibility of a further 10 in a new building on the site. The ground floor will be offices. After 15 objections were received from neighbours, the plans were amended so the rear windows will have louvres fitted, meaning the new residents will not be able to look down into the houses in Lime Road. The report acknowledges that some of the flats are close to
minimum legal sizes, and the louvres will restrict their views. The permission granted on July 13 is for nine flats – three of three bedrooms, two twobedroom flats and four singlebedroom homes, plus a new – and slightly lower – roof. Another 10 flats of between one and three bedrooms have been allowed on the first floor under a previous application. There will be cycle parking and seven parking spaces – an increase from three places after neighbours objected. The council is able to refuse parking permits to the new occupants to discourage car use. An older planning permission allows a further 10 flats in a separate building.
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August 2016
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North Street takeover for Sunday spree THE STREETS are turned over to the people once again on Sunday August 7 as Bedminster welcomes Make Sunday Special for a second year. Two days after the Olympics opening ceremony of Rio 2016, Bedminster will stage its own Bedmolympics in lower North Street, which will be closed to vehicles. Alongside Bedminster Bobsleigh races will be street games and art, crafts, picnic benches, street theatre, frog racing, kids’ workshops, stages, street art and more. There will also be a giant human table football for all to enjoy. Would-be street artists will be able to try their hand at a graffiti picture to take home, children’s crafts will be hosted along North Street and Acta theatre will stage live drama. Buskers will play alongside picnic tables filled with games while cafés and pubs spill out onto the street. Businesses such as Margot May, the Old Bookshop, the Steam Crane, Bedminster Pharmacy, Hungry Caterpillar
Play Café and more are all involved, supported by Bristol City Council, Bedminster BID and Greater Bedminster Community Partnership. Some roads will be closed from 6am-6pm: Merrywood Rd, Langton Park Rd, Greville St, Mount Pleasant Terrace, Fairfield Rd, King William St, Dartmoor St, Exmoor St, Myrtle St, Agate St, The Nursery, South Street, Dorset Street, Sion Rd, Melville Terrace, Hebron Rd, Braunton Rd, plus North Street from North Street Green to Cannon Street. Simon Dicken, chair of the Bedminster Town Team and BID said: “Last year’s Make Sunday Special saw thousands of people gather on the streets of Bedminster to make one huge community event. “We’re on the lookout for volunteers to help out with the organisation, and always welcome ideas. If anyone has any thoughts they can email markets@bedminster.org.” • www.bristol.gov.uk/sundays • Twitter: @BedminsterTT • facebook.com/ bedminsterbristol.bs3
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Energy outlet: Pupils at Bedminster Down school join boxing sessions
Police help youngsters box clever YOUNG people from Bedminster Down School have been gaining new skills at a boxing club, thanks to funding from Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens. Police school beat manager PC Kris Withers heard about a gym which was offering boxing classes to help stop students from going down the wrong path, and asked for funding from the commissioner’s Community Action Fund. PC Withers said: “Some kids do struggle in school, whether it’s with poor attendance, bad behaviour or their general attitude. Sometimes, if these things aren’t addressed, students can be in danger of drifting into a life of unemployment or crime. “The boxing classes provide the students with structure, discipline and an outlet for their
frustrations and energy, and they seem to be having a really positive effect on their behaviour, attitude and self-esteem. Working with an officer like me, who is based in school and sees them regularly, is also an ideal way for young people to develop a positive perception of police.” The classes take place at Bristol Boxing Gym in St Paul’s, run by charity Empire Fighting Chance. Between six and 10 boys and girls from years 8–10 take part in sessions every fortnight. Year 8 student Sheldon Meaker, who has been taking the classes, said: “It’s good, it’s good exercise. It’s sick! I don’t want to stop because it makes me feel better about myself.” To find out more about Empire Fighting Chance, visit the website. • empirefightingchance.org
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Marvin Rees Show me how you want our budget to be managed
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IKE all councils in the UK, Bristol faces big financial challenges in the coming years. We know that funding will go down, costs will go up and more people will need our services. Because of this we’ll have some really difficult decisions to make on how we spend money to meet your needs and create a fairer city where no-one is left behind. These decisions will affect most of us in one way or another. So I want to hear what you have to say. I want you to tell us how you think we should spend and save. To help, we’ve built an online simulator to let you do just that. The budget simulator breaks down the services we provide and describes what they
The Mayor’s view Marvin Rees tells us his vision following his election as Bristol mayor do. It puts you in control of increasing or decreasing budgets in a bid to save at least £60m, so you can get a real sense of the issues and the impact of making savings. Visit the simulator from your computer,
Police update We’ll be looking out for summer ‘anti-socials’
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UGUST can feel like a long month, especially with the schools closed. While the majority of young people are sensible, law abiding and responsible citizens, there are a minority who cause trouble. Over the summer we will be issuing dispersal notices in areas where groups of people are congregating and there has been a history of anti-social behaviour (ASB). These last for 48 hours and involve us removing all young people suspected of causing anti-social behaviour, taking them back home and talking to their parents. The first of these dispersal notices was issued in St Peter’s Rise in Bedminster Down, following complaints from residents that young people were congregating there and behaving anti-socially. This was issued in
the middle of July, before the start of the summer holidays, to send a clear message that ASB won’t be tolerated. Please do report any problems with ASB in your local area, so that we can act quickly to stamp it out before it becomes a regular problem.
