South Bristol Voice Bedminster December 2018 by South Bristol Voice

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December 2018 December 2018

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No. 38

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours

The best news in South Bristol by quite a long way

FREE EVERY MONTH in Bedminster, Southville and Ashton Who do you know who deserves a treat this Christmas? WE HAVE a Christmas hamper to give away, courtesy of some of our generous South Bristol businesses. And we want to give it to someone who could really do with a lift this Christmas. We want readers to nominate a person they know who has had a difficult year and could use a treat – or perhaps someone who spends all their time helping others and doesn’t get the attention they deserve. Our hamper contains wine, delicious Zara chocolates, fruit and veg, prosecco, cakes and computer goodies. Donors include Ocean, Compuwave, Hobbs, CJ Hole, Northwood, Bristol Residential Lettings, Connells, Andrews and Ashton Fruit Shop. If you’d like to nominate someone for this prize, email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk by December 12 (or use the other contact details on page 2). We’ll make sure the winner gets their hamper by Christmas.

WHY IS A MICHELINSTARRED CHEF TALKING ABOUT CHILDREN IN FOOD POVERTY IN SOUTH BRISTOL? The shocking truth: 11

INSIDE

• BEDMINSTER GREEN: WHO GETS A SAY? 4-5

Earlier this year Dandara consulted the community on its proposals to redevelop a brownfield site in the heart of Bedminster for up to 340 new apartments for rent. This note sets out the changes made in response to community feedback, and explains the key benefits the proposal brings.

Hidden need: Josh Eggleton

Parking: Now it’s over to you to give your best ideas* *But it may take years to bring any action THE BIGGEST survey of local opinion on parking issues for years is under way. All four councillors from Bedminster and Southville wards are working together in a shining piece of cross-party co-operation. Bedminster Labour members Celia Phipps and Mark Bradshaw, and Southville’s Green councillors Stephen Clarke and Charlie Bolton, want to find out if a new residents parking zone – or anything else – could help ease the situation. There are two resident

Little Paradise Bedminster

parking zones in the area – Southville and Bedminster East. The zones prevent parking by anyone without a resident permit or paid-for ticket. But they don’t solve every headache – residents claim that even within zones it can still be hard to find a space. Ever since the two zones were introduced in late 2015, people living just outside them have complained of more cars in their streets. The problem is worst to the south of North Street. An earlier survey by the two Continued on page 3

What’s changed? Reduction in height

Breaking up building mass

• LANTERNS UPDATE The tallest building has been reduced from 18 to 16 storeys above ground – the highest section is significantly reduced in width.

As well as reducing the height, the proposed building facing Malago Road has been redesigned so the elevations are slimmer.

It is now the same number of storeys as the building which already has planning permission at St Catherine’s Place. Two of the other buildings on our development have also been reduced by one storey.

The revised proposal includes a glass staircase to split the main building and to improve views into the site.

We already proposed a welcoming and safe pedestrian route through the site but have made an important change – rather than steps we will use a shallow slope instead to make it accessible for pushchairs & wheelchairs.

Retaining as many new homes as possible We have managed to minimise the reduction in the total of new homes - our original plans were for 340 new homes, and the reduction in heights has been achieved with a loss of just 11 new homes.

Improved connectivity through the site

Enhancements to East Street All public areas will have high quality, welcoming landscaping that includes pavements, seating and planting - We are now extending that onto East Street itself, rather than stopping at the edge of our site.

• CHRISTMAS IN BEDMINSTER

• REVIVING OUR RETAIL CENTRE 9-10 • CLEAN AIR ZONE – WILL THERE BE CHARGES? 13 • GIFT GUIDE: HOW TO KEEP IT LOCAL 14-18 • Letters 22-23 Planning 30

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page 14 page 15 page 16

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

Intro

PEOPLE MUST GET A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE FRAMEWORK

That’s music to my ears! That’s music to my ears!

WHAT is the point of consultation if it can’t change anything? Very little, clearly. Yet, if the drips of information that are coming out about the Bedminster Green Framework plan are accurate, that is a question a lot of people may be asking soon. To recap, after years of dithering and confusion, when no one at the council seemed to be guiding or even fully informed about rival developers’ plans for Bedminster Green, the idea of a Framework was revived. Back in July, we were

Independent Community News Network member Twitter: @sbristolvoice Facebook: southbristolvoice Next deadline for editorial and advertising: December 12th told it was weeks away. It would present the 1,400-odd homes as a unified plan which the public could see and comment on. But after months more of delay, the council professes not to know how the consultation will be handled. The Voice understands there will be at least an exhibition of the plans, but developers want cabinet approval in February to allow their planning applications to be decided. Everyone recognises the need for high-density new homes. Not everyone agrees they have to be in tall buildings (of which more in the next Voice). What is needed, surely, after years of confusion, is an open debate, with the result not a foregone conclusion. Anything less would be a disingenuous waste of everyone’s time.

December 2018

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ... My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Call 0117 953 3575 for an appointment.

By phone: 07469 413312 By email: Cllr.celia.phipps@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160

My councillor? Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster

Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: Cllr.stephen.clarke@ bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By phone: 07884 736111 By email: Cllr.charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, 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 NEIGHBOURHOOD MEETINGS Action Greater Bedminster November 29, 7-9pm, Bedminster Library: Air Quality discussion

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the South Bristol Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code. Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX or by phone: 07811 766072. southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure All stories and pictures are ©South Bristol Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse. South Bristol Voice Ltd | Co. no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76

December 2018

n NEWS

Survey is ‘the last chance saloon’ to fix parking woes Continued from page 1 Southville councillors found some support for extending the Southville RPZ into Ashton, to streets around Luckwell Road and Duckmoor Road. But the council refused to extend the zone, saying the Southville RPZ is already the biggest in the city. Mayor Marvin Rees was elected on a promise to review all RPZs, and not to introduce new ones unless there is local demand. The review of the zones took almost two years and led to little action. In the summer the Southville zone, previously Monday-Friday, was altered to cover Saturdays to prevent sports fans parking in some streets. Just two streets were added to the zone – Dorset Street and Melville Terrace, both cul-de-sacs

THE SURVEY

That’s music to my ears!

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ESIDENTS of BS3 can give their opinions on parking and any solutions they favour in a special online survey. As the Voice went to press, there had already been 600 responses in a few days. It asks people to describe the problems they face in their area, such as inappropriate parking on junctions, and asks about the effects of matchday parking. It also asks about support for a resident parking scheme. Even if there is widespread support for an RPZ, though, it would probably take two years to

TOO MANY PROBLEMS

HE parking woes of BS3 include residents unable to park near their homes; overflow from parking zones clogging neighbouring streets; dangerous parking on corners and on pavements; and buses and emergency vehicles unable to get access to some streets. And on days when there’s a City or a rugby game, the problems multiply. Cllr Mark Bradshaw accepts that Ashton Gate Ltd has done much to ease the pressure, including more supporter buses and making more use of Parson

off North Street. The new survey will test whether support is there for a new RPZ, potentially to cover Bedminster and Ashton. introduce one. The councillors’ survey is regarded as informal, and would have to be followed by a long process of consultation and fact-finding. But the four local councillors think it’s important that as many people complete the survey as possible, so that this evidence can be presented to the council in the new year. “We will go back to the mayor and his officers and say ‘This is the view from our patch’,” said Cllr Bradshaw. Paper copies of the survey will be delivered to some homes and will be available at some retailers. • Your councillors: Page 33

Free advice for those with money worries

Street station for fans. But more needs to be done, and an RPZ won’t fix the matchday problem, he said. It’s also important to make sure any new rules are clear, so that motorists don’t get a ticket by accident, he said. The parking problem has got worse partly because the population of Bedminster and Southville has increased by up to 25 per cent since 2006. “Where you had one car outside one house, you might now have that house divided into flats, and four or five more cars on a street that wasn’t built for cars in the first place,” said Cllr Bradshaw. Cllr Bolton said the survey was “the last chance saloon – because we have run out of anything else to do.”

ANYONE worried that they may be missing out on benefits or other money they are entitled to can get free advice at an event organised by Bristol South MP Karin Smyth. Experts from the Department of Work and Pensions, Citizens’ Advice, South Bristol Advice Services, and the Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service will be on hand to answer questions. It will also be a chance for people to keep on top of the latest changes to rules for tax credits, pensions and benefits, including universal credit, which is causing people in South Bristol increasing problems, according to the MP. It is from 10am-12 noon on Friday November 30 at the Gatehouse Centre, Hareclive Road, Hartcliffe BS13 9JN. • Your MP: Page 46

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southbristolvoice

n NEWS Return of the window team

December 2018

BEDMINSTER GREEN

Will Framework consultation

WINDOW Wanderland returns to Southville and Bedminster on February 22-24 2019. Schools, streets and local organisations are invited to get together and start to plan their displays – which often become competitive. Popular themes include dinosaurs, children’s books, exotic fish and space aliens. Anyone interested in helping the Wonderland team can email Jenny at jbhambri-lyte@sky.com

Carol service A CAROL service will be held at Bedminster’s United Reformed Church in West Street at 11am on Sunday December 23. Refreshments will be served afterwards. The church is on the corner of Stanley Street South. • More carol services and festive events in the What’s On section, pages 41-44.

Developers almost ready to present their joint vision for Bedminster Green – but are they prepared to alter it?

THE FRAMEWORK plan for the whole of Bedminster Green will be released – by the developers– in December. But whether it will give a real opportunity for the plans to be changed is an open question. One of the major schemes on the green is already the subject of a planning application – the 22-storey St Catherine’s Place proposed last month by Firmstone against great opposition. And another, Dandara’s

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December 2018

Little southbristolvoice Paradise NEWS Bedminster

slightly-reduced 16-storey scheme (see panel, opposite page), will have been through two rounds of informal consultation and may be close to a planning application. Other Firmstone buildings at St Catherine’s Place are already being built. The progress of the developers towards detailed plans for a target of around 1,400 homes conflicts with the claim made in the summer that the public would be consulted on a Framework plan for the whole of

NEW STUDENT FLATS PLAN ROLLO HOMES PLAN APPEARS DEAD NE PLANNING application for the Green seems likely to progress no further. Rollo Homes’ plan for 215 flats on Malago Road, submitted more than 18 months ago, appears dead after reports that Rollo owner Paul O’Brien had sold his interest. Now a social housing firm, A2 Dominion, has said it wants to build student homes on the site. The firm, which says it is “a residential property group with a social purpose”, is holding a public exhibition of its proposals. According to flyers delivered to homes in Bedminster and Windmill Hill, it will show its plans on Wednesday December 5 from 3-8pm at the Steam Crane pub at

Smaller: Now 16 storeys, though picture released looks like 17

BEDMINSTER GREEN

give a chance for plans to be changed?

DANDARA UPDATE THEIR PROPOSAL EVELOPER Dandara has responded to criticism of its proposal for a major part of Bedminster Green by removing two floors from its tallest building. It means the scheme next to Stafford Street and Little Paradise will be up to 16 storeys, or 52.5m, tall. Eleven flats have been lost, reducing the total of flats to 329. All the homes are now one and two bedroom – the threebedroom homes have been lost. WHaM, the Windmill Hill planning group, has suggested that the scheme could breach the council’s new Urban Living standard because it does not include any play areas for children. The new policy – adopted by the

Little Paradise: Dandara scheme is known by the local street name

council in November – expected to live there. local groups on November 20, it recommends that a major Dandara specialises in building said it would provide some the community onsites, its proposals toaffordable redevelophomes, a brownfield development should beEarlier withinthis year Dandara consulted and then managing its but did not give site infor the heart of Bedminster renting for up to 340 apartments for rent.a number. It said the affordable 100m of a play area suitable out allnew the flats to tenants. under 5s, and should provide 10 At a consultation meeting with homes would be spread This note sets out the changes made in response to community feedback, and explains the key benefits the proposal brings. throughout the blocks, not placed sq m of play space for each child WHaM, BS3 Planning and other

What’s River Malago. But it appears the has slipped. Yet the Voice was Bedminster Green. This was changed? talks may not last long, with one told on July 25: “The public will supposed to happen before any Reduction in height Breaking up building mass developer hoping to make a have an opportunity to comment further planning applications The tallest building has been reduced from 18 to 16 As well as reducing the height, the proposed building planning application asfacing early as Road on once it has were made. It’s not clearstoreys if theabove ground – the highest section is significantly Malago has the been framework redesigned so the December or January. elevations are slimmer. been published, which is consultation will last very long,in width. reduced The council that proposalexpected within the tonext or be given time to allowIt any is now the same number of storeys as the building whichhas denied The revised includes a glass staircase split couple the timetable oftomonths” [ieinto inthe September]. significant changes. already has planning permission at St Catherine’s Place.for the Framework the main building and improve views site. The council was unable say Two to of the other buildings on our development have also been anything about how it would bereduced by one storey. Improved connectivity through the site the environment”. He slammed OBJECTIONS FLOOD IN conducted. But the Voice We already proposedthe a welcoming and absence ofsafe anypedestrian social housing TO FIRMSTONE PLAN route through the site but have made an important change understands there willRetaining at leastas bemany new homes as possible – “I have heard the developer’s – rather than steps we will use a shallow slope instead to an exhibition, showing the We have managed to minimise the reduction in the total reasons ... and I do not accept ORE than 200 objections make it accessible for pushchairs & wheelchairs. new joint homes - our original plans were for 340 new homes, outline of the buildings, ofand them,” he said. The plan ignored have been made to the and thehub reduction in heights has been achieved with a planning for a new transport theStreet forthcoming framework for 22-storey rebuilding of St to East loss of just 11 new homes. Enhancements at Bedminster station, open Bedminster Green, he added. Catherine’s Place shopping centre All public areas will have high quality, welcoming spaces and the ‘greening’ of the objecting Southville in Bedminster by developer landscaping that includesAlso pavements, seatingisand planting Green councillor Charlie Bolton, - We right). are now extending that onto East Street itself, rather Firmstone, (pictured above stopping at the edge our site.the lack of affordable whoofcalled Cllr Jon Wellington, than Labour homes “completely unacceptable”. member for Windmill Hill, said the Cllr Bolton argued that it would giant block “in an area with 4-5 be possible to get 800-1,000 storeys is far too great a shock to

together. It expects to make a planning application in December – not long after the consultation on the Framework begins. It was difficult to assess the Dandara plan properly because it could not be compared with all the other proposals for the rest of Bedminster Green, WHaM member Dianne James told the Voice. She praised changes to the plan which give a new “street” leading to East Street – something requested by Bedminster traders, who want the Green homes to lead easily to the shops. The bulk of some of the buildings has also been reduced. The plot would have 84 parking spaces and residents would be barred from joining any local resident parking scheme. • Intro 2; Letters 22-23 The expected September release of the Framework came and went. The Voice has been trying for months to talk to Cllr Nicola Beech, the cabinet member for city design, but despite numerous requests we homes on the Green in low to mid-rise buildings. Those representing hard-pressed traders were supportive. George Grace, manager of Bedminster Business Improvement District, said the BID board was “strongly in favour” of development provided links are enhanced to East Street, bus routes are planned to support traders, and car ownership is restricted. The BID holds no views on heights, he said.

Firmstone tower plan: More than 200 objections made so far have not been able to do so. A Bristol city council spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work with landowners across five development sites in Bedminster Green, who are jointly developing a framework to put forward a comprehensive vision for this part of Bristol. Proposals are being developed for a consultation on the framework document later this year and details will be released soon.” The council did say that no planning applications will be decided before the Framework consultation is over. Four developers want to build on the Green’s five sites – Dandara on two plots, plus Deeley Freed, Firmstone and now A2 Dominion (see panel).

No more? Rollo’s proposal the junction of Dean Lane, North Street and Cannon Street. It also plans two consultation sessions, one at Windmill Hill City Farm and one in the former Argos, though no dates have been announced. A2 Dominion manages 750 rental homes in Bristol and has just taken on 110 flats at Redcliff Quarter. It claims to be “committed to providing a range of homes at a price people can afford.” The Voice was unable to contact Mr O’Brien for comment.

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December 2018

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n NEWS

The biggest Lanterns yet! FOR MONTHS it looked as if it might not happen, but after intense fundraising and continued support from some businesses and individuals, the 2018 Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade will now take to the streets on Saturday December 8. The parade route, from North Street, Cannon Street, British Road and South Street, will be closed to traffic from 3-6pm. Some bus services will be diverted. Organisers warn that this may cause inconvenience, particularly to deliveries, but hope people will understand that allowing traffic to mix with the parade would be dangerous. Over 70 volunteers have been recruited to act as safety stewards. This year’s parade will be the longest and most spectacular yet. Nine local primary schools have been making lanterns large and small over the last few months.

