South Bristol Voice March 2023

Millions to be spent transforming rundown high street

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

MILLIONS of pounds will be spent over the next few years completely transforming a rundown high street in South Bristol. Filwood Broadway, in Knowle West, has been promised a regeneration project for more than a decade, but work is finally due to start on the ground.

The project includes building new housing, space for businesses, a community space, and a new library. The layout of the Broadway will also be redesigned, with wider pavements, new benches, new trees, and a replacement multiuse games area.

Last month the government granted £14.5 million in Levelling Up Cash to go towards the plans for Filwood Broadway, and Bristol City Council’s cabinet also agreed to spend £1.6 million on redesigning the layout of the street.

Labour Councillor Tom Renhard, cabinet member for housing, said: “It’s really exciting that we’ve recently been awarded over £14 million

from the Levelling Up fund. It’s really good for Filwood and will allow us to realise our vision to regenerate the high street, get more affordable housing built in the area, and revitalise the public realm.

“We’re working closely with residents in order to deliver that. We have the former cinema site which is going to become new council housing, there’ll also be the former swimming pool site,

and we’re replacing the multi-use games area. There’ll be further work done on the redevelopment of the parade of shops and housing at 4–16 Filwood Broadway.”

The council is consulting on its plans for the new layout this spring, before finishing up the details and choosing a contractor to carry out the works. Work on redesigning the layout out of

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Contacts

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HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP

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

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

By phone: 0117 953 3575

In person: Call the above number for an appointment

Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk

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

Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk

Ruth Drury

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

My councillor?

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

Tessa Fitzjohn Green, Bedminster

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

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

By phone: 0117 353 3160

Tony Dyer Green, Southville

By phone: 07584182862 By email:

USEFUL NUMBERS

Bristol City Council

www.bristol.gov.uk

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

Phone: 07826917714

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

Phone: 07977 512159

Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill

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

Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill

Phone: 07584186535

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

Big money approved for huge new youth club in South Bristol opening in 2025

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

MILLIONS of pounds have been earmarked to build a huge new youth club in South Bristol due to open in 2025. The new Youth Zone will offer a wide range of activities for young people such as football, boxing, climbing, music, drama, and training for jobs, all for a cheap price.

Bristol City Council’s cabinet has agreed to spend £7,275,000 to help build the Youth Zone, which will be located near the roundabout connecting Hengrove Way and Hartcliffe Way. Construction is due to begin in July and take just over a year to complete the new building.

The Youth Zone will be run by local award-winning charity Youth Moves, and developed by OnSide, a national charity that has built 14 similar youth centres across the country. The investment was welcomed by local councillors, who said the project was “excellent news”.

Labour Councillor Chris Jackson, representing Filwood, said: “This alongside the levelling-up funding to regenerate Filwood Broadway will have a huge positive impact for the area. Filwood residents often feel left behind but the administration is changing that.

“We are now on track to have the city’s biggest and best youth centre, a regenerated high street, a refurbished community centre and — after 30 years of campaigning — a new supermarket. The Youth Zone and Filwood Broadway scheme is excellent news for my ward and I hope to see both projects progress quickly.”

Alistair Dale, CEO of Youth Moves, added: “We are really excited by the support we are getting for the Youth Zone from the council, other partners and young people in South Bristol. We want to ensure young people have the opportunities they deserve, and increasing the number of youth workers in the city will mean they will also get the support they need.”

During a cabinet meeting,

council chiefs faced questions over their claims the youth club would “benefit children in Lawrence Hill”. Lawrence Hill is more than four miles away from the new Youth Zone, taking almost an hour and a half to walk according to Google Maps, with no direct bus service.

Green Cllr Christine Townsend said: “The report mentions Lawrence Hill as an example area. Is the intention for children to come from Lawrence Hill to go there? Because it is quite a long way away.”

Labour Cllr Asher Craig, cabinet member for education, replied: “Yes it is a long way away, but we’re not London. I’ve had the opportunity of going to the Youth Zone in Croydon, an amazing facility, but it’s open to everybody in the city.

“If a youth project or youth organisation in another part of the city wants to get a minibus and take the kids over for a session, then they shouldn’t be stopped from doing so. It’s for everyone, but the main beneficiaries will be the children and young people of South Bristol.”

The Youth Zone will cost £5 for an annual membership and 50p per visit, with fees waived for young people who can’t afford this. The centre will open more than 40 hours a week. The council will contribute £400,000 a year to the Youth Zone’s running costs.

One local youth worker said the new centre could help bridge the divide between young people

from Hartcliffe and Knowle West. Writing on the mayor’s blog, 21-year-old Cody said the youth club could help keep young people “off the streets and out of trouble”.

He said: “There can be some tensions between young people from Knowle West and Hartcliffe. When I go to Hartcliffe, a lot of the young people at first don’t want to work with someone from Knowle.

Filwood Broadway

From page 1

Filwood Broadway is due to start on site in May or June next year, and is expected to take from 12 to 14 months to complete, finishing in summer 2025.

City design staff hope the new design will encourage more shoppers to come to the Broadway “creating a thriving heart of Filwood”. A similar project was recently hailed a success in Southmead at the Arnside Road shopping area, with new planting and benches, wider pavements and repaving.

Labour Cllr Zoe Goodman, representing Filwood, welcomed the investment into the area. She said: “I welcome the funding for Filwood and consideration of the Broadway as one overarching project, rather than piecemeal projects. It’s something we’ve been working on with the Filwood Broadway working

That’s how entrenched some of this can be.

“There was a big divide, especially when I was growing up, and I reckon the Youth Zone will be a big part of solving this, because it’s right in the middle and in a space where all young people feel safe. I think once it’s there and it’s been there for a little while, we’ll be able to get funding to be able to transport young people from different locations across South Bristol.

“I feel like it’s been a long time coming for South Bristol, we deserve something of this standard to give to the young people to keep them off the streets and keep them out of trouble. There was nothing like this when I was growing up.

“Bigger buildings like this are so much better because then it gives them a safe space to come to, and more things to do. And young people will probably trust us workers a bit more and open up about stuff they might have going on.”

group for the past two years. I also welcome the interaction of council officers, who have been very supportive and coming along regularly.”

The old cinema on the Broadway is due to be demolished, and will be replaced by 17 flats and 13 houses, all classed as affordable. Planning permission was given last month for the new buildings, which will include ground-floor commercial space for shops or community use.

The old swimming pool was demolished years ago, and the site could now be used for 29 new homes. The council has not yet given planning permission for this scheme, but it’s expected at least nine will be classed as affordable housing.

The parade of shops and housing from 4 to 16 Filwood Broadway is also planned to be redeveloped, with new housing and commercial space. The library could also be relocated, with the current site replaced with new housing.

An artist’s impression of the proposed new youth club

‘More annoyance to come’ with bridge repairs

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

A TRANSPORT boss has warned there is “more annoyance to come” as other bridges in Bristol need repairs after the Gaol Ferry Bridge is fixed. Several bridges crossing the river need urgent repairs, work on which are being staggered to avoid “piling on” the disruption.

Gaol Ferry Bridge connects Southville with Wapping Wharf and is usually a major commuter route for pedestrians and cyclists, but has been shut since last summer. The Redcliffe Bascule Bridge has also seen months of closure, and is still only partially reopened.

Several other bridges also need similar repairs, as part of Bristol City Council’s five-year programme, causing further disruption to people needing to cross the New Cut. These include the Bath Bridge roundabout, the

Banana Bridge, the Bedminster Bridge roundabout, and the Vauxhall Bridge. The Avon Bridge will also need major repairs or replacement in the longer term.

The repair work is “very technical” according to Labour Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport. He said that Bristol should expect more urgent repair work

on the other bridges to come soon: “These are sources of annoyance for people that we’re closing them, but actually they would have closed anyway unless we did this. They are very, very technical and major pieces of engineering, where you really don’t know what you’ve got to do until you take it apart, because they’re unique.

“We’ve got more of that coming with Sparke Evans and the Banana Bridge, and Avon Bridge is coming to the end of its life. In transport, we desperately need a solution from the city for the Western Harbour, or we need an awful lot of money to replace it as it is.

“People get a bit fed up with the roadworks if you just pile it on and pile it on. Muller Road is tough for people at the moment. With Bedminster Green, people are getting quite tired of the disruption.”

THE TE AM

Gaol Ferry Bridge is currently undergoing rennovation

COMPASS Point Primary School has launched its newly refurbished and enlarged Resource Base for children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The event was attended by Cllr Tessa Fitzjohn, staff and governors, as well as many families and members of the South Bristol community who will benefit from the excellent new facilities.

Compass Point Primary School is a caring, respectful, and cooperative learning community in the heart of Bedminster, South Bristol. The school is a friendly, inclusive and diverse community school that offers a high quality of education for all children attending the school.

Recently rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted, the school provides a curriculum which it describes as “engaging, purposeful, aspirational, and creative, alongside an emphasis on children’s social and emotional development”.

The Resource Base provides specialist education and support for children with

Resource Base at Compass Point Primary School opens its doors

educational, Health and care plans, with a primary need of Autistic Spectrum Condition and/or speech, language, and communication needs. Supported by specialist staff, these pupils are able to access mainstream education with their fellow pupils, alongside their own personally tailored curriculum and specialist provision, reflecting the fully inclusive approach at the school.

Cllr Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor for Children, Families and Equalities said the enhanced Resource Base, part of the Mayor’s pledge to provide 450 specialist provision places by the end of 2024, will have a positive impact on all the children at Compass Point Primary School.