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e recently ran a successful operation in partnership with Trading Standards and HMRC, which targeted illegal tobacco and alcohol sales in Bedminster. Our focus was on psychoactive substances, which until recently were known as legal highs, but which are now illegal. I’m pleased to report that we found none of these drugs at shops we had previously warned, which shows people had taken on board what they’d been told, avoiding a potential prison sentence of up to seven years for supplying illegal drugs.
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here has recently been an increase in shed and garage break-ins in Bedminster and Southville,
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smartphone or tablet at bristol. budgetsimulator.com. While this isn’t a referendum – so no promises about our final decisions - it is a chance for you to show me what your priorities are. In return we’ll absolutely consider all the responses as we plan for the future. It isn’t all budgetary doom and gloom. The West of England region is seeking around £1bn of new money and power from the Government and has agreed a deal in principle. This moves new control to the local area, so while the money can’t go towards closing our existing budget gap, it will mean more local control over things like housing, planning, transport, and education and skills. In short, the potential for more homes, jobs and local investment. To have your say on this deal and the things that come with it – like a directly elected regional mayor – visit our online survey at westofenglanddevolution.co.uk. All too often local councils are accused of not engaging local people. I really hope you’ll take a little time to be part of these important conversations – because in these uncertain times there’s no doubt they’ll have a real impact on Bristol’s future. If you have any ideas or suggestions please email mayor@bristol.gov.uk.
With Sgt Caroline Crane, Bedminster police station
so it’s worth making sure that your outbuildings are secure, especially if you store valuable property like bikes or tools in there. Make sure bikes are properly secured to a ground anchor using a decent lock – expect to pay around 10 per cent of the value of your bike. You might want to consider installing outside security lighting which is motion triggered and make sure your household insurance covers theft from your garden or outbuildings.
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inally, for those of you who followed our Police Live day last month on Twitter (#ASP24) you will know that one nine-year-old girl from Bedminster was happily reunited with her pet rabbit after it was stolen in a burglary. Pet bunny Star was taken by two thieves who climbed a garden fence, but they were caught quickly after a neighbour spotted them and called us. When being questioned, officers asked the pair if they had been drinking, to which one of
Reunited: The stolen rabbit is taken home in a police car the men replied “of course I’ve been drinking, why else would I rob a rabbit?” This caused much amusement on Twitter and saw Star’s picture being re-tweeted numerous times. Bunny brings fame to Bedminster! Who would have thought it? (The two men were later cautioned and released).
