southbristolvoice
May 2022 No. 77
www.southbristolvoice.co.uk
WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL – 15,000 copies of this edition
FREE MONTHLY IN Bedminster, Southville, Knowle, Totterdown, Ashton, Ashton Vale and Windmill Hill West of England Combined Authority Advertising Feature
BRISTOL AREA RESIDENTS URGED TO ‘LOVE LOCAL’ AND EXPLORE WEST GOING GREEN
Local attractions are going green. When she was launched, the SS Great Britain incorporated the very latest in maritime technology, now 180 years later the curators and engineers who look after her are turning to modern day tech to ensure her preservation is not at the expense of the planet thanks to a £13,000 cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority to invest in a pioneering heat recovery device.
We are really lucky because local residents have an amazing array of brilliant things to do right on our doorsteps. That’s the message from West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris who is encouraging residents to get out and explore all that is on offer locally. There are family-friendly activities, dog-friendly days out (enjoyed by the Mayor’s special four-legged friend, his Cocker Spaniel Angel) and free fun for all. Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “You can have a brilliant day out in the West of England - home to worldfamous historical attractions, beautiful countryside and much, much more. Over the last few years, we have all spent far too much time cooped up at home, so what better time than now to get out and rediscover our fantastic region.”
Find out more at www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/ love-local
It is part of plans to go carbon neutral by 2030. Matthew Tanner, CEO of the SS Great Britain Trust, said: “The West of England Combined Authority’s grant has helped us cut more than 160 tonnes of carbon annually. This is vital as we all work together to meet our ambitious net zero targets by 2030.”
SUPPORTING JOBS
A record 45,000 people across the region were employed in tourism and hospitality back in 2019. But the £2.3 billion sector was hit hard by Covid-19 as attractions closed and visitors stayed away. But you can help - and have a great day out at the same time just choose to explore local.
FREE FUN
The cost-of-living crisis is biting but exploring local doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of our region’s best parts are there to be enjoyed at no cost at all. Pop in to an exhibition at the M Shed, relax with a picnic in Queen’s Square or get active with a walk on the Cotswold Way.
VIEW FROM DAN NORRIS METRO MAYOR I’m proud to be partnering with The Voice, a great champion of everything local, to launch my ‘Love Local. Explore Local’ campaign. I’m encouraging everyone to get out and rediscover our brilliant West of England region. Let’s make the most of our fantastic local attractions, green spaces, and museums, connect with nature, explore our history or soak up some art. At the West of England Combined Authority, we’re supporting our region’s local museums, galleries and shops and places to eat out, to welcome you and your family back. Together let’s show our support and enjoy a great day out. Let’s ‘Love Local. Explore Local.’
West of England Combined Authority Advertising Feature
DON’T WORRY, BUS HAPPY!
Make the most of your day out and take the bus. Many of the region’s top tourist attractions can be easily reached by public transport with the SS Great Britain, Bath Spa, the Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park and many more on bus routes. Dan Norris said: “Why not take the bus when you explore local? There’s no need to worry about finding a parking space, or the price of filling up the car. Don’t worry, bus happy!” Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in the West of England said: ”Travelling by bus is the perfect way to explore everything the West of England has to offer and our Group ticket is ideal for getting about with friends or family. This ticket allows up to 5 people, of any age, unlimited travel in their chosen travel area. Just buy through the First Bus app or direct from your driver using your contactless card or device.”
DATING AGENCY FOR JOBS A new website which Metro Mayor Dan Norris has called a “dating agency for jobs” has launched. The process is simple. Job seekers and businesses upload their profiles, and the website plays matchmaker. Local people can do personality tests to figure out their compatibility, and there are top tips to make sure you stand out from the crowd. Metro Mayor Dan Norris also wants to change perceptions of hospitality jobs: “It doesn’t mean a temporary solution of waiting tables to see you through; it can be a varied, high-skilled, and well paid career for life,” said the Metro Mayor. James King from the Salamander Pub said: “Working in hospitality is a great career choice. It’s interesting, varied and there is great career progression. Once you’ve found your role, at my pub we do everything we can to make sure our staff are thriving in their roles and want to stay.” Find out more at jobsconnect.cognisess.com
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HIDDEN GEM TO EXPLORE? Please let us know those local places that you love and think others would like to explore too. Email info@westofengland-ca.gov.uk with your top tips and a selection will feature on the website.
PUTTING OUR REGION ON THE MAP
The West of England’s new ‘Cultural Plan’ showcases the people that make the region great, including artists and games designers; highlights our visitor attractions; and puts a spotlight on why we are the go-to place for investment in the creative industries including in film and TV production. The plan will be used to promote the West of England, and ensure that everyone locally from film makers, tourist attractions and universities to cafes and councils are singing from the same hymn sheet right across the West of England.
Every month 800 million people globally watch digital content made in the West of England Planned for completion this Summer, thanks to a £11.73 million investment from the West of England Combined Authority, The Bottle Yard Studios are expanding from eight to eleven studios. This is part of a plan to grow film and TV production in the West of England. Laura Aviles from The Bottle Yard Studios said: “An expanding studio, supportive Film Offices, skilled crew, some of the best filming locations in the UK; it’s no wonder the South West is attracting record levels of screen production.”
southbristolvoice
May 2022 No. 77
www.southbristolvoice.co.uk
We Sell and Let Property Like Yours
WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL – 15,000 copies of this edition
FREE MONTHLY IN Bedminster, Southville, Knowle, Totterdown, Ashton, Ashton Vale and Windmill Hill
INSIDE Mayoral Referendum: Use your Vote Page 5 The 'Poor Door' Development is Granted Approval Page 9
Creating a safe space for dogs Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has launched a new appeal to create a dog sensory garden to improve conditions for dogs in its care. While the team does all it can to help the animals feel comfortable and happy while they’re there, kennels are a stressful environment for them. Beyond their daily walks and enrichment activity, they need a space to relax. Find out more on page 20.
Mass Transit Timeline for Bristol is Announced Page 15 Hot cross bun leftover recipe Page 19 Letters Page 23 What's On in Our Area This Month Page 33 Wicked Witch of Knowle Page 37 Puzzles Page 43
Use your voice in Bristol's mayoral referendum on 5 May Bristol is going to the polls on Thursday 5 May to vote in a referendum that will determine how Bristol City Council is to be run in the future. The Mayoral Referendum is an opportunity for all Bristolians to have a say on whether they would like Bristol to continue to have an elected mayor. This is a post created in 2012, previously held by George Ferguson and currently held by Marvin Rees.
Those opposed to the mayoral system say that too much power has been put into the hands of just one person. However, those in favour of the current system say that the previous committee system was too slow to see changes coming into play and keeping our city moving. On the following page, we hear from two Bristolians, one who is in favour of, and one who is against, the mayoral system.
While the deadline to register to vote has now passed, you can still apply for a proxy vote up until 5pm on 26 April. Visit the council’s website for further information. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 5 May and full details of where your polling station is will be given on your voting card, which will be delivered to your house. Continued on page 5
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IN
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Contacts
Ruth Drury Sales Director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Jane Williams Editor news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the South Bristol Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code. Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 07590527664.
HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ... My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Call the above number for an appointment My councillor? Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Tessa Fitzjohn Green, Bedminster By phone: 07584182801 By email: Cllr.Tessa.Fitzjohn@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 Tony Dyer Green, Southville By phone: 07584182862 By email:
Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 07584183843 By email: Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk Christopher Davies Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr. Christopher.Davies@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07826917714 Gary Hopkins Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159 Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584184577 By email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584186535 By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Council tax 0117 922 2900
Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999
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Should we keep the Bristol Mayor? It's time for you to make your mind up Ed Plowden from Bristol Green Party has lived in Bristol for nearly 40 years and has worked in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
Continued from page 3
Paul Hassan is a Bristol resident who has worked in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in the city for ten years. WHEN Bristol had a referendum 10 years ago, citizens were offered the chance to improve the governance of the city, and said yes. Since then we have had two mayors – George Ferguson, an independent who had a 'rainbow cabinet' to pull in all talents, and Labour's Marvin Rees. They have both had achievements. George Ferguson brought in residents' parking zones – unpopular at the time but now accepted as a real advantage – while Marvin Rees is making real progress in delivering housing. In both cases the mayor has taken big decisions, thinking about the long term – a huge improvement on the previous system. The mayor is here for at least five years and has the credibility needed to cut deals with people who want someone to see them through. I remember when Bristol was led by a committee system. Most decisions were short-term fixes, marked by acrimony. I didn't get the sense there was a collegiate, collaborative atmosphere. There was a lack of confidence that the leader was going to be there long. They were dependent not just on the support of their party, but of factions within their party. The leader wasn't visible and was known by a small fraction of people – more than half know who the mayor is now.
This is also about Bristol's place on the national and global stage. It used to feel very parochial but now punches above its weight, talking about issues like migration with mayors of everywhere from Kampala to Los Angeles. Bristol voters – 139,000 at the last election – get to elect their leader, not 30 to 40 councillors in a room. That's more accountability. Two candidates ran 'scrap the mayor' campaigns last year, and were soundly defeated, so it's very unfortunate that the council voted to have a referendum now, at great cost. What we are being asked is, do we go back to the old ways or stick with what we've got? If we lose the mayor now, we put Bristol on the back foot. I would encourage all Bristol citizens to turn out for this vote and think long and hard: do you still want to choose your leader and have them directly accountable to you at the ballot box? Do you want a leader who can stand up and deliver change or return to a time of petty party-politicking and short-termism?
I WAS one of those who voted for an Elected Mayor in 2012. I wanted more powers devolved from Whitehall. But we’ve had a double whammy – no more local powers have been given and we have created an unaccountable Mayoral system with no checks and balances on power. Once every ten years we have a chance to change this via a referendum. Running a complex city is too much for one person with no safeguards against poor decisions. Instead, we need to hand power and accountability back to 70 elected councillors working together through a committee system in the full gaze of the public. There’s a myth that nothing ambitious happened before the creation of a Mayor. Simply not true – plenty of ambitious and transformation change happened. The grain of truth is that we previously elected the council 'by thirds', with a third of councillors elected three out of every four years. With such frequent elections there was indeed a temptation to duck difficult decisions. With 'all-out' elections every four years this is no longer a problem The second myth is that the mayor is more accountable, being directly elected. The reality is that we elect a single person with absolute, unchecked power. For example there was nearly unanimous cross-party support for a city centre arena. One week later the mayor ignored the Full
Council vote and unilaterally killed the project. Great leadership means good listening – being open to scrutiny and debate makes for better decisions. The failure to listen to well-informed councillors has led to many poor decisions – blowing £50m of our cash on Bristol energy and delaying over bringing in a Clean Air Zone being just two examples. Apparently the mayoral system brings an international profile; what use is it when there are not enough school places and the buses don’t run on time? There is no point in 'getting stuff done' if you aren’t doing the right things. The current system invests too much unaccountable power in a single person. I’m voting for a system where councillors have to collaborate in the long-term interests of the whole city. A system in which decisions are taken in an open and transparent way by people who are elected to listen to their local residents. Where decisions are balanced and stable. Much better than decisions behind closed doors, with vested interests able to concentrate their lobbying on a single person.
Voting for the referendum is on Thursday 5 May, 7am to 10pm Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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We’re out on the streets more to reduce crime and protect our communities We’re here for you In an emergency always call 999 For non-emergency matters: Speak to any neighbourhood police officer or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk to make an online report or call us on 101 How
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Increased patrols to keep South Bristol safe IF YOU HAVE seen more police officers patrolling the area of late, please don’t be alarmed. We have been given Home Office funding to spend in areas of high demand and we’re using some of this on extra high-visibility patrols in South Bristol at all hours of the day and night. These are in addition to our usual patrols. It’s just one of the ways we are working to reduce crime and help keep our communities safe. Having officers in the right place at the right time means we have been able reduce tensions before they have escalated, prevented weapons from being used and taken drugs off the streets. Thanks to these extra patrols, in South Bristol, we’ve seen a 20% decrease in violent offences in the last ten months and since October, we have seen a consistent decline in violent offences in the south of the city. Three of the seven areas we’ve been concentrating on have seen significantly lower rates of violent crime than expected, and no areas have seen any significant increases. We have also seen a general reduction in anti-social behaviour and as a result, we are being awarded further funding going forward to continue this effective policing work. As always we are here for YOU, so - whether you live in this area, run a business or work here, when you see us out and about please feel free to come and talk to us about anything you are concerned about or think we should know. Or you can call us on 101 (always 999 in an emergency) or report through our website at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk Together we are stronger. Thank you. Inspector Stephanie McKenna
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Volunteers needed in Bristol!
