stgeorge&redfieldvoice December, 2017 Issue 9
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FREE EVERY MONTH IN ST GEORGE AND REDFIELD
Planning permission granted for Speedwell Pool housing PLANNING permission has been granted for the development of the former Speedwell Swimming Pool site. Permission was granted, subject to conditions, for the demolition of the existing building and the erection of a 5-storey block containing 31 residential units of which 4 will be affordable (80 percent of market value). Crossman Homes told the St George & Redfield Voice that: "We are very pleased to have finally achieved the full planning approval on this derelict site after years of hard work and not insignificant costs. Our architects have worked very closely with the council to deliver a well-designed landmark scheme which will provide much needed housing in the area." The closing of the pool in 2005 drew controversy as it left East Bristol without a swimming pool – a situation that continues today. A number of groups have tried to reopen the pool or at least retain the building, which was built in 1937 by noted Bristol architect CFW Denning. The building is locally listed,
with council documents stating that: “The architectural qualities of the building, both internal and external, were clear and the association with a significant architect added historic value for the city. “The decision to recommend
the building for the Local List was unanimous.” The Voice reported on the proposals back in May, when Crossman homes explained that the dilapidated state of the building would mean that the building could not be saved.
City Academy’s Festive Production
In your free local monthly newspaper:
Redfest announces festive fundraiser REDFEST 2018 will be taking place on 4 August and several fundraising events have been planned in December to raise money for it. TURN TO PAGE 4
Revenge motive led to murder of Mohammed Abdurezek A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for the murder of another man in retribution for him taking a mobile phone used to facilitate a drugs network. TURN TO PAGE 6
Friends of St George Park celebrate double success
City Academy students in dress rehearsal for their Christmas production. More on page 2
FRIENDS of St George Park (FoSGP) are celebrating after being awarded almost £9,000 by the Big Lottery Fund and receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the Britain in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign. TURN TO PAGE 7
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice , 2017 Issue December
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GEORGE AND
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local In your free paper: monthly news
anted rmission gr Planning pe Pool housing ell dw ee Sp for stating documents s with council tural qualitie has been l permission that: “The architec g, both interna PLANNING ment of of the buildin were clear and the the develop ing l, granted for ant and externa Speedwell Swimm the former with a signific for association historic value , Pool site. was granted architect added Permission ns, for the the city. to recommend subject to conditio “The decision of the existing of a demolition erection the building and containing 31 5-storey block of which 4 will units residential (80 percent of be affordable market value).Homes told the St Crossman Voice that: George & Redfield pleased to have "We are very d the full planning finally achieve derelict site this l approva on hard work and not of ts after years costs. Our architecthe with insignificant very closely signed have worked a well-de council to deliver which will in landmark scheme needed housing provide much
List g for the Local the buildin ous.” was unanim reported on the The Voice in May, when proposals back explained Crossman homested state of the that the dilapidamean that the building would not be saved. building could
in the area." of the pool The closing as it left controversy ing 2005 drew without a swimm es East Bristol n that continu pool – a situatio of groups have today. A numberthe pool or at tried to reopen building, which the Bristol least retain 1937 by noted was built in Denning. architect CFW g is locally listed, The buildin
Stepping into Christmas
s
unce Redfest annoraiser festive fund
DECEMBER is here and for many people, Christian or otherwise, it’s time to get excited about Christmas! As you’ll see, it’s a busy time of year and we have had plenty of groups getting in touch with us and letting us know how they will be marking the festive season. The organisers of Redfest will be hosting a number of events to raise money for the next festival and have also given us some information about what we could expect next year and how to get involved. Away from the seasonal merriment, there also seems to be much activity in our area concerning
will be taking REDFEST 2018 and several place on 4 August have been events fundraising er to raise planned in Decemb money for it. 4 TURN TO PAGE
ive Production
City Academy’s Fest
ve Revenge moti er led to murd d of Mohamme Abdurezek
man has been A 43-YEAR-OLD murder of another jailed for the ion for him man in retribut phone used to taking a mobile network. facilitate a drugs 6 TURN TO PAGE
Friends of St George Park le celebrate doub success
al for their
in dress rehears y students 2 City Academ More on page production.
St George Park FRIENDS of after celebrating (FoSGP) are almost £9,000 being awarded Fund and by the Big Lottery ding’ ‘Outstan It’s receiving an Britain in Bloom n. rating in the urhood campaig Your Neighbo 7 TURN TO PAGE
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new housing developments. We’ve included updates on Speedwell Swimming Pool, Olympia House and Ebenezer Street – all very different projects but each drawing its own share of controversy. Finally, Friends of St George Park are celebrating after being awarded almost £9,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and being rated ‘Outstanding’ by Britain In Bloom. We’d like to wish everyone in St George and Redfield a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – we look forward to seeing you in 2018.
