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Too many, too tall? Windmill Hill speaks on towers Pages 12-14
LETTERS P17 | YOUR COUNCILLORS P10-11 | THE MAYOR P20 BEST FOR NEWS Bedminster is a UK hot spot Page 3 Parking zones: The reaction Pages 4-6 It’s your hospital: Do you use it? Page 7 New first for the Lantern parade New blocks: Developer’s view of proposal for hundreds of new flats next to Asda, seen from St John’s Road
The future view of Bedminster? UPSET OVER BRIDGE AXE A PROPOSED bridge for cyclists and pedestrians from Bedminster to the city may be cancelled by mayor George Ferguson. Page 9
A DEVELOPER has submitted plans to build more than 300 homes in the heart of Bedminster at the site of the former Wills tobacco factory. The picture above shows the view from St John’s Lane of the new blocks proposed for the car park behind Regent House and Consort House. Six blocks of between four and seven storeys would contain 157 homes, with a landscaped courtyard over a 150-space underground car park. A new building on Lombard Street would hold four flats with two shops underneath. New
shops would also be added on Bedminster Parade, between the arcade and Asda. Consultation carried out by developer City & Country found broad backing for the scheme, including from the Civic Society. But concerns expressed by the BS3 group and others include the amount of affordable housing. The developer is prepared to discuss a contribution to Bristol City Council to fund affordable housing elsewhere. But has not said how much it will offer – and it says it cannot Continued on page 18
Get in touch for free, friendly advice or a market appraisal of your property
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Far-right march ends in arrests
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History: Looking back on West St
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southbristolvoice Contacts Paul Breeden Editor and publisher
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TOWN & COUNTRY HOMES
Christmas has come early at Besley Hill BS3! Instruct Besley Hill to sell your home between now and December 20, 2015 and we will, upon completion, give you an iPad Air!
Bedminster Office 165 East Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EJ 0117 953 5375 bedminster@besleyhill.co.uk www.besleyhill.co.uk www.facebook.com/BesleyHillBedminster If you have instructed another estate agent on a sole selling rights basis, the terms and conditions of those instructions must be considered to avoid the possible liability to pay two fees. T&C’s apply
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Intro W
ELCOME to the first Bedminster & Southville edition of South Bristol Voice. Our Totterdown magazine, launched six months ago, was so successful we decided to create a new edition. We hope you like the Voice, and you’ll tell us what you want to see featured. Got a burning issue? Write us a letter or get in touch on Facebook. Our aim is to give you all the local news you want, with in-depth analysis when you
need it. That’s why we devote three pages in this issue to Bedminster Green, a £100 million proposal that could change the face of this part of Bristol. You won’t find this kind of coverage anywhere else. We also report in depth on the residents parking schemes – bound to be a subject we return to. This makes the 10th Voice magazine covering Bristol – look out for the others, from Filton to Bishopston to Keynsham, all offering local news you can’t find anywhere else. Paul Breeden
How do I get in touch with ... My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Surgeries on Friday November 13 and 27 at Knowle West Health Park, Downton Road, BS4 1WH, 9.1510.45 am. Call 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 USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Household waste, road maintenance Recycling and waste collections, maintenance of roads and pavements, street lighting, graffiti and fly-tipping, street litter. email: customer.services@bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2100 Pest control and dog wardens Report anti-social behaviour, noise and other pollution, risks to public health and safety (such as food risks), issues with pests or dogs 0117 922 2500
By email: celia.phipps@bristol. gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster By phone: 0117 353 3160 By email: mark.bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk Surgery at Marksbury Road Library, 4th Saturday of every month, 10.30am-12 noon Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: stephen.clarke@bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By email: charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 07884 736111
Council tax
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Adult care & social services 0117 922 2900 Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire
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EDITOR’S NOTE: South Bristol Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. Feedback is welcomed: call editor Paul Breeden on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk. All stories and pictures are copyright of South Bristol Voice and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse. South Bristol Voice Ltd | 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX | Company no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76
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News Bedminster’s astonishing house price record EVERYONE knows that property prices in South Bristol are rising fast – but would you have put Bedminster ahead of almost everywhere in the country? That’s the surprising news from a survey of the property market in England and Wales by the Sunday Times, which found price rises in Bedminster over the last 20 years hit a whopping 532 per cent. That places it third among every district in the country outside London (where areas such as Hackney showed growth of more than 800 per cent). Bedminster was beaten only by Brighton and by Hove, two districts in the same seaside resort which is now very upmarket but in the 1990s was suffering from a lack of jobs. Estate agents in Bedminster say the reasons for this area’s stellar growth are similar. Prices have climbed from a low base in
Area shows the third highest rises in 20 years outside London
Sign of the times: Agents can’t get hold of enough homes to sell the 1990s, when buyers could pick up a terraced house for £20,000. Now they would need more than 10 times that for the cheapest house. “The market has just exploded,” said Kalan Smith, partner at Besley Hill in Bedminster. “Prices are rising
but it hasn’t had an impact on sales – there just isn’t enough stock coming in to keep everyone happy.” One typical terraced house recently sold in Windmill Hill after 70 viewings in one weekend. No fewer than 14 offers were made, said Mr Smith, all over the asking price. Chris Tucker, manager at Taylors in Bedminster, said it is Victorian properties in Southville and the Chessels that have driven the rapid growth in Bedminster prices in the last couple of years. “But ex-local authority homes are fetching good money too, from people who can no longer
afford Victorian homes,” he said. Many buyers from London will pay in cash, having sold a property in the capital for a much higher sum. This competition can push Bedminster homes out of the reach of first time buyers. But some sellers do not simply opt for the highest price, said Mr Smith at Besley Hill. “We had one vendor who chose a lower offer because he would rather his house went to a family rather than someone who would let it out. “He said he had raised his family there and he would like someone else to do the same,” said Mr Smith. PROPERTY PRICE RISES (outside London) SINCE 1995 1. Queens Park, Brighton 582% 2. Hove 545% 3. Bedminster, Bristol 532% 4. Central Brighton 519% 5. St Albans 452% Source: Sunday Times
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Parking zones: special report WHAT YOU THINK ...
