South Bristol Voice July 2023

Broadwalk plans refused

Controversial plans to demolish Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle and build up to 850 homes have been refused unanimously by Bristol city councillors.

Planning committee members voted 9-0 against officers’ recommendation to grant permission amid concerns about a lack of affordable housing, the height of the buildings as tall as 12 storeys and that too many flats would be crammed onto the site.

Councillors said it was like “trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot” and branded the idea that the development, known as Redcatch Quarter, was a new village as “an insult to villages across the land”.

One resident said it would be an “ongoing visual and social disaster planned right in the heart of Knowle”.

The proposals, which have divided the community, involved bulldozing all the buildings on site, including

the snooker hall, bingo hall, multi-storey car park and shops. They included a cinema/theatre community space, dental surgery and a pedestrianised high street connecting Redcatch Park to Wells Road.

Almost 250 objections were received with concerns such as overshadowing of neighbouring properties and a lack of space at local GP surgeries and schools.

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Artist’s impression of how the Redcatch Quarter development in Knowle would have looked. Credit: Redcatch Quarter

Contacts

Ruth Drury Sales Director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Jane Williams Editor news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP

By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk

By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

By phone: 0117 953 3575

In person: Call the above number for an appointment

My councillor?

Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR.

Tessa Fitzjohn Green, Bedminster

By phone: 07584182801 By email: Cllr.Tessa.Fitzjohn@bristol.gov.uk

Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk

By phone: 0117 353 3160

Tony Dyer Green, Southville

By phone: 07584182862 By email:

Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk

Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 07584183843 By email:

Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk

Christopher Davies Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr. Christopher.Davies@bristol.gov.uk

Phone: 07826917714

Gary Hopkins Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk

Phone: 07977 512159

Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill

Phone: 07584184577 By email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk

Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill

Phone: 07584186535

By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk

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Broadwalk plans refused

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The scheme was backed by several other residents and the two Knowle Community ward councillors, as well as the council’s planning officers who said the outline plans were acceptable and that detailed designs would be considered later.

An officer told the development control committee that the developer had agreed to increase the number of affordable homes from 55 (7%) to 80 (9.8%). He said that despite council policy aiming for 30% affordable housing on new developments in this part of Bristol, schemes had to remain financially viable to build, so the figure of less than a third of this meant it was still policy compliant.

Committee members heard the project would have seen a £200 million investment in the area, unlocking more than £150

million of social and economic value.

Cllr Andrew Varney (Lib Dem, Brislington West) told the meeting: “Broadwalk has had its day, it’s not the kind of place people want to go to, it’s a failing shopping centre, pretty much everyone here agrees it needs to be redeveloped. The proposals have many positive aspects. The improved public realm should be applauded, the idea of having an east-west pedestrianised street is a fantastic idea for Knowle and biodiversity net gain is enormous – there is no ecology on site at the moment apart from rats.

“However, to achieve 850 units, the buildings will have to be unacceptably tall. Having buildings up to 12 storeys is really inappropriate in a mature suburb of largely two-storey buildings. The development will be unacceptably dense, leading to far too many singleaspect apartments. The lack of

affordable housing is a real kick in the teeth.

“I know it’s a difficult site but we have lots of applications on complex brownfield sites and they are able to achieve much higher levels of affordable housing, so why can’t this one? To describe the scheme as a ‘new village’ is an insult to villages across the land.”

Cllr Ed Plowden (Green, Windmill Hill) said: “Clearly the traders need to see some regeneration. They are suffering. The height, density and mass seems to be trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot.” He said having so many flats in such a small space would harm residents’ health.

Cllr Chris Jackson (Labour, Filwood) said: “The place is just a mess at the moment but I can’t bring myself to vote for this, purely because it’s 850 dwellings in a very small area and the affordable housing is nowhere near the level it should be.”

Addressing members earlier, Cllr Gary Hopkins (Knowle

Community Party, Knowle), who is not on the committee, said: “The vast majority of people in Knowle recognise the need for regeneration. Something has been put around that if this plan is rejected today, a new one will come forward and we will all be happy. I’m sorry but that is not reality.

“Officers have made it clear that this application is all in line with council policies. The only thing that will happen if we get a rejection today will be an expensive trip to the Planning Inspectorate, a delay and a nasty bill for this council.”

Officers were asked to come back to the next meeting with reasons for refusal, which is the usual “cooling-off period” for Bristol City Council development control committees if they reject plans against a recommendation to approve.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter

Gogglebox star raises more than £8,500 for hospice

Marina Wingrove, our very own South Bristolian national treasure, has been supporting Children’s Hospice South West for more than 15 years. Marina captured our hearts while on our screens with her beloved friend Mary during past series of the Channel 4 TV show ‘Gogglebox’.

Marina and friends from the Monica Wills residential home in South Bristol have raised an incredible £8,623.70 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) which provides care for hundreds of families at its Charlton Farm hospice in Wraxall. Every Thursday, Marina and friends get together in the communal lounge for their coffee morning where they hold raffles and all the friends donate an item for the prize.

Marina said: “CHSW is very close to my heart, my dear late friend Margaret had four babies and they all sadly passed away and, back in those days, there wasn’t the support for them that there is now at local children’s hospices such as Charlton Farm.

“I have also been very lucky to

have visited the beautiful Charlton Farm on occasions so I know all about the special work they do supporting so many local families.”

CHSW are dedicated to making the most of short lives through the provision of the best possible hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and have been professionally supporting families in the South West for more than 30 years.

Charlton Farm in Wraxall provides resilience stays, palliative care and end of life care for children with life-limiting conditions.

Amanda Leonard, area fundraiser for CHSW, said: “We rely on voluntary donations to continue to care for local children with life-limiting conditions and their families. We are truly grateful for the support from Marina and her friends. We would not be able to do what we do without the energy, devotion and sheer generosity of all our supporters.”

Mazi Project launches crowdfunder to help disadvantaged young people

After a 30% increase in demand since March 2023 amid the costof-living crisis, the Mazi Project on North Street has set its sights on purchasing a new van to allow them to double the number of meals delivered to individuals who need support, from 80 to 160 young people. The Mazi Project is a CIC striving to challenge food inequality among young Bristolians.

Founded on the principle of empowering communities through sustainable solutions, the Mazi Project, which recently announced Maisie Williams as its ambassador, has been making waves with its dedication to tackling food insecurity and promoting social equality. By using locally sourced food from small-scale producers transformed into delicious and nutritious meals, the Mazi Project

has already made a significant difference in the lives of many young people across the city.

Melanie Vaxevanakis, Managing Director and Founder of the Mazi Project, said: “We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of their circumstances. With the support of our community, we can make a significant difference in the lives of even more individuals.

“The new van will enable us to increase our meal deliveries, ensuring that no one goes hungry.”

In collaboration with Bristolbased Rising Arts Agency, a community of young creatives aged 16-30 mobilising others for radical social, political and cultural change, the Mazi Project has worked with five of its own young people to create a series of street art posters, helping to bring awareness to the crowdfunder. The posters draw attention to the difference food delivered by the Mazi Project can make in a young person’s life at a time when young, disadvantaged

people are often having to choose between the cost of rent and food.

To donate, visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ be-the-recipe4change-withthe-mazi-project

Aldi calls on local small businesses to get in touch

Aldi is on the lookout for new UK suppliers to partner with in 2023 as part of its drive to support British businesses. The call out applies to all product categories, including food, drink and Specialbuys, and forms part of the supermarket’s ongoing commitment to spend an additional £3.5 billion a year with UK suppliers by 2025.

Suppliers based in Bristol interested in working with Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket can visit aldi.co.uk/ suppliers/becoming-a-supplier to find out more.

Julie Ashfield, Managing

Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “Working with UK partners is at the heart of our business and three quarters of our sales are from British suppliers. We are incredibly proud of these partnerships, and it is amazing to watch so many of our suppliers grow with us.

“Securing new partners and spending more with British suppliers is leading to the creation of much-needed jobs whilst also boosting British farming and manufacturing. We look forward to bringing even more suppliers on board throughout 2023.”

A slide in Victoria Park, with the Bedminster Green development in the background. Picture: Alex Seabrook

The Mazi Project on North Street challenges food inequality

Ashton Park School young artist is recognised by the Royal Academy

A student from Ashton Park School has taken her art to the next level, as the prestigious Royal Academy of Art has selected her work to feature in the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show 2023.

