South Bristol Voice August 2024 by South Bristol Voice

southbristolvoice

South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods: new traffic reduction measures

DRIVERS will be stopped from taking shortcuts through many residential streets in South Bristol as part of a new Liveable Neighbourhood project. Bollards and planters will be installed in certain parts of Bedminster, Southville and Windmill Hill, to reduce traffic next to where people live.

Transport bosses at Bristol City Council say the changes would “create a better balance” between how streets are used, making them safer, quieter and less polluted. The project is

the second one in the city, with a similar scheme planned for Barton Hill, Redfield and St George. A new public consultation will give locals the opportunity to have their say about what changes should be made to the roads across an area stretching from Ashton Vale to Totterdown. Close to the city centre, this part of Bristol has high demand for better walking and cycling routes.

Green Southville Councillor and council

Continued on page 3 >

southbristolvoice

Contacts

Ruth Drury Publisher 07590 527664

sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Cathy Parnham Editor news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is noon on 7 August 2024.

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: sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 07590527664 southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure

All stories and pictures are ©South Bristol Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission.

South Bristol Media Ltd | Co. no. 11948223 | VAT no. 322 3640 38

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.

Ellie Freeman Green, Bedminster

Email: cllr.ellie.freeman@bristol. gov.uk By phone: 0738 669 8680

Emily Clarke Labour, Bedminster. Email: cllr.emily.clarke@bristol.gov.uk

Phone: 0738 669 8678

Tony Dyer, Green, Southville Phone: 07584182862

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

Email: Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk

Christine Townsend Green, Southville Phone: 0758 418 3843

Email: Cllr.Christine.Townsend@ bristol.gov.uk

Cam Hayward Knowle Community Party Email: cam.hayward@ bristolgreenparty.org.uk

Toby Wells Knowle Community Party. Email: toby.wells@bristolgreenparty.org.uk

Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584184577 Email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk

Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 0758 418 6535 Email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk

leader Tony Dyer said: “This project is about creating better neighbourhoods for everyone to live in. We want to cut down on rat-runs and through-traffic to create safer streets for our children and make it easier and more pleasant to walk and cycle.

“South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods represents a huge investment in the area, and we want everyone to have a say to help us develop the plans for the next stage.”

Currently, some drivers are directed by sat navs and apps to take a shortcut through narrow residential streets, instead of following main roads. Driving from West Street to Winterstoke Road, for example, it’s quicker to cut through down Chessel Street, Garnet Street and onto Luckwell Road than following the Parson Street gyratory. Such shortcuts would be designed out of the road network. Drivers would still be able to access every street in the area but some might have to take slightly longer routes.

southbristolvoice

Other changes could include improving pedestrian crossings, planting more trees, installing more benches, and upgrading lighting. The council hopes that reducing traffic will encourage more people to walk, cycle or scoot around the area instead of travelling by car. This would help reduce air pollution and get more people exercising.

The consultation will run until October 13, and includes online maps, surveys and drop-in events. People living in the area are invited to tell the council what they like and what they want to improve.

Three drop-ins sessions are planned at: the Southville Centre, Beauley Road, 5 August, 12pm to 6pm; the Chessel Centre, Chessel Street, 14 August, 2.30pm to 6.30pm; and the Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian Street, 19 August, 10am to 2pm.

An interactive map also shows where people have suggested changes. Many people, for example, have already asked for changes on East Street, where drivers frequently flout a ban

Looking for a solicitor? Keep it local

Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Thornbury and central Bristol

Our friendly legal experts are always on hand to provide practical, common sense advice at a fair price.

If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, we’re the people to talk to.

We’re specialists in:

+ Buying and Selling

+ Family Law

+ Divorce + Separation

+ Wills, Trusts and Probate

+ Powers of Attorney

+ Dispute Resolution

+ Employment

+ Corporate + Commercial

+ Commercial Property

+ Medical Negligence

+ Personal Injury

+ Court of Protection

You have our best – every time

on general traffic. East Street is restricted to buses and loading vehicles. But little enforcement appears to take place, and the ban is often ignored.

Cyclists are also directed to cycle against the flow of traffic on East Street, with no separation from buses and cars coming the other way. And the road is sometimes too narrow to cycle past a bus.

One respondent said: “I cycle on the East Street contra-flow daily and have had many near misses. It is constantly used by vehicles that are not designated to drive on the road. Many of the buses and taxis do not adhere to the speed limits and do not make space for cyclists coming in the opposite direction.

“The road is too narrow at points to allow vehicles and cyclists to safely pass. The current system is dangerous and it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident.”

Another added: “Please install a bus gate. Cars use this area as a cut-through and are often very aggressive when challenged.”

North Street has also received

a lot of comments. The street has many stretches with narrow pavements, two lanes of traffic and two rows of parked cars.

One respondent said: “North Street should be one of the most pleasant and inviting places to spend time in this area. But it’s not a comfortable place to walk or cycle, with narrow pavements, dangerous conflicts with fast cars, and bare bones greenery.”

Another added: “North Street should have a segregated cycle path... the heavy traffic, frequent junctions and amount of parked cars make it feel unsafe. Restricting on-street parking would allow enough space for this and pavement widening.”

The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood has proved controversial, and a trial is expected to launch soon. Many people living in the area support the plans, particularly due to fears over road safety, speeding cars and frequent crashes; while others oppose them due to the increased lengths of their journeys in a car or van.

By: Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

n PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Welcome, lovely readers

Now that school’s out for summer, why not go out and explore many of the lovely things to do in and around South Bristol. My family would recommend a park tour - take a picnic and start at one park. After an hour, move to the next local park, have a snack and a play, before repeating the process and rating your favourite parks. We managed 11 parks in South Bristol in one day a few summers ago and it makes for a fun, lowcost day out.

We look set for some

sunny days, so go and enjoy it and keep watching the skies –we can’t wait to see some more hot air balloons prior to the International Balloon Fiesta (9-11th August) at Ashton Court.

Ruth

Sleep tight, Alfie n NEWS

EVERYONE at Redcatch Community Garden is deeply saddened by the loss of their “beloved and gentle Alfie cat” who has passed away. Alfie was not just a cat, but a cherished member of RCG. His presence brought joy and comfort to everyone who visited the garden and he will be dearly missed by all. In honour of Alfie’s memory, RCG will be having him cremated and returned to the garden. “We also plan to create a beautiful memorial carving of him to remind us of the love he brought to our community. Rest in peace, angel Alfie. You will always hold a special place in our hearts,” said Kate Swain, CEO, RCG.

If you would like to contribute to Alfie’s aftercare and memorial, you can donate can via: www.redcatchcommunitygarden.com

Emma Vincent and Lisa Pearson

New community hub for East Street

Share Bristol offers a community hub for East Street, Bedminster

LAST month Share Bristol officially opened its new Library of Things location, at the entrance to St Catherine’s Place on East Street, Bedminster. This provided a welcome boost to East Street, but now the previously empty shop is going to host a lot more activities, which will be free or low cost for any young people or adults wanting to get out and about more.