From Facebook – a discussion started by Cllr Charlie Bolton on Southville, Ashton and Bedminster information board “It does look like a lot of drivers will try to park south of North Street. I know I would!” AC “I wonder how many small independent traders will go down because of this. I probably won’t bother even trying to park in North Street now, not even to chance my luck at the Aldi car park.” SG “Our childcare is provided by a family member. Losing free childcare could affect the ability to work. I have asked if there has been an equality impact assessment.” AJ “The council said the school should turn the tarmac sports ground to make room for a staff car park.” LH
South Bristol Resident’s Parking – how does it work? • The Bedminster East Residents Parking Scheme (RPS) began on October 12. The two week ‘soft enforcement’ period is now over. If you park without the correct permit or ticket, you’ll face a penalty charge notice and a fine. The zone affects streets in Bedminster north of the railway and Malago Road stretching north to the river and east to Wells Road. • The Southville RPS starts on November 23. The Southville zone stretches from Dean Lane in the east, and covers all the roads north of North Street up to Greville Smyth park. It was due to start earlier than the Bedminster one, but was delayed to allow council staff to focus on parking zones north of the river. • RPS areas include a variety of zones: Car Club spaces, Disabled spaces, Permit parking and Pay and Display. Identifying the rules for a Bedminster street can be difficult. The online maps
can be slow to download and have to be magnified greatly to read the rules for each street. When can I park? You need a permit or a pay and display ticket 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You won’t need to pay or display outside these times, or on bank holidays. Is there any free parking? You can park for 30 minutes free, using a pay and display ticket. If you stay for more than 30 minutes, parking costs £1 an hour for up to three hours. • You may be able to park for
November, 2015
longer than three hours in some places, but this will be marked. What should I do? Understand the rules for your road. Look at the signs on marked bays, or look online. What do permits cost? You can have permits for up to three vehicles. The charge for the first vehicle depends on its emissions – zero-rated vehicles are free. Permits for second and third vehicles cost up to £192. You need to apply online. What about traders, schools or healthcare visitors? Each household gets 100 visitors permits a year. The council will assess applications for essential visitor permits – this might include a carer’s visit. • Businesses and schools can apply for up to seven permits. Those which get small business rate relief can get a discount. District nurses have to pay the standard business rate of £192. What about nannies? Childcare visitors seem to be a grey area – see the Facebook discussion.
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Parking zones Petition seeks to change RPS yellow line rule RESIDENTS parking has reached Bedminster after months of waiting – and opinion is divided. As the Bedminster East scheme gets under way, and the Southville scheme prepares to start on November 23, some residents welcome the freedom to park near their home without fighting commuters for a space. But some businesses say their trade has been badly hit and are furious because they say the plan was not properly explained. Daniel Cleary, owner of Fiddlers music club in Willway Street, had no idea that single yellow lines in his quiet back street were to disappear. Parking is vital for many of his guests because the club closes at 2am, when buses are scarce. “We have already been badly affected – when local band Doreen Doreen play we normally get 250-300 people. Last Saturday we had 130 – half what we expected,” he said. Mr Cleary fears the business may not survive, but says he has been told to wait six months for the restrictions to be reviewed. Mayor George Ferguson said Fiddlers had not responded to the RPS consultation. Mr Cleary said he knew of no meeting where he could object – and in any case it wasn’t clear the yellow lines would change. Mr Ferguson insists that a 30-minute free parking rule means the fears of most anti-RPS
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Traders say business is hit badly but others support scheme firms have not been realised. But traders in Bedminster Parade do not agree. They say trade has been badly hit by double yellow lines which are not only putting off customers but also make deliveries difficult. Robert Lopresti, boss at the long-established Lopresti Ice Cream business, says firms have seen takings fall significantly. No one can stop to get a haircut at Vince’s, a takeaway coffee from Grounded or look at the goods in Bristol Bargain Furniture, he said. In theory deliveries are allowed on a double yellow line for up to 10 minutes – but there are automatic cameras focused on the road, and drivers fear getting a ticket through the post. “No one realised this was going to happen or we would have been battling before now,” said Mr Lopresti. With Mr Cleary at Fiddlers, the traders have made a 2,000name petition calling for a review. Celia Phipps, a Labour councillor for Bedminster, says experiences are mixed. “Whether you’re for or against seems to Continued on page 6
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Parking zones Continued from page 5 depend on where you live. It’s a 50:50 split: people near Asda want the scheme but those at the other end feel there’s no need.” But she is concerned the scheme will lead to more parking on the edge of the zone. “People are right to be worried, they are not happy with a one-size-fits-all solution. Plenty of Bedminster, around the Chessels for example, is already full of cars – where will any traffic shifted by the scheme park? “We need a new station at Ashton Gate as part of an integrated transport plan. The issue is the funding.” At business consultancy Towncentred, boss George Grace wanted to see North Street kept for pay and display (P&D) with some shared parking for shoppers on neighbouring streets. Instead, the Southville zone will have some residents’ spaces on North Street, with the nearest shared spaces some distance away on Upton Road. “We are deeply disappointed
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that almost no regard has been taken for [...] a constructive solution that balanced the needs of traders and residents,” he said. At least one firm, however, sees the RPS in a positive light. Peter Wise, director at Minuteman Press in Bedminster Parade, said: “So far it’s been good – it’s kept things moving.” He says the car park at the end of the Parade is much freer as commuters have been stopped from dumping cars there all day. The scheme has also forced Minuteman to look at the way it does business, said Mr Wise. It has drastically reduced its use of
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vehicles – each member of staff now walks, cycles or gets public transport to work. Even daily deliveries take place on an electric bike. The moves have put Minuteman in line for a possible award later this month from TravelWest. Charlie Bolton, Green councillor for Southville, is also behind RPSs, though he feels implementation has been poor. “Overall, I support residents parking schemes. If I ruled the world, there are a number of aspects I would look at. These are how it works for people with mobility issues, how it works for those on low incomes, and how it works for local traders.” But Cllr Bolton does not think we can carry on as we are. “The problem in some areas of Southville is commuters. In most areas, it is simply the numbers of vehicles owned by residents. You could look at the idea of having car free developments. RPS could be a mechanism for doing this. We need to big up cycling, walking and public transport,” he said.