The RA Young Artists’ Summer Show, now in its fifth year, is a showcase of the best artwork produced by primary and secondary school students from across the UK. The artworks will be on display at the Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens, London, from 18 July 18 to August 13.

When Grace Bramley was creating her painting ‘Blue Boats at Bristol Docks’, she was hoping for a good grade for her GCSE artwork but she wasn’t expecting a panel of Royal Academy judges to select her artwork from more than 2,100 submissions to feature in the Summer Show.

Grace’s parents and everyone at Ashton Park School are incredibly proud of Grace’s achievement and can’t wait to see the artwork on display.

With her incredible artwork, Grace has ensured that Bristol will shine bright at this national exhibition.

Grace Bramley with her painting

Youth Zone awarded planning permission

South Bristol’s state-of-the-art Youth Zone moved a huge step closer last month after a planning application was approved by the Council’s Development Control B Committee.

Plans for the Youth Zone were submitted by the national charity OnSide last year. Expected to open in 2025, it will be run by award-winning local youth work charity Youth Moves and will join OnSide’s national Network, which currently has 14 similar Youth Zone charities across the UK.

It will be built close to the roundabout which connects Hengrove Way and Hartcliffe Way and will provide thousands of young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Youth Moves will work in partnership with the area’s many other youth providers to deliver the best possible service to young people.

It’s estimated that 4,000 young people from South Bristol will sign up in the first year of opening and Youth Moves CEO Alistair Dale, who will oversee the Youth Zone’s operations once open, has spoken of his excitement.

He said: “This is amazing news and a huge step forward to having an incredible Youth Zone for the young people of south Bristol. Partnering with OnSide to deliver this will hugely enhance what we at Youth Moves are able to offer young people in the area.

“It means we’ll be able to add to our brilliant team of dedicated and talented youth workers who are changing lives every day. Being able to deliver on a much larger scale from a Youth Zone setting, working alongside our local partners, will be a huge benefit to everyone and will mean we can reach so many more young people in the process.”

Earlier this year, OnSide was awarded a Youth Investment Fund grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport which secured the remainder of the Youth Zone’s construction costs, which also includes

£4.2 million from Bristol City Council. The Council will also contribute £400,000 towards the Youth Zone’s annual running costs.

OnSide will also be looking for businesses and local philanthropic communities to support the Youth Zone and anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to get in touch.

Aimed at young people aged eight to 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs, South Bristol’s Youth Zone will open seven days per week. Members will have the opportunity to access over 20 activities every night, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training as well as dedicated youth worker support – all for just 50p per visit and £5 annual membership.

One of the Youth Zone’s key features will be the relationships its youth work staff garner with young people to support them. Over the next two years Alistair and the team at Youth Moves will be working to grow the team, providing a range of exciting roles and job opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference to the lives of young people.

OnSide Chief Executive Jamie Masraff, said: “Being awarded planning permission is always a huge milestone in a Youth Zone’s development and we are delighted to achieve that on the back of our success with the recent Youth Investment Fund.

“We are delighted to partner with Youth Moves on this project; it is an amazing charity that will deliver lifechanging support and opportunities from the Youth Zone.”

Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Children’s Services, Education, and Equalities, said: “This planning permission is another positive step towards the development of our new Youth Zone. It’s great news for the children and young people of Bristol who I know are going to benefit massively by having this brandnew, state-of-the-art youth facility in south Bristol.

“The Mayor and our administration are committed to giving every young person in Bristol the opportunity to thrive, and we will continue to invest in our city’s families and their future. We are looking forward to continuing to work with OnSide and Youth Moves to bring the new Youth Zone to south Bristol, delivering on another manifesto commitment.”

Young people will be involved throughout the development of south Bristol’s Youth Zone with Youth Moves has already set up a Young People’s Development Group. The young people involved are currently working with creative marketing agency Lucent to develop a brand for the Youth Zone.

The group will come up with two brands which will then go out to a public vote to south Bristol’s young people with the winning Youth Zone name and brand revealed later this year. The group will also work on other areas of the Youth Zone’s development and any young person who wants to be involved should email info@youthmoves.org.uk

How the Youth Zone might look

Celebration on the Slopes

Councillors and members of the Northern Slopes Initiative (NSI) have celebrated the completion of new paths on the Bombie.

Cllrs Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies (Knowle Community Party) celebrated the completion of three safer paths across the local green space known as the Bommie with members of the Northern Slopes Initiative.

Cllr Gary Hopkins said: “For those who do not know, the Bommie is real countryside in Knowle. The NSI team are dedicated and knowledgeable and Chris and I were glad to help out with a small grant that the team has done so much with. It provides stress release on the doorstep and is completely free.”

Lucy Wyatt, Chair of the NSI, said: “After many years of hard work, we have, working with our local councillors and the City Council’s Parks Department, managed to improve the paths

across our well loved green space. These improvements will make it easier for people to enjoy the site and provide access to the new Park Centre, and the

soon-to-be-built Oasis Academy Daventry Road. A big thank you to all those involved, and here’s to making some more paths safer for people to use.”

Calling all young stars

Is your child ready to ignite their creativity, unleash their imagination, and have an unforgettable summer adventure?

Join Acting Out at the Southbank Club on July 25 for a day filled with laughter, spontaneity, and endless possibilities. This workshop is designed for budding performers aged 5-11 who are eager to dive into the world of improvisation and discover their inner superstar.

Give your children the chance to unleash their creativity, discover the power of their imagination with improvisation games and exercises, boost their confidence and most importantly have fun.

For more information or to book, visit: ticketsource.co.uk/ actingout-summerschool

Chris Davies and Gary Hopkins with some of the NSI team

Redcatch Quarter Development Decision

By Sian Ellis-Thomas, Chair of Friends of Redcatch Park

On May 31, the Area Planning Development Committee voted in accord to refuse the application for Outline Planning Permission for the development of Broadwalk shopping centre in Knowle.

FORP accepted that this was an application for Outline Planning Permission and subject to an existing approval in terms of its height and mass, although we did note the previous application was for significantly less residential units (420 v 850).

Our original comments about the application were made after we conducted a survey about how the community felt about the proposal, purely from the perspective of the effect that a development of this size would have on the park itself.

How do I feel about the result? It was a momentous meeting and, given that the

planning officer (Peter Westbury) had made a recommendation to approve the application, had I not been at the Planning Control Committee meeting I would’ve been very surprised at the result. But because I was there for the whole process, I witnessed and felt the tide turn in the room. It was hard for us

all to keep quiet when, during the debate, the committee were asking questions of the Planning Officer. They really did hold his feet to the fire. But there was a penny-drop moment when Cllr Philippa Hulme asked again what was the difference between Outline Planning Permission and an application for full Planning Permission, and after having tried to explain this point several times already to Cllr John Geater and Cllr Andrew Varney, the Planning Officer finally got the message across that a preapplication is an agreement on the principle of a development and that the principle was for up to 850 dwellings and 12 storey buildings.

Even though Peter kept insisting the detail would have to be agreed in the reserved matters stage, this didn’t matter to the councillors; they were told they were voting on the principle, and not one of them could therefore support it. The dominoes then just fell one after the other.

Everyone was in agreement with the basic premise; this development was just too high and too dense. It was a unanimous decision. It was another great example of the might of common sense and the power of the Knowle community to come together and fight for what they believe is right. I was very proud of my community.

What did I think of the public forum statements? These undoubtedly also impacted on the result, the passion of the speakers against this proposal was palpable and the message was very clear and

well-articulated. The voices for the development were drowned out by this passion and it was hard to disagree when the bare facts were laid out in front of the committee.

Helen Evans from KNPG pointed out that the proposed residential density of the development (428) was 356% higher that the Council’s own policy guidelines (120).

Laura Chapman, who led KNPG, made a very impassioned statement which demonstrated her commitment to the cause.

I’m very happy this was the right result. We all want a new development. But it cannot be developed at any cost. It has to be the right development. The decisions made today echo for decades to come. Today, I believe the committee got it right.

But what happens next? We really need a new development for the area. No one wants a derelict site. Even the most ardent of the antidevelopment contingent agrees. Broadwalk is a relic, a perfect example of a ‘70s shopping centre, ahead of its time then but no longer fit for purpose. It isn’t the developers’ fault this centre is dying. The Broadwalks of the world are dead. Retail has changed, because society has changed. We just don’t shop like that anymore.