This new Community Hub is one of the activities being delivered as part of the City Centre and High Streets Programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority, and will be managed by Share Bristol. It will initially be open til the end of March 2025, but Share Bristol is hopeful that further funding will be found if it is popular with local people.

The funding, along with support from the Wessex

Water Environment Fund, has already meant that Share Bristol Bedminster can open on Monday evenings, and from August lots more activities will start to run through the day and evening. The activity programme is still being formulated, but will involve many other local organisations getting the chance to be involved and share their skills and expertise. There will also be resources for people new to the area who want to find out more

n FITNESS A state of constant flux

I was recently assisting some Pilates teacher training in London and on the checkin with us I was surprised to hear so many of them comment they hadn’t done enough practice.

Now these trainees are all working full-time and are committing full weekends to their training, 1:1s in between and study. So the session quickly became a conversation about how the body and life are in constant flux. Instead of berating ourselves that we’ve put on weight or our muscles are tight or we couldn’t get to the gym all week, we can use that energy instead to observe the flux.

about what is happening in the Bedminster area.

Anna Perry, a trustee of Share Bristol, said: ‘Our vision is that everybody shares, and we hope that by hosting this Community Hub at Share Bristol Bedminster, we will bring greater awareness to the Library of Things movement and encourage more people to join our community and start sharing. And, of course, many of the activities will involve sharing things, resources,

skills, ideas and general good times, so this is a perfect fit for our charity.

Share Bristol is now looking to employ a part-time Community Hub Coordinator, and is seeking organisations who might want to deliver activities from the Hub or people who might want to volunteer. You can find out more at: www.sharebristol.org.uk or contact them at: hello@sharebristol.org.uk

Movement is a great way to kick-start your day or, indeed, complete it. It doesn’t need to be formulated – even 10 minutes is a great place to start. But in that time you give yourself permission to move, to turn your focus inwards to the body and to press pause on the distractions and stresses of the day. We really are what we practise, so I encourage you to practise what you want more of in life. More movement, ease, peace and calm, agility, efficiency and options to say yes to all the things you love to do.

Enjoy the flux of it all!

By Leanne Copley, Sona Pilates

18 - 26 October

Pam Ayres, Susie Dent, Shami Chakrabarti, Louise Minchin, AC Grayling, Bendor Grosvenor, Sophie Grigson, Jonathan Coe, Cecile Pin, John Suchet, Paul Sinha and many more...

n HEALTH & WELLBEING

‘It is key that MPs recognise the needs of older adults’

New government, same campaign: fighting for the issues that matter to older people in Bristol

ON 2nd July, two days before the nation went to the polls, Age UK Bristol hosted an event with future MPs in the city to campaign for the rights of older adults in the city.

The ‘Tea with your next MP’ event at M Shed saw prospective parliamentary candidates Kerry McCarthy (Labour Bristol East), Carla Denyer (Green Bristol Central), Samuel Williams (Conservative Bristol Central), Representative for Dan Smart (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition Bristol North East), Ben Smith (Social Democrat Bristol North West), and Robert Clarke (Reform Bristol Central) meet with local older people.

As our nation’s average age is predicted to skyrocket as a result of lower birth-rates and longer life expectancies, it is key that MPs listen to, and recognise the needs of, older adults.

Kay Libby, chief executive Age UK Bristol, said: “Older adults make up almost 20% of the population and this will rise in coming years. Many of these people want to contribute to society, age well and stay independent but they need policies that support them to do that and we need to challenge the ageism that still persists in our society.”

Age UK National organised several such events in collaboration with their local Age UK partners and Age UK Bristol was pleased to get in just ahead of the election. Prospective MPs had

the opportunity to speak to local people about the issues that matter to them and what they wanted the new government to do to improve their lives.

Key issues discussed were: the importance of the income security from fair pensions; the importance of good, timely access to health and social care; the lack of transport services for older adults which can prevent people getting to services, foodbanks and community groups they need for health and wellbeing; and the need for government to listen and respond to the voices of older people.

Age UK has been campaigning for the rights of older adults for years and has developed a blueprint for improving the lives of older adults based on feedback from hundreds of older people across the country. Central to the campaign is to see a commissioner

for older people in England, advocating for older adults across the country, like in Wales and Northern Ireland.

This is long overdue; older adults have been one of the hardest hit groups from the last 14 years of austerity with stories of people having to choose between heating and eating frequenting our media. The social care crisis has impacted older adults with 1.6 million stating their care needs are not met. The lack of support for unpaid, family carers, affects two million older adults, often people who are caring for a spouse. Mental health in older adults has worsened with nearly half of people 55+ having experienced depression, something that is a key risk factor for dementia.

The negative impact of the Covid pandemic and lengthy lockdown periods on older people is well

known and the negative physical and mental health impacts continue to be seen. People aged over 50 were also more likely to lose their jobs during the pandemic – something they had in common with people in their midlate twenties.

“There is a lot to campaign for; we want a better quality of life for ourselves but also for generations to come. Policies don’t always consider older adults and, across many metrics, older adults are struggling when this doesn’t need to be the case – it’s possible to age well and love later life. That’s what I want for everyone,” said South Bristol resident Funlola BuraimohAdemuyewo.

Age UK Bristol also talked to MPs about the challenges that a rapidly ageing population brings. Politicians recognise that as well as ensuring health and care support, policies need to recognise the benefits that older people can bring to society. Given the right working environment, older adults can stay in work longer, giving their skills and expertise to the workforce. Similarly, older adults are the most likely age group to volunteer time to the voluntary sector.

If given the means and opportunities, older adults are a huge contributor to society, and this is something politicians need to harness as our nation ages.

Following the tea, biscuits and discussions, Age UK Bristol were delighted that all candidates gave their commitment to become Age Champions in their political careers, whether elected this time or in the future.

Words by Age UK Bristol

(L-R) Kay Libby (chief exec, Age UK Bristol), Judith Brown (trustee, Age UK Bristol), Carla Denyer (MP Bristol Central), Mina Malpass (chair, Age UK Bristol)

n INTERVIEW

Making creative waves

We talk to Catherine Rowe, co-founder of the not-forprofit social action project company Creative Waves

CATHERINE and Solomon, Creative Waves co-founders, met in 2022 while on a mentoring programme called GAP (Grassroots Activators Programme) ran by Grassroot Communities. As part of the programme they were tasked with creating a small social action project from scratch.

They decided to host a free creative community event in Dean Lane Skatepark which, said Catherine, “was such a hit we were approached by Bedminster’s community development officer and invited to apply for funding to host more”. This is when Creative Waves was born.

Catherine explained: “We’re two local young people who create non-profit social action projects under the name Creative Waves, aiming to kick-start creativity in communities affected by socioeconomic difficulties who may not have free access to such things.

“When running our very first small event, we approached local businesses for support as our budget was just £200.