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southbristolvoice www.southbristolvoice.co.uk Reports from your councillors – Southville 24
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August 2016
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SEE that cycling campaigners are launching a campaign to close Prince Street Bridge to cars. Charlie I’m very happy Bolton to support this. Green, Councillor Clarke, Southville other Greens and I carried out a survey on the bridge back in March, and found that something like two-thirds of those responding supported closure. Obviously, given that we did the survey on the bridge, we didn’t talk to motorists. The campaign to close the bridge goes back years. Then Labour councillor Matthew Symonds had a petition for closure in 2006 or thereabouts. And I remember Tory councillor Richard Eddy running a counter-petition. I also remember a motion to the council shortly after I was first elected suggesting action and resulting in the closure of half the bridge, as we have now. More
recently, the Tories campaigned to keep it open to cars. As a Southvillian, I have used the route as my way into town, walking and cycling, for 25 years. The footway is too narrow for anything more than single file walking. From memory, when first closed, a line was painted down the middle pushing cyclists to one side and pedestrians to the other, which worked pretty well. But the basic point is that huge numbers of people from Southville, Bedminster and Ashton walk and cycle into town over that bridge. The bridge is quite narrow and it is not appropriate for some types of vehicle. And we need to create a sustainable city with sustainable transport systems. This means doing things which work better for cyclists and pedestrians. You could also push cyclists down one side and pedestrians down the other. I’d also want to extend a cycle lane to the turn for Pero’s bridge. There is a petition: epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/ epetition_core/view/psb
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S I write this, the post-Brexit bloodletting is continuing in both major parties and I feel a general Stephen sense of unease and Clarke uncertainty unlike Green, any I have felt for Southville a long time. If it is like that for me, what must it be like for someone from another country who lives in our area of Bristol? I have heard stories of people who have spent much of their lives here and are now frightened they may be asked to leave. Other people have told me they now feel unwelcome; one woman didn’t leave her house for three days she was so upset. What an awful feeling. I am confident that the vast majority of the readers of this paper do not feel like that about people from other countries who live here. They love hearing Spanish and Polish voices as they walk over Gaol Ferry Bridge, they appreciate the hard work that
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these people have put into our city and they want to maintain the diversity of culture that can see us shopping at a Polish shop or drinking beer at a Spanish bar. I am proud to be an active member of the Bedminster neighbourhood partnership (GBCP) and I think the best thing I can do is to repeat a statement they recently put out: “One of the priorities of the GBCP is to encourage cooperation and inclusivity. To this end, we recognise and celebrate the contribution that all the people who live in the area make to the community. “We make this statement in the aftermath of the referendum result in order to reassure our residents from European Community countries (and beyond) that they remain welcome in our community and we applaud the contribution they make to the vibrancy and diversity of the wards. We pledge to do everything we can to ensure that our area remains a welcoming, open and friendly place to live.”
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www.southbristolvoice.co.uk southbristolvoice Reports from your councillors – Bedminster
August 2016
E: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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S WE think towards the summer holidays (some lucky people will be on them already) we wanted to update you on a number of topics raised with us on the doorstep. You will notice a transport bias in this report but that’s because transport and traffic are big themes for Bedminster!
Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster
Residents’ Parking: Following the mayor’s commitment to holding local reviews into existing resident’s parking schemes (and pledging no new ones unless there is strong local backing) we now know that review work will start in September. We have heard several proposals for making the existing RPS (mainly in Southville ward but impacting greatly on Bedminster) work better for residents and local business and have urged these to be fed into the council. Please drop us a line – preferably by email (see p2 for addresses) – about particular issues, problems and potential
solutions, relating only to Bedminster, before the review starts. The mayor has also said that current schemes won’t be ripped out and also that any new suggestions must be affordable. This last point is crucial given the intense pressure on the council budget. 20mph zones: A similar process will happen for the review into 20mph limits but this will have a focus on inconsistency – sudden changes from one limit to another, particularly roads outside or nearby some schools not within the 20mph limit. The school’s safety aspect will have greater importance in this review and Celia, as a school governor,
Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster
is keen to see this in practice. As your councillors, we will lead the local RPS and 20mph reviews in Bedminster ward, working with officers, the Southville councillors and the Greater Bedminster Community Partnership. Again, send issues and proposals relating to Bedminster to us in advance of the review beginning in September. Metrobus: We have been told to expect some disruption to the local highways later in the year as the next phase of the Hengrove to North Fringe route is built and will share more details when available. We also want to see additional and better located Metrobus stops along West Street to pick up more in-bound passengers to Temple Meads, the Centre, UWE and the North Fringe (Cribbs, Filton and so on). Cycling storage: The Bedminster bids for on-street cycle storage in Chessel Street and Churchlands have been successful – congratulations to residents taking part. In total,
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there will be 17 new hangars across Bristol to add to the one in Windmill Hill (announced by Mark in 2014). The hangars are secure and help where there is limited space in flats and houses to store bikes. More are planned. Local events: A well-earned thanks to all residents, businesses and others who help to organise the various events in Bedminster. Over the summer, we have much choice and these add to the appeal of living in Bedminster, so thanks from us as the local councillors.
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he concluding theme is about the council budget and the revenue pressure we all face. The mayor has launched a Budget Conversation and an online budget simulator for residents to see the impact of various budget options and proposals to achieve greater value for money. The online link is • bristol.budgetsimulator.com or for those without internet access, you can visit a library or citizen service point.
