stgeorge&redfieldvoice June, 2017 Issue 3
www.stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
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Gurdwara help to feed the homeless
In your free local monthly newspaper: Election special Don't know who to vote for? We introduce the candidates vying for your vote. TURN TO PAGE 7
St George crime wave warning Residents are being warned to take security precautions following a spike in burglaries and car theft. TURN TO PAGE 4
Summerhill Infants School budget cuts Summerhill Infants School has announced that it will be reducing its support staff due to government cuts. TURN TO PAGE 12
Neighbourhood Partnerships MEMBERS of a Sikh Gurdwara in St George have been doing their part for Bristol's homeless by regularly serving food to
residents at the city's shelters. Sikh worshippers eat together every Sunday after prayers; recently the cooks at the
Gurdwara Nirman Sewak Jatha on Summerhill Road have Continued on page 3.
An update on progress being made on new plans for the St George area. TURN TO PAGE 23
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice June, 2017
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Issue 3
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In your free local paper: monthly news ial Election spec We to vote for?
SUMMER is officially here, and while many of us are enjoying the better weather by visiting our parks and gardens, for others election fever has taken hold. Bristol East is a key election battleground, and we’ve seen big name politicians of all persuasions turning up and giving us their pitch on why we should vote for their party on 8 June. With such a plethora of different candidates vying for your vote it can be difficult to know who to choose. To help you make your decision we’ve included our election special on page 8, providing
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information on all candidates for both the Bristol East and Bristol West constituencies. Away from the election, we’ve spoken to Susan Acton-Campbell, Chair of Friends of Troopers Hill about what it means to help look after St George’s only designated Local Nature Reserve. We also joined members of a Sikh Gurdwara as they help feed residents at a Bristol homeless shelter. We’d also like to take a moment to thank all of our contributors – your editorials and news have helped to make these first few issues rich and engaging for our readers. Remember, if your company, organisation or community group has any news that you’d like to share or would like to advertise with us, please get in touch using the contact details below – we’d love to hear from you.
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St George and Redfield Voice is published by East Bristol News Limited of Easton Business Centre, Felix Road, Bristol BS5 0HE.
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Man jailed over robberies A MAN from St George has been jailed after admitting four counts of robbery in connection with a series of handbag snatches in Kingswood last year. Mitchell Rogers, 27, of Britton Gardens, Speedwell, appeared before Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 11 May. He was jailed for a total of 48 months. In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "The offences happened on Thursday 10 November and Friday 11
November and involved women aged between 30 and 73. "In each case a woman was walking along the road when a man walked or cycled up to them and grabbed their bag." Mitchell Rogers was arrested on the afternoon of Friday 11 November, when police also recovered a handbag dumped in Bright Street. The woman's purse, cash and phone were missing. Police have stated that such incidents are unusual in
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Kingswood, but are encouraging people to deter thieves by taking a number of measures. These include walking facing oncoming traffic, staying near groups of people or heading to busy places such as shops or garages. People should stay aware of their surroundings by avoiding wearing headphones or chatting on mobiles and should keep keys, phones and wallets or purses in an inside pocket instead of in a bag.
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
June, 2017
3
n NEWS From page 1 begun making extra food and personally serving it to residents at a number of homes, including the Riverside Project on Jamaica Street. "We do it just to help people," explained Jaspal Roud, chef at the Gurdwara Nirman Sewak Jatha. "We could see that there were loads of people sitting on the road that are not eating. Once we drove past and we had big heated bowls of food with us. We saw people on the street and we stopped and actually poured it onto a plate and gave it to them -
and they loved it! "From that day we've said that we might as well feed people who need food." The group has been sharing food every Sunday for the last two months using donations provided by people at the Gurdwara and is now beginning to find that residents wait for them to arrive. "We thought why give the rest to the people who have already eaten here at the Gurdwara, when we can take it and feed someone else?" Explained Mr Roud. "With the Sikh community, we'll feed anyone - whoever
comes through our door we'll feed them." Joachim Enongene, a support worker at the Riverside Project explained that this is more than just about food and that the visits are an important community gesture. "It helps these guys to know that they are not left alone in society," explained Mr Enongene. "They encourage these guys to engage with people and make them feel like they are part of the community. They're not just bringing them food, but you are making them feel like they belong somewhere and that they are not second class citizens."
There are a range of issues suffered by residents at the Riverside Project, including drug addiction, mental health problems, family issues and depression. Mr Enongene says that the fact that the Gurdwara members' stay to serve and talk is a mark of their compassion. "They could think, these guys are living in a funny environment and it's untidy. But at least they are giving them that engagement and making them feel that they are just like you. I look at it as a lift up - they come in and give a boost to the people here."
Mayor helps clean up BRISTOL Mayor Marvin Rees has lent his support to Clean Streets volunteer groups across East Bristol. The Mayor walked across the area on 8 May, meeting cleaning parties from organisations such as Good Gym, Tidy BS5 and friends of St George Park. In total, 30 bags of rubbish were collected over a 5k walk. The Mayor launched the Clean Streets Campaign in November last year as part of an election pledge to make Bristol measurably cleaner by 2020. The core of the campaign involves empowering and equipping local people and community groups to form work parties and tidy up their area. Since then, regular litter picks have taken place across the city. To find out how you can get involved contact the Bristol Waste Company at hello@bristolwastecompany. co.uk
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n NEWS
June, 2017
Residents warned of burglary and theft spike AVON and Somerset Police are warning residents in the St George area to be vigilant following a recent a spike in burglaries, vehicle break-ins and stolen number plates. Most of the burglaries have been the result of insecure front and rear doors and could be avoided by double locking the doors with a key and not leaving it within easy reach.