“We were overwhelmed by the response with many local businesses getting involved in various ways. Upfest provided us with spray paints for our graffiti workshop and have kindly done so for all events since. We’re incredibly grateful for their support.”

Catherine and Solomon held two events last year with funding by the Safer Streets Campaign. Now the duo plans to host four big community events in South Bristol starting in Bedminster and then onto Hartcliffe, Filwood and

ending in Knowle. The first event in Dame Emily Park will be held on 4 August 12-4; the other dates are being finalised.

At these events there will be live entertainment, creative workshops, food, drink, carnival games and a variety of instruments, circus skills equipment and creative supplies for people to explore. Everything, including food and activities, are free.

When just 15, Catherine was nominated for the Bristol Young Heroes award by Ben Carpenter (a well-known Bristol youth and community worker) for a variety of projects she was involved in, largely, she told us for “sharing my bushcraft skills with other community groups and care homes and for helping to design and put on Wildfest in Knowle West”.

Now aged 20, Catherine works with “various youth and community groups across the city and campaigns for youth rights alongside running my own business and working at a local soft play”.

About Catherine and Solomon

Solomon, 21, is passionate about people and food and, Catherine told us, he is currently working and training alongside one of the city’s top chefs.

On top of this, “He still finds the time to try and create positive change in the communities around us, said Catherine, explaining: “Solomon gets involved in the community… he’s a people person who throws himself into bringing people together to focus on something positive.”

Catherine and Solomon have been blown away with the support they have received from their local community – “we’re so delighted the community welcomed and trusted these unknown young people with funding” and they were invited by local residents to apply for funding to host more last year.

For this year’s events, they have received a grant from the Council’s Originators fund – this funding stream offers £500-£5,000 to Bristol-based individuals or organisations to run arts and cultural activities and events. This year, 40 organisations/individuals won a grant out of around 130 applicants.

Said Catherine: “Our last events were attended by over 300 people, each time with much less to do so we’re hoping to exceed that this year.” Now the team is set for its “biggest and best events yet… with lots of free creative fun for the community to get stuck into. Even the lord mayor will be attending our first event in August. Upfest has kindly supported us once again with paint for our graffiti workshop

Catherine grew up in a lowincome household with extra responsibilities helping her single mum to care for her sister who has additional social and medical needs. Catherine started attending a local youth club aged 9 where Ben Carpenter was her mentor and she has been “heavily invested in youth work ever since”. Catherine received a Bristol Young Heroes award for her environmental-based youth and community work at 15. She was on the city’s youth council for a two-year term from 15-17. Catherine now works with various youth and community groups across the city and campaigns for youth rights, alongside running her own business and working at a local soft play centre.

Solomon grew up in very similar circumstances and, Catherine tells us, often describes how difficult it has always felt to be “brown in south Bristol” and the extra barriers he felt so strongly were in his way growing up.

and many members of the community are proving invaluable help”, said Catherine.

If you would like to support Creative Waves, you can follow the team on social media and go along to the events.

If you have a particular skill you’d like to share or would like to help the team by volunteering at the events, Catherine and Solomon would love to hear from you either via social media or via email:

creativewavesbristol@gmail. com

https://bit.ly/3zGRPmE

https://bit.ly/4eUKUqb

Solomon and Catherine at Creative Waves’ first ever event in December 2022

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

BS3 Community Care now open for business

BS3 Community Care, an innovative new introductory service, has officially launched and is now open for business. Our mission is to transform the way care is accessed and delivered in the BS3 area of Bristol.

We connect local people who need care and support with self-employed individual Care Providers and Personal Assistants (PAs).

Our service offers a new flexible alternative to traditional home care, giving more choice and control over who provides care, when and how.

Visit our new website and get in touch to find out more: www.bs3communitycare. org.uk

Want to become a self-employed carer or PA? Contact us now: care@bs3community. org.uk | 0117 923 1039

Tuesday club: digital skills help

Our family-friendly community club, open

n LOCAL SCHOOLS

every Tuesday 9.30am-4pm, is for anyone who lives within the Bedminster area. It’s based at our new venue: Philip Street Chapel – Clarke Street Entrance, Bedminster, BS3 4EA. We offer adult digital skills support every week. So if you need help with online forms, WhatsApp, or accessing the internet, just pop in!

We also offer:

• Affordable food cupboard essentials for sale for local residents experiencing difficulties

• Kids’ corner for under-5s with toys

• Free refreshments

Our space can also offer support through our community’s team, including social prescribing, and a chance to find out about local events.

For more information, contact us on: info@ bs3community.org.uk or 0117 923 1039.

Summer art club

Our summer holiday art club is back! Get messy and creative in our relaxed drop-in sessions at our Southville Centre. It’s for ages 5+ and is £6.50 for one child with parent, and £5 for each additional child (or whatever you can afford).

It’s on Thursdays 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th August from 10am – 12pm.

For more information, contact us on: info@ bs3community.org.uk or 0117 923 1039.

Ashton Vale Primary put on a show

Ashton Vale Primary School’s Year 6 leavers perform The Greatest Showman with pizazz and brilliance

FOLLOWING weeks of hard work, Ashton Vale Primary School’s Year 6 leavers performed their own unique and excellent version of The Greatest Showman, with great confidence and pride in front of a hall full of parents and carers.

Set in the early 1800s, Ashton Vale reenacted this popular story of P. T. Barnum’s determination and limitless imagination as he rose from nothing to create the Barnum & Bailey Circus.

This wasn’t an easy feat with bumps along the road and seemingly a huge mountain to climb – something depicted in a brilliant fashion by the young cast.

Many of the Year 6s had solo singing parts which they performed admirably and all, without exception, threw themselves into their characters, with obvious respect and support for their classmates.

Brad Arthur, headteacher at Ashton Vale Primary, commented: “I am so very proud of our Year 6s for entertaining the audience with such pizazz and energy.

Year 6 leavers perform a ‘unique and excellent’ version of The

It’s bittersweet for me, though, as we prepare ourselves to say goodbye, but wish all of the year group a happy and successful

chapter where they will undoubtedly continue to shine.”

Greatest Showman

n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS

MY first two months as a councillor have been unexpected, with Rishi Sunak calling a surprise general election just two weeks after I was sworn in as councillor.

It was fantastic to see Karin Smyth re-elected as the Labour MP for Bristol South. I will continue to work closely with her and the new Labour government to bring about the change our area needs.

Over the past two months I have attended community meetings with

Emily Clarke Labour councillor Bedminster

Action Greater Bedminster, Ashton Vale Together, Way Out West and Friends of Parson Street Railway station, spoke on an acta community theatre panel on safer streets and attended my first policy committee meeting as vice-chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee.

As my fellow councillor Ellie says, it was great to visit to Ashton Vale Youth Club to hear about the fantastic work they’re doing.

I have also been busy working on issues raised by local residents, and you can email me at cllr.emily. clarke@bristol.gov.uk if you have any concerns.

WITH the dust settling on the general election, all eyes return to local issues once more as we await the impact of the new government’s decisions and their impact on Southville residents.