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THE NEW South Bristol Link road needs to be joined up to the city’s ring road, says a commercial property specialist. The South Bristol Link is due to be completed at the end of 2016 and will connect the A361 at Long Ashton to the Cater Road roundabout at Hartcliffe, crossing the A38 at Highridge. The road has been long awaited by commuters and the business community. It is expected to do much to open up
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August 2016
‘Give Bristol a proper ring road’ neglected areas of South Bristol to investment. It will also open the “dead” end of South Liberty Lane. It also provides a dedicated lane to the new Metrobus, which will connect from Hengrove to routes to the city centre and the north of the city, dramatically cutting journey times. However, road traffic wanting to get from the new road to the
A4 or the ring road will still have to negotiate a mile of often heavy traffic from Airport Road to Brislington Hill to the Avon ring road at Hicks Gate roundabout. Paul Williams of commercial property firm Bruton Knowles says the council should bite the bullet and spend £3 million on a study to make a case for a new road to bypass this bottleneck.
He said: “Completion of this link would provide a priceless main trunk road route from the M5 to the A371 Weston Road, effectively completing a genuine ring road around our city.” Mr Williams did not suggest a route, but any new road cutting across Stockwood or Hengrove could expect to run into huge opposition from those affected.
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Planning applications Land at 1 Acraman’s Road, Southville Construction of three storey, 3-bedroom house attached to side of 3 Acraman’s Road. Garden to rear and parking to front with access onto Acraman’s Road. Granted subject to conditions 78 Parson Street BS3 5QQ Change of use from Use Class A1 (Retail) to Use Class A5 (Hot food takeaway). Retention of extraction unit to the rear. Withdrawn 37 Upper Perry Hill BS3 1NJ Proposed rear dormer. Granted subject to conditions 43 Argus Road BS3 3NY Lawful development certificate for a proposed loft conversion. Granted First Floor Flat, 59 Lime Road BS3 1LS Rear roof extension to top floor flat. Granted subj. to conditions Bower Ashton Woodyard, Kennel Lodge Road BS3 2JT Formation of a platform to raise logs 800mm from ground level, also a concrete pad 8m by 3m with an open-sided structure with green metal sheet covering. Two other open and semi-open sided structures with green metal roofs, for storage of timber products. Granted subject to conditions Trident VSU, Balfour Road BS3 2AF Approval of details reserved by condition nos. 2 (Demolition Plan) and 3 (Protection of Retained Trees During Construction Period) of planning permission 13/01831/N for prior approval for proposed demolition of single storey meeting hut. Withdrawn Pumping Station, Clift House Road BS3 1RX Application to approve details in relation to condition no. 2 attached to permission 09/03925/FB for new pedestrian and cycling facility linking Ashton Avenue swing bridge to Clift House Road (3m wide on north side of embankment). Granted subject to conditions 179-185 Ashton Drive BS3 2PU Conversion of loft space to provide one 1-bed flat. Pending decision
94-96 Bedminster Parade BS3 4HL Demolition of first floor and erection of two new storeys for nine flats above ground floor commercial space. Removal of brickwork infill, and shop front glazing at ground floor, replaced by curtain walling and overcladding to match new development above. Granted subject to conditions Beauley Motor Services, Beauley Road BS3 1PY Application to approve details in relation to condition 2 (Contamination) and 3 (Remediation) of permission 16/00681/F: Demolition of former Beauley Motor Services and construction of 2 dwellings. Pending decision The Orchard, Clanage Road BS3 2JX Remove section of hedge to allow for a drive entrance. Renew the remainder of hedge around property. Pending consideration 2 Quantock Road BS3 4PF Additional storey to create bedrooms. Pending consideration Riverside Garden Centre, Clift House Road BS3 1RX Extension to existing cafeteria. Replacement of toilet block and play facilities. Granted subject to conditions Bristol City FC, Ashton Road BS3 2EJ Application to approved details in relation to conditions attached to planning permission 13/03517/F, which approved the refurbishment/ redevelopment of Ashton Gate Stadium, in order to reflect minor material amendments to the Wedlock, Williams and Dolman stands. (Major application). Removal or variation of conditions: Condition 14, Condition 21, Condition 23, Condition 47 following 14/00751/X. It is now proposed to retain 65 Ashton Road and its rear building, as a change to the current demolition plan. Pending consideration