She said: “We know that Resource Bases in mainstream schools make a significant and positive difference to the

children who access them as well as their peers. Children receive the specialist attention they need while still accessing the social, emotional, and educational benefits of a mainstream setting. This is an inclusive approach to education which helps all of our city’s children and young people to feel a sense of connection and belonging from a young age.”

Headteacher, Linda Brown, said: “We are delighted that the excellent education and specialist support that we provide through our Resource Base will now be available to up to 16 more children.

“The new facilities will help our children to flourish, giving them spaces and resources to support their specific needs, whilst also being integrated with our mainstream education, which benefits all of the children in our school community, as they

learn and grow together.”

Following challenges in meeting the demand for specialist SEND provision across Bristol, there is no doubt that the increased pupil allocation and excellent facilities provided Compass Point Primary will provide a bright future for children with SEND in South Bristol.

Children can apply for a place at the Resource Base through the SEND team at Bristol City Council, and the school provides more information about the facilities and how to arrange a visit on it’s website, www. compasspoint.bristol.sch.uk

March to the match

ST Peter’s Hospice has teamed up with the Bristol Bears for a rugby game that makes a difference to patients and families in Bristol when they need it most.

The Rugby March takes place on Sunday 12 March, starting with a sixmile sponsored walk from 11.30am that’ll get you pumped and ready for a thrilling Bristol Bears v Harlequins match at 3pm.

One team stepping up in honour of their friend is ‘Steve’s Buddies’. They said: “We sadly lost Steve a few days after taking part in The Rugby March in 2020. Steve was so honoured we all took part in his name as ‘Steve’s Buddies’.

“Steve was a gentle soul with a big heart. We take part in The Rugby March because Steve said what a wonderful place the Hospice was. He said the people there were like angels. We are all Steve’s friends, and this is our way of thanking St Peter’s Hospice for making his final days so peaceful and dignified.”

To find out more, please visit rugbymarch.co.uk

Six-mile sponsored walk Bristol Bears vs Harlequins

Permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches to be built in South Bristol

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

NEW permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches will be built in South Bristol to meet rising demand for places. A patch of trees and shrubland near Hengrove Park will be cleared to make way for between six and eight pitches.

The site on Western Drive, off Hengrove Way, covers just under one acre and is fenced off. The area at the northern tip of the old airport has likely never been built on before, according to Bristol City Council, but would create space for several families to live.

Each pitch would include hardstanding for vehicles, a small patch of planting, and grass or a garden. Individual buildings would also be built with a shower room, toilet, and a kitchen and laundry room.

A cabinet report said: “The site is a small, flat, accessible piece of land close to local

schools, healthcare, retail outlets and other amenities.

“It’s close to other neighbourhoods, which presents opportunities for social integration, but it is not immediately visible from other existing houses, allowing some privacy for site occupants.

“Gypsy Traveller sites around the UK are often placed in out of the way locations that show a lack of care and empathy towards Travellers. The location of this site demonstrates the value placed on including Travellers and the contribution that they can provide in the heart of the city.”

There are 12 permanent pitches in the city, but the council said this needs to triple by next year. There are also 20 transit pitches for people moving through the city, and eight showpeople pitches.

According to an ecology impact assessment, the project will “very likely reduce biodiversity” on the site, by

concreting over the patch of trees and shrubs. But the council would try to mitigate the harm to wildlife habitats by planting new shrubs and trees, as well as living roofs on all the amenity buildings for insects, butterflies and birds.

The assessment said: “There is an estimated 69 tonnes of carbon dioxide locked up in the trees and scrub currently occupying the site, so clearing

this will likely cause the loss of this to the atmosphere.

“Because the site has been left alone for so long, it has started to change into woodland edge habitat for at least 20 years, which means that biodiversity will be fairly good, although an ecological survey would be needed to be sure. The development is very likely to reduce the biodiversity on the site.”

Could you design this year’s special Good Garden Award?

2023 is a special year for the Greater Bedminster Good Garden Awards as it’s their 20th birthday.

Every summer since 2004, Good Garden Awards have adorned thousands of windows across BS3. Each year, a different volunteer designs the award. And the group is now looking for a special 20th birthday design for the 2023 Good Garden Award.

The design needs to be in full colour, A4 size (portrait or landscape), contain a space at the bottom for the sponsors’ logos and contain the words ‘Good Garden Award 2023’.

As it is the 20th birthday, the group would also love to see this anniversary reflected in the design. The deadline for designs is Sunday 26 March. If you’d like to find out more or submit a design, contact bloomingbedminster@outlook.com

How the site off Western Drive currently looks.

Photo: Alex Seabrook

KARIN Smyth, Labour MP for Bristol South and Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, visited one of social care charity Milestones Trust’s services in Southville, to meet people living there and provide an opportunity for them to talk with her about their experiences.

Karin met a number of people during her visit, including Nicholas who receives support with his mental health needs, and Shirley whose son is supported at the service.

She also met Hilary Crowhurst, Milestones’ Chief Executive who spoke with Karin about both the positive outcomes made possible through the service, and the challenges facing the social care sector.

Hilary said: “It was lovely to meet Karin and talk with her about the work that our committed support teams do, as well as discuss the challenges that our sector faces. There is little focus by government on the social care needs of working age adults, such as those with mental health needs or learning disabilities, and recruitment of staff remains a huge challenge.

MP visits charity to meet adults with mental health needs

allowing me to join them in their home. It was especially good to hear from people with firsthand experience of social care, both during and following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m taking away some incredibly helpful insights into the challenges that are facing the sector, and have some questions of my own that I’m now keen to gain answers for.

We need to see awareness of the importance of social care drastically increased, alongside greater recognition of the high degree of skill and responsibility that roles in social care require.”

Commenting on her visit, Karin said: “I was very pleased to join Nicholas, Shirley and the Milestones team, and I thank the people who live there for

“For example, data on the number of people with a learning disability people being held in long-stay inpatient hospitals is published monthly, but we don’t see the same data published for people with mental health needs who are in the same position.

“It’s also clear there needs to be greater parity between health and social care if we want to smooth the transition between the two. People working in care do a fantastic job that does not receive the recognition it

deserves, and that needs to change.”

Mark Melhuish, Service Manager said: “It was good to meet Karin and for the people we support here to have the opportunity to meet their local MP and a chance to discuss the issues that are local and specific to them.”

Helen Aitchison, a Senior Operations Manager at Milestones added: “We’re really grateful to Karin for joining us and hearing first-hand about people’s experience of receiving support with their mental health needs. It’s important for people who use our services to have their voices heard by their local representatives.

“We look forward to building stronger relationships with Karin and her parliamentarian colleagues in order to raise awareness of our sector and the challenges it currently faces.”

International school to open in Knowle

CLEVE House International School will open this September on the current site of Cleve House School, on Wells Road.

The school is a joint initiative between Cleve House School and Wotton House International School in Gloucester, which already offers the IB Middle Years Programme for 11-16-yearolds as an alternative to GCSEs.

Clare Fraser, headteacher at Cleve House, said that from the start of the next academic year the school’s intake will expand to include secondary pupils.

“This partnership is a game changer for education in Bristol, bringing together two of the West of England’s most successful and long-standing independent schools,” she said.

“Cleve House International will become the first school in Bristol to offer this robust, inquiry-based knowledge curriculum, as well as integrated technology for learning and outdoor education.”

Small Bristol firms face ‘brutal’ year as ministers scale back energy support, warns Metro Mayor

CONFIDENCE among Bristol’s smaller companies has plunged to levels not seen since Covid.

The Federation of Small Businesses’ confidence index for the South West, including the West of England, dropped to -62 in the final three months of 2022, from -1 at the start of last year. The figures - for the October 2022 to November 2022 period - showed that the general cost of doing business, including sky-high inflation, had left confidence levels among the West’s firms on the floor.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said he was doing all he can to offer support to firms whether this cost-of-doing-business crisis including helping them invest in new products and equipment to drive growth through his £1.3 million Business Growth and Adaptions Grant scheme, and

other measures.

But he warned that the sobering stats meant ministers must now reconsider plans to scale back its energy relief for business from April amid fears many will be forced to close this year by unaffordable bills. About one in four small businesses across the West will have to close, downsize or restructure their operations due to the cut in energy subsidies, the FSB warns.

Mayor Norris said: “Bristol companies have faced a tough couple of years - inflation through the roof, sky-high energy bills and shortages of workers to name just a few. This cost-ofdoing-business crisis means it is no surprise that confidence levels are rock bottom. Add with even larger hikes in their energy bills still to come, it’s clear smaller Bristol firms face a brutal year.

I’m doing all I can at a regional level to help businesses whether this storm in the short term. But we need a solution to help firms that need urgent support on energy costs and that has to come from Whitehall. Otherwise, Bristol firms will be forced to close their doors for good”.

95% of all West of England businesses are smaller or medium sized firms.

Dan Norris

Help put tea parties back on the menu

CHARITY Re-engage, which fights loneliness and isolation among those aged 75 and over, is urgently seeking volunteers to help run its monthly free tea parties now Covid restrictions are no longer in place.

These social gatherings are a lifeline of friendship for older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world.

The South Bristol group, run by Sarah Sheehan, needs volunteers to help host one of its monthly, Sunday tea parties at their own home or Folly Farm near Bishop Sutton. It is also looking for volunteer drivers to take older people to and from the gatherings and to stay with them while they get to know one another.

Sarah said: “We have so much fun chatting to our guests and sharing our news, we even had a visit from Santa this Christmas. The tea and cake are always excellent but it’s the company that really counts.”