Planning reform was a key area of focus in the Labour manifesto and we expect this to land squarely on Southville as development is such a key element for our ward. We will keep residents updated as this progresses.

The South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project continues to progress with wider stakeholder engagement events happing in July, August and September with target workshops in October.

You will soon see announcements in this publication and elsewhere about the wider time frame for community engagement and how residents and local businesses can get involved to help shape how we can improve our neighbourhoods and make them more liveable.

This is a huge project with many moving parts responding to what

Ellie Freeman Green councillor Bedminster

has been learned, both positive and negative, in East Bristol and we will continue to communicate with residents and encourage engagement so that the best outcomes benefitting the largest number of people can be achieved.

Meanwhile, an up to 12-week closure of part of York Road is now underway as a result of emergency repairs relating to the shoring up of the New Cut embankment.

This will obviously cause even more disruption and congestion in our area as Malago Road will remain one-way for much of this time and construction continues in and around Bedminster Green and the Whitehouse Lane area.

This repair is part of a series of infrastructure works that is long overdue and this particular decision had to be taken urgently to avoid potential catastrophic failure of the New Cut embankment.

We ask for residents’ understanding whilst these urgent safety works are completed.

THROUGHOUT our time as councillors, we have heard of traffic, parking and rat-running problems, so we are pleased that the new Green-led council is finally getting moving on tackling these issues.

Currently no decisions have been made as any action will be led by community feedback. So our key message to you is to make sure you are having your say to influence how we move forward. The best way of doing this is via a consultation that has been running since mid-July and will close at the end of September. This is looking at how we calm traffic and deal with parking problems not only in Windmill Hill, but across BS3 and Totterdown.

This consultation is a major piece of work with a project team assigned and we want as many people as possible to

IT’S BEEN a couple of months since we were elected, and we now feel we are getting to grips with how everything works and can start moving the council in the right direction.

The proposed Broadwalk redevelopment continues to be a hot topic and we are in regular contact with community groups as well as the developers as we try to find a solution that works for everyone and meets the needs of the community.

There is nothing new to report just yet, but we are hopeful that there may be positive movement soon.

Cam met with the Friends of Knowle Library at its AGM in May to discuss its plans and challenges. There was uncertainty about what would happen

WHAT a month! Emily Clark and I visited Ashton Vale Youth Club and heard about all the wonderful things it is doing. The building is a great space and the team has some exciting plans.

Young Bristol is holding a coffee morning on 21 July 11am-2pm. Do go along to find out more about what it does and how you can support the club.

I asked the chair of the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee about the CIL/s106 process as this funding goes towards community-led capital projects which make a real difference to residents.

Unfortunately, the budget and process have still not been agreed but we will let you know more as soon as we can.

If you are a council tenant, you will have had a letter about the

submit their thoughts. You can do this by clicking on the online map at www. bristol.gov.uk/sbln-engagement

A more advanced piece of work is underway around Angers Road and Bathwell Road. The proposal is to make Bathwell Road one-way to cut the traffic and extend the one-way system and use better signage on Angers Road. This has been designed and the formal consultation is underway.

A further consultation is underway on the proposals to improve the number two bus route from Stockwood to the Three Lamps (and also in the city centre and out to Westbury). This one may be controversial as we know that local people are worried about the closure of Bellevue Road. It is vital that you register any concerns by 19th August.

Cam Hayward and Toby Wells Green councillors Knowle

to the library during the Broadwalk redevelopment. Cam raised this with the relevant committee chair, who has given assurances that options for alternative premises are being considered.

The issue that has come up the most is the missed collections of bins. This is because Bristol Waste made changes to its routes in May which led to some roads being missed.

Toby chased this up, and we believe most of the issues have now been resolved. If your collection gets missed, then report it via the council website – if it gets missed again, then let us know so that we can escalate it.

We met recently with the neighbourhood police team to discuss its work around the prevention of antisocial behaviour and knife crime, and how we can support in tackling the root causes.

current regulatory problems, which we know relate to longer-term issues and affect people’s everyday lives. Please do contact us with any concerns.

Way Out West Steering Group represent West Street and the surrounding streets. At a recent Steering Group meeting, we discussed the Repair Café, Community Choir and the Lantern Parade, local planning applications, street planters and more.

If you’d like to get involved, do go to the AGM in September. More information is on its Facebook page or by emailing weststbs3@ gmail.com. South Street Park Friends group needs reviving. Friends groups are key when it comes to funding, consultation and plans for parks and I hope we can show this lovely green space some community love. Contact weststbs3@gmail.com for more.

n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

Investing in our children

THIS is my first time writing this column since people in Bristol South re-elected me to Parliament at the recent general election.

I want to start by thanking those who put their trust in me. It is both a privilege and a huge responsibility to represent Bristol South, and I am aware of that every day.

Whether you voted for me or not, I will continue to give everybody here a voice in Parliament.

This is undoubtedly a huge moment in our country’s history. I’m delighted that we now have a Labour government that better represents the values of people locally – a government that can deliver the change we need, and take action on the issues I have campaigned on as an MP.

Having talked to so many

families in the recent election, I know that people locally are aware that change takes time. There is no immediate fix to the damage done by successive Conservative governments, but Labour has already begun the work of change.

At the forefront of my politics in the last nine years has been improving post-16 opportunities in Bristol South. As students across the area collect their GCSE results this month, this issue is as important as ever.

This Labour government has made improving the life chances of all children a priority. That starts with investing in the 93% of children in our state schools.

We want to drive high and rising standards across schools, recruiting more teachers and giving staff the tools they need to deliver an

7-year-old sets up gardening business n NEWS

SEVEN-year-old Zuko has set up a flourishing gardening business, enlisting his mum to post the ad he wrote on the local community Facebook page.

After offering to water gardens for £2, Zuko and his mum were surprised to find that many people reached out, asking for some help.

Zuko and his sister Cece (aged 10) have been enjoying travelling around the area and helping lots of people, with a variety of customers including the elderly or those less able to do manual labour and those simply too busy to tend to their gardens.

After picking up some regular slots on a Monday, Tuesday and Friday after school, Zuko revealed he had worked out (with a little help) that it will take him 16 weeks to save up for a remote-control boat and, beyond that, he hopes for an iPad.

Zuko is hoping to continue his gardening services beyond this summer, and even after primary school, with dreams of setting up a gardening company one day. In fact, it

seems business is already booming as Zuko told us that he had already begun ‘subcontracting’ to his dad, as he was going on summer camp for five days and didn’t want to lose clients!

excellent education.

For students in Bristol South, we need to focus on expanding the options once they leave school. Labour’s reform of the Apprenticeship Levy will give businesses the flexibility they have been calling for, allowing them to invest in a wider range of training opportunities and apprenticeships – particularly entry-level ones.

Alongside this, Labour will deliver new careers advisors and specialist employment support. We need to help young people choose the right next step, assisting them to get the skills and qualifications they need to access a secure job.