I truly hope that the developers can still see the potential in Knowle to become a destination in South Bristol. I hope that they will go away, regroup and come back with a new plan that we can all rally behind. That’s what we want; a development that reflects the needs and harnesses the strengths of a community like this.

What do I say to the developers? Come back, we’re worth it, and this community can collaborate with you to envisage something that works for us and still makes you lots of money.

So what does this decision mean for FORP? We’re working very hard for the park and that work doesn’t stop just because this development isn’t going ahead. We’ve got lots to do. The park needs improvements for now and the future and we’re here to fight for them.

The Friends of Redcatch Park group in celebratory mood

n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

It’s time to review the Parking Schemes

The recent decision by Bristol City Council cabinet to review Resident Parking Schemes (RPS) is something I welcome. It has been an issue that many constituents have contacted me about since I was first elected in 2015.

The RPSs, in their current form, have been in place since 2013. In the decade that has past much has changed across our city.

I know many residents in the BS3 postcode area, particularly those living close to the Ashton Gate Stadium have been seeking an extension of existing RPSs. These calls have been supported by local councillors and extensive evidence of public support has been provided to our council for an RPS near the stadium.

Residents in Windmill Hill and

parts of Totterdown have also called for an extension of RPS, in response to the significant housing development close to the railway line in BS3. It’s important to remember that over 1,000 properties are currently under construction within the Southville RPS, but very close to the boundary with Windmill Hill ward which is not included. I will continue to raise these points for constituents in both Bedminster, Windmill Hill and Totterdown.

It is my understanding that planning consent for those 1,000 properties specifically excludes residents from RPS eligibility and allocates funding for a potential RPS expansion. Thousands more properties are planned in this area, and if we are seeking to encourage

modal shift for residents who will live within walking distance of existing services and good transport connections, we should not encourage car use by relaxing existing restrictions.

These examples alone demonstrate why a review of RPSs is much-needed. But we shouldn’t undertake a review without the voice of you being heard at its heart. I have called on the mayor to ensure that the view of local residents living both in and near existing schemes is taken into account.

We also need to ensure that after a review is undertaken that we don’t slip back on the changes called for. It is my belief that if residents want an extension in either Bedminster or Windmill Hill wards that they are implemented in a timely manner.

Enjoying Victoria Park this summer

If you’re planning to enjoy a picnic in Victoria Park this summer, please ensure that barbecues are not lit on dry grass or under trees, and that hot ashes are not left unattended. Apart from causing fires, in the past hot ashes have burnt children’s feet and dogs’ paws. Please also remember to take all your litter home. The bins cannot cope with the volume in hot weather and seagulls and foxes will soon scatter the contents of any rubbish bags left next to bins. Lastly, please have consideration for other park-users and keep the volume of music low.

The Victoria Park Action Group notes that while some cyclists and double buggy users are frustrated by the entrance barriers, these were put in after much consideration to prevent motorcycles entering the park and to encourage cyclists to go more slowly, therefore making the park safer for children, dogs and pedestrians. Each entrance has been tested by a wheelchair user.

There are a number of gardening opportunities in Victoria Park if you’d like to flex your green fingers. The first is at the Community Garden, south of the Bowling Club. The group meets on Thursday from 2,30-4pm. If you’d like to know more, call Barney on 0792 972 7259. Secondly, to help with the vegetable beds (north of the Lodge), join the group on Wednesdays from 10am-12 noon. For more information, call Ella on 0758

Victoria Park is a popular spot in the summer

434 2739. Last but not least, there is a group looking after the flower beds bordering the path into Victoria Park near Bedminster Station. They usually meet on the first Sunday of the month from 10am until 12 noon. Contact Christine on 0790 187 4375 for more info.

This review offers an opportunity for our city to renew our practices to better reflect how our communities have changed. Making them work for households instead of against them. I look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council to ensure that we get this right first time.

Jubilee Pool’s first anniversary

It doesn’t feel like too long ago we were fighting to save the much-loved Jubilee Pool in Knowle, but in a few months the community will have had control of it for a year.

The community worked so hard to save the Jubilee Pool and have achieved so much since taking it over that it was decided it was time to celebrate. There are some ideas in the pipeline but the Pool team would like to know what you would like to do to celebrate the Jubilee’s first anniversary under community control.

They are planning some key events for the weekend starting Friday, October 6. Could your idea tie in with one of theirs, or be held on another date over October? It could be an event at the pool or elsewhere, they are open to all suggestions. Please email your ideas to: events@ fojp.co.uk

Why not join Action Greater Bedminster?

Action Greater Bedminster (AGB) aims to bring together residents, organisations, charities and local businesses to improve our neighbourhood in BS3. AGB is managed by a steering group, which is made up of our six local councillors, up to four local residents and representatives from our four partner organisations: BS3 Community Development, Windmill Hill City Farm, the Bedminster BID and

Way Out West.

Fancy finding out more about their work in BS3, contributing to projects in the community and sharing your thoughts and opinions on local issues and activities?

The AGB Annual General Meeting is on July 13 and they’d love for you to come along. As well as looking back at their activities and achievements of 2022, AGB is recruiting for a new

Chair, Secretary and Marketing and Communications Assistant. The passionate, well-connected and friendly voluntary Steering Group meet every six to eight weeks and work together on projects, such as BS3 beyond 2025, discuss location issues and aims to improve the lives of those living in BS3.

Join the group at their AGM on Thursday, July 13, 7.30pm at The Southville Centre Café. Light

refreshments will be available. Come along to connect with residents and meet your local councillors from Bedminster, Southville and Windmill Hill Wards.

More information and full role descriptions can be found on the website: actiongreaterbedminster. org.uk

Brandon Trust Charity open new Bedminster shop

Brandon Trust has opened a new independent charity shop in North Street, Bedminster. Brandon Trusts supports children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism to live life in the way they wish, fulfil their dreams and live independently.

The new charity shop is filled with vintage gems, sustainable fashion and beautiful homeware pieces. From practical items to glittery partyware, there will be something for everyone to discover in the shop.

After wandering around the

area, store manager Jenny and assistant manager Lottie are very proud and excited to be a part of the Bedminster and Bristol community, looking forward to putting on events and opening its doors to all.

They will be seeking volunteers

to join their creative and dedicated team, so please get in touch by emailing Jennifer. reed@brandontrust.org

Donations will be welcome during the shop’s opening hours so please bring along any unwanted clothes or homeware.

BS3 Beyond 2025 - what’s happening in July?

Together with other major developments already being built and predicted for Bedminster and Southville, the impact on services, schools, transport, environment and parking need to be addressed and a plan put in place to ensure BS3 remains a vibrant, happy and comfortable place to live.

With funding from the Quartet Foundation and Bristol City Council, Action Greater Bedminster is organising a series of open workshops and meetings from February to October 2023 aimed at equipping the local community with the full facts, and empowering them to take part in the decision-making which will shape future life in the BS3 neighbourhood.

Their programme of events continues with three public meetings in July:

On Thursday, July 6, from 6.308.30pm in the Schoolroom Cafe at the Southville Centre, Ben Barker of BS3 Wildlife and Let’s Walk Bedminster will lead a discussion on the implications for green spaces and wildlife of a massive increase in people and cars. He believes we must promote local people’s

n ADVERTORIAL

priorities and if need be mobilise to support or oppose various ideas.

Wednesday, July 12, 7-9pm, at acta theatre, Gladstone Street, representatives of Bristol Parks Department will explain what their increased interest in collaboration with the local community really means, and whether the predicted population growth will be a plus or a minus.

Finally, the one everyone’s been waiting for: What’s the Plan for Healthcare? On Wednesday, July 19, 7-9pm at St Francis Church, Bridge View Medical will present the changes they’ll be making, both historic and upcoming, to serve their community. This will be a welcome opportunity to gain an understanding of the environment and the organisation’s aspirations and direction of travel, and to give your feedback.

These meetings are open to everyone living and working in BS3. All three events are on EventBrite. There is no need to book tickets but it does help us plan if you do. All venues are accessible, but should you need assistance, please contact hello@ actiongreaterbedminster.org.uk

“ WE ARE a thriving, one-form entry school, educating children from 3 to 11 years, in the heart of Long Ashton. We are fortunate to have beautiful outside space, light, purpose-built classrooms and a warm, welcoming community. ‘Let your light shine’ (Matthew 5:16) is our vision for everyone and central to all we do. Our ethos is based on developing children who value and care for themselves and others and are able to develop strengths across all areas of the school curriculum. We are a fully inclusive school and wish for the time our pupils spend with us to be both highly rewarding, successful and enjoyable,” Victoria Reyes, headteacher.