One of the guests said: “The volunteers and hosts have become good friends. Re-engage tea parties have really improved my quality of life.”

If you would like to know more about volunteering opportunities, please contact Sarah on sarahlouisesheehan@ hotmail.co.uk or check out the Re-engage website.

Bedminster gangster story stars in BBC podcast

BBC Sounds’ new crime podcast ‘Gangster: The Story of John Palmer’ includes a big slice of Bedminster in the 1980s.

Palmer was the bullion dealer with a smelter who ‘handled’ the £26 million of gold stolen from the Brinks Mat warehouse in November 1983, and ran his business empire from premises on North Street.

BBC presenter Livvy Haydock joined Show Of Strength’s ‘Blood and Butchery in Bedminster’ tour in September to explore the story and locations, tweeting: “Fantastic! So much fun and some really gruesome stories!”

Now the tour features in her new six-part BBC Sounds podcast. Plus, ‘The Gold’, a six-part TV drama telling the story of Britain’s biggest ever robbery began last month on BBC1.

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Due to huge demand Simpsons have extended their offer. If you use them for both LPAs they offer our readers 25% off the full cost of their Complete LPA Service. To qualify call them on 0117 960 8594 or pop into their Whitchurch Office by March 31st to book your FREE review meeting and mention you saw it in The Voice.

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Ensure your family and loved ones are protected and your assets pass to those you choose to inherit.

I’m Nick Church from Nick Church Photography, and in a series of articles for South Bristol Voice, I’ll be sharing hints, tips and advice on the popular topic of photography.

‘The best camera is the one you have on you’, and for most of us that’s our phone. With huge technical advances people can take some good snaps, and by employing my ‘Top Three Tips to Better Phone Pictures’ you’ll improve them further and get pretty professional looking photos.

A wonky horizon makes photos look amateurish. Check your composition is nice and straight before you shoot. You can straighten it after using the phone editing tools but it’s slicker to get it right first time

3

People often take phone photos in portrait orientation, but putting your phone on its side can immediately improve composition. By including more context you add interest.

Whatever you are photographing, try placing the subject into a third of the composition, imagine grid-lines like in this image. The result will be more artistic than if the subject is bang in the middle.

1. Go landscape!

2 Check your horizon

Rule of thirds

Brunelcare opens its doors to the community

AS part of the Bristol City Council Welcoming Spaces initiative, Brunelcare’s extra care housing sites, ABC Centre in Whitchurch and Waverley Gardens in Bishopsworth have opened their doors to welcome members of the community.

Brunelcare is a Bristol-based charity providing housing, care and support for older people in the South West for more than 80 years. Their extra care housing sites provide a home for those who want to live independently but need a hand with day-today living, with care and support on-site and a range of communal facilities.

Bristol City Council’s Welcoming Spaces initiative launched in Autumn 2022 in response to the cost of living crisis, allowing members of the community to access places where they can keep warm and socialise with others.

In response to the initiative, Brunelcare hopes to support the community by opening the doors of communal spaces in their extra care housing sites. The charity’s welcoming spaces offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with others and enjoy a range of low-cost activities; from coffee mornings, to bingo, to pub games, to peace and prayer sessions, there’s something for everyone.

They also have a restaurant on the sites providing tasty and affordable two-course lunches from 12pm.

Danielle Morgan, ABC Centre Centre Manager, said: “We are joining many other groups and organisations as part of Bristol City Councils’ Welcoming Spaces initiative, offering a range of activities to suit any interest, access to low-cost meals and a space to relax and have a cuppa.”

Feel free to pop down to sites ABC or Waverley Gardens or to find out more,

please contact: Danielle at the ABC Centre, Chessington Ave, Whitchurch, BS14 9EW / 01275 540177. Or Connie at Waverley Gardens - Queens Road, Bishopsworth, BS13 8EL / 0117 964 1888

If you would like to support Brunelcare’s sites by joining as a volunteer, they would love to welcome you, whatever your interest and time you have to give.

You can get in touch with Brunelcare’s volunteering team at volunteering@ brunelcare.org.uk.

‘I enjoy it so much. The girls are lovely and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s amazing!’

Tayba, leader

South Bristol is becoming a ‘bus desert’

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter

SOUTH Bristol will become a “bus desert” when dozens of subsidised services are cut from April, transport campaigners fear.

Vital routes to hospitals, schools, colleges and workplaces are among the 42 being axed across the West of England following last month’s vote by its political leaders to stop supporting most of the region’s loss-making routes.

The warning came as Bristol City Council cabinet member for transport Cllr Don Alexander justified the authority’s refusal to increase the transport levy paid to the combined authority for buses by saying “much of that money would go into the pockets of shareholders” of private operators who run them.

That sparked a backlash from opposition Conservative and Green councillors accusing the Labour administration of

double standards because it had embarked on joint ventures with companies that would also benefit shareholders, such as Legal & General to develop Temple Island and energy firms Ameresco and Vattenfall for the massive City Leap partnership.

Bus passenger champion David Redgewell told a city council budget scrutiny meeting that the root of the problems that had caused 42 subsidised routes to be withdrawn was that metro mayor Dan Norris had to rely on money from the local councils to keep buses running.

He said that although Mr Norris led the region’s transport authority Weca, he did not have precepting powers to raise funds directly from residents, like council tax.

“This year there is simply not enough funding to cover the cost of providing bus services, which has gone up for First and Stagecoach,” said Mr Redgewell. “However, if we don’t find a solution, 42 buses will be

removed from the network on April 1. The problem we have in Bristol is that the main links to Southmead Hospital are being cut, including the 17 and the 506.

“South Bristol becomes a bus desert of any orbital bus services – there will be buses coming from the city centre but there will be no buses crossing South Bristol apart from the Airport Flyer. So we lose the 96 from St Annes to Hartcliffe serving South Bristol Hospital and a major school bus for the colleges in Brislington, we also lose the 52 from Bishopsworth into the city centre – that has gone completely, there is no alternative service.

“The one that’s going to cause the most grief is the one we’re going to lose between Oldbury Court down through Fishponds Road and there will be no bus through Ashley ward in St Pauls or St Werburghs. These are some of the poorest communities in the city region. I thought we were in the business

of dealing with social inclusion and social poverty? If people can’t get around our city region to get to work or school, we have a real problem. I’m extremely concerned.”

Cllr Alexander said: “We have not offered to put more money in and I agree with that because so much of it would go towards private operators and their shareholders. It wouldn’t be fed back into services at all. We would be investing in a system I don’t support. We did what we could with the money when you consider one of the services costs about £2million a year. Our transport levy contribution is £10.2million which also pays for community transport and concessions for the elderly – that leaves £3.5million for Bristol’s subsidised services.”

Cllr Alexander said it would cost £100-£150million a year to subsidise a great public transport network in the region which was impossible under the current system.

Fancy a brew?

BOONA Boona Coffee Roasters will be opening a new café on Wells Road in Totterdown in the coming weeks. The Staple Hill-based roastery is owned by Totterdown resident Jon Fowler and he is excited to be setting up the company’s first café in his local area.

Jon told us: “We started Boona Boona in our garden shed on Hill Street a few years ago, so to be opening a café in the heart of the community that we are a part of is fantastic. Boona Boona is all about celebrating the people who produce coffee and bringing their delicious beans to as many people as possible.

“We’re hoping to give people in Totterdown and surrounding areas a place where they can enjoy some great coffee in a relaxed and friendly café environment. We’ll be keeping things simple and serving coffee made from our own roasted beans along with other drinks, cake and savoury options sourced from local businesses.”

The café will be located in premises currently occupied by Truffled Bistro next to existing Totterdown businesses Floriography and Eat Your Greens. They will be sharing the space with Truffled who will continue to operate their bistro in the evenings and Sundays.

The café fit out is taking place at the moment with an aim to be open at the beginning of March with the exact opening date to be confirmed shortly.

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Plans revealed for over 500 new homes

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

NEW details have been revealed for plans to build more than 500 homes in South East Bristol. Bellway Homes is hoping to develop a countryside site in Brislington and is in the early stages of getting permission from Bristol City Council for their plans.

The plans would see 555 homes built on greenfield land off the A4 Bath Road next to the Brislington Park and Ride. Between 170 to 220 of the new homes would be classed as ‘affordable’, and the nearby allotments would be kept.

The 38-acre site is owned by Bellway Strategic Land, part of major house builder Bellway Homes. Bristol City Council has included the site in its draft Local Plan document, which sets out where huge new developments in the city should be built over the next few years.

Fergus Thomas, strategic land

director for Bellway’s central region, said: “Bristol’s housing shortage is creating a crisis of affordability, with 18,000 people currently on the city’s housing waiting list. That number is growing rapidly.

“Our plans are at an early stage and we will work with the community as we progress them. However, we have already established some key principles, such as creating new wildlife habitats and aligning with the West of England combined authority’s plans to improve the A4 corridor into Bristol.

“The identification of this site in the Local Plan is one of the first steps. Next, we will work with local people to create plans that are appropriate for the area and that the people of Brislington can get behind and be proud of.”

Bellway has asked the council for details about carrying out an environmental impact assessment. No formal planning application has been made yet.

But local councillors are warning the development would mean the loss of important countryside, risking “continuous urban sprawl” in between Bristol and Keynsham.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Varney, representing Brislington West, said: “We completely support brownfield redevelopment, but believe building on our precious green belt is unacceptable. Developers are already lining up to concrete over these green fields that separate Bristol from Keynsham.