November, 2015
WHAT YOU THINK ... From Facebook
“The only times we need residents permits are evenings and football Saturdays. It will be interesting to see if the RPS makes any dent in that!” KT “There is no need for the lines and enforcement of double yellows which is reducing the parking in our road by at least 50%. In Vancouver they operate a much cheaper and more efficient RPZ with no need for all the bays.” KS “These zones are an utter disgrace. Never in GF’s manifesto. This is a regressive tax on car owners and no mayor will be ever be able to afford to scrap it.” RC “Let’s direct some energy into something we can change: the bus service. RPZ is a done deal.” JH
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November, 2015
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News
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We need to make more of our local hospital, says MP SOUTH Bristol residents are being asked to help shape the services available at the NHS Community Hospital in Hengrove. MP Karin Smyth is concerned the new hospital, which opened in 2012, is not yet fulfilling its potential, and is conducting a survey to gather views. Many South Bristol residents still travel across the city to other hospitals and health facilities, unaware of the services available on their doorstep. “It took over 50 years of campaigning to get a new hospital built to serve people in South Bristol,” said Karin Smyth, who until she was elected to Parliament last May worked as a manager for the NHS. “It is beginning to play an important role, but it could offer so much more. “I want to find out about people’s experiences of using the new hospital, and their views on how it could be developed.” The MP says that when people use the community hospital they are generally impressed, both with the care they receive, and by how easy it is to get there. One Totterdown man is a
typical customer. “I broke my ankle last summer and realised I’d either have to wait for a GP appointment or trek across town to A&E,” he said. “Then I remembered the new hospital and thought I’d give it a try. It was great – I was there when it opened at 8am and 45 minutes later I’d had an X-ray and a diagnosis.” The MP added: “I know there are many people in Bedminster, Windmill Hill and Totterdown who either don’t realise the hospital is there, or else don’t know what is available. “There is little logic in expecting people who live fairly close to the new hospital to instead get themselves across the city, to the BRI or elsewhere.” Ms Smyth has met NHS managers to urge them to collaborate with other local bodies, for example the fitness centre which is close to the hospital, and make better use of technology. “We all know the NHS faces an ongoing funding crisis, so it would be unrealistic to expect dozens of new services. “The survey aims to gauge the types of NHS services people
Underused: South Bristol hospital travel some distance to receive, as well as understanding what facilities local people feel they need to be added at Hengrove.” Copies of the MP’s hospital survey will be delivered door to door. It is also online at www. karinsmyth.com/hospital or for a hard copy call 0117 953 3575. Neina English, general
manager at the South Bristol hospital, said she welcomed the MP’s involvement and looks forward to hearing feedback from the community, which will add to comments received at the recent open day, held on October 17. “The hospital is in Hengrove Promenade, a fantastic and accessible location for patients in South Bristol. Since we opened in 2012, we’ve had more than 100,000 patients and received very good feedback,” she said. “The hospital houses an urgent care centre for minor illnesses and injuries, day surgery and an inpatient rehabilitation service. Services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dieticians, speech and language therapy, X-rays and scans and a brand new community dental service.”
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All bow to the traditional fiddlers WANT to learn the fiddle? Traditional Irish fiddle workshops start soon at the Hen and Chickens pub, Southville. Tutors Viv Baker and Jane Dempsey are teaching in the traditional way, by ear, though sheet music is also available. Viv and Jane have both been playing for many years and have travelled around Ireland picking up many beautiful tunes from Donegal down to Clare. Workshops will take place in a side room at the pub, which is on the corner of North Street and Greville Road. Adults and young people over 12 are welcome to come along to the first session starting on Monday November 2 from 6pm. Turn up at 7pm if preferred. The first session will sort groups into beginners or intermediate, depending on
Traditional: Vivienne and Jane numbers, and then start making music. The classes cost £8 for an hour. Viv and Jane also play Irish music in a band, Cutting Ferns, available for parties and weddings, with Sheena Vallely on flute and Nick Woodward on guitar. To find out more email viviennefbaker@gmail.com.
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News Bridge plan set for axe after costs soar to £7m
A HALT has been called to ambitious plans to build a new bridge over the New Cut after costs rocketed. When proposals were announced last year for the new foot and cycle bridge from opposite Camden Road, Southville, the cost was put at £3.2 million. Now, says mayor George Ferguson, the estimated cost has reached £7m – more than double the first estimate – because of “construction challenges”. The mayor appears set to halt the work and says it is reponsible to see if the council can get better value by spending the money on cycling projects elsewhere. The bridge was set to cross the New Cut from Coronation Road to pass under the Cumberland Road bridge. The new cycle route would have passed the M Shed museum and connected with planned improvements at Wapping Road and Prince Street to make a new off-road route to the city centre. The design was criticised by some as ugly. But if confirmed, the cancellation will be mourned by cyclists. Already other routes across the river like Gaol Ferry Bridge are congested with cyclists and pedestrians. Ashton Avenue swing bridge is closed for a year while it is adapted to take the Metrobus. It adds to other proposed improvements for cyclists in Bedminster which have been
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cancelled, says Matthew Symonds, co-chair of Greater Bedminster Community Partnership (GBCP). These include proposals to build a new bridge next to the Banana bridge and plans to improve the bottleneck at St Luke’s Road railway bridge. In a letter to the mayor, Mr Symonds says GBCP wasn’t told about the proposed cancellation, and he asks that the money is diverted to other schemes to help cyclists in the Bedminster area. The mayor said the bridge could still be built if costs can be cut or more funds are found. Ideas to improve cycling in Bristol can be submitted to the council at www.betterbybike. info/News/help-shape-bristolscycle-network/ • Letter from GBCP to the mayor: Page 17
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Bridge of sighs: An artist’s vision for the bridge across the New Cut, showing how it would reach from Southville, supported by a pile in the Avon, to pass under the Cumberland Road bridge
Energy put to better use DO YOU exercise but feel that your energy could be put to more productive use? Members of a group called GoodGym believe they have an answer, combining running with projects to help the community. “We run to keep fit and to do good,” said organiser Pru Comben. Projects have included helping Windmill Hill City Farm turn their car park in to a garden, and the Patchwork Project to transform unloved spaces in Bedminster into gardens. Members meet at Vivo Sports Club on Welsh Back each Tuesday at 6.30pm and get back at 8pm. “We run to a community project, spend about 30 minutes doing something physical such as gardening, then run back,” said Pru. “We also have a programme to pair runners with older people to give them a bit of company.” To find out more email pru@ goodgym.org.
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southbristolvoice www.southbristolvoice.co.uk Reports from your councillors – Southville I T
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November, 2015
How to get in touch with your councillors – page 2
HAVE been contacted by numerous parents at Ashton Gate school about the new school site on Upton Charlie Road. Bolton At the start of Green, term there was Southville nothing very much to indicate to motorists that the school existed, and parents were desperately concerned for their children’s safety. There were none of the flashing lights indicating the presence of the school, cars were driving over the kerb at the road ends, and children were crossing to and from the road between the playground and the school entrance – at a time when vehicles were coming up and down the street. Since then, some of these things have been put in place, but they are still not particularly visible. Bollards should be installed
over half term. But there still needs to be more effective signage, lighting, visibility and so on. In the longer term, a proper solution needs to be found. With my fellow Green Party councillor for Southville, Stephen Clarke, I have asked the council to revisit proposals to close that stretch of road to traffic. I believe a 24-hour-a-day road closure is the solution for this. It is simple, and is the only thing to guarantee safety on that road. I know some of the motorists who use the road at the moment won’t like this proposal, but I hope they understand that children’s safety is paramount. A similar issue exists at another primary school in Southville, namely Holy Cross on Dean Lane. If anything, the situation is even worse here, because there is faster traffic going around blind corners, and narrow kerbs – which can force buggy owners on to the road.
