South Bristol Voice June 2024

southbristolvoice

Bristol Packet celebrates 50th anniversary

The Bristol Boat Company celebrated its 50th anniversary by taking to the water and hosting an Avon Gorge cruise with friends and family, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, as well as Nick Gray who started the company back in 1974.

It all started back in 1974 by Nick Gray with Redshank – a 72-foot, Town Class Narrow Boat that had previously worked on The Grand Union Canal. Then in 1977, Bristol Packet became a fleet when Redshank was joined by the Tower Belle, a historic passenger boat from the river Thames. Tower Belle had previously laid derelict for years, but after a great deal of restoration, the Board of Trade Surveyors passed the boat as seaworthy, and she could legally carry fare paying passengers.

The newly established Bristol Packet offered trips to Beese’s Tea Gardens, fivehour adventures to Bath and trips through the Avon Gorge to the Bristol Channel. These unique offerings, dormant since the 1960s, attracted a small yet enthusiastic clientele who were eager to board! Hearing onboard stories of the area and how it changed Continued on page 5 >

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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 31 May 2024.

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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 By email: cllr.ellie.freeman@bristol.gov.uk

By phone: 07386 698680

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

By phone: 0738 669 8678

Tony Dyer Green, Southville By phone: 07584182862 By email:

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

Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk

Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 0758 418 3843

By email: Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk

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

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

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

Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill By phone: 07584186535 By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk

n PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Welcome

What a bright, bright sunshine-filled day, as I write!

Welcome to the June edition of the South Bristol Voice – I’ve been loving that the sun has been shining and the parks are full of happy people.

Now that summer seems to be here, take a look at the what’s on section for fun things to do (p27), along with extras on our website – https:// southbristolvoice.co.uk – and social media. Stay safe in the sun, look after those pets in the heat and enjoy all the excitement and beauty that

South Bristol has to offer. Why not take a boat trip to see South Bristol from a different angle? Have a look at our cover story to find out more... Ruth

n NEWS

BS4 Good Gardens returns this June

BS4 Good Gardens is back for another year!

KEEP an eye out for our volunteer judges who will be canvassing the neighbourhood looking for beautiful gardens to award, anything from wellthought-out hanging baskets to mature planted shrubs and trees.

Judging will take place between 1st and 30th June. You can find a list of all of the streets that have been

nominated this year at https:// bs4goodgardens.co.uk/ nominations

All garden favourites will be entered into a prize draw to win a visit to BS4’s own Japanese Garden!

Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/ japanesegardenbristol

Many thanks to everyone who has donated time, money or a prize – this couldn’t take place without your support.

Continued from page 1 >

over the years from the view of South Bristol with its many factories to how you see it now. The one-hour tour of the harbour also proved extremely popular. Unlike the rural romance of the upper Avon, or the grandeur of the Avon Gorge, the Docks offered dereliction and abandoned buildings. However, beneath the decaying façade, Bristol boasted a fascinating history, rich in maritime heritage.

In 1980, Bristol Packet was acquired by the Thomson and Dunstan families and under their ownership the fleet has expanded to include five boats: The Flower of Bristol was welcomed in 1995; Bagheera in 2002; and Hydrogenesis (the UK’s first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel) in 2021.

Keith Dunstan, one of the owners, spoke to the South Bristol Voice and told us he’d been buying boats for many years after buying his first at age 7.

His son Luke is now often found onboard the Tower Belle, sadly more often as a mechanic and plumber than a captain, but

loves being part of the ship’s crew who all work closely together as an efficient and friendly team.

Then in 2017, Bristol Packet launched a floating Café-Bar created from Redshank’s old Butty Boat, Greenshank. Once utilised for storage, Greenshank has been refurbished into a stylish floating café with an outdoor sun terrace made from an adjoining barge.

Today, Bristol Packet Boat

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Trips continues to be operated by the Dunstan and Thomson families, with multiple generations from each family frequently present aboard the boats and along the quayside. Their iconic red and white fleet can be spotted on the Avon hosting trips year-round. Whether it’s hordes of waving children, old school friends catching up over a Cream Tea or passengers having a boogie on

the deck, Bristol Packet is always delighted to host customers onboard!

In terms of future plans, the company aims to ‘green the company’. It currently operates the world’s first hydrogen powered passenger ferry (Hydrogenesis) and is in the process of electrifying the company’s original boat Redshank with the introduction of Lithium batteries.

The Bristol Boat Company celebrated its 50th anniversary with an Avon Gorge cruise

n ADVERTORIAL

Child of the 90s? Play your part in cutting-edge research

RESEARCHERS at the University of Bristol are calling on 31-33-year-olds living in the Bristol area to take part in one of the most detailed health studies of its kind in the world.

The Children of the 90s is an internationally-renowned research study, following the health and development of more than 14,000 families with a child born in Bristol and the surrounding area between April 1991 and December 1992.

Researchers have used the data collected over the last 30 years to help answer important questions on key health issues, including asthma, childhood obesity, and dementia.

Almost 4,000 young people have already attended the latest @30 clinic and taken part in a series of physical and mental health measures including full-body bone density scans, liver scans and lung function tests.

Now, as the @30 clinic comes to an end in July, the Children of the 90s team wants to hear from anyone who was born in or around the city in 1991/2 and would like to take part in this ground-breaking

research. As a thank you for taking part, you’ll get £40 (bank transfer or voucher) – with free parking and travel expenses covered.

Children

of the 90s Q&A with Danielle

How long have you been involved with Children of the 90s and what are your earliest memories of the study?

My earliest memories of Children of the 90s are from primary school. However, at that point I wasn’t actually attending and was jealous of all my class-mates getting time off school and showing off their skeleton scans!

When I was in my early 20s, I received a letter asking if I wanted to start taking part. I asked my mum if she signed me up as a baby and she did recall being approached about it. I was really excited to say that I was finally part of Children of the 90s!

Why is it important to you to be involved in the study?

Not only is the clinic visit a great health check, checking areas of

my body and development that wouldn’t usually be checked, it’s also great to be taking part in a research project that will help towards the future.

What makes you continue to be part of Children of the 90s?

My first visit was similar to @30 but I was in my early 20’s. Since then our family has become part of the study – I have been coming in for CoCo (Children of the Children of the 90s) visits with my children, doing the

questionnaires and even got the hubby to sign up, too!

What would you say to a participant considering taking part in the @30 clinic?

It is a really interesting few hours, from liver scans to full body scans, breathing tests and samples. It’s never a dull experience. You also get your transport costs covered and a £40 voucher for coming along, which is a nice touch.

To find out more:

Call 0117 331 0011 or text 07989 209557. Email info@ childrenofthe90s.ac.uk. There is more info about what happens at the clinic at childrenofthe90s.ac.uk/at30 –and participants only do as much or as little as they want.

Danielle with her husband Daniel in the clinic

Local school wins prestigious TISUK award

Knowle West Nursery School first early years setting and nursery school in country to achieve TISUK status

KNOWLE West Nursery School has been awarded the Trauma and Mental Health Informed School Award by Trauma Informed Schools UK (TISUK).

This prestigious recognition marks Knowle West as the first early years setting and nursery school in the country to achieve this status, highlighting its unwavering commitment to trauma-informed practices.