Some properties have also been targeted by thieves aiming to obtain the keys to expensive cars. Police are recommending that keys are kept in a secure place that is not within reach of doors. In a letter to residents, PC Claire Coates explained: "If you witness any suspicious activity we would encourage you to report it to us on the non-
Redfest helpers wanted REDFEST is once again seeking volunteers to help make this year's festival a reality. The festival will take place on 5 and 6 August at venues across Redfield, St George and even Easton. Roles available include general stewards, collection bucketeers and production assistants, as well as people to help out with the build and break. Shifts are around six hours long and each volunteer will be rewarded with a t-shirt and some food. "We're sure you'll be delighted to hear that planning for this year's Redfest is going well, and we're now looking for some amazing helpers to help make it all happen," said Sophie Wakefield, Volunteer Manager at Redfest. "If you're up for joining in the fun, and if you're available on the weekend of the festival, just complete our very short form and we'll be in touch."
emergency number 101. "If there is a risk to a person or property, or there is a crime in progress please call the emergency number 999." In terms of vehicle breaksins, valuable items are being left on display and in some cases vehicles are not being locked or secured. Police have advised that this could be avoided by removing valuable items from
vehicles and locking or securing them. "The Neighbourhood Policing Team will increase visible patrols in the area to offer you some assurance," explained PC Coates. "I have also made the Response Teams and other departments aware so that they can also include it in their patrols in the area."
New West of England Mayor takes office
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TIM Bowles, the new Mayor of the West of England, has taken office. The Conservative candidate won the election on second preferences, winning a total of 70,300 compared with the 65,923 gained by Labour's Lesley Mansell. Turnout for the election was just 29.7%. "This is an exciting time for our region as the West of England Combined Authority takes on new powers, funding and responsibilities from central government," said Mr Bowles. "This means that as a region
we can be much more ambitious - we can make decisions here in the West of England about things that affect our residents every day - decisions about homes, transport, skills for jobs and how we support business to ensure our economy continues to grow. He said he would work collaboratively and constructively with his colleagues in the Combined Authority: Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Tim Warren, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, and Cllr Matthew Riddle, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council.
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June, 2017
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
5
n NEWS PUPILS at Summerhill Academy have enjoyed a day of trying new foods and chalking the playground. The eat, chalk and play day was held on Thursday 18 May and made ÂŁ270 for the school through selling homemade foods from around the world. These included samosas, flat breads, chicken wings, two different dahls, fried rice, chicken biriyani, beef curry, chicken curry, quiche, twix tiffin, crispy cakes and a mountain of welsh cakes. Parents and carers were invited to contribute food by sending out an invitation for donations in Polish, Somali, French, Hindi, Arabic, and English. The day aimed to bring together the Summerhill Academy Friends and Summerhill Community Group, as well as to promote Playing Out; all through the theme of food. "We estimate that 250 people came to the event - and about half of those got busy chalking all over the playground," said Jo Chesterman who promotes Playing Out in the area. "I was delighted to see how much the children enjoyed chalking." Summerhill Community Group has been running at the school since September, and aims to bring together parents/ carers on Wednesday mornings each week to share conversation, recipes, craft skills opportunity to get to know one another in a relaxed way. The group previously held a food sale to for the crisis in Somalia and it raised over ÂŁ500, which was sent directly to a charity in the area. If you would like to know more about Playing Out please go to the website
Summerhill Academy eat, chalk and play
www.playingout.net or contact 07811816620 or jo.chesterman@ outlook.com If you have a child at Summerhill Academy and can join the SAF committee and/or help at events, please find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ summerhillacademyfriends/ or go to the school reception and let the office team know. SAF believes there are many benefits to getting involved, and have been able to raise funds for causes such as restocking the library and paying for day trips.
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Re-Elect
Kerry McCarthy
Having served as your MP for the past 12 years, I am asking for your vote on 8th June so I can continue working hard for you and for this community.
Fighting hard against Government cuts to our local schools I have spoken out in Parliament against the Tory cuts which will hit every single school in Bristol East, and I’ve marched through Bristol with parents, teachers, school governors, and pupils. The Tories' parachuted-in candidate was nowhere to be seen. She hasn’t even responded to concerned campaigners who want to know if she will oppose these cuts to our local schools: • • • •
Summerhill Infants cut by £85,000, Summerhill Academy cut by £155,000 St Patrick’s cut by £131,000, Air Balloon cut by £355,000 Two Mile Hill cut by £217,000, Whitehall cut by £275,000 Bristol Brunel cut by £589,000, City Academy cut by £696,000
It's a two-horse race in Bristol East. Don't take a chance on our kids' futures. If re-elected on June 8th, I will continue to fight against the Tories' school cuts.
Kerry McCarthy Standing up for Bristol East
Promoted by Kelvin Blake, for Kerry McCarthy. Both at 4 Emery Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5PF.
Figures from www.schoolcuts.org.uk
June, 2017
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
7
n GENERAL ELECTION
Election profiles IT can’t have escaped you that we have a General Election on Thursday 8 June. The St George & Redfield Voice distribution area is spread across two parliamentary constituencies; Bristol East and Bristol West. The border between the two constituencies is Lyppiatt Road and Avonvale Road – those living the city centre side of the arbitrary Lyppiatt Road/Avonvale Road line are in Bristol West and the other side of the line are Bristol East. If you’re not sure which parliamentary constituency you’re in you can check on the poll card you will have received from the returning officer, or online at www.parliament.uk/about/how/elections-and-voting/ constituencies Polling Day is Thursday 8 June, and the polling stations will be open from 7.00am to 10.00pm. Your poll card (the card delivered to your home address) specifies your polling station; you can check which polling station to vote at by visiting www.bristol.gov.uk/ voting-elections/polling-stations or you can call 0117 922 3400. You can take your poll card with you when you vote to make it easier and quicker for polling staff, but you’re not obliged to take it. Local results are expected in the early hours of Friday 9 June. We have contacted all the candidates that would like to be Member of Parliament for Bristol East or Bristol West. Here is what they said ...
Bristol West
Thangam Debbonaire, Labour candidate
Most people in Bristol West share similar, progressive values. We believe in good schools for all, in halting climate change, in diversity and cooperation. We believe in affordable housing, in the NHS and in fair pay. These are Labour values too. And Labour’s bold election manifesto shows a fairer Britain is possible. As your MP since May 2015, I’ve helped two thousand people with housing problems, money worries and much more. I’ve answered over 15,000 letters and emails. I’ve made progress on local and national issues such as a clean air zone for Bristol and banning letting agency fees. I’ll continue to fight against cliff-edge Brexit. Whether you voted leave or remain, you didn’t vote to crash out of the EU with no deal on jobs, workers’ rights, or environmental protection. If you re-elect me as your MP, I’ll continue to be the progressive, positive voice Bristol West needs.