Rebuilding this infrastructure of opportunity is not an overnight task. These are Labour’s first steps on that journey, but we are determined

Zuko has most enjoyed seeing a “threefoot-long fish” and a “very happy dog” in someone’s garden.

He described gardening as “lots of fun” and that it wasn’t hard because he doesn’t “need to carry around a giant watering can”, proudly showing us a small green can. He also said it was more fun when his sister joined him on the jobs, even though he had to split the money with her.

Zuko’s mum said: “It takes a village to raise a child,” and all their clients were helping Zuko to gain some independence and knowledge of the world.

Zuko’s watering business is booming and is helping him to learn some financial management, too.

Zuko has also gained some priceless life

to give this generation of young people the opportunities they deserve.

Zuko has set up his own gardening business aged just 7!

skills such as connecting with members of the community, making goals and achieving them.

Could Zuko potentially be Bristol’s youngest entrepreneur?

By Thea Willis

Karin Smyth shares her views with the Voice

Zuko, from Bedminster, enlisted the help of mum to get his gardening business off the ground

Local postie releases first story

Local postman and fellow Bristolian Colin Payne has just released his first book, an illustrated children’s story called ‘The Hiccuppy Puppy’.

COLIN described it as, “A silly story about a puppy’s first experience with hiccups and his attempt to get rid of them using various methods leading to all kinds of mishaps.”

The story came about 10 years ago - for some reason, said Colin, “When my eldest child Lois was born, I used to call her a puppy! One day she had hiccups and the words Hiccuppy Puppy came to me. I thought that was quite funny and would make a good story.”

Colin added: “I’ve always liked writing, but just had ideas with no follow-up. With friends, I attempted comedy sketches and a movie screenplay but nothing really happened. [I’m a] big fan of Spike Milligan, Monty Python and the Young Ones and really liked how they wrote most of their

own material. Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series has been very inspirational as well.”

You can buy The Hiccuppy Puppy from all online book shops, Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith etc. Price is around £7.50.

Colin has lived in Bristol all his life and been a postman for 18 years.

WIN! Two copies of the Hiccuppy Puppy to be won!

Enter now for your chance to win a signed copy of The Hiccuppy Puppy, worth £7.50!

TO ENTER: For your chance to win, simply email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk, putting the words ‘Hiccuppy Puppy competition’ as your subject line, and tell us the answer to the following question:

Q. What is the name of Colin’s eldest child?

The closing date is midnight Friday 9 August 2024. PS! Don’t forget to tell us your name, address and contact details!

Terms and conditions By entering the South Bristol Voice competition in issue 104, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions: The prize promotion is open to UK residents only. 1.Entrants must be 18 or over and all entries must be made from within the United Kingdom. 2.The prize shall be awarded at the discretion of South Bristol Voice. We reserve the right, at any time, to verify entries and to disqualify any entries by any person who tampers with the entry process or who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Conditions of Entry. 3. Directors, employees and their immediate families of the Promoter and the agencies associated with this promotion are not eligible to enter. 4. Multiple entries per household and individual are accepted, but only one prize will be distributed. 5.No purchase is necessary. 6. The closing date for receipt of entries is midnight on Friday 9 August 2024. 7. The winner will be chosen at random. 8. The Prize: As specified above. 9.The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and no cash alternative is available. Other than where such liability cannot be excluded by law, South Bristol Voice cannot accept responsibility for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any person entering the competition or as a result of accepting the prize.

Lins Leisure Trips 0117 9372364 / 07511559744 email purpleviiolet@yahoo.com & Please leave

message

Fri August 9 BOURNEMOUTH 8am-4pm, £29 (£27 conc), age 17 or under £25 Fri August 16 TYNTESFIELD NATIONAL TRUST or NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM, Wraxall

8am-4/4.15pm £22 (£20 conc), age 17 or under £18 Transport Only

Mon August 19 SWINDON OUTLET CENTRE or STEAM MUSEUM or SWINDON GREYHOUND RACING 8am-3pm, £22 (£20 conc), age 17 or under £18 Transport Only BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY August 26 WESTON, BURNHAM-ON-SEA or BREAN 8am3pm (£36 conc) age 17 or under £31

Sat September 7 SLIMBRIDGE 8am-3pm, £39 (£36 conc), age 17 or under £31 Thurs September 12 BICESTER VILLAGE 8am-4pm £31 (£29 conc) age 17 or under £27

southbristolvoice

WITH the summer holidays upon us, I imagine you’ll be hearing a lot of, “I’m hungry, can I have a snack please?” Children will eat snacks all day long if we let them, but that isn’t going to help them to eat better or eat a meal when served.

It’s important to have a meal and snack routine in place. A routine will ensure that there is a supply of food throughout the day with enough time for the food to be digested before more food is offered but also to prevent a child from getting too hungry.

But the real key to reducing the demands for snacks is to think of them not as one item, such as a banana, an apple or a snack bar, but as a mini meal. A mini meal is not lots of food but just enough to fill them up and is one which contains a variety of foods to make it more sustaining – it keeps them going for longer.

Try offering snacks which contain a carb with a protein and/or some dairy as well as some fruit and/or veg and let me know if this makes a difference.

Banana, oat and peanut butter pancakes

Whether you find mornings such a rush, have to be up and out early but still have a decent meal in you, have secondary school aged kids who need something to grab and go or starving children after school pick-up, these pancakes are a life-saver. Make a big batch, cool, then freeze, separated by greaseproof paper, so you can get out however many you need. Simply defrost and warm through in the toaster.

INGREDIENTS

2 ripe bananas (approx. 220g), 100g cottage cheese (full fat natural yoghurt also works), 55g peanut butter, 1 large egg, 1tsp baking powder, 1.5tsp ground cinnamon, 70g oats, 20g selfraising flour, Milk (optional), Oil for frying.

METHOD

1. Peel the bananas; put in a large mixing bowl with the cottage cheese; mash together with a fork until there are no big lumps of banana left

2. Add the peanut butter and egg and whisk into the banana mixture with the fork.

3. Stir in the baking powder, cinnamon, oats and flour.

4. Leave the batter to sit for 10 minutes.

5. Stir the batter; it should be thick but run off the spoon. If it has become too thick stir through a drop of milk to loosen it a little.

6. Heat up the frying pan. You want it really hot and then turn down the heat to maintain a steady heat without risk of burning.

7. Pour a small drizzle of oil into the pan and coat the base of the frying pan or skillet. You just need to grease the pan – we’re not frying the pancakes in oil.

8. Depending on the size of your pan, you’ll be able to cook four or five small pancakes at a time. I use a heaped dessert spoon.

9. Cook until the pancake mixture bubbles and starts to set on top, then flip and cook for a few minutes on the other side. You will need to monitor the heat of the pan since the hotter it gets, the quicker they brown before being ready to flip.

10. Transfer to a plate and continue cooking the rest of the pancakes.

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade Williams

Top tips for relaxation and refuelling this summer

LIFE can be fast-paced and stressful, with tight deadlines, caring responsibilities, managing finances, and continual personal uncertainty. This can cause stress levels to rise, leaving you continually drained of energy.