Said Tony Sammon, TISUK assessor, “Knowle West Nursery School is a beacon of excellent trauma-informed practice. It is a lighthouse and a beacon for its community. The work they are doing with the children and parents is transformational and they are healing intergenerational trauma.

“This school is incredible, and the staff are rightly proud of their achievements and the long journey which has led them to this point. They will never rest on their laurels and are on a quest for constant improvement.

“Parents, as well as their children, are true partners in this work. The compassion and care the staff feel for their children, their parents and the wider community of Knowle West is infectious. They meet every criterion to be awarded Trauma Informed Status and it was a privilege and pleasure to have spent time in their company.”

Said the school on winning this award: “Achieving the award validates the importance of the work that we do and the impact it has on our children both now and for the rest of

their lives. It confirms what we know about early attachment and the importance of focusing on building relationships with children and families, getting to know them and understanding their stories as the foundation for their educational journey.

“The award acknowledges the level of specialist knowledge held within the Knowle West Nursery School team and celebrates the commitment and dedication of the whole staff team to this critical work.”

Knowle West Nursery School has an established senior leadership team that have all worked at the school between 10-17 years. Several practitioners have also worked at the school for this length of time. Their collective knowledge has grown considerably over the years with key staff accessing training on attachment, emotional regulation, supporting behaviour, and trauma-informed practices. The key messages from continual, professional development have

helped to shape our approach and practice today.

In 2020 Rachel Stoyell had the opportunity to undertake the TISUK diploma. Later Helen Hogg and George Wilcox went on to complete the training after the school successfully managed to access some additional funding. Jenny McDonald (headteacher) completed the Senior Leads training.

Said the school: “With a Trauma Informed Senior Leadership team, we were able to plan and deliver training to disseminate key messages to the whole staff team. Across a series of INSET days, and during compulsory induction sessions for new staff, the Trauma Informed Approach was cascaded.

All three Trauma Informed Practitioners have been based in the classrooms to model the approach in practice and support staff’s confidence.

“In early 2023 we believed we were truly a ‘trauma-informed’ school and were excited to apply for the award. We were required to write an application form, detailing how we met the relevant criteria. As a result of a successful application we were visited in March of this year by a representative of TISUK. The assessor spent the day at the school in the classrooms alongside children and practitioners observing the quality of relationships and interactions. This included talking to the team about how they support children who may have adverse childhood experiences (ACES).

“The assessor went on to meet with parents and hear about their experiences at the school. He also met with the senior leadership team to hear case studies of how we have worked therapeutically with children and families who had experienced traumatic life experiences, and to find out how we have successfully put the key messages from TISUK into practice.”

In terms of the value the practitioners bring to the school, said the school: “Our team is our most valuable resource. We know that it is what ‘we’ do and who ‘we’ are that makes the biggest difference to children’s and families’ early educational experience.

“We know that having welltrained, highly skilled staff who enable children and families to feel safe and understood is critical to them forming a positive view of the education system for the rest of their lives.

“Although we have specific Trauma Informed Practitioners who have achieved the diploma, the whole staff team is ‘Trauma Informed’ and each and every member of staff makes a positive difference to the lives of the children and families we work with.”

About the award

The award is designed to enable schools to demonstrate that they have the highest level of Trauma Informed Practice embedded across their setting. It requires applicants to demonstrate the implementation of the following principles: Protect, Relate, Regulate and Reflect.

In addition, applicants for the Trauma and Mental Health Informed Awards must have completed TISUK staff training and demonstrate the use of emotionally available adults to support children who have experienced trauma.

Knowle West Nursery School is the first early years setting and nursery school in the country to receive this award.

Find out more about this tremendous accomplishment and about Knowle West Nursery School’s trauma-informed approach, go to: https://knowle westnurseryschool.co.uk

Helen Hogg, Georgina Wilcox, Rachel Stoyell & Jenny McDonald

n LOCAL CHARITY

Students raise £831 for Children’s Hospice South West

A group of students from a Bristol school went walking each week after class to raise money for local children’s charity CHSW

ASHTON Park School student Lilly and fellow students Ada and Ella did a sponsored walk to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

The trio set out to walk for an hour after school each Monday around Ashton Court and Bristol Harbourside over three months –clocking up an amazing £831 for the charity.

The students took on the challenge as part of the volunteering section of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

Year 9 student Lilly said: “For the volunteering section of our Bronze DofE award, we decided we would like to volunteer our time to do a sponsored walk for charity.

“We chose Children’s Hospice South West as we wanted to help raise funds to help a local charity.

“When we read about all the amazing work Children’s Hospice South West does and read some stories about how amazing Charlton Farm is, helping so many children and their families, we all agreed that this was the charity we wanted to walk for.

“Due to the time of year, the weather was often against us and we did a lot of our walking soaking wet and in the dark but we only had to re-schedule once.

“In total we walked 83km and raised £831. We’re really pleased we managed to raise money for such a deserving charity.”

Ashton Park School headteacher Richard Uffendell said: “I am immensely proud of our students who have accomplished so much for

Children’s Hospice South West.

“They are truly inspirational and have clearly demonstrated our school values of Respect, Determination and Community.”

CHSW area fundraiser Amanda Leonard said: “On behalf of the 550 families that are supported by the Children’s Hospice South West each year we are truly grateful.

“The students have demonstrated a strong commitment to their challenge and have raised an incredible amount of money.

“We rely heavily on the support of our local community and so it is wonderful to see that CHSW was chosen to be supported.

“This money will go a long way to helping local children and young people with lifelimiting conditions and their families at such a challenging time.”

Children’s Hospice South West has been providing care and support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families in the South West for over 30 years.

The charity offers specialist palliative care and hospice care for the whole family, a sibling support for brothers and sisters, emergency support, end of life care and a bereavement service.

For more on Children’s Hospice South West, go to: http://www.chsw.org.uk

Lily, Ada and Emma with Ashton Park Duke of Edinburgh lead Ella Williams, headteacher

Richard Uffendell and CHSW area fundraiser Amanda Leonard

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Aerospace Bristol and Cameron Balloons to celebrate

Bristol’s

hot air ballooning heritage this summer

‘Look up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will put hot air ballooning history on display, offer a behind-the-scenes look at how hot air balloons are made and give visitors the chance to enjoy a packed programme of family activities.

From Britain’s first modern hot air balloon, the Bristol Belle, to the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta and the incredible colours and shapes that decorate the city’s skies each August, Bristol is the home of hot air ballooning in the UK.

This summer, Aerospace Bristol and Cameron Balloons will celebrate that heritage with a temporary exhibition at the museum and a special programme of hot air balloon themed activities running throughout the summer holiday.

‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will give museum visitors the chance to

discover how and why hot air ballooning took off in Bristol, find out how Bedminster-based Cameron Balloons designs and manufactures its amazing special shapes, and get hands-on with a range of hot air balloon themed activities.

Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, said: “Aerospace Bristol tells a fascinating story of aviation achievements spanning more than a century, from the early days of

powered flight to the supersonic Concorde and beyond.

“Thanks to this new partnership with Cameron Balloons, we’re excited to expand that story and celebrate hot air ballooning as an important part of our city’s rich aviation heritage.”

Jess Siggers, marketing manager of Cameron Balloons, said: “Cameron Balloons is thrilled to be partnering with Aerospace Bristol this summer. Since our company’s

inception in 1971, we’ve proudly created and built thousands of hot air balloons for pilots and operators around the world from our home of Bristol, born from the passion and vision of our founder, aeronautical engineer Don Cameron.