Bristol West
Bristol West
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Green Party
Jodian Rodgers
39 and a father of 3, Imogen, Alicia and Theodore. I manage a PAWS charity shop for a pets and wildlife santuary. I want to be elected MP for Bristol West because it is now clear that the present political system cannot be fixed. It is perfectly designed to benefit the few. We live in a world where 8 billionaires own the same wealth as the poorest 3.6 billion people, half the world's population! It is time for us to rewrite the social. Whilst introducing a Resource Based Economy (www. thevenusproject.com) to the UK, Parliament and Bristol West. I aim to end homelessness and food banks replaced with community and self sustainability projects. Tackle education budget cuts and help make education and skills relevant to today’s challenges. Achieve renters rights, support the community of Bristol West and work for every one of my constituents to achieve justice.
Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
Molly Scott Cato I’m Molly Scott Cato, standing for the Green Party to be your MP. I am currently your Member of the European Parliament. My strong track-record of effective action shows what you would get if you elect me as your MP. I've worked successfully to close tax loopholes, ensuring large corporations and the super-rich pay their fair share of taxes. With other Green MEPs I blocked a dodgy trade deal called TTIP that would have put our NHS at huge risk. On your behalf, I also campaigned strongly to keep us in the EU. Your vote is powerful here in Bristol West - one of the very few places where it can affect real change. At the last election, Greens came second in Bristol West and this time it’s between Greens and Labour again. I'm asking you to be bold and vote for a strong, independent Green voice for Bristol.
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
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June, 2017
Bristol West
Bristol West
The Conservative Party Candidate
Liberal Democrats
Annabel Tall
I’ve lived in the Bristol area with my three sons for nearly 20 years; two of my children were born at St Michael’s hospital. I have a particular interest in disability and have been actively involved in supporting disabled children and their families for many years. We live in a wonderfully vibrant, diverse, energetic city. The Conservatives have announced a range of exciting new initiatives to address issues we are concerned about in Bristol including replacing the outdated 1983 Mental Health Act, an increase in funding for the NHS and mental health, additional affordable housing and changes to laws governing compulsory purchase orders. I want Bristol West to have a hardworking, compassionate, Conservative MP who will strengthen Theresa May’s hand in the Brexit negotiations, protect the economy and who will work tirelessly to represent your interests in Parliament.
Stephen Williams Stephen Williams was the MP for Bristol West from 2005 to 2015 and is the Liberal Democrat candidate. This election will define our country. The Conservative government wants an extreme Brexit. If you want Britain to be an open, tolerant and united country then there must be a strong Liberal Democrat presence in Parliament. We want the public to have the final say on whether we break away from the EU or stay close to our neighbours. Our NHS needs more money. Only the Lib Dems have the guts to say that all taxpayers should pay a little more, according to their means. We will put a penny on each rate of income tax, investing the £6billion raised in the NHS and care. For the good of the country we need a liberal, united and constructive opposition. Bristol West needs its most experienced progressive voice as its MP.
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June, 2017
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9
Bristol East
Bristol East
Green Party candidate
Liberal Democrat candidate
Lorraine Francis
I am a strong believer in equality and fairness. I live in the city I love, but it’s also a city where evidence of inequality is everywhere. For years, under Labour and Tory-Lib Dem governments, that inequality has only got worse. I think Bristol deserves better. People have the right to an education, a decent job that pays a living wage and housing they can afford, good public services and quality healthcare. People have a right to drink clean water and breathe clean air. I am committed to green values and beliefs, and have a good understanding of policy matters. I would want to promote progressive legislation on mental health and wellbeing provision, work to close corporate tax loopholes and use the revenue generated to end austerity, and push for measures to improve air quality, particularly in urban areas such as east Bristol, through low emission zones.
Chris Lucas
Over the next five years the communities of Bristol East will need particularly effective representation as the country faces up to the consequences of Brexit, so strongly opposed by the people of Bristol. I believe that I can bring a wide range of experience to that task. Since leaving university I have been a local councillor, a teacher, set up my own business, worked for a non-profit organisation helping young people, and provided business advice and training to other companies. I also have a strong track record of experience in the growing social media sector. A major challenge in the next Parliament will the protection of our public services in the face of public spending pressures, and I have worked with and learnt from senior politicians when pressurising central government on these issues. I also believe that my business experience will help me play a role in attracting new much needed jobs and investment into the area.
Bristol East
Bristol East
Conservative Party Candidate
Labour Party candidate
Theo Clarke
As a proud member of Theresa May’s team, I’m running to be your MP to be a strong voice for the St George and Redfield community in her Governmentto deliver the best possible Brexit deal, to keep our economy strong and our country safe.I’ve been knocking on doors in St George and I’ve spoken to a number of previously Labour supporters about the important choice at this election and I’ve been honoured that so many have agreed to lend me their vote this time, so that Theresa May stays as our Prime Minister. The impact of the upcoming Brexit negotiations will affect our country for years to come, your children and grand-children. With so much at stake, it is just not worth taking the risk of Jeremy Corbyn becoming Prime Minister, propped up by the SNP, Greens or Lib Dems. Please lend me your vote to support Theresa May.
Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
Kerry McCarthy
Bristol East needs someone in Parliament who will stand up for you. That’s what I’ve been doing as your MP for 12 years. I grew up with five sisters, in a council house and then a house my Dad built for us. I went to comprehensive school, was the first in my family to go to university, and worked as a lawyer. I stood for Parliament because I wanted a fairer country, where everyone has the chance to succeed. I’ve been working with Marvin Rees to resolve the housing crisis, improve public transport and congestion, and clean-up our neighbourhoods. In July we’re launching “Feeding Bristol” to combat food poverty. We want everyone to enjoy everything Bristol has to offer. It’s been a privilege to represent you in Parliament, to help people and to support local campaigns. I’m asking for your vote so that I can carry on this work.
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
June, 2017
11
n NEWS
St George Park lake algae solution BRISTOL City Council has reassured concerned visitors to St George Park that the algae seen building up in the lake is being dealt with. The algae has been identified as the green strain and not the more hazardous blue green algae. "We are working with our environmental compliance team and the Environment Agency on how best to manage the algae," explained a council representative. "To do this we have the aerators working from 9:00pm to 5:00am when the pond needs additional oxygen." The lake at St George Park has suffered from a number of issues, including subsidence of the surrounding footpath. In recent years, Friends of St George Park have been running a consultation with local people which has resulted in a number of ideas to
rejuvenate the lake and make it a haven for wildlife and park users. A meeting with local councillors, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Bristol City Council and Friends of St George Park has resulted in a project to produce a feasibility study, proposals and an estimated cost to take the project forward. "It has taken several years to get this far and recently we have had masses of support from Kerry McCarthy and Councillor Asher Craig which has enabled us to make a start," said Friends of St George Park's Maggie Waldon. "We can now report that the brief has been completed and we are about to commence fundraising for the feasibility study. So watch this space - we need to move fast as the lake is in dire need of repair!!"