Northleaze welcomes visits and would love you to meet some of the pupils and see us in action! Open days for Reception 2024 families are being held on the following days (and can also be found on our website  www.northleaze.n-somerset.sch.uk/open-days-20232024/):

Tuesday 26th September – 9.15-10.00am

Wednesday 18th October – 1.30-2.15pm

Thursday 16th November – 9.15-10.00am

Friday 1st December – 1.30-2.15pm

There are currently a few remaining places in our September 2023 Reception intake and a couple of spaces in other classes throughout the school. Please email school@northleazeprimary.org.uk if you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit.

n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS

We are proud to announce that we will be consulting on improvements to Victoria Park, to transform the neglected space between the school, the railway line and Windmill Hill, for which we won two funding packages

Starting soon on site, after years of planning and hard work, we will see a brand-new skate park being built. This will take about half the space and, directly alongside this, we have secured another £225,000 to improve the recreational area and restore the lost swings. This funding has been collected from the major developers at Bedminster Green in recognition of the effect they will have on the area and to make sure that there is quality open space, which will be much needed from the very dense developments proposed.

This will take some time to come to fruition and we want to make sure that local people have their say. By the time you read this, our public meeting on July 1 at Windmill Hill Community Centre may have taken place (widely publicised in our newsletter delivered to over 6,000 households). Knowing that we need to reach out widely, we have also put up a brief questionnaire online for people to help shape the proposals.

We are also hoping to work with the local primary schools to encourage young people to have their say as to what recreational and play equipment they would like to see.

The simplest way to participate is to use the QR code on our newsletter, or follow this web address: tinyurl.com/2mxwvwmr

Christine and Tony have been reviewing proposals for the redevelopment of the former Amerind Nursing Home. The proposals are a relatively low density residential development of about 100 homes and two new ‘Southville style’ streets. We have asked for further discussions regarding the retention of trees, number of parking spaces, affordable housing and how to avoid rat-running.

Labour have announced plans to increase Residents Parking Schemes (RPS) fees for low emission vehicles. Currently, the lowest emission vehicles get free or half price permits in order to encourage the take up of lower emissions vehicles. However, all cars will now be charged the full amount regardless of their emissions alongside increases for second and third cars.

While we support RPSs, and have campaigned alongside

residents living south of North Street for the scheme to be expanded to their area, we believe that there should be a wider consultation that also looks at boundaries, match day parking, and how this will integrate with the funding secured for residents to codesign a Liveable Neighbourhood scheme in our area.

As we go to print, we have still not been given a date for when Gaol Ferry Bridge will reopen. Local Green councillors and Wapping Wharf businesses agree that this needs to happen as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, £11m of funding has been allocated for a four-year programme of assessment and repairs to the New Cut bridges. However it is clear that further funding is likely to be needed as in some cases only an assessment of potential repairs is being undertaken.

Ten years ago, we worked with local voluntary groups (including youth) to rescue the shockingly neglected and unusable Redcatch tennis courts. A grant was obtained and they were made free to use (a grant condition) for all. Five years later, the council sports department signed a contract with an outside provider which got wrecked courts elsewhere in parks restored in return for them being moved to a charging and pre-booking model. Partly because of Redcatch being in better shape (and still being so, according to council reports), the nearness of a good tennis club with modest fees, the failure of officers to agree improvements and the popularity of the free system, Knowle did not join.

The courts are still popular and used by many, particularly the young and retired, who have given reasons for preferring the present system. Youth workers who bring youngsters to the park said it would be impossible and we will have more youngsters as the Pavillion is brought back into use by the football club and the community garden.

The courts, though, were not maintained by the council (even though they are claiming they have) and need a refresh. This is a much cheaper job than the resurface and can be covered from local funds previously spirited away by the mayor and now restored thanks to a council budget amendment.

Officers (the same team that did the council Jubilee ‘consultation’) have refused to acknowledge there is an alternative to the system they are selling and have implied in their ‘consultation’ that the only way to get a refresh is to move to the pay system.

People have reasons for choosing either system but they have to know the options. We have written quotes for the refresh (the same firm the outside body has used) and we believe in free choice. Officers have refused to confirm that the majority of votes will get their way so it is doubly important that you register your views either on line at ask.bristol.gov.uk/redcatchpark-tennis-2023 or contact us for a paper version with SAE.

Bristol City Council’s cabinet approved the increases for permits in Residents’ Parking Zones (RPZs) on May 6. Green councillors said that it would only move parking issues to nearby residential streets as drivers seek to avoid paying the higher charges. But Labour cabinet member for transport Don Alexander said it would persuade car owners to “move to active travel”.

The changes, set to begin in the coming weeks, include ending discounts for low-emission vehicles, with permits for second cars to double in price to £224, and third vehicles rising from £224 to £560. Residents said: “I understand they need to reduce car ownership, so it would make me consider whether I need to own a second car but I also feel it would be helpful if there was improvement to bus services to counterbalance.”

More positive news includes the Bright Green Homes initiative. Check out if you’re eligible for free energy efficiency improvements, including insulation, heat pumps

and solar PV. For more details and eligibility criteria, go to: bristolcityleap.co.uk/domestic/ bright-green-homes/ Ashton Vale residents are still lobbying for a replacement bus.

Resident Jane Caines contacted Richard Holden, Minister for Transport and Roads. Mark Ellis, Head of Bus Sector Partnerships and Promotion, replied saying that: “Local Authorities have a statutory duty to provide services, where a commercial service had been removed.” However, they can choose whether or not to do this, and can use a government fund called the Bus Services Operators Grant to subsidise socially necessary bus services and WECA receives £1.1 million of this fund. The government also provides over grants directly to bus operators to help maintain extensive networks and keep fares down.

I have recently joined the WECA Audit committee and will be asking both First Bus and WECA what they do with this funding?

Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies Knowle Community Party councillors for Knowle

FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE

The One City Plan: Bristol to 2050

When we launched the first One City Plan in 2019, we did not know how it would be received but it is clear that there is an energy in our city to continue to work together to secure a better, more inclusive, and more sustainable future for Bristol.

We have been able to capture this energy over and again through ongoing collaboration from partners across our city.

Last month, this culminated in the launch of its fourth iteration, which you can read below ahead of it being published on Bristol One City’s website. The One City Plan is not the council’s plan or my plan, but it is a combined effort from all key organisations that signals Bristol’s intent up to 2050. It is written by and for our city.

City partners and One City board members gathered to celebrate the launch of the new One City Plan and the hard work of colleagues in pulling this together at pace. It is always great to see Bristol coming together with a

renewed energy to map out and deliver ambitions for our city.

Rebecca Mear, CEO of Voscur, speaking at the One City Plan launch event, said: “The plan has evolved to reflect the change facing our city. In 2020, our goals focused on the 2030 carbon neutrality targets and the climate emergency. In 2021, our focus was on covid and how we recover from the social, health, and economic impacts. This year’s refresh of our shared goals has been developed in the context of the national cost-of-living crisis.

“In this version, we have included more details of how we track delivery of the goals and also how we measure them against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using the SDG indicators. Within the plan we have set out which boards are contributing to which SDGs. We also provide clearer information on how One City operates and the definitions that are used.”

The event also gave an

opportunity to reflect on some of the successes of the One City approach so far. We heard from Christina Gray, Director of Public Health, who reflected on the mobilisation of support through the national cost-of-living crisis, with 105 Welcoming Spaces opened for Bristol’s residents over the winter. We also heard from Stephen Peacock, Bristol City Council’s Chief Executive, on the future of One City; Rebecca Mear, CEO of Voscur, shared perspectives from the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector; Victoria Matthews, Business West, offered the business sector perspective; and Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, reflected on the work of the Living Rent Commission, ahead of its report being published, as another working example of city-wide collaboration through our One City Approach.

A big thank you to all of our

city partners and board members for contributing to the plan and working collaboratively to deliver this refresh. I would also like to thank Andrea, the outgoing Head of the City Office, for leading the process to refresh the plan, as well as Allan and Sarah who have also been pivotal in supporting work to deliver on shared goals as One City.