“We’re looking forward to telling the story of Bristol’s ballooning heritage alongside Aerospace Bristol’s innovative ethos and educational qualities, celebrating the boundless possibilities of aviation together – and hopefully introducing the joy and excitement of ballooning to some pilots of the future!”

‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will run from Wednesday 24th July to Sunday 1st September.

The exhibition and activities are included with museum admission, and Aerospace Bristol tickets include free return visits for 12 months.

Properties from £220,000

‘Time to start borrowing instead of buying’

Share Bristol Bedminster opens on East Street

A NEW Library of Things for south Bristol has found a home in the old Shoezone in St Catherine’s Place, East Street. Why not go and check out the Things available to borrow?

The Bedminster Library of Things already has around 150 Things available, and more are being added every week. Many people assume that Share Bristol is primarily a tool library, but actually carpet cleaners and pressure washers are just as popular as DIY tools. There are much more interesting things to borrow as well – from a trumpet or keyboard, to mobility equipment or kitchen kit like steamers and cake stands, right through to tents and sleeping bags.

Share Bristol is asking local people to support the charity and help get Bristol borrowing, by donating Things to the Library – it is looking for anything that people might want to borrow for a week or two, rather than have permanently in their homes. The Library is also looking for more volunteers so that it

can open for longer – currently it is only open on Wednesday lunchtimes and Saturday mornings, while the team scales up.

The small group behind Share Bristol is hoping to have hundreds more Things to lend out and longer opening hours after its official opening on 12 June. But you can join as members now and start borrowing instead of buying from May onwards.

Find out more at: www.sharebristol.org.uk

New Gossip Nail Bar opens in South Bristol

EMILY Gossip has just opened her second Gossip Nail Bar, this time in Bedminster, following a successful launch in central Bristol.

The innovative nail bar and coffee shop gives you the chance to grab a coffee, get your nails done, and have a bite to eat from the almost exclusive vegan menu.

Said owner Emily: “Initial response has been amazing; we’re already fully booked most days on the nail bar and interest has been building in the café and everyone who has come in has been so complimentary.”

In terms of future plans, Emily plans to open longer hours on the café once establishing a good customer base.

Images: Pippa Reilly

n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS

THANK you for putting your trust in me. It’s a privilege to represent the place I call home as your Labour councillor. Whether you voted for me or not, I will try my hardest to represent you and to get the best deal for our community.

Bedminster, Ashton, Ashton Vale and Bower Ashton are great places to live, but I know that they can be even better. Working with my fellow councillor and our Labour MP in Bristol South, Karin Smyth, I will do all I can to deliver on the community’s priorities of more NHS dentist and

Emily Clarke Labour councillor, Bedminster

GP appointments, safer and cleaner streets and public transport that you can rely on.

I will also push the new Bristol City Council administration to deliver on match day parking.

It’s been great to speak to so many of you this year. I really want to continue that conversation, so please do get in touch with your thoughts, concerns and ideas for our area.

cllr.emily.clarke@bristol.gov.uk 0738 669 8678

Facebook @BedminsterLabour

BOTH Christine and Tony are honoured and delighted to have been returned as the Ward councillors for Southville with a much-increased share of the vote.

Across the city, 34 Green councillors were voted in to represent the residents of Bristol. This makes us the largest group of Green councillors ever elected in the UK. Sadly, although we continue to be the largest party in the city, we fell just short of an overall majority.

However, we had stated throughout the campaign that, whatever the result, we would seek to work crossparty within the new committee system to bring forward Green policies such as creating sustainable transport infrastructure, providing cleaner air and delivering services that place the most disadvantaged at the forefront.

Ellie Freeman Green councillor, Bedminster

By the time you read this, it is likely that Tony will have been voted in as the new Leader of Bristol City Council whilst Christine will have taken her place as the Chair of the Children and Young People Policy Committee.

Despite these city-wide roles, we will continue to focus on our many Ward-level projects and we will continue to represent resident views, be it on large infrastructure projects around the East Street area or smaller planning applications that impact a much more immediate local neighbourhood.

With your support the next four years will see a step-change in approach to priorities in the city. For example, transport policy, improved support for the most disadvantaged, and environmental recovery projects – we are excited about what can be achieved under a Green-led council.

THANKS for re-electing us! We would like to say a massive thank you to the residents of Totterdown for going out and voting for us on 2nd May 2024.

To be re-elected as your councillors is such an honour and a privilege, and we are so determined to serve the community and help maintain Windmill Hill as a brilliant area to live in.

We are really proud to be your hardworking councillors.

Here are a few things that we would like to achieve in the next four years:

• Firstly, we recognise the difficulties with parking in the area, so we will be pursuing a meaningful consultation with residents to introduce a Residents Parking Zone, where appropriate. We want to work with

to become your new councillors for Knowle after being elected on 2nd May.

We would like to thank all those who supported us during our campaign. We are grateful to residents for placing their trust in us, and for sharing their thoughts, challenges, ideas and hopes with us on the doorstep.

Whether you voted for us or not, we are dedicated to supporting you and acting on your behalf to secure a bright future for Knowle.

We are both new councillors, so over the coming weeks we are undergoing extensive training to

I’M EXCITED to represent Bedminster, alongside Emily Clarke. Although I have been working here for several years as chair of Action Greater Bedminster, meeting residents while campaigning gave me more insight into your hopes and concerns for the neighbourhood. I will be working as a councillor alongside running Storytale Festival CIC, continuing my involvement with Action Greater Bedminster and being a parent.

I will be looking at Residents Parking Zones and the Liveable Neighbourhood Consultation, talking to enforcement officers about reducing bad parking and continuing discussions with Bristol Sport about matchday parking. If you do see examples of dangerous or obstructive parking, please do report to Parking.operations@bristol.gov.uk

local people on this issue to stop our City Centre proximity meaning we are an informal park and walk. This is not fair on the families living in the area.

• We want to introduce more traffic calming measures that will help to stop people from speeding and rat running through this residential area, by consulting with you as to the problems. These traffic calming measures will be led by you and be for you. We will ensure that you will have a say in any of the changes that will need to be made to make our area safer and cleaner to live in.

• We also want to help transfer Victoria Park Lodge to community ownership, so that it can be brought back into use as a community café and space with proper toilets.

Cam Hayward and Toby Wells Green councillors, Knowle

ensure we are able to carry out our duties and support you in the best way possible.

Please bear with us as we get settled in – you can rest assured that in the background we are already ramping up our work on some of the key issues in the ward, such as the Broadwalk redevelopment, anti-social behaviour and knife crime.

We’ll be working with other councillors to take action on buses as quickly as we can.

To get in touch, please email us at cllr.toby.wells@bristol.gov.uk or cam.hayward@bristolgreenparty. org.uk or via our Facebook page ‘Knowle Green Party’

Waste, litter and recycling facilities were also highlighted. Bristol Waste’s contract is due to be reviewed soon so I will feed into that. You can report flytipping or a street that needs cleaning via the council website.

If you are interested in planning, you can join the BS3 Planning Group on facebook or by emailing bs3planninggroup@gmail.com. There is a meeting about the district heat network on 6th June at 7pm at Windmill Hill City Farm. Please do come along.