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loft conversion. Pending consideration 36 Birch Road BS3 1PF Lawful Development Certificate for rear, single storey extension. Refused 19 Clift Road BS3 1RZ Lawful Development Certificate for rear, single storey extension to side alley, internal refurbishment. Refused Lidl, Sheene Road BS3 4EG 7.5m totem sign to replace existing damaged flag pole sign. Pending consideration 62 Raleigh Road BS3 1QT Lawful development certificate for a proposed rear dormer extension. Granted 13 Greville Street BS3 1EF Two storey rear extension. Granted subj. to conditions Basement Flat, 49 Vicarage Road, Southville BS3 1PD Outbuilding (old stable) to be converted to flexible studio and guest accommodation. Granted subject to conditions Land adjacent 30 Islington Road BS3 1QB Construction of a block of three garages with living green roof on land previously used as garages. Granted subject to conditions 18 Fairfield Place BS3 1LQ Proposed studio/shed in rear garden. Granted subject to conditions 7 Warden Road BS3 1BU Proposed conversion of existing single dwelling house into three,
self contained flats. Withdrawn 123 Smyth Road BS3 2DR Two bedroom end-of-terrace dwelling, to be built in the garden of 123 Smyth Road, with off-street parking and garden. Granted subject to conditions 15-21 Bartley Street BS3 4DY Prior approval for a change of use from storage or distribution buildings (class B8) and any land within its curtilage to dwelling houses (class C3). Granted
Imperial Tobacco, Upton Road BS3 1QZ Application to approve details in relation to conditions of permission 14/02061/FB: Change of use from B1 Offices to D1 Educational Institution for areas identified, alterations to elevations, new external lift shaft, reduction in parking areas for playgrounds, new parking and landscaping and the closure of Upton Road to motor vehicles. Granted subject to conditions 26 Cromwell Street BS3 3NT Demolition of 3-bed house and garage, construction of two new houses, landscaping. Pending consideration 20 Blackmoors Lane BS3 2JJ Two storey side and single storey rear extension. Granted subject to conditions 22 Bartletts Road BS3 3PL Side ground floor extension • The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planning online.bristol.gov.uk
Land at Norfolk Place, Bedminster Construction of two-storey, two-bedroom, four-person dwelling. Pending consideration 24 Greville Street BS3 1EF An L-shaped dormer
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Holiday activities
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STUCK for something for the children to do during August? Here’s a selection of events at a range of venues. Most require booking; see the venue websites for details.
Ashton Park Sports Centre
Blackmoors Lane, Bower Ashton 0117 377 3300 ashtonparksports.com Ashton Park has a huge range of activities from the last week of July and every weekday throughout August, for 4-16 year-olds. Costs BikeAbility is from £21.50 to £35.50, sailing is £42, bushcraft £16.50, Escape Zone £17.50 a day, archery, canoeing, raft building, high ropes all £16.50. Dance £7.50. Childcare vouchers can be used. Discounts for parents using the sports centre while their children attend sessions. Sailing in the harbour every day 10am-4pm, £42. BikeAbility Two-day sessions each Monday and Tuesday. Level 2: 9am-12.30pm, Level 3 1-4pm. Kayaking and canoeing From 9am-12.30pm Mondays, £16.50. Dance on Wednesday mornings 9am-12.30pm, £7.50. Many more sessions – see website for details.
Windmill Hill City Farm
Philip Street, Bedminster 0117 963 3252 windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Friday July 29 Flit, Flap & Fly Award-winning interactive theatre adventures for young children. Two 40-minute sessions at 11.30am and 2pm. Free. Monday August 5 Farm & Bushcraft Club A day of exciting activities for 8-12year-olds, 9am-3pm. Bring packed lunch. Drink and snack provided. £25 per child. Tuesdays July 26-August 30 The Ape Project Sessions every Tuesday with water play or campfire cooking (if wet). Suitable for all ages. 11am3pm. £2 per child. No booking needed, just drop in. Thursday July 28, August 11 & 25 Pizza making Come and make your own pizza in the farm’s cob oven. Suitable for all ages. 10am-12noon. £2 per child. No booking needed.
Forest school at Arnos Vale Wednesday August 3 & 17 My Way or The Highway Come along to watch the exciting story of Alf the toy-thieving highwayman, by Brave Bold Drama, the Withywood-based theatre group. Performances at 11am & 2pm with creative play sessions at 11.45am & 2.45pm. £2 per child. No booking needed. Wednesday August 24 & 31 Creative play Join the farm team as they make puppets and tell stories around the farm. 1.30pm. £3 per child. No booking needed. Thursday August 4 & 18 Salad making Make salads and pesto in the outdoor kitchen with produce picked from the gardens. 10am12pm. £2. No booking needed.