“If we’re not careful, we run the risk of continuous urban sprawl from Bristol to Keynsham. It’s pretty obvious that developers will try to build on our greenfield sites first as they are less problematic and less expensive than brownfield sites.

“We need to find a way to make sure that our brownfield sites are developed first, and the best way to do this is to remove all greenfield sites from the Local Plan.”

Plans for parks improvements

THE Labour administration is finalising its £1.95m parks investment plan ahead of Cabinet sign off. This plan will see significant investment in nine parks across Bristol. Parks set to benefit from investment include: Redcatch Park and Victoria Park.

Cllr Ellie King said: “Bristol has an amazing variety of parks. Research found that we have the third greenest city centre in the UK – with more tree cover, parks, and vegetation than almost anywhere else – and that we have two of the top ten green spaces in the country for ‘welfare value’, in Ashton Court and Blaise. But we know our parks can be even better. The Labour administration’s finalising our plans for improvements for parks across Bristol - from Henbury to Hengrove, big and small.

“The plan will total almost £2m investment in Knowle, Henbury, Frome Vale, Hillfields, Windmill Hill, Lawrence Weston, and Hengrove.”

First glimpse of plans for next phase of new homes at Hengrove Park

GORAM Homes has launched a public consultation on plans for the next phase of homes at Hengrove Park.

This development for South Bristol already has outline planning permission for 1,435 homes and improved parkland, as well as a community centre, commercial space, a Scout hut and a sports pavilion to serve a growing community. Half of the homes will be affordable, for either social rent or shared ownership.

This consultation will focus on around 200 high-quality, sustainable homes to the East of to South Bristol Community Hospital, as well as designs for the area of parkland to the West of the St Giles estate. This forms part of plans to retain 22-hectares of green space at the heart of the new neighbourhood.

You can also view the consultation information and complete a short survey online: goramhomes.co.uk/ hengrovepark

Planned homes range from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family houses, all designed to benefit from the parkland. An on-site energy centre, which would be built during this phase, will connect the community to low carbon heating and hot water.

Plans show the park as integral to this phase of development. Seating will create sociable spaces; decks and boardwalks will create paths over newly designed wetland areas; and woodland trees will benefit wildlife, contributing to a more than 10% increase in nature across the site.

Under the conditions of the

planning application financial contributions will be made to enhance local amenities and services, including allotments, public transport and a £90,000 contribution to the local GP surgery.

Financial contributions linked to the development have already supported the rebuilding and extension of the nearby Perry Court Primary School.

The project team will use the feedback received during the consultation to inform their Reserved Matters planning application which will be submitted to Bristol City Council in April.

Councillor Tom Renhard, Bristol City Council Cabinet member for housing delivery and homes, said: “The Mayor pledged to get Bristol building again and to deliver much

needed new homes for the city. Last year Bristol built 2,563 new homes with 474 of these being affordable. Hengrove Park will help us continue to tackle the housing crisis by building another 1,435 new homes – more than 700 of them affordable. It’s incredibly exciting to see detailed plans come through the next phase. I’m also pleased to see the park being improved as such a central part of the development, something for the wider community to enjoy for generations to come.”

Stephen Baker, Managing Director of Goram Homes, said: “This is an important next step for a landmark South Bristol development. I’d encourage the community to get involved and give feedback on our plans, to help us create the best possible new community for Hengrove.”

Day centre to open at Windmill Hill City Farm

ADORNO Community Activity Clubs have opened a third day centre at Windmill Hill City Farm in Philip Street, Bedminster.

Adorno Companions Founder Emma Doney said: “Our centres give respite to primary carers while at the same time offering our clients the opportunity to enjoy and participate in numerous fun activities and make new friends. After a difficult couple of years for everyone it has been rewarding to witness the positive impact our centres have made to peoples lives.”

The new centre at Windmill Hill will run every Tuesday from 10am to 2pm and has already received interest from the local community. Emma continued: “Windmill Hill City Farm has been a vital hub for south Bristol since it opened in the 1970s and we are excited to be opening a new day centre that will also look to serve this community.”

NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

A WOMAN who survived domestic abuse is taking on the London Marathon to raise money and awareness of the charity which has supported her.

Amy Yapp is sharing her story to help charity Refuge – and to encourage other women in abusive relationships to seek help.

Celebrating International Women’s Day in 2023

Amy runs to help other domestic abuse survivors

support groups and a 24-hour helpline offering advice.

MARCH always marks International Women’s Day (IWD) and this year it falls on Wednesday 8 March (and there is a big event in the city on Saturday 11 March). IWD is a time for us to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Amy, a former Downend School pupil who grew up in the area and now lives in Fishponds, found herself in a relationship where she was subjected to physical, psychological and emotional abuse over four years.

She was beaten, isolated from her family and friends and lost control of her finances.

Amy said: "When I look back, I do not recognise the person I had become at all. I was conditioned how to behave and even speak. Living by rules which I was not allowed to break.

"Compliments turned into insults, then eventually insults turned into physical abuse.

"You say 'oh, that will never happen to me' but after experiencing all that, it showed me how anyone can be affected."

I love being a woman and I love being a woman MPnumber 430 - but I worry that we are sending some bad messages to young women. Once they have navigated adolescence, which is hard for everyone, we talk about pay gaps, glass ceilings, judgment about whether they will have a child, worry about whether they can have a child, constantly having to refight the battle that, “It is my body and I control it,”

Amy left her abuser, who has

and the violence. Then there is the menopause, osteoporosis and the pensions gap, and then they might find themselves in an inadequate care system that employs low-paid women to support older women facing social isolation. It is not a happy picture, is it?

since been convicted of assault for beating her.

There are many issues that, of course, blight women’s lives in my constituency and beyond, but I want to challenge that narrative and celebrate how great it is to be a woman. Bristol Women’s Voice, an exceptional local organisation in our city, also wants to use International Women’s Day to celebrate being a woman.

On Saturday 11 March at City Hall, they will be bringing together more than 100 contributors and partners to

A friend who had been through a similar experience told her about Refuge which, as well as providing emergency accommodation for women and children fleeing abuse, runs local

Decluttering does wonders for mental health

PHYSICAL environments influence emotions, cognition, and behaviors. Cluttered environments can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, depressing and stressful. They can cause friction between household members and create feelings of not being in control.

Clutter causes negativity. If your hallway has become a dumping ground, every time you come into your home it will feel negative rather than positive. If the clutter continues into the kitchen these negative feelings continue, and so on and so forth.

I have been running the declutter service for over 10 years and thankfully have seen many positive changes in recycling. It is a great resource, and if an item can be recycled it is far easier to let it go.

There is no harm in asking for help and people find that once they’ve tackled their clutter, they feel that a weight has been lifted, their mood improves and they enjoy a sense of freedom.

Reorganising and decluttering and your home is not about making a ‘show home’. It is about managing your belongings and making your home an inviting, pleasurable place to live in and somewhere to feel proud of.

Whether you have hoarding tendencies or are just fed up with general mess and clutter, help is at hand to get you motivated.

FM DeClutter Services provide a friendly tailor made service that works with you, at your pace, with empathy and understanding.

For further information, help, advice and solutions, call Fay Gregory at FM DeClutter Services

Tel: 078 2107 8526 or 0117 955 0713 www.fmdeclutterservices.com

While Amy never needed to stay in the charity's accommodation, its helpline provided invaluable support when she needed to talk to someone outside her family and friends.

run workshops, performance, exhibitions, activities and talks.

Activities will include health, nurture, poetry, music, film and photography, dance and visual arts. It will be just like a carnival! The full programme will be published shortly on Bristol Women’s Voice website (www. bristolwomensvoice.org.uk/).

She said: "I never realised when I was in that situation that there was so much help out there – during those critical moments, having someone to reassure you is so important."

was a chance to both tick off a challenge from her 'bucket list' and "turn something that was negative into something positive".

repay my gratitude to Refuge for the much-needed help and support they gave me.

It’s vital that we sing the praises of our women role models. There have been so many from Bristol I cannot even start to list them. And we need to ensure that conversations and education focus not only on what women can achieve, but on how important our male allies are, and that tackling many of the challenges mentioned in the news today requires change in the dominant culture surrounding

A student paramedic studying at Gloucestershire University, Amy also works for supported living provider Aspire in Downend, Staple Hill and Fishponds.

She has run in a number of distance races but has never taken on a marathon before, and when she discovered that Refuge had places for fundraisers in the London Marathon it

recognises the warning signs of domestic violence and finds the courage to get in touch with Refuge, then that is potentially one life saved."

male behaviour.

Amy aims to raise £2,000 for Refuge at the marathon, which takes place in October.

To support Amy's appeal visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/amyyapp98.

For more information about the work of Refuge visit the website www.refuge.org.uk.

As the Chair of the Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party, I have a simple message to the women of Bristol: Together we can make a difference to our communities. We must work hard to inspire the future generation of women leaders to build upon the achievements of the past. We must always stand up and be heard.

The charity's free national domestic abuse 24-hour helpline is on 0808 2000 247.

Amy Yapp taking part in a Bristol 10k

n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS

MANY of us have been suffering from unreliable and infrequent buses for months. One of the main causes of this is difficulty in recruiting and retaining drivers and high levels of sickness.

Sadly, it will deteriorate further in April – across the West of England, about 40 bus services that are supported by Councils will be withdrawn. This is due to the costs going up and the new wave of Tory austerity, meaning all Council budgets are facing pressure of yet more cuts.