If you’d like to support your local libraries or green spaces/ parks, please do email me and I can put you in touch with the relevant group – cllr.ellie.freeman@bristol.gov.uk

There is a lot of change coming to our area and I hope to raise your voice, inform you and support you as much as I can.

CAM AND TOBY are honoured

n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

Bus system is broken

FOR some time, I’ve been clear that the bus system in south Bristol is fundamentally broken.

People rely on buses every day: whether it be visiting loves ones, travelling to school, or accessing vital services. Yet residents in Bristol South have been forced to make do with a system that isn’t fit for purpose.

Reliable, affordable, and regular buses can be the difference between opportunity and isolation for local communities. People shouldn’t feel punished for where they live, yet I’ve heard from constituents who can’t even get back from the centre of town safely past 9pm.

I was pleased to see that the Number 23 bus from Ashton Vale was reinstated following the efforts of local campaigners – one of the eight bus routes cut

by First Bus in Bristol last year –but this is a small positive in four decades of managed decline.

Deregulation has robbed communities of a say over the services they depend on. Private operators have free reign to scrap routes they deem unprofitable, despite these being relied upon daily by local people.

With more challenges coming down the track, such as driver shortages and rising running costs, we need an overhaul of how the bus network operates. By catering to the needs of local communities, the bus system should empower people in Bristol South, instead of being a constant headache for those simply trying to go about their daily business.

To achieve this, local leaders need to be the ones making

decisions over bus routes in their area. I have long supported bringing the bus system under more democratic local control. Where franchising is in place, in London and Greater Manchester, buses have thrived.

Franchising is by no means a simple process, but it is the only way to create the bus network that south Bristol needs. This will only be possible under a Labour government.

Labour will give every community the power to take back control of their bus services, passing new legislation to support local leaders to deliver better buses, faster.

We will give combined authorities and councils control and flexibility over bus funding, with steps in place to safeguard local bus networks to ensure standards are raised.

I will support the West of England Mayor in using the powers available to him to bring our bus system under local control, so decisions about routes, service levels, and fares are made with the interests of local people at heart.

With the proper support of a Labour government, franchising could create an affordable bus network that people in south Bristol can rely on.

Karin Smyth shares her views with the Voice

n LOCAL EVENTS

BS4 Arts Trail 2024

Artists will be opening their doors on 15 & 16 June DISCOVER a hidden gem of Bristol with incredible green spaces and a wonderful creative community. There over 85 incredible artists and makers taking part this year in 28 venues, opening their homes and studios for the weekend of 15 & 16 June around Knowle, Brislington & St Anne’s.

Artists will also be exhibiting their work in wonderful community spaces – St Anne’s House, The Langton Pub, St Luke’s Church Hall, Bocabar, Hop Union Brewery and brand

new venue, The Glass Loft.

There are plenty of great food and drink hotspots to stop off at and loads of free print and craft workshops for all ages. You can have a go on a potter’s wheel, learn lino printing, get involved in creating collages and have a go at cutting glass.

It’s a great opportunity to take a stroll through the area and discover local artists in their natural environments, from custom studios to kitchen tables, and to buy direct from artists and see work outside of a gallery setting. Find out more: https://bs4artstrail.co.uk/

Loneliness Awareness Week, 10-16 June

The theme for 2024 is ‘Random Acts of Connection’ – encouraging everyone to increase those simple, everyday moments of connection that help us and others to feel happier and less lonely.

If you would like to get involved, why not have a street party, coffee morning or speed friending event and to help raise awareness of loneliness in your community, neighbourhood or place of work? Simply add your event to the interactive map: https://bit.ly/4bF4GDN If you would like to attend a local event, go to https://events.lonelinessawarenessweek.org

Over £44m raised by Bristol charity

South Bristol hero’s legacy celebrates 40 years of changing lives

ONE of the city’s best-known charitable foundations is celebrating 40 years of giving with more than £44 million donated to over 500 Bristol charities and community organisations.

The John James Bristol Foundation started in 1984 and, in a joint celebration, John James’ daughter Joan Johnson, chair of the Foundation, marked her 90th birthday with a tea party at Windmill Hill City Farm with the Foundation team and the Memories of Bedminster group, which has been supported by the Foundation for many years.

John James is one of Bristol’s best known and loved philanthropists, with organisations benefiting directly from his support including Bristol Old Vic and St Peter’s Hospice. In 1985, he provided £1 million funding for the city’s

first MRI scanner and helped found Windmill Hill City Farm in 1976, which was built on the site of his childhood home.

The recipient of a scholarship to the Merchant Venturer School in 1918 that set him on his successful career, the Foundation has also given money to independent schools to provide support for young people of similar backgrounds to his own. He also offered

£100K each in matched funding to all of the state secondary schools in the 1970s to create a fund which still provides awards for extracurricular activities that benefit young people.

Looking after the elderly was a priority for John James. In the period 1963–1996, over 500,000 elderly Bristolians went on free day trips and over 275,000 attended the free Old Folks Festival which ran until 1980. The Foundation continues to fund two parties a year for some 100 elderly people’s groups – including the Memories of Bedminster group who were invited to celebrate Joan’s birthday and the charities’ anniversary.

Today, the charity gives out around £2.5m every year, which comes from the Foundation’s investments – a ‘community chest’ created by John James to fund worthwhile causes.

Both personally and through the Foundation, he has been behind many of our institutions and best loved charities that help so many people today in the fields of health, the arts, the elderly, education and supporting vulnerable communities such as children and families facing poverty, veterans and the homeless.

“Many of the grants reflect his personal interests: a keen swimmer, the Foundation gave a major grant to Claremont Secondary School to help build its hydrotherapy pool and, as an enthusiastic fan of Concorde, another significant donation to help build a current home for the iconic plane, now Aerospace Bristol.

“Throughout his life John James gave with modesty and often humour. When he anonymously supported the founding of Windmill Hill City Farm, he said the only thanks he wanted was a cabbage delivered once a year that had been grown on the spot where his childhood home had once stood.

“We now look forward to the next four decades of giving back and continuing the work he began. Links with the past are coupled with a strong vision for the future needs of Bristol and its residents.”

Its first major donation was £1m to kick-start the funding to build the Bristol Children’s Hospital. Recent donations have been in support of causes such as Barnardo’s child exploitation services in Bristol, The Wheels Project in Brislington, which has been delivering education programmes in motor vehicle studies to disadvantaged and disaffected teenagers since 1979, and the Courts, the new enterprise hub for young people and creative businesses opening in June 2024.

John Haworth, vice chair of the Foundation, said: “Looking back over four decades of giving, I don’t think we can overstate the impact John James has made on the city through his charitable giving.

Anna Perry, CEO Great Western Air Ambulance, said: “We are enormously grateful for the support of John James Bristol Foundation since 2016. Its contributions have helped us buy vital medical equipment and supported major capital appeals, helping to secure the future of the air ambulance and critical care service for the people of Bristol and surrounding counties for the future.”

Lynn Perry MBE, chief executive, Barnardo’s, said: “Tackling the rising risk of sexual abuse and criminal exploitation is one of our strategic priorities... with parts of Bristol facing challenges in these areas, we are particularly thankful for the Foundation’s contributions to our work now, and over the past 25 years. We are particularly grateful for grants towards our new programme geared towards children and young people living in East Bristol who are at high risk of criminal exploitation.”