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Spectacular: Last year’s Bedminster Lantern Parade. This year’s promises to be be biggest yet seen, with four bands and nine schools Lead artist Alan May said: “Spectators this year will be in for a visual treat. Lantern building in schools has highlighted yet again the creativity and design skills of our 5-11 year olds and their love of the parade.” Other groups will also be parading their illuminated lanterns and will be joined by four marching bands – one of them Bristol’s Brass Disciples, making their marching debut. The parade starts outside Mark’s Bakery on North Street at

4.30pm. Before that musicians including Southville Strings, African Sambistas and St Paul’s Wassailers will entertain the crowds from 4pm onwards. The event finishes at Compass Point School on South Street where there’ll be an opportunity to warm up with hot food and drink before it’s brought to a traditional close with a short but spectacular fireworks display in South Street Park at about 6pm. Updates: Facebook Bedminster Winter Lantersns

Youth group looking for a business aide A SOUTH Bristol youth and community group with big ambitions is looking for a new director with business contacts to help it grow. Grassroot Communities has already run a summer of youth activities in Ashton Vale and is planning projects with young people in Stockwood to reduce anti-social behaviour. The charity is seeking a new director with links to the business world to help it expand. Funding is needed for ideas such as a Community Champions project with a year 10 and 11 group at Ashton Park school. “The right candidate has to be passionate about youth, community, nature and Bristol,” said organiser Ben Carpenter. He can be contacted at info@ grassrootcommunities.org.

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December 2018

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n NEWS

CHRISTMAS IN BEDMINSTER

December 2018

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

Elves, ghosts and a hotline to Santa

Cash is coming to boost Bedminster

THERE’S a host of entertainment and events on the streets of Bedminster this December, with reindeer, elves and postboxes that deliver straight to Santa.

Rebranding, a delivery service and car-free days among ideas emerging to boost town’s fortunes

East Street Christmas Fayre

THE FUN kicks off with the East Street Christmas Fayre event, which takes place on Saturday December 1 from 10am to 5pm. Children can feed live reindeer and have their pictures taken with them in a Sleigh Grotto from 12 noon to 3pm. There’s live music from local musicians from 11am-3pm, while all around there will be food stands, trade stalls from local businesses and artists. And there’s plenty more for kids to do, with an arts and craft section, sing along with Kate from Music with Mummy at 12 noon, and face painting and free soft play at Bubble Play Café

HE GHOSTS of Christmas Past, Present and Future will materialise on North Street as part of North Street Nights, Bedminster’s late-night Christmas shopping event. And where better to meet the spectres haunting Ebenezer Scrooge than at Ebenezer Gate? The gate led to the old Ebenezer Chapel – next to the new Storysmith Books on North Street. Those who dare can gather outside Ebenezer Gate on Thursday December 6 to be led down the old avenue, lit by candles, to meet Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past. from 3-6pm. Have fun, but take care, as vehicles will still be moving down East Street.

North Street Nights

THE ACTION moves to North Street for three late shopping evenings, North Street Nights, on

Performances are free and last 10 minutes, starting at 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm and 7.30pm – but please arrive a little earlier. On Thursday December 13, same time, same place, the Ghost of Christmas Present will arrive to show Scrooge the error of his miserly ways. And on the final North Street Night, December 20, the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come – the most terrifying of all the spirits – will make a final attempt to reform the skinflint Scrooge. This is a new, original show by Bedminster’s Show of Strength. showofstrength.org.uk Thursday December 6, 13 and 20. Bars and cafés will be adding a touch of magic with indulgent seasonal treats and special offerings. Look out for the snowflake logo in windows to know who’s taking part. There

Christmas is almost here ... We stock

Scary, but harmless: Marley’s Ghost (Gerard Cooke) at North Street Nights PHOTO: Zuleika Henry will be lots of free, familyfriendly activities, including mulled wine and mince pies on sale, with proceeds going to Bedminster’s Help Bristol’s Homeless. Santa will be in his grotto at North Street Nursery on December 6 and 13. Music comes from (though not fully confirmed as the Voice went to press) the Salvation Army band on December 6, a silent disco on December 13 and carolling choirs on December 20. Facebook: North Street Nights

The Elf Post Office

CHILDREN who want to be sure that Santa receives their requests can write to him and post their letters from December 1-15 in one of the Christmas Post Boxes, which can be found on East Street, West Street and North Street Green. Santa promises to respond, and his replies will be ready for collection from North Street Nursery on December 20. Santa is super-busy and can only respond to letters with a return address in case they need to be posted.

Street and North Street to Ashton. This year, the revived BID (Business Improvement District) has come up with a host of activities for Christmas (see opposite page) which it’s hoped will persuade more Bristolians to do their festive shopping in

Panto takes just a day to create CHILDREN, adults and older people are joining forces to create their fourth annual pantomime in the space of a day. Led by drama groups Acting Out and Launchpad, dozens will be gathering at the Stackpool Playhouse (also known as St Thomas Mar Thoma Church) in Stackpool Road on Saturday December 15 to stage a new panto – Peter Pandemonium. It also involves older people from the Southville Centre’s Monday Club who help create the props and scenery. The cast will

be rehearsing and putting together scenery and costumes from 10am-4.30pm, ready for the evening show at 6.30pm. The day-long workshop costs £25 for children; over-18s are free. To book a place email enquiries@actingoutdrama.com or visit the website. Show tickets are £5 for adults and £3.50 for children from the Southville Centre. Profits will be split between the Southville Centre’s Monday Club and St Thomas Mar Thoma Church. actingoutdrama.com

being drawn up by PR firm Plaster, based at the Tobacco Factory. Slogans such as “The original Bristol”, “Independent” and “Spirited” are being discussed as possible themes. HAT IF Bedminster traders had a local, environmentally -friendly delivery service which residents could use to order items online and get them delivered to their door? At the moment it’s just an idea, but some members of the Town Team want to examine whether a

local system could give a better service, while keeping control – and the profits – in local hands. Olivia Navaratnam, co-owner of the Bubble Play café in East Street, uses Deliveroo to deliver orders to her customers. She finds it efficient but has to pay a fee of 35 per cent to the London-based firm. Setting up a delivery system to rival tech giants like Deliveroo and Uber Eats might be difficult. But some Bedminster firms make local deliveries pollution-free by cycle, including Mark’s Bakery in North Street, and Minuteman printers in Nelson Parade.

Bedminster. Longer term, the team is planning a big rebranding exercise for the town to be launched next year (see above). All parties acknowledge that much work is needed to make East Street an attractive place to shop. At the moment there are

too many empty shops, and too much mess and graffiti. Argos and Bon Marché both pulled out of East Street this year and there are fears more chain stores could follow as traditional retailers find it harder to compete with online Continued overleaf

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EDMINSTER could be marketed as ”the original Bristol” – making play of Bedminster’s long history, which dates back to Roman times and may even predate Bristol. Other ideas include promoting the town as home to independent and creative businesses. Key to the rebranding will be balancing the edgy appeal of the trendier parts of North Street and events such as the street art festival Upfest with the more traditional businesses in East Street. The marketing push is

FITNESS

• CHRISTMAS TREES • HAMPERS MADE TO ORDER 73 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1ES

BEDMINSTER’S shopping centre is set for a share of a £10 million fund to help revive its fortunes and promote the area as a vibrant shopping destination. Metro mayor Tim Bowles, who leads the new West of England authority or Weca, wants to make Bedminster the focus for Bristol’s part in a pilot project called Love our High Street. It comes as the town’s traders are coming up with their own ideas to promote the area which, as they keep pointing out, is the second biggest shopping area in Bristol, stretching from Bedminster Bridge through East

A NEW IMAGE?

Elf service: Look out for Santa’s three special postboxes

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

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December 2018

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n NEWS Continued from page 9 rivals such as Amazon. The Love our High Street pilot will look at how new uses can be found for some of the empty premises in East Street, Bedminster Parade, Cannon Street and part of North Street. About £10m is available for the Weca area, but it’s not clear how much Bedminster might receive. Weca said: “This would support the development of currently underused or vacant spaces, with a focus on bringing new types of use into the area, strengthening and diversifying the current high street offer. Attracting businesses within the creative and digital sectors would be a priority.” Mayor Tim Bowles said: “It’s been a tough time for our high streets as online shopping becomes increasingly popular; our new Love our High Street project will explore how we can secure funding, expertise and support to revive our town centres. The future of our high streets

WHAT DOES BEDMINSTER NEED – car free days?

RADERS and residents alike acknowledge that while North Street is reviving, East Street needs a lot of support. While up to 2,000 new homes may bring new prosperity, the incomers will not arrive for several years. Stephen Clarke, Green councillor for Southville, thinks that emphasising the area’s independent traders is a good idea. Wapping Wharf, he pointed out, is thriving partly because it only hosts local businesses – not

isn’t just about shops, it’s about our businesses, community activities, services and homes.” Separately, the Chancellor announced a £675m fund to support high streets in the

n NEWS

national brands. “I feel that East Street is at a low ebb but it’s on its way back up,” he said. But he warned that we shouldn’t take town centres for granted – the danger is that, like extinct species of animals, we only miss them when they are gone. Cllr Clarke supports a rebranding exercise for the area, and he hopes the public will be involved. More car-free days would help – “Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could walk on traffic-free roads all the way from Asda to the Tobacco Factory?” he said. A weekly car-free event could draw

visitors, he suggested. “People love to promenade, they love to walk, and a map would encourage them,” he said. Cllr Mark Bradshaw, Labour member for Bedminster, said he would prefer any new money to be spent on physical things like removing graffiti and improving the street scene. “It’s important for Bedminster to be proper marketed but there’s a lack of physical investment,” he said. He suggested that landlords could be encouraged to fill empty shops by offering short-term, pop-up uses.

November budget, but it’s not clear how much of this cash will reach Bristol. Meanwhile, the city council is asking for residents’ and traders’ views on local high streets to build an accurate picture of how they are performing. Cllr Craig Cheney, deputy mayor responsible for finance, governance and performance, said: “We were pleased to see the Government recognise the need

for action to revive and sustain [high streets] through the £675m Future High Streets Fund announced in the Budget. We look forward to finding out more about how this could benefit Bristol, but in the meantime we need to hear from you about what you want to see in our high streets and shopping areas.” The deadline for responses to the council survey is December 2: tinyurl.com/BrisHighStreets

Magic Roundabout Nursery 141 Coronation Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1RE "Children have strong attachments with staff who are reassuring and kind." - Ofsted 2018

Children aged 3 months to 5 years welcome Open 7:30am - 7pm Full-time and part-time spaces available Funding for children aged 2-5 years Children enjoy Mandarin classes, specialist sports sessions and music classes with 'Music with Mummy'

December 2018

0117 963 9800 www.mrnnursery.co.uk bristol@mrnnursery.co.uk

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

southbristolvoice

Children are going without decent food, chefs reveal Appeal to get Fareshare scheme rolled out to every school in Bristol AS MANY as one in four children in Bristol suffers at some point from food poverty – and help needs to be extended to every school in the city. That was the startling message as chefs from some of Bristol’s top restaurants got together to support FareShare, a charity which is helping thousands of children, including many at South Bristol schools. Among them was Josh Eggleton, who lives in Totterdown and is the guiding light behind the Michelin-starred Pony and Trap at Chew Magna, as well as being a partner in several Bristol restaurants including Root at Wapping Wharf and Yurt Lush at Temple Meads. The chefs gathered at Bristol fruit market at St Philips on November 13 to kick off a week in which they visited schools, mixing up breakfast smoothies and encouraging children to make healthy food choices. Josh explained: “Every day this week I’m going to be going to different schools where they have breakfast clubs, and the reason we do that is that a lot of children that go to those schools are malnourished because the families are not earning enough to support them. It’s a huge statistic – these children do have families but their families are struggling to support them. “It’s all about education as well – do they know how to supply a balanced diet, do they know what a balanced diet is?”

WHAT IS FOOD POVERTY?

2014 study by the 5K Partnership found that one in four children was at risk of food poverty. This doesn’t always mean that children don’t get anything to eat, but often their parents don’t have access to healthy options. Often the problem is a sudden one, caused by a delay in benefits.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The events are organised by national charity FareShare which has 100 volunteers in Bristol, helping supply breakfast clubs at 70 schools across Bristol. Among those being helped in South Bristol are Parson Street primary in Bedminster and the Connaught Oasis academy in Melvin Square, Knowle. But, as Bristol’s education chief Anna Keen explains in our video (link right), this help is going only to schools with the highest level of need – the aim is to offer FareShare in every school. It costs only £7 to run a breakfast club for 28 children - partly because all the food FareShare hands out is donated. Much of it is surplus from wholesalers but also sources such as missed deliveries from Ocado, which have to be returned. FareShare surveyed Bristol schools this year and found that, while many have a breakfast club, many run on a shoestring and don’t offer much variety. And in holiday time, all help stopped. Now FareShare is helping 1,500 school children around the city region every school day, and 2,000 over the holidays.

Why are so many children in need of help to make sure they get enough to eat properly? Council cabinet education chief Anna Keen explains in our video: tinyurl.com/AnnaKeenFareShare

ARESHARE is asking companies to sponsor its work – for example by linking with a local school, where they could help pay for a Breakfast or After School Club, and by providing volunteers. Individuals can also help FareShare, which has a warehouse at St Jude’s near Cabot Circus. It has around 100 volunteers, and all the food is donated by big suppliers, which means it is run on a shoestring and can provide a breakfast for only 25p. Details at: faresharesouthwest.org.uk/ bristol-chefs-big-breakfast-week

Top award for childcare THE NURSERY run by the charity BS3 Community has been awarded a Bristol Standard mark. BS3 Community, which runs the Southville Centre and the Chessel Centre, is already rated Outstanding by Ofsted for all of

its childcare, which includes nurseries and out-of-school care. The Bristol Standard was launched in the city in 1996 as a measurement of quality in early years education, and it has been adopted by other authorities.

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

southbristolvoice

December 2018

Classy Claws

NAILS & TRAINING 148-150 North Street Bristol BS3 1HA 0117 966 3786 Open until 8pm Thursday & Friday

Classy Claws would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

Is mayor backing away from charges for diesel drivers?

New help for families with weight issues

A SECOND meeting on South Bristol’s poor air quality is being hosted, as the council appears little closer to announcing how it will tackle the problem. The council is legally obliged state its preferred option, by December 31, to cut levels of the most harmful pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO), to legal limits in the shortest possible time. But writing in his latest Voice column (page 27) mayor Marvin Rees gives no indication that the council has arrived at a plan. Instead he calls on Whitehall to fund councils properly so that they can tackle the problem. Bristol is among many British cities with illegal levels of air pollution, estimated to cause 300 early deaths in the city each year. Bedminster has some of the most polluted sites in Bristol, among them Parson Street – where there is a big primary school – and Bedminster Parade. The council could take powers to charge polluting vehicles if it set up a Clean Air Zone. Two zones appear feasible – one a city centre zone, ending at the New Cut, and a bigger zone which includes Bedminster. One source said Mr Rees is considering the smaller of the Clean Air Zones, missing out Bedminster. Data indicates diesel cars produce the largest share of NO pollution in Bristol city centre –

Green Saturday for bargains

WHY IS ACTION NEEDED?

VERY Breath We Take: The Shocking Facts is the title of a meeting at Bedminster Library at 7pm on November 30 (some people will receive their Voice after this date, we realise). Speaker will be Mark Leach, who leads the council’s Clean Air for Bristol engagement

40 per cent, almost twice as much as buses. But Mr Rees may be turning away from restrictions on such a large number of motorists with old diesels, many of them traders. “It’s not enough for central government to set a standard and then walk away without lifting a finger to help. Success in tackling poor air quality will be dependent on adequate funding,” he writes in his Voice column. He made similar remarks in a BBC Points West interview on November 18, hinting that he wants a scrappage scheme to get rid of older diesels. The council is looking at all the options, he said, including better public transport, licensing cleaner taxis, and “encouraging a shift to cleaner vehicles.” But he does not mention charges for private motorists – perhaps believing that to do so would provoke a backlash. A failure to calculate the

programme. It’s the second meeting called by Action Greater Bedminster and Way Out West to debate air quality. The first, in October, heard that air pollution causes heart, lung and brain problems, and damages development in children. Book tickets here: tinyurl.com/BedsBreath consequences of each option “would … risk a disproportionate financial impact on those least able to pay,” he said. The council was unable to tell the Voice what measures would be proposed for a Clean Air Zone, or when. But a plan is supposed by law to be identified by December 31, and details worked out next year. A council spokesperson said: “We are developing a Clean Air Plan for Bristol which will include a range of measures to reduce air pollution to meet legal limits. We are working with transport groups, communities and experts to develop the right plan for Bristol and will likely consult on the city’s options next year. “Alongside other Core Cities and the UK100 network of local government leaders, we are asking Government to commit to much-needed additional funding and to establish a national targeted vehicle renewal scheme.”

FAMILIES wanting to lose weight, learn how to eat healthier and get active in 2019 can take advantage of a new programme of activities. Called Alive ’n’ Kicking, the project is free for families where children aged 11-16 are above a healthy weight. Families can learn about healthy eating and nutrition, take part in fun physical activities, and learn how to shop and cook more healthily. Nine-week programmes start in late January at Hengrove Leisure Centre and The Park Centre, Knowle. For details, email bristolank@everyonehealth.co.uk or call 0117 942 2602. ank.uk.com

GREEN Saturday is the new Black Friday, according to Bristol Waste, which is selling off electrical goods saved from landfill. On sale from 10am-12 noon on Saturday December 1, at the Albert Road depot, will be TVs, stereos, games consoles, radios, vacuum cleaners and DVD players – all tested for safety and under £40. Proceeds go to charity. On the day the APE project will offer free bike tune-ups, and The Reusery will show how to make jewellery out of old electronics. tinyurl.com/GreenSat

ASK A VET: Could Christmas make my dog unwell?