Currently we need: 1) Volunteers to fill various fundraising roles such as Collection Box Coordinators and Fundraising Group Coordinators, all with the aim to raise essential funds. 2) My Sighted Guides to help the blind and partially sighted residents of Bristol get out and about and experience exciting new adventures. 3) Fosterers to look after our dogs in training in the evenings and the weekends. This role requires you to drop off and pick up the dog to and from our Bedminster office. For any questions, please email patrycja.janecka@guidedogs.org.uk To apply, head over to our website www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or scan our QR code.
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Get ready for Bristol’s Clean Air Zone
Summer 2022
Bristol is introducing a Clean Air Zone to reduce harmful pollution. Older and more polluting vehicles will be charged to enter the zone. Check your vehicle online and find out how we can help you prepare for the zone.
bristol.gov.uk/cleanairzone
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'Poor door' development is granted approval at the second attempt By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter. Plans for 40 homes knocked back by councillors for having a separate “poor door” entrance to the affordable flats have been approved at the second attempt. Bristol City Council planning committee deferred its decision in January and demanded changes to the “shaming” design of Prelon Homes’ proposed development, including a lift and disabled parking to ensure the eight afforable apartments were fully accessible. Members have now granted permission after most of their requests were accepted, although neighbours remained concerned the six-storey building at a light industrial site in Ashton Gate would be “right up in our faces” with a loss of privacy and overshadowing. And the private and affordable housing sections of the L-shaped block, containing a total of seven, three-storey townhouses fronting onto Durnford Street and 33 flats stretching back towards Baynton Road near Greville Smyth Park, will still have their own separate entrances. But when the application was brought back to the development control committee on Wednesday evening (April 6), councillors heard the two doorways were now “indistinguishable” from each other and of “equal standing”.
The affordable flats would also now have a lift, two parking spaces, a larger lobby and access to the communal garden. Three other requests could not be implemented – a balcony at the only affordable flat without one, for safety reasons; more parking spaces, because there wasn’t room; and landscaping to the rear, which was not possible because of access issues. But Tory Cllr Richard Eddy told the meeting the applicant had made progress on the big issues and had improved the proposal. “It overwhelmingly meets the committee’s reservations in January. This is an acceptable scheme and we should approve it,” he said. Labour Cllr Fabian Breckels said: “The key issues we raised have been addressed. “We’ve asked them to make changes and they have done that, so it would not be reasonable for us not to approve it now, and it does give us some affordable housing.” Green Cllr Guy Poultney said: “I’m torn. The issues raised by the previous committee do seem to largely have been addressed. “Parking is a massive problem but a condition seems to ensure this will be a low car ownership building. That said, the thing is huge. It will absolutely dominate that space.” Southville ward Green Cllr Christine Townsend, who first
Prelon Homes’ proposal for 40 homes, with a separate door for the affordable flats labelled a 'poor door', would replace a light industrial site in Ashton Gate
CGI view from Ashville Road of Prelon Homes’ proposal for 40 homes in Ashton Gate, Bristol, with seven town houses fronting onto Durnford Street raised the issue of a “poor door” when objecting to the original plans, told the latest meeting that parking was “by far the biggest issue for residents” because the site was 200 metres from Ashton Gate stadium. Planning officers included a
note to the highways department in the list of conditions, which councillors asked for, that none of the new properties should be eligible for permits in a residents’ parking zone. Members agreed to grant consent by 5-3 votes.
Foster carers see payments rise Green light for green action Bristol’s valued foster carers will receive increased fees and allowances to recognise the amazing job they do for vulnerable children in the city. People who choose to offer foster care through Bristol City Council will now receive increased payments - up to £458 per week for each child they care for - making fostering a more financially viable option and helping to cover the cost-ofliving increases. Not only will the improved fees and allowances support those who are already opening
their homes to children, the hope is it will attract more people to foster with the council. Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Children's Services, Education and Equalities, said: “This increase in payment highlights the value we place on our foster carers in Bristol. We know that stable foster placements provide the best experience for children in care and through this investment, we hope to retain as many of our foster carers as possible whilst also attracting new carers across the city.
Action to tackle the climate emergency was top of the agenda at the quarterly meeting of the West of England Combined Authority led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The Metro Mayor and leaders of the local councils agreed a new climate action plan ahead of voting through £10.4m of cash to get to work on meeting the West of England’s net zero targets. Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “The West of England is an amazing place to grow up and grow old in. But we are living in the midst of a deadly climate and
ecological emergency. We therefore need to take urgent steps to protect our brilliant part of the world. “We need to make homes more energy efficient and lead an electric vehicle revolution. I’ve also pledged to make the West of England the bee and pollinator capital of the UK. "I know West of England people wherever they live – from our most rural communities to our market towns and our great cities of Bristol and Bath – want to rise to the challenge that climate change presents.”
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'Balance is needed', homes protestors are told by BBC LDRS staff for South Bristol Voice The mayor of Bristol has responded to fears that a proposed new neighbourhood with a 22-storey tower block could ruin the famous views of Totterdown’s coloured houses. Marvin Rees says a careful balance is needed in delivering developments in the midst of a housing crisis and climate and ecological emergency but that if every vista in the city was protected, more greenfield sites would be needed to meet the need for homes. More than 4,600 people have now signed a petition urging city leaders to ensure the clifftop panorama is protected from plans for almost 1,200 flats on land at the bottom of the hill, between the River Avon and the railway line. The homes, which have been put forward by two different developers, would be in a series of blocks up to 11 storeys at the western end with a tower twice that height at the Bath Road side closest to Temple Meads station. In February, Totterdown residents hung bedsheets from
Totterdown Escarpment with Mead Street and the railway in front. Right, artist's impression of the development their landmark painted houses spelling out “Save This View”, the name of their campaign to keep their own homes visible from miles around One of them, Miranda Walker, submitted a question to Marvin Rees at a full council meeting of Bristol City Council last month asking: “Does the mayor of Bristol feel that although there is a need for additional housing, the iconic and unique views of Bristol, including the Totterdown Escarpment, are worth preserving?” In a recently published written reply, Mr Rees said: “It depends on what you mean
by preserving. If you mean the physical city stays exactly the same, while the world changes around it, then I’d find that a challenge. If you mean we’re respecting and protecting the character of Bristol, while the city goes through physical change, then I agree. “Totterdown is a densely populated urban area and is an appropriate place to bring forward homes that can help us alleviate the housing crisis,” Mr Rees wrote. Three different plans are in the pipeline. Bristol City Council had hoped to keep control of the process by launching a consultation last
year. But this was overtaken when developers submitted a planning application for 244 new affordable homes in blocks up to 11 storeys on the Bart Ingredients factory at the western end of Mead Street. And then in January, different developers revealed their own proposals for 900 homes for much of the rest of the area behind the Fowlers motorbike dealership, including a 22-storey tower. They say putting the tallest buildings at either end “protects” the famous views but objectors disagree, including Bristol Civic Society. The applications are yet to be decided.
everyone. An adventure was to be had on our street. Being a BritishPakistani of only six years of age, I truly felt part of the community”. Playing Out’s Bristol Activator, Kate Staniforthsays: “A residential street closed to traffic is the perfect safe sharedspace for neighbours to get together and for children to play out and be active. Bristol residents are very lucky as the council
supports both one-off street parties and regular play streetsn ot all councils do. Hundreds of Bristol street communities have already made use of these policies and we would love to see many more do so this summer." Find out more at: https:// playingout.net/
devotion of Her Majesty The Queen to this country and to the Commonwealth during the past 70 years.” Councillor Helen Holland, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Integrated Care System, and ward councillor for Hartcliffe and Withywood, said at the event: “It’s fantastic to be here today and join this amazing initiative. We want to ensure that all residents across Bristol, no matter where they live, feel real connection to the project, and planting more trees enables us to provide this to people across our city.”
NEWS IN BRIEF Play Streets: Do you remember the Silver Jubilee in 1977? Many of us who were children then have strong memories of streets being closed to cars and the whole community coming together. For children, it was a chance to play in their street without needing to jump out of the way for cars. Bristol-based national organisation Playing Out wants children everywhere to have this experience, both over the Jubilee weekend of 2-5 June and beyond. Shani Ali, a community artist in Hartcliffe says: “For me it’s the memory of the atmosphere that lives on. The celebrations were about joy and togetherness outside our houses. I loved the transformation of our ordinary street into a colourful, vibrant place. The bunting, food, happy people talking, neighbours together on the street. For us children who lived in such separate worlds from the grown-ups, it was a time to relish in the joy felt by
Treemendous: Bristol has welcomed the planting of 70 trees as part of a national initiative Bristol City Council is taking part in to plant thousands of trees as a permanent recognition of Her Majesty’s 70 years as Queen and Head of the Commonwealth. An event was held in Gatcombe Road, Withywood, to mark the Bristol plantings, and five of the 70 trees were planted on that road. Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, said: “The Queen’s Green Canopy, when complete this time next year, will be a wonderful and fitting permanent tribute to the unstinting
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Meet HOLLY!
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Bristol-based charity Motivation has just launched an urgent appeal to bridge a temporary funding gap and keep the organisation’s projects running. Motivation is an international development charity and social enterprise that has provided wheelchairs, training and resources to disabled children and adults all around the world for more than thirty years. The prolonged effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the loss of a significant grant from the UK Government due to international aid cuts have devastated the organisation’s income. Meanwhile disabled people were left behind and forgotten during the pandemic, as efforts to support wider communities during the pandemic often ignored their needs. The Keep Us Moving appeal will help Motivation recover and continue its vital work with disabled people, who have a right to access the wheelchairs and services it provides. “One in seven of the world’s population lives with a disability,” says Motivation Chief Executive Amanda Wilkinson. “In the countries where we work, it is estimated to be one in five. Yet just 0.5% of all international aid goes to projects focused on disability. This simply isn't enough to fulfil the UN global commitments and realise the rights of disabled to live in a world that fully includes them. “That is why we advocate for change in the sector alongside delivering programmes that focus on sustainable progress that will deliver lasting benefits
to the people and communities we empower, long after donor funding and project work stops. We need your help to continue this work.” The Keep Us Moving appeal will secure vital short-term funding that would preserve Motivation and its unique role. Over its 30-year history, Motivation has supported hundreds of thousands of disabled children and adults to transform their lives, and supplied more than 120,000 wheelchairs. And the need for these projects and for appropriate wheelchairs continues to rise. Motivation and its groundbreaking design and clinical teams also develop innovative, high-quality sports wheelchairs, supplying more than 50 clubs around the world, plus several major international sports federations. The organisation also provides 40 jobs in Bristol and around the globe, as well as creating countless employment opportunities and livelihood sources related to projects and programmes. If you are able, please help Motivation ensure their work not only survives but thrives to deliver change well beyond these difficult times. Visit motivation.org.uk/ keep-us-moving for more details.
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The former Grosvenor Hotel as it currently looks (left, credit Google Maps) and how it could look (right, credit Grimshaw Architects/SPD Temple Circus)
Pub campaigners object to radical plans for historic landmarks The two derelict buildings have long been a blight on Bristol's city centre, but what do you think of the latest plans to regenerate the area for the community? By Adam Postams, Local Democracy Reporter Pub campaigners are urging Bristol City Council to scrap major plans to demolish an eyesore former hotel and turn another next door into offices and instead restore them to their former glory as bars. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) says the authority’s proposals to buy or compulsory purchase both the derelict Grosvenor Hotel and the George and Railway building, opposite Temple Meads railway station, are “lacking both in imagination and ambition”. It says many of the old Victorian interior features of the buildings are still intact and that an architectural survey should be carried out to determine the properties’ potential as a new pub/hotel gateway to Bristol. Council cabinet members approved the latest stage of plans to transform the area in April which includes spending £4million on a deal to bring the old George and Railway Hotel back into use. It will then be sold to a development company which will redevelop the property into small and medium-sized offices before being leased back to the council to manage and rent out to companies. That comprises the first phase, and the report to cabinet
gave fewer details about the Grosvenor Hotel, but previously announced plans revealed it would be bulldozed and replaced with a towering glass block, Engine Shed 2. The intention is to then create a modern new public space called Temple Square Plaza, with the council seeking to buy Station Approach, the land in front of the station’s main entrance. But in a statement to cabinet, CAMRA’s Nigel Morris said: “With regards to the proposals to demolish the Grosvenor Hotel and refurbish the George and Railway public house as office space, CAMRA Bristol Pubs Group is of the opinion that both buildings should be restored to complement the setting of the historic Grade I*-listed Bristol Temple Meads station. “Whilst we welcome Bristol City Council’s compulsory purchase proposals for both buildings and the restoration of the George and Railway, we have grave reservations over some of the proposed outcomes which, sadly, we find lacking both in imagination and ambition. “We would like to see the original interior of the public bar restored and retained, including wall seating, ceiling mouldings, ceiling rose etc, and see the building reused as a cafe, restaurant and bar with good-quality hotel
accommodation on the first floor. A pub and hotel would act as a gateway to Temple Meads station and as an active street frontage as part of a local hub with customers coming from the new nearby university campus, the Engine Shed 1 & 2 offices, visitors/tourists to Bristol and walkers using the quay walkways and Station Street. “A full architectural survey should be carried out to assess the building’s potential. “We believe that the Grosvenor Hotel can also be saved with a public bar/restaurant on the ground floor with hotel accommodation upstairs.” He said the original Victorian footprint could be retained and the 1950s extension demolished and replaced with something more appropriate. Mr Norris said: “We are aware that original Victorian balustrades still survive throughout on several floors of the building and we therefore would support a full architectural survey being done to establish the extent of surviving Victorian features. “We welcome the conference and meeting rooms as part of Engine Shed 2 with a new sympathetic extension to the George and Railway pub. “We implore you to make the best use of both these historic buildings by returning them to a
21st-century version of their original purpose and using them to enhance the unique and historic setting of which they are a fundamental part’.” His written statement was noted but not read out at the meeting, instead cabinet members welcomed the report outlining the office plans and compulsory purchase orders authorisation. Cllr Nicola Beech said: “I’m so glad after all these years we’ve been campaigning and working on Temple Meads and Temple Quarter regeneration. “When people come to Bristol and they want to walk into the city and you say ‘You need to go down the Brunel Mile’ and then you point to what is just a horror show beyond the station. “I really look forward to the day when we can stand at the station and say ‘Just go down the Brunel Mile, it’s right there’ and it will be this beautiful boulevard that connects to the city. “We deserve better in Bristol. It’s been a long time coming and I’m chuffed this is the next step in this process.” Deputy mayor Cllr Asher Craig said: “I’m really excited about what’s to come because t he regeneration of that area is looking great. That’s an eyesore that has been a pain for Bristol for a very long time, so let’s get it done.”