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PUBLISHER ’S NOTE
Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk Tel 0117 922 2000
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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St George and Redfield Voice is an independent publication. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to confirm all relevant legislation. We strive to conform to the NUJ Code of Conduct for journalists: nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code Feedback is welcomed: call editor Richard Foote on 07716 569 447 or email richard@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk editorial team. St George and Redfield Voice is distributed monthly within our distribution area, and is also available from local pick up points. Feedback on content and distribution is welcome – please call 0117 422 7200 or email office@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
City Academy’s Festive Production New lunchtime event to help OVER forty students including those from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 from City Academy will be producing and putting on a Christmas production for families and local feeder primary schools. There will be a morning performance on Tuesday 12 December at 11:00am for the primaries and an evening performance on Wednesday 13 December at 6:00pm, in the school theatre for families and the local community. The show will include singing, music, dancing and hip hop. BTEC students will also be directing, producing,
organising costumes, arranging the music, making props, taking care of sound and lighting and performing in what City Academy promises will be a “fabulous festive, fun extravaganza!” Rebecca Pearce, Drama Teacher said: “This is an exciting opportunity for students to develop production skills and to experiment and explore physical theatre through urban fairy tales. It is vitally important for us to engage with our local community and schools and this is just one way we achieve this.”
To advertise, contact Philip on 0117 422 7200
tackle loneliness
ST GEORGE Community Friendship Club is launching a new monthly ‘lunchtime cuppa and roll’ event that will take place at St Annes Boardmills Club on Avondale Road. The event will be held on the first Monday of every month 12:00pm till 2:00pm and everyone is welcome. The event will offer people the chance to make new friends in their local area and beyond and to feel a part of their community. Attendees will also be able to have their say in the planning of other events for everyone to enjoy at this venue and in the local area. Bristol Community Friendship Group aims to end loneliness among women in the community by connecting people and fostering new friendships. It hosts events throughout the year that are suitable for women of all ages. For more information, visit the Bristol Community Friendship Club Facebook page and ask to join or telephone Gill on 0117 902 5779
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December, 2017
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n NEWS
Council set to close toilets in St George Park BRISTOL City Council looks set to close the public toilets in St George Park/Church Road by the end of January. These are the only remaining public toilets in the St George and Redfield areas. The closure of 18 different toilet blocks is expected to be approved by Bristol City Council at the cabinet meeting on 4 December. The council plans to recruit local businesses, community sector organisations, supermarkets, corporate and chain restaurants, hotels, pubs and public organisations to open up their own toilet facilities to the general public. Their aim is to establish a network of at least 36 to 50 publicly available accessible toilets. The council is planning a ‘public access toilet’ page on the council website which will have a list of businesses and a map. The intention is that the website will be updated as the scheme grows and new businesses sign up. By the time the toilets close at the end of January 2018 (if closure is agreed), the Council hopes that there will already be an alternative toilet provision network with clearly recognisable signage and an online map to help people to find them.
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Churches lead the festive fun CHURCHES across St George are planning a number of special events to mark the Christmas period. The East Bristol Partnership of Anglican Churches has a number of events on over December. St Aidan and St George Church will be holding a brass band night on December 5 at 7:00pm. Bristol East & Kingswood Brass Band will be playing seasonal and other music to get December off to a flying start. Tickets are £7 on the door and include interval refreshments. St Michael the Archangel will be displaying John and Jackie Elliott’s personal
collection of over 400 nativities in order to raise money for GOSH oesophageal and stomach cancer support group. The nativities will be on display at the church between 10:00am–5:00pm on Saturday the 9 and 16 of December and 11:30am– 5:00pm on Sundays the 10 and 17 of December. Local Catholic Church, St Patrick’s, will be holding a Christmas concert on Sunday 17 December at 4:00pm. The hourlong event will consist of Christmas songs, carols and readings. There will be light refreshments after and everyone is welcome.
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December, 2017
Redfest announces festive fundraisers REDFEST 2018 will be taking place on 4 August and several fundraising events have been planned in December to raise money for it. The events include a pub quiz on 7 December and the ‘Redfestive’ Christmas party on 16 December. Both events will be held at the Red Lion on Whitehall Road. Organisers of the annual free festival aim to hold as many fundraising events as they can each year and all proceeds go towards the festival. This year’s Redfest saw a change in format, returning to its multi-venue roots, rather than the festival in St George Park that had been used for the previous two years. Dominic Ljubic, Director of Redfest CIC said that the change in format had altered perceptions of the festival and had given the organisers great flexibility in their approach. “People now realise that Redfest isn’t necessarily a big
party in the park – it might be – but it could also be