Marvin Rees shares his views with the Voice

n PILATES

Sona Pilates with Leanne Copley

It’s summer, it’s been hot for a while and, with it, comes those awful beach body adverts, promotions and social pressures to look a certain way or you can’t have the best summer. And we know that it’s all lies. You’ve had the best time of your life in the scruffiest clothes with no make-up on – admit it.

This summer be more concerned about how your body feels and less about how it looks.

How does your body wake up? Get up the stairs? Allow you to do all the things you love doing? If your health is your priority and you feel good, believe me, the looking good will follow. So start with how you feel.

In this weather, it’s always dehydrated, so up your water intake. Also maybe it’s tired due to later sunsets and early sunrises, so sort the blinds out and go to bed a bit earlier. Nourish your body with salads, seasonal fruit, fresh BBQ meals with friends. As I say, roll with the seasons and move more outside with activities that make you feel good. It’s all about the feels!

Only cover up those beautiful bodies if it’s scorching hot and you forgot your sunscreen. Otherwise, show them off and maybe find some shade. By all means, never fail to get all the sunshine and fresh air you can.”

www.sonapilates.com

Supporting Freddie’s fight

On June 16, an impressive 60 people connected to the Dixon family participated in Freddie’s midnight walk. Dressed in bright coloured clothing, they left Brislington Junior Football club at 8.30pm and headed towards Bristol Childrens Hospital in support of Freddie’s Fight, stopping along the way at the Lodekka Brislington, Supreme Sports Lounge and the Sportsman pub, arriving at Bristol Children’s Hospital at Midnight.

At the beginning of this year, Freddie Dixon, 15, was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma and has since been on a long Chemotherapy treatment plan. Having spent the first 17 weeks in Bristol Children’s Hospital, he managed to be well enough to get home a couple of weeks ago for 12 days for the first time after his third round of Chemotherapy.

Members of Brislington Junior Football club (who Freddie plays for in the under 15s) along with many other people connected to the family decided to support not only Freddie but Teenage Cancer Trust to raise money and awareness. Freddie’s walk was part of this fundraising.

Freddie’s midnight walk raised £1,200 with a simple donation of £20 into the GoFundMe page to attend the walk and then an astonishing £505.65 in bucket donations along the way.

As the group made their way to Bristol Children’s Hospital at Midnight, they were met by Freddie and his dad Craig in the window to give everyone a wave. Freddie is currently back in hospital completing his fourth round of Chemotherapy.

To donate, please visit: gofundme.com/f/jwkhp-freddies-fight

The Dixon family and friends came out to support Freddie

Imagine back pain as a raging house fire. Just like preventing fires with precautions such as fire alarms and closed gas hobs, we take steps to protect our backs. However, sometimes the unexpected occurs, and we find ourselves in need of immediate intervention.

Just as the fire brigade puts out the flames averting a disaster, a fully blown disc may require a back operation. The operation deals with the acute problem, but it leaves behind a damaged ‘house’ in need of reconstruction. That’s where chiropractors step in as the carpenters of the back. They specialise in rebuilding what was damaged and restoring functionality.

Recently, I treated a patient who had undergone a disc shaving procedure to relieve leg pain. While the surgery successfully resolved the leg discomfort, she found herself still suffering from persistent lower back pain several months later. Additionally, the lingering discomfort prevented her from exercising, which further dampened her spirits. Recognising the need for a comprehensive approach, she sought the assistance of Kasa Chiropractic.

Fire, fire, burning bright

It is stories like these that highlight the importance of seeking holistic solutions rather than merely addressing the immediate emergency.

At Kasa Chiropractic, we understand that your well-being is not just about extinguishing the flames of pain, it’s also about rebuilding and restoring the harmony within your body. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to help you recover and thrive, providing you with the care you need to regain control of your life.

Through a series of sessions, we focused not only on alleviating her pain but also on restoring her ability to move freely and enjoy life once again. By targeting the root cause of her discomfort, we were able to address the underlying issues in her spine and provide the necessary care for her rehabilitation. Now, thanks to chiropractic treatment, she is pain-free and back to her active lifestyle. The rebuilt ‘house’ of her back stands strong and resilient.

Remember, when it comes to your health, after the firemen have done their part, the skilled carpenters at Kasa Chiropractic are ready to rebuild your foundation. Don’t let back pain hold you back any longer; take the first step towards a pain-free future today.

Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro 0117 370 2680 www.kasachiro.com

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade Williams

Struggling to hear people speaking? You might need an ear health check...

ARE NEIGHBOURS, friends and family always complaining: ‘’Why is this so loud?!’’ Do you always have to increase the volume or struggle to hear people speaking?

Bedminster Pharmacy can help with our new Ear Wax Removal Service.

Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and germ-free. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly, but sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.

Estimates show that, in the UK, a significant amount of the population that requires help with ear wax removal has no access to

NHS provision or has to wait 12 to 16 weeks. We know that a build-up of earwax in your ear can cause problems like: earache; hearing loss; tinnitus (hearing sounds from inside your body); itchiness in or around the ear; vertigo (a spinning sensation); and ear infections.

These will usually improve once the excess earwax has been removed. Some people regularly get blocked ears because they naturally produce a lot of earwax.

Other factors that can increase the risk of too much earwax include: producing naturally

hard or dry earwax; having narrow or hairy ear canals (the tube between the opening of the ear and the eardrum); being elderly, as earwax becomes drier with age; and bony growths in the outer part of the ear canal.

Earwax can also block your ear if you frequently insert objects into your ear canal, such as cotton buds, ear plugs or hearing aids.

Our trained professionals at Bedminster Pharmacy have partnered with a world-leading health technology provider

and specialist clinicians to use a cutting-edge device that examines your ears, takes high-definition images and videos, and performs a hearing check.

This allows diagnosis of conditions including infections which we can help treat in the pharmacy or referral to an appropriate medical professional. Professional removal treatment is offered where your hearing is impacted by excessive or compacted wax.

Wax removal is done using microsuction, a painless procedure regarded as the safest and most effective way to remove earwax.

Top tip for good ear health –never use cotton buds or other objects in your ear, such as matches, hair grips, crochet hooks and knitting needles, or scratch with fingernails.

We are offering a £20 introductory price for our Ear Health Check. To book an appointment, just call Bedminster Pharmacy today on 0117 9853388.

Totterdown Baptist Church open day

Ever wondered what’s behind the red doors of the church on Wells Road? Or have you spotted the church’s railings on BBC1’s ‘Money For Nothing’ when they visit the Bristol Upholstery Collective next door? Well, here’s your chance to find out what’s inside.

Totterdown Baptist Church is hosting an open day on Saturday July 8, from 11.30am to 3.30pm. Come and look around this historic building and find out what happens inside throughout the week. Activities on the day, in and around the building, include crafts, a play area for toddlers, tours of the church, a meditation space, a café selling drinks and home-made cake, barbeque and live music. You can also meet some of the groups that use the building – such as exercise classes, mental health support, Townswomen’s Guild, toddlers, pre-school and more – to see

what a busy community we are throughout the week. You can even try a fun physical challenge from Hive fitness or a more sedate visit to a stamp expert to get your stamps valued – could you have an unexpected fortune?

Pop in for five minutes or stay for an hour. Whether you want

to tuck into a sausage from the barbeque, explore the building, have a go at the activities or just relax in the café area with a slice of delicious home-made cake, everyone is welcome.

Entry is free but there will be a small charge for refreshments. For further details, please contact info@tbc.org.uk

Please note that the building is not totally accessible yet, although the group is currently working on plans to improve that. An accessible entrance is in Sydenham Road, and should you wish to access the rest of the building, please ask one of the stewards for help. There is an accessible toilet available.

The church on Wells Road is opening its doors to all on July 8

Support group for widows in BS3 area

Anya Esser has set up a support group for widows in the BS3 area, prompted by the untimely death of her husband Jonny, who died last November after a short battle with cancer when he was just 48. The group is called Bristol Widowed Together BS3.

“I’m 52, too young to be widowed,” says Anya. “I wanted to join a local support group to connect with people in the same position as me and searched for one but there was nothing specific out there for widows. So I set up my own. I pushed it out across social media and within two days had 30 members.”

Last month, the group held its first face-to-face meeting with seven people attending. “I’ve already received messages from those who attended, some of them who were really hesitant and nearly didn’t make it, to say how glad they were to come along,” says Anya.