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
12
June, 2017
n NEWS
Community Centre seeking DIY experts
Summerhill Infants announces learning support staff cuts
ST George Community Centre committee is looking for handy volunteers to help improve its building. The community centre is twenty years old and some parts are in need of updating. The committee is also looking for fundraisers. The planned improvements include: New double-glazed windows and fire doors to help improve security and reduce energy bills, more efficient lighting throughout the building and replacing the fencing to make the entrance more welcoming. If you would like to get involved in fundraising, or you have expertise you would like to share email: stgeorgecc@ hotmail.com
Governors at Summerhill Infant School have announced that they will be reducing the number of learning support assistants that they employ following changes in central government funding. Under the new funding system, the school will be losing a total of 7 percent of its funding over the next two years. The school's costs have also increased thanks to inflation, payroll expenses and having to buy services that are no longer provided by councils because of local authority budget cuts. "As a governing board, our focus has always been on making savings in services and supplies," said a statement from the governors.
"However, given the severity of the cuts, we now have no choice but to re-evaluate teaching and classroom support staff placement." Learning support assistants work one-to-one with children with special educational needs and disabilities, sometimes referred to as 'SEND'. The governors say that they will be spending more time teaching SEND children in specialised 'hub' classrooms rather than in regular classes in order to minimise impact. "Whilst we will make every effort to minimise the impact these changes will have on our children, the reality is that these changes are significant," said the
governors' statement. "All of the governors, teachers, and support staff entered the education system to give children the best start in life, so being forced to make these cuts to our provision is deeply upsetting." "Please rest assured that we will do everything we can to continue to provide an outstanding learning experience for all children at Summerhill Infant School." The school is now calling for help, either by supporting Friends of Summerhill, by contributing to the cost of school trips or by volunteering at the school. You can also petition your local MP or support the Fair Funding For Schools campaign.
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June, 2017
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n VETS ADVICE
What do we vaccinate our cats against, and why? CATS are vulnerable to a wide range of different infectious diseases. Some of these are serious, often causing life-long complications, and they may even be fatal. We recommend vaccinations to provide protection against infectious diseases. When we give a vaccine, we administer a weakened form of the infection. This stimulates the immune system and memory cells are produced which allow the cat to quickly and effectively react to future infections. There are a number of vaccines available in the UK for cats, we recommend the following vaccines: Feline Pankeulopenia Virus - Attacks the gut lining and the cat’s immune system. The virus causes bloody vomiting and diarrhoea, collapse, dehydration and can be fatal. It is a common virus, and outbreaks are fairly frequent, partly because the virus can survive for prolonged periods in the environment. Vaccination is highly effective and offers good protection. Once the primary course is completed protection has been proven to last for 3 years. Feline Herpes and Calicivirus - “Cat Flu” -
Chalks Road A t A n i m a l H o u s e w e u n d e r s t a n d t h a t r e g i s t e r i n g y o u r p e t w i t h a n e w v e t i s a b i g d e c i s i o n . St George Bristol BS5 7AA S o t o m a k e i t a l i t t l e e a s i e r w e a r e m a k i n g t h i s o f f e r t o y o u . Tel: 0117 33 55 999 M a k e a ‘ M e e t t h e v e t ’ a p p o i n t m e n t a t a n y o f www.animalvets.co.uk o u r s u r g e r i e s a n d w e w i l l g i ve you the fi r s t c o n s u l t a t i o n a b s o l u t e l y f r e e . T h e o n l y c o s t t o y o u w o u l d b e i f y o u r p e t n e e d e d a n y prevent vaccination reduces t r e a t m e n t a g r e e d w i t h T h e Ait; n i m a l H o u s e V e t . the severity of an infection, and the risk infecting other cats.
Immunity needs to be boosted annually. W e h o p e t h a t t h i s a p p o i n t m e n t w i l l g i v e y o u t h e Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) can cause o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e A n i m a l H o u s e p e r s o n a l complications with the cat’s immune system and a p p r o a c h t o v e t e r i n a r y c a r e .