John James Bristol Foundation marks its 40th anniversary with

celebratory tea party

Windmill Hill City Farm

the Memories of

group

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with

Help keep Bedminster Pharmacy open

BEDMINSTER Pharmacy is not just a part of the NHS: it’s a vital pillar of our community’s healthcare system; it’s a place that provides care for everyone and is open to everyone. We take pride in being the standard-bearers of the NHS values. However, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for us and our local colleagues as community pharmacies across the country are closing at an alarming rate. Recent reports now put that rate at 10 closures a week. Why? Community pharmacies, most of them independents like ours, face a daily perfect storm of rapidly declining government funding, which no longer covers the cost of our service, while carrying the burden of high inflation. The increased cost of operating a dispensing pharmacy means we are left subsidising our NHS service, which is neither fair nor sustainable. Add to all this the daily workload of managing medicine shortages. Does it matter if we close? The answer is a resounding yes. When a pharmacy shuts its doors, it has far-reaching effects on our communities, particularly on vulnerable groups such as older

people, individuals managing long-term health conditions, including those living with and caring for those with disabilities, young families, and, most especially, those who don’t have the means to travel to a pharmacy that is further away. It is not only regular users that are impacted, but the entire fabric of our community is at risk.

Worse, it puts more pressure on the other local NHS and social care providers, including local pharmacies and GP surgeries. More people seeking help, with fewer access points and appointments, only worsens things. The evidence is that it will widen health inequity and exacerbate the pressures on the NHS. Despite the challenges, we are heartened by the unwavering support from our patients and the community. Your role in ordering and waiting to collect your prescription medicines on time, as well as your courteous interactions with our team, all help to significantly reduce pressures, even putting smiles on our faces. Your support is not just appreciated; it’s crucial to our operations.

We are proud that opportunities like the new

EARACHE

(adults and children aged 1 year & above)

SINUSITIS

(adults and children aged 12 years & above)

(adults and children aged 1 year & above)

(adults and children aged 5 years & above)

SHINGLES

(adults aged 18 years & above)

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

(women, aged 16 to 64 years)

BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

(children aged 30 days to 2 years)

IMPETIGO

(adults and children aged 1 year & above)

NHS Pharmacy First service are making a positive difference. This service allows us to prescribe antibiotics, where appropriate, guided by sensible and safe use, also better inform people about managing symptoms and when to return for treatment.

Did you know that all patients through this service receive in-house care and NHS treatment as appropriate? The ability to refer urgently to the GP when the surgery uses the NHS Community Pharmacy referral pathway also means a quicker, safer, easier patient care journey.

This is just the start of what is possible. Our team will change over time, but we are optimistic that Bedminster Pharmacy, with your continued support, can build a brighter future for healthcare in our community.

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

BS3 Community Cupboard in Ashton Vale

Our new Community Cupboard is a community club open to anyone who lives within the BS3 postcode area. We provide affordable, non-perishable food to local residents who may be experiencing difficulties, and the club is currently accepting new members. You will receive up to £10 worth of food for just £2 per week.

The Community Cupboard is based at Ashton Vale Community Centre on Risdale Road. It’s open every Monday (except bank holidays) 9.30 – 11am.

Contact: food@bs3community.org.uk or 0117 923 1039

Birthday Parties at The Southville Centre

Our Milford Hall is available to hire for children’s birthday parties, plus we now offer a party package which includes the garden for

outside fun! Cake bites and sandwiches can be pre-ordered, too! Contact our reception for prices and booking information on 0117 923 1039 or info@bs3community.org.uk

Café Working

Work from home? Come and work in our café! For just £10, you can have our meal of the day and two hot drinks of your choice, Tuesdays to Fridays.

Make 2024 your year of supporting your local community cafe. No booking is required – simply ask for the ‘work from café deal’ at the till.

The School Room Café is in our Southville Centre on Beauley Road. See our website or social media pages for the current opening times, https://bs3community.org.uk/theschool-room-cafe/

Art Club is coming back!

Our popular summer art club for children is back for this year’s summer holidays! There will be drop-in sessions (no need to book) on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons between 30 July to 29 August at our Southville Centre. More information to follow soon!

David Gibbs

The joy of eating together n FOOD & NUTRITION

Family mealtimes are about so much more than the food... FOOD and nutrition are important but there is more to mealtimes than the food and if we can remember that, instead focusing on the joy that food and eating together can bring, the nutrition will naturally follow (in time).

Mealtimes are about reconnecting after a busy day, chatting, having a laugh, learning something new from each other, role modelling table manners, as well as seeing how enjoyable food is.

They’re about having quality family time together. Some days, mealtimes might be the only time you are all together and that is really important.

Whilst you might choose to eat together at the dining room table because it is easier to serve, for the children to sit comfortably and to clear up any mess (oh boy, the mess!), sometimes you might choose to eat at the coffee table, in the garden, in the park or woods, or at a restaurant.

Steak Burrito Bowls

If I’m stuck for a family meal idea, my thoughts turn to burritos. Burritos tick so many boxes for a family-friendly dinner. They are pretty straightforward to prepare, versatile, can be made using batch cooked bits from the freezer to save time and everyone can design their ideal meal from the items on the table. These steak burrito bowls are a twist on the usual wrap because it’s great to change things up every once in a while.

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS

For the rice: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (crushed), 20g coriander (finely chopped with the stalks and leaves separated), 1 tbsp tomato puree, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp chipotle chilli powder (optional), ¼ - ½ tsp chilli, 2 large roasted peppers, 240g basmati rice, 480ml chicken stock, salt and pepper, juice of ½ lime

For the steak: 2 rump steaks in thin slices, heaped ½ tsp cumin, heaped ½ tsp coriander, heaped ½ tsp paprika, heaped ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika, large pinch of cinnamon, large pinch of chilli, large pinch of chipotle chilli powder (optional), salt and pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil

Toppings (suggestions): Tortillas (made into bowls, crispy tortilla wedges or strips), avocado (slices, cubes or as guacamole), cucumber (slices or cubes or mixed with the tomato and some onion for a salsa), tomatoes (slices or cubes or mixed with the cucumber and some onion for a salsa), red onion (slices or cubes or mixed with the cucumber and tomato for a salsa), grilled corn jalapeños, lime wedges

METHOD

1. Start by cooking the rice. Put the saucepan on a medium heat and add the oil.

2. Sweat the onions until soft and lightly browned, then add the garlic, stirring for a few minutes so it doesn’t burn.

3. Add the coriander stalks, tomato puree and spices and a good grinding of black pepper. Stir constantly whilst cooking for a minute.

4. Add the peppers and rice. Stir to coat in the onion and spice mixture.

Dinner might be when you share your family mealtime but, for others, it might be breakfast or lunch instead. It’s whatever works for you and that might be a different time on different days. Being together is what is important.

Sarah is a family mealtimes mentor – helping parents transform mealtimes from stressful to stress-free. She specialises in working with parents on the practical aspects of mealtimes, from fussy eater issues to saving time, energy, money and waste in the kitchen.

To get in touch contact Sarah via:

Email: sarah@kitchentitbits.co.uk

Instagram: @kitchentitbits

Facebook: @KitchenTitbits.Sarah

Phone: 07973 148487

Website: kitchentitbits.co.uk

5. Pour in the stock, put the lid on and bring to the boil.

6. Turn down to a low heat cook for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat, quickly squeeze in the lime juice and leave, with the lid on, to continue steaming for another 10 minutes.