Stress overload can cause physical symptoms like headaches, tension in the neck and shoulders, dizziness, fatigue and poor sleep. It also impacts mental wellbeing by causing increased irritability, low self-esteem, aggressive or defensive behaviour, poor concentration, difficulty in decision-making, and uncontrollable thoughts.

When you’re under stress, the refrain/advice to ‘just relax’ can feel more like a painful reminder than a helpful suggestion. We all know that relaxation is key to managing stress, but the real question is, how do we achieve it in the face of life’s relentless pressures and demands?

Investing our hope in the affordability or opportunity to take a break or a holiday may not help. Sometimes, stress travels with us, building up ahead of our trip, during and after. Then you feel further deflated and guilty. So, how can we tackle stress?

• Eat a healthy diet as junk food activates stress

DAYS TO 2 YEARS) K I D S F E E L I N G U N W E L L ?

(CHILDREN

hormones, and its impact on our weight and appearance will only worsen things.

• Exercise regularly – do what you can for as long as possible.

• Prioritise sleep by sticking to the same sleep times and aiming for six to nine hours of sleep a night, also creating a relaxing sleeping environment (not too bright, noisy or warm).

Two

Powerful Relaxation Tips

Did you know that spending just 15 minutes in a forest area can lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leaving you feeling calmer and refreshed?

Research has shown that looking at flowers or images of natural environments can have similar relaxing effects, if you cannot get to a forest. This is an excellent reason to spend more time in our local parks.

Did you also know that practising guided imagery by imagining yourself in a peaceful and safe place can activate your body’s relaxation response, lowering your heart rate and blood pressure, clearing your mind and lifting your mood?

Most importantly, if you know someone or are

facing life’s pressures, please learn to make room and time for them to share with you, actively listening while offering all the practical, generous support you can.

Kindness has the most transformative healing potential, especially when provided with dignity and thoughtfulness. Be kind, share kindness, and speak kindness.

Whatever your circumstances, Bedminster Pharmacy is your friendly local pharmacy. We are always here for you.

Secret Gardens event raises £4K

Bedminster’s annual event is best yet, raising funds to support ‘small grants for green projects’

THE 2024 Bedminster’s Secret Gardens event in June was the 11th open garden weekend Blooming Bedminster has organised since 2009, and this year was the most successful event to date.

Over the weekend, a fantastic £4,000 was raised, which the organisers are offering to local gardening and environmental projects in the form of small grants.

If you are a part of a group that wants to do something to make your community greener and more sustainable, you can apply for a grant of up to £300 to help. Perhaps you want to improve a green space near you, do something to increase biodiversity or organise a workshop with your neighbours?

Your group must be working in the Greater Bedminster area and the deadline for applications is 15 September. For more

details and an application form, please email laura_murgatroyd@hotmail.com

The organisers would like to thank everyone

who opened their gardens and to Boardwalk Property who sponsored the event, making these grants possible.

Bedminster’s Secret Gardens held this June was the ‘most successful’ to-date

n NEWS

Bristol’s first Chinese fish & chip shop closes

WILLOW Garden on North Street first opened its doors back in 1972. It was one of four shops to be opened up by Mr and Mrs Lau – and this was the first Chinese and Fish & Chips to be opened in Bristol, said one of the current owners, Tony Wong.

In 1995, Tony’s family took over the shop, located at 283 North Street. Said Tony: “My family initially made significant changes but had to revert back with some of the changes because the customers were not familiar with my parents’ cooking! Over the years, they slowly put out changes so customers could get use to it!”

Some of the family’s special dishes included Singapore Chow Mein/Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Chicken Hong Kong style, Crispy Beef, Aromatic duck, Tony told us.

As well as building up a local customer base, the odd famous person has been spotted in Willow Garden, including former

Bristol City captain Louis Carey! Tony told us that he is now planning to return to the “world of IT, having gained a computing degree 10 years ago [and] my mother plans going to her allotment and, more generally, relax after all these years”!

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Riding The Wave

THE Wave is a slice of the ocean, inland near Bristol. Offering perfect, guaranteed waves for surfers of all abilities, it’s the perfect place to learn to surf this summer.

This year the launch of the 'Little Rippers' session allows for children as young as four to learn to surf. Or if you just want to get in for a splash, Play In The Bay is a summer favourite. For others looking to kickstart their surfer journey, look no further than a beginner lesson. Already a keen surfer? The Wave offers great sessions from intermediate to expert every day.

But The Wave is more than just surfing. With free parking and free entry, families can spend a day at The Wave with or without getting wet. The play park and skate ramp keeps kids of all ages entertained for hours, and the shoreline café and restaurant offer all-day dining, great tasting coffee and a licensed bar. And if you didn’t want to drive home… book a night in a glamping-style safari tent located right next to the lake.

The Wave is an unmissable trip this holiday. Visit The Wave just off Junction 17 of the M5, near Cribbs Causeway. www.thewave.com

n WILDLIFE

Every window box counts

A BS3 Wildlife Group member is turning her garden into a wildlife haven

By Ben Barker, Secretary, BS3 Wildlife Group

2023 saw the publication of the State of Nature report on UK wildlife. It makes grim reading with one in six native animals, plants and fungi at risk of extinction. A good response is to make your garden more wildlife friendly.

Back, front and community gardens cover 10-15% of Bristol. They are often the most productive with a wide range of trees, bushes, ponds and hiding places. Making them more biodiverse is a mixture of some key tasks and stopping certain activities. A key stoppage is the use of chemical killers.

Many ‘pests’ are actually somebody else’s lunch. No aphids, no ladybirds. Hedgehogs, frogs and many birds need slugs and snails, but not ones adulterated by poison.

Replacing grass with plastic is useless for wildlife. On the other hand, a pile of logs and leaves are great places to hide.

Most public parks don’t have ponds (but we are working on the Parks Department). When birds want a drink they visit gardens. A small pond (perhaps a bucket lowered into the soil) or a dish of water will do. Think about positioning these. Birds need to avoid cats and so will appreciate water and food placed where they can easily see lurking predators. Some

Thanks to Wildlife Gardeners

Domestic gardens, front and back, are a key element in the continued survival of many birds, insects and other creatures in the Greater Bedminster Urban Nature Reserve (aka BS3).

As a thank you to gardeners who are doing their bit, or would like to, BS3 Wildlife Group is offering a certificate designed by local artist Sally Dove to proudly stick in your window. This is a thanks to you and also an encouragement for others to follow your example.

To learn more, or for a downloadable window poster, please contact mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com

Willow Garden owners are closing its doors

A simple Beetle Trap

n LOCAL SPORT

Fixture release

RUGBY UNION: Bristol Bears will find out their Premiership programme for the new season on July 23 but the fixture lists have already been released lower down the system.

Old Redcliffians open their National League Two West campaign at home to Cinderford on September 7 with a local derby trip to Clifton the following week.