can also be associated with the development These are given together, as they are the two of cancers of the white blood cells (usually T o t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h i s o f f e r , s i m p l y f i l l o u t t h e most common causes of Cat Flu, a respiratory leukaemia or lymphoma). Feline Leukaemia f o r m o n o u r w e b s i t e t o r e c e i v e y o u r v o u c h e r . infection in cats. The diseases are rarely fatal Virus can be spread in saliva by grooming, but herpes virus remains in the system for life sharing food bowls, or fighting, so vaccination and can cause chronic infections and reactivate C h a l k s R o a d D o w n e n dfor cats who C h i p p i n g S o d b u r y W e s t b u r y P a r k is really important live in high-cat at times of stress. The S t G e o r g e vaccines are fairly good 1 1 C l e e v e W o o d needs 6 1 H o r s e S t r e e t 1 1 N o r t h i e w population areas. Immunity to be Vboosted at preventing infection but cannot completely B r i s t o l . B S 5 7 A A C h i p p i n g S o d b u r y W e s t b u r y P a r k yearly. R o a d , D o w n e n d
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A t A n i m a l H o u s e w e u n d e r s t a n d t h a t r e g i s t e r i n g y o u r p e t w i t h a n e w v e t i s a b i g d e c i s i o n . S o t o m a k e i t a l i t t l e e a s i e r w e a r e m a k i n g t h i s o f f e r t o y o u . M a k e a ‘ M e e t t h e v e t ’ a p p o i n t m e n t a t a n y o f o u r s u r g e r i e s a n d w e w i l l g i ve you the fi r s t c o n s u l t a t i o n a b s o l u t e l y f r e e . T h e o n l y c o s t t o y o u w o u l d b e i f y o u r p e t n e e d e d a n y t r e a t m e n t a g r e e d w i t h T h e A n i m a l H o u s e V e t . W e h o p e t h a t t h i s a p p o i n t m e n t w i l l g i v e y o u t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e A n i m a l H o u s e p e r s o n a l a p p r o a c h t o v e t e r i n a r y c a r e . T o t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h i s o f f e r , s i m p l y f i l l o u t t h e f o r m o n o u r w e b s i t e t o r e c e i v e y o u r v o u c h e r . C h a l k s R o a d S t G e o r g e B r i s t o l . B S 5 7 A A
C h i p p i n g S o d b u r y 6 1 H o r s e S t r e e t C h i p p i n g S o d b u r y B r i s t o l . B S 3 7 6 D A
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T e l : 0 1 1 7 3 3 5 5 9 9 9 w w w . a n i m a l h o u s e v e t s . c o . u k Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
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14
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
June, 2017
n FRIENDS OF TROOPERS HILL
Sat 5th & Sun 6th August - Gates open 10:30am
Green question marks on Troopers Hill During May green question marks started unfurling on Troopers Hill. In June these have grown to cover parts of the Hill in a two metre high blanket of waving green fronds. This is bracken (pteridium aquilinum). It is a really successful plant, overshadowing and killing other plants. The conservation management for Troopers Hill says, "eradicate bracken or at least reduce it to a minimum apart from in scrub at boundaries". This month you will see Bristol Parks' staff on the Hill with strimmers cutting the larger areas of bracken. At this stage the bracken has used a lot of energy to grow and is still growing. By cutting now the rhizomes will be weakened as the plant tries to grow again. There will be another cut in August. The cutting will stop short where the bracken has started growing into the heather and broom, to avoid cutting those plants, which are valued on this site. This is where much help is needed from volunteers. The task is one that children enjoy as well as adults. The bracken is hand-pulled or cut from around the heather and broom. Sacks are filled with bracken which are dragged to a nearby entrance for Parks staff to collect. Bracken is a member of the fern family. There are other kinds of fern growing on Troopers Hill which do not damage the bio-diversity of the site. They include harts tongue ferns and male-ferns which provide a reminder of the Carboniferous Period, 300 million years ago, when ferns evolved and grew to huge tree-like sizes. There is more to read about the geology of Troopers Hill and the Carboniferous Period on the interpretation board by Troopers Hill's upper chimney. If you have internet access visit www. troopers-hill.org.uk/geology.htm Join the Friends of Troopers Hill on their 1st Saturday of the month conservation work parties to find out more and carry out work to preserve and improve the very special habitats on Troopers Hill.
Wednesday, June 14, 10.15am-2pm
Fun and relaxation for over-55s living with and beyond cancer Songs, Zumba, wellbeing information, stalls, free lunch & more
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FREE but you need to book on 0117 353 3042 Transport can be arranged
Location: AXA PPP Healthcare, Nightingale House, Redland Hill, Bristol, BS6 6UT (top of Blackboy Hill)
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June, 2017
n ON THE BEAT I HOPE you have all had a wonderful month and have remained safe and crime free throughout! In this month's article I want to cover a couple of topics, which we often get asked about. The first of these is caravans on the road, and people living in them. We appreciate the anxiety and stress that this can cause to local residents and we would like to reassure you that this is a matter that we take seriously because of the affect it can have on either you or the general area. However, I would also like to say that we, the police, fully understand the reasons why people choose to live in caravans and that we know that it can range from either a lifestyle choice or just necessity and that not all of the issues listed below apply to every caravan, and every person living in them. We all have to be careful not to make false assumptions or prejudices. So what do we actually do about caravans? Caravans are dealt with by both the council and the police, with each organisation
being responsible for different issues. In terms of the police, we will deal with the following issues (this is by no means exhaustive): substance misuse, criminal damage, anti-social behaviour, obstructions (where the caravan is blocking drop-down kerbs, parked too close to a street corner or restricting pedestrian access to a pavement) and public order offences where harassment, alarm and distress is caused. Contact methods for the police are listed at the end of this article. Bristol City Council will deal with the following: the caravan itself with it being parked on a highway, noise complaints, fly-tipping and homelessness (where the occupant is willing to engage). For council issues you can report it to them online or via their smartphone app called 'My Council'. If the street needs cleaning you can also call the Bristol Waste Companyon 0117 922 2100 or via their website www. bristol.gov.uk/streets-travel/streetthat-needs-cleaning. I have also been asked by a St
Your advert could be here! To advertise in your local publication Contact Philip on
0117 422 7200 or Email:
sales@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
George resident to provide some advice on dogs and who to contact for specific incidents. Where the issue relates to stray dogs, dog fouling and dog on dog attacks this will need to be reported to the dog warden who can be contacted via 0117 922 2500. If the issue relates to a dog on person attack then this is a police issue and contact details can be found below. For further information you can visit the www.bristol.gov.uk website and search for 'dog issues'. We've also recently relaunched our Safe Places service, a new 24/7 number to help people with communication difficulties stay safe when they are out and about. Once registered, an individual can call the Safe Places number if they find themselves in a crisis situation, such as if they are lost, feel scared or upset and don't know what to do, or if they have been a victim of crime. The number has a direct link into the Police Control Room. If you think the service could help you or someone you know, then please take a look on our website: www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/safeplaces. Right that's it for this month, until next time - stay safe! Email: EastonNPT@ avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk StGeorgeNPT@
Alex Redhead PCSO Covering Easton and Redfield
avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk Telephone: 101 (Non-Emergency number) 999 (Emergency number Use when you feel either yourself or others are at risk of harm)
Councillor Steve Pearce City Councillor for St George Central ward IT'S a great honour to be asked to write a few words for this, the June edition of the St George & Redfield Voice - a long overdue addition to Bristol's impressive portfolio of local news and community affairs papers. St George has had a vibrant and varied culture of community action and activity for a long time and it's only right that there is now a place for that to be reflected. From the mighty Redfest to a quiet afternoon's allotmenting, St George and Redfield have something to suit all tastes and it's a great pleasure to have been elected to represent the people of St George along with my coCouncillors Nicola Beech, Asher Craig and Fabian Breckels. In the straightened financial times we have faced in recent years councils have less and less money and yet seem to have more and more to do. We all as a community rely on those things that we can do both for and with one another, rather than depending on the council for anything other than the most urgent issues or important services. Redfield and St George show every day the community spirit needed for these difficult times and I salute you!