7. Whilst the rice is cooking, very thinly slice the steak.

8. Spread the steak out on the board, sprinkle over the spices and a little salt and pepper. Massage the spices into the meat and set aside.

Prepare your toppings and tortillas

1. Once the rice is ready, heat the frying pan over a high heat. Add the oil and when hot, add the steak in an even layer without overcrowding the pan (cook in two batches if necessary).

2. Leave the steak to brown without touching and, once brown, turn and brown the other side. This should only take a couple of minutes on each side.

3. Fork through the rice to fluff it up, taste for seasoning, sprinkle over the coriander leaves then serve with the steak and toppings.

n SPINAL COLUMN

Staying balanced and aligned

STARTING the day with a bike ride to work can feel invigorating, but nothing puts the brakes on that morning buzz like a slipped chain.

Recently, on several chilly mornings, I found myself wrestling with a stubborn bike chain. Picture this: my hands, slick with oil and numb from the cold, struggling to fix the chain so I could push on. It turns out, the root of the problem was a dry chain that desperately needed lubrication – a simple maintenance step I’d overlooked in the hustle of daily life. Just like my bike needs regular oiling to function smoothly, our bodies require consistent care to stay in top form. Often, we don’t notice the ‘maintenance’ we need until something goes wrong. We might skip sleep, indulge in less-thannutritious food, or skimp on relaxation and exercise because our schedules are packed from dawn to dusk. But just as a dry bike chain can

eventually slip, our bodies can only handle neglect for so long before they signal for help.

To prevent breakdowns, think of selfcare as your daily dose of oil. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking moments to rest your mind.

Regular exercise keeps your system running smoothly, much like how a welloiled chain glides over the gears. And don’t forget about professional tune-ups. Integrating routine chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy can be likened to the regular maintenance that keeps your bike – and your body –balanced and in perfect alignment. By addressing potential issues before they turn into problems, you can keep your body’s ‘chain’ from slipping off at the worst times.

So, let’s make a pact to keep our chains well-oiled, both literally and metaphorically. Your body (and your bike) will thank you for it, ensuring many smooth rides ahead . Charles Herbert

Chiropractor | Director | Kasa Chiro 0117 370 2680 www.kasachiro.com

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

Local man instals 39 defibrillators across Bristol

BACK in January we spoke to Bristol local Simon Brookes who has been busy since retiring fundraising and campaigning to instal community public access defibrillators around Bristol. We caught up with Simon again and discovered he has now installed 39 defibrillators around Bristol, with one of the latest in Whitchurch.

Simon trained in how to respond to cardiac arrests when he because a volunteer First Responder for the ambulance service. Here he was shown how to use a defibrillator, but this prompted Simon to wonder how others would respond in a crisis while waiting for the emergency services to arrive. With community defibrillators available on site for people to use immediately without waiting for help could be life-saving.

Said Simon, “If someone has a cardiac arrest they need to be

n FITNESS

treated with a defibrillator within three to five minutes, and they need immediate CPR in order to stand the best chance of surviving. Which is why there isn’t always time to wait for the emergency services to arrive.”

And so Simon founded

Time to embrace and adapt

THE changing seasons remind us to live in the present, meaning we don’t have to do what we have always done. A new day calls for new action, and a new season calls for new activities.

Here comes the sun! And, with it, opportunity to switch things up. Move during the earlier hours when it’s cooler and comfortable, seek out wild swimming spots, take things down a notch and focus more on mobility.

Each season brings different exercise challenges; the key is to embrace and adapt. Take time to tune in and seek feel-good movement instead of sticking to a routine that now doesn’t serve you. Especially when you say, ‘I should, I could, I haven’t done’, maybe your summer lifestyle requires a summer movement plan. So what to do when top of the list is to go to the beach? Or lie in a field on a riverside or sit in a beer garden with friends? GO! Say yes to the dog walks with friends, games in pub gardens, and impromptu beach days. Now is the time to try that water sport or even lawn bowls, take up a walking challenge and head out on your bike. Just wear SPF.

By Leanne Copley, Sona Pilates

Defibs4Bristol in 2018 and began fundraising and campaigning to install community public access defibrillators around Bristol. These are ones that are on the outside of buildings and are freely available 24 hours a day.

With funds now running low,

and using his own savings, Simon said “any donations would be massively appreciated” so he can continue to instal vital defibrillators across the city.

For more information, visit: defibs4bristol.com/how-youcan-help

Simon Brookes with one of the defibrillators The team at Trojan Fitness with their defib

n SMOKE ALARMS

Top tips from your local electrician

SMOKE ALARMS are one of the easiest ways to protect your family from fire. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most overlooked.

Did you know that 31% of all house fires in 2022 featured a smoke alarm that failed to operate? To help you keep your family safe, take a look at my top tips…

Jason, from Fairway Electrical Bristol, shares his four top tips:

1. Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home

For extra safety, consider adding a smoke alarm to each bedroom and any high-risk areas too.

2. Test your smoke alarm monthly

Whichever kind of smoke alarm you have, battery or mains powered, you need to test it regularly. Try marking the date on your calendar or setting an alarm on your phone to help you remember.

3. Check your smoke alarm’s expiry date

Yep, you read that right, your smoke alarm has an expiry date. For most this will be after 10 years, but some may need replacing before this.

4. Check your installation

It’s vitally important that your smoke alarm is fitted correctly, otherwise it could fail to alert you. Incorrect positioning accounted for 46% of all smoke alarm failures in 2022. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for battery powered alarms and always

The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver

HELLO, Bristol Theatre and Entertainment Luvvas!

As the summer sun finally comes to Bristol, what better way to keep the little ones entertained than with the exhilaration and magic of live theatre? From whimsical adventures to interactive experiences, Bristol’s children’s theatre scene has something for every young imagination.

Minny Stynker is brought to life at The Tobacco Factory

On right at the beginning of June is a brand-new family show using projection mapping to create an augmented reality experience for age 3+. A story about the magic of creativity and bringing the impossible to life.

A couple of classics at Bristol Old Vic

Looking ahead to July, The Tiger who came to Tea makes a welcome return to the Old Vic – with lots of magic and singalongs, this is one for the little ones not to miss. And for the older kids, King Arthur

arrives in this hilarious retelling of the classic tale.

Gameplaying at acta

At the end of June, Griffin, acta’s youth theatre, bring a whodunnit, Checkmate, for the over-9s. A string of disappearances at a county chess tournament leaves the police in stalemate.

Seska: Don’t Wee Your Pants at the Wardrobe

Possibly the best name for a show ever! Seska, one of the UK’s funniest family comedians, has a fast-paced interactive magic show for three-to-eight-year-olds.

With a variety of captivating productions to choose from, there’s no shortage of excitement awaiting young audiences in Bristol this summer. So gather the family, book your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable theatrical adventure!

Jacqui Ham, Acting Out

choose an experienced electrician for mains powered smoke alarm installations. Download your FREE handbook on smoke alarms at https://bit.ly/4akBzEH where you will also find lots more useful tips and information.

Southville residents seek funds for their ‘pocket park’

South Bristol residents launch

to raise funds for a vital community space

A GROUP of residents in Southville is seeking funding to rebuild a dilapidated ‘pocket park’. The planters, bench and mural were installed on Upper Perry Hill in 2015, thanks to funding from Bristol Green Capital, and have provided a space for nature and the community for the last nine years.