In Totterdown and Windmill Hill, this means the 512 service – a lifeline for many – will be replaced by an experimental ‘Demand Responsive Service’, which is a big gamble. The promise is that there will be at least an hourly service, but it will need to be booked using ‘smart’ or traditional phones.

So, in theory the service could be better, but there are not many examples of this sort of service succeeding in the UK. Unfortunately, the decisions have been taken so late that it is going to be a rush to get information as to how the service will work. We will be doing our best to keep you informed.

What makes this so unacceptable is the windfall profits being made by fossil fuel companies. During a cost of living crisis these companies are profiting from all of us. With the cuts to the buses, many people will be left stranded and others will be forced back into their cars, giving yet more profit to the polluters.

CHRISTINE has been in contact with local traders on East Street, alongside council officers overseeing the works related to the Malago Road infrastructure projects, looking at both anticipated and unforeseen effects on surrounding streets. There are some particular safety concerns around the junction of East Street and Cannon Street as well as the mini-roundabout at Dean Lane/ North Street/Cannon Street.

The Green councillors in the area recently saw some success around repairs to the miniroundabout, with the council having now filled some of the most dangerous pot-holes – but we are still not satisfied and will continue to push for a complete repair job in this area that also focuses on enforcing double yellow line parking and pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The light controlled junction at East Street/Cannon Street is listed for imminent upgrade but the timescale for this to happen has not been set.

However, this is a step forward as the need has, at least, now been recognised. Christine will continue to push for these improvements to happen, but as always written representation from residents to the council expressing concerns also aids our efforts.

The repairs to Gaol Ferry Bridge continue – the first section of the bridge has now been grit blasted revealing corrosion and steel loss, especially on the southern pier. Weekend work was added to repair and replace the corroded steel, and once this is repainted the second section will then also be grit blasted. We still await an updated estimate of when this vital bridge is likely to re-open.

JUBILEE pool, thankfully now in local ownership, continues to make progress with membership up and some of the backlog of repairs and improvements being tackled after years of council neglect. It is not all plain sailing though, with high energy bills putting on the pressure. A repeat of last year’s 24-hour swimathon produced a significant sum towards the winter target of £30,000 and grants are being obtained to help out with improvements.

Knowle Community Party will again put forward council budget amendments that provide good cost effective support and, as last years were voted through by councillors but then vetoed by the Mayor and Labour, we will hope for better this year.

Also, a budget amendment for us is a demand to release the £57,000 frozen funds for local parks improvements. This money was raised locally and a new

senior finance officer checked and confirmed that it was still ring fenced for local parks. Over 700 local people signed the petition demanding that the mayor honour the parks and green spaces strategy promises.

Meanwhile, we understand that eventually an offer is to be made for a long term lease for the community garden and an emergency meeting has been agreed to sort out the park pavilion. Let’s see if the offers are sensible and reasonable. We will report back.

What is an added problem with the council is that as well as making bad decisions, they now take so long to do things. The supposed benefit of the mayor system was quick and efficient decision making. In practice because everything has to go up to be mayor approved it takes twice as long.

FROM my correspondence with Bedminster residents, the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has had a mixed response. I realise it’s tough on drivers who regularly cross the river, as there is no fine-free route without adding many miles to your journey.

On the positive side, people tell me they’re enjoying cleaner air, less noise and less cars. Ultimately, that is the aim of this new initiative and in the long term people’s health will really benefit.

Green councillors have been asking searching questions in cabinet about this. Will the revenue generated by the CAZ be made available to support people living in the boundary areas around the CAZ – and if not, what will it be spent on? It would be great to be able to use it to fund improvements like liveable

neighbourhoods or residents parking.

It’s tree planting time, and Gores Marsh Park has a new mini forest thanks to One Tree Per Child and our Tree Officers. The aim was to reduce pollution and noise from Winterstoke Road. If you would be interested in helping to set up a Gores Marsh Park Friends Group do get in touch at cllr.tessa.fitzjohn@ bristol.gov.uk

More good news – a new zebra crossing on Duckmore Road is planned between Gores Marsh and Luckwell Road. There’ll be no changes to local parking. To provide comments you can email transport.engagement@bristol. gov.uk or call 0117 9036449 by Monday 20 March.

Finally, more change is coming in April to our buses - do get in touch if you’re concerned.

Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies Knowle Community Party councillors for Knowle

Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade was a joyful, colourful success

By Naomi Fuller Pictures Colin Moody

Glowing lanterns were held aloft, bands struck up their tunes and the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade brought its magic combination of lanterns, music and spectacle to BS3 streets last month.

The much-loved community event – and the largest held in South Bristol – set off from St Francis Church in North Street as dusk fell and wound its way along crowd-lined streets to finish up at Compass Point school, giving onlookers plenty of chances to enjoy the sight of the incredible creations including a magnificent butterfly, a huge mouse chasing a slice of cheese, a turtle and a beautiful globe. School children, local businesses and community groups who had worked hard to make their lanterns, took part in the parade and brightened up a winter’s evening.

Ade Williams, chair of the organising committee and community pharmacist, said: “On behalf of all of us involved in making this event and the project happen I want to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported this year with such enthusiasm and generosity.

“A special thanks to the businesses in BS3 and wider who have yet again sponsored the parade and given us their support – allowing the fun, creativity and community connection to happen. We know how special this project is to people living and working in south Bristol and we couldn’t do it without you.

“The team of local volunteers that invest so much time and effort to make this happen are our BS3 unsung heroes but they do need more hands.”

If you’d like to find out more about the project and get involved as the volunteer team starts thinking about the next plans, get in touch info@bwlp.org

Sona Pilates with Leanne Copley

MARCH sees the Pilates community head to the mat and wax lyrical about even some of the trickiest moves. March MATness is an annual awareness campaign celebrating the traditional sequence of Joseph Pilates mat exercises, originally spearheaded by Benjamin Degenhardt.

Not a challenge nor a competition, March MATness encourages you to explore the exercises as you see fit and it might just be the catalyst to start your Pilates journey. We will do the cheerleading but here are some extra reasons why you should start Pilates with us this month:

Pilates focuses on strengthening core muscles and improving mobility, which help improve overall posture and flexibility.

Pilates exercises target multiple muscle groups, leading to an increase in overall strength, balance and alignment.

Pilates emphasises tuning in to movements and your breathing, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. And increase lung capacity.

Low impact and injury-preventive, making it a good option for people with joint pain and to support your other athletic adventures.

The concentration and mindfulness required during Pilates can help improve mental focus and increase body awareness.

Keep an eye out for March MATness on social media and beware your Pilates teacher may opt to start class with The Hundred! I hope to see you in class at Sona Pilates at Bristol Osteopaths on the Wells Road. www.sonapilates.com

Kids eye up green jobs of the future

THE winners of a competition to inspire South Bristol pupils into green careers was announced by Metro Mayor Dan Norris at UWE.

More than 60 year 10 pupils at four schools south of the river have been busy putting the finishing touches to their presentations on the green jobs on offer to them as part of a programme funded by Mr Norris’s West of England Authority to encourage more pupils to choose green careers.

Mr Norris judged the presentations given by students on the fabulous planet-saving careers on offer across the West of England, and the skills they need to get one, resulting in “golden ticket” prizes including books, chargers and vouchers being handed out.

Students have been taking part in sessions about how to build a successful career that helps the planet after Merchants’ Academy, Bedminster Down School, Oasis Academy John Williams and Bridge Learning Campus won a £15,000 grant from the West of England Authority.

Ahead of the event, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the project is about “engaging young people to help us make the West of England one of the greenest and cleanest regions across the country”. Mr Norris said: “It is vital young people are shown they can have a career working to solve the biggest problem that faces our West of England region, and humanity - the climate crisis. I’m pleased a £45,000 cash injection from my Combined Authority is helping inspire young Bristolians to get involved in climate action by identifying and accessing good-quality green jobs. It is incredibly moving to see so many proud parents, friends and families beam with pride as they watch their children receive the recognition they deserve for all the brilliant work they’ve done these past few months.”

n SPINAL COLUMN

It’s so big, you can’t possibly miss it!

BUT because it’s so big, people often do and think it’s just a generic graphic we’ve used to spice up a plain wall. Whenever a patient finally realises that it’s actually me in that picture, with an adjustment table in the middle of Park Street, it makes me think about the way we can often become blind to the symptoms of poor health.

Just like how when someone walks past that photo every time they come to see us, they almost stop seeing it after a while. Even though the wall is about 8 x 3 metres! So if they’ve not realised what the picture is, and they don’t notice it the first time they come in, they’ll probably never notice.

But when they do, they have one of those “whoops, how did I miss that?” moments. Often someone has been in the room five-10 times until they ask: “Has that always been there?”.

And that’s just like how we can put up with migraines, aches and pains, and all the niggly symptoms of poor health, and begin to accept them as part of our daily life (or just dose up on painkillers to keep them at bay). Until someone helps us connect the dots and the realisation smacks you in the face.

We don’t have to notice all the fine details in life, like how a wall is decorated, but it makes sense to listen to your body when it starts talking to you. Especially when it talks to you loudly. Your body has one main language to talk to you and that’s often painful.

If your body is talking to you right now, then get it checked out to find out what the cause is. Check out our offer below as a good place to start, perhaps chiropractic could be the first step in balancing your body out so you don’t need to ignore those niggles and aches.

Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro

Telephone: 0117 370 2680 www.kasachiro.com

Why not play out in 2023?

As the days are getting longer and the weather is warming up, now is the perfect time to start making plans for spring and summer. This year, the extra Bank Holiday weekend in early May for the King’s Coronation offers the perfect opportunity to come together as a street community either for a play street or street party.