HE issue I get asked about the most in Southville is parking and one of the biggest parking problems Stephen on the horizon is Clarke Ashton Gate. From Green, next season, the Southville rebuilt stadium will have a capacity of 27,000 and a projected 3 million visitors a year. So if residents think it is a nightmare now when the capacity is only 15,000, you ain’t seen nothing yet! The problems now are very severe with supporters of both the football and rugby teams cruising the streets of Ashton and Southville looking for spaces and massive congestion on match days. The recent Leeds night match caused absolute chaos locally. This is not a anti-City rant; I am a season ticket holder myself and have supported them for 50 years, but this issue does need to be addressed now by the club and
the council. So what can be done? The easiest win is to get Long Ashton Park and Ride opened during match times so its 1,600 spaces can be used. What! I hear you say, it’s closed? Yes; it is not available during the majority of matches. Madness. Another partial solution would be to get a Metrobus stop that could actually be used by supporters. Again, I hear your incredulity, but there is not one planned at the moment. A possible solution would be a stop next to Paxton Drive so people could walk across the park. The Green Party are pushing for other solutions. Extend the parking scheme in Southville to cover match times (if residents want this); build a new railway station at Ashton Gate on the Portishead line; more cycling and walking routes (the new stadium has hundreds of lonely looking cycle stands!) and more buses. I really hope something happens before they line up against Manchester United in the first match of next season …
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ROVIDING homes for people is one of the biggest challenges facing Bristol. As a growing city with Mark over 450,000 Bradshaw residents and with Labour, a widening Bedminster affordability gap, we risk being a less attractive place for people to live, visit and invest. 15,000 people are on the council’s housing waiting list and this significantly underestimates the real need for accommodation. Bristol is not alone in this but we are one of the places outside London where lack of supply and out-of-reach prices for purchase and rent are combining to threaten communities. The Government appears to want to weaken and undermine social housing. Extending the right to buy to housing associations will be damaging: it has already harmed councils unable to replace sold homes. Cutting rents for council and
housing association tenants, while on the surface welcome, will reduce the money available for repair, maintenance and new build. Changes to housing benefit, particularly for young people, cuts to tax credits, and universal credit, will make homes less affordable for many. Boosting supply is vital. We have much brownfield land for redevelopment. Better planning homes with transport, energy and green infrastructure, schools and healthcare could provide for more sustainable long term growth. The emerging concept for Bedminster Green, which I progressed when an assistant mayor, could offer a guide to urban re-planning in other parts of Bristol. We must retain social housing at affordable rents to avoid gentrification. For people renting from private landlords, the experience remains an insecure lottery. With the constant risk of an owner deciding to sell up or just increase the rent, tenants need a better deal providing security.
S councillors much of our work is trafficorientated. The pressures from more cars in our narrow streets Celia with houses being Phipps, divided into flats; Labour, more development Bedminster and families needing a second car; the need for more and better pedestrian crossings; air pollution and speeding close to schools; all are on our radar. It is all about getting a balance between mobility and access, but also promoting safer streets and journeys for residents of all ages. Recently, working with Mark, I’ve met residents, Network Rail, Freightliner and council officers to try to resolve concerns about HGV speeding and access in the South Liberty Lane and Victory Home Zone area. Bringing people together just might help identify ways to address real worries. There is a way to go yet. I’ve just become a governor at
Parson Street primary school and am looking forward to this new role. Parson Street is like an island in the middle of a traffic roundabout bordered by the ever busy Bedminster Road, Highbury Road – a long term rat-run – and the gyratory. Pedestrians, particularly children, tend to be forced to navigate narrow pavements often parked up with cars and vans. For cyclists, it’s a very different experience after the Hartcliffe Way cycle path. I’ve met with council officers to try and find a better balance. A good start would be the pencil bollards we see at other recently built or expanded schools. Mark and I will continue to press for these and enforceable zigzags to make it safer for children. Finally, it’s great to see the works under way in Victor Street to connect with South Street park and across to Gaywood House and Lower North Street. A safer ‘greenway’ route has been long called for and all credit to the campaigners in getting this up the agenda!
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November, 2015
Bedminster towers too high a
H
ALF of the homes in the major redevelopment known as Bedminster Green should be classed as affordable housing, a newly formed residents group has said. Calling itself Wham – Windmill Hill and Malago community planning group – its members have issued a statement calling on developers Urbis to meet 10 standards. They call for the height of the many buildings in the £100 million scheme to be reduced – several are expected to be between eight and 12 storeys but Wham asks for the heights to be “appropriate to the amount of open space”. Carlton Bodkin, who chairs Wham, said members are unhappy at the sheer scale of the development. Many in Windmill Hill are
upset that the 16-story St Catherine’s Place was approved, he said, and they do not want the skyline further disrupted by a range of more tall buildings. “We are concerned that they are going to be sticking very large blocks up in an area that is not used to it,” he said. “We say to Urbis, we have the opportunity to do something unique,” he said. “This could become an international exemplar of development. It needs to be dense but it needs to be ground breaking.” He said Wham wants to work with the developer to find a better solution. The call for half the housing – envisaged to total up to 800 homes – to be made affordable is likely to spark the biggest disagreement. Residents have already voiced concerns that with house prices
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rising fast, buying a home is impossible for many young people and low-paid workers. However, planning guidance provides for only up to 30 per cent of new developments to be affordable. Mr Bodkin thinks the figure should be higher – and even these low targets are being missed all over Bristol. St Catherine’s Place has no affordable homes because Urbis says it would cost too much. And even “affordable” rents can be too expensive for many – because they are linked to the current market rents in the area, which are currently rising alongside property prices. Richard Clarke, managing director of Urbis, said the demand for such a large proportion of affordable housing is “not realistic.” “The average contribution is seven to 10 per cent, and we are
offering 20 per cent or more,” he said. A larger proportion of lower-rent homes is only possible in more affluent locations, he said, where property values are higher. He said Urbis is determined
Green power plant could heat PEOPLE in Bedminster and Windmill Hill will be consulted this autumn on the first stage of the proposed Bedminster Green development – the energy centre (pictured above) which should dramatically cut heating bills for residents. The first part of the ambitious £100 million plan to regenerate the area between Malago Road, Whitehouse Lane and East Street is for a green energy scheme to generate 11 megawatts of power – enough to heat 1,200 homes – plus up to 6MW of electricity. This means several hundred homes outside the new development could be connected too. Council homes in Ploden, Holroyd and Northfield houses could benefit from cheaper
heating as well as Bristol South swimming pool and possibly the new flats proposed for Regents House and Consort House – the old tobacco buildings on Bedminster Parade. The new centre will be powered by gas – but it will be more efficient than a domestic boiler or even a gas-fired power station. Using gas to generate electricity is about 50 per cent efficient. Using it to pipe heat direct into nearby homes is 86 per cent efficient, says Richard Clarke, managing director of developer Urbis. It will also reduce carbon emissions by around 70 per cent compared to a domestic boiler. Though gas is a fossil fuel, this will partly be offset by burning around 20 per cent biogas. This biomethane comes
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and too many, say residents WHAM’S 10 DEMANDS FOR BEDMINSTER GREEN • Building heights appropriate open spaces for wildlife and to the amount of open space. people • The Malago opened and • Community space for markets put at the centre of the and social events development • Affordable housing at 50%! • Cycle and walking routes • A realistic plan for projected throughout traffic. • Public transport improved • Buildings to highest • Trees environmental standards, with • Green corridors and green sustainable energy use.