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May 2022
n NEWS Work begins on 107 affordable new homes at The Old Brewery Construction has started on one of South Bristol’s largest new developments which will include 107 affordable homes and seven new commercial units. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, visited The Old Brewery in Southville to mark the start of the build and to hear more about the plans to regenerate the area and provide muchneeded affordable homes for the community. Developed by Abri, one of the south’s largest housing providers, the ceremony marked the first stages of construction which follows initial demolition work and preparations to retain some of the existing structures that are being refurbished. As part of Abri’s strategic partnership with Homes England, grant funding has been used to make all the homes affordable. The properties will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with 98 homes available to buy through shared ownership and nine for social rent. In addition to making use of a brownfield site, The Old Brewery will have provision to connect to Bristol City Council’s District Heat Network when it reaches Southville, to provide residents with low carbon heat. Mr Rees said: “It’s great to see these homes starting to be built and to hear about the plans for the community. Bristol has a
twin challenge of needing to deliver more homes, while also addressing the climate crisis. The Old Brewery will help us to achieve our ambitious goals by regenerating formerly disused land and providing vital affordable homes in a place where people can use active travel options.” Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “I welcome the progress being made to get vitally needed affordable homes built at The Old Brewery. "This will see over 100 affordable homes delivered for people in need, making a fundamental difference to their lives.” Michelle Hyde, Head of Land and Planning at Abri, said: “It was a pleasure to meet with Mayor Rees to mark this significant milestone as work begins on these affordable homes that will have a transformative impact for the community. “Abri is committed to building 12,500 new homes by 2030 and helping to address climate change. At The Old Brewery we want to help support the Southville community by not only providing affordable homes at scale but also local services and homes that are efficient to run and minimise their Top: Mayor Marvin Rees came along to mark the start of the build for the homes environmental impact.” which will all be 100% affordable. Bottom: A CGI impression of the finished project
What's all this, then?
The Big Library Crime Book Giveaway, organised by the UK’s biggest crime fiction convention CrimeFest, takes place at the end of April. Roughly 650 crime books will be given to all 27 libraries across the city from 29 April to 1 May. The initiative is being supported by bestselling author, Ann Cleeves, pictured, who is a vocal advocate of reading and libraries as a "lifeline". Ann, who is behind the phenomenal Vera and Shetland television series, is a featured guest at the 2022 CrimeFest convention, which is hosted at the Mercure Bristol Grande Hotel from 12 to 15 May. Ann said: “It’s fantastic that CrimeFest is giving away hundreds of books to libraries in Bristol. All genres owe a lot to the work of libraries, but crime fiction is the most borrowed genre. Accessible and popular, crime fiction offers a gateway into reading, and the many benefits that brings. I’ve long been a vocal champion of libraries and their importance for our communities, so I’m delighted to throw my support behind this.” Kate Murray, Head of Bristol’s Library Service, said: “We’re really pleased to be taking part in the Big Library Crime Book Giveaway again this year across all of our 27 libraries in Bristol. It is fantastic to get books into the hands of readers and get people into libraries where they can talk to staff and find out more about what’s on in their local library and the wide range of services we offer. Reading for pleasure can have such a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing so we’re really pleased to take part in this giveaway and share the joy of reading across the city.” Hosted in Bristol, CrimeFest is one of the biggest crime fiction events in Europe, and one of the most popular dates in the international crime fiction calendar, with around 60 panel events and 150 authors across four days.
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May 2022
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n NEWS
Mass transit timeline is announced By Adam Postams, Local Democracy Reporter Discussion has begun on how the Bristol region’s long-awaited mass transit system will start to take shape by the end of the decade. The city mayor Marvin Rees says diggers should move in to begin work by 2029/30 on schemes involving both overground and underground routes. He spoke at a city council cabinet meeting where members formally accepted Bristol’s allocation of £191million for public transport projects from the Government’s City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) over the next five years to the West of England Combined Authority (Weca). They also approved a 20 per cent local contribution from Bristol City Council of £38.2million which is required to unlock the money, such as £48million for the M32 strategic corridor, including an as-yet unidentified location for a park and ride, at the meeting on Tuesday, April 5. Improvements to public transport routes, the Long Ashton Metrobus service and Bristol to Hengrove Metrobus line, as well as making railway stations more accessible and delivering two ‘liveable neighbourhood’ pilot schemes, are promised but will all need business cases signed off by Weca.
Mayor Marvin Rees at Bristol City Council cabinet in April. Credit: Bristol City Council/YouTube Mr Rees said: “There has been some political gaming, political naysaying about mass transit but it’s a very straightforward process. “You put the best on the table, you clearly set out what the best is for Bristol as a city with the greater Bristol area with 1.2million-and-rising people, which is predictable, segregated, decarbonised transport that gets people around the city, connects them to each other and to
opportunity and supports us economically and culturally. “You look at the possible ways of delivering that solution for the city. Then, having put all those solutions on the table, you begin to work through a process which will test a whole bunch of questions around those solutions you’re putting forward – overground, underground, whatever they are. “It will look at routes, the technology available, costs, the
technical ability to go overground, underground, it will look at the scale of investment needed, the return on that investment, passenger numbers, a whole range of criteria. And as you go through that process it will show up some solutions as viable and some as less viable.” Mr Rees said that until that process was done, “all options are possible until they are ruled out”. He said all this work should have happened years ago.
n NEWS IN BRIEF Bedminster Library: Friends of Bedminster Library has the funding to deliver what you want from your local library. Now it just needs you! The new committee is excited to hear your ideas. Requests for a film club at the library have been heard, and they are now looking for someone to carry this forward for them. If you love organising events and bringing the community together, it's perfect for you. The library is always looking for more committee members and volunteers. If interested, email Tom at friendsofbedminsterlibrary@ gmail.com. Kingfishers: A group of residents in the Malago Green corridor, Windmill Hill, have recently got together with two groups already active in the area to look after a
stretch of the Malago stream and its wildlife and green spaces. They are called the Kingfishers. They will monitor the area, liaise with relevant agencies as needed and generally support a healthy green corridor through the area. Their patch includes the Windmill Hill Community Orchard in St Johns Burial Ground, and the Malago stream as it flows alongside Malago Greenway, past and including Cotswold Green before it disappears under the railway line at Windmill Hill. There are ongoing litter picks along this area, the next one is 21 May from 10-11am. Do come along & join in. Litter pickers and some gloves provided, but bring your own gloves if you have them. Email Becky for more information at bcarron6@hotmail.com.
Ashton Gate Concert Road Closures: Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place by Ashton Gate for the summer concerts. The Killers play Ashton Gate on May 26 before Elton John performs on June 22 and 26.. In the interest of public safety: Marsh Road and Ashton Road will be closed from 1.30pm on May 26 and from 2.30pm on June 22 and 26. The closure will stay in place until 1am the following day Winterstoke Road will be closed from 9pm on May 26 and 8pm on June 22 and 26. The closure will stay in place until midnight The Public Right of Way BCC/572/10 across the stadium car park between Wedlock Way and Raynes Road will be closed all day Parking will be suspended on the north side of Ashton Road from
Marsh Rd to Frayne Road all day Parking will be suspended on Wedlock Way all day Public notice Goods vehicle operator’s license Bristol Builders Supplies Ltd, trading as BBS Plumbing and Heating of Unit 5, Herapath Street, Barton Hill Trading Estate is applying for a goods vehicle operators license to carry out deliveries using heavy goods vehicles. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make contact with the traffic commissioner on 0300 123 9000 within 21 days of this notice and also make contact at the above address.
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n INTERVIEW AND COMPETITION Engaging young minds in STEM subjects “If we want to ignite a passion for STEM subjects in children, we need to start them young,” says primary school teacher Emily Hunt who has published two books about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects aimed at young readers. Emily, who lives in Knowle and teaches in a local school, is the author of two volumes of the well-received book ‘15-Minute STEM’, both published by Crown House. She is passionate about using real-world activities to help children understand how their learning is relevant and how they could use it in the future. STEM subjects are traditionally dominated by boys, but Emily’s books are helping to show all children that these are subjects for absolutely everyone. Emily tells readers of South Bristol Voice: “Encourage your child’s curiosity by giving them opportunities to solve problems. For example, taking a simple mechanical toy apart to see how all the different parts function, using a night sky app to identify different constellations, or planting a sunflower seed, measuring and recording its growth each day. Use these activities to make connections between the
STEM skills they are learning and their real-world relevance.” Via her books, Emily aims to equip all teachers and parents with the activities and resources they need to confidently teach STEM skills. The books, which are aimed at 5-11 year olds, have been designed to enhance children’s learning and to provide hooks to get them thinking about new concepts. The 40 activities in each volume include step-by-step instructions, takes just 15 minutes to complete and use everyday materials. As an experienced primary school teacher, Emily clearly understands how important it is to make things quick and easy for teachers to achieve. But surely even the busiest of parents or teachers can spare 15 minutes for STEM! “One of my favourite activities from Book 2 is called ‘No Hands Pyramid’,” says Emily. “The challenge is to create the tallest pyramid you can using paper cups without touching them with your hands or any other body part! Children will need to work as a team, using materials such as elastic bands and string to create grabbers to lift the cups.”
Win one of Emily's books! We have a copy of ‘15-Minute STEM: Book 2’ for one lucky South Bristol Voice reader to win. To enter, simply email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk, putting ‘STEM Competition’ as the subject line, and let us know what ‘STEM’ is short for. The closing date for entries is midnight on 14 May 2022.
New independent Deli in Victoria Park l Cured meats & cheese l Fresh fruit & veg l Beers, wines, spirits & soft drinks l Semi-skimmed milk refill station
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n FEATURE
Sticky fingers! When Nicola Elliott and her husband Ross decided to uproot themselves from London, they were doing more than just looking for a change of scenery. They were setting themselves up for a life filled with jam. Although Nicola has always worked in the fresh food industry, Ross comes from a background in fitness, having previously been a personal trainer and tennis coach. But now, both of them are fully committed to the sticky stuff. The couple run Single Variety Company, which is an artisan jam company based in South Bristol and stocked in Hugo’s Greengrocer and
Pizzarova on North Street, as well as Papdeli, Two Belly and many more shops around the city. “We hand-make seriously delicious fruit preserves and chilli jams,” says Ross. “We carefully select one variety and use more fruit/chilli and less sugar to showcase the colour and flavour. As a result we have won many awards.” He’s not kidding. In the past six years, the couple have won countless awards and they’ve just added a gold award from Taste Of The West for Online Retailer to the list. “This sits snugly next to our various Great Taste Awards and other accolades,” says Ross.
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J-amazing: Nicola Elliott is a multi-award-wining jam expert Single Variety Co is run from a small factory in Warmley where Nicola and Ross are supported by a small team, as well as their two young children… both of whom are under two. “We are so happy and proud to be growing a business and family in our new home of Bristol. We love it here,” says Ross. Nicola adds: “We love Bristol as a city, it’s perfect for our growing family. And business wise, it seems so supportive of independent
businesses. Out of all the cities in the UK, Bristol is the place to be as an independent business.” Single Variety Co has also worked on collaborations with other Bristol businesses, including launching a jalapeno jam topped pizza with Pizzarova. Which is hot on the heels of a seville orange marmalade and gin jam made in combination with Honest Burgers… resulting in a 7.5% proof marmalade breakfast spread!