Play streets - where through-traffic is diverted from your street for a couple of hoursare free to organise. They are a great way to bring your neighbours together regularly and create a safe space for children to play out. Hundreds of street communities across the city are enjoying the benefits of playing out on the doorstep, which many of us experienced as children.

As well as a way of bringing your local community together, play streets are proven to benefit children’s health and wellbeing, increasing their physical activity levels and giving them a sense of belonging in their community.

Playing Out - the national organisation supporting play streetssay the first step, afterchecking out playingout.net, is to talk to your neighbours about the idea to gauge interest and support, before applying to the council. If you have enough support to go ahead, you can apply for a year’s worth of play streets, up to once a week. Many streets do it once a month.

Playing Out is based at Windmill Hill City Farm so you can pop in or contact them for advice about the process. They can also lend you free ‘road closure’ signs and kit for your play street.

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade Williams In the blink of an eye...

The human eyes are amazingly able to differentiate approximately 10 million colours. The phrase ‘‘in the blink of an eye’’ is because the eyes are the fastest muscle in the body. The most common eye problem people visit the pharmacy for is conjunctivitis, or red/pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. It rarely affects your vision.

The common symptoms include • Redness

• Pus that can stick to the lashes and is contagious • Itchiness • A burning sensation

• Wateriness • A gritty feeling. Conjunctivitis is generally caused by a bacterial or viral infection (known as infective conjunctivitis), an allergic reaction such as hay fever, a reaction to a chemical such as chlorine or shampoo or an eyelash, or particularly affecting babies, a partially blocked tear duct.

Conjunctivitis symptoms usually last

seven-10 days and should completely clear up within two weeks. Infective conjunctivitis can be contagious for up to 14 days from the start of symptoms.

It is essential to do things that help ease your symptoms and stop the spread of conjunctivitis: • Washing your hands with soap regularly, especially after touching your eyes. • Regularly clean any sticky discharge or secretions from your eyelids with cotton wool soaked in boiled and cooled water. (Use one piece for each eye to avoid cross infection).

• Place cool compresses (such as a flannel soaked in cold water) on the affected eye(s)

to ease symptoms. • Always store eye drops as directed on the package (not always in the fridge) and discard them as instructed –usually 28 days after opening - by returning them to a pharmacist for safe disposal.

Do not: • rub your eyes. • share towels, pillows or utensils (keep a separate towel, face cloth and soap for yourself.) • allow anyone else to use any ointment or drops you are using. • wear a contact lens in the affected eye(s) until all symptoms and signs of infection have gone, and any treatment has been completed for 24 hours.

The Bedminster Pharmacy team, when appropriate, can recommend and provide antibiotic eye drops, including for children under two years. Seek an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if a baby less than 28 days old has conjunctivitis. Also, speak with your GP if your symptoms have not cleared up after two weeks, you experience pain in your eyes, sensitivity to light, changes in your vision, like wavy lines, flashing or very blurred vision, very red eye/ eyes or Spots or blisters on your eyelids

Sight is consistently recognised as the sense people fear losing the most. So we must take good care of our eyes. Take your sight test every two years or more frequently if advised by your optometrist.

THE BRISTOL SOUTH SPACE PROGRAM

South Bristol’s new world class Youth Zone

I UNDERSTAND the value of youth work, both professionally and personally.

I started out as a young person at Youth Moves, after meeting a youth worker called Paul at my local primary school in Knowle West. He told me that there was this club that I can go to, and they could help me get back into education.

I spent years with the project, and they helped me enormously get my life on track after experiencing a few issues along the way. Then one day I started volunteering as an older teenager because I wanted to give back to the community. I went to college, and after finishing a media course, Youth Moves offered me a chance to be a sports apprentice. I am now aged 21, and have my first full time job as an assistant youth worker, working in the area I grew up in.

I love it. But there are some challenges we face in the south of the city. There can be some tensions between young people from Knowle West and Hartcliffe. I don’t really have a problem working in Knowle because obviously I grew up there and know a lot of people in the area, especially older siblings to most of the young people that we work with. So it’s pretty easy for me to work there. But it’s not so much when I go to Hartcliffe, as a lot of the young people at first don’t want work with someone from Knowle. That’s how entrenched some of this stuff can be.

We must build the relationship first and then sort of let them know where we’re from once they’re comfortable with us. For example, I had one group from Hartcliffe, who told me that had they known that me and another worker were from Knowle, they

would’ve refused to work with us. Once they worked with us for three or four months, we took them to our current base in The Park Centre in Knowle, and some of the young people mixed.

But this takes time. We even recently took groups from both areas to a residential alongside Hartcliffe Club for Young People.

This is where the team at Youth Moves is strong, as we have staff born and raised in Knowle like me, and those from Hartcliffe that have those trusting relationships. We also have staff from outside the area that can give a broader perspective and fresh eyes on things.

So, with the new £8 million Youth Zone coming, our plan is to try and bring both communities together. It may seem naïve, but we have already started the work, to break down barriers and build a bridge between groups

By Cody, an assistant youth worker at Youth Moves

of young people. A barrier that shouldn’t be there anyway in my opinion.

There was a big divide, especially when I was growing up, and I reckon the Youth Zone will be a big part of solving this, because it’s right in the middle and in a space where all young people feel safe. The problem with our current location at the minute is it can be hard for the young people from Hartcliffe to get to and to always feel comfortable in.

Welcoming Space and Citizens Advice Drop In

The Southville Centre on Beauley Road is one of Bristol’s official Welcoming Spaces. Open between 8am-8pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am-6pm on Friday. Here you will find free tea and coffee, WiFi access computers, signposting information regarding the cost of living crisis, and a warm welcome.

Advice Assistants from Citizens Advice Bristol are present twice a week, on Tuesdays 9am-12.30pm and Thursdays 3.30pm-6pm. They are there to give you support and guidance if you are struggling with the rising cost of living, and can provide practical advice with regards to benefits, money, debt and energy. Thursday sessions also include free soup and a bread roll. Please drop in if you need support.

BS3 Community Check-in & Chat Befriending Service

We match a member of the community that may be isolated or lonely with a volunteer

who calls each week for a check-in and chat. Hobbies and interests are matched, and friendships are formed. The calls can be over the telephone or face-to-face, such as meeting at a local park or cafe.

Anyone wishing to access this service can use the Check-in & Chat Help Request Form. bs3community.org.uk/volunteering-andcommunity-development/bs3-companionscheck-in-and-chat/

We are also recruiting Check in & Chat Volunteers. If you would like to brighten

the life of a lonely or isolated person, then please visit our Volunteer Makers page which contains information about all BS3 Community’s volunteering opportunities: bs3community.volunteermakers.org/

For more information about the Checkin & Chat service, please contact Carmel Ferguson, Communities Coordinator: carmel. ferguson@bs3community.org.uk

For more information about any of our services contact info@bs3community.org.uk or call 0117 9231039.

Have your say on rat running in Totterdown

By Ed Plowden and Lisa Stone WINDMILL Hill Green

Councillors Ed Plowden and Lisa Stone are urging residents to give their views on ‘ratrunning’ traffic.

Residents of the steep and narrow streets between the Bath and Wells Roads (next to the Three Lamps junction) have for many years suffered from hundreds of cars an hour using their streets as a through road during rush-hour. Locals organised a ‘Playing Out’ street closure a few years ago and turned away 460 cars in a 90-minute period.

Despite looking into this many times, the Council have done very little, and have even described the residential streets as a “pressure valve” for congestion. One recent proposal to tackle this by making more streets one way has stalled due to lack of money. Many residents are concerned that the problem

Sharing is caring

will grow even worse as the area borders the Clean Air Zone (CAZ), but for now the Mayor has declined to commit to using any of the revenue from the CAZ to help tackle problems like this.

So, Ed and Lisa have been out with volunteers from TRESA, the local residents’ association,

listening to residents and encouraging them to complete a survey, available on paper and online at tinyurl.com/ ratrunsurvey. One of the key questions is whether people would like to see the left turn from the Bath Road into Angers Rd closed, cutting off the

problem at source.

Ed said: “Although we support the Clean Air Zone, the Council does need to resolve any unintended consequences, including the impact on communities just outside the zone boundaries. Quiet residential streets like these should not be used as a through-road. We want to look at options for tackling this, and make sure any proposals have the support of the people who live here.”

Lisa added: “A simple solution would be to cut the problem off at source. However, this could inconvenience some residents of the neighbourhood, so we want to find out their views on the situation. We will be knocking on all the doors in the survey area, and we urge people to fill in the simple survey, using the QR code on the letter we are delivering. We will be out on Saturdays for a few more weeks, so watch this space.”

IN a far-flung corner of Bristol, on Kingswood high street, lies one of the city’s best kept secrets: Share Bristol Library of Things. Wellloved by those who know it, but a mystery to most Bristolians due to the location and the absence of a marketing budget or PR team, this eco-conscious not-for-profit is hoping to change all that in 2023.

The volunteer team behind Share Bristol are hoping to open their second site on East Street in Bedminster, but need a few local people who know the area well to get on board and help make it a reality.

The benefits for Bedminster could be huge as Share Bristol’s aims are lofty and numerous. The claim is that a library of things contributes to the circular economy by encouraging people to donate the things they don’t use, which are repaired and serviced by volunteers, and then borrowed and used over

and over again.

Anna Perry, a volunteer director of Share Bristol, said: “Most people have loads of things that they only use a few times a year, sitting around cluttering up their homes. By donating something to the library, you’re getting it out of the house, but can still borrow it whenever you want.”