Artist’s vision of the new energy centre from Malago Road with a dramatic greenhouse on the roof. The new St Catherine’s Place tower is in the background to build a high quality development that will not cut corners and will improve not
only the Bedminster green area but also give a boost to the tired commercial area of East Street. The higher density is intentional, he said, because Bristol is not building enough homes for the people who work in the city. He said the city is
council homes and pool as well from recycled vegetable waste such as tomato plants from commercial farms and recycled sewage. The plant will also generate electricity. Combined heat and power engines will produce electricity on demand for big utility firms. It will be efficient as there will be little power lost in the cables before it reaches the users. Mr Clarke expects residents’ heating bills to be around 20 per cent lower than those from conventional suppliers. The bills will be issued by a new, local company – South Bristol Energy. It has been formed by Urbis, technical experts First Generation and biogas specialist ST Energy 360. The company will commit to paying for energy improvements such as
better insulation for up to 40 homes outside the development each year, paying out up to £200,000 annually. The most visible feature of the plant is the giant greenhouse on the roof. The aim is to use excess energy to keep the greenhouse warm yearround, growing plants such as palm trees that wouldn’t normally survive in Bedminster. Ways for the community to use the greenhouse are being worked out. Local people will be able to see how the plant works in a visitor centre which will show off the technology. Urbis looked at powering the centre through biomass – but realised that trucking in the huge quantities of wood chips needed would not be practical in such a restricted urban area.
effectively passing part of its housing burden to North Somerset and South Gloucestershire – meaning workers who drive into the city form a large part of the local traffic in peak hours around Bedminster. Urbis has carried out a transport study which found that a large proportion of the cars passing through the area are commuters from out of town. “We are trying to create a
transport hub to bring together the Metrobus, the railway, cycle and pedestrian routes, and making walking a pleasant experience,” said Mr Clarke. Urbis believes it has dealt with many of the other demands made by Wham. The Malago river – which is currently hidden or buried, and often an eyesore – is a central part of the Urbis plan, with riverside walkways and green Continued on page 14
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Bedminster Green
BEDMINSTER GREEN IN A NUTSHELL ...
THE NEW BUILDINGS: t HOW TALL? ree t St KEY TO Eas BUILDING HEIGHTS IN STOREYS Up to 15 Up to 12 Up to 10 Up to 8 Up to 6 Up to 4
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ag
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Up to 2
Bedminster station
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Continued from page 13 spaces around it. The developer is working with Avon Wildlife Trust to create the green corridors and open spaces which Wham wants. More trees, cycle routes, pavements and public transport improvements are likewise central to the plan. The adjacent St Catherine’s Place development – where a 16-storey tower will have 188 homes – will also accommodate a dentist’s surgery and a gym as well as an open space where farmers markets and other community events are envisaged. A detailed traffic plan has been prepared, and already the buildings are designed to Code 4 insulation standards – the second highest used in the UK. The district energy centre is featured in the story on page 10. After consultation, a planning application for the energy centre should follow by the end of the year. Further applications of rother stages of the scheme will follow next year.
November, 2015
Energy centre
Windmill Hill
• Up to 800 homes • About 20% affordable rent • About 18 buildings, max 12 storeys • 150-space car park at East St • Doctors’ surgery and community centre • Energy plant to heat homes • Homes for students, elderly • Completion early 2019 GREENER CITY ... • Malago river opened up • Green walkways and river walk • Trees and “rain gardens” – plants to soak up rainwater • Avon Wildlife Trust assisting NEW TRANSPORT HUB ... • Metrobus and Metrorail to hike public transport use • New pedestrian, cycle ways NEXT DOOR ... • St Catherine’s Place to have 188 apartments, 16 storeys • Run by a property company • No “affordable” homes • Gym and dental surgery – no “pound shops” • Permission granted, completion end 2018
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November, 2015
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Can you help light lanterns?
ORGANISERS of the highlight of South Bristol’s Christmas celebrations are appealing for more stewards to help the event on December 12, which for the first time will be traffic free. The route from St Francis Church along North Street, Cannon Street and British Road will be closed to traffic from 4pm until about 6pm. Organisers hope that by giving good advance notice the public won’t be too inconvenienced and the closure willmean a much safer environment for the hundreds of people taking part and the thousands of spectators. The Parade depends on its road safety stewards. If you can spare a couple of hour to stand at a road junction wearing a hi-vis vest please contact info@bwlp. org.uk. Lantern design and building has begun with artists in eight primary schools, and community
S t Pe
osp sH ’ r e t
Lend us a squid: One of the highlights of last year’s Lantern Parade. This year, roads will be closed to traffic lantern making sessions are scheduled for November. Bands performing in the Parade will include Bristol Samba, the Ambling Band and for the first time, the Bedminster
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November, 2015
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TER T E
Why should bridge be axed? Cutting edge: Pupils cut the ribbon to declare their new building open
School goes hi-tech SOUTHVILLE primary school has opened an extension with 420 places as pupil numbers rise. The new building on Myrtle Street caters for 7-11 year-olds. Younger pupils use an Edwardian building on Merrywood Road, which has been refurbished. Myrtle Street has a technology and computer suite, with light, airy classrooms, multi-use games areas and green space outside. Merrywood Road has a bigger garden, a pond, an adventure playground and a chicken run. Sandie Smith, headteacher at the school, said: “I am delighted with the result. The feedback from children, parents, governors
and staff has been extremely positive.” The new site also features art by artist Luke Jerram, the man behind the exhibition in Leigh Woods featuring stranded boats. Luke ran workshops with the children. Inspired by their ideas, and magnetic silver balls he saw them playing with, he dreamed up a sculpture of reflective balls. The council is adding 10,000 primary school places by 2017. Space in the school will be available for hire to ensure the community can benefit from the new buildings, which have solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and water saving devices.