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n THIS MONTH'S COLUMN IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY CLEVERLEY BUILDERS
19
n NEWS IN BRIEF
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Still got some leftover hot cross buns? We've got the recipe for you! They say leftovers are the best bit of any meal. Have you got hot cross buns left over from the Easter weekend? With just a few essentials like milk, eggs, butter, sugar and cream, you could have yourself a delicious re-imagined version of a British classic using a few bits you can probably find in your fridge! This delicious receipe from 44 Foods has you covered. How does orange marmalade bread and butter pudding, courtesy of chef and sustainability expert James Strawbridge sound? The recipe below serves four people. Ingredients: 6 hot cross buns, sliced 2 free-range eggs 250ml whole milk 200ml double cream 100g maple butter (or plain) 6 tsp blood orange marmalade 2 tbsp golden caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp demerara sugar
Method: Preheat your oven to 180˚C and slice your hot cross buns in half. Spread with maple butter and arrange in a roasting tray. Make a simple custard by warming 200ml of cream with 200ml whole milk and caster sugar. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk the eggs and gradually pour in the warmed milk and sweetened cream. Return to the hob and warm on a low heat for 3-4 mins to thicken slightly. Then just before you pour over the custard spoon some blood orange marmalade between each hot cross bun. Pour custard over your hot cross buns and leave to soak in for 10-15 mins. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and then bake for 45-50 mins until golden. Serve with double cream dribbled over this wonderful seasonal pudding and enjoy. Delicious! Recipe provided by 44 Foods
James Strawbridge’ orange marmalade bread and butter pudding
Everyone Active Ambassador and Olympian Colin Jackson Funding for Bristol's up-and-coming sports stars: Aspiring athletes in our city are being given the chance to become ‘Sporting Champions’ and gain some much-needed support as part of a sports talent development scheme. Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Scheme, now heading into its sixth year, has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s 200+ leisure facilities across the country, including Aspiring athletes will be able to apply for the scheme through the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website from the beginning of April. This year will see the official relaunch of the scheme, welcoming on board several Elite athletes whose identity will be revealed next month on the Sporting Champions Instagram page. The talented line-up includes Olympians and Paralympians, whose experience and expertise will help to mentor and support those accepted onto the scheme. Sporting Champions will also receive free unlimited access to the Everyone on Demand app, providing them with more than 500,000 at-home workouts from leading fitness brands, including WithU, Flex and Les Mills. Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson will continue to support the scheme through his role as an Ambassador, working alongside the newly appointed Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities. Alongside some of Team GB’s top talent, he will play an integral part in providing both one-to-one
and group mentoring sessions throughout the year. Colin said of the sporting project: “I’m proud to be involved in a scheme that is so dedicated to supporting athletic talent from grass roots up. “I have watched the Sporting Champions scheme grow and I’m so excited for the relaunch of the scheme this year, where I’ll be working alongside some truly talented Elite athletes. “The Sporting Champions scheme has helped thousands of up-and-coming athletes to achieve their sporting dreams and I can’t wait to see what this year’s intake go on to achieve.” Over the past six years, the Sporting Champions scheme has invested more than £1million into athletes on the scheme. Gary Teagle, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to support stars from Bristol on their journey to success. “As a leisure provider working in partnership with Bristol City Council, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community. “The Sporting Champions scheme has already supported a huge number of athletes and I’m proud that we are continuing this again in 2022. “We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what the relaunch of the scheme will bring this year.” Applicants should follow the Sporting Champions Instagram page (@easportingchamps) for further updates on how to apply. The online application form will be open until Saturday 30 April so anyone interested is encouraged to head over and apply without delay.
Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
May 2022
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n FEATURE
Scents and sensibility: making life so much better for rescue dogs at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has launched a new appeal to create a dog sensory garden to improve conditions for dogs in its care. Many of the dogs who are taken into the care of Bristol Animal Rescue Centre have come from difficult circumstances. They’re trying to adjust to a sudden and dramatic change in their circumstances. They might be in pain from a medical condition they’ve not yet been treated for. They’re in an unfamiliar environment with people they have never seen before. Many of them are scared and stressed. While the caring team does all they can to help the animals feel comfortable and happy while they’re there, kennels are a stressful environment for the animals. Beyond their daily walks and enrichment activity, they need a space to relax. So how can you help? Dog sensory gardens reduce stress and anxiety and encourage dogs to feel more secure in their
surroundings by using different smells, textures, sounds and tastes. With a little bit of dog-friendly landscaping, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre can help decrease their boredom and encourage more of their natural behaviours. The organisation would like to create an area like this on its site, one that is specifically designed to offer stimulation and enrichment for its dogs. This project will cost £13,000 to bring to life, so they are asking for generous donations to help make this a reality and offer their dogs a second chance at havinga happy life. This would make a massive difference to dogs like Agatha. Agatha is an 11 year old lurcher who was brought to Bristol Animal Rescue Centre as a stray. She arrived in terrible pain, with a huge mammary tumour and major dental issues. She spent her first few days with them howling and trying to chew through the bars of her kennel. The organisation's veterinary
Agatha is one of Bristol Animal Rescue Centre's success stories team performed multiple surgeries on her mammary area, including the removal of her large tumour. She also underwent extensive dental work to sort out major issues with her teeth, which were causing her significant pain. Once she recovered, she was a different dog, friendly and inquisitive and eager to explore.
She has since been happily rehomed and its thanks to your donations that we’re able to help dogs like Agatha. Creating a dog sensory garden will mean that Bristol Animal Rescue Centre is able to offer dogs like her a space to convalesce peacefully and start to feel like themselves again. www.bristolarc.org.uk
Up to
£1,000 OFF
Did you know Bristol City Council fund a loan scheme for homeowners? *
the cost of works to your home**
Working in partnership with We Care Home Improvements and Lendology CIC, the partnership takes the stress out of funding and finding contractors for home repairs, improvements or adaptations. If you are a homeowner, of any age, and need to make essential repairs to your home, call us today for more information. Works covered under the scheme include roof repair, electrical and plumbing work, damp and structural remedies, heating installations or replacement, amongst other works.
For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk
For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk
*Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value. Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.
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A digital mock-up of how the dog sensory garden will look at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre once complete (Credit: Halo)
Selling with integrity You will certainly notice a difference if you choose to sell your home with Urban Lighthouse. From start to finish, expect an informal, yet highly professional and uniquely personal ‘hands on’ service, in which you will have the benefit of director, Laurence Irvine’s 30 years’ experience. And expect Laurence, pictured, to arrive on his company electric bike! Laurence says: ‘I set up Urban Lighthouse around four years ago, wishing to run a small business where the customer’s best interest is never forgotten, in an industry where too often the agent’s interests can muddy that water. To that end, I am proud of never having received or given incentives for mortgage brokers, solicitors, surveyors, or letting opportunities. I am not aware of any selling agents in this area who have the same resolute view. Accepting such incentives brings into question who’s interests you are representing. I only recommend associated businesses with whom I have had the best experience to help the process run faster and more smoothly. If an agent offers you a referral, ask them directly if they (either personally, or the company or both) are receiving any commission and if so, how much. They must reveal this.’ Laurence wants to offer sellers a genuine alternative to the larger corporate agent. Over 80% of the properties sold in 2021 came from personal recommendations from customers who have appreciated his service previously. He added: ‘I am so grateful for these recommendations, which are critical to my survival as a small business. Not to mention that there is nothing that gives me more pleasure than a happy customer!’
Here is a little of what you can expect when you deal with Urban Lighthouse: l One point of contact throughout l Experience, the kind that comes with 30+ years in the business l No commissions for referrals l A long-term BS3 resident with a genuine interest in the local community If you would like to sell, want genuine value for money and a refreshingly different approach, please get in touch homes@urbanlighthouse.co.uk 07576 648422
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n LETTER Mayoral Referendum: From the start of having a Bristol Mayor, local councillors have complained the position of a business mayor in Bristol reduces their roles as elected councillors and decision makers to that of a message-taker. With the mayor having the power to decide on all council business, similar to the system of government in North Korea, where hundreds of so-called people’s representatives meet, knowing only one man will singly
make the final decision on important matters. Should the Bristol electorate decide to continue to support an elected City Mayor, future hopefuls for the job should campaign to reduce the number of Bristol councillors from 70 to no more than one per ward. Reducing the high council tax burden for residents of paying all these councillors, along with having a city mayor and almost £90k for the metro mayor. Gerald Gannaway
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The Southville Centre We are a small charity with bundles of enthusiasm and your support helps towards our aim to make improvements for the local community. We also partner with and get involved in lots of incredible local projects. You can support us by simply enjoying a cup of tea at our cafe, bringing your little one into our nurseries or holding your event or activity with us. We are always looking for volunteers too, so for more information on any of this, go to our website and find out how to get involved. What’s new? Dust down your dancing shoes and join us for a jolly, to celebrate the Jubilee. Our much-loved Community Tea Dance is back at The Southville Centre, on 16 June. Join us for a vintage throwback afternoon of golden oldie tunes, tea and cake. Everyone’s welcome. To book, email us on info@bs3community. org.uk or call our friendly reception team on 0117 923 1039. You can get involved with our 'Stroll and Chat' groups for some gentle exercise with other local people. Anybody can take part, or perhaps you know someone that would like to join in? The walks are
weekly, meeting at the Tobacco Factory on Tuesdays,10.30am. To find out more, email jo.langford@ bs3community.org.uk or ring us. The School Room café. We are feeling very loved with the positive feedback we’ve received at our recently opened cafe and would like to say thank you for bringing a buzz about the place, once again in our venue. If you haven’t yet visited, you are invited to enjoy simple breakfasts and hot drinks, featuring local coffee supplier Wogan Coffee and delicious cakes and pastries. Lunchtime’s offer healthy homemade options including hearty soups, frittatas, toasties, fresh salads and more. We are family friendly, inter-generational, accessible and inclusive. We are at the beginning of our journey in learning about what our community needs are for the cafe. We will be hosting foodie learning events and we want to hear what you would like to experience at the café. If you have an idea for an event or workshop that you would like to bring to life, please get in touch so that we can help make it happen. We look forward to hearing from you. by Kate Humphrey
Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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One of the largest stockists of Carpet, Vinyl, Laminate and LVT in the South West Massive choice of quality carpets and remnants Fitting service available with expert fitters Removal & Disposal of existing carpets Delivery service available (Charges apply) FREE measuring & planning service FREE NO obligation estimates FREE sample service Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Sunday / Bank Holidays 10 am - 4pm
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25
KARIN SMYTH, MP for Bristol South
Helping to find jobs and apprenticeships for constituents My annual South Bristol Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair is making its return this month at the South Bristol Skills Academy on 12 May from 11am to 2:30pm. We are living in difficult times as the cost of living crisis makes it increasingly difficult for people to make ends meet. With little support being offered by the Government, finding well-paid, secure work is particularly important when families are facing real pressure on their finances. With a range of large employers, such as the NHS and Avon and Somerset Police, in attendance, as well as local businesses and organisations, this event promises to be a valuable opportunity to find out more about the jobs and apprenticeships currently available in Bristol South. One Front Door, which supports people to find work and training, and Future Bright, which helps people already in work to take the next step in their careers,
will also be on hand to answer any questions. Choosing to undertake an apprenticeship is a really valuable way of learning and gaining experience of your chosen career whilst also being paid for your work. They can bring huge
n ADVERTORIAL Bristol Steiner School: Where education is a journey, not a race Bristol Steiner School is an independent day school for children from the age of 3 to 11 years. Fundamental to the Steiner Waldorf philosophy is the belief in a child-centred, relational approach to learning and a commitment to promoting the development of the whole child. This is embraced and cherished throughout all aspects of life at school, through lived values rooted in the delivery of contextual learning, with true meaning and purpose. Small class sizes promote the wellbeing and self-belief of each child. There is an authentic and tangible sense of community and culture that cultivates excellence, within a safe environment, in which the children can be curious. Opportunities to explore are embedded throughout the curriculum and this discretely encourages independence, resilience and respect. Language and oracy play an important part in school life and children participate in activities that enhance this. Mathematics is taught in class and then used
across the curriculum in woodwork, handwork and form drawing. Pupils learn science in class and through outdoor learning in the school garden. Eurythmy is an expressive artform that combines language, music and movement. Physical education, swimming, music and forest school complement the diverse curriculum. Trustees are currently exploring expansion into a Middle School. To express interest in Class 6, 7 and 8 for 2023/24, please get in touch. New pupils are accepted throughout the academic year. Education is a journey, not a race.
benefits both to individuals in building their own skills and knowledge, but also to companies and the wider economy as they develop a workforce with the skills needed for the future. There is a common misconception that apprenticeships are mostly suitable for young adults, and whilst it’s true that an apprenticeship can be a great choice for school and college leavers, they are also a fantastic option for adults of any age and stage of a career. Whether you’re in a later stage of your career and are interested in a career change, or you’d like to upskill in your current job, my jobs and apprenticeships fair is open and suitable for everyone. Another misconception is that apprenticeships are only available in manual jobs, such as building trades. Apprenticeships are now available across the board, however, from IT support, to business administration, digital marketing, nursing, law,
accountancy and engineering. There will be a wide range of employers from across these sectors at the Fair. There will be an opportunity on the day to attend a tour of the brand new facilities for trainees and apprentices at the Advanced Construction Skills Centre next door, which opened last September. This fantastic centre has top of the range facilities to help trainees and apprentices get the most out of their courses. Whilst you’re at the South Bristol Skills Academy, there will also be the opportunity to find out more about the part-time and full-time courses available from the City of Bristol College, with everything from entry level courses through to degree-level qualifications to support you in taking the next step in your career. If you have any questions on the Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.