The planters are now rotten, falling apart and desperately need replacing. The mural behind them has faded, so everything needs replacing and renewing.

One resident said, “I’ve met so many

neighbours through the planters. We take care of the plants together and it’s a lovely place to sit in warmer weather. It really adds to the sense of community on the street.”

The group of volunteers plans to rebuild the planters and bench using durable, sustainable materials in September, but needs funding to make it happen. The group is hoping to raise £2,000 in donations over the next four weeks through a Crowdfunder.

You can donate via the Crowdfunder at: https://bit.ly/3UBfZpC if you would like to help keep this little corner of south Bristol filled with nature.

For further information, please contact: uphpocketpark@gmail.com

Housing Forums for Bristol council tenants – get involved!

Evening: Monday 10 June, 6–8pm

Afternoon: Thursday 13 June, 1–3pm

Your opinions help us make

If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and make suggestions about improvements. For summer 2024, we are hosting online meetings focussing on issues we know matter most to tenants.

● Come along and hear about the ongoing work we are doing to ensure fire safety for residents in our high rise blocks and find out about our future plans.

● We’re also giving you the opportunity to make improvements to communal areas around your home. You can find out how to submit suggestions for changes you would like to see in your area.

decisions!

● Places must be booked, you can do this online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums

● If you are not online but would like to take part, there is also a free dial-in option which you can join using your phone. For more information about how you can access the meetings contact Tenant Participation 0117 352 1444 or email  tpu@bristol.gov.uk

Crowdfunder

n ADVERTORIAL

Get Growing, South Bristol!

RUNNING for 14 years, the Get Growing Trail is a unique opportunity for people from across Bristol to explore the city’s fruit and veg gardens – Bristol’s community allotments and orchards, smallholdings, city farms and productive parks. This year the trail takes place over the weekend of 15–16 June with 32 sites opening on one or both of the days, supported with a series of hands-on workshops in the run-up to and over the weekend.

There are nine community growing spaces participating this year in South Bristol, some rarely open to the public, so it’s a great chance to explore what’s on your doorstep. Plot your route using the map on the Bristol Good Food website at bristolgoodfood.org/ggt and find out more about the free workshops on offer.

New to the trail this year is Bedminster Down Community Farm, a pesticide-free one-acre farm located on Bedminster Down Road. Meet the animals and get involved in restoring a wildlife pond as you learn about their community-focused efforts. Open Saturday 15 June, 12–4pm.

The Malago Berry Maze, situated off the Malago Greenway Cycle Track, promises a berry-filled adventure for all ages. Enjoy the thrill of identifying and foraging from more than 16 varieties of berries. Volunteers will be on site Saturday 15 June, 10.30am–1pm

In Knowle, visit Bramble Farm, a picturesque spot on the Northern Slopes where locals sustain a smallholding initiated by TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Join them for a barbecue on Saturday 15 June, 11am-4pm. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit Redcatch Community Garden at the Pavilion in Redcatch Park. Discover innovative gardening techniques, sustainability practices, and the therapeutic benefits of communal green spaces on Saturday 15 June, 10.30am–2.30pm

Dame Emily Park Project is open access all year, but volunteers will be on hand on Saturday 15 June, 2-4pm, offering planting and digging activities, free herbs, nature-

related kids’ activities, and plant purchases. Plus, enjoy coffee, snacks, and enlightening discussions about the environmental emergency. Continue your exploration at Windmill Hill City Farm, a perfect spot for a family day out, and open all weekend. Nearby, discover Totterdown Community Orchard. Venture into this lovingly cleared wasteland area turned wildlife habitat, where you can admire fruit trees and join in work parties organised through a WhatsApp group. Volunteers will be on site Saturday 15 June, 10am-12 noon

Filwood Is Growing invites you to connect with food, gardening and nature at its project on Barnstaple Road. Sample homegrown produce and participate in various activities amidst a vibrant community atmosphere on Saturday 15 June, 9am–4pm. Just down the road, Belfast Walk Community Garden is open on Sunday 16 June, 10.30am–1.30pm where you can witness the transformation of unused land into a thriving community garden. With raised beds, fruit trees, wildlife areas, and off-grid sustainability initiatives, it’s a testament to the power of community action.

With each site offering a unique glimpse into Bristol’s community growing spaces, the Get Growing Trail promises a weekend of discovery, inspiration, and connection with nature. For more information and to plan your adventure, visit bristolgoodfood.org/ggt

GET GROWING TRAIL

n WILDLIFE Urban Nature Reserve

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

By Ben Barker, Secretary, BS3 Wildlife Group

WHAT wildlife lives in the 1750 acres of the Greater Bedminster Urban Nature Reserve (aka BS3)? We know that gardens are the most wildlife friendly spaces. They offer a habitat similar to woodland: a mixture of trees, ponds, fruit and berry bushes and lots of places to hide away. That’s why, for example, our most common birds are ‘woodland species’ such as sparrows, wood pigeons, robins, blackbirds and various tits.

During 2024 we want to survey our bigger green spaces such as public parks, allotments and rivers. These attract different birds. You won’t see a kingfisher or a cormorant in the park or your garden, but you might glimpse one on Colliters Brook or the Avon New Cut.

We are asking people to list the birds they see, say, in Victoria Park or Dame Emily or at the Ashton Wetland and, if possible, take pictures.

Laura Demery is a Friend of the Avon New Cut and is leading on their efforts to identify and support the wildlife of the Cut. (Some of her pictures are shown here.)

We’ll collect this data towards the end of 2024 and turn it into a report for general circulation: a baseline to measure future growth or decline.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be birds. We have some moth traps and one will be positioned around Gores Marsh Park during 2024. Also, our bat recorder will tell us how many of the UK’s 17 bat species actually visit Bedminster. We’ll continue to monitor hedgehogs and butterflies. But, you could do ladybirds, grey squirrels, snails, whatever interests you.

For more information and how to help, please contact: mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com

Bristol cat charity receives £1K funding

FELINE Fine Foundation exists to help cat owners when they need it the most. The charity operates in Bristol, North and Northeast Somerset, and supports owners and their cats with free advice, a cat food bank, and offers safe and secure foster homes.

The £1,000 donation made by the Benefact Group as part of the Movement for Good Awards will enable the team to continue to provide vital help and support. A foster placement costs approximately £50 a month, including initial supplies like litter trays, bowls, toys, and scratching posts, as well as ongoing food and flea treatments. The team currently has 40 cats in loving foster homes across the region and the donation will fund a further six foster placements for three months each.

Lucinda Pullen, founder at Feline Fine Foundation, has spoken out following the overwhelming support from the public: “In a crisis – becoming homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or going into hospital, for example – the last thing

anyone should be asked to do is to give up a beloved family member: a trauma on top of another trauma.

“At Feline Fine Foundation, we provide non-judgemental advice, support, and emergency foster homes, aiming to reunite cats and their owners when things have been resolved, keeping hope alive for both… [this donation] will do a world of good in supporting our foster placements and helping us to meet the ever-growing need for our help.”

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away over £1 million to charities across the year and invites members of the public to nominate causes close to their hearts. 100 awards of £1,000 have been donated to charities across the UK and Ireland, including two charities based in Bristol. As well as the Feline Fine Foundation, Addison’s Disease Self Help Group also received an award.