Arnos Vale cemetery
Bath Road, Arnos Vale arnosvale.org.uk Activities can sell out so booking online is advised. Monday August 1, 8 & 15 Mud Mondays 10.30-11.30am A messy, outdoor, fun session suitable for toddlers up to 4. All children must be accompanied. £4. Friday August 5 Stomping Story – We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Discover what lives in Arnos Vale, and make some lovely bear paws to take home. 10.3011.15am. Suitable for 3+. £4. Summer Stroll: Nature Walk Go on a bug hunt, find out about what hides in the woods. Suitable for 4+. Buy tickets online (advised) or turn up and pay. 1.30-2.30pm. £4. Tuesday August 9 Stomping Story – Pirates Love Underpants Join the Pants Pirate on a special treasure hunt. Make a pirate hat. 10.30-11.15am. £4.
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Family Den Building Workshop You and your child will learn how to build dens, structures and shelters using natural materials. A ticket covers up to three children and two adults. For 5+. £10. 1.30-3.30pm. Thursday August 11 & 25 Forest Funday – Bushcraft Skills Foraging skills, campfire cooking and a feast. Adults welcome to join in. 10.30am-2.30pm. For ages 7+. £20. Sunday August 14 Teddy Bear’s Picnic Bring your kids with their furry, cuddly or fuzzy friends along to the annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic on the grass in front of the Speilman Centre. Fun activities to try. Four legged friends are welcome on leads. If you haven’t got time to pack a picnic, grab something in our cafe. Free; no need to book. 11.30am-2pm. Wednesday August 17 Stomping Story – Gruffalo Meet a quick-witted mouse who journeys into the dark wood, spinning yarns about the scary gruffalo to keep him from being eaten. Discover the animals that live in Arnos Vale then make a gruffalo mask to take home. 10.30am-11.15am. Age 3+, £4. Kite-making workshop Learn how to create your own kite. Suitable for 5+. £8 per family – up to 3 children and 2 adults. 1.30-2.30 pm Wednesday August 2 Stomping Story – The Gruffalo’s Child Walk with the Gruffalo’s daughter who sets off into the woods to discover the only thing her father is afraid of. Suitable for 4+. £4. 10.30-11.15am. Family Minibeast Hunt Get hunting – go on a worm
Ape Project: Playtime at City Farm
August 2016
hunt, find out about what hides in the woods and then make a wormery to take home. Suitable for 4+, £5. 1.30-2.30pm.
Tobacco Factory
North Street, Southville tobaccofactorytheatres.com The Dahl Project A chance for teen actors to explore characters inspired by Roald Dahl, working with a professional director, writer and designer to create a brand new piece of theatre which will be performed at the end of the two weeks at The Wardrobe Theatre. Only 20 places. August 1-12, 10am-4pm daily. Fee £50 (Email bryony@tobaccofactorytheatres. com if this sum is a problem.)
Knowle West Media Centre
KWMC: The Factory (Filwood Green Business Park, Filwood Park Lane, off Hengrove Way) kwmc.org.uk Ultimate Karting Experience Build a soap box cart over two days, August 2 and 3, 10am-4pm. £10 for two days. Ages 10-15. Call 0117 903 0444 or email sandra@kwmc.org.uk
More ideas
Tiny Tours bluesparrowapps.com A NEW app to help plan activities with children. Select two main filters: Places, which covers Parks, Free and Rainy; and Tours, which features ideas for days out with names such as Culture and Cows. The Tours section also displays the amount of time recommended at each attraction and gives a rough idea of costs as well as showing journey planning information for travelling on foot, by bus, train or car. Free to download for Apple and Android phones. Bristol developer Blue Sparrow Apps has plans to add more features. My Green World 07780 964319. mygreenworld.co.uk August 17 and 24 Holiday club for 8-12 year-olds in Leigh Woods. From shelter building, fire lighting and cooking over the fire, to going on a Big Forest Bug Hunt, painting with homemade paints and weaving with wood, it is a full day of outdoor activities. 9.30am3.30pm. £27.