BRISTOL STEINER SCHOOL Independent Day School for Children
Where education is a journey, not a race
Bursaries Available 0117 933 9990 reception@bristolsteinerschool.org www.bristolsteinerschool.org
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May 2022
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26
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
n NEWS The Spinal Column The World Reimagined A groundtrade and its lasting impact on
We all know someone who loved to click their knuckles and even their own neck. Sometimes itcan be small pops, sometimes you can hear it across the room. A lot of people ask us if it’s okay to ‘crack’ your own neck or spine. If you read my recent article, you’ll know that the popping noise is actually bubbles popping or a release of pressure. It’s a normal thing to happen to a normal body. But is it normal to do it to yourself forcefully? There’s good and bad news here. The good news is that the urban legend that clicking your knuckles causes arthritis is false. It has been researched a lot and found that there is no correlation. But, on to the bad news (without sounding too dramatic). If you feel the need to click you back or neck regularly then that’s often the sign of a deeper issue. Clicking yourself might feel nice but it's patching over a problem. A bit like having a smoke alarm going off and removing the batteries rather than putting out the fire.
Often there is a tight, stuck joint and the joints around it move more to compensate. When you click your spine, you’re just moving the joints that are already moving too much rather than addressing the stuck tight joint. This gives a nice release feeling but it’s short lived and the tension just returns. Chiropractors are specifically trained to locate these stuck joints and skilfully get those joints moving again. If your spine is making popping sounds when you move then there’s probably nothing to worry about. But, if you feel the need to click your spine regularly then its worthwhile getting it checked properly by a trained Chiropractor to see if there is an underlying issue. Charles Herbert The Chiropractic Centre in Bristol Telephone: 0117 9741 501 www.thechirocentre.co.uk
breaking art education project that aims to transform how Bristol understands the transatlantic traffic of enslaved Africans and its legacy is calling for Bristolians involved in racial justice to join the project. Bristol is one of seven UK cities set to host The World Reimagined project, which will see a trail of ten large globe structures on display across the city from August to October 2022. As well as local people, it will involve internationally recognised artists responding to themes ranging from ‘Mother Africa’ and ‘Reimagine the Future’ to ‘Still We Rise’ and ‘Expanding Soul’. An essential part of the project is working with local people and organisations who have done, and are doing, powerful and essential work for racial justice. Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of Bristol, said: “We are excited to partner with The World Reimagined and join other cities across the UK to consider how we understand the transatlantic slave
Bristol. “It will help us grapple with our heritage and try to unravel the mistruths, misrepresentations, and miseducation around Bristol’s role in the transatlantic traffic of enslaved Africans." Bristol Community Co-ordinator Cleo Lake said: “At the heart of our mission is community. We are working to create a moment and platform to honour the countless people and organisations who do the work of making racial justice a reality, and to support those organisations to continue and grow their work and share it with more people.” In addition, a series of workshops will take place that will include skills-based topics to provide an essential moment for people to come together to explore the programme’s themes. These sessions will also look at lived experiences and how communities can put together content and make sure resources are relevant, sensitively written and empowering.
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Your local councillors Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies
Lisa Stone and Ed Plowden Green councillors Windmill Hill
A
cross South Bristol we are seeing the power of people getting involved in local decision making, and we are proud to help. Thanks to the comments of the people who have responded to recent local planning applications, several of these proposed developments have quite literally been sent back to the drawing board. After we leafletted the local areas raising awareness of the applications, we have seen the proposed development at 122 Bath Rd come back with a less tall development and we hear that developer at Mead Street is reconsidering the 11-storey plan. Just beyond our ward, local people mobilising are even influencing the Mayor - to withdraw his proposals for a significant development on the Northern Slopes; to try and
oppose the proposed 80-foot phone-mast in Redcatch Park; and to give local people a chance to run Jubilee Pool On a smaller scale a proposal for five houses on a patch of wild space behind the back gardens of 40 houses in Marksbury Road was withdrawn from the latest planning committee thanks to Lisa Stone. Sadly, there are still questionable decisions going through. On the Northern Slopes the Council approved a development of houses encroaching on green space. Despite the Council being the developer and the landowner, this was never referred to for decision by committee. This is the latest in a series of questionable decisions by the Mayor exercising his autocratic powers. As Green councillors we support local people and we urge you to vote in the referendum.
Knowle Community Party Councillors for Knowle
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ith the Jubilee Pool team working hard at their business plan, Broadwalk developers adjusting their plans, and the new park building really getting going, all eyes are on Redcatch Park. There is no final outcome yet on the mast confrontation, the council is still failing to deliver on the pavilion asset transfer and plans being brought forward for improvements as they are also on the Northern Slopes. According to the council’s quality of life survey, residents in Knowle are much happier with their area, and in particular parks, than elsewhere. No wonder really as they have helped to shape them and they have had access to locally raised funds to finance the improvements from a land sale. However, Gary recently did a routine check with the senior
Tony Dyer and Christine Townsend Green councillors Southville
Tessa Fitzjohn Green councillor Bedminster
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lans to improve our area have been proposed by Green and Labour Councillors in Bedminster who have teamed up to call for new parking controls around the area. This is something our residents desperately need, and we know traffic in the area will increase with more homes being built in South Bristol and if Ashton Gate develops further. We hope the Council will get moving on extending the Southville RPS and introduce a Bedminster (West) scheme, starting with community consultation as a first step. 19th Century Bedminster was the industrial heart of Bristol and continues to have many thriving businesses. I’ve been meeting captains of industry Director of ETM Amy McCormack and MASS Group MD Mark Steventon-Smith, family firms who provide employment for
over 40 Bristolians each and offer unique services. Naturally it’s not easy running a major production company on the edges of a largely residential area, but of course the benefits offer workers an opportunity to walk or cycle to work and be home in 20 minutes. On 5 May, Bristol is going to vote on keeping the Council’s current Mayoral system or moving to a Committee system. The Lib Dems brought this motion to Council supported by the Greens and Conservatives, as they’ve had enough of a system that removes all power from the elected majority and has allowed the current administration to take Bristol housing development over nine storeys, and onto green belt and protected green spaces to name a few of the major changes. Residents get this opportunity every 10 years, so it’s important you vote on May 5.
manager responsible for parks and uncovered a horror. The pot of money set aside for further parks improvements and the large sum expected from a land sale below the Three Lamps has been appropriated by the mayor. Apparently, because the agreement was made by a previous council leadership, he does not feel bound by it. Sale proceeds destined for parks and most of it local parks has been snaffled. Needless to say there will be a challenge to this and you can help by signing the petition that is now being widely supported on 38degrees.org,uk. How low can this mayor sink.?
T
he latest information Christine has received in relation to the closure of Gaol Ferry Bridge for repairs is that it will start sometime between May 16 and June 13. It is anticipated that the repairs will take up to six months. Christine is working with the lead officer to track work being completed to ensure alternative sustainable travel routes are as clear and safe as possible. The government recently announced a council tax rebate of £150 to help people with the rising cost of energy bills. Many of you may have already received your payment, especially If you pay your council tax by direct debit. If you do not pay council tax by direct debit, the council will tell you how to claim your rebate as soon as they can. However, be aware of Council tax rebate scams. If you receive a
phone call or email requesting your bank details in exchange for the £150 rebate, do not pass these on to the caller. Tony and and Christine have been working with a number of local groups to secure community infrastructure funding for capital projects such as improving pedestrian routes, improving parks and green spaces, and setting up a community pot for small scale projects. Officers are now looking at the proposed schemes to finalise costs and eligibility. In June, we will aim to convince councillors across the six wards in our Area Committee to support the funding bids.
Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
May 2022
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club opens brand new Dojo in Filwood Broadway Calling all artists from around Windmill Hill and beyond! The Windmill Hill and Victoria Park Arts trail is bursting back into life on 1-2 October this year. This hugely popular community event is a celebration of all forms of art and creativity - paint, ceramics, photography, performance, music and more. Artists can exhibit in their own home, if it’s in the trail area, or in one of the shared venues. A guide is published with information about each artist and a map to lead
visitors around the trail. It’s the artists who make the day, and it’s a great opportunity to share your art with a wider audience - the last full trail attracted more than 700 visitors. There’s a small registration fee to cover publicity and inclusion in the trail guide - with a discount for those who sign up early. To find out more and take part, head to the dedicated website at artonthehill.org.uk
Advertise your business here - it's effective and COST effective. Call Ruth on 07590 527664
Raise a glass for new school bus at one of a kind beer festival A school may not be the first place you’d think to go for a beer festival. But some enterprising parents at Ashton Park School would have you think otherwise by creating the very first Ashton Beerfest. Billed as "the best time you’ll ever have at school", it promises to showcase beers from all over Bristol’s vibrant independent brewing scene as well as real cider and a selection for the non-beer drinkers out there, too. A family friendly afternoon session will provide distraction for the kids while parents enjoy a pint in the sunshine. And the evening has a ‘grown-ups only’ session with music from local bands to keep the
party hopping well into the small hours of the morning. Initially planned for 2020, the inevitable delay has only sharpened the thirst to make the event a corker. The school lies on the edge of the wonderful Ashton Court, providing a beautiful setting for the whole event. If you needed any greater incentive, all proceeds are going to help buy a new minibus for the school – meaning that you’ll get a warm fuzzy feeling from more than just the beer. The event takes place on Saturday 9 July at Ashton Park School. For more information, visit https://ashtonbeerfest.org/
When you first meet Nick Jordan, it’s easy to assume he’s just an unusually tall, mild-mannered director of a family-run heating contractor company. But by night, Nick transforms into the formidable black-belt Head Instructor (aka the Professor) of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) dojo GB Knowle. Nick joined the Knowle club in 2018. But when the lead instructor had to move out of the area, the club was at risk of being closed down. So Nick stepped in. He says: “BJJ changed my life and when I was asked if I could help to keep the club open in Knowle I knew I couldn’t say 'no'. It was making a difference to the lives of so many families, most of whom would not be able to afford to join a club further away.” Nick has also been reaching out to bullying victims, offering free lessons to help them increase their confidence. Speaking about the transformative power of BJJ, Nick says: “Watching shy, disempowered children transform into confident young people as they progress makes everything worthwhile.” Naomi Trickey of Knowle can testify to the difference it has made: “It’s the best thing my son ever did. Four years ago he started BJJ and is now a grey/black belt. As well as attending four classes a week, he also helps coach the little kids twice a week. We are lucky to have GB Knowle so close by for giving our kids a safe place to train.“ The club is also producing some incredibly empowered, confident girls. Rebecca Screech is a mother of four daughters in Hartcliffe. She says “Our 12-year-old daughter has grown in confidence so much, and
our seven-year-old daughter loves going training and would train every day if I’d let her.“ Rebuilding it from the ground up, the club has now outgrown its regular two slots at the Filwood Community Centre. Seeing how much the community needed the club to stay local, Nick and his family took on a lease of a derelict shop on Filwood Broadway. It was important to Nick that the club was within walking distance. “With the climate crisis, lack of affordable transport and controlled parking zones, we wanted our activities to be as zero-carbon and affordable as possible.” The shop at 37 Filwood Broadway was transformed into mat-covered dojo in time for the opening on 4 April. It was supported by black-belt instructors, including World Champion Professor Salvatore Pace of Bath. He said: “Practising Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu under the right mentor has the ability to enrich the lives not only of the practitioners but also of its community”. Club members Stuart and Jaya Gallemore certainly agree that Nick and his team, including Craig Screech, Aaron Carbon and Ash Gibson, are the right mentors. Jaya explains: ”Our sons were itching to do BJJ after going stir-crazy during lockdown. We chose GB Knowle because Nick and the team are fantastic, not only with kids but absolute beginners like me. We couldn’t ask for better instructors. Our boys have already won gold medals after only six months.” The club website is at https://gbknowle.com. by Jaya Gallemore
To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664
May 2022
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n HEALTH NEWS n THIS MONTH'S COLUMN IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY CLEVERLEY BUILDERS www.cleverleybuilders.co.uk
cleverleybuildersltd.co.uk
Upvc Windows & Doors
Could you be a community diabetes ambassador? Are you from the African, Bangladeshi, Caribbean, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani or Somali community in Bristol and living with diabetes? Leading charity Diabetes UK is looking for people from those communities who are passionate about helping people learn about diabetes and who would like to become a Volunteer Community Ambassador, As a community ambassador you will be able to make a real difference within your community. You will raise awareness of diabetes and Diabetes UK by building links with your local community, and by organising events. These could be stalls, talks, and presentations. You could join local healthy living days, community centres, health fairs, festivals and faith centres. The role is a real opportunity to help improve the health and wellbeing of people in your local area and community. Altaf Daji, who volunteers for Diabetes UK under a similar scheme
in Batley, West Yorkshire, finds it extremely rewarding. He said: “A lot of people in my family have type 2 diabetes, even younger people in their thirties and forties, and I’ve seen so many people in the local community who have suffered from the worst impacts of the condition. Hearing information from someone you know and trust in your local community can have a big impact. I’m really happy to be able to help with that.” Callum Humphries, south-west engaging communities officer for Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes affects four million people in the UK, and people from Black African, African Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds, in particular, have a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, and of developing it at a younger age. It’s so valuable when volunteers are able to connect with people with or at risk of diabetes in their local community and let them know where they can get help and how Diabetes UK can support them.”