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
June, 2017
17
n NEWS FROM THE ALLOTMENT
Time to think ahead Asparagus harvest
Our report last month concluded just as we were starting to harvest our asparagus. The delicious spears our plants produce have a relatively short cropping season of about four to six weeks and the weather plays an important part in this. As many will know, rainfall has been in very short supply over the last few weeks and this unfortunately has not helped. However, considering this important factor we have not done too badly. Asparagus is a long term investment but well worth considering if time and space is on your side. Best planted as crowns, they can take up to three years to become established and very few should be harvested in that time, but after this they can crop for up to twenty years. But whilst our season for asparagus will be ending by mid-June, it is a good time to consider if you could plant some of your own this coming autumn. Ours are grown in a prepared bed that is approximately 13 x 3ft which contains ten crowns and as with all plants, some general maintenance will be needed throughout the year – the main requirement is patience!
BEA sells out!
The plant sale at our allotment
shop, The Trading Post in Nicholas Lane, St George was very well attended last month by plot holders and visitors alike. It was a great opportunity for everyone to pick up a wide selection of veg plants, herbs, hostas and flowers for hanging baskets. As with all stock in our shop, the plants were priced very competitively and most sold out quickly. In particular, some of our tomatoes and sweetcorn were snapped up by Stephanie and 5- year-old Hugo Osborne from St George.
Hope Allotments Of our seven sites, Hope Allotments are situated just off the Kingsway, St George and are home to about sixty plots. Steve, who is our rep there, tells us that some of these are currently available and although the main season for planting this season’s veg is well advanced it’s never too late to consider taking on your own allotment. For example, summer is actually a very good time to start next year’s plans for growing your own and you could be lifting your first produce next spring! So if you are interested in finding out more about our plots at Hope, please contact us. Our email address is at the end of this report and we’ll put
Asparagus_growing
Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
you in touch with Steve; or if it’s easier, pop into our Trading Post – it’s open Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9.00am to 12.30pm.
Get planting! Looking ahead at what you could be planting in your new plot later this year, seeds of durham early cabbage can be sown in trays during late summer, potted on and then transplanted to their growing position in the autumn. These will stand well throughout the winter and start to heart-up by next March. Likewise, broad bean aquadulce claudia can be planted throughout October and November and you’ll be picking these by late May. Similarly, various onion sets (that’s small onion bulbs) can be over wintered usually with great success. The above are just a few suggestions of what can be planted later this year and these will all
be available at our Trading Post in the weeks ahead – but don’t leave it till then to call in and see us. Right now, we’re preparing for our Annual Summer Show which is on Sunday, 13th August. We’ll have more information on this next month, but if you can, call in and pick up a copy of our show schedule soon. Maybe you’ll be tempted to enter, there’s various classes, not only horticulture, but culinary and children’s – it’s great fun for all the family! If you would like to get in touch with us; our email address is beaanews@gmail.com. Why not ask us to include you in our email list so you can receive news of any offers or new stock we may have in the shop? Thanks for reading about us; until next month you can find us on Facebook or visit our web site at www.bristoleastallotments.com
Stephanie Hugo Osborne
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
June, 2017
n INTERVIEW What is the history of the Troopers Hill nature reserve? Troopers Hill was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1995, in recognition of the range of wildlife on the Hill and its importance as a unique habitat in Bristol due to its acidic soils. The start of the Wildspace! project in 2002 run by Bristol City Council's Local Nature Reserves Officer, Sally Oldfield led directly to the formation of the volunteer group of local residents, Friends of Troopers Hill, in December 2003.
Tell us about the work that FoTH does Friends of Troopers Hill provide a friendly community focus for people who care about the reserve. We carry out conservation work, organise public events such as walks and talks and work with Bristol Parks to ensure Troopers Hill is looked after. All are welcome to our conservation work parties which are held on the first Saturday of the month, from 10am-noon. The next is on 13 July, 7.15pm at Summerhill Methodist Church. We find funds for projects that Bristol
19
Susan Acton-Campbell, Chair of Friends of Troopers Hill City Council cannot afford. We have raised nearly £200,000 since 2003, including £80,000 for a play area in Troopers Hill Field.
on the Hill. Doing this is useful for chatting to people and finding out their opinions of how well Troopers Hill is being managed.
What does your role there involve?
What is the history of the FoTH group?
I gather people's ideas, set agendas and chair meetings and field any enquiries about Troopers Hill and any events. I take my turn at leading conservation work parties and help to maintain the Facebook and Twitter pages and answer emails. Different people in our committee, including me, apply for grants and I review and sign off other people's applications my fellow committee members review mine. I liaise with Bristol City Council on the timing of conservation work and book the different experts needed for the events we provide. From time to time I grab a litter picker and a bin bag and go take some fresh air
In December 2003 paths were obscured under vegetation, large quantities of litter had accumulated, and scrub was invading the acid grass and heathland that justifies the Local Nature Reserve classification. Maintenance visits took place briefly every 6-8 weeks. Earlier in the year, Sally Oldfield, Bristol City Council's Local Nature Reserves Officer, had delivered surveys to houses surrounding Troopers Hill and asked what people liked and disliked about the hill. Those of us who replied were invited on nature walks and litter picks and attended a meeting about the future of Troopers Hill. We agreed that it
needed a group of volunteers to encourage Bristol City Council to carry out work that was their responsibility and to fundraise for tasks that the council could not do. We met to agree our constitution and the rest is history.
Who else is involved? Our committee includes Margaret Watson, our secretary, who takes our minutes and has done amazing work typing old documents recording transfers of ownership of Troopers Hill. Margaret also carries out all the admin linked to the St George Strollers Walking for Health group. Our treasurer, Norman Spalding, does sterling work keeping track of our income and expenditure. We are very lucky to have Rod Davis on our committee; thanks to Rod Troopers Hill received its Dark Sky Discovery Site status. Richard Evans joined us and
Could you see yourself as a student? “I left school at 16. It never would have occurred to me to go to university. I loved the course. It opens your mind to what you can get out of a book.” Come along for an informal chat on Tuesday 13 June 2017 6pm to 8pm School of Humanities University of Bristol 3/5 Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1TB
BA in English Literature and Community Engagement (ELCE) This course runs part time, one evening class per week. Tel +44 (0)117 954 5960 Email gareth.griffith@bristol.ac.uk
bristol.ac.uk/ELCE Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
20
June, 2017
n INTERVIEW CONTINUED supported us through the development of the play area project and is now a committee member. My husband, Rob ActonCampbell, has acted as lead on a number of projects, in particular a Big Lottery grant application for a project called Stepping Forward, which led to major access improvements on Troopers Hill. We have just under 500 members. We have a great group of volunteers who manually deliver newsletters; different volunteers turn up at conservation work parties and there are 10 of us serving as volunteer walk leaders for the St George Strollers.