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August 2016
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Entertainment
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You’re never too young for the best in music EVERYONE knows that small children love a nursery rhyme – but can they really appreciate classical music? The answer, it seems, is yes. Lilliput Concerts were started in Bristol by former professional singer Jenna Brown, of Southville. When her children were born, she was frustrated that she couldn’t get out to the concerts she used to enjoy – and there were none for her under-fives. So, with the help of viola player Kate Skeet, who had already had the same idea in Cheltenham, they set up a series of events where first-rate classical musicians perform specially for pre-schoolers. The results have been interesting. Some children are fascinated, “for others it’s more
Pick a tune: Lilliput concerts are for the under-5s about dancing around and having a good time,” said Jenna. “With singers they are absolutely enraptured, they sit really still, especially if it’s the first time they have heard classical singing.” The key, Jenna
PICTURE: Adele Willams
has found, is to make the concerts last 30-40 minutes, and break them up into pieces of no more than five minutes, with lots of changes of style and tempo. The musicians chat to the children and say a little about
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their instruments. “We had a French horn at one concert and a four-year-old girl was so fascinated she tried to stick her head inside!” said Jenna. She is not surprised at the reaction: several studies have shown classical music can have a calming effect on tiny infants, particularly premature babies. Since launching in Bristol in January 2015, the Lilliput Concerts have attracted a loyal core of families who attend. Adults are looked after too, with a range of teas, coffee and cakes on sale at each concert. So far all the events have been on the north side of town, but Jenna hopes that as the project grows she will be able to arrange concerts in South Bristol. The next two concerts are on Wednesday August 17, when Jenna, a mezzo-soprano, will sing with Kate Skeet on viola, and Thursday August 18, with the Vervain Folk Band. Both concerts are at 10.30am at the Colston Hall Lantern Theatre. • www.lilliputconcerts.org.uk
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What’s on
Monday August 1 The Dahl Project for young would-be actors, 13-19 at the Tobacco Factory. Travelling Light Theatre Company hosts a summer school featuring new, Roald Dahl-inspired characters. Only 20 places available. Cost £50 (email bryony@ tobaccofactorytheatres.com if this is a problem.) • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Darlingside The Tunnels, Temple Meads. Darlingside are a Massachusetts quartet who bridge folk, pop, bluegrass, indie and chamber music “all underpinned by fabulous harmonies”. Winner of the Folk Alliance International’s performer of the year award in 2015. 7.30pm, £10.00. • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Tuesday August 2 Make a soap box cart at Knowle West media centre, Leinster Avenue. 10am-4pm on Tuesday; also on Wednesday August 3. Work in teams to build, customize and race a soap box cart and design your team’s racing suits. (More details on page 30.) • kwmc.org.uk Wednesday August 3 Afternoon tea and social with Knowle WI. 2-4pm at Upper Knowle Methodist church hall. Details from Barbara McInerney on 0117 971 5632. Family animal sing-along with Poco Drom, at Windmill Hill City Farm. Weekly sessions re-start on August 3 and every Wednesday at 9.30am. “An interactive performance of original animal songs for kids and their adults that you can hop, wriggle, bounce and roar along to in the farm café. Sing a song about a sheep and then go and find a real one.” All ages. Booking not required. £3 per child, adults free with the purchase of a drink. • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Friday August 5 After Hours Tour at Arnos Vale cemetery, 7.30-9pm. “Soak up the last summer rays in the ethereal beauty of Bristol’s “Necropolis” in a tour revealing the darker side of Arnos Vale at dusk, in an atmospheric exploration of tragic tales, folk customs and funeral etiquette of Victorian society. £8. • arnosvale.org.uk Aynsley Lister The Tunnels, Temple Meads. “Fresh from his richly-deserved accolade as Guitarist of the Year in the
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In Verity Standen’s Hug, a select audience can only hear and touch the singers
August 2016
PICTURE: Paul Blakemore
Startling show where you never see the performers REVIEW: Hug, Tobacco Factory ENTERING a room with 20 chairs, we were instructed to find a seat and put on the blindfold there. The room fell quiet. And then came the voices. Harmonies and layers of sound floated into the room and all around us. Some notes swept close past my ears, some soared further away: human stereo. Then hands touched my hands and I was gently brought to standing. My left hand was placed on their shoulder, the other around their waist, and then we hugged. The British Blues Awards and straight out of the studio, Aynsley returns to The Tunnels with a new album, Eyes Wide Open.” 7.30pm, £12. • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Saturday August 6 Bench mending in Victoria Park. Volunteers meet at 10am and aim to renovate a couple of park benches. • vpag.org.uk Sound engineering course Would you like to know how to set up a PA? Know your auxiliary from your XLR? This one-day course, 10am-3pm, at Zion, Bristol, could help. No previous xxperience necessary. Suitable for 14 and upwards. £25 • zionbristol.co.uk Marvellous Medicine Tour Arnos Vale cemetery, 11am-