In Counties 3 Tribute Somerset North, Bristol Harlequins are at Winscombe Seconds for their opener while, in Counties 3 Tribute Gloucestershire South, Broad Plain are home to Barton Hill.

Hull of an opener

FOOTBALL: Bristol City face a cross-country trip for their opening Championship match of the 2024/25 season when they travel to Hull City on Saturday, August 10, for a 12.30pm kick-off.

Three days later they are at home to Coventry City in the League Cup, before welcoming Millwall to Ashton Gate in the league.

The season ends on May 3, when Preston North End head to Bristol.

Cup final date

FOOTBALL: Brislington will take on Taunton Town in the delayed 2023/24 Somerset FA Premier Cup final at Bath City on July 31. Semi-finalists Larkhall Athletic and Weston-superMare both withdrew.

Flyers’ Euro dates increase

BASKETBALL: Bristol Flyers are re-entering the European North Basketball League.

Coach Andreas Kapoulas’ side will continue to compete in Europe, following a successful debut season in the ENBL, which saw the club reach the

play-off quarter-finals.

The ENBL is expanding to 18 teams with new members so far announced including Dutch side Donar Groningen, Poland’s Dziki Warszawa, Dinamo Bucharest of Romania, Inter Bratislava of Slovakia and Norwegian champions Fyllingen.

Ashton Gate accolade

RUGBY UNION: Ashton Gate will host both semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 when the biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby comes to England.

World Rugby has chosen the Bristol sports and events venue to be the premier knock-out venue for the 10th edition of the global tournament, hosting both semifinals and two quarter-finals. The quarter-finals will take place on the weekend of September 1-3 and the semi-finals the following weekend to decide the finalists for Twickenham on September 27.

Ashton Gate’s selection follows the 26,169 sell-out Lionesses’ Arnold Clark football doubleheader in February 2023 and March’s record attendance of 19,705 for the Red Roses game

against Wales.

The Red Roses will play their pool stage matches in Northampton and Brighton & Hove with the potential to play their quarter-final at Ashton Gate, should they progress.

Bristol Bears and England international Lark Atkin-Davies said: “Ashton Gate is a fantastic stadium. It’s always amazing, whether I’m wearing a Bears or an England jersey – the fans are unreal.

“The noise and the atmosphere go to another level when I’m playing for Red Roses, so to have my home stadium confirmed as a World Cup quarter-final and semi-final venue next year is going to be incredible.

“I just hope I’ll get to run out in front of a home crowd.”

Summer coaching camps

CRICKET: Knowle CC are hosting a series of cricket summer camps.

They will be running on July 24-25, July 29-August 2 and August 5-9 and cost £30 per day (discount for bookings of five or more days).

They are open to all boys and girls aged 7-12.

For more information and to book, contact Austin Empson (0754 8099662), Chris Green (0781 4234351) or Andrew Rasemere (0774 1206819).

Youngsters’ chance to impress

FOOTBALL: The Bristol Together Championships attracted 140 children from primary schools across the city to take part in the Purposeful Playoffs at UWE Bristol’s Hillside Campus. The programme allows them to develop their resilience, improve their physical and mental wellbeing and develop a range of practical and cognitive skills that will support them for the rest of their lives through football.

They will join returning ENBL champions Bakken Bears, CSO Voluntari, Tartu Ulikool, Basket Brno, Valmiera Glass and Keila KK, with a further six clubs to be revealed.

Regional success for Jeffrey

GOLF: Neve Jeffrey of Knowle GC won the South West Girls Championship with a gross score of 79.

The championship took place at Filton Golf Club with a field of 59 players.

A funky effort

NETBALL: Funky Monkeys are leading the way after six games in the Bristol Thursday Netball League at Ashton Park School. They have won all their games and lead Bristol Gliders by four points.

To get your team or club included, please send your reports and club news to: sbvsport@outlook.com

The deadline for the next edition is Thursday, August 8, but the earlier you can send, the better.

Neve Jeffrey with her impressive trophy

n WICKED WITCH

In witch you’ve got to be kidding

LIFE has been complicated of late with far too many ‘you’ve got to be kidding’ situations. Luckily, I can escape to my caravan by the sea at weekends.

I arrived early, threw on my swimming costume and strolled down to the beach, accompanied by tweeting birdsong and the sun rising in a glorious blue sky. My mood lifted and all was good.

Crabman’s car was on the shingle, and I could see his little boat on the horizon; apart from a large seagull glaring at my intrusion, I was totally alone. The gull caught my attention, he was backing away, dragging something. I squinted and realised that he was pulling a lead weight attached to a fishing line – the hook was stuck in his beak!

Marvellous! My stress levels crept up. I decided to ignore the situation and ran into the waves. I swam along the shore glancing at the

sad white bird before muttering, “You’ve got to be kidding,” and hauling myself back onto the shingle. Struggling into my Dryrobe (only used for the purpose it was intended), I fished out my phone and called Himself for advice.

“Right,” he instructed. “You need to throw a towel over him, hold in a headlock and twist the hook out.”

I peered over at the huge white gull and he glared back, menacingly. “Okay,” I replied, “Sounds easy”.

I crept up to the bird, but he just flapped and backed away. We played this game for a while until a dog came bounding up and the seagull took flight, weight and all, landing in the water about five meters out, where he bobbed, head

dunking under the waves. Great! The dog’s owner joined me and I shared the stress. She was a local and got her phone out instructing a friend to attend with scissors and a net.

We stood watching the gull trying desperately to stay afloat while other birds divebombed him. I’d like to think this was out of concern but I fear they wanted to eat him.

There was nothing more I could do so I left the stress with the girl and walked back to the caravan, telling myself she would save him.

The weekend came to an end and as I pulled up outside my house in Bristol, I spotted the welcoming sight of a rat running along the pavement. I watched with horror as the rat turned a

sharp right and ran up to my front door throwing itself upon the paintwork, little hands spread wide.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” I muttered. Releasing Scrappy Little Dog, I squealed ‘GET IT’ as I hopped from foot to foot. She chased it down, caught, shook and killed it. This was a surprise to both of us (she’s normally a humane rat catcher/rubbish at it). I was still hopping about on the pavement shuddering when I realised the whole scene had been witnessed by a small, angelic, wide-eyed child on her way to the shop. Fantastic! So, I potentially saved one animal, definitely killed another and almost certainly gave a small child nightmares. I’m not kidding; life is challenging.

southbristolvoice

n WHAT’S ON

28 July, Bristol South Pool needs volunteers from 10am to 2pm to help paint the main railings outside on Dean Lane and by Dame Emily Park, as well as planting in the main tubs outside. Next session 25 August. tinyurl.com/SouthBristolPool

The Frankenstein Experience, July 31; August 3, 7, 10, 14 & 17. 2.30pm & 4.30pm each day – a one-hour walking tour and entry to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, plus a themed cocktail. See where Shelley lived and wrote, and discover the dark secrets behind her legendary creation. Info & tickets: https://bit.ly/4cMICYL

The Hay Wain, John Constable’s iconic oil painting, is at Bristol Museum, from now til 1 Sep 2024 The exhibition will also include oil sketches from the Victoria & Albert Museum. https://bit.ly/44HV8p6

Knowle West Fest, 5 Aug 11:00 – 17:00. A FREE fun day out for all! Barnstaple Rd, Bristol BS4 1JP. Community parade starts at The Park Centre at 11. Enjoy live music on the outdoor stage, a craft market, creative activities, circus skills with Circomedia and a silent disco. Food stalls and bar.