Tell us about some of the recent developments at Troopers Hill From January 2015 until October 2016 most of our energy was directed at installing a play area. After consultation with local people to gain their ideas and ensure we had support, we used £15,000 of Section 106 money, allocated by the St George Neighbourhood Partnership, as match-funding to apply for two landfill grants. We were successful and using the grants from Veolia Environmental Trust and Suez Communities Trust commissioned Wicksteed Playgrounds to design and build a fenced play area for under 5s and an activity trail for 5-11 year olds. This has been a huge success with a much wider age range of children being seen on the Hill and many more families. We also installed a new interpretation board, at the end of 2016, this time about the 300,000 million year geological story of Troopers Hill, thanks to £2,380 of grants from Bristol City
Council and the Geologists' Association.
What are the challenges in looking after a public space? We are very fortunate that Bristol City Council are the landowners of Troopers Hill. They carry out the day to day maintenance, emptying bins, cutting grass, hedges and doing hay cuts. The biggest challenges are litter and irresponsible dog ownership and we are helped in meeting these challenges by responsible dog owners who not only keep their dogs under control and clear up after them but also pick up other people's litter and sometimes waste from other dogs. There is a fire risk due to the dry conditions of the site; however, new byelaws now mean it is illegal to have a barbecue on Troopers Hill. We have concerns about cuts at Bristol City Council and are campaigning to have the policy of making park maintenance cost neutral by April 2019 reversed. Cost neutral means that the £4 million needed to run parks will come from other sources such as events, volunteers and sponsors. We are clear that no other council in the country has achieved this, as reported by a recent government enquiry, and time is running out to agree a proper budget for maintaining parks.
What do you personally like most about Troopers Hill? Small areas of peace and tranquility where you can sit quietly listening to bird song and watch insects buzzing in and out of flowers. It's also great sitting on the Hill at dusk watching bats flit about. Sitting in the warmth of my home and watching gusts of wind pushing
curtains of rain along the valley of Troopers Hill Rd feels really good too.
What are your fondest memories from working as a member of FoTH? Feeling very emotional last year as a long held ambition of mine was realised, bagpipes and drums of the Avon Glen Pipes and Drums playing as we all walked from the chimney to the brand new play area to celebrate its opening.
What are your hopes for the near future? Access to the nature reserve needs improving. One wheelchair user last year just gave up and went home when trying to access the Hill via the route from the Malvern Rd entrance to Troopers Hill Field. The fencing and gates on the Troopers Hill Rd boundary are near to collapse and are the only things preventing motorbikes accessing the nature reserve. The failure of the fencing would spell
the end of a wildlife habitat and a peaceful safe place for people. Improving access and replacing the fencing and gates could cost up to £91,000 and there are other items that could bring that figure to £100,000. We need to find out if local people want this to be carried out; so we need volunteers to help hand-deliver 2,000 questionnaires to local homes, type answers to questionnaires into databases, to help with funding applications and to help make new paths and fencing a reality. For Friends of Troopers Hill, I would like more active people to join us and a new chair to emerge. Some organisations insist on a change of chair every three years and I think this can be a good thing. I do not want Friends of Troopers Hill to become stale and stuck in a rut. I have now been chair for 14 years. Much of what I do could be split across a number of people and a new chair could set their own stamp on the organisation.
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice 21 n TAKE A BREAK PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE Colourfence makes sense! puzzles sponsored by Colourfence Children’s puzzles •Adult Virtually maintenance-free; June, 2017
E I P S W I C H Q I N A K C P Y S
This month’s theme: Literary terms
The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad
Clues Across 1 738439 (6) 4 266339 (6) 6 463676 (6) 8 25534679 (8)
Down 2 363 (3) 3 7866279 (7) 4 254629 (6) 5 38653 (5) 7 6663 (4)
2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L
6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z
1
4
2
3
4 3
2
WORD STARS Four six letter words are split and scrambled into three different columns. Can you spot all four words? Answers above. But no peeking until you have tried really hard.
5
6
7
8
Colourfence makes sense! • • • •
Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.
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K G S O D U G H Y M O N R W N R R
WORD STARS
O Z F R R N N T A L N E O Z P U E
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Monkey, Rocket, Banana, Window
TXT PERT
T L F O O O I H L W T S Y A N B G
2 2 1 3
TXT PERT
J B T O R Q U A Y W M V S A A O C O U N T Y N D L X L R Y R O B I N S R L T O B N U S N S T G O U S Y B E H 214 O T1201 Y E for F aGfree M O X F CallI 0117 fence guide no-obligation O TorTa N P T D H quote A M I L T N U I S A A R R L R E A D L A L I R S H A E B E T A S W G B T D C R N D L X O O K E R I G L A Z M S U E U X A E C H Y I C R E W E T E J C K U D T I G E R S H W A H E L E H E N T M E E C D I B L U E B I R D S N I O N O R T H A M P T O D T N C A R L I S L E J V S Y S U T T O N C O T T A
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
22
June, 2017
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA REGULAR EVENTS Monday n Beehive Centre – 19a Stretford Road, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7AW ‘Changes’ wellbeing group 11:00am–12:00 noon (free), table tennis 1:00–4:00pm, £1.50. Tuesday n St George local councillor surgeries .Third Tuesday of every month: St George Library at 18:30–19:30 n Beehive Centre – 19a Stretford Road, Whitehall, Bristol Bs5 7AW 10:30am–11:30am: walking group, free. 12:30– 1:30pm Lunch Club (three-course lunch), £4.50. 1:30–2:30: Nordic Walking, £3.50. 1:45–4:00pm: Film Club, £2.00. 10:00am–2:30pm: Foot care (fortnightly), £11.00. n Friends of Troopers Hill: 30 minute St George Park Stroll run by LinkAge as part of Walking for Health. Meet at The Beehive Centre, Stretford Rd, 10.30am. n St George Library: IT Support and advice 10.30 – 12.30 help with
We would love to publicise your event We would love to publicise your event. Simply complete the online form at www.stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk/submitevent.html or call us on 0117 422 7200
some of your IT queries. Booking not required. St George Library: Baby Bounce and Rhyme 10.15 (term time only) Wednesday n Diamond fellowship at Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Variety of speakers, coffee mornings and annual day out and Christmas meal. Contact 0117 9653421. n Easton Food Assembly. The local online market is open for collection of orders every Wednesday between 17:30–19:00 at Easton Community Centre.