] Gelish salon offering cruelty-free products suitable for vegans with official Gelish Certified Nail Technicians. ] No MMA, Odour-Free salon offering the latest advancements in natural nail treatments as well as our ‘7-Free’ Enhancement System and Gelish Manicures lasting up to 21 days. ] Official Regional Training Centre with PhD Master Level Educator Michelle Steed for Nail Harmony UK offering Guild Accredited & Certified training for Beginners to Advanced level & Competing Nail Technicians. Scratch Stars Winners for Best Education Providers. Celebrity Nail Artist and Technician to The XFactor 2018. ] Official Regional Training Centre for Nouvatan offering beginners and existing Spray Tan Therapists Guild Accredited & Certified Training using Paraben-Free formula.

December 2018

facebook.com/ClassyClawsByMichelle

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OST things that pets eat that they are not meant to will just make them poorly. However, there are a few things which really are poisonous to our pets and the golden rule is, if in doubt, give your vet a shout! Things that are very toxic to dogs • Chocolate contains a toxic ingredient called theobromine. Dark chocolate contains the highest level of this substance. Milk chocolate and white chocolate have lower levels. If you know how much your dog weighs and how much and what type of chocolate they have eaten, your vet will be able to work out whether enough has been eaten to cause

a problem. It is worth noting that garden mulches made from cocoa shells contain very high levels of theobromine – so gardeners beware if you have a dog. • Raisins in mince pies, Christmas pudding and fruit cake are very toxic and can cause kidney failure in some dogs. Not all dogs will be sensitive but unfortunately there is no way of knowing which will be affected. Give your vet practice a call if you are unsure. Less serious • The holly and the ivy! Both these festive plants, often used as decorations, can cause dogs to get poorly if eaten. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal

pain. Similarly mistletoe and peanuts can make your pooch poorly if they eat enough. Things that are very toxic to cats • Lilies are popular at Christmas. However, make sure they are out of the way of our feline friends who are extremely susceptible to kidney failure from ingestion of any part of this plant. Even licking their fur after having rubbed against the plant can cause a problem. • Paracetamol. We humans may have good reason over the festive season to take the odd painkiller but don’t leave them lying around so your cat can get hold of them. Paracetamol poisoning in cats is often fatal.

Less serious • Peace lilies, cyclamen and poinsettia are all popular Christmas plants but can cause sickness, drooling and depression if eaten. Fortunately the symptoms are self-limiting and the prognosis is excellent. In the unlikely event that your pet does have a Christmas emergency when your surgery is closed, call Highcroft Veterinary Hospital on 01275 832410. We will have vets and nurses on-site 24 hours a day over the festive period, so your pets will be in safe hands if the worst were to happen. Natasha Watts RVN Nurse Manager Highcroft Veterinary Surgery

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

southbristolvoice

n GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

December 2018 ADVERTISING FEATURE

As always, we want you to keep it local this Christmas, and we’ve sought out the best independent businesses for you to choose from ...

Casper Bristolntrol

Co Skid

shop.thismumruns.co.uk Facebook: This Mum Runs Bristol Instagram: thismumruns

southbristolvoice

at Castle Combe CircuitADVERTISING FEATURE n GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

Art by Hannah Sawtell at Casper

This Mum Runs

HIS Mum Runs is a community movement that empowers and enables mums to become healthier and happier through running, headspace and friendship, whatever stage of their fitness journey. This Mum Runs is active across Bristol, London and Bath, with a community of over 35,000 and thousands of runners taking part in free weekly runs led by volunteers. The plan is to take This Mum Runs to more towns

FAMILY GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS

December 2018

221 North Street BS3 1JJ 07948 749 274 casperbristol.com hello@casperbristol.com Tues, Wed 11am-5pm, Thur-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm ASPER supports independent artists from Bristol and the UK, showcasing a carefullycurated range of original artwork, prints, homeware, jewellery, cards and gifts. And there’s more – Something Elsie Vintage is in residency at Casper until May 2019, with beautiful handpicked retro vintage clothing, including cosy knits, winter coats, festive sweaters and party sequins – local, sustainable and affordable fashion for men and women.

This Mum Runs believes any mum can get out and become healthier and happier. Don’t miss the Voice reader offer on clothing, below ... and cities nationwide in 2019. But it’s not just a community – an online store offers a fun selection of running-inspired slogan tees, vests and cosy post-run hoodies for every mum that runs. Designed with love, ethically made, and stocked in sizes 6-20,

because This Mum Runs believe running is for everyone, regardless of size or experience. There’s a special offer for South Bristol Voice readers to save money this Christmas – free delivery on orders over £40. Use the code TMR18 before December 18. You can join free

runs on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings from Greville Smyth Park, Victoria Park and Brislington. And if you’ve never run before there are coaching programmes to get you started; the next term starts on January 14 and places are filling fast!

ult Karting d A & r o i n u J

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Gift Vouchers Galore! Magic & Mayhem

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to skid in a controlled manner – thrilling as well as a potential lifesaver in dangerous conditions. And there are 4x4 courses where you can really test your ability against the mud. All the experiences can be bought as vouchers, making them an ideal gift. And there’s an extra 10 per cent off all skid courses by using the voucher below. The gift of a thrilling driving experience is thoughtful, individual and exciting. For Ultimate Driving Experience Gift Vouchers, call 01249 783010 or visit the Drive-tech website.

30 Cannon Street, Bedminster BS3 1BN 029 2023 3250 magic-mayhem-cardiff.co.uk Facebook: Magic and Mayhem Cardiff & Bristol Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-4pm AGIC & Mayhem has only been open at Cannon Street in Bedminster since October but it quickly won fame and was soon packed with young fans during half term. Inspired by the wizarding world of Harry Potter,

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Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 7BW 01249 783010 drivetechltd.co.uk HERE’S something for every petrolhead at Drive-tech, young or old. With Christmas just around the corner, don’t just buy any old present – give an experience! Why? Because memories last forever, things don’t! Based at Castle Combe circuit near Chippenham, Drive-Tech offers motorised thrills in a safe environment. You can learn how

Independent artists from Bristol and the UK • artwork • prints • gifts

• homeware • jewellery DT_0058 6cm H x 8.7cm w Bedminster Advert.indd 1 • cards • retro clothing 221 North Street, Southville www.casperbristol.com

B VAILA ERS A

UCH IFT VO

it’s stocked with all manner of magical gifts for witches and wizards (and Muggles) alike, of all ages. The merchandise ranges from badges, mugs and notebooks to wands, replicas and collectables – but items often sell out so you might want to call ahead to check. There are frequent events and fun days, featuring the shop’s very own wizard, Lord Harri, magicians, potion making, games, competitions and much more. Watch the Facebook page for details. Continued overleaf

Bristol’s own shop dedicated to selling licensed Harry Potter merchandise Wands, collectables, bags, homewares and lots more.

KARTING, SKID PAN & 4X4atOFF ROADING Castle Combe Circuit

Our website offers home delivery (£3.90) or Free store click & collect

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DT_0072 DT_0072 Whats On 136mm x 97mm copy.indd 1

29/10/2018 11:27

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

December 2018

southbristolvoice

n GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

December 2018

southbristolvoice

n GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

17 ADVERTISING FEATURE

Mini Potters Sessions at Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster 07414 230477 @minipottersbristol minipottersbristol.com Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm, evening bookings until 8.45pm INI Potters is a pottery painting studio based at Windmill Hill City Farm, where children and adults can paint pottery for fun, and create beautiful keepsakes or bespoke gifts for any occasion. Their friendly team can help you capture your little one’s hands and feet on pottery and in clay. They also offer hand-painted artwork for that personal touch. Jess and the team provide pre-fired pottery, paint and advice in a clean, cosy and relaxing environment. Your creations are then dipped in glaze and fired in their kiln for a hardwearing, professional finish. It’s fun and easy for both children and adults. Either pop in and see them or phone to book an appointment and they’ll be happy to chat about what you’re

A Mini Potters party could be the perfect Christmas treat this holiday

Beautiful wreath by Flowers & Co

Carny Valley: Waxed cotton style

Storysmith: Subscription service

Soukitchen: The multi-award-winning Mediterranean restaurant

looking to create. They’re also a great place for parties for both kids and adults! The studio is available for Christmas work parties or if you just fancy doing something a little different with your friends. You have exclusive use of the studio for 2 hours and a free glass of bubbles when you arrive! Plus Voice readers get a special offer, below.

if the sun does chance to shine. As Cat says, “Rain will not stop play. We are adventurers in all weathers.”

is open for deliveries until Christmas Eve, and owner Amanda Brown will do her best to meet any last-minute requests. Wreaths are a speciality and there is also a good stock of gifts, cards, porcelain and other ides for presents. Amanda has a lifetime of experience in the floristry business and set up Flowers & Co in 2016. Since then, the loyalty of old customers and a constant influx of new ones has seen the business grow steadily.

Storysmith

Soukitchen

Carny Valley

carnyvalley.com cat@carnyvalley.com ARNY Valley is a South Bristol business which grew out of a love of festival-going.

Create beautiful, bespoke gifts and keepsakes at Mini Potters pottery painting studio We’re now taking bookings for Christmas! Find us at Windmill Hill City Farm.

Hire our studio for your Christmas work party and enjoy a free glass of bubbles for every painter!

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Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, BS3 4EA

Everyone wants to keep dancing at a festival even when it’s raining – but wet weather gear just cramps your style. So Cat Jameson of Totterdown came up with her own design of rain cape that will keep the weather off but won’t get in the way. There are just two styles but a huge range of colours. Carny Valley capes are made in the Midlands using materials from local manufacturers and British Millerain. They’re eco-friendly – made of waxed cotton – and designed to last for years, while you dance, walk the dog, use it as a picnic rug or clip it to your belt

Flowers & Co

66 Parson Street BS3 5QG 0117 963 4283 flowersandco.org.uk flowersandco2016@gmail.com Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 8.30am-5.30pm Wed, Sat 9am-1pm F YOU haven’t decided on a gift for someone special yet, a handmade floral arrangement always looks thoughtful. Flowers & Co, the florist handily-placed on Parson Street in Bedminster,

Toyville

20 North Street BS3 1HW 0117 953 2876 toyvilleshop.co.uk Please find attached product photo of the tugboat and our logo 10am-6pm, Rain capes for in square / long format depending on whatMon-Sat you need. I’ve also Sun 12-4pm OYVILLE attached a picture of our boardgames shelf as is this is something now a outdoor fun! people often overlook when thinking about ourfavourite shop. Best board firm games selection this side of the river! I’m not if you’ll onsure North Streetbe able Eco-friendly, to have both photos in though so definitely–go the tugboat if thefor only independent toy only one :) unisex, one-size shop in South Bristol. It’s best Re the tugboat can we say: Green Toys Tugboat £10.99 - made from Choose from known for a big Recycled milk bottles. A great gift for any child who loves playing range of quality two styles with water. toys for younger Toyville stock a huge range of toys and games whichall make perfect children, chosen for their play and a range presents for babies right up to adults. value and being made to last. of colours But Toyville has something for all ages –including the largest Hope that’s not too many words. selection of board games south of www.carnyvalley.com the river (pictured).

49 North Street BS3 1EN 0117 279 1751 storysmithbooks.com T’S ANOTHER first for North Street – an independent bookshop to add to the record shop, independent food stores and many others that give the area its new character. Storysmith does more than just stock books – they hold author events, sell good coffee, make next-day orders and handle worldwide delivery. They also offer book subscriptions, which make great gifts. Sign up and you get a fiction or non-fiction (you choose) book carefully chosen and sent to you every month.

277 North Street BS3 1JP 0117 966 6880 soukitchen.co.uk Lunch Wed–Sun 12-2.30pm Dinner & mezze Mon–Sat 5.30pm– late, Sun 6 9pm OUKITCHEN is a bustling restaurant in South Bristol, directly opposite the popular Tobacco Factory theatre on North Street. It offers a menu inspired by the foods of the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and in fact much of the ex-Ottoman empire. At this time of year, it could make Soukitchen

the perfect antidote to turkey and stuffing! The restaurant uses the best local and seasonal ingredients, making dishes prepared with passion and packed with flavour. Soukitchen was awarded best Mediterranean restaurant in Bristol at the Bristol Good Food awards for 2014, 2015 and 2016. The website contains many tributes from satisfied customers such as this Tweet: “Can see why @soukkitchenbris won best Mediterranean restaurant in Bristol for 3 years running. Seriously good food.”

DELICIOUS ...

Green Toys Tugboat £10.99 – made from recycled milk bottles!

Toys & games Baby to Adult

20 North Street BS3 1HW 0117 953 2876

Make Christmas special with a wreath or a beautiful bouquet Delivery in BS3 for £3, other areas £5-£7.50 Boxed bouquets & Floral arrangements made to order Cards & Gifts

Closed from Dec 25-Jan 7: if you have a funeral during this period please call

66 Parson Street BS3 5QG 0117 963 4283

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

Best Mediterranean Restaurant in Bristol three years running!

SOUKITCHEN

277 North Street BS3 1JP 0117 966 6880

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

December 2018

southbristolvoice

n GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Eat Your Greens

156 Wells Road, Totterdown BS4 2AG 0117 239 8704 Facebook/Instagram: Eat Your Greens Bristol Wednesday-Saturday 10am10.30pm, Sunday roasts 12-5.30pm HRISTMAS is coming at Eat Your Greens and it’s an opportunity to find out how exciting plant-based food can be – just like every other time of year! There’s a special festive menu to be served at 1pm on Sunday December 23, with a few extra twists to the usual Sunday roast. On the menu will be nut roast, maple-glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts, roast potatoes, braised cabbage, caulifllower cheese (that’s vegan cheese of course), plus dessert and a cracker. All for £20 – very good value. Locally-made mulled apple juice and other festive drinks will be served in the run-up to Christmas. Plus, the venue is available to hire for small parties – call for details.. On the regular winter menu,

Eat Your Greens: Winter roasts on the menu plus the regular favourites the main courses include chestnut, apricot and root vegetable gratin served with dauphinoise potatoes, red wine gravy and roasted carrots, as well as mushroom stroganoff with smokey tempeh rashers. Of course all the regulars are on offer, including the EYG burger and the daytime menu, including the infamous Beasty Breakfast, EYG waffles, a daily lunch bowl with roast veg, and seasonal soup. Everything is available gluten-free, and queries about allergies and food intolerances are positively encouraged.

EXCITING WAYS WITH PLANT-BASED FOOD CHRISTMAS ROAST DECEMBER 23 JUST 15 PLACES Book soon!

Mon Pote

177-179 North Street BS3 1JQ 0117 239 3107 monpote.co.uk ON Pote is a lifestyle shop which opened on North Street in April 2016. The name loosely translates from French as “my friend”, and the aim is that customers feel as relaxed browsing in the shop as they would in the home of a friend. The theme is inspiring interiors and gifts for grown ups and kids which will enrich your life. Everything is chosen with a lasting quality in mind – a range of carefully-chosen things that will have a permanent place in

WISTERIA WORKSHOP c Re-upholstered furniture c Handmade cushions and lampshades c Gift vouchers for upholstery classes wisteriaworkshopupholstery.co.uk In stock at Casper, North Street

Mon Pote: Inspiring interiors the owner’s life and home. There are products from UK and European brands, with a particular focus on Scandinavian design. Mon Pote also sells children’s products including decor, gifts, books and stationery and has a wide range of jewellery.

Wisteria Workshop

8 Hardy Avenue BS3 2BP 07941 119233 wisteriaworkshopupholstery.co.uk Facebook: Wisteria Workshop ISTERIA Workshop, run by Sarah Hudd in Ashton, sells reupholstered furniture, handmade cushions and lampshades in beautiful fabrics. Sarah has a regular stall at the Tobacco Factory Sunday Market at least once a month – see Facebook for dates. She also takes commissions. Still stuck for a present? Wisteria Workshop sells gift certificates which can also be exchanged for upholstery classes. Or perhaps you need an extra seat in your home this Christmas for guests?

Lifestyle and homewares you’ll want to keep

Fully licensed plant-based cafe with day / evening menus. Sunday roasts, breakfast & brunch, local beers & ciders. 156 Wells Road, Totterdown

177-179 North Street BS3 1JQ

Open 10am-10.30pm Wednesday-Saturday 12-5.30pm – Sunday roasts, bookings only

0117 239 3107

0117 239 8704 | DOG FRIENDLY @eatyourgreensbristol

MON POTE

monpote.co.uk

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December 2018

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n CHURCH NEWS

T’S THAT time of year again, festive tunes playing in the shops, people rushing to make sure they have ticked off the shopping list; when the house gets fitted with a tree and decorations to make it all look festive, as the song suggests “it’s the most wonderful time of year”. For so many people Christmas is a time of joy and celebration: having parties, exchanging gifts and spending time with family

Thought for the month

Regular services

Bedminster Church of Christ

298 St John’s Lane BS3 5AY Minister Jason Snethen churchofchristbristol.org Sunday 10am Bible Hour for all ages; 11am worship; 5pm worship; Tuesday 7.30pm Bible study; Thursday 10am Coffee morning; Friday 3.45-5pm After-school; 7-9.30pm youth group.

Bedminster Quaker Meeting House Wedmore Vale BS3 5HX

Clerk Chrissie Williams 0117 923 0020 bristolquakers.org.uk Sunday Worship 10.45am; 2nd & 4th Sunday Children’s meeting; 2nd Sunday Shared lunch.