Bristol residents are encouraged to keep nominating by visiting https://movementforgood. com/

Redshank Sandpiper

© Laura Demery, a member of the Friends of the Avon New Cut (FrANC)

Cormorants Grey wagtail

Feline Fine Foundation members and pets

n WHAT’S ON

5th of July 3.30pm , Holy Cross Summer Fair. BBQ - Games - Various stalls. Entrance £2 per adult kids go free

JULY 13th

Luckwell School Summer Fayre Back with a bang! Come and join us at Luckwell School summer fayre on 13 July from 12-3pm. Family fun, games, bouncy castle, food and drink. Beer provided by Bristol Beer Factory. Luckwell Primary School, Breach Road BS3.

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

25-26 May, Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court. Tickets from £56.52 (6 for 5): https://bit.ly/49qbUKM Featuring CamelPhat, Rudimental, The Streets and Sub Focus.

Talk Club’s Comedy Night Fundraiser, Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room, 26 May from 6.30pm. The line-up includes Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinners) and Nick Page (Britain’s Got Talent) performing alongside a stacked bill of amazing comedians. Hosted by Chops Comedy’s very own David Hoare. Tickets £12 via https:// bit.ly/3QJg3T9

Echoes from the Aviary, Tyntesfield, 25 May-2 June, 10am–5.30pm. A group of young people from Hartcliffe have been working with artists Oshii and Jono Gilmurray to create a sound and visual art installation for Tyntesfield’s aviary. Echoes from the Aviary is a collaboration between the

n LOCAL EVENTS

National Trust and Heart of BS13 and is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Price: Free (normal admission applies). www. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

The Forester’s Story, Leigh Woods, 29 May, 1.30pm. FREE. Age: 6-10 (plus accompanying adult). A storytelling walk in the woods exploring how foresters look after the trees, wildlife and people. You’ll be led by one of the Rangers and will get to meet some of the creatures who live in the woods.

The X4 Badgerline and B2 buses drop off outside Leigh Woods. Parking is £2 for 2 hours or £4 all day via card or Ringo. To book: 07880 108512 or sian. brewer@forestryengland.uk

Alice in Wonderland outdoor theatre, 1 Jun. 6.30 – 7.30, £14 Adult / £12 Child (normal admission applies), book via www.nationaltrust.org. uk/dyrham-park Come along and make some of the strangest and most peculiar friends, including the mysterious Cheshire Cat, the Wacky Mad Hatter, the bizarre blue Caterpillar and the foul-tempered Queen of Hearts.

Pocket Opera, Arnos Vale (Anglican Chapel), Sun 2nd June 2.00pm, £12 A mixture of fun and fine singing. https://bit.ly/44NSHBI

Arnos Vale May Fair, 5 June 2024, 10am-3pm. At the fair, there’ll be locally made products by small business owners, local talent and delicious, locally-sourced food. The gift shop and cafe will be open, too, making it a fun-packed day.

Friends of Ashton Court Mansion Open Weekend, Saturday 15th June & Sun 16th June. Mansion open 10.30 – 4pm. Free for downstairs displays; £5 upstairs. Tour tickets available on ashtoncourt.wixsite.com/

Concert Road Closures

Find out about upcoming road closures during Ashton Gate concerts

Ashton Gate Stadium will be hosting four concerts in June: Take That perform on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th; BS3 takes place on Saturday, June 22nd; while Kings of Leon take to the stage Sunday, June 23rd. On all four concert dates Ashton Road and Marsh Road will be closed to traffic from 3pm to 2am the following morning.

mansionfriends www.facebook. com/mansionfriends The Mansion enshrined over six centuries of living and working but was derelict when Bristol Corporation ‘acquired’ it in 1959. They spent millions on demolitions and repairs but only 30% has ever been usable. Ashton Court Mansion is Grade 1 listed & on the Buildings at Risk Register.

29 June, Storytale Festival. The festival kicks off with a Writers’ Day for adults. Taking place at Arnos Vale, this day-long retreat is for budding and emerging children’s writers of middle grade fiction (9-12-year-olds). Tickets are £53.50 via www.storytalefestival. com The day will be packed with workshops with local authors Sophie Kirtley, Rachel Delahaye, J.M. Joseph and Emma Read, plus a panel session with publishing professionals. For families a story trail app is being developed, which will be based at Ashton Court and feature a story for little ones written by Zakiya Mackenzie and illustrated by Lauren Tobia. Keep up to date @storytalefest.

Don’t Stop Queen Now 19 July, BRISTOL, O2 Academy, tickets from £24.10, https://dsqn.co.uk Don’t Stop Queen Now play all Queen’s hits. Michael Spence (Starstruck, ITV1) is your Freddie for the night and the band creates a dynamic show which is an authentic sound and visual experience.

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

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

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

Winterstoke Road, Wedlock Way, Barons Close and a small section of Smyth Road (from Winterstoke Road to Bower Road) will be closed from 9pm to midnight.

The Public Right of Way from Raynes Road to Wedlock Way will be diverted all day on the above dates.

Temporary parking restrictions will also be in place on some roads near the stadium with a tow-away zone in operation.

Kings of Leon

n WICKED WITCH

In witch we pass the test

YOUNGEST girl child has passed her driving test. When she came home waving her certificate joyfully, I jumped around the room; it felt like I’d passed, too.

Last year I drove her to the dark side of Bristol to sit the driving theory test. She quizzed me en route. Who knew that if the lights are still flashing at a train crossing after a train has passed through, you should not park up and investigate? I failed spectacularly.

We were early, so stayed in the car nervously chatting. Suddenly, Youngest Girl stopped talking and stared at me, eyes pained, brow furrowed, finally muttering, “I didn’t bring my provisional licence”. The air turned blue and the car shook with my wrath. I made her go in and see if a photo of the licence on her phone would suffice. How they laughed! She was told if she

could make it back with the proper documents within an hour, they’d try and get her in. No chance. We drove home in a frosty silence.

A month later, with the correct documents in hand and brain fully prepped, she passed the theory test and started driving with me more often. We took a trip to see my parents who live in Somerset – it takes just over an hour and is straightforward with a few roundabouts scattered into the mix.

Unbeknownst to me, Youngest Girl’s driving instructor had not covered roundabouts at that point. Oh dear! As the first roundabout approached, I instructed her to

go straight across. She turned left. I kept calm, took some deep breaths, and did not shout. A perfect three-point turn was performed while I was berated for my instruction technique in a rather aggressive tone.

We continued to the second roundabout. “Keep right and turn right, taking the second exit,” I directed, nice and clearly, throwing in a hand gesture for clarity. She kept right. Then with a confident turn of the wheel proceeded to sail around the roundabout in the wrong direction. Lots of screaming ensued. She stalled, started crying, flung open the driver door, as I ripped open the passenger door

and we stomped around the car swapping seats. I reversed out of the situation and we both promised never to drive together again.

A few days later and all was forgiven, she was chauffeuring me around Bristol gaining in confidence, learning to avoid potholes and ride the clutch.

The one thing I do miss is the L plates. I’d forget to take them off when I was behind the wheel (naughty. One time I was surprised when a driver, whose right of way it was, reversed back and gave me a jaunty wave instead of an angry hand gesture. I do miss those L plates.