The team promises that an annual membership will be really affordable, with a cheaper rate for those on low incomes, and that everything is free to borrow after that membership fee is paid. One of the team’s guiding principles is that a library of things

should help people get their hands on the things they need, regardless of income.

And the plan is that the library on East Street will be spacious enough for people to gather and learn how to use the things on offer, from sewing machines to niche DIY tools.

But the Share Bristol team say this won’t happen unless local people get involved, so they have put out a plea for people in the Bedminster area to get in touch with them and offer to lend a hand. You can contact them on hello@sharebristol.org.uk or via www.sharebristol.org.uk

Share Bristol’s Sarah with lawnmower

Share Bristol’s Abi

As the damage to nature becomes more visible, saving wildlife has never been more important.

Our plans for a new Bristol Zoo at our 136 acre Wild Place Project site, just 20 minutes from the centre of Bristol, will set the standard for a forward-looking zoo. Home to some of the world’s most threatened species, living in spaces that better reflect their natural habitats, our new zoo will reflect the vital conservation work we do around the world.

We’re a conservation charity and every penny we raise will support our missionWe’re saving wildlife together with the people of Bristol.

Be home to some of the world’s most threatened species

We direct 14 field conservation projects with 31 local partner organisations that conserve and protect some of the world’s most threatened species.

Inspire current and future generations to value and protect wildlife

In 2023 we will engage over 15,000 children through our education sessions. By 2035, we aim to inspire over 90,000 school children and teach 600 higher education students per year.

“I became a trustee of Bristol Zoological Society because I believe its new direction will help tackle the extinction crisis. By focusing on animals that are most in need of conservation, moving to the larger Wild Place Project site, and taking the difficult decision to close Bristol Zoo Gardens, the charity is doing the right thing. It is focusing on how best to save wildlife together – now and into the future.”

Jane Smart, Director of the Global Species Programme International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

n WHAT’S ON INTERVIEW

‘Audiences will rediscover the joy of theatre

With the wonderful ‘Sister Act: The Musical’ winging its way to Bristol Hippodrome this month, we caught up with Lesley Joseph, who plays Mother Superior in the show, to find out more…

Sister Act is a much-loved movie as well as a musical. Were you aware of the show before joining?

I saw Craig Revel Horwood’s ‘Sister Act’ revival with Alexandra Burke, so I was very aware of the show before I joined. The musical doesn’t have the music from the film, but it’s Alan Menken’s music - who is a genius. He’s been to see our show twice and loved it! I think people love the production because of the great music, and it’s very much an audience show. You leave feeling so uplifted. We were playing in London to 3,000 people per night, with every show packed full of people waving their arms in the air at the end and just having a fantastic time.

Can you summarise the plot and tell us about your character, Mother Superior?

Well, Deloris Van Cartier witnesses her boyfriend shoot someone and gets put into hiding in a convent. Mother Superior who runs the convent is a very religious person, and suddenly into her world comes this woman who is a singer, who wears short skirts, who’s full of bling and very over the top. It’s about how these two worlds combine and ultimately rub off on each other. Mother Superior is quite strict and holy. She provides the juxtaposition of strict religious beliefs against this entirely over the top being, which is Deloris Van Cartier. You need the two extremes to rub up against one another, and quite a lot of sparks fly. Sister Act features a fantastic score by the multi awardwinning Alan Menken. How would you describe the soundtrack?

I think the soundtrack is amazing. I must say, the audience responses so far have made me feel like we’re doing a pop concert. My favourite song is one that Mother Superior has called ‘Here Within These Walls’

where she describes what life is like in the convent, and how the outside world is full of sin, but inside you find God and you find yourself. It’s a beautiful number, but probably the most serious number in the show to an extent. The other number I love is when Deloris first takes over the choir and she teaches them to sing and brings out their voices. It’s called ‘Raise Your Voice’. The audience just goes wild. Up until then you’ve only heard the nuns sing very badly. It stops the show! What do you hope audiences take away from this brand new production?

I think audiences will take away a reinvigorated love for live theatre. It’s a production that also says something about community, and that’s one thing that the lockdown showed us was important –caring about your neighbours, caring about your friends, and helping those in need. It’s an absolutely joyous musical! To see the audiences at the end, where they stand waving their arms and

New Beginnings Day Centre

Our day centre is open five days a week and offers a varied programme of activities and a two-course hot meal freshly prepared onsite. Spaces are available for new members to join us at The Withywood Centre, (BS13 8QA) both self-funding individuals and those paid for by Adult Social Care. We offer taster sessions so you can try out how it works for you.

Ring 0117 987 8406 or email newbeginnings@ageukbristol.org.uk to find out more about rates and availability.

www.ageukbristol.org.uk

singing along, they rediscover the joy of theatre.

Is there a piece of advice you’ve received or that you would pass on to anyone hoping to go into the creative industry?

I don’t know if you remember a man called Quentin Crisp, he was very flamboyant and wonderful, and way before his time. He was avant-garde and he was an amazing character. He always used to call me ‘Miss Joseph’. His piece of advice was, ‘Miss Joseph, believe in fate, but lean forward where fate can see you’. I think that’s one of the best pieces of advice I could give to anybody.

‘Sister Act: The Musical’ is at Bristol Hippodrome from March 6-18.

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Theatre, comedy and so much more for all the family

March 1-4, Tobacco Factory Theatre, ‘Tink’. Tink was a BIG, brilliant, young fairy. Until one day, in a tragic cliché, Tink began to shrink… In this thoroughly modern coming-of-age musical monologue, we join Tink on her journey from childhood to adulthood. Can she find her lost light and re-write the fairy story that she began a long time ago?

March 2, Trinity, Courtney Marie Andrews (pictured). The Grammy-nominated Arizona star released her critically-acclaimed ‘Loose Future’ album last year, and is returning to the UK to perform with a full live band. Described by MOJO as “her richest work”, the record was one of her most upbeat,

summery-sounding and textured albums to date.

March 10-19, Tobacco Factory Theatre, ‘This House’. UK politics is in crisis and the country is in economic peril. Fights break out in the Houses of Parliament and the government whips can barely contain the chaos. Sound familiar? Well this time, it’s 1974 and in this not so distant past, Westminster is at war with itself again. A hung parliament and the tiniest of margins mean that those in power will do everything to just keep going. Even if that means wheeling in someone on their last legs or direct from the maternity ward.

March 11, Redcatch Club, Redcatch Community Centre, Sunjay. The performance starts at 7.45pm and ends at 10.30pm.

£10 cash on the door (a BYO event) Multi-award-winning Sunjay will be featuring songs from his longawaited and highly anticipated new studio album ‘Black & Blues’. Also featuring Mark Darkside’s tribute to Victoria Wood.

March 15, Fleece, The K’s. The K’s have finally managed to stay still long enough to record some new music — with “Hoping Maybe” leading the charge. If 2022 was all about laying the live foundations, 2023 is all about raising the roof with new music for the band. After a ceaseless year of headline shows, major support slots, main stage festival appearances, the four-piece bunkered down in a studio close to their Earlestown base to record the first in a raft of new releases.

March 15-18, Bristol Old Vic, ‘We Were Promised Honey!’. A performer tells the story of the future of the audience; what’s going to happen in the decades, centuries, millennia after the end of this show. It’s the story of a baby born in a lighthouse, of someone on fire in the middle of the desert, of two lovers reunited in a flooded city, of a spaceship on the edge of a black hole. Everything has already

been decided. This is the story of the end.

March 18, Dame Emily Park. As part of British Science Week Dame Emily Park Project is holding a free community event at the park on Saturday, March 18, starting at 2pm. The wonderful Save Soil initiative will be coming along to support the event with activities, talks and dance.

April 23, Hen & Chicken, Joe Martin. Singer songwriter Joe is embarking on his first album tour next month and visiting North Street as he does so. Billed as a night of new wave Americana, tickets can be found at www. joemartinmusic.com/tour.

The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver

You couldn’t make it up!

BUT if you are into improvisation, maybe you could…

Improvisation, or improv, is a style of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up on the spot.

Improvisation is about no script, saying what comes naturally/into your head, but there are a few suggested rules. Tina Fey lists hers in ‘Tina Fey’s Rules of Improvisation that Will Change Your Life and Reduce Belly Fat*’ as

1. Agree – always agree and say yes this means you should agree with whatever your partner has created as the scenario/story/ action.

2. Yes and – agree and then add something of your own to move the story/scene on.

3. Make statements – don’t just ask questions as that puts pressure on your improv partner to come up with all the answers.

4. There are no mistakes – only opportunities.

I think these rules are really useful for any one new to improvisation but like all rules they can be broken, once you are more experienced.

Lots of people get involved in improvisation that haven’t tried acting before because of the massive benefits you can gain from it. There is so much to be gained from being present, listening, being generous to those you are improvising with, being positive, letting your creative juices flow and enjoying wherever your brain and imagination take you.

So hopefully I’ve got you interested now where can you get involved? The Bristol Improv Theatre is a great place to start, and they are running a five-week discovering improv courses at Zion Community Centre, Bishopsworth Road, starting at the end of February. Then hopefully you will be ready for the Little Improv Festival starting in Bristol on March 31.

Have a fun time expressing yourself, meeting new people, trying something new and being a bit silly!

*Improv will not reduce belly fat.