With Ben Ellis, Corps Officer, Salvation Army, Dean Lane, Bedminster and loved ones. However, there are many in the city for whom this is a difficult time of year: those who are missing loved ones, those who are alone and the many who will be spending St Aldhelm’s Church

Chessel Street, Bedminster BS3 3TT hello@staldhelms.org Minister Rev Nick Hay 07534 249338 staldhelms.org Sunday 10am Morning service, informal with mix of traditional and contemporary songs. Creche, Sunday school, refreshments; House groups meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 7.30pm.

St Paul’s Church

2 Southville Road, Southville BS3 1DG stpsouthville@gmail.com Rev Nick Hay 07534 249338

Celebrate Christmas at your local church

BEDMINSTER and SOUTHVILLE ST ALDHELM’S CHURCH Chessel Street, Bedminster BS3 3TT Sat Dec 1 4-6pm Cider and Carols Wed Dec 12 7.30pm Candlelit Carol Service Fri Dec 14 3.30-5.30pm Messy Christingle Mon Dec 24 4pm Crib Service, 11.30pm Midnight Communion Tues Dec 25 10am Christmas Day Service ST PAUL’S CHURCH Coronation Road, Southville BS3 1DG Sun Dec 16 4.30pm Christingle Service Sun Dec 23 7.30pm Traditional Carol Service Mon Dec 24 11.30pm Midnight Mass Tues Dec 25 10am Christmas Day Service ST FRANCIS CHURCH 278 North Street, Ashton Gate BS3 2AN Sat Dec 8 10am-12pm Carol Singing at Aldi Sun Dec 16 10am Joint Communion, 3.30pm Christingle Service Mon Dec 24 5.30pm Nativity Service Tues Dec 25 10.15am Family Communion HOLY CROSS RC CHURCH Services at Holy Cross Catholic School, Dean Lane, Bedminster BS3 1DB Mon Dec 24 6.30pm Evening Mass of Christmas Tues Dec 25 10am Morning Mass of Christmas BEDMINSTER CHURCH OF CHRIST 298 St John’s Lane BS3 5AY Sun Dec 9 Children’s Prince and Princess Party: details 07795 560990 Sun Dec 23 5pm Evening of Traditional Carols Tues Dec 25 2pm Don’t be alone for Christmas! Community Christmas dinner. For reservations call 07795 560990 Tues Jan 1 10.30am New Year’s Day Service SALVATION ARMY Dean Lane BS3 1BS Sun Dec 2 10.30am Toy Service (Salvation Army Toy Appeal) 5pm Service of Remembrance and carols Sun Dec 23 10.30am Family Carols Mon Dec 24 6pm Carols by Candlelight

Christmas on the streets. The first Christmas was not an easy time; granted, there were no lists of things to buy before the shops closed. It was a harsh journey for two young people, one a girl who was pregnant. The town they were heading for was full, and the only place to give birth was the worst of places, a stable. For Christians in Bristol, December is the time of Advent; a preparation for the celebration

of the birth of Jesus, who gives hope in time of turmoil, who gives peace in a world that needs it so much today, who gives joy when we feel alone, and shows us His love by being Immanuel, which means God with us. I invite you to remember the real meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus. If you would like to attend any of the churches in South Bristol you will get a warm welcome.

saintpaulschurch.co.uk Sunday 10.30am Worship is a mix of contemporary and traditional with groups for children and young people. Also: 1st Sunday 9am Traditional Communion Service; 2nd Sunday 7.30pm Praise and Prayer; 4th Sunday Sunday Sessions in Rope Walk pub.

St Francis Church 279 North

Street, Ashton Gate BS3 1JP staldhelmsandstfrancis.org.uk Priest-in-charge Rev Andrew Doarks 0117 963 9121 Sunday 10am Communion or Morning Worship; 1st Saturday 10am Open church; Thursday 10am Eucharist.

Victoria Park Baptist Church

Sylvia Avenue BS3 5DA Minister Rev Brendan Bassett 0117 977 2484 victoriapark.org.uk Sunday 10.30am Service includes groups for all ages, and adults; coffee 11.30am; 2nd Sunday Parade service; 3rd Sunday Communion.

Salvation Army Dean Lane BS3 1BS

Corps officer Ben Ellis 0117 966 4952 salvationarmy.org.uk/bristolbedminster Sunday 10.30am Morning Worship; 11.30am Kids Alive!; 5pm Evening Worship.

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December 2018

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SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM

CLEVERLEY BUILDERS ‘The highest standard at a fair price.’ - not our words, but a quote from one of our customers.

customers and South Bristol Voice readers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year • NEW HOMES • GROUNDWORKS

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“Very professional outfit with a great bunch of friendly guys. No challenge too big, no solution too small. Would always recommend.” JH “Thank you for coming out on New Years Eve to make emergency repairs to my roof that had storm damage. Very professional as always.” LT Supporting Help Bristol’s Homeless to make temporary homes out of shipping containers @helpbristolshomeless To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

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ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST Plenty of ways to avoid the winter blues

Wishing all our

• LOFT CONVERSIONS • EXTENSIONS

December 2018

INTER is upon us. The shorter, darker and much colder days affect us all differently; from lack of motivation, low energy levels, oversleeping and overeating to struggling at work or maintaining relationships. People can sometimes withdraw from friends and loved ones. These symptoms are commonly referred to as the ‘’winter blues’’ or diagnosed by a doctor as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). So, how can we at Bedminster Pharmacy look after you this

winter? We can advise on: • Gut health – we recommend Bio-Kult probiotic supplements to help support the balance of gut bacteria. About 90 per cent of the ‘’happy’’ hormone serotonin is produced in the digestive system. Your gut bacteria help to regulate how this is produced, so a healthy gut will help lift your mood. Pop in on Wednesday December 12 (from 11am-2pm) for a free consultation with our nutritional advisor, Theresa. Goodie bags will be handed out too, so don’t miss out! • Eating well – a healthy balanced diet not only provides all the right nourishment but also stops you gaining excess weight which can cause anxiety and self-consciousness. • Vitamin D – known to improve

our mood. If adequate levels cannot be obtained from food alone, it may be necessary to purchase a supplement. • Regular exercise – helps to lift mood and increase energy levels. Brisk walking, jogging, swimming or cycling all count. We are still offering the flu vaccination, free to all eligible NHS patients, with no appointment required, or at a reasonable private charge. Come in today, do not delay. If you are considering travelling abroad over the festive period, we offer the lowest price-guaranteed vaccination service which is hassle-free, covering all travel jabs. Remember this wherever your journey takes you, even if it is Europe – tick-borne encephalitis is now found in 27 European

countries! Our clinics also provide vaccinations such as meningitis B, chicken pox, HPV, shingles and MMR. This year we have continued to do our best to be the health and wellbeing hub in our community. Despite being the pharmacy with the most national awards in the UK, your confidence in us to provide your care is always our most-valued prize. Thank you! As a small independent, we know we are not the only option, but we strive to be the best. Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a blessed new year ahead. • This article by Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy aims to show how all pharmacies can help people with a variety of health conditions and ease pressure on other parts of the NHS.

Sam’s big idea is to shake up the inside of your fridge DID you know that the average family wastes up to £700 a year in food they throw away? One dad from Knowle got so fed up with the groceries that were going to waste in his house, he came up with a product for storing leftovers safely – and now it’s on the brink of becoming a national success. Sam Hearn took his invention Shake’n’Store onto a Channel 4 show for entrepreneurs, Buy It Now, in April. Now the product is selling steadily on Amazon – and there are hopes that a deal with a major supermarket may be close. Shake’n’Store is a container with a stepped lip which fits all the usual sizes of food tins. So if you have half a can of beans, or tuna, or sweetcorn, just tip it in, give it a shake, and snap the lid on. The lid is marked with the days of the week – line up the day with the marker, and you don’t have to remember when you put the leftovers in the fridge. “It was conceived in a real lightbulb moment,” said Sam, 42. “I was cooking a midnight snack and after I used some of the food, I grabbed a plastic cup, put it on top and turned it over to shake the food into it. “My wife looked at me and said, ‘What did you just do? That’s great!’ It started to develop

from there.” It’s been a hard slog to make the product a reality – the Voice first fe atured Sam in 2015 – and it has taken three years to develop the idea, find a manufacturer and test it with all kinds of foods. Luckily Sam’s day job is as managing director of Omni, a digital marketing agency based in historic Brunel-era offices at the harbourside. Omni took out a patent on Shake’n’Store, and provided vital expertise. Even with professional support it’s very tough to get a new product into the shops, and Sam was almost ready to give up when, earlier this year, he got a call from Channel 4, and his moment of TV fame arrived. He had to pitch the product for 90 seconds to a studio audience. “That was great”, he said, “30 to 35 per cent of the audience liked it – we managed to secure a deal with JML, an in-store marketing company.” In the studio he also met Gordon McRae, a marketing expert, who is showing the product to several major retailers. At the moment Shake’n’Store is being made in China – Sam looked for a British manufacturer, but it would have costed at least five times as much. But, if the idea takes off, he’d like to bring production to the UK. The

Excited: Sam Hearn has turned a late-night idea into a real product that can reduce food wastage Shake’n’Store is made of plastic, but it’s not contributing to plastic pollution as it will last for many years – plus, while it’s being used, it’s actually saving resources. The lid is silicon, which is safe with all kinds of food at different temperatures. It is recyclable, but more importantly it avoids the use of clingfilm and other disposable materials. “At a time when people aren’t trusting recycling so much, if you

can do something that helps with the problem of food waste then it’s part of the solution,” said Sam. shakenstore.com

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LETTERS and provide your postal address.

Please keep letters as short as possible,

Whitewashing of a fascist

’M WRITING in outrage about your history (that word needs inverted commas) article about Lt Col Daniel Burges (South Bristol Voice, October). Your unnamed writer was incapable of extolling Lt Col Burges having been awarded the VC for bravery at the Somme and for refusing to send his men over the top to their deaths, without seeking to play down his membership of the British Fascisti. Indeed, the second part of the four-page article is nothing less than an apology for British fascism and those who joined its ranks. The article also seeks to mitigate Britain’s role in the Boer War where 46,000 Boers (over half of whom were women and children), along with 20,000 black Africans, died in Lord Kitchener’s concentration camps. The writer also tries to play

Bristol needs to wake up to high-rise threat

December 2018

southbristolvoice

HE PROPOSED Bedminster Green 22-storey block has no affordable housing. The mayor and cabinet have left an open door to investors to build as high and expensive as possible, and the new Urban Living SPD (supplementary planning document) now allows very few

down British fascism, suggesting it could be viewed as “Conservatism with knobs on”. “Mosley’s British Union of Fascists had gathered no more than 40,000 members in 1934.” That seems like 40,000 too many, to this reader. “This racism was of a more subtle kind,” says your writer, when comparing British Fascists to the Nazis. Really? The writer also describes the General Strike of 1926 as when “the trade unions tried to paralyse the country.” The General Strike was declared when one million British mine workers were locked out of their mines by owners seeking to reduce their pay by 13 per cent and increase their hours. Hardly the ‘Bolshevik revolution’ your writer is alluding to, but rather manual workers uniting to stand up for their rights. Several opinions expressed in this article beggar belief. I completely object to being presented with this inaccurate, biased reading of history that seeks to mitigate fascism, reasons to make objections to high-rise. You have been covering this well in South Bristol Voice, because the mounting tsunami of high-rises now being proposed for Bedminster Green has alerted local residents to the threat we are under. Everyone wants dense development, but a balanced, serviced, and affordable community. But in the first Urban Living SPD, many areas were highlighted in purple as being suitable for Marvin’s vision of dense high-rise development.

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Write to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to 18 Lilymead Avenue, BS4 2BX colonialism and the state oppression of workers rights. If SBV is planning on continuing to disseminate right-wing propaganda, alongside its more benign local news and listings, then please count us out of your delivery round. RV, Southville

’M WRITING on Remembrance Day to object to the whitewashing of a British fascist which appeared in the October issue. The strapline which appeared on every page was “A War Hero ... and a Fascist”. It was disturbing to see the words “hero” and “fascist” used together. The article argued that the British Fascisti were “inspired” by Mussolini, whose racism was supposedly “of a more subtle kind” than Hitler’s. But there was nothing “subtle” about Mussolini’s racism. In 1919 he invented the doctrine of “spazio vitale”, which claimed Italians could colonise the Mediterranean area by any means they chose because they The “purple bits” have been removed from the new SPD, but you can be sure that these areas have not been forgotten. Up to now, residents of these areas are living in blissful ignorance of what will hit them when this SPD has been accepted. Please, use the other Voice publications to explain to residents of other areas the future effects of these huge and under-publicised changes in Bristol’s planning policies. Show them the massive scale of all the Bedminster Green proposals and complete lack of “affordability”, real or otherwise. Please show these other areas the true scale of the Hong-Kongstyle developments that will inevitably be imposed on them. Once residents of these other areas get to understand the threat, I bet their desire, like ours, for much- needed extra housing in the form of properly planned and sympathetic development of their communities will be replaced by horror at such totally unsuitable likely investment opportunities for developers, foreign or otherwise. Nicola Beech, cabinet member for city development, will soon find out that she won’t be able to dismiss the public’s 85 per cent rejection of a high-rise future for

were racially superior. This was the equivalent of Hitler’s “Lebensraum”. He saw Slavs as racially inferior, famously saying in 1920 that “I would say we can easily sacrifice 500,000 barbaric Slavs for 50,000 Italians....”. Claiming Africans were inferior to Italians, he “pacified” Libya by removing up to 100,000 Libyans into concentration camps from 1922 onwards. He later deported tens of thousands of Slovenes, many to death by starvation in concentration camps, and attacked Abyssinia, where he destroyed whole communities and used poison gas. Mussolini also claimed Serbs were conspiring with Jews. The brutal implications of Mussolini’s racism were well in evidence by 1923, when Burges joined the British Fascisti. So why present an apology for either of them? Today we see a massive rise in racist assaults, with thousands joining fascist-led rampages through London this summer, Bristol in responses to the first Urban Living consultation as just “Windmill Hill nimbyism”. Gareth Jones Windmill Hill

True cost of social care YOUR readers may have heard recently of the £240m of extra money being allocated to the social care system to ease pressure on the NHS this winter. We now know this will mean that over £2 million will be made available in Bristol. While it’s important that the Government has recognised that social care underfunding lies at the heart of our hospitals’ winter pressures, the amount is a let-down – less than 10 per cent of what’s needed. The social care system is “not just for Christmas” and people with dementia, as its biggest recipients, experience the cost all year round. To turn the tide for the 4,600 people with dementia in Bristol we need to plug the current funding gap and offer them the chance to access the good quality social care they have a right to. Marion Child Head of South West region, Alzheimer’s Society

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

December 2018

southbristolvoice

LETTERS and provide your postal address.

Please keep letters as short as possible,

many of the marchers displaying swastika tattoos and giving sieg-heil salutes. The last thing we need is an article in our local free newspaper whitewashing a local fascist who supported Mussolini’s blackshirts. Such whitewashing is a slap in the face for the brave Bristolians who in the 1930s resisted British blackshirts on our city’s streets and those who fought against Mussolini and Hitler in World War II. LC, address supplied • Response from Voice editor Paul Breeden: I’m very sorry that two readers have interpreted the article on Lt Col Burges (which I wrote) as making excuses for fascism. That was not my intention. In the absence of any evidence as to what Burges thought, I did not think it fair to make assumptions about him. All we know is that he joined the first British fascist party in 1923. It was anti-immigration, anti-bolshevism and pro-empire, and many of its members were anti-semitic. But it is described by several historians as a pale reflection of the movements in continental Europe – for example by Stephen Dorril in Modern History Review, February 2018.