Some of the feedback Anya received after the first meeting includes: “It’s so wonderful and refreshing to meet others who although all completely unique and individual circumstances have a commonality.” As well as: “I can’t thank you enough for setting up this first meeting, it was a pleasure meeting everyone.

I walked away feeling like I’d just spent a couple of hours with friends I have known for years and really understand.” And: “The club you never wanted to be part of but equally feel really glad to have found.”

Anya continues: “Sadly, there’s lots of us out there, widowed before our time and

it’s a lonely journey to travel, dealing with our grief while trying to raise kids who have lost a parent. It’s tough and can feel really isolating. Everyone grieves differently. Some choose to do it alone, others like me find the support of other people going through a similar thing useful and comforting. So if you’re out there, men and women, having lost your life partner and you like the idea of a local support group, then drop me a line. Or if you know anyone in this position who might be interested, please let them know.” She adds: “I set up this group because, for some people, including myself, we feel that it’s better to grieve together than alone.”

The group can be found on Facebook by searching for ‘Bristol Widowed Together BS3’. After answering a few simple questions, you will be invited to join the group.

New manager for Bedminster BID

Ruth Green has been appointed the BID Manager of Bedminster BID, tasked with improving trading for businesses based on East Street.

A BS3 resident for more than 24 years, Ruth has worked for and with BS3 Community Development and Action Greater Bedminster championing improvement in the area.

Ruth will be working closely with traders and the Bedminster community through Bedminster BID to improve trading conditions in the area’s high street. The group is run by a BID board, which Ruth will now oversee, and works alongside the community to continue its five-year plan to rejuvenate Bedminster.

Alongside this role, Ruth is the Vice Chair of Action Greater Bedminster, the community partnership for Bedminster and Southville. She was previously the head of community and engagement at the BS3 Community Development charity, based in the Southville Centre.

Ruth Green said: “I am so excited to be joining the BID Team as your BID Manager and am looking forward to working

with you and supporting you. My passion is inclusive and accessible spaces and places for everyone. I have good experience in working with various teams within the council and have supported many community groups within the area to the benefit of local residents and can’t wait to continue to use this experience in Bedminster.”

Bedminster BID was established in 2013 and has worked with BS3 to bring positive change by supporting new and existing businesses to make it an even better place to live, work and play with events, programmes, projects and more. The board usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6pm and all are welcome to attend.

Ruth Green

Anya was widowed last year after her husband Jonny sadly died

n NEWS FROM BS3 COMMUNITY – THE CHARITY THAT RUNS THE SOUTHVILLE CENTRE AND THE CHESSEL CENTRE

New bingo sessions

Join us for our new weekly Bingo sessions. Every Wednesday 1.45-3.15pm at our Southville Centre on Beauley Road. These are fun and friendly sessions, and everyone is welcome. Costs £5 which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Lots of prizes to be won. For more information, contact info@bs3community,org.uk or call 0117 9231039.

Monthly movie night

Our Movie Night on Friday 21 July will be a special one, as we are going to be joined by the fabulous Batch Cook Club, who will be cooking some tasty curry dishes to go with the film. There will also be kids snacks and sides which will start from £3. We are showing the family friendly, comedy film ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’,

which will start at 6pm. Booking for the film and the food will be through our Eventbrite page, or call us on 0117 9231039 for more information.

Morning social

Come along to our Morning Social at Bedminster Quaker Meeting House on Marksbury Road, BS3 5HX, every Wednesday from 9.30-11.30am. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a friendly chat, free tea or coffee, and a breakfast snack. There’ll be information about local services and activities happening in the local community. For more information, contact: leane. purton@bs3community.org.uk

Monday club for older people

Our Monday Club is a weekly social club for older people, based at The School Room cafe,

Loft Boarding & Insulation

at the Southville Centre on Beauley Road, every Monday from 11.30am-2pm. There is always a friendly welcome, a hot lunch, coffee/tea and lots of chatting. If you or someone you

know is feeling isolated, the club is a great way to connect with people. Get in touch to book your place. Call Steph on 07487 329362, or email: steph.atkins@ bs3community.org.uk

South Bristol business supports The Vench

The Lockleaze Youth and Play Space –known as The Vench – on Romney Avenue has now got an accessible entrance ramp, sunken trampoline, pizza oven, essential groundworks and a hot water system. This follows £35,000 of grants from Grundon in St Phillips.

Lisa Jimenez, centre manager for youth and play at The Vench, said: “The trampoline is so popular that we’ve had to set up a timing system so that everyone gets a go on it. Because it’s sunk into the ground it’s accessible for all the children, including those with disabilities, so it’s a great addition.

“More widely, The Vench is massively important to this community. We’re in the process of planning our 50th birthday and we have people in their 60s and 70s coming here who say they used the centre when they were much younger.

“For the youngsters, it’s a great place for confidence building, for understanding and taking acceptable risks, for making friends, for building relationships with staff they can trust if they don’t feel confident going anywhere else, and us just being able to keep an extra eye on these children who might need some additional support.

“We’re even getting some interest from the children in how the centre is run and financed, so it’s an opportunity to provide some early business education as well.

“Of course it’s changed massively over the years but the core function is still the same – community cohesion and a place for young people to find their confidence in life.

Without the funding we receive from local organisations, businesses and income from our own space, the centre couldn’t even exist.”

John Phelps, operations manager at the Bristol office of Grundon Waste Management, said: “We are delighted that these installations are complete and that we can see the transformative effect they have had on The Vench. Our work aims to make the community centre safer and more financially and environmentally sustainable so that it can continue working to support children and young people in Lockleaze to live happy and healthy lives.”

Iulia Manolescu, operations manager at The Vench, said: “We are of course incredibly grateful to Grundon Waste Management for their support. We have a thriving, passionate team here but securing funding is competitive and hard work, so we can’t thank Grundon enough for their help.

“Most important however is the new accessibility ramp at the front, which gives our elderly and disabled visitors the confidence to come in and benefit from our food club which played such as massive role during Covid and continues to help local people during the cost of living crisis.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Summer special offer from A Cleaning

The Linton-Butt family, Nick, Alison, Claudia, and Alice are proud to offer a reliable service supported by certification, training, and a wealth of industry experience. They have created a fantastic team of highly trained and friendly staff who are passionate about the world of cleaning. Claudia told Voice: “With our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, you have the assurance that we will get the job done right for you. We specialise in carpet, rug, hard floor, upholstery, mattresses, curtains, leather, and oven cleaning services. Our services are used by both domestic and commercial clients, plus we are members of the NCCA, Trustmark, BESA and many others. Nothing can compare to the pleasure and pride we get every day from hearing so many compliments from our happy customers – we love what we do and look forward to every day.

We know how important it is to listen to the demands and needs of our customers and then to meet and surpass their expectations. We hope you can also join our community of many happy customers too – visit our Trustpilot profile to see our amazing customer reviews! Be sure to take advantage of our special offer this summer where ‘three rooms carpet cleaned for the price of two’!”.

Call the office on 0117 325 9250 for a free quotation or get in contact via email: sales@ acleaningservice.co.uk or our website: www.acleaningservice. co.uk

The Vench has fantastic new facilities

Ashton Park School builds for the future

Ashton Park School and Sixth Form is a popular and successful school committed to caring for our students as well as educating them. We place huge emphasis on our school values;

Respect, determination and community. Our aim is to ensure students become the best that they can be.

We encourage our students to have high aspirations and we support them in realising their ambitions. The school continues to develop a strong academic record and provides enrichment opportunities in sport, music, drama and many other activities.

We are very privileged to have a dedicated, talented, experienced and well qualified staff team who strive to ensure that our students fulfil their potential. We nurture from year 7 until they develop into impressive young adults – academically accomplished, but also well prepared for life after school.

By knowing our students well, we are able to meet their needs.We work with external agencies and parents to ensure that everyone fulfils their potential. Our staff are committed to providing excellent care, guidance and support and including students who require additional support. We recognise that our students will play varied roles in the global community of the future.

All staff are passionate about ensuring good discipline that provides an atmosphere where everyone can study and learn. We also

ensure that we support our students with their emotional needs as part of our pastoral offer. Safeguarding children is at the heart of everything we do and we have a dedicated safeguarding team to support this. Teaching and Learning is integral for all students to be

successful. We do this through our Ashton Park Way, alongside this we:

• Set high expectations and aspirations.