Take action against Covid: book your next booster jab Health bosses in the South West are urging those eligible to book their Covid-19 Spring booster as soon as it has been six months since their last dose. Over 75s, residents in care homes for older adults and those aged 12 and over who are severely immunosuppressed, are eligible for the booster as part of the most successful vaccination programme in the history of the NHS. The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations made this recommendation as
Covid-19 is more serious in older people and those with a weakened immune system. "Protection from the vaccine may be lower and may decline faster in these groups. Dr Peter Wilson, Commissioning Medical Director for NHS England and NHS Improvement South West, said: “With case rates continuing to rise across the region it is important that those eligible book their Spring booster appointment as soon as 182 days have passed since their last dose."
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New project for maternity services for Black women A ground-breaking project has launched that brings together midwives and maternity staff from two Bristol maternity hospitals with a shared ambition to improve outcomes for Black pregnant women and their babies. The Black Maternity Matters project is calling out to Black women and their families to get involved by joining the project’s steering group and using their personal experiences of maternity care to improve the experience of other women and their babies. Inspired by the vision that one day Black mothers will no longer be disproportionately at risk of harm during pregnancy and the first year after birth, Black Maternity Matters has been developed by the West of England Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) in partnership with Representation Matters, BCohCo, Black Mothers Matter and the two Bristol hospital trusts, North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. Black women are four times more likely to die during pregnancy or in the postnatal period than White women, while stillbirth rates of Black and Black British babies are over twice those for White babies. Black Maternity Matters seeks to change this. Up to 15 midwives, maternity healthcare support workers and maternity care assistants are
forming a collaborative, providing psychological safety and peer support in which they can explore the issues facing Black mothers and what changes can be made in how we provide more equitable maternity services and care. Members of the collaborative will take part in a six-month training programme led by BCohCo and Representation Matters, helping participants see the world through the lens of others and interact with people from cultures, backgrounds or belief systems different from their own. They will look at unconscious biases and the role of the individual in perpetuating unsafe systems of care for Black women. The training will give participants the tools to share their learning with colleagues in their own maternity units. Noshin Menzies who is leading the Black Maternity Matters project for the West of England AHSN said: “It is vital that the lived experiences of Black mothers and their families guide this work throughout. By joining the project’s steering group, parent partners will work alongside midwives and other maternity professionals to firstly shape the collaborative’s education and training programme, and then by giving feedback on or even helping co-design their planned improvement activities back in each hospital.”
Mental health walks with friends Mental Health Mates is a peer support walking group that is open to everyone. The walks are free and you don't need to commit to coming all the time. There is no pressure and the walks are very relaxed. People can be as open as they wish, or just come out for the company. The walks usually last about one hour and take part in various
locations around Bristol. They are also launching mini meets which are a bit shorter to help those with less time. The next walks are as follows 1 May, Ashton Court at 2pm 15 May, Bristol Harbour at 2pm 20 May, Greville Smyth Park at 2pm (mini meet). For more details people ,can email mentalhealthmatesbristol @gmail.com.
Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
May 2022
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n ADVERTORIAL Fresh look for {my} dentist surgery on Wells Road {my}dentist, Wells Road, Knowle, officially unveiled its new-look dental practice this month, upgrading to now become an Advanced Oral Health Centre for the region. Practice manager Joel Seith opened the practice in a ribbon cutting ceremony along with area development manager Tim Paul and all the {my}dentist, Wells Road team. Whilst still continuing to offer NHS dentistry to existing registered NHS patients, the new Advanced Oral Health Centre embraces a new approach to providing private dentistry with an enhanced focus on patient experience, digital technology and greater development opportunities for {my}dentist clinicians. The practice is home to 15 surgeries across two floors and has an x-ray room equipped with CBCT scanner for complex dental cases. The modern surgeries are fitted out with the newest equipment, while three waiting areas provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients. The practice is a long-established stalwart of the Wells Road with a team of over 60 members and is looking forward to being involved in the upcoming re-development of the Broadwalk Shopping Centre and the surrounding area. Joel Seith, {my}dentist Wells Road practice
manager, said: “It is a pleasure to unveil the practice as a new Advanced Oral Health Centre. "We are proud to stand out in the community and provide our patients and team with a state-of-the-art dental practice where we can meet their needs now and in the future all under one roof. “With 15 surgeries we have the capacity to care for complex specialist cases, general
private patients and of course, our existing NHS patients. Beyond this, we know that accessing dental care in this area is very difficult which is why we have recently introduced {my}options, an affordable way to access dental care and the opportunity to register with the practice by joining our {my} dentist plan. I feel very excited about the future for this practice and especially for our patients."
Dental implants
At {my}dentist, Wells Road, Bristol our experienced dental implant surgeons use the latest technology to make your dental implant journey as comfortable and convenient as possible in our safe, state of the art practice.
Dr Jacob Taekke
Get in touch to book a free consultation
325A Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 2QB Tel: 01174 536833 Email: bristol3-tco@idhgroup.co.uk www.mydentist.co.uk
After
Before
To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664
May 2022
southbristolvoice
Quick & Easy Prescription Ordering
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ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST
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any people first heard about Bedminster Pharmacy in 2016. The government announced that it would be cutting funding to all community pharmacies, with a risk of closure for up to 3,000 local pharmacies like ours. It didn’t make sense then and still doesn’t now. We campaigned and signed petitions, the South Bristol community rallied for us, local politicians, and most especially local MP Karin Smyth, gave time and support to the cause, yet the cuts were imposed. Pharmacies will close for various reasons, but the last five years have seen a historic acceleration, with closures more likely in the less affluent, working-class areas. Events show the folly of the decisions, yet sadly, a slow pace, not a reversal, now plays out. Therefore, we still need your support. How can we work together? Bedminster Pharmacy’s new repeat prescription
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Tues 9th Aug
Sun 4th Sept
• Brecon & The Welsh Mountains Scenic Drive Sun 18th Sept
• Salisbury & The New Forest Scenic Drive Sun 2nd Oct
• Wye Valley & The Forest of Dean Scenic Drive Sun 16th Oct
• Savernake Forest Autumn Tints & Marlborough Sun 30th Oct
• Winchester Christmas Market Sun 27th Nov
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• Winter Wonderland @ Hyde Park &
Oxford Street Shopping Sun 18th Dec
01179 554541 sales@eagle-coaches.co.uk www.eagle-coaches.co.uk
4-6 Cannon Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1BN
Help stop local pharmacies from closing down
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Bourton-on-The-Water Tues 12th April Abergavenny (Market Day), Caerphilly & The Brecon Beacons Tues 26th April Mystery Tour Mon 2nd May Malvern Spring Flower Show Sun 8th May Black Country Living Museum Tues 10th May The Royal Mint Experience & Cardiff Bay Tues 24th May Exbury Gardens in Spring Colour & Scenic Drive through The New Forest Tues 7th June Windsor with Riverboat Cruise Sun 12th June Compton Acres Gardens & Poole Tues 21st June Weymouth Sun 24th July and Sun 21st Aug Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, and The New Forest Tues 26th July The Donkey Sanctuary & Sidmouth (Folk Festival week) Tues 2nd Aug
with Ade Williams Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy discusses the critical role that pharmacies play in their communities and why it is so important that we all continue to fight to keep our local pharmacies open.
ordering app offers convenience and speed, we are asking you to please choose our service and sign up. Always remember that community pharmacies are part of the NHS, our settings may all look different, and our ethos and values are shared with the NHS logo acknowledging this. Our contractual working arrangements are like general practice surgeries. We are also always mindful that we carry a real risk of business failure; there is no safety net or fallback. All our bills and outgoings must be met as a going concern. The retail shells we are housed in contribute little to the running cost, typically not enough to cover rent. Sadly, local pharmacies are closing even in our supportive community. Winning more
than 30 national patient care awards will never make us complacent about the importance of the trust placed in us. Our community’s health and wellbeing challenges are more significant today than ever before. Even before the pandemic, the role of community pharmacy as the most accessible NHS out-post, always offering face-to-face clinical consultations, was well documented.
The array of services on offer includes vaccinations, supporting people with expert advice and access to medicines, ailments, mental and physical wellbeing, tackling health inequalities, genderbased discrimination and violence and promoting community cohesion. We are also helping with early diagnosis of cancers, and effective management of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. When our funding was cut, Bedminster Pharmacy decided that we would not charge for non-NHS funded services we provide, such as free medicines deliveries to the housebound and vulnerable. Sharing, caring, and responsibility make a community. Do partner with us, and long may we be a part of BS3.
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Revisiting Bristol's beloved Sarah Records Almost 30 years after this most independent of independent record labels closed its doors, some of its biggest artists are bringing the music back to Totterdown Secret Shine
Bristol's Secret Shine who are part of the 'Under The Bridge' project If asked to define the Bristol music scene, the names that doubtless spring to mind include Massive Attack, Tricky and Portishead. Only the more astute might add Sarah Records. Based first in a Clifton basement flat and then in a house overlooking Bedminster train station, between 1987 and 1995 Sarah was the most independent of indie labels. Co-founders Clare Wadd and Matt Haynes were driven by feminism, ethics and a passion to truly embrace the DIY ethos of the post-punk scene. And fans were drawn to the label right from day one. Well, now, almost 30 years since Clare and Matt called it a day, Sarah Records is sort-of back thanks to a fantastic new compilation album called ‘Under The Bridge’ on Skep Wax, which is run by Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey, who were previously in Heavenly, one of the most popular bands on the Sarah label. ‘Under The Bridge’, released in March 2022, is a compilation of new songs by former Sarah artists, including Amelia and Rob themselves (as The Catenary Wires), as well as The Orchids, The Wake, Boyracer (who regularly recorded in Bedminster at Tim Rippington’s studio: Tim is now the councillor for
Brislington East) and Bristol’s own Secret Shine, who recently celebrated 30 years in the music industry. To celebrate the album’s release, Amelia and Rob have arranged two all-day events, one in London and one at the Thunderbolt here in Bristol, which is on Saturday 23 April and features an impressive seven bands. Check www.wegottickets. com/event/534652 to see if there are any tickets left. Rob tells South Bristol Voice: “To celebrate the release of the album, we decided to organise two all-day gigs, one in London and one in Bristol. We wanted to do one of these shows in Bristol because this was the home of Sarah Records. It was also the scene of some legendary Sarah gigs back in the day. It’s definitely the right place to have a reunion! "Seven of the bands featured on the album will be playing at The Thunderbolt. It will be really amazing to all be in the same place together, and even better to be playing only a mile or so from Sarah Records' old HQ. There is an element of nostalgia to all this, but a key element of the album is that all the songs are new: all the bands involved are as dedicated as they ever were to creating new material.”
Secret Shine began their career on Sarah, where they stayed right until the label closed in 1995. Since then, the band has called several other labels home, most notably Saint Marie Records in Texas. While the band is living in Knowle, Brislington and St George. Singer and bassist Jamie Gingell says: “[Guitarist] Scott Purnell and I wanted to get on Sarah Records, and we intentionally wrote a demo quite specifically for the label. I was happy with any of the indie labels, but Scott liked a lot of the material on Sarah. So we put a demo together. It was intentionally Sarah-ish in sound and they liked it. I remember getting the letter back from them to my parents’ address in Bristol. I always remember they signed off by saying 'You're almost definitely not going to get rich.'” Scott adds: “I loved the Sarah sound, I'd absolutely die for it, but we wanted to do something heavier, more shoegaze, ultimately. I don't know if we had a plan that eventually we would change the way the music sounded to be more shoegaze. It just seemed to happen that way.”