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For more information contact: eastonfoodassembly@gmail.com n Beehive Centre – 19a Stretford Road, Whitehall, Bristol Bs5 7AW. 10:30–11:30am: coffee morning, free. 11:00am–12:00 noon: tai chi, £3.50. 1:30pm–3:30pm: art and craft, £2.00. 2:00pm–3:00pm: keep fit, £3.00. 9:00–11:00am: holistic massage, £7 for 15 mins. 9:30–2:00am: Nurturing hand and foot care, £9–£18. n Community/parents group Wednesday mornings, Summerhill School. This group aims to bring people together and see what happens. Activities include cooking and sowing – by spending time together we are breaking down the barriers between us. Thursday n Beehive Centre – 19a Stretford Road, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7AW. 10:00am–1:30pm: community café, prices vary. 12:30–1:30pm: Ballroom dance, £2.50. 10:00– 12:00: ‘Get online’ computer course, £15 (for 5 weeks) n St George Library: Pre-school children’s story time 10.15-10.45 (term time only) n St George Library: Reading Group 7pm 3rd Thursday of month Meet with other readers to discuss and debate. Call 0117 9038523 Friday n Beehive Centre – 19a Stretford Road, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7AW. 10:30 – 11:30: Line dancing, £3.50. 12:30–3:30pm: bingo, £3.00. 1:00–4:00pm: table tennis, £1.50 Saturday n St George local councillor surgeries. First Saturday of every month: St George Library at 11:30–12:30 n St George local councillor surgeries. Second Saturday of every month: St Aidan’s Church at 11:00–12:00 n St George local councillor surgeries. Fourth Saturday of every month: Meadow Vale Community Centre at 13:00–14:00
n Easton local councillor surgeries (including Whitehall, Redfield and Barton Hill). Third Saturday of every month: April, June, August, October, December: St Anne’s Boardmill Social Club, Avonvale Road, Bristol BS5 9RN at 14:00–16:00. May, July, September, November: Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Bristol BS5 6AW at 10:00–12:00 Saturday n St George Library: Czech Storytime 11.15 (monthly) ask in branch for details. n Friends of Troopers Hill Conservation Work Party. Meet by the red slide on Troopers Hill Field 1st Saturday of every month 10amnoon. For more information visit www.troopers-hill.org.uk/wp or ring Susan on 0117 947 5037 n St George local councillor surgeries .First Saturday of every month: St George Library at 11:30–12:30 n St George local councillor surgeries. Second Saturday of every month: St Aidan’s Church at 11:00–12:00 n St George local councillor surgeries. Fourth Saturday of every month: Meadow Vale Community Centre at 13:00–14:00 n Easton local councillor surgeries (including Whitehall, Redfield and Barton Hill). n Third Saturday of every month: June, August, October, December: St Anne’s Boardmill Social Club, Avonvale Road, Bristol BS5 9RN at 14:00–16:00. n May, July, September, November: Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Bristol BS5 6AW at 10:00–12:00 Sunday n BS5 Market, St George Park (near the skate park). First Sunday of every month, 10:00am–2:00pm A market featuring food, drink and homemade produce from all over Bristol. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/BS5Market.
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23
St George and Redfie
Life after Neighbourhood Edition(s): Partnerships April 2017 By Tamsin Harcourt, St George resident I WAS a fairly recent addition to St George Neighbourhood Partnership, joining last summer, shortly before the announcement came that the partnerships were to be phased out (I can only hope it wasn't something I said!). However, I had taken part in Neighbourhood Forums, the community meetings that brought together local residents, councillors and representatives from local agencies. In my role as volunteer chair of St George Community Association I had diligently worked my way through application forms to apply for the Wellbeing Fund, and it's thanks to that fund that the community centre had brand new flooring installed a couple of years ago. Last summer we were successful again and received a small grant for new planting and some events in the centre garden. For those who don't know, Neighbourhood Partnerships have
been running in Bristol for six years. They aimed to be a way for local residents to get more involved in council decision-making. For the past six years there has been money to pay for council officer time, to pay for meeting rooms and publicity, and for a small grant pot for each area called the Wellbeing Fund. The St George Partnership covered the three electoral wards of St George West, Troopers Hill and St George Central. But as Bristol City Council's budget comes under greater pressure, it is no longer possible to run Neighbourhood Partnerships in their current form. This year the budget has been cut by half, next year the budget is zero. We don't have to wait for the results of Bristol City Council's latest consultation, it's fairly obvious that if we want to have a voice in decision making for St George, it will be up to us as residents and community groups
to make that happen. While not a perfect system, the strength of St George Neighbourhood Partnership has been the stronger links formed between residents and groups working to make St George a better place. And I am delighted that I am now able to write this article for our very own community newspaper, something that had long been an aspiration for this area. Being involved in the partnership has also opened my eyes to all the amazing voluntary work that goes on in St George. We have buildings run by volunteers, voluntary groups that look after our much-loved green spaces, festivals and events run by volunteers, and that's before you start on groups such as Scouts, Brownies, WI, a plethora of toddler groups and coffee mornings. So what now? Well, several of us who have been members of the partnership want to make sure that
the good things that came out of Neighbourhood Partnerships are not lost. We are launching St George Community Network, with membership open to all individuals and community groups who want to work together to speak up for St George. You are invited to an open meeting on Wednesday 21 June at St George Library at 7.30pm. Bring your ideas, bring your enthusiasm, and we will bring the biscuits! Useful links: Sign up to St George Community Network mailing list here: eepurl.com/ cPgXTn The corporate consultation on Neighbourhood Partnerships, Libraries and several other things starts on 9 June and will run for 12 weeks. See Bristol City Council website for details.
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