next song was a rhythm of breaths and pants and sighs, and because our bodies were touching I could feel the performer’s diaphragm moving against mine – physical percussion. During the course of 25 minutes (it seemed longer), we were moved, held, and immersed in sound – a belting piece of almost-too-loud discords straight down the lug-hole was followed by a primal sound bath of harmonies that made the hairs on my arms stand up. The final piece returned us to our hug, this time
Medical marvels: Arnos Vale tour 12.30pm. Learn about Victorian medicine and how it transformed Bristol and the world. From fresh water to forensics, childhood disease to cholera, the discoveries of medical professionals saved many lives and made Bristol one of the healthiest places to live. £5. • arnosvale.org.uk Jamaican Night Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road. Celebrate
with our heads on each other’s shoulders, with deep resonant hums that purred through my body and reminded me of lullabies and a mother’s caress. Then slowly the voices faded out of the room. As we removed our blindfolds only the audience were left, to blink and look about us, never knowing who had bathed us in the most wonderful sounds. Beccy Golding • Sold out at the Tobacco Factory, Hug, created by Verity Standen, now starts an international tour. Jamaican Independence Day with music from Troy Ellis and his Hail Jamaica Reggae Band and food from Agnes Spencer’s Jamaican Cuisine. Tickets £3 adults, £1 children. 7.3010.30pm. • zionbristol.co.uk Go, Go Children Fiddlers Club, Willway Street, Bedminster. 60s soul, rhythm & blues and more, first Saturday of every month. 9pm-6am, £12. • fiddlers.co.uk Friday August 12 Bristol Milonga Tango. An evening of tango at SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville. “Atmospheric, friendly, great music and a sound system worthy of tango Argentino”. 8pm-midnight, £10 • tangoalchemy.co.uk
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August 2016
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Saturday August 13 Sale of books (“all pre-read and cheap!’), bric-a-brac and cakes, 10-12am at Knowle Methodist Church, junction of Wells Road and Redcatch Road. Proceeds to Homeless Day Centre at Barton Hill and church funds. The Big ’Un music night at Windmill Hill community centre, Vivian Street. Takes place the second Saturday of every month, 8pm-late. Tonight’s genre: rock and pop. Next month: Motown. • whca.org.uk Sunday August 14 Vintage kilo sale of clothing, Paintworks, Bath Road, Totterdown. Trade hour 10am11am. Early-bird admission £3 11am-12pm, £1.50 after 12pm. The UK’s largest vintage clothing wholesaler will be bringing 5 tonnes of clothing, including accessories and jewellery. Pick what you like, weigh it and pay £15 per kilo. • paintworksbristol.co.uk Monday August 15 Farm and Bushcraft holiday
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club, 9am-3pm, Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. “Sign up for a day of challenging activities on the farm. Go behind the scenes to feed the animals and help our farm team. Create dens, make fires and learn bushcraft skills in the woodland area. Bring a packed lunch, waterproofs and wellies.” For ages 8 to 12. £25. • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Thursday August 18 Flower arranging with Lizzie Valentine. Zion Bristol in Bishopsworth Road hosts a session on making a floral crown or head circlet. 7.30-9pm, £20. “Lizzie will give step-by-step guidance and you will take home a beautiful arrangement.” • zionbristol.co.uk Friday August 19 Four Fighters The Tunnels, Temple Meads. Foo Fighters tribute band who have appeared at tribute festivals in the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe, United Arab Emirates and South America. 7.30pm, £10.
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• thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Saturday August 20 A Foreigners Journey Tribute to the adult-orientated rock of Foreigner and Journey. The Tunnels, Temple Meads. 7.30pm, £10. • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Thursday August 25 Franklin Mint + Hierarchy + Sirens Of Titan The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. Expect freaky prog metal from Franklin Mint, billed as “one of Bristol’s rock oddities” after air play on BBC 6 Music’s Freak Zone with Stuart Maconie.• thethunderbolt.net Friday August 26 Quiz and supper night at Windmill Hill community centre, Vivian Street. Held on last Friday of every month, 8.30pm-late. • whca.org.uk A Night of Lead Belly The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. A celebration of the life and music of Huddie Ledbetter, including a short documentary, while Bristol bands
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What’s on
Urban Cohorts, Ponchartrain, Will Edmunds Trio and The Lewis Creaven Band perform some of Lead Belly’s most popular tunes. All proceeds go towards helping some of Bristol’s autistic out of school clubs. 7.30pm, £5. • thethunderbolt.net Thursday September 1 Haze EP launch + Stone Theory + Silverfield + Peter Pan Syndrome The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. 7.15pm, £5. • thethunderbolt.net Trainspotting The stage version of the cult novel by Irvine Welsh returns to Bristol in this Tobacco Factory production in the Loco Club under Temple Meads station. The first, extended run in April sold out. Back until September 18. Contains violence, drug use, nudity and swearing. Not for the faint-hearted. Tickets £14 & £10 until September 4, £16 and £12 September 5-18. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com
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August 2016
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