GBCP is looking for new ideas ANYONE with views on how local concerns should be addressed in Bedminster is welcome at Greater Bedminster Community Partnership, which meets on Monday November 9. The partnership has two main
groups, one looking at green spaces and streets, and the other focusing on transport. The future shape of the partnership will be discussed. The meeting is at 7pm at the Acta theatre, Gladstone Street.
Letter to George Ferguson THE Greater Bedminster Community Partnership (GBCP) are concerned to hear that the proposed walking and cycling bridge across the New Cut from Camden Road to the Chocolate Path has been halted, and may even be cancelled. Southville and Bedminster have among the highest number of people who regularly walk and cycle. There are a number of ‘pinch points’ that at peak times suffer from congestion and conflict between walkers and cyclists – notably Gaol Ferry Bridge and Bedminster Bridge. The new bridge over the New Cut would have helped provide much needed extra capacity. The reported delay or cancellation of the bridge comes on the back of a number of proposed cycle/walking schemes linking Greater Bedminster to the city centre that have been scrapped – the proposed second Langton Street bridge (beside the Banana Bridge), improvements to St Luke’s Road under the railway line and the cancellation/ delay of improvements to the bridge by the Pump House pub. We are disappointed that GBCP has not been formally
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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. contacted. We request that if, as reported, funding for the bridge can be spent on other cycle projects, it will be used to improve other cycling/walking routes in the Bedminster area. Matthew Symonds Co-chair, Greater Bedminster Community Partnership
Our right not to have a mayor
MANY readers will be aware that Bristol is the only city in the UK that having opted for an elected mayor does not have the right to change its mind in a vote. It should be stressed that although the present mayor may have highlighted some of the issues, this right is about the method of governance rather than about an individual. Lib Dems launched a petition which attracted thousands of signatures and put a motion to Bristol city council. An amendment promoted by Baroness Janke (ex-Lib Dem council leader) was agreed by the House of Lords and I was happy to have all-party local support to lobby minister Greg Clarke to ask the Government not to reverse the decision in the Commons. Cllr Gary Hopkins Lib Dem leader, Bristol City Council
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Tobacco plans
Continued from page 1 afford to pay any affordable element if it cannot build all 302 flats. It has offered an alternative scheme of 237 flats, with some offices included, and no affordable homes. It will call the development ‘Factory No 1’. Other concerns raised during the consultation are the need for extra schools and health facilities the new homes will bring. Worries were also raised over the effect on parking in nearby roads. The BS3 group suggested the buildings could instead be put to to educational or health uses. It also asked that the site does not become a gated community. Regent House and Consort House are Grade II listed and were once offices and factory space for Wills Tobacco. Some fine panelled interiors remain. Consultation on the plans has now closed and the council is expected to make a decision during November.
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November, 2015
Toy library gets a push start PLANS for a South Bristol toy library have got under way with a grant that will buy the first pieces of equipment. Let’s Walk Bedminster, which is part of Bristol’s Green Capital 2015, is giving money to buy two push-along trikes and three micro scooters. These will be available for parents to borrow, and will support the Let’s Walk Bedminster aim to get more families moving on foot. Toy library organiser Annie Berry said: “This is a pilot scheme for Toy Library South Bristol – we will be lending these trikes and scooters out for a very small membership and hire fee. “The library will be available to anyone caring for a child in South Bristol – carers, parents and grandparents.” Annie, who
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chairs the toy library group, is also asking for help to find premises and volunteers. “If you are having a toy clearout please consider donating your toys. Or if you are a business or community group with temporary storage for our toys or have a potential play session space, please get in touch! We will also soon be fundraising for set up costs for the library.” To find out more, email toylibrarysouthbristol@ gmail.com or via Facebook by searching toylibrarysouthbristol.
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November, 2015
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Get into the WOOP loop
Far-right demo ends in violence A DEMONSTRATION by farright groups which started in Bedminster later ended in arrests. A group calling itself Bristol United Patriots met at the Little Grosvenor pub in Coronation Road on Saturday October 17. Anti-fascist protesters were eager to stage a counter demonstration but were kept apart by police until the two groups met later at the V-Shed pub in the city centre. Witnesses described chairs and tables being thrown as officers battled to separate the groups. Seven people were arrested for assault and affray. One, Kelly Dixon, 32, was fined £80 after throwing a beer can at a PC. The others are still on bail. The march started without violence when about 35 antiimmigrant protesters emerged from the back yard of the Little Grosvenor in the early afternoon.
OLDER people are being encouraged to get involved with WOOP – the What’s On for Older People group in Bedminster. Its members are older people who advise others about activities, clubs, services and other opportunities. Future meetings are: • Thursday, November 12 at Mezzaluna Cafe, West Street, 2-3pm • Tuesday, November 17 at Ashton Vale Youth Club, 10.30-11.30am • Thursday, November 26 at Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian Street, 2-3pm Flag wavers: Far-right marchers emerge from the Little Grosvenor pub
Park survey
Escorted by mounted officers, surrounded by officers on foot and tailed by several police vans, the group were led, shouting far-right slogans, into the city. Several passersby made their
COUNCIL officers will be in Greville Smyth Park on Saturday, November 7 from 2-5pm collecting the views of local people about the park and the wider area.
Police update T
HANK you to the South Bristol Voice for giving me a regular slot here. The neighbourhood police team are a key part of community life in Bedminster and Southville, so being able to discuss local issues and concerns in the Voice is a welcome opportunity. As the clocks go back and the chilly nights draw in, the warmth of summer feels long gone. But the work we put in over the summer with our Community Survey is still bearing fruit and shaping our neighbourhood policing priorities. During June, my PCSOs worked with officers from Bristol City Council to undertake a series of street surveys in Bedminster and Southville. Ten streets were selected across the area to ensure the surveys reflected a good cross-section of our community and that the priorities resulting from them represented the community as a whole. The surveys were well received with 155 respondents from these 10 streets identifying the key issues important to them.
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opposition clear, though one young mother in a car hooted her approval at the marchers. It appears police lost track of some protesters after the march returned from the city centre.
With Sgt Paul Honeychurch, Bedminster police station
If Patch sniffs you out, he’s saying you may have a drugs problem As a result, our local policing priorities have been selected: · Drug dealing / drug use · Anti-social behaviour · Violent crime · Burglary · Vehicle crime We are now working to develop specific actions to tackle each of these areas and will update you on this soon.