Don’t blame the motorist IS THE increasing trend to blame and charge motorists to enter Bristol under the guise of air pollution and damage to the environment a slick con to rival the Kray brothers, bearing in mind vehicles have to pass an exhaust fumes test for an MOT? I accept vehicle emissions will contribute to some air pollution, but in context, traffic fumes are just one part of many reasons for climate change and air pollution. The air we breathe travels from around the world, proved by the brown dust at times blown into the UK from deserts in far-off Africa, or the volcanic ash from Iceland which caused severe air transport disruption at UK airports a few years ago. Air pollution is a worldwide problem, and serious effort to deal with this growing menace will only be taken when world governments face catastrophic consequences for their

That is not to excuse Burges or anyone else: of course fascism is vile; I would have thought that was apparent from the article. I could see no evidence that Burges was a Nazi sympathiser; he may have been, but that would be hard to square with his role recruiting for the army in WWII. The reference to a “more subtle kind of racism” was not meant to contrast Mussolini with Hitler – clearly both were genocidal – but to distinguish the British Fascisti from their continental counterparts. I can’t agree with the complaint that the article supported colonialism in some way: I detailed the deaths in the British concentration camps, and Kitchener’s indifference to them. Both readers chose not to take a formal complaint (details of our complaints procedure are on page 2), but the article was shown to members of the Voice’s independent resolution panel for their views. None of the members agreed with the two readers’ interpretation of the article. One member thought my description of the General Strike as an attempt to “paralyse the country” was unfair. Other members thought this was a reasonable description. populations. Meanwhile our politicians want to clobber motorists with a pollution charge to improve air quality, while at the same time authorising thousands more tons of air travel exhaust emissions into the skies above us by giving the go-ahead for massive airport expansions near where millions of people live. Are we being taken for mugs? Gerald Gannaway Broad Walk, Knowle

A tall storey IN THE past few years there have been a number of proposals for high rise apartments near Bedminster Green. A developer puts forward a plan. The community objects. The developer makes minor adjustments. The community objects again. The developer gives up, sells the land. The sequence is repeated. If a development other than high rise were to be offered, we could move forward and have much needed homes. Kay Oliver, Bedminster

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

This is a lifeline for Knowle MY PARTNER and I moved to Bristol six years ago, priced out of London and in search of a vibrant city with a slightly lower bottom rung on its property ladder. Later I left my teaching job and bought a shop in Broadwalk shopping centre. We’ve had that shop a year now and in that time we’ve seen our business grow, though the shopping centre itself has become quieter and quieter. When we heard news of the redevelopment we were simply elated: at last, the lifeline the shopping centre, and Knowle itself, so desperately needed was in reach. Knowle is one of the most deprived areas of the UK: jobs are hard to come by; funding is scarce; resources are stretched and even life expectancy is lower than the national average. This community is crying out for investment, employment,

enrichment. And with the redevelopment at Broadwalk, I think it can have that. The creation of this structure, marrying the two disparate sides of Knowle, would knit together the communities and help spread the wealth. Jobs would be created. Homes too. And the increased population would add to the money flowing back in to the area. Yes, there would be a period of upheaval. Noise and diggers and traffic jams. But that would be over in a matter of months. The transformation will last lifetimes and make a very real difference to generations of people in and around Knowle. But it won’t happen unless the people of Knowle are behind it. So please, I am begging you, add your voice to the planning application. You have a real chance to make a difference to so many in your community. Don’t throw it away. Laura Owner, Practically Perfect

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southbristolvoice

n PRIVATE HEALTHCARE

December 2018

southbristolvoice

ADVERTISING FEATURE

New way to protect men during cancer treatment to give better quality of life Special gel means men could need to receive much less radiation during therapy, leading to better outcomes

NEW procedure that could revolutionise the treatment of prostate cancer is being pioneered at a Bristol Hospital. A special hydro-gel injected into the patient can mean they are exposed to a much lower dose of radiation during their treatment which, in turn, can result in far fewer side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The gel, called SpaceOAR, is a

minimally invasive, water-based hydro-gel which stays effective for the duration of radiation treatment – up to three months – before being naturally absorbed into the body. It is then passed out through the patient’s urine within six months. The gel is injected between the prostate and the rectum, increasing the space between the two by an average of 1cm. This space moves the rectum out of the zone of radiation and spares the bowel from irradiation. Professor Amit Bahl, clinical oncologist and clinical director at Spire Oncology Centre South West in Almondsbury, explained: “The potential side-effects from radiation exposure are a major concern for men who are given the option of radiotherapy. “SpaceOAR hydro-gel is important as it will help give men

the confidence that not only are we doing our best to treat the cancer, we are protecting their long-term quality of life from bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunction.” He was supported by Prof Raj Persad, a consultant urological surgeon at Spire Bristol Hospital, who said: “A number of recent improvements, such as intensitymodulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and the more recent addition of image guidance, have allowed us to be more accurate in the delivery of the radiation to the prostate. “Its immediate proximity to the prostate makes the rectum the primary organ at risk (OAR) during radiation therapy. Too much radiation exposure can result in long-term side-effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, incontinence, bleeding, and mucus discharge. “Oncologists and urologists are

always working together to provide patients with better treatment plans and reduced long-term complications. “The introduction of the SpaceOAR gel, which is clinically proven to lower radiation exposure to the surrounding organs and tissues, is a real step in the right direction. “The clinical studies have shown that not only does the gel spare the bowel, it also has positive benefits in reducing urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction for men who were sexually potent prior to treatment, giving men their life back following treatment.” Professor Bahl added: “In the near future, hydrogel spacing will enable us to push our radiotherapy planning and delivery systems harder, eventually reducing the number of radiotherapy sessions from 20 to five.”

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

December 2018

southbristolvoice

n THE MAYOR

MARVIN REES Mayor of Bristol

We want to make Bristol’s air cleaner for all – but Whitehall must support us

IR POLLUTION is a public health crisis, with Bristol being one of many UK cities in breach of legal limits. Estimates suggest that in Bristol around 300 deaths every year are attributable to air quality, with many more suffering poorer respiratory health. Whitehall has placed a requirement on us to develop a Clean Air Plan to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. Our plan will look at ways to improve air quality, including investment in public transport and cycling, changes in traffic management, greater use of existing regulatory powers such as taxi licensing, and ways to support and encourage a shift to

cleaner vehicles. We are working through all the options, taking into account the costs, and anticipating the consequences of each. A failure to do this would not only risk a disproportionate financial impact on those least able to pay, it would also risk the plan

failing to deliver the improved air quality it was designed for. Around this, we are still working through feasibility studies for a mass transit system including underground/overground. This would be transformational, offering a chapter change in Bristol’s transport system and a genuine alternative to private car use. But it’s not enough for central government to set a standard and then walk away without lifting a finger to help. Success in tackling poor air quality will be dependent on adequate funding. At the Global Parliament of Mayors, Bristol hosted the first-ever joint meeting of the UK’s Core Cities and Metro Mayors. Air quality was an agreed area for us to focus on. As city leaders we are on the front line of the battle for air quality and we are committed to real delivery. We are calling for government action in two areas to enable us to protect the people we represent from an avoidable threat. First is to make an additional £1.5bn investment in the Clean Air Fund (taking the total to £1.75bn) for local authorities and cities to use in mitigation. Secondly, a national targeted vehicle renewal scheme, prioritising help for the least well off. An enhanced Clean Air Fund will be the decisive factor in determining success or failure for this national issue.

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Come and see us at The Tile Studio, 450 Wells Road, Bristol, BS14 9AF To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

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If you are a council tenant in the areas listed, come and discuss local housing services with your landlord. Get involved in your new Local Housing Forum. December’s meeting topic: anti-social behaviour. Free tea & coffee provided. Travel expenses can also be reimbursed. For further information contact: Tenant Participation 0117 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk. All details at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums. Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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December 2018

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December 2018

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December 2018

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n NEWS

ARTS NEWS Remembering New creative quarter in empty sites Bedminster A MAJOR new art space in place, email info@carabooprojects

The Hi ve at Clift on H

igh 45-wee ka provisi year on

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Bedminster is hosting its second exhibition. Called Sightings, Caraboo Projects hosts six artists exploring themes such as shamanism, divination, witchcraft and spiritualism. It features paintings, drawings and sculptures by Laura Bygrave, Alex Crocker, Jacqui Hallum, Karolina Ptaszkowska and Ross Taylor, and a site-specific work by Lucy Stein. The pieces sit alongside some of the artists’ personal possessions – the gallery says this creates “a layering of works which through their placement and display will oscillate together to create a single voice”. Caraboo has taken over a former printing works in Stafford Street, Bedminster, where it also hosts free talks, performances and children’s workshops. The exhibition is funded by Arts Council England and is free to all from Thursday-Sunday,

The new art space is one of four sites between East Street and Malago Road being turned over to creative groups before they are redeveloped as part of the Bedminster Green scheme. More than 30,000 sq ft of commercial, industrial and office buildings is becoming a temporary new creative quarter for BS3, led by Bristol arts organisation Gathering Voices. Those invited to use the new spaces include people working in fine arts and fashion, visual and music production and performance, as well as illustrators, makers and sculptors. Free space will also be made available for charities and emerging young artists under 25. The four sites are in Stafford Street, Little Paradise and Leicester Street and include the old Print Works, Paradise Studios and Fabrication Space. carabooprojects.com

Karolina Ptaszkowska: One Thing Is Clear – part of Sightings show 11-5pm, until December 16. In the first free children’s workshop on Saturday December 1, from 10.30am -12.30pm, children can experiment with natural dyes and fabrics, inspired by work in the Sightings exhibition. On Saturday December 8 the workshop is on sculpture and papier-maché. To book a free

Be Ambitious

THE MEMORIES of Bedminster group rounds off the year with two events. On Monday December 3 they will watch a film, The Somme, to commemorate the centenary of the ending of WWI. On December 10 there is no meeting; members will be enjoying their Christmas meal. And on December 17 it’s a Party Afternoon – a seasonal celebration. All meetings are on Mondays at South Bristol Christian Centre, Churchlands Road, off West Street, at 1.30pm.

Radio day THE VOLUNTEERS who keep Bedminster’s Dame Emily Park looking good will be visited by a BBC radio car on Sunday December 9. A live report between 12 noon and 1pm for BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Somerset will hear how the park’s community garden was created.

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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS Bedminster ward: Awaiting decision 58-60 Avonleigh Road BS3 3JA Change of use from hot food takeaway (Use class A5) and dwelling to a single house. Front and rear roof extensions, alterations to facades. 21 Silbury Road BS3 2QB Double storey side and rear extension with part single storey rear extension and outbuilding. 54 Swiss Road BS3 2RT Details in relation to condition 2 (Splays) of permission 18/01236/F: Detached twobedroom house with parking, refuse store and cycle racks on land to rear. 20 West Street, Bedminster BS3 3LG Convert shop to flat with rear extension. Bedminster ward: Decided 5 Hardy Road BS3 2SN Single storey rear extension to extend

beyond the rear of the house by 4.8m, of maximum height 3.1m with eaves 2.8m high. Refused 42 Silbury Road BS3 2QF Two storey side extension and single storey rear and front extensions; outbuilding to accommodate kennels. Granted subject to conditions Lidl, Sheene Road BS3 4EG Non-sales extension to retail store and re-arrangement of car park. Granted subj. to conditions 10 Derry Road BS3 3JB Extension to office, new store. Granted subj. to conditions Southville ward: Awaiting decision Land and building on north-east side of Philip Street, Bedminster BS3 4HL Four 4-storey houses. Flat 3, Rock Lodge, Southville Road BS3 1DG Roof extension to top floor flat.

Bedminster, Southville & Ashton

Ferodo House, Willway Street, Bedminster BS3 4BG Demolition of building and redevelopment comprising 15 residential units and commercial floorspace (Major application). 3 St Peter’s Court, Bedminster Parade BS3 4AQ Change of use from offices (Use class B1 a) to residential (Use class C3) – 8-11 units. 2 Smyth Road BS3 2BX Demolition of retail unit and construction of nine flats, four 1-bedroom and five 2-bedroom. Southville ward: Decided 54 Raleigh Road BS3 1QT Rear dormer roof extension and front roof lights. Withdrawn 16 Friezewood Road BS3 2AB Infill glazed side/rear conservatory. Withdrawn 89 East Street, Bedminster BS3 4EX Change of use from shops (Use class A1) to a mixed

use comprising retail and 2 flats under permitted development rights. Granted 15-21 Bartley Street BS3 4DY Demolition of warehouse and construction of six flats, student use with refuse and cycle storage. Granted subj. to conditions 21-25 Nelson Parade BS3 4HY Refurbishment to provide 10 flats on upper floors; single storey residential unit to rear, enclosed external staircase to rear and retail (Use class A1/ café (A3) unit and workshop (Use class B1) to ground floor. Granted subj. to conditions Rear of 11 Dean Lane (fronting Murray Street) BS3 1DB Two storey dwelling (Use class C3) with cycle and bin stores; replacement tree. Withdrawn

December 2018

n NEWS

southbristolvoice

Down on the Farm News from Windmill Hill City Farm

This is for real – meeting called on climate change THE CITY council voted in November to declare a Climate Emergency, bringing forward by 20 years Bristol’s aim to be climate neutral. Now a meeting has been called to discuss what can be done locally. It’s chaired by Southville Green party councillor Stephen Clarke. A panel discussion will include Bristol climate scientist Nikki Jones, followed by questions, feedback and

discussions in smaller groups. It’s on Monday December 10, 7-9pm upstairs at the Hen and Chicken, 210 North Street Southville. To find out more, or just to say you are going, email cllr.stephen.clarke@bristol.gov.uk – or just turn up on the night. Cllr Clarke was one of the Extinction Rebellion activists who blocked traffic on several London bridges during November.

Who are you looking at?

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

Festive evening

N THURSDAY December 6 the farm is holding a magical evening of festive fun, from 4.30-7.30pm. There will be mulled wine, mince pies and festive fare, as well as games, crafts and Christmas spirit galore for all the family. At 6pm you can get in the festive mood with campfire carols featuring Breakout Voices Choir in the farmyard. The Home Grown shop will spill out into the foyer for a late night shopping experience of unique, locally-made items. There will also be a fantastic range of foodie and homeware gifts to buy in the café. From 4.30-5.30pm, the spellbinding storytellers from Wild of the Words will be hosting an interactive story-crafting session in the barn, bringing Hans Christian Andersen’s story of The Steadfast Tin Soldier to life. This needs to be booked separately – see the website. Games include guessing the weight of the Christmas cake,

finding the key to unlock the box containing a bottle of fizz, festive tombola and lots more, suitable for all ages.

Party time

F YOU hold a children’s party at Windmill Hill City Farm, Mini Potters offer an activity clay pack for those who are looking for something for everyone to do. The pack includes clay, rollers, boards, sponges and pottery tools. For printing in clay they have cars, shells, pasta, buttons, cutters and building blocks. The packs can be pre-ordered for pick up on the day. They cost £5 per child – just bring all the equipment back clean afterwards. windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

Will Writing & Estate Planning Fast food: A sparrowhawk devours a sparrow caught in the Ashville Road garden of Voice reader Richard Clutterbuck. Residents can join the BS3 Bird Survey by emailing MyWildBedminster@virginmedia.com

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A FATHER and son from Bedminster’s well-known ice cream family the Loprestis will be tried at Bristol crown court next year on charges of modern slavery. Salvatore Lopresti, 75, and Robert Lopresti, 45, were bailed to return to court on January 17, with a trial set for May 13. Both men live in Long Ashton. The 50-year-old family ice cream business is based in Bedminster Parade. • PAUL AUSTIN, who admitted a homophobic hate attack on an 18-year-old man on a bus passing through Bedminster on October

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Salvatore and Robert Lopresti PHOTOS: Simon Chapman 15, has been sent to jail for 18 weeks. Bristol magistrates ordered Austin, 27, of Inns Court, Knowle, to pay £200 compensation and not to contact the victim for one year.

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

December 2018

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O I’VE been wondering about gas central heating recently. And gas cookers. You may be Charlie aware that Green Bolton councillor Carla Green Denyer put a Southville motion to the last full council meeting proposing Bristol becomes carbon-neutral by 2030, 20 years earlier than planned. It was passed. This is an immensely challenging task, and we look forward to seeing how our mayor will respond. It will require huge investment and one presumes a need for extra powers – or commitment from government which currently simply isn’t there. So the obvious question to me is, what does it mean at a household level? I was recently helping the Bedminster Energy Group doing some doorknocking for a project they are running about domestic energy use. I think everyone I spoke to

Southville

lived in a house with gas central heating. The point being, of course, that gas central heating runs on gas and is a fossil fuel. Gas cookers raise the same concern. So do they have a future? The answer – you’d think – in their current form at least is no. I suppose there might be some sort of biogas fudge, but I’ve never massively been a fan of biofuels. It seems to me to be misusing a lot of land which could be growing locally-sourced food. Radiators presumably will still be OK, but the thing that heats up water will need to change. I suppose there may be a way of doing it using an alternative gas – hydrogen is mentioned. It does sound a bit explosive as an idea. Failing that, well – won’t it mean converting all houses and flats to some sort of electric system? And shouldn’t we be taking this into account when we set about building new houses (of which there are likely to be thousands) ?

How to contact your councillor: p2

Bedminster Green NTERESTING news on Bedminster Green. One of the problems has Stephen been that there Clarke are four or five Green developers all doing Southville their own thing with little joined-up thinking looking at the larger picture. Following representations from local groups, myself and other councillors, that seems to be changing slightly. I have now been briefed on a draft local framework put together by the developers jointly. This tries to set out key planning principles which all the individual plans will then be judged against. Once the final document is published there will be a period of consultation when we can all have our say on this incredibly important local issue which will shape our area for generations to come. I encourage all of you to become involved – I know that

Action Greater Bedminster are planning to hold an event where you can give your opinions. Two of the major issues are likely to be affordable housing and tall buildings (on which the council has now published new guidelines); it will be interesting to see how these are dealt with. I remain convinced that some more houses and apartments need to be built on this land but worried that a monoculture of tall buildings with few community facilities will be what we are offered. We shall see… Climate Disruption yself and the rest of the Green councillor group successfully passed a motion committing the council to take a national lead on climate change following the recent IPCC Report. The city has now declared that we are officially in a climate emergency and we have bought forward our targets for carbon neutrality from 2050 to 2030. This is showing real leadership to all the other core cities and makes me proud to be a Bristolian.