• Provide a rich, purposeful and varied learning environment that allows all students to develop their skills and abilities to their full potential.

• Provide a broad and balanced curriculum which is stimulating, dynamic and tailored to our students.

• Build on students’ prior experiences, skills, knowledge and learning.

• Provide opportunities for students to celebrate success and achievement.

• Ensure equal opportunities are provided to meet the individual learning needs of each student.

• Engage parents and carers in the crucial role of supporting learning.

• Invest in our staff, in order that they provide cutting edge delivery.

• Value diversity and champion inclusion for all.

Headteacher Richard Uffendell

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bright Green Homes

Over 500 households in Bristol, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) are to receive funding for energy efficiency and renewable upgrades to help tackle fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions.

The ‘Bright Green Homes’ project will be delivered across the South West, by Bristol City Leap, an innovative new partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco, designed to bring in investments of nearly £500 million in low carbon energy projects and create over 1000 jobs in its first five years.

Energy efficiency upgrades will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will range from insulation measures like loft and cavity walls to the installation of renewable and low-carbon technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps.

Households can apply via the Bristol City Leap website where they will complete a short questionnaire to determine their eligibility.

Home improvements for eligible households will be installed by Bristol City Leap partner, Ameresco from March 2023 and continue until 2025.

The three councils successfully bid for funding from phase 2 of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s home upgrade grant, which has already provided over £1.1 billion to low-income households living in England’s worst quality, off-gas grid homes.

The latest round of funding will help reduce the carbon footprint of homes while supporting hundreds of households in the south west struggling with energy bills.

n NEWS

Writers from Bristol and beyond are invited to join prose author Judy Darley and poet Helen Sheppard for a voyage of discovery aboard Bristol’s John Sebastian Lightship on September 30, with plenty of time to write and an inspirationgathering harbourside walk.

Taking place on Bristol’s atmospheric, historic lightship moored in John Sebastian Quay, this workshop encourages you to draw inspiration from the setting alongside creative exercises designed to help you find

David White, Operations Director for Bristol City Leap, commented: “We are delighted that Bristol has been successful in the most recent round of the Home Upgrade Grant scheme. We were able to make a much larger bid than in previous funding rounds due to the additional delivery capability that Bristol City Leap can bring to bear through the partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco. As a result, our Bright Green Homes project will help reduce the energy bills of over 500 families in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset, whilst also tackling the climate emergency and creating local jobs.”

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s announcement marks the third time in three years that Bristol City Council has received funding for residents in low energy efficiency and lowincome households and builds on the hundreds of homes already benefitting from improved energy efficiency.

Councillor Kye Dudd, Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, Waste and Energy in Bristol, said: “I know many people are deeply concerned about the cost of heating their homes and rising energy bills, so I’m glad that we have secured even more funding through the government’s Home Upgrade Grant.

“This funding is an essential part of Bristol’s commitment to become a carbon-neutral city and it will also make a real difference to eligible residents in the city – saving them money on their household energy bills and making their homes more

energy efficient through upgrades like better insulation.

“If you think your household meets the eligibility criteria, then I urge you to complete the online questionnaire. If you have any questions about the project or eligibility criteria, please get in touch with Bristol City Leap.”

More information on the scheme, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on our Bright Green Homes page on our website www.bristolcityleap.co.uk/ domestic/bright-green-homes or by contacting the Bristol City Leap team at 0117 352 1180.

A little bit about Bristol City Leap…

Bristol City Leap is a world-first, game-changing approach towards decarbonisation at the city scale. The City Leap Energy Partnership is a twenty-year joint venture between Bristol City Council, Ameresco and Vattenfall Heat UK which will enable the delivery of over £1 billion of investment into

Bristol’s energy system.

Put simply, this means a transformative boost in the amount of renewable energy and decarbonised heat powering our city, which in turn means a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live, learn, work and play.

During the first five years of the partnership, nearly £500 million will be invested in a range of large infrastructure projects including the significant expansion of Bristol’s award-winning Heat Network that provides local businesses and residents with access to reliable, affordable low-carbon heat from sustainable sources. Solar panels and low carbon heating systems will be installed at local schools, the council’s social housing will be made more energy efficient to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, and substantial investment will go into community-owned renewable energy projects to help residents play a part in Bristol’s journey to carbon neutrality.

GREAT DAYS OUT FOR ALL

DAY TRIPS 2022

• Moreton-In-Marsh (Market Day) & Bourton-on-The-Water Tues 12th April

• Abergavenny (Market Day), Caerphilly & The Brecon Beacons Tues 26th April

• Mystery Tour Mon 2nd May

• Malvern Spring Flower Show

Sun 8th May

• Black Country Living Museum

Tues 10th May

original, meaningful ways to use water in your writing. Whether you write about a raindrop or an ocean, you can harness water as a powerful writing muse. Start the day gently with readings from your hosts author Judy Darley and poet Helen Sheppard before exploring different ways of using water to shine up themes in your writing, with generative exercises, poetry and prose examples from a variety of writers, and plenty of time to write. Book tickets at: shorturl.at/bluwO

• The Royal Mint Experience & Cardiff Bay Tues 24th May

• Exbury Gardens in Spring Colour & Scenic Drive through The New Forest

Tues 7th June

• Windsor with Riverboat Cruise

Sun 12th June

• Compton Acres Gardens & Poole

Tues 21st June

• Weymouth

Sun 24th July and Sun 21st Aug

• Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, and The New Forest Tues 26th July

• The Donkey Sanctuary & Sidmouth (Folk Festival week) Tues 2nd Aug

• The 3 B’s of the Cotswolds Tour

Tues 9th Aug

• River Dart Round Robin Tues 23rd Aug

• Barry Island or Porthcawl Sun 28th Aug

• Bournemouth (Air Show Weekend)

Sun 4th Sept

• Brecon & The Welsh Mountains Scenic Drive Sun 18th Sept

• Salisbury & The New Forest Scenic Drive Sun 2nd Oct

• Wye Valley & The Forest of Dean Scenic Drive Sun 16th Oct

• Savernake Forest Autumn Tints & Marlborough Sun 30th Oct

• Winchester Christmas Market

Sun 27th Nov

• Cardiff Christmas Shopper

Sun 4th Dec

• Webb’s of Wychbold Garden Centre at Christmas & Worcester Tues 13th Dec

• Winter Wonderland @ Hyde Park & Oxford Street Shopping Sun 18th Dec

n ZERO GREEN

Going plastic free

Find out how to get started

We’re all aware of the impact that plastic pollution is having on our environment, but between work, family, friends and admin it can be difficult to find the time to make a change.

A great starting point is to do an audit of your plastic waste. This will help you understand where most of your plastic is coming from, and which switches will have the biggest impact.

There are two ways to do this. One is to spend a few minutes looking through your recycling before you put it out to be collected. Alternatively, you could spend a week making a note each time you put a plastic item in recycling or general waste. The first method is quicker, but the second will give you a more holistic picture and include non-recyclable plastic such as film lids.

If you notice there are several plastic houmous pots in your recycling, maybe you could try making your own using tinned or dried chickpeas. If most of your plastic comes from take-away or ready-meal trays, could you reserve one evening to batch cook a few meals that will last

A more wildlife friendly Bedminster?

By Ben Barker, Secretary, BS3

Wildlife

Group.

Windmill Hill City Farm (WHCF) is one of my favourite Bedminster places, so I was pleased when the farm became the first large space (around four acres) to sign up to the Greater Bedminster Urban Nature Reserve (1,750 acres).

all week?

You might find that a lot of your plastic comes from laundry liquid or cleaning products. Items like these are great to start refilling. Any bottle with a lid can be saved and taken to your local refill shop. At Zero Green, we ask you to weigh your container first, and write the weight on –this is so you aren’t charged for the weight of your container. Then you simply fill your bottle and bring it to the till.

To keep things simple, you might want to bring in just one bottle the first time. It will get easier each time and before you know it you will be a refill champion!

Partners Rob and Anwen took over at Zero Green in July 2022. Zero Green’s mission is to help minimise the plastic that is polluting our beautiful planet, by stocking a range of bulk-buy and plastic-free groceries, cleaning, hygiene and wellbeing products.