I
n mid-October, we carried out an operation in relation to the top priority, drugs. Local neighbourhood officers, working with a drugs dog, carried out visits at a number of pubs in Bedminster. These premises had previously been swabbed and
positive about what they saw. This just goes to show that we take your priorities and concerns very seriously and put them at the heart of everything we do as a neighbourhood team. Please continue to work with us and let us know what matters to you. Until next time, Sergeant Paul Honeychurch
At heel: Patch on drugs duty indicated that drug use was likely to be a problem. The dog, Patch, had a very friendly way of indicating suspected drugs. If Patch could smell drugs, he would walk over to the person and then sit down next to them. Following searches by local officers, three people were dealt with that evening for drugs possession offences. Most of the people we spoke to were very
Your local police team: Southville PC Erica Hagen PC Nigel Ingram PC Paul Giddings PCSO Grzegorz Olszewski PCSO Kelly Pinsker PCSO Sue Surridge Bedminster PC Paul Singfield PCSO Charlotte Tait PCSO Matt Cockle PCSO Stacey Always • How to get in touch: To discuss any local concerns, call us on the non-emergency number 101 or email us through the Your Area pages of our website, www.avonandsomerset. police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Columns We’re now seeing real improvements to our schools
A
WARM welcome to this first edition of South Bristol Voice for the Bedminster area. Over the last couple of months I have been particularly pleased to be able to mark some significant improvements to our schools in South Bristol. Firstly, I opened the new Ashton Gate primary school in the old Imperial Tobacco building in Upton Road, and am driving a process to ensure we achieve a greater level of road safety following the planning committee decision not to insist on road closure. Soon after I joined representatives from the council’s partners, local families and schoolchildren at the official opening of Oasis Academy Marksbury Road, Bedminster. This was a real milestone for our Local Education Partnership and reinforces Bristol’s role as a Learning City, promoting access to good
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The Mayor’s view Each month Bristol mayor George Ferguson shares his take on South Bristol life education for our young people. I am now in discussion with Oasis about the possibility of playing a greater role in the community. Southville primary school has created a 420-pupil expansion, giving an appealing mix of the old and the new. We have been working to ensure we have enough school places for all pupils in Bristol, while creating inspiring
November, 2015
places to learn. Bristol has, this year alone, welcomed 18 new headteachers and academy principals to improve our education offer across the city. During October we also marked Shared Lives week raising awareness of a national drive to recruit more carers for long term placements. Thanks to all those who attended our local information day at Bristol Community Links in Knowle. I want Bristol to be a place where the cared for and the caring, young and old, are highly respected and valued members of our society. You can find out more at www.bristol.gov.uk/ sharedlives Finally, on behalf of the Lord Mayor, I would like to urge readers to think of any local heroes they may know in their community. The Lord Mayor’s Medals are now open for nominations until December 31. I have some ideas but do you know anyone who goes the extra mile in order to help others? Anyone who is nominated must either live or work in the city and serve the people of Bristol through their voluntary community work or charitable acts. For more details visit www.bristol.gov.uk/lordmayor
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November, 2015
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Columns I keep meeting people who will lose out on tax credits THE Government’s planned cuts to tax credits are a real local worry right now. It shouldn’t be a surprise. In the Bristol South constituency alone, some 4,800 working families stand to become an average £1,300 a year poorer when these cuts are implemented next spring. By putting in place the tax credit system, the last Labour government aimed to lift families out of poverty and welfare dependency, giving people on low incomes an incentive to work. To apply an over-used phrase, they’re a hand-up, not a hand-out. Rather than being a traditional benefit, they act as a credit against the tax you pay – the clue is in the name. For years politicians of all parties have agreed working is better than relying on benefits. It helps the country’s finances but it’s better for the individual too.
southbristolvoice
The MP’s view Each month Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth gives her perspective There is common agreement that the welfare bill needs to be tackled, but cutting tax credits undermines the value of work, and penalises people in employment. That’s not the way to reward strivers for their endeavours. Some of those who’ve come to my constituency surgery in recent weeks are cases in point. I’ve met a number of people
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from a range of backgrounds who stand to lose out: • There are those who had found themselves out of work through no fault of their own and who, rather than seeking benefits, have instead taken on unfamiliar jobs. That’s because they want to work and to develop new skills to better their future prospects. But they’ll lose out next spring. • Then there are many parents, women in particular, who’ve gradually been getting themselves back into work, upping their hours, after bringing up children. They’re set to lose out. Research from the Resolution Foundation shows these cuts impact disproportionately on women. • And there are those who’ve set up in business themselves, seeing self-employment as a way forward in challenging financial times. Many of these will be hit the hardest – even though a high proportion of selfemployed people don’t yet realise it. We see the Government unrepentant and happy to punish entrepreneurs. Along with other Labour MPs I opposed these cuts in Parliament, but the voting numbers are stacked in the Government’s favour. With increasing opposition we might yet see a much-needed U-turn. In the meantime the campaign for a change of heart goes on.
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What’s on
Saturday October 31 Night of the Living Dead The classic horror directed by George A Romero in a Halloween screening at Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian Street. Tickets £5, doors 7.30pm. • www.portable pictures.co.uk Monday November 2 Get to grips with stage combat skills Session for 1013 year-olds, Tobacco Factory theatre. One of a series of specialist skills classes, 4.155.45pm. Cost £3, limited places. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Tuesday November 3 Southville Garden Club host a talk by Sally Gregson from Mill Garden plants. Sally has published several books, and will talk about plants for areas where sunlight is in short supply. 7.30pm, St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Bedminster. • https://southvillegardeningclub. wordpress.com Jane Wenham: The Witch Of Walkern Tobacco Factory Theatre. A gripping and haunting new play about sex, fear, religion and magic, from the Bafta-winning writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz. Age 14+. Until November 7 at 8pm, matinee Thursday 1pm & Saturday 2.30pm. £14/£10. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Sunday November 8 Jeremy Hardy Comedy Box, Tobacco Factory Theatre, 8pm. Radio 4’s ever-present panelist
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Floating away: The Light Princess will not be bound by mere gravity HOT on the heels of the Tobacco Factory’s wellreceived 101 Dalmatians last year, The Light Princess is Bedminster’s latest Christmas creation, inspired by George MacDonald’s fairy tale. In a kingdom far away, lives an extraordinary princess who has no gravity. What fun is back on tour after 31 years as a comedian. £15.50 • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Friday November 13 The Far Side at Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. Upstate Theatre present an intimate look at an Irish town
to fly and float! But of course, it’s not as simple as that. Her windows are forever closed, she can’t run free; she can never take anything or anyone seriously. Especially not the prince who falls in love with her… Shows from November 26 to January 10. Box office: 0117 902 0344 through the memories of seven people, delivered with Irish humour, with poignant moments of reflection. Tickets free: book online or call 0117 953 2448. • www.acta-bristol.com Saturday, November 14 Autumn Fayre The parent-
November, 2015
teacher association of Oasis Academy Marksbury Road, the new primary school, invite you to an afternoon of fun, food, and games, 2–4pm. • www.oasisacademy marksburyroad.org Red Rope Theatre presents Dracula 7pm in the Anglican chapel at Arnos Vale Cemetery. The Atrium Cafe bar will be open. Wrap up warm and bring a torch: performance may be outside. Tickets £10, £8 concessions. • www.arnosvale.org.uk Sunday November 15 Strictly Balti Brewery Theatre. Bristol’s charismatic Saikat Ahamed (101 Dalmatians, The Tiger and the Moustache) dances precariously through his dualidentity childhood. Age 11+. Until November 22. £12/£8. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Tuesday November 17 The Crossroads at Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. New show from The Thursdays for children 5 - 8. Previewing at Acta before touring to schools in the new year. How will Fibsy, Bootscilla and Me-me find their way out of the Wasteland? Also on November 24. • www.acta-bristol.com Tuesday November 24 Outsiders Brewery Theatre. A new production by Pilot gives voice to the forgotten in a compelling re imagining of Camus’ novel L’Etranger. Until November 28. £14 /£10
Challenged to fight the sands of time: campaigners and cloud fans REVIEW 5x15, Tobacco Factory theatre FIVE people, one stage, and an oversized egg timer – it could be a recipe for all sorts of things, but at the Tobacco Factory it set the scene for a fascinating and unpredictable evening. Five by 15 is a simple idea: find five people with a passionate interest and get them to speak for 15 minutes. For Clive Stafford Smith, renowned defender of many US citizens facing the death penalty, this was the chance to relate not only his courtroom travails but the challenge of living with his father, who was bipolar. Smith related defending one man who came within minutes of execution four times – once the stay came with only 58 seconds to spare. Once, his f
Pithy: Tim Dowling at 5x15 PICTURE: Alexandra Tyndale
father visited while he was defending a condemned man in Mississipi. His father inveigled a meeting with the state governor and told him not only should the court execute the accused man, but it should finish off Clive Stafford Smith as well. All this is in the spirit of 5x15, which is that you don’t know what you are going to get.