December 2018

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

Parking survey E HAVE now launched a major survey to ask residents their views Mark about parking Bradshaw and road safety in Labour Bedminster and Bedminster Ashton. We are aware that these are problems that have been raised by many residents over time and matters seem to have worsened recently. This is our survey as local councillors, and not a Bristol city council official survey or consultation. However, for the council even to consider taking action to tackle the problems you have told us about, we need to hear evidence of the issues directly from you. We will also deliver a limited number of paper copies (with details of several local drop-off points) but it would be great if you can complete the survey

Bedminster

online: ratebs3.com/parking Do let us know if you would like a paper copy and we can make sure one is delivered to you. Our contact details are on page 2. Please take time to read the survey, complete it and send it back online or at a drop-off point. 2019 waste collections he 2019 waste collection and recycling calendar is not being printed or distributed by the council-owned Bristol Waste this year. But the calendar is available to view and download at: bristolwastecompany.co.uk/binsand-recycling-collection-days I wish all Bedminster residents a very Happy Christmas and a healthy 2019. Celia and I will be holding surgeries as usual over this Christmas period so do drop in at Mezzaluna on West Street between 10.30-11.30am on the first Saturday of the month. You can always drop us a line via email, by post or give us a call.

33 How to contact your councillor: p2

OCAL high streets face a retail crisis even at this time of the year, as stores struggle to Celia adapt to changing Phipps purchasing Labour behaviour. Bedminster Some areas in Bedminster are thriving but others are finding the retail market very problematic. We were pleased to hear that East Street has been selected as a trial area to address these challenges and will receive a boost in a pilot funding scheme from West of England Combined Authority (Weca). East Street is used by many residents in Greater Bedminster and beyond and was selected because of a number of criteria. These include vacancy rates, strategic importance, opportunity for intervention, and potential for a positive impact on Bristol’s most deprived communities. The area will receive a

proportion of the £10 million on offer from Weca to revive town centres. Bringing shopfronts back to life and combining with other uses, such as affordable housing, is one of the innovative suggestions but we hope to work together with the community, including Action Greater Bedminster, the BID team, and our Southville counterparts to bring forward suggestions. The details of the pilot are not yet known, so watch this space. Some of the discussion is likely to take place in the council’s growth and regeneration scrutiny commission, which enables questions from residents to be heard. You will have an opportunity to talk to mayor Marvin Rees when he holds a Community Conversation in Bedminster on January 18 at Acta theatre. I would like to wish all residents a very happy Christmas and a healthy new year. Do get in touch with us (contact details are on page 2) if you have any issues you would like to raise.

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RS BEETON’S Book of Household Management has been the trusty companion to generations of women and home-makers, offering advice on child care, animal husbandry and the management of servants as well as recipes galore. The cherished Victorian

In rehearsal: Members of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School create the new musical about the life of Mrs Beeton PHOTO: Craig Fuller values of cleanliness, thrift and hard work are all reflected in the book which many credit with helping shape the middle class identity of the age. The play is the unexpected story behind the iconic figure

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December 2018

n HISTORY STRIVING FOR PEACE IN THE GREAT WAR It wasn’t all God Save the King when war broke out Hundreds of thousands across Europe had vowed to prevent a war in 1914 by calling a general strike – so what went wrong? And how did a cycle shop owner in Bedminster play his part in resisting the conflict which killed millions?

HE PICTURE often painted of World War I is of vast armies of loyal conscripts who only wanted to do their duty, however horrific the conflict turned out to be. But that wasn’t the whole story. Across the country, tens of thousands refused to take part in the war on principle. Many more did whatever they could to avoid conscription. From early 1916, all unmarried men aged 18-41 had to sign up for war service. In May 1916 married men were included and, in 1918, such was the desperate need for manpower, that men up to 51 were conscripted. At the outbreak of war, it was not the whole nation which rallied behind the flag. Substantial numbers of people decided they would not fight their fellow man on principle, often on religious grounds. Thousands more had a political objection – as part of the growing socialist movement, they believed that workers in all countries were their fellows, and they should not be fighting each other. The real enemies of the people were the owners of capital who were manipulating conflict and making money out of it. The weekend before Britain joined the war, in early August 1914, there were anti-war marches across the country, including one in Trafalgar Square attended by 15,000 people. Tens of thousands of people signed resolutions urging Britain to stay neutral. Many could not see why a squabble between the AustroHungarian empire and Serbia, which had been sparked by the

killing of an arch-duke, should require Britain to join in. In fact, pro-war gatherings attracted little support: the Bank Holiday crowd at Buckingham Palace on August 3 numbered about 8,000, half the size of the anti-war rally. Trade union leaders in Bristol and around the country were calling on workers to resist the conflict. On August 2, Somersetborn trade union leader Ernest Bevin addressed Bristol dockers, then later spoke to an anti-war rally on Durdham Down. Bevin told the dockers: “English trade unionists are on the most friendly terms with trade unionists across the Continent. It would be insane to fight them simply because there is a dispute between Austria and Serbia.” And he warned, prophetically: “The South African war would be a mere fleabite compared with a great war in Europe.” He was referring to the Boer War of 1899-1902, in which 55,000 British soldiers were killed, captured or wounded. The First World War was to result in more than 700,000 deaths in the British military, among more than 15 million deaths overall. The Bristol dockers agreed unanimously to Bevin’s resolution, which called on the Government to “immediately declare its neutrality in connection with the European war and … call a national conference to discuss ... preventing this country from being involved in hostilities”. The next day both the men’s and women’s branches of the National Union of Railwaymen in Bristol backed the resolution too.

Part II

December 2018

southbristolvoice

n HISTORY

STRIVING FOR PEACE IN THE GREAT WAR Part II

singular unanimity. It was more than an hour before the crowd dispersed,” the paper wrote. All as it happened, surely; but the paper had a reputation for toeing the establishment line, and any dissension was not likely to be reported. Ernest Bevin’s speech to the dockers three days before was reported in a single paragraph, about a tenth of the space than was given to a report of the Bedminster Allotment Association’s annual show. No wonder trade unionists and socialists believed that the press followed a “bosses’ agenda”.

Emotional blackmail: A recruitment poster, issued before 1916, when men still had a choice whether to join up. It exhorts them to Remember Belgium – implying that their homes and families will be at risk if they don’t step up to defend their country. Germany had sparked outrage when it shot hundreds of Belgian civilians it accused of being fifth columnists

1910-1914: YEARS OF TURMOIL Hidden: The secret chamber under Barker’s shop in the puppet show

TELLING THE STORY OF THE SOUTH BRISTOL COs

HE NATIONAL Lottery has given Otherstory, the Bristol puppet theatre collective, £4,200 to discover the hidden histories of resistance to WWI in South Bristol. George Barker’s cycle shop in Cannon Street, Bedminster, is just one location which Otherstory will weave into a puppet history walk next year to help commemorate 100 years since the end of the conflict. The group’s puppet show, Taking a Holiday, tells the story of Barker

Hundreds of thousands of workers across the Continent had vowed to call a general strike if a conflict appeared imminent. On Tuesday August 4, crowds gathered late at night in central Bristol near the newspaper offices to hear the declaration of war by Britain. The reaction was not entirely united: while some marched around singing the national anthem, others were shocked and stunned by the news. Some men had already volunteered for the armed forces. “The Gloucestershire Royal Field Artillery have recruited to the extent of nearly 100, and are now almost up to full strength,” reported the Western Daily Press the next day, August 5. “The 6th Gloucesters spent yesterday making a route march in the morning through the Easton district, and in the afternoon tactical exercises were carried out in Lady Smyth’s Park, Ashton.

and all the other war resisters who helped people who didn’t want to join the conflict. In January, workshops will show people how to research the history of war resistance in South Bristol in the war. Professional puppeteers and musicians will help develop a puppet history walk on the streets of Bedminster. The Otherstory website reveals more (below). The walk will also be part of Commemoration, Conflict and Conscience, a national festival at Bristol’s M Shed in April 2019. otherstory.org/hiding-placesand-hidden-histories [This was then the name for Greville Smyth park.] Recruits came in excellent numbers through the day – about 60 …” The 4th Gloucester Territorials recruited about 20 men “although there were a great many who were obliged to wait until the next day.” News of the British ultimatum to Germany, declaring war unless Germany guaranteed to respect Belgian neutrality, had been received by the newspaper at 11.30pm. “Within a few minutes the sensational news was published in a special edition of the Evening News, and it was received with a scene of enthusiasm that baffles description. The crowd for some moments gave themselves over to a demonstration of the like of which has not been seen before in Baldwin Street, and after their feelings had been relieved by burst after burst of cheering, God Save the King was sung with

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

he outbreak of war came after four years of industrial conflict in Bristol, with numerous strikes and labour disputes at the docks and other workplaces. One example was the Brislington works of the Bristol Tramways Company, whose grand entrance can still be seen opposite the Arnos Manor hotel. In March 1914, 200 fitters, turners, machine hands, body makers, trimmers and painters who worked on the trams downed tools, refusing to sign a new book of company rules. The strike lasted until June. It was supported by other unions, though perhaps not as strongly as it could have been, and other workers were found to fill some of the vacancies. Two weeks after this dispute collapsed, Bristol’s builders and labourers stopped work, demanding a reduction in the length of the working day by one hour in the summer, and a rise in wages to make up for it. The unions had a strong hand: more than 2,000 turned out to a rally on the Downs. Three days later, railway workers, miners and transport workers declared that they would support each other’s disputes. This worried employers and the Government, for it gave the potential for a general strike which could have a big impact on the economy. Shortly afterwards, 80 women spinners at the Great Western Cotton Factory in Barton Hill, who had been without a union to protect them, joined the National Federation of Women Workers. They were among the worst-paid workers in the country, earning nine shillings a week (45p in

decimal currency, worth £41 today) and they managed through their action to increase this by two shillings – a rise of more than 22 per cent. In those days, though, there were dozens of unions, and employers often found one union willing to settle, to undermine those out on strike. In Bristol, the builders’ strike was split when craftsmen such as plasterers, plumbers, painters and others accepted a reduction in the working day of a half hour, with an advance of a halfpenny per hour (0.25p, worth 18p today). The builders’ branch of the Gas Workers and General Labourers Union rejected the same offer, and joined the builders already on strike for an extra penny an hour. On August 7, just after Britain had declared war, the employers appealed to the Bristol workers’ sense of patriotism and suggested that “during the national crisis” the men return to work on the terms offered to the other trades. The strikers rejected this, resolving at a mass meeting that it was the bosses who should show their patriotic spirit by granting their demand. Within a few days the bosses came back with the offer of a halfpenny an hour, with an extra halfpenny in January. It was enough to break the logjam: the men, perhaps anxious not to be seen as shirking the war effort, went back to work. The tide of opinion was

turning towards the war, in Bristol and across the country. As the days of August ticked by, Germany advanced further into Belgium. Germany claimed it was forced to do this to forestall an attack from France. But this story was not believed in Britain, and when stories emerged towards the end of August of the German army shooting civilians and committing other atrocities, opinion against it began to harden. Reports then came in that the British Expeditionary Force, fighting to defend Paris, was in danger of being overrun. After August 25, the steady flow of volunteers turned into a tide. Bristol’s army recruiting office in Colston Street was packed out, and the Colston Hall was used instead. On September 1, its busiest day, 440 men volunteered for service. The anti-war voices were drowned out and most trade unions agreed to suspend strikes to aid the war effort. Even the Suffragettes delayed their call for votes for women until the conflict

CAN YOU HELP? RESEARCH is continuing into World War I conscientious objectors in Bristol. If you know anything about the people featured in this article or any other local COs please email rememberingrealww1@gmail.com or phone Jeremy Clarke on 07502 121077.

was over. Though industrial disputes continued, unions largely sought conciliation rather than strikes. The war at least brought plenty of work: the industrial unrest of 1910-1914 was provoked by unemployment combined with inflation, which made it necessary for workers to keep asking for more pay.

THE WAR BECOMES A PATRIOTIC DUTY

ightly or wrongly, the war was seen in Britain as a defence of civilised values. Recruiting posters made play of the German atrocities in Belgium and implied they would be repeated in Britain if the Western Front wasn’t won. Yet in Bristol, as elsewhere, support for the conflict was not constant or complete. There were those who didn’t want to kill (the conscientious objectors) and those who didn’t want to be killed – a larger number who dared not voice their fears, but could choose –until 1916 – not to enter the recruiting hall. News of the German atrocities in August 1914, and the disaster of the Battle of Mons, which almost saw Paris fall, brought a rush of recruits in Bristol. Many Bristolians had joined up, attracted by the offer of free uniform, food and regular pay: one jeweller’s apprentice said he thought it would be “six month’s holiday at the government’s expense”. It wasn’t: war was hell. Within weeks, the casualties began arriving at Temple Meads, and family after family learned of the death of their sons. On November 24 Bristol hit a low-water mark when only one new recruit was signed up. From then on, a propaganda machine swung into action, trying to cajole and emotionally blackmail men into volunteering. Some posters appealed to men to join up to support their friends; other implied that those who stayed behind were shirkers; others called on women to urge their men to fight. As we shall see, there was a core of thousands who refused on principle to fight. But there were many more who would not or could not fight. There were an estimated 80,000 cases of shellshock in the British Army in World War I – men whose terror or nervous exhaustion made Continued overleaf

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

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n HISTORY THE SOUTH BRISTOL WAR RESISTERS From Do You Have a Conchie in the Family? compiled by Bristol Radical History Group. brh.org.uk Ages are for 1916 unless stated. George Henry Baker Stone Villas, Bishopsworth. Knife grinder, aged 36 George Edgar Barker 12 Cannon Street, Bedminster. Cycle agent, aged 39 (1917) Charles H Beer Bedminster Frederick Berriman 19 Hall Street, Bedminster. Printer, aged 37 (1917) Howard Walter Bryan 14 Knowle Road, Totterdown. Clerk, aged 19 Albert Edward Chappell 25 Kensal Road, Windmill Hill. Printer’s/ tailor’s cutter, aged 29 William George Chappell 31 Maxse Road, Knowle. Architect, evangelist, colporteur (distributor of religious literature), aged 33 (1917) Henry John Chard 5 Greenmore Road, Knowle. Builder, aged 40 Richard Dangerfield 14 Ashton Gate Road, Ashton Gate. Order clerk, aged 20

Continued from page 37 them unable to fight. An estimated 100,000 were deserters – men who ran away from their posts, or dodged the draft and never joined up. The penalty for desertion from the front line was death, and 306 men were shot. One was Alfred Jefferies from St Philip’s, executed by firing squad in France in 1916. All those executed were officially pardoned in 2006, though some historians thought that was wrong. Many of the men ran away while still capable of duty – “the number of rogues outnumbered those with mitigating circumstances by six to one,” said Cathryn Corns, co-author of Blindfold and Alone, which examined the courts martial of all 306 men shot. But many will have sympathy for anyone who didn’t want to face death in the hellholes of the Western Front. There were many sympathisers, in Bristol, the

STRIVING FOR PEACE IN THE GREAT WAR Part II

Charles Henry Dowden Primrose Cottage, Bishopsworth Road, Bedminster Down. Ex-employee of Imperial Tobacco, aged 27 MJ Gay Knowle Farmer and farm manager, aged 18 (1918) Francis Edwin Gillard 24 Talbot Road, Knowle. Fertiliser worker, aged 22 Samuel Charles Hall 86 Upper Cotswold Road, Windmill Hill. Clerk and shorthand typist, aged 23 Alfred George Harris Bedminster Thomas Hutchins 52 St John’s Road, Bedminster. Letterpress printer, aged 31 Arthur Isaac Lee 4 Belluton Road, Knowle. Plasterer, aged 34 Frederick Lewis Victoria Lodge, Whitehouse Lane, Bedminster. Grocer’s assistant, aged 31 Walter Henry Christopher Lewis 15 Victoria Place, Bedminster, aged 34 Douglas Charles Livingstone 45 Vicarage Road, Southville John P Livingstone 45 Vicarage Road, Southville. General packer William Borthwick Livingstone 45 Vicarage Road, Southville. Clerk, aged 24 (1918) Albert James Manns 12 Nutgrove

West Country and elsewhere, who formed a silent resistance to the war, an underground network that helped the “conchie” and the deserter alike, hiding them from the authorities, providing them with accommodation, food and money, and moving them around the country to escape detection. One of them was a Bedminster shopkeeper – George Barker.

BEDMINSTER’S SECRET HIDEAWAY

eorge Barker is the unusual hero of the theatrical story of Bristol’s resistance to WWI, staged by the puppet company Otherstory. His actions during the war were extraordinary – though we know little about his life in any detail. He was born in Clifton in 1878, the eldest of six children. By 1891 the family was living at 15 Ashton Place, Bedminster, where they kept a grocer’s shop. The 1901 census finds George’s father, Edward, absent.