Jacqui Ham

Swimathon makes a big splash

By the Friends of Jubilee Pool

DURING a non-stop 24 hour swimming relay affectionately named the Jubilee-athon, 126 supporters of Knowle’s Jubilee Pool completed 10,136 lengths (138.5 miles), netting £13,500 (so far) in sponsorship donations and ensuring that the community organisation which took over the pool’s building last autumn has now met the £30,000 fundraising target it set for the end of January.

The event held over the weekend of 28/29 January was opened by Alex Edwards (DSS-GB champion) who demonstrated why she is a gold medal holder by storming two lengths, front crawl and butterfly. She is a powerhouse and was the perfect start to our Jubilee-athon.

Lots of families attended the daylight hours including the Hillcrest Posse consisting of three mums and six kids. Iona Keen said: “We had such a good time – despite the chaos of six mixed abilities under 12s swimming in one lane!” They collectively swam 414 lengths and raised a whopping £512.

The witching hour (3am) had one swimmer. The mighty Emma Poppleton who cruised over 100 lengths accompanied by all the bystanders singing Celine Dion’s ‘All By Myself’ at top volume, which we are sure definitely helped her along.

1957 was the year that Jubilee-ver, Mervyn Lavender, last swam at the pool when he was 10 years old. Some 66 years later, Mervyn decided to take up the challenge of the Jubileeathon. He rallied his mates down the pub, secured loads of sponsors and completed

the hour’s swim. Mervyn enjoyed the experience so much that he’s now become a regular swimmer at the Jubilee Pool.

The hero of the weekend was Tom Colebrook, AKA Mauve Tiger, who defected to us from Easton Pool and lives in St George. He loves our community spirit. Tom completed six slots over the 24 hours, racking up a mammoth 780 lengths. Tom stated: “The support and praise for my achievement was humbling. Not one moment was a chore, I never felt up against it. I got my ‘golden steam paddles’ fired up and off I went. I am convinced the future is bright, in fact the future is JUBILICIOUS!”

We would like to thank all our Jubilee-vers who swam, volunteered and most of all threw money into the pot.

We are continuing to fundraise towards our Winter Energy Appeal and are grateful for any donations: localgiving. org/charity/friends-of-jubileepool-bristol/

The Hillcrest Posse. Photo: Faye Hedges Photography

Alex Edwards. Photo: Faye Hedges Photography

Tom Colebrook six hour hero

WICKED WITCH

In witch it’s not a mouse with clogs on

I was watching telly the other evening. The dog snoring on my lap, the logs crackling in the wood burner and all was good. Then my phone pinged with a text. It was Himself messaging me from the bedroom. He does this, sneaks off to our comfy bed for some ‘me time’ where he piles up all the pillows, spreads himself out like a starfish and watches YouTube videos about kayaks or woodwork.

“Is the dog with you?” asked the text. “Yes?” I questioned. “There’s something in the attic and it sounds like the dog walking about”. This would have been very surprising as to access our loft you must climb a ladder first. He then sent me a video of the bedroom light swaying in time with scrabbling noises. “Could be a mouse with clogs on” I replied, deciding that I might sleep on the sofa.

The next morning, after a sleepless night, Himself peered

at me over his coffee and stated “I need you to go and have a look”. The chicken.

I tentatively poked my head through the hatch into the attic. All was quiet. I carefully tiptoed amongst the junk we have shoved up there, old computers, camping equipment and suitcases. There was an odd smell and I found some droppings. We definitely had an uninvited guest. As I took a picture of the droppings, something nudged my leg, I screamed and did the dance of the terrified only to find a grinning Himself waving a nudging broom handle. Very funny. We came up with a cunning plan. The dog was gathered and passed up through the hatch. She was away, madly sniffing, tail wagging, disappearing into dark corners digging at the

floorboards. Yes, we had something undesirable, she couldn’t get to whatever it was and was rather annoyed when we forcibly removed her.

We researched the droppings and deduced that they were from a squirrel, surely that was the only animal who could shimmy up the drainpipe to get access to our loft and that was much more palatable than anything else. Or was it? Squirrels can make an enormous mess. My friend had a squirrel family on her roof, theyhad made a home in her turrets (her house is huge), they had a bedroom in one turret and used the other as a toilet. Mrs Turret tried to encourage these rascals to vacate the premises by various humane means, but squirrels are clever and evaded capture. The exterminator

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was called and order was resumed.

To make sure our guests were squirrels I placed my wildlife camera up in the loft. I checked it the next day, there were 22 videos all featuring a rather large fat rat. Shudder.

I told my plumber boss what had happened. “Whatever you do, don’t use poison” he advised “they end up dying under the floorboards and you won’t be able to get to them, they will rot, it will stink” He gave me this advice after I had baited the whole attic with every type of poison I could get my hands on. Oops.

The bait has been eaten and the scrabbling noises have stopped so now we are waiting for the odour of dead rat to drift from the rafters, apparently it doesn’t last long…

n LOCAL HISTORY

Gerry Davis began work at RAF Lulsgate Bottom in June 1971 as a member of the duty crew after he left the RAF. By the time he retired on 1 June 1998, the site had become known as Bristol International Airport. Gerry has written about his experiences in his book ‘Flying From the Ground’, and shares some of his story with South Bristol Voice readers here.

BRISTOL’S original airport in Whitchurch enjoyed a 27-year life from 1930 until 1957, when it was closed because the single asphalt runway could not be extended to accommodate the larger aircraft that were now coming into service. It was also becoming surrounded by the ever encroaching housing estates. The Dundry Hill also restricted the use of any form of radar.

Its history makes fascinating reading, although much of its wartime clandestine aircraft movements are lost to the secrets they could behold.

As early as 1938, a Civil Guard was created to train pilots for what was widely seen as the forthcoming war. Also No. 33 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School was established to prepare RAFVR pilots. In August 1939, the airport was requisitioned by the Air Ministry and was declared a restricted area.

On 1 September 1939, some 59 aircraft belonging to Imperial Airways and British Airways Ltd were evacuated from Croydon Airport and Heston Aerodrome to Whitchurch. These airlines later merged into BOAC.

In 1940, civilian flights resumed and the fleet of BOAC was boosted by the addition of aircraft, which managed to escape the Germans invasion of Holland. These were leased from the Dutch airline KLM.

An international air service was created with flights to Lisbon in neutral Portugal.

Bristol’s long-lost airport

Four flights a week operated, eventually convening thousands of passengers each way. The grass runway was asphalted in 1941.

Also in that year, the Air Transport Auxiliary was established with No 2 Ferry Pilots Pool. This brave collection of men and women pilots was mainly concerned with ferrying Blenheims, Beaufighters and Beauforts, built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company at Filton, Hurricanes built by the Gloster Aircraft Company at Brockworth Gloucestershire, and Whirlwinds and Spitfires produced by Westland Aircraft at Yeovil in Somerset. This famous unit was disbanded in1945.

On 1 June 1943, a scheduled British Overseas Airways Corporation DC3 from Portela, Lisbon Airport to Whitchurch, was attacked by eight German JU 88s and shot down over the Bay of Biscay, killing all 17 soles on board. Passengers including the famous actor Leslie Howard.

At the time, there was much speculation about those on board being British spies and VIPs. It was

well known that at this Portuguese airport, both British and German civilian aircraft operated from there. All incoming and departing flights were monitored by both Allied and Axis spies. The LisbonWhitchurch route frequently carried agents and escaped POWs to Britain. This flight had a delayed take off, and its passenger list still to this day causes much interest, as the original departing passenger list was changed at the last minute, with several passengers being offloaded and others taking their seats. One of whom was dressed as a Catholic priest after boarding the aircraft, but he got off without explanation. To this day the priest remains unknown….

All that remains of the airfield today is a short length of the runway, amid housing estates and an entertainment complex

In my memoirs, I have written

a great deal of my 27 years working at Bristol Airport, and it’s a fascinating story of the airlines, the people who worked there and the incidents that the travelling public got up to. My book ‘Flying From the Ground’ is available from Amazon as both a hardback and an e-book.

Aircraft landing at Whitchurch

Five female ATA pilots

We have a shortage of foster carers and need more people in Bristol to come forward. Please help us keep local children close to their schools and communities.

Get in touch with us to find out what support, training and benefits we offer our amazing foster carers.

Foster with Bristol City Council and make a difference.

0117 353 4200

www.bristol.gov.uk/foster

My Wild Bedminster

Ben Barker, Secretary BS3 Wildlife Group

The blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) is an elegant little warbler. They are often considered summer birds, migrating south each winter. But, around the 1970s, people began to notice that some birds were staying in chilly old England. Over the years this trend has increased and Wildlife Group members across Bristol have reported

several sightings.

Nobody really knows why there has been this apparent change in behaviour, although there does seem to be a small genetic difference between birds that stay and those that leave. Genetics may also determine their destination, eg North Africa or southern Europe. Despite these small genetic differences, they are still considered a single species and seem to breed happily together, However, it’s also

speculated that at some point sylvia atricapilla may split into two or more separate species. But not in our lifetimes.

Why does the non-migratory blackcap seem to be increasing in number? One explanation is, perhaps, our warmer winters arising from climate change. Others point to the increasing human habit of providing food for birds throughout the winter. Migrating is dangerous and many birds die en route. Many stay-athome birds also die, but perhaps less than in past years.

One point made in our survey relates to the name. Only the male has a blackcap. If we lived in a less male dominated civilisation, perhaps we would have named the bird after the female? ‘Oh look, there’s a browncap’.

Our Greater Bedminster Urban Nature Reserve is building slowly. Have you joined? Contact BS3 Wildlife Group via mywildbedminster@virginmedia. com

The Blackcap