The biggest cheers were reserved for Fahma Mohamed, who became famous aged 15 as a campaigner against female genital mutilation, or FGM. Not only is she one of the young Bristol faces on anti-FGM videos on YouTube, she is unabashed at confronting anyone. She describes part of the campaign as a challenge to Prime Minister David Cameron “to prove he has balls”, and relates with relish the embarrassment on the face of then education secretary Michael Gove as teenage girls describe to him in detail how FGM affects girls’ bodies. Notably Fahma is the only speaker allowed to overrun the egg timer. Cloud Appreciation Society founder Gavin PretorPinney described not just a love
of clouds but a determination to get people to stare and wonder – to fight the banality of blue sky thinking, as he put it. David Olusoga, creator of the recent BBC TV series about Britain’s role in slavery, brought the subject home with tales of quite ordinary Bristol citizens who happened to own slaves. Little space to tell you about Tim Dowling, whose Guardian column and book chronicle father- and husband-hood. “Everybody knows marriage is hard, nobody wants to see the work” being one of his pithy precepts. This, the first 5x15 in Bristol after being imported from London, is a triumph for producers Helen Nixon and Jessica Huth. It was a sellout; the next event on January 17 will no doubt do the same. PB
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History
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Remembering West Street’s bustling days “YOU could buy anything on the street in those days”, “We loved playing on the bomb sites”, “The Heal family ran a winter fairground behind the Red Cow”, “I loved the Bedminster Carnival” “Needham’s Bakers used to keep their horses opposite their shop in stables where Tesco is now”. All these memories are being collected by WOW, the West Street neighbourhood group, for a pop-up museum on the street next spring. Do you or your family have memories and photos of life in West Street in the 1950s, 60s and 70s? Did you go to South Street School, use the shops, attend one of the churches or chapels, or work in a local factory? Regarded in recent times by Bristol City Council as merely a major transport route, most of historic West Street has disappeared. Yet it was the location of the first Bristol Cooperative Society, started by miners at the Argus mine. Once it was a Roman road; later it became the main high street of BS3, lined with shops and pubs bustling with hundreds of people who worked in nearby factories. But during the 1980s
Left, a float bearing Miss Bedminster, year unknown; above, Williams’ furniture store, 1957; below, a card game at the Sportsman pub, now the Black Cat, in 1963
and 90s this major route into the city from the South West and Bristol Airport became neglected by planners,despite being the fastest developing residential area in Greater Bedminster. The West Street Neighbourhood Group (Way Out West or WOW) has achieved much since it formed in 2009. Thanks to them, the street is
FIREWORK DISPLAYS Thursday November 5 Victoria Park bonfire Donations of wood from 3.30pm. Fire lit at 6.15pm, soon after Guy contest. Crêpes, hot drinks, plus beer and snacks. • www.vpag.org.uk Bristol Zoo – also on November 6 and 7. Low-noise fireworks. Booking essential. Doors at 5pm, display 5.45pm. Tickets £8 adults, £6 children. • www.bristolzoo.org.uk Friday November 6 Downend Round Table Billed as Bristol’s biggest fireworks event. Sutherland Avenue, Downend, Bristol BS16 6QW. Children’s display 6.30pm, adults 8pm. In advance £4.50, on day £6 & £5 children. • www.downendrt.co.uk The Riverside Inn, Saltford. Bonfire 6.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Free entry. • www.theriverside-saltford.com Saturday November 7
friendlier and greener, and some potential planning disasters have been blocked. Now the group wants to bring the area’s rich history back to life, hoping to encourage local people to take pride in their community when faced with the plans of faceless decisionmakers and property developers. The project is supported by Greater
Bedminster Community Partnership, the Bedminster Town Team, Bristol City Council and the city museums. If you have a memory or family photo to share, contact info@wayoutwest.org, or call Alan on 07926 159306. WOW is at www.wayoutwest.org,they are on Facebook: WOWBS3, and Twitter: WestStreetBS3.
Please check websites before attending Bishop Road primary school, Bishop Road, Bristol BS7 8LS, from 5pm. Fireworks, food, lantern parade, bar. Advance tickets £5 adults, £3 children; on day £6 and £4. • www.bishoproad.bristol.sch.uk Canford Lane fireworks fiesta, Bristol BS9. Gates open 6pm, display 7pm. Supports St Peter’s Hospice. Tickets £5. • www.fireworksfiesta.co.uk Henleaze infant school fireworks 6-7.45pm. Tickets £2 to £5 from school, Park Grove, Bristol BS9 4LG • www.henleaze-inf.bristol.sch.uk Thornbury Round Table Fireworks 5-9pm, Mundy playing fields. Music, bar, hot food, bonfire. • Thornbury RoundTable on Facebook Sunday November 8 BTRA Sports Ground, Stockwood Lane, Stockwood. Bonfire 6.30pm, fireworks 7pm. Adults £5, children £2, family £10. Bar, food. • www.btarfc.co.uk
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