5 August, Long Ashton Health Walks at 10.30am meeting at Long Ashton Community Centre. A longer away walk is also available on 19 August – please call Ruth: 07814 671369 or Karen: 07855 402768 for more details. No need to book, just come along; it’s free! Visit: https://bit.ly/4f10cK1 to find out more.

6--11 August, Lord of the Dance with Michael Flatley, Bristol Beacon. A showstopping revival of the classic dance extravaganza, the iconic performance will showcase high-

n

NEWS

energy Irish dancing, original music, storytelling and sensuality. https://bit. ly/467ca0y

Calling food/art stallers! The Holy Cross Catholic Primary School will be joining the South Bristol Arts Trail on 15th September. If you would like to have your stall at the school, please contact: ptfaholycrossbedminster@ gmail.com by 20 August.

Space Shanty, now til 1 Sept. One of Bristol’s most iconic harbourside venues will be transformed into a maze of interactive installations, digital artworks, and historical artefacts. Plus a hands-on making area and interactive elements will enable visitors to immerse themselves in this celestial experience. Adult £12; child 4-17 years £8; under-3s go free with a paying adult; Concession – over 65, student, armed forces or bluelight card holder with valid ID £8; carers go free. www.yuup.co/space-shanty/bristol

Follow The Signs, 4–7 September, Tobacco Factory. Tickets: £16/£14, www.tobaccofactorytheatres. com. Performed through BSL, rap, spoken English, movement, and creative captioning, it tells the story of acclaimed dancer and choreographer Chris Fonseca: from infanthood when he lost his hearing after contracting meningitis, through a school system unable to value his differences, into teenage years where music and dance entered his life, to meeting Raffie Julien, a mixed-race deaf woman whose lived experience seemingly couldn’t be more different.

The Garden Theatre at Windmill Hill City Farm. The Tale of Jemima PuddleDuck by Quantum Theatre (10th & 17th August). https://bit.ly/3R4Na3X Stoke Park Sculpture Trail. Free. Look

Actor needed for new film

EXCITING local musical theatre casting call for a new musical (Paid)

A local musical theatre company is looking for a Black actor between 18-40 (all gender identities welcome) to play Michael Jordan in a parody musical of the film Space Jam.

Requirements:

• Strong singing and acting abilities

• Athletic appearance preferred

• Skilled in physical comedy, as you will interact with cartoons live on stage

out for a fox, deer, giant conkers and more. Follow the sculpture trail map: https://bit.ly/4cI8GnZ. Park near the entrance by 270 Romney Ave BS7 9TD. NB no facilities.

Mondays 5-6pm, Gardening sessions, Dame Emily Park. Everyone is welcome; no experience necessary! Bring your own gloves. Tea and cake provided! Contact: dameemilypark@gmail.com

First Wednesday of the month, South Bristol Gardening Club. St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Southville. Annual membership £25. A friendly club and new members are very welcome. The club has a varied series of talks and visits planned for 2024. Club members enjoy free regular talks from expert speakers and subsidised visits to gardens throughout the year. To join, go to https://bit.ly/3w6xjKB

University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, Stoke Bishop. Wednesdays are DAISY days – donate as it suits you, £1, £3, £5 or £7. Open every day from 10am until 4:30pm until November. Explore the beautiful gardens or take part in the children’s scavenger hunt. Café, baby changing, toilets. https://bit.ly/3LreVAv

Thursdays, 2-4.45pm, Forest school, Dame Emily Park. Developing a sense of awe and wonder about nature, so together we can save it. Contact info@forestchild.co.uk

Last Thursday in month, Jazz@The Park. If you fancy a couple of relaxing hours listening to music, dancing and eating cake, then visit The Park Centre, Daventry Road, 2.30-4.30pm; £3.50. Listen to the exquisite vocals of Rachel Lawrence and her Barrel House Vipers as they take you on a musical trip

Dates and Details:

• Separate rates for development sessions at a studio over the next year

• ITC minimum rates for rehearsals and performances (minimum two-week rehearsal period and two shows in October 2025, with potential extension based on success)

Auditions close on 31 August, so enquiries should be made at latest 2 weeks before then, to ensure you have time to send over everything detailed in the audition pack. For details and an audition pack, email: rhysashtontucker@ gmail.com

down the lazy river. Upcoming dates for your diary: 29th Aug; 26th Sept; 31st Oct; 28th Nov; 19th Dec.

Thursdays 10.30am-12pm, Gardening for Wellbeing, Redcatch Community Garden. A free weekly gardening group to support your wellbeing, to enable you to meet people and so you can enjoy being outdoors. Tea and coffee included. To book a place, email kaya@redcatchcg. com or call/text 0785 863 0507.

Fridays, Women’s Craft Club. FREE, 11am to 1pm, Arnolfini, Second Floor, Reading Room. Run in partnership with Bristol Refugee Festival at Arnolfini where women from all backgrounds are welcome to go along, have a cup of tea and get crafty. All materials are provided. community@ arnolfini.org.uk

First Saturday of the month, Windmill Hill Market, 10.00am til 3.00pm, now til December. Showcasing a variety of handmade items from local crafts people, including ceramics and pottery, clothing, accessories, homeware and décor, jewellery, prints and illustrations. Plus, street food, local food and drink produce, slow fashion, kids’ crafts and more.

n LOCAL CHARITY Volunteers needed

ARE you a parent or grandparent? Local charity Home-Start Bristol & South Gloucestershire is looking

for new volunteers who have parenting skills.

The charity supports families with under-5s across Bristol and South Glos who are going through tough times.

Volunteers are needed for home-visiting or to help at parent groups, for two to three hours a week.

The next volunteer training course starts on Thursday 26th September in Southmead. To find out more, visit www. homestartbsg.org.uk, email admin@homestartbsg.org. uk or call 0117 950 1170.

Bristol South Pool needs volunteers on 28 July n NEWS

FRIENDS of Bristol South Pool will be volunteering again on Sunday 28 July, from 10am to 2pm. Why not join the team then to continue painting the main railings outside on Dean Lane and by Dame Emily Park?

The team will also be planting in the main tubs outside to keep sprucing up the local area. All materials will be provided. Please do pop along, even if for an hour – every little helps!

If you can’t make it on 28 July, consider going along to help out on the last Sunday of another month instead between the same times, eg 25 August. Join the WhatsApp community to stay updated: tinyurl.com/ SouthBristolPool