Charles Dowden of Bishopsworth Avenue, Victoria Park. Boot and shoe examiner, aged 32 James Henry Marshall 118 Bedminster Down Road, Bedminster. Chocolate operator, aged 36 Alfred Edward Parsons 124 Wells Road, Knowle. Chemist’s assistant, aged 22 Ormond Sidney Pink 9 Dunkerry Road, Windmill Hill. Machinist, aged 27 Albert Edward Plattin 2 Hill Street, Totterdown. Printer, aged 37 (1918) William H Rainey 13 Hill Street,

Mother Kate and her six general mechanic. The house was offspring are living at 23 North also his workshop – the census Street. No occupation is given for states it had four rooms, one of Kate, but George, 22, is listed as them used for working. In 1913 a photographer, working for he moved to a new shop at 16 himself. Photography was a new Cannon Street. This was a step and fancy art, and if George was up – the shop was in the any good at it, it’s possible he was commercial heart of Bedminster, helping to support the family. opposite the Town Hall cinema, Within two years, he was married only the second in all of Bristol to Minnie May. Sadly we know when it opened in 1909. almost nothing about Minnie, The next year he seems to except that she was born in 1893 have found better premises again, in Tollesbury, Essex. because he moved to 12 Cannon By 1906, however, he had Street (though the numbering of become a cycle dealer. His first Cannon Street changed at some premises was at 68 South Street, point, and the address may only moving to 78 South Street in have changed its number). 1908. He may or may not have His father reappears in the chosen the new shop to help him 1911 census, living with Kate and in one of his enthusiasms. Barker three of the other children, his was one of the earliest members occupation given as a traveller in of the Bristol Speleological MAINTENANCE fancy goods – perhaps he wasPROPERTY Research Society – a cavers’ club. simply away when the censusIt may have been only the second INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING taker called in 1901. in the country, and it was formed FENCING • by PATIOS • LANDSCAPING In 1911 George and Minnie shopkeepers, teachers and were living at 78 South Street, his others who wanted to combine LOG STORES • GUTTERING • FASCIAS job now given as cycle and an exciting hobby with scientific

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Totterdown, Cutter to export clothier, aged 38 (1917) Baden Powell Reinge 27 Oxford Street, Totterdown. Aged 18 (1918) Roland Joseph Reinge 27 Oxford Street, Totterdown. Carpenter, aged 21 Sidney George Reinge 27 Oxford Street, Totterdown. Grocer’s assistant, aged 20 Ernest William Roe 123 North Street, Bedminster. House and ship joiner, aged 30 Ernest Rudman 25 Kensal Road, Windmill Hill. Tobacco cutter, aged 37 (1919) George Sampson 14 Nutgrove Avenue, Victoria Park. Dental mechanic, aged 35 (1918) Gilbert Silverthorne 53 North Street, Bedminster. Proprietor, boot and shoe shop, aged 26 George Abraham Smith 68 Greville Road, Southville. Carpenter, aged 33 George Taylor 32 Dunkerry Road, Windmill Hill. Sausage maker, aged 27 (1917) Arnold Warren, 9 Somerset Road, Knowle. Wood sawyer’s stockroom assistant, aged 23

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n HISTORY research. Several members were from Bedminster – perhaps because the location gave easy access to Dundry Caves. These were proved to have been stone and lead mines started by the Romans. More exciting was Barker’s descent into the enormous Lamb Leer cavern near East Harptree in Somerset. Barker was the first to make the descent, along with a Mr Capel, son of the local landowner. Barker continued to be active in the society, exploring and mapping many caves in the Mendips, until the outbreak of war put a stop to the club’s activities. Or did it? Barker’s new shop had a hidden bonus for a caver. In the yard at the back of the shop was a well. It had been dry for a long time – there had probably been a piped water supply in Bedminster since the 1860s or so. Before then the well would have been a valuable source of clean water, because Bedminster’s streets were notoriously filthy with the waste from tanneries and factories. The well was 20 feet deep. Its significance to the war effort was a mystery to the people of Bristol until March 15, 1917, when the Western Daily Press published an extraordinary court case. Barker, it was asserted at Bristol Police Court, was a conscientious objector, and one of “violent speech”. Barker provided little evidence, either to the court or when questioned by police. But, the court heard, when asked if he had answered a policeman who was looking for a conscientious objector that the “Government and the army might go to ****”, he said he might have

STRIVING FOR PEACE IN THE GREAT WAR Part II

The women of Britain want their men to join the march to war, declared this hearttugging poster done, but did not remember. What he could not deny was the hidden chamber. Detective Woods, who visited the shop on March 1, found the top of the well covered with rubbish in the corner of the yard. But under the refuse the well was open – and nine feet down, reached by footholds made from pieces of wood fixed to the stone, was an entrance. Four feet square, this entrance led into an underground chamber nine feet square, cut out of the soft sandstone which

underlies much of Bedminster. In the chamber were found two hammers, two chisels and a spade. In an outhouse was a generator with a dynamo which produced light for the chamber. There was even an electric bell, connected to the shop. It seemed an open and shut case. Barker said he had no religious belief and had told police: “I did it out of sympathy. There were only two men down there.” According to a PC Jeanes, the previous September, Barker

South Africa after Wheeldon’s trial, where he became a stage psychic, Vivid the Magnetic Man. In 1920, he resurfaced in Weston-super-Mare, still using his cover name of Gordon, to resurrect his act at the Winter Gardens. The staff of the Weston Gazette said, unconvincingly, that “the few experiments he conducted were remarkable enough to suggest a tremendous reserve power given [a] suitable environment.”

‘Alex Gordon’: The Mystery Man resurfaces in Weston in 1920

CUCKOO IN THE NEST?

ILLIAM RICKARD may be the man who informed on George Barker. Rickard – under the name Alex Gordon – entrapped a Derby peace activitist, Alice Wheeldon, in a plot he had cooked up to supposedly poison the prime minister, Lloyd George, in 1917. Wheeldon’s real crime was that, like Barker, she was hiding war resisters. Rickard was working for a secret military unit that was spying on socialists and peace activists. Historian Sheila Rowbotham believes he may have entrapped other resisters, including Barker. Rickard was spirited away to

had been quizzed about an absentee from the army. “He refused to say anything about him, and said the tribunal had served him rotten.” Before that, a sergeant from the Royal Engineers had visited looking for two conscientious objectors named Platen and Gore. Barker replied that they were in a place where the military could not get them. It seemed damning. Barker had admitted his sympathies, and had even said to the police he expected he would have to go to prison, asking them, “Make it as easy as you can for the sake of my wife, as she has to get her living here after I am gone.” Yet despite the authorities’ obvious suspicions that Barker was part of an underground network to hide “conchies” and draft-avoiders, and had been for some time, they could not prove the presence of a single offender. Barker said he had not been a member of any society opposed to the Conscription Act since 1916, and he himself had been given exemption from the military on business grounds. The cavern in the well hadn’t been made for hiding anyone: on the contrary, it was made to help members of the Speleological Research Society in “practical exploration work,” he said. During the work his wife would sometimes call him, and that was the reason for the bell. About 30 or 40 men had helped him in the exploration, he said, but not all at one time. For a humble shop owner, Barker was well defended – perhaps with the help of rich sympathisers. He had not only a solicitor, a Mr Nutt-Hamblin, but a barrister, Mr E Wethered, who tried to argue that the charge – of “committing an act prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm Act” was too vague. The prosecutor, Mr J Green, disagreed – but eventually produced a new wording, that the “defendant constructed, maintained and used an underground chamber at his premises, 12 Cannon Street, Bedminster, for the purposes of hiding and harbouring persons liable to military service”. At the close, Mr Wethered averred that even if Barker had harboured absentees, the charge had not been made that it was done with the intention of Continued overleaf

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n HISTORY WAS THE NATION REALLY ENTIRELY PRO-WAR?

December 2018

STRIVING FOR PEACE IN THE GREAT WAR Part II

T’S A mistake to think that conscientious objectors were universally unpopular,” says Bristol historian Jeremy Clarke, “because one of them, Walter Ayles, was a city councillor. He was sent to prison in 1916 and was released in April 1919. “Within two months he was re-elected. In 1923 he was elected as MP for Bristol North, so his opposition to the war was clearly not a great handicap to his political

standing. In the same year 15 Labour MPs were elected who had been conscientious objectors.” But COs could find it difficult to get work after the war. Jobs in the civil service and local government, such as teaching, were advertised with the line: “COs need not apply.” Ironically, the same 1918 Act of Parliament which gave some women the vote took it away from COs who had been imprisoned. During the war, people were encouraged to bring shame on those who refused to fight – some men were given white feathers as a

sign of cowardice. In this atmosphere, some families did not talk about a son or brother who was a CO. But others were proud. The three Whiteford brothers of St George all refused the call-up. Their father was so proud of their resistance that he got them to pose for a photo after the war. Earlier this year, Otherstory mounted an exhibition on COs in Bristol Cathedral. One afternoon a woman walked in and was startled to recognise her grandfather in a line-up of CO prisoners held at Dartmoor prison. ”She had never

known that he was a CO,” said Jeremy. Other families had a vague idea that their grandfather or uncle had resisted the war, but not what it meant, or what it had cost them in human terms. “Part of the reason for us doing this is for people to feel a sense of pride in their ancestors, which they may not have been able to do before,” said Jeremy. “We have met a lot of people who never knew the extent of their forebears’ involvement in the resistance to the war.”

Continued from page 39 assisting the enemy. The chairman, Mr AJ Saise, declared the the defendant had convicted himself out of his own mouth. But he then went on to fine him £5, or 26 days imprisonment. The fine was the cost of a cheap bicycle from Barker’s shop. It was hardly going to cause him much inconvenience – and it was not the heavy penalty which a

man who had been harbouring dozens of army absentees for several years might expect. It seems the evidence could not be found to condemn Barker of the crimes which the authorities must have been sure he had committed. He was a known socialist and no doubt his opinions on the war were familiar to others in Bedminster. But perhaps he was just too careful. The various visits from the police

and the military had turned up nothing until 1917.

founders had left years before, frustrated that other residents didn’t pull their weight. It may be that the couple split up. Minnie, who was born in Essex, returned to the county and died there, in Colchester, aged 54 in 1936. George Barker died on November 2, 1949, aged 70, at North Leach hospital in Cheltenham. He had been living at 73 Bath Road, Cheltenham. He left everything to Alfred Bonheur, his brother-in-law, another professional photographer, of 20 North Street, Bedminster. It’s a shame he wrote nothing that survives about his beliefs and his actions in the First World War. Why did he feel so strongly that he was prepared to risk his livelihood to help others avoid military service, when he himself was exempt? What were his relations with his customers, and other people in Bedminster, when most people and almost all of the press were hostile to those who spoke up for peace? Sources • Remembering the Real WWI Research by Bristol historians: network23.org/realww1 • Bristol Independent Labour Party: Men, Women and the Opposition to War June Hannam, Bristol Radical Pamphleteer No 31, 2014 • Bristol and the Labour Unrest of 1910-14 Mike Richardson, Bristol Radical Pamphleteer No 37, 2013 • Bristol and the First World War Bristol Cultural Development Partnership 2014 • Bristol in the Great War Jacqueline Wadsworth, Pen & Sword Books, 2014 • Should Britain Go to War With Germany? Roger Ball, Bristol Radical History Group brh.org.uk/site/articles/britaingo-war-germany

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o how was Barker caught? He was indeed part of a network of sympathisers in Bristol and around the country who both hid and assisted those avoiding military service. Some were open in their activities, such as Mabel Tothill, a Bristol woman who gave legal advice and practical help, such as helping imprisoned men keep in touch with their families. She assisted the Reinge brothers from Totterdown, the conscientious objectors featured in last month’s Voice. Those who provided safe houses and helped the wanted men move around the country, and even to leave it on ships from Liverpool, tried to keep their activity secret. How were the police to gain intelligence? It seems they often used informers. There is no proof, but one such informer is believed to be Alex Gordon [see panel, p31]. We know little more about George and Minnie Barker. He didn’t join Bristol University’s Speleological Society, which took over from the amateurs’ caving club after the war, and he seems to have left Bristol by 1923. George and Minnie surfaced again from 1925-1928, living at the Whiteway Colony in Stroud. This was a utopian community of anarchists and socialists founded by a Quaker journalist, Samuel Bracher, in 1898. Whiteway was a crucial link in the chain of safe houses for war escapees, and would have been known to George and Minnie. They appear on the electoral roll there from 1925 to 1928. It’s not clear whether the communal life agreed with them. Bracher and some of the other

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n WHAT’S ON November 27-28 n Southville Unexplained Club Spielman theatre, Tobacco Factory, North Street. Rosa Eaton, founder and sole member of Southville Unexplained Club, shares her findings from a monthlong investigation into inexplicable occurrences in the area. Expect ghosts, psychic visions, government conspiracies and tragic local history. Age 12+; contains strong language and not for the easily-spooked. £12, 8pm. tobaccofactorytheatres.com Saturday December 1 n Christmas Fair Bedminster Methodist Church, British Road. In aid of Children’s Hospice South West and church funds. Stalls include cakes, perfumery, bits & bobs, books, tombola and bric-a-brac. Father Christmas will be present. Refreshments. 11am-2pm. n Christmas Fayre St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road. Bouncy castle, lunch, refreshments as well as cakes, crafts and Christmas cards. Prize draw to buyers of the programme, 50p, 12 noon. n I’m Scared of the Pig on the City Farm Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Windmill Hill. Live performance of poems by musician, film maker and blogger Hazel Winter, formerly of the Blue Aeroplanes. Hazel’s first poetry collection draws on experiences from playing guitar at Glastonbury festival to “pig-related trauma” at Windmill Hill City Farm. £5, 7.30-11.30pm. windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk n Saltcellar Folk Club Totterdown Baptist Church, entrance off Cemetery Road. The

Raising a babe in the woods n Preview Beasty Baby December 6-January 6 Spielman Theatre, Tobacco Factory

HE Tobacco Factory’s seasonal show for younger children and their families is Beasty Baby. Deep in the winter forest lives a Beasty Baby. What will happen as three people embark on a wild adventure to bring up this mischievous and loveable child? A blend of puppetry and live music from Theatre-Rites, designed to

Six-Five-Specials, a four-piece skiffle band including Saltcellar regulars Pete and Alan. Sadly the last outing for the Saltcellar Club owing to a lack of volunteers. 7.30pm, £5, £3 for floor singers. saltcellarfolk.org.uk Sunday December 2 n Christmas market Tobacco Factory, North Street. With more than 50 food and craft stalls. Plus mulled drinks, local choirs and Ali & Joe’s Christmas Tree Sale, 10am-2.30pm. Also on December 9, 16 and 23. tobaccofactory.com/whats-on Wednesday December 5 n Christmas Musical Evening Bedminster Methodist Church, British Road. Devised and performed by Tim Lewis & Sheila Furneau. Collection for Charlton Farm, Children’s Hospice South West. 7pm. Thursday December 6 n Festive Evening Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street,

We’re living with giants n Preview The Borrowers November 29-January 20 Tobacco Factory theatre, North Street

HIS Christmas the Tobacco Factory Theatre is turned into a giant adventure playground to tell the story of The Borrowers, based on the muchloved novel by Mary Norton. Below the floorboards of a large house in Bristol, we are plunged into the quirky, wonky, miniature world of young Arrietty and her family of

Borrowers: Living on the edge Borrowers. Making use of anything and everything they find ‘upstairs’, from cotton buds to crisp packets, string to Subutteo players, the Borrowers are the original up-cyclers. However, their quiet existence is torn apart by the arrival of a family of Human Beans and soon the quiet ticking of

A bit of a handful: the Beasty Baby

create a funny and magical shared experience to warm up those cold winter days. Running time 50 minutes, for ages 3-6 and their families. A special relaxed performance on December 11 at 10.30am has a more welcoming atmosphere for audiences with additional needs. Tickets £12, shows at 10.30am, 1.30pm and other times. tobaccofactorytheatres.com Bedminster. An evening of festive fun from 4.30-7.30pm with mulled wine, mince pies and festive fare, plus games, crafts and Christmas spirit. Carols at 6pm in the farmyard with the Breakout Voices Choir. Gifts from the Home Grown shop, plus storytelling 4.30-5.30pm from Wild of the Words (book separately). windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Your event could be highlighted like this for just £5. Email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk n Alive In Conversation: Goodnight Friend Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road, How do we cope with the loss of our pets? A conversation between vet Penny Morgan and death academic Dr John Troyer. 7pm, £5. Includes showing of a short film, Goodnight Friend, by Rowenna the grandfather clock is replaced by Hoovers, TVs and the sound of Tom Jones on the radio. Arrietty longs to see what life is like for the new family of giants and her friendship with the eight-year-old Eddie is the opportunity to do just that. For ages 6+, tickets from £12 (limited availability). • A Play in a Day Children can create their own Borrowers drama. December 8 and 15 for ages 11-14; December 9 and 16 for ages 6-10. • BSL interpreted performance 7.30pm, December 14. • Relaxed performances for audiences with social needs, 6pm January 9 and 1pm January 10. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

J Baldwin. Second in a series of conversations with people from the worlds of death, dying and bereavement. arnosvale.org.uk/events n Garry Starr Performs Everything Loco Klub, Temple Meads. Expelled from the Royal Shakespeare Company due to artistic differences, disgraced actor Garry Starr defies his critics by performing every genre of theatre imaginable, thus saving the performing arts from extinction. Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show 2018. Directed by Cal McCrystal of Mighty Boosh fame. 8pm, £10. locobristol.com/shows

December 6-January 5 n Circus of Marvels Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. “Roll up, roll up for a magical, mysterious adventure, as a rag-tag band of useless acts take on a desperate quest to save the world’s worst circus!” 7-8.45pm. Opening night tickets £5; other shows £9. 7pm and 2.30pm but check website for dates; shows on most days December 6-15 and January 4-5. acta-bristol.com Friday December 7 n Cabaret and Carols SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville. A night of dance, song and entertainment to raise money for Shelter. South West Dance Theatre serve up a festive cocktail of ballet, ballroom, contemporary and tap, with special guests, in a feast of music and live acts. 7-10pm, £11. southbankclub.webs.com n Fun Quiz St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road. Teams of 4, £5 per person including light supper, 7.30pm. n Ollie Barton & the Movement + Awakening Savannah + Wisenheimer + Fall From Ruin + Spiral Key The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. Oli Barton, a Mensa-rated genius inspired by the spirit of Syd Barrett, fronts The Movement: “tortured, menacing, kinky, smart, and as deliriously entertaining as watching an elephant juggling bowling balls riding a tricycle”. Continued overleaf

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n Review Sarah Guppy: The Bridge, The Bed, the Truth Hen & Chicken, Southville

E KNOW too little about Sarah Guppy, one of the first female engineers, who had an unknown but important role in assisting the Brunels to design the Clifton Suspension Bridge. She was ahead of her time in many ways: she anticipated animal rights (in calling for reform of livestock markets) and women’s rights (in protecting her fortune from her second husband with a pre-nuptial agreement). Sarah Guppy had plenty to shout about, had she not believed: “It is unpleasant to speak of oneself – it may seem boastful, particularly in a woman.” Guppy’s reticence to

Continued from page 41 Support includes Swindon hard rock band Awakening Savannah. 7pm, £6 on the door. thethunderbolt.net n The Thinking Drinkers Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken Studio, North Street. An intoxicating bar-hop through history, from the symposiums of Ancient Greece to the classic British boozer via Wild West saloons and Victorian gin palaces. Includes, allegedly, five

blow her own trumpet has been quietly forgotten in this spirited production by Sheila Hannon, founder of Bedminster theatre group Show of Strength, pioneers of local, original historical drama. Kim Hicks plays Guppy, only too happy to explain her love of engineering as a form of artistry – the kind of art that seeks the simplest, most elegant solutions. Born in 1780, Guppy was inspired by her entrepreneur father, who, crucially, educated her in the same way as he did his sons. She married a Bristol factoryowner and they made a fortune protecting Royal Navy ships from shipworm with their patented copper nails. They lived at Arnos Court – today a hotel in Brislington, then a grand country house. But what was such a talented woman to do when she might study as hard as a man, but couldn’t take a university degree? Too often, as she tells us, she was simply ignored, or chose to avoid a fuss – as when she let Thomas Telford make use of her patent for bridge design when he built the Menai suspension bridge. This show was first performed for the Brunel 200 celebrations in free drinks. 8pm, £16, or £36 with dinner package at Hen & Chicken (available on selected December Comedy Box dates). thecomedybox.co.uk December 7-December 30 n Shesus & The Sistas: The Gift of Presents Speilman theatre, Tobacco Factory, North Street. “Shesus is a multi-gender reincarnation Miss-iah. The Sistas are genuine twins. Together they are here to heal you.” A trio of fools deliver

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n WHAT’S ON

n WHAT’S ON A voice at last for Sarah Guppy, the woman behind a landmark

December 2018

INSULATION UPGRADES

Sarah Guppy: Inventor who had a hand in a Clifton landmark PHOTO: Zuleika Henry

2006 but has been rewritten with some contemporary asides. “What on earth is going on with that Metrobus?” Guppy asks us, appalled that our low-tech bus system isn’t finished after 12 years – twice as long as it took to build the Floating Harbour in her lifetime. She makes more swipes at our treatment of Temple Meads station, and our inability to keep Bristol’s buses running, which draws laughter. But she wins the biggest reaction when acting her enthusiasm for laughing gas, the nitrous oxide formula which the young inventor Humphrey Davy shared with the bright set of Bristol as a recreational drug before anyone used it as an anaesthetic. There are poignant moments something between cabaret, comedy, a carol concert and therapy. Ages 18+. Tickets from £12 (limited availability). tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Saturday December 8 n Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade The annual spectacular procession along North Street, Cannon Street and British Road, 4-7pm. Starts at St Francis Church, North Street and finishes with fireworks at South Street Park. site.bwlp.org.uk n Winter Fair Redcliffe Nursery School & Children’s Centre, Ship Lane, BS1 6RR. Hot food, warming winter drinks, games and crafts for all ages plus face-painting. Visit Elsa in her Frozen Castle. 11am-3pm; adults’ £1 entry includes a raffle ticket, children free. More info on Facebook, Instagram and

when she describes her affection for the Brunels, first father Marc and then his son Isambard, who was a frequent visitor to her house. Did she really have a soft spot for Isambard, as she hints here? She did marry her second husband, 28 years her junior, shortly after Isambard had found himself a wife. Isambard built both the Great Western Railway and the SS Great Britain with the help of Guppy’s son Thomas. Sarah hints that her son was the brains who kept Brunel on budget, and that her ideas were crucial to the Clifton suspension bridge. Oh, and the bed. Guppy’s “exercise bed” was one of 10 patents she was behind, along with a breakfast-maker, improved drain pipes and a superior candlestick. We can’t really know Sarah Guppy. But we can celebrate her achievements. Once again Show of Strength have convincingly brought history to life, and made thought-provoking entertainment from real events. Paul Breeden showofstrength.org.uk • There’s a feature on Sarah Guppy is in our December 2017 edition, viewable at issuu.com/southbristolvoice Twitter: @redcliffeptfa n Jamaican Christmas Zion, Bishopsworth Road. Christmas the Jamaican way with music from Troy Ellis, a live DJ plus Jamaican food from jerk chicken, rice and peas to veggie curry and plaintain and dumplings. Cocktail bar and Christmas surprises. 8pm-midnight, £8. zionbristol.co.uk/events Sunday December 9 n Christmas Market SouthBank Club, Dean lane, Southville. Stalls from local makers and artisans. Ideal for gift shopping and a glass of mulled wine. Live music, café and bar, 11am-4pm. southbankclub.webs.com Wednesday December 12 n Out There Music Bristol Christmas Show SouthBank Centre, Dean Lane, Southville. Festive celebration with songs performed by South Bristol Community Choir and the Chamber Choir followed by carol sing-along. Doors 7.30pm for 8pm, bar. Tickets £10 on the door, under 18s £6. Details by emailing admin@ outtheremusicbristol.co.uk or call Tom Jones on 07967 200082. outtheremusicbristol.co.uk

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

It’s Hell down here, but also rather fun HE Underworld (according to ancient Greek legend) is the place you go when you die, if you were not always good in your life. In Acta’s version, mortals may not even realise they’ve died until they arrive at the river Styx and pay

Charon the boatman to cross (unless you have no money, in which case he’ll moan a bit and then let you over for free), with his sister Eris making sarky remarks on your way across. Then it’s time to meet the eternally-exasperated Hades and his shiny queen Persephone. Her plot line involves her planning a secret surprise for Hades, bagging the most promising newly-arrived mortals to be her assistants. Hades has three incompetent demons who, fed up with boring tasks and not enough demon-ing, escape to the Overworld. A broken-up couple who hate

each other are forced to live together in hell, provoked by a naughty demon who relishes her task of making the afterlife difficult for them. Meanwhile, the sister of a dead soul sacrifices herself so her sister can live, and a pair who run a coffee shop also end up on the wrong side of the Styx. These four are sent on a mission through a labyrinth, set by camp maze keeper Daedalus, competing for two spots back up above. I imagine the cast had a lot of fun this year, improvising and sharing ideas to create this performance – it’s certainly fun to watch. I particularly enjoyed

watching Viking-like Jake Bristow as the guard, Nathan Clark as Build, the ever-so-softly spoken big-guy superhero, and Phoebe Shakespeare as Tmona, the fluffy, dopey, coffee-shop-owning animal lover. It transpires the reason she’s in Hades is – most unexpected plot-twist that made me laugh out loud – in her spare time she’s a hit man! Phoenix theatre is Acta’s youth theatre for people aged 16–25 years, from all across the city. They’ll start working on their next production soon – new members are welcome. Beccy Golding acta-bristol.com

n Pressed flower and wood tealight holder workshop Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Design and make tealight holders, ideal for Christmas presents, using natural materials – pressed flowers and leaves, twigs, pine cones, feathers and raffia. Ticket £17.36, includes materials and a glass of prosecco. 7-9pm. windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Friday December 14 n My brother Colin Pillinger: from Bristol to Mars! Knowle and Totterdown Local History Society, Redcatch community centre, Redcatch Road, Knowle, 7.30pm. A talk by Pat Lindegaard, followed by a Christmas buffet. knowleandtotterdownhistory.org.uk Saturday December 15 n Christmas Coffee Morning Bedminster Methodist Church, British Road. With Christmas stalls, 10.30am-12 noon. n Stand Up For The Weekend with Stephen Bailey & Co Comedy Box at the

Hen & Chicken Studio, North Street. Stephen Bailey’s friendly, open brand of gossipy humour has won him new friends as the support act on sell-out tours with Katherine Ryan and Jenny Eclair. Plus guests. 7.45pm, £12. thecomedybox.co.uk December 15-December 16 n Reindeer on the Roof Zion, Bishopsworth Road. Hodgepodge Theatre Company presents the adventures of Darcey, who wakes up to find a reindeer on the roof – but no sign of Santa. How can she help her new reindeer friend get back to Lapland? Tickets £8 adults, £6 children, £30 family (2 adults and 3 children). 11am and 3pm. zionbristol.co.uk/events Sunday December 16 n Christmas Carol Concert with Bristol Chamber Choir Anglican chapel, Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road. Festive refreshments on sale from 5.30pm; £8, 6-8pm. Sold out, but check for returns. arnosvale.org.uk/events

n Christmas Quiz & Party Bedminster & Southville Labour Party, Southbank Club, Dean Lane. Fun, games and festive treats, with a quiz at 7.30pm and prize raffle. Funky dance music, comedy MC, socialising and bar. Suggested donation £3. To attend, please email bedsthlabour@gmail.com. All welcome, 7-10.30pm. n The Wurzels The Tunnels, Temple Meads. The Wurzels, formed in 1966 by Adge Cutler, the Bard of Avonmouth, still play good-time Zummerzet Scrumpy ’n’ Western. £12.50, 7.30pm. Stop press: The Tunnels is closing at the end of December. thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Tuesday December 18 n West Street Carols With the Bedminster Citadel Salvation Army Band, outside Mezzaluna/ Tesco, 6-7pm. Mulled wine and minced pies. Thursday December 20 n Ceilidh with Bowreed SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville. An evening of dances

from all over the world, as well as high-octane entertainment. £10 in advance, £15 on the door. southbankclub.webs.com Saturday December 22 n The Official Christmas Show with Robert White & guests Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken Studio, North Street. Robert White – a Britain’s Got Talent 2018 finalist – is the only gay, quarter-Welsh comic with Asperger’s on the British comedy circuit. With some festive lines, presumably. £15, 7.45pm. thecomedybox.co.uk Sunday December 23 n Carol service Bedminster United Reformed Church, West Street. Carols at 11am, refreshments will be served afterwards. The church is on the corner of Stanley Street South. Monday December 24 n Family-friendly Christmas Eve The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. Three short sets of Christmas-inspired electro-acoustic stuff including Continued overleaf

n Review The Underworld Phoenix theatre company, Acta theatre, Bedminster

Orphans ahoy at steamship festive frolic December 9-11, 21-22 n Preview Steamed Brunel’s SS Great Britain

OMBINING off-the-cuff humour and Dickensian charm, Steamed looks like no other Christmas show in Bristol this year – especially as it takes place on the SS Great Britain. Brunel’s great ship is the setting for a part-improvised

festive comedy- drama, featuring endearing orphans, steam ships, steam trains, figgy puddings and the odd music hall number. Each show is created by the performers from audience suggestions. It’s been created by Closer Each Day, the theatre company behind Bristol’s cult Improvised Soap Opera, claimed to be the world’s longest-running improvised narrative, performed at the Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market every fortnight. Shows are suitable for age 10 and above and last 90 minutes, with an interval. Tickets include entry to SS Great Britain tinyurl.com/brunelSteamed

www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk

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

southbristolvoice

December 2018

n WHAT’S ON A moving journey in someone else’s shoes n Review Semites Loco Klub, Temple Meads

HE LOCO Klub is in the railway arches beneath Temple Meads – rough and ready, with compacted earth underfoot, exposed bricks and quirky oddities for decorations, as befits a venue co-hosted by the Invisible Circus and ArtSpace LifeSpace. The first arch is the bar area, carpeted, with saggy sofas to slouch in, before we

Continued from Page 43 Totterdown punk popsters Everything Else and Thunderbolt maestro Dave’s band, The Disorderlies. Mulled wine, cider, festive snacks. Free entry, 4-8pm. thethunderbolt.net Saturday 29 December n The End of the Year Show with Carey Marx & guests Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken Studio, North Street. Celebrate the last Saturday of the year with morally-dubious Carey Marx, elegant rants from Phil Jerrod and viperish wit by SallyAnne Hayward. 7.45pm, £12. thecomedybox.co.uk Monday December 31 Retro Electro The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. Five-piece 80s covers band play classics from Depeche Mode to Prince, David Bowie to Gary Numan. 8pm-late.

Admission: £15 advance, £20 on the door. thethunderbolt.net n Steppin’ Out – 80s party Tobacco Factory, North Street. Every 80s musical genre is covered in the Tobacco Factory’s big celebration. Headline DJ is Bill Brewster, who began his career in the 80s and was a founder of Fabric, supported by Bedmo Disco Records, JimmyTheTwin and Spinthief. There’s hop-hop and electro at a Big Top Block Party hosted by Boogie Truckers, tropical grooves and African drumming in the Thali, and back-to-back 80s bangers in the theatre bar in Tooty Fruity’s Guilty Pleathers. Plus street food (included in the £40 ticket), a retro photo booth, dance-offs, neon and UV face paint and other surprises. tobaccofactory.com/whats-on

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n THE CITY PAGE

are guided by torchlight through the next tunnel and into a third, where tiered seating overlooks a stage area. We are warmly welcomed, and invited to take our shoes off – they are placed in a long line at the back. When the show begins our shoes become part of it – a pair is selected at random and placed on stage. A spotlight shines and one of the cast step forward, placing their own feet next to the shoes. They tell the real, personal story of a Palestinian – their connection to the land, their family’s history. Another pair of shoes, another spotlight, another story – this time an Israeli – their connection to where they stand. My shoes were the first pair used – it felt very moving, seeing my empty pair of shoes, hearing another’s story –

Full Service

December 2018

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Real stories: Semites has accounts from Palestinians and Israelis truly a representation of walking a mile in another person’s shoes. The show features stories, told in different ways, of people who live in Israel and Palestine – both peoples who are Semites, linked by their linguisitic roots. The verbatim disclosures were gathered on location by writer and actor Ben Nathan. His performance partner is Lara Sawalha. Each speaks these gathered words with

BS3 Community Events For the young and older members of our community and everyone in between

What’s on at BS3 Community info@bs3community.org.uk 0117 923 1039 bs3community.org.uk At the Chessel Centre n Three new regular exercise classes: Monday Yoga, 6.157.15pm. Tuesday Pilates 9.3010.30am and 6-6.50pm. At the Southville Centre n Dementia support group Drop-in group for people living with dementia and their carers, December 5 and 19, free, refreshments, accessible building with accessible toilet, 2-4pm n Retirement workshop We are working with the University of Bristol to run workshops for those who are preor post-retirement, living in or near BS3. The next session is on December 5, 6-8pm.

Chocolate Festival n THE Southville Chocolate Festival on Saturday December 8 takes place at the Southville Centre. The centre is hosting an amazing range of chocolate experts selling delicious food, drink, and gifts. On sale will be exquisite chocolates, gelato and sorbet; Louboutin-style chocolate shoe creations that make wonderful presents; liquors; liquid hot fondant chocolate

authenticity and humanity. At times they break out, telling stories about how the production was created and how they felt. We hear from activists and farmers, yoga practitioners and combatants, we hear from people who have never spoken to anyone from the other side, we hear about barriers, and we hear from members of groups who work to bring the sides together, to remember each other’s humanity. After the show ends, we hear the spotlighted shoe-quotes again, this time with a photograph projected on the wall of the real person who said it – it makes us laugh, we feel affection, fondness. Finally we hear another quote – yes we can step into another’s shoes – but first we must step out of our own. Beccy Golding poured over your choice of fruits, fudges and marshmallows; a range of chocolate syrups with delicious flavours, some boozy, some fruity, some spiced; brownies, truffle bars, cakes, meringues and cheesecakes. There are also diabetic, vegan and gluten-free options. Entrance is £2.50 for adults, children free, 11am-5pm.

Regular events n BS3 Repair Cafe Repairs for a donation, plus cream teas and home-made cakes. 1.30-4.30pm, last Saturday of every month, United Reformed Church Hall, West Street, Bedminster. Facebook: BS3 Repair Cafe n Danceblast “Bristol’s most exciting dance school.” Every Saturday and Sunday. Saturday: juniors, 3-4 years 10-11am, 5-6 years 11am-12 noon, 7-9 years 12 noon-1.30pm, 10-11 years 1.30-3pm, 12-13 years 2.154.15pm at St Francis Church Hall, North Street, Southville. Sunday: seniors 14-18 years 1.30-4.30pm, Tobacco Factory studio. Call Anne on 07984 069485. danceblast.co.uk n A unique form of dance exercise using Margaret Morris Movement and inspiring music from around the world. Dance Studio @ Workout, Baynton Road, Ashton BS3 2EB. Monday 11.15am-12.15pm, £4 drop-in. Contact Tricia Mason, qualified teacher, 07896 346486.

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