Rob and Anwen, co-directors of Zero Green on North Street

Wildlife monitoring at the farm suggests between 20 and 30 bird species. A 2022 bat survey identified six species. Butterfly surveys have identified 17 species at the farm out of the UK’s 60. Some of these were seen rarely but about a dozen are seen most years. Most of these creatures can be found in local gardens, too. WHCF is leaving some wild flowery patches for the butterflies and there are several water sources for birds.

Friends groups from other large green spaces, including Victoria (51.5 acres) and Greville Smyth (21.5 acres) Parks, are also joining in with both monitoring and habitat improvement. The new pond in Greville Smyth reports both frogs and newts. No dragonflies yet? Welcome, too, to Cotswold Road Open Space and the community orchard at St John’s Burial Ground.

All of this, and the work that many are doing in domestic and community gardens (over three acres registered so far), will turn BS3 from Wildlife Hostile to Wildlife Friendly. It’s not going to be quick. The UK is in the bottom 10% of countries for biodiversity.

But everyone can help and lots of people are already doing their bit. And it can be fun!!

Contact BS3 Wildlife Group via mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com

The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver

Extra, extra – read all about it!

Have you ever wanted to be on TV or in a film? Or especially, in these more challenging times, to earn some more money? The perfect way to do this is to become an extra, also known as supporting artist or background actor.

The role of the extra is to add realism to a scene, eg crowds in a busy street, other shoppers in a shop or diners in a restaurant. An extra is always a non-speaking role.

Being an extra gives a great opportunity to see how a film or TV set works. By doing background work, you’ll get a chance to observe how professional actors, directors and the crew work on a film set, who does what and what happens during a shoot and learn from it all. It can be a great way to understand the business.

However, if you do want to be an actor you do have to be careful not to do too much extra work – otherwise you will be always regarded as a background artist and not necessarily seen as a professional actor. It’s a tricky balance!

Being an extra is not easy work. It often involves very early starts and late finishes, there is lots of standing and sitting around when you aren’t doing anything, the pay is not amazing and there isn’t much of a career ladder. But it can be lots of fun.

You don’t have to audition for parts, you are just hired on your looks, so even without much experience you could end up in a huge blockbuster. It can be a good opportunity to network, and hang out with famous actors,although you must be careful not to bother them. Anybody can do it, you don’t have to be an actor and it can help pay the bills.

So now you have heard all about it I expect you are chomping at the bit to get started. So how do you become an extra? The best way is to join an agency. Because we are lucky enough in Bristol to have a flourishing TV and film industry, there are a few to choose from, so search online for ‘Extras Agent Bristol’ and register today.

Good luck and I look forward to spotting you in a crowd shot on East Street in no time at all.

Jacqui Ham

n NEWS

With around 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK, Guide Dogs is here to help people live the life they choose. Their expert staff, volunteers and lifechanging dogs help people with sight loss live independently. They need more volunteers in the Bristol area and in return you will gain new skills, become part of the huge Guide Dogs family and have amazing experiences that you genuinely couldn’t find anywhere else.

Lynn, a Fundraising Coordinator, says: “Volunteering with Guide Dogs for 15 years has surpassed all my expectations. It is wonderful to help people live the best life and be as independent as they can be.”

Annette, a Volunteer Speaker, knows the importance as a guide dog owner herself. She says her guide dog Abi initially inspired her to volunteer: “I wanted to give something back. Abi has literally changed my life. I have more confidence in going out

on my own and I’ve got my independence back.”

In Bristol, they need Training Dog Fosterers who look after a dog during evenings and weekends throughout their training (approx six months) and can transport the dog to the office in Bedminster each day, much like a school run. They cover all costs including food and veterinary expenses, and a dedicated Trainer to advise on providing a loving home for the dog’s free time.

In the wider Bristol area, they need Puppy Raisers who take a young puppy into their home for 12-14 months, teach them basic training and familiarise them with different environments and objects. You support the puppy through to adulthood reach their future as a life-changer and Guide Dogs provide food, veterinary care and world-class training guidance.

For more information, visit: guidedogs.org.uk/how-youcan-help/volunteering-forguide-dogs

Residents’ rat running survey

By Ed Plowden, Green councillor, Windmill Hill

For many years, residents have been calling on the Council to do something about the rat run between the Wells and Bath Roads, where up to 300 cars an hour use the unsuitable roads at peak times. The effect of the Clean Air Zone is uncertain as the Mayor will not release any information, but could be making the situation still worse.

However, the Council considers the narrow, steep streets to be a “pressure valve” for congestion on the Wells Road and at the Three Lamps, despite these being residential streets.

Cllr Ed Plowden managed to get the Council to change the signals at the Wells Road, St Johns Lane junction to give more priority in the evening peak to outbound traffic to help reduce the attractiveness of the rat run, but this has not significantly changed

the problem.

So, Ed and Councillor Lisa Stone recently worked with TRESA to survey residents living between the Bath and Wells roads, with a good rate of 25% of our target households

returning questionnaires.

A massive 85% of respondents stated that there was a rat running problem. However, the solution is still up for debate, and 73% of people favoured some form of road closure, either directly at the junction of Bath Road and Angers Road or halfway up Kingstree Road. While 12% thought things should be left alone, and the rest expressed no preference.

Other ideas included the use of street furniture to slow down the drivers, making Kingstree Road one way and better enforcement of the traffic restrictions that already exist.

Ed and Lisa will now share the survey results with transport officers and ask them to at least consider what options may be available, whether as a standalone scheme or as part of the two major projects for improving the major corridors that are being developed.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A new open air theatre for the community

South Bristol has just bagged itself a brand-new open-air theatre. Located at Windmill Hill City Farm, in Bedminster.

With 3-tiered curved wooden seating around a bamboo decked performance area, a sound box and lighting, plus clever screening, the Farm’s new Garden Theatre aims to offer a relaxed, informal atmosphere for local people to enjoy the arts.

2022 was WHCF’s first year of running a live arts programme in the play area and building on it’s success and local demand, funding was secured from the Veolia Environmental Trust and John James Bristol Foundation to create a designated venue space.

Through new partnerships with Bristol Beacon, We the Curious, Bristol Improv Theatre and Bristol Old Vic, the farm will be able to offer high quality productions, in a unique outdoor setting, at a low cost.

Simone Dougall of Windmill

Hill City Farm said “ It was really important for us to create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for local people to access theatre and the arts.

Setting the theatre in the middle of the play area, with the giant rope swing, ping pong table and climbing net, reinforces our original concept of playfulness and accessibility and we’ve aimed to reflect this in the programming too.

We’ve already seen children jumping onto the stage with a twig as a microphone and their mates as an audience! “

Residents are calling for change to come

n WICKED WITCH

One of the plumbers I work for travelled to Benidorm recently with a gaggle of mates. He got a bit tipsy on the last night and managed to lose his phone and debit card.

The phone got cancelled and on his return he popped into his bank to sort out a new debit card. The cashier frowned when looking at his transactions. “Oh dear,” she said, “I think I’ll have to refer this to the fraud team”. Plumber-boy paled, fearing that his account had been drained (unintended pun but I like it). The cashier told him there were a couple of strange payments going into his account. One for 10p with the reference “I have your phone”. The second payment of 20p had the reference “call me” (with a phone number).

Plumber-boy phoned the number and reached a cheery Northern lad who told him that the phone had been found but as it had been cancelled he had used the debit card to make contact. We were made to post the phone back. How heart-warming and an ingenious use of technology.

Technology is great, sometimes

Then there are people like Himself. Himself has treated himself to one of those iWatches. It now manages his life. When his beloved football team Manchester City were playing down at Ashton Gate a few months back he was lucky enough to get a ticket and I was tasked to collect him after the game. I’d just finished a lifeguard training session and was running late so I called him. He didn’t answer. I tried several times, to no avail. Fearing the

worst, I concluded that he must be dead – it was the only explanation. I started driving towards the stadium telling my tech savvy car to dial his number on repeat, my panic growing.

Just as I turned onto Winterstoke Road, my phone rang and it was him, from the dead. Before I could vent my fury, his Northern voice (in the style of Liam Gallagher) blasted from my car’s speakers: “Hey our kid, whatever you do don’t turn down

Winterstoke Road, it’s proper mad”. Marvellous.

After navigating around hordes of football fans, I tracked him down near our home and, as he bundled into the car, asked why the hell he hadn’t picked up my calls. Pulling up his jacket sleeve he squinted down at his watch then looked at me sheepishly. “My watch says it’s bedtime so has turned everything off”. Technology is great, sometimes.