“I’m really proud of being 30,” says singer Kathryn Smith, who doesn’t look a day over 25. “I felt quite emotional writing our anniversary Facebook post reflecting on our experiences and all who have been part of that because, although we had a bit of a break during that time, we have stayed connected as friends through it all. To reach this point is a really big achievement.” Secret Shine’s contribution to ‘Under The Bridge’ is ‘Lost In The Middle’, which Jamie wrote “We were building up a bank of songs to choose for a release in the spring,” he says. “So when we got asked to do the compilation, I just tried to work out which one would be good for the album.” The invitation from Skep Wax got the whole band excited. “It was a kick up the backside,” says Kathryn. “Jamie was gathering some demos together for an EP, but the rest of us were being quite slow at contributing our parts. This seemed a good opportunity to get something together and be out there and be part of something that has those connections back to Sarah. It was a catalyst for inspiring us to crack on with the new material.” by Jane Duffus, author of a new book about Sarah Records, out in 2023
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WHAT'S ON
Theatre, comedy and more for all the family Curvy Girl Yoga Classes Mondays 6.30-7.30pm The Elephant House BS3 1BG.
CGY is designed exclusively for women who are size 16 or more www.curvygirlyoga.co.uk
Sat 2 Apr to Sat 7 May. Bristol Old Vic. The Meaning of Zong. Two hundred years ago, Olaudah Equiano read the harrowing reports of a massacre aboard the slave ship Zong, where 132 Africans were thrown overboard. Joining forces with anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp to publicly condemn these actions, he helped set in motion events which led to the abolition
Knowle WI We meet on the first Wednesday each month at Knowle Methodist Church, BS4 2EP from 2-4pm. We are a very friendly group and everyone is welcome. Come and join us! Tel: 07956 554714 movement in the UK. But Olaudah’s mission goes beyond the courtroom. Having bought his own freedom, he now faces a personal battle to rediscover his past and accept his true self.
Mon 25 to Sat 30 April. Bristol Hippodrome. Chicago. The "sexiest musical ever" (Metro) is back in Bristol for one week only starring one of the world’s greatest classical singers, Russell Watson, as Billy Flynn, Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes (Dancing On Ice, Grease, Legally Blonde) as Roxie Hart, Three Degrees legend Sheila Ferguson (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Soul Train, Oh! What A Night) as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and West End star Djalenga Scott (Annie, Chicago, West Side Story) as Velma Kelly. Weds 27 to Sat 30 April. Redgrave Theatre. The Wedding Singer. Join Bristol Musical Theatre as they turn back the clock, and crank up the beat for this poppin’ and lockin’, sparkling, romantic musical comedy!Featuring an upbeat, fantastic score with catchy musical numbers such as It's Your
C H A R ACT E R , JU ST O N E O F O UR Q UA L I T I E S
Wedding Day,Casualty of Love andGrow Old with Youthis heartwarming musical will make you laugh, cry and dance in the aisles. Fri 29 April. Arnos Vale Cemetery. Morbid Curiosity Tour. Have you ever walked around a cemetery or graveyard and thought ‘I wonder how they died?’. Well now’s your chance to find out. Hear about drownings and hangings, murder and unfortunate accidents, a ‘crinoline death’, diseases of the past such as cholera and smallpox, childbirth complications and fatal childhood diseases. Bring a torch (as it will be dark) and join us as we will share some stories, drop some knowledge and open your mind to the ways people from the past met their end. Warning: this tour is not for the fainthearted and not suitable for children. Continued on page 35
Discover a better way to live at Woodborough Grange, Winscombe, BS25 1BA. View our collection of 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £364,995. Book an appointment today. Call us on 01934 330141 Visit us at redrow.co.uk/ woodboroughgrange
Details correct at time of going to print, terms and conditions apply, visit www.redrow.co.uk for full details. Images are indicative only.
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WHAT'S ON
The Long Paddle is being performed at the Tobacco Factory Theatre Bedminster Judo Judo classes for children and adults aged 6+. Learn the Olympic martial art of judo for fitness, confidence, self-defense and fun. Family orientated club. FREE trial session. Day/times: Tuesday evenings: 7.00pm to 8.00pm juniors aged 6 to 13 years; 7.00pm to 8.30pm youth and adults aged 14+ Venue: Ashton Vale Community Centre, Risdale Road, Ashton Vale, BS3 2QY Contact: Bedminsterjudo@gmail. com; 07538 280512; bedminsterjudokwai.co.uk
Wednesdays Essentrics low-impact, therapeutic fitness class for men & women. Kingswood Sports Pavilion BA1 9BJ, 8.45-9.45am. Contact Catherine 07980 595440 Facebook: essentricswithcatherine
Nightingale Valley Community Choir: No experience necessary, no need to read music. Come and join our friendly choir and learn to sing better than you ever knew you could. St Cuthbert's Church, Sandy Park Rd BS4 3PG. Every Monday 7.30-9pm. Taster session free then £7 each week or £70 for 11 weeks. Contact: Anya Szreter szreter.afm@icloud.com
Bristol South Taekwando Tuesday and Thursday 18:00 to 19:00hrs St. Paul’s Church Coronation Road Bedminster BS3 1AS Tel: 07951 456407 Email: Bristolsouthtkd@hotmail.com
Rising Sun Singers Community Choir
Mondays 2-3pm St Michael and All Angel's Church, Windmill Hill, BS3 4 LW. Bookings: risingsunsingers@gmail. com Info: facebook.com/ risingsunsingers
Dance Fit A high energy dance workout in the dark. Thursday’s 8-9pm at Windmill Hill Community Centre, BS3 4LS. Booking essential. Tel: 07800 597718. Also on MoveGB.
YOGA CLASSES
Kate: 07967 623 392 kate@yogawithkaty.co.uk Instagram: @katylou_fox Caroline: 07570 507 494 caroline@carolinereidyoga. com Instagram: @ carolinereidyoga
Feelgood Fitness is a local, friendly, small pilates and wellness studio in Knowle. We offer all ranges of pilates from beginners to intermediate, postnatal, pregnancy, barre fusion, low impact, reformer and large equipment, private sessions and massage. To book go to www.feelgoodfitness.org/ book now 07804 239070
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WHAT'S ON Continued Continued from page 33 Sat 30 April. Totterdown Baptist Church. Peter & The Wolf. World renowned pianist Allan Schiller plays Sergei Prokofiev’s popular fairytale. Allan will be joined by actor David Collins who will narrate the story. Children are welcome to come dressed as characters from the story. There will also be the Alan Schiller’s World of Music slot and the chance for kids to win an Acapella pizza! Sun 1 May. Bristol Hippodrome. Ronan Keating. Ronan is back to doing what he does best… singing the hits that people love to hear, as his 2022 UK & Ireland tour gets underway. For 27 years, Ronan Keating has sung the songs that have been the soundtrack to many people’s lives, all across the world. As lead vocalist in Boyzone and a successful solo artist, Ronan’s voice has helped define pop music from the 90s right through to the 2020s, with two new albums released during lockdown. Tues 3 to Sat 7 May. Bristol Hippodrome. The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. Direct from London, the acclaimed production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is touring the UK starring Samantha Womack as the White Witch. Step through the wardrobe this spring into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch. The nations favourite novel, now on the stage. Tues 3 to Sat 7 May. Redgrave Theatre. Rent. Bristol Musical Comedy Club return to the Redgrave Theatre in May 2022 with Rent. The rock musical phenomenon that defined a generation and paved the way for all contemporary musicals that followed. Rent tells the story of a group of young artists struggling to survive during the 1990s, while creating a life for themselves in Lower Manhattan's East Village. Against this colourful backdrop of the thriving Bohemian Alphabet City, the characters explore their relationships under the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Sun 8 May. Redgrave Theatre. Lost Voice Guy: Cerebal LOLsy. Following the success of his sell out debut tour in 2019, during which he performed at over 100 UK venues, Lee Ridley (aka Lost
Voice Guy) is heading back out on the road in 2022 to put a smile on the faces of people up and down the country once again. The Britain’s Got Talent winner will poke fun at his life as a disabled person in a post-apocalyptic world as he tries to cope with the fame and fortune since his memorable victory. Mon 9 May. Redgrave Theatre. Cycling 3,500 Miles Around Pandemic Britain. Simon Parker is an award-winning travel writer and broadcaster who has reported from well over 100 countries by the age of 34 for the BBC, The Telegraph and Amazon Prime. In this multimedia presentation of short films, photos, audio clips and anecdotes he talks about cycling 3,427 miles around Pandemic Britain during 2020 and 2021. He travelled to the furthest corners of Britain, including Shetland, Scilly, the Highlands, Cumbria and the North York Moors to find out how the pandemic had impacted people of all backgrounds. This is a ground level portrait of Britain, with dozens of unique stories. Farmers, fishermen, artists and musicians of all ages and classes. Tues 10 to Sat 14 May. Bristol Hippodrome. School of Rock. This is the global hit musical based on the movie starring Jack Black. Wannabe rock star Dewey Finn is cast out by his dive‐bar bandmates and finds himself in desperate need of cash. Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite school, he exposes his students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind‐blowing rock band. While teaching these pint‐sized prodigies what it means to truly rock out, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful but uptight headmistress, Miss Mullins, helping her rediscover her wild child. Will they all find redemption at the battle of the bands? Thurs 12 May. Tobacco Factory Theatre. The Long Paddle Tour. Tragedies in former teacher and lifeguard Brendon Prince’s past has forced a huge life change to give up teaching and become a full time water safety campaigner. In pursuit of raising international awareness for this cause he must put his own life at risk, pushing his limits and attempting something that no one has ever accomplished before. Is he attempting the impossible?
Validuntil until 3lst May 2022 Valid 31st October 2021
Sunday - Thursday
Validuntil until 31st May 2022 Valid 31st October 2021
Opening hours: 5.30pm - 11pm every day A takeaway menu is available for collection and a 10% discount is offered on this service. Full licensed and air conditioned
Continued on page 34
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WHAT'S ON Folks & Bairns Parent and Baby Choir: Mondays 11.30am12.30pm St Michael and All Angel's Church, Windmill Hill, BS3 4 LW. Bookings: folksandbairns@gmail. com Info: folksandbairns.com
Arnos Vocale: For singers who love classical vocal music, great jazz standards and beautiful international folksongs all in 4-part arrangements and above. Some a Capella, some accompanied. Experience of choral singing and reasonable sight-reading ability preferable but come for a free trial session where we can all see if it’s a fit! £8 each week thereafter. Knowle Methodist church hall, entrance in Redcatch Road BS4 2EP every Tuesday 7-9pm. Contact Anya Szreter szreter.afm@icloud.com
My Wild Child Wild play sessions for toddlers in your local green space! Meet at the entrance to Bommie (next to 105 Wedmore Vale) BS3 5JB Every Wednesday during term time 10am-11.30am For parents and carers with children under five South Bristol Yoga The Elephant House, 1 Dean Street, BS3 1BG. Tue 6-6.50pm Beginners yoga. 7-8pm Hatha flow. Wed 6.30-7.45pm Pregnancy. Friday 9.30-10.30am Hatha flow. My website is www.southbristolyoga.co.uk The price for all but pregnancy is £10 drop in, £50 for six consecutive classes, and you can book with MoveGB. Pregnancy is £13 drop in and £60 for six consecutive classes. I'm an advanced yoga teacher and I've been teaching since 2005 and have over 400hrs of teacher training. Instagram: yogawithraggs Phone: 07977134607 My teaching style is flowing, warming up gently and keeping the balance between effort and rest, and always with a ten minute nourishing deep relaxation to end the class. I'm all about inclusion and adapting poses to suite all. Everyone is welcome!
Dom Joly will be at Redgrave Theatre on 12 May with his new comedy show
Theatre and entertainment luvver
Top picks for May from Jacqui Ham of Acting Out theatre group at the Southville Centre in Bristol By Jacqui Ham, Acting Out ay is a time for blossoming, growing and exciting new beginnings so what better time to try something new and adventurous And what better place to start than with Mayfest: This is Bristol’s very own biennial festival of international Contemporary theatre. Running from 13-29 May, Mayfest is a cacophony of vibrant, unusual and ambitious live performances. Based on true and shocking historical events, The Meaning of Zong (pictured above) at Bristol Old Vic is the incredible story of the massacre on the slave ship Zong, which started events that led to the abolition movement in the UK. The Meaning of Zong, which is my top tip for this month, is performed by a hugely talented ensemble cast who bring the right balance of depth and feeling to the telling of this horrific incident interspersed with joy, comedy, song and dance. This play is hugely relevant and a fantastic celebration of the power of humans against adversity. One not to miss. It is being performed until 7 May. At the Wardrobe, Amelia Gann’s debut comedy Dreamworld is a fever dream of pop nostalgia, childhood dance shows, queer
M
identity and suburban village life. Strap in for a show that’s messy, camp, desperate, confused, entitled and kind of scary! This runs from 20-21 May. Simon Amstell’s new stand-up show Spirit Hole comes to the Redgrave on 28 May, so join him on a blissful, spiritual and sensual exploration of love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more. It is not to be missed. I love him!
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In witch I am reckless
I
went for an early morning sea swim in the Dorset recently. There was frost on the ground. I arrived at the beach to find three other mermaids entering the water, screeching. I walked further down the beach, stripped down to my costume, pulled on the obligatory woolly hat and added my sunglasses. I looked the business. The sea wasn’t flat, it had slow rolling waves. I waded in, arms stretched to the side, embracing the freezing pain. Unfortunately my timing was off and I was suddenly faced with a huge mountain of water which ate me, rolled me about then deposited me next to the other mermaids. Spluttering. I managed to retrieve my hat but my sunglasses were gone. These mermaids were not impressed with my arrival. I was being reckless, swimming solo. They invited
THE WICKED WITCH OF KNOWLE
me to float along with them but were a tad spiky. I reluctantly joined their gang with an air of awkward sulkiness. I bobbed about on the outer circle listening to their chatter until the leader cried “let’s do this”. In unison, they ducked under the water, feet pointing upwards, in perfect synchronisation. Weird. They popped back up and I was informed sharply: “Time
to get out. We hold hands for this”. Mine was gripped by a powerful gloved hand and we waded towards the shore. I spent a good minute wondering when it would be acceptable to let go of this unwanted hand. Luckily she discarded me in the shallows and I jogged back to my clothes. I dried quickly, pulling on a robe, made from material similar to a shammy leather. I wobbly stuck my feet into some woolly stocks, struggled into Himself’s stolen Parka and forced my too big feet into my trainers. Admittedly at this point I did not look cool. But I stood tall and crunched (it’s a pebbly beach) past my new not-friends. They had their backs to me. Drinking steaming mugs of tea. All of them snuggly and warm in their expensive Dryrobes. Pah.
Back in Bristol and still feeling reckless. I was walking to my friend’s house for pre-lunch drinkies stumbling along in my torture Dr Martens. As I hobbled past Broadwalk I spotted the Voi Scooters and decided that this was my chance to finally try one. I scanned the scooter, stood on it, pressed go. Nothing happened. It took me some help from Google to learn that you need to push off and glide before it kicks in. And kick in it did. These things are fast. I ended up using it to get into town. They are such fun with a large dash of possible death. Stopping suddenly in a bus lane is not the best idea, especially when chased down by the Number 2. Squished by a Number 2. Now that would have been a fitting end.
Monica Wills House Set in the heart of Bedminster, stylish one and two bedroom apartments offer all the advantages of independent living with a vibrant community scene. From the panoramic roof garden vistas, to delicious dining, discover why the St Monica Trust offers the very best in retirement living. To find out more please call 0117 919 4269
For available apartments please visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk Registered Charity 202151
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ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME
May 2022
Are you based in South Bristol, aged 18-30 and have a business idea? Come and access our FREE business support. Mentoring Workshops Tailored business support Funding available (grants and loans) More information about our Enterprise programme can be found on our website. SIGN UP OR FIND OUT MORE Google 'Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme’ Or email: enquiries.sw@princes-trust.org.uk Supported by:
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n REVIEWS
n NEWS
Anything Goes at Bristol Hippodrome. Credit: Hugo Glendinning
An amazement park is coming to Bristol this summer. Credit: Andre Pattenden
Anything Goes, Bristol Hippodrome Based on the book by PH Wodehouse and chums, and with classic songs by Cole Porter, ‘Anything Goes’ is a right romper of a musical production. It’s also a star-studded one, boasting Olivier Award-winning Simon Callow as Elisha Whitney, and West End legend Bonnie Langford as Evangeline Harcourt, as well as the hugely talented West End star Kerry Ellis in the lead role as Reno Sweeney. So you know you’re in safe hands here. Billed as the definitive feel-good production, it’s safe to say that we could all use a lift in our lives after two tough years, and ‘Anything Goes’ is here to deliver those good feelings in spades. I defy you to leave the theatre without any number of the big hits still swirling around your brain as you waltz back through town and make your way home. Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall has directed a blast of a show for us here, and there’s no letup in ‘Anything Goes’ from start to finish. With Simon Callow propping up the bar in the first scene, to an all-cast song and dance routine as the curtain closes at the end… you’re in for a rip-roaring treat. The story, for those who don't already know it, is joyously convoluted. But essentially, nightclub singer and former evangelist Reno Sweeney is sailing on the SS American from New York to London. Her fellow travellers include Wall Street broker Billy Crocker who has stowed away and is hiding from his boss Elisha Whitney. Why did he stowaway?
The creative masterminds behind the hugely successful immersive festival Boomtown Fair, announce Wake The Tiger, which will be the world’s first Amazement Park®. Wake The Tiger is a brand new, fantastical experience coming to Bristol this summer. The brainchild of a collection of more than 100 artists including storytellers, poets, scenic artists, robotics experts, fabricators, costume makers, architects, videographers and prop makers. Opening in summer 2022, the Amazement Park® encompasses interactive environments and daring new experiences in St Phillips. It blurs the lines between an art gallery, theme park and film set, with a playful psychedelic twist throughout. Visitors will step through the secret portal into the amazing world of Meridia; a multi-layered maze of immersive environments, secret passageways, hidden forests, temples, ice caves and mesmerising wonders, which take them ever deeper into the story. Wake The Tiger will welcome up to 300,000 visitors per year, who will explore the unique world of creativity, discovery and play, that never finishes evolving. The experience will also communicate spiritual and scientific teachings to help ignite the imagination of people of all ages inspire the emergence of a better world.
Because he realised the love of his life, Hope Harcourt, is also on board and she's about to be married... Throw in a few gangsters in disguise, a hapless English nobleman and a gangster's moll, and you have the recipe for a classic farce on a boat. With Cole Porter's beloved songs such as ‘I Get A Kick Out of You’, ‘Anything Goes’, ‘You’re the Top’ and ‘Buddie Beware’, there is no rest for your feet, which will be bouncing around under your seat. The cast is phenomenal, and Kerry Ellis really does shine like a diamond in this production, supported wonderfully by a very strong team. After earning the role, Kerry said: "I am so excited to be taking on the role of Reno Sweeney in 'Anything Goes' this summer. This glorious show is classic musical theatre at its very best. Reno is an iconic character in musical theatre. I can’t wait to get my tap shoes on and share this fabulous musical with audiences up and down the country.” And audiences really did love it. From where we were sitting at the Bristol Hippodrome, we were surrounded by endless appreciative whoops and cheers, laughs, howls and so many whispered "look at that"s from one friend to another, pointing out the smaller details that went into the bigger picture. Because even the seemingly small things - a character walking a dog, or a seagull plying over the top of the ship funnels - were executed to perfection here. This really is a fantastic production. Enjoy! by Jane Williams
Wake the Tiger is coming to town
Graham MacVoy, Founder and Managing Director of Wake The Tiger, explains: “This project is two years in the making and the result of decades of creative input from some of the best technologists, storytellers and creative minds working across festivals and attractions in the UK. We are starting this new movement in our spiritual home of Bristol and can’t wait to be open this summer.” Bristol is the perfect place for the project, as a booming city, within easy reach of London, the Midlands, Cardiff and with two of the UK’s biggest international universities situated in the city. Additionally, the city welcomes more than 50% of all visitor trips in the South West, with over 16m visits in 2019. Wake The Tiger is perfectly positioned to capture the imagination of this significant visitor economy - especially as tourism in Britain is growing and predicted to be worth over £257 billion by 2025. The Wake the Tiger team has an exemplary track record of creating and delivering incredible experiences, masterminding the sustained growth and success of the internationally-renowned Boomtown Festival, which has grown from 1,500 attendees to 70,000 in 10 years. Over £1.5million of seed investment has already been secured from private investors.
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An Awfully fun production for the kids On 15 June, the team that brought you Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink are back in Bristol at South Street Playing Fields with another of David Walliams' fantastic plays. This time it’s Awful Auntie. And when we say awful, we mean truly diabolical. Aunt Alberta and her best friend Wagner, a vicious Bavarian owl, will stop at nothing to get Saxby Hall. But fortunately, sole heiress Stella has a secret - and slightly spooky - weapon up her sleeve... Awful Auntie by David Walliams has been adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions, and is a truly thrilling tale. Prepare yourself for an adventure including all sorts of owls, ghosts, chases, escapes, motorcycle rides and tiddlywinks. This will be suitable for all the family. So bring your chairs, blankets, picnics and settle down for a fun night with this captivating, hilarious and thrilling show. https://awfulauntie.eventbrite.co.uk
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dible increim l an aies spec
Join us for
May half term! Visit before we close on 3 Sept 2022 Book your tickets bristolzoo.org.uk Registered charity no. 1104986
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"I was about to experience the second of two extremes of military life"
I
We continue our serialisation of Memories of a Bristol Boyhood by Knowle resident John Fletcher as he continues his National Service. The story so far: after growing up in Bristol and taking his first job he gets his papers to serve his country - and this month, we find out all about what life was like for John while he was stationed at RAF Innsworth.
received details of my new posting with mixed feelings, firstly pleasure that the camp was at Innsworth, Gloucester, which was within easy reach of home, but secondly a feeling of doubt when I saw the unit was No 2 School of Cookery (No2 S of C). I was relieved to see that my job specification was Clerk Personnel and not Cook. There was a sense of joy to wave goodbye to RAF Padgate where in the last two months I had learned a lot about myself and come into contact with so many young men from very different backgrounds and attitudes to life. I realised how restricted my lifestyle had been. So it was farewell to the harsh disciplines of recruit training and home for a week’s leave before bracing myself for the next test with No 2 S of C, RAF Innsworth. Innsworth proved to be a huge camp, it’s main purpose being the administration centre
of most, if not all, RAF Personnel records. It was closely linked with two other sites at Longlevens and Barnwood. Beside its main function, Innsworth was the home for a number of ‘lodger’ units, one of which was No 2 S of C. I reported to the main guardroom and was directed to No. 2 S of C which was situated at the farthest corner of this huge site, the best part of a mile from the main entrance, almost as if the main camp was ashamed of this unattractive activity. No 2 S of C proved to be a completely independent unit having its own Commanding Officer, Adjutant, Orderly Room, Guard Room and all facilities and accommodation for the two dozen instructors, about 40 permanent staff (clerical and general duties) and just over 300 trainee cooks. I was about to experience the second of two extremes of military life. Having survived the rigorous discipline of recruit training I was now subject to the
A copy of John's team photo from when he was one of the RAF Innsworth League's soccer champions in 1951-1952
almost holiday-camp life of this new posting. This relaxed attitude had come about following a time of national crisis, when the war in Korea became more serious and the UK’s contribution to the manpower needed in this area increased considerably. The Government Defence Minister announced that with immediate effect from October 1950 there would be an increase in the period of national service from 18 months to 24 months. As half a dozen of the Orderly Room clerks had been due for demob within a month, some within weeks, this had led to a campaign of passive resistance and insubordination. The clerks were charged and disciplined, but this ploy did not work so an unofficial compromise was worked out. Discipline was relaxed and as a concession the Orderly Room clerks were allowed to eat their meals in a special room used by the instructors rather than in the main dining hall with the trainees. This may not seem to be a huge advantage but in fact it was a very big improvement as, whereby the food served in the dining hall was prepared by the trainees, the instructors cooked their own meals which were extremely good. Most of the instructors were very competent cooks and some of them were national servicemen who had served their time as trainee chefs in London’s top hotels. So this was the atmosphere that prevailed when I arrived, supposedly to undertake ‘on-the-job’ training after April 1951. Discipline returned to normal levels once the last of the rebels were demobbed in late April 1951. The Orderly Room was vastly overstaffed and for two months I really cannot recall what I did apart from shuffle paper from one place to another. RAF Innsworth contained a
wide assortment of lodger units. There was a recruitment training unit, a large motor transport section, RAF regiment deployment, an air crew holding unit (for air crew either too sick to fly or men waiting for training, postings or demob) plus the usual administration contingent. With so many self-contained units it was quite easy to run leagues and cup competitions for most of the major sports. Lawn tennis and hockey were too elitist, played mainly by officers and, although played at inter-camp level, were not supported by sufficient numbers to be played at inter-unit level. The camp had an immense, well- maintained sports ground, and several very large hangers were available for indoor sports and a gymnasium.
John Fletcher in the 1950s
John's wonderful recollections are sure to jog the memories of some of our readers. We would love to hear similar tales and see photos from the period. Please email these to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or post to South Bristol Voice, 111 Broadfield Rd Knowle Bristol B42UX. All items will be safely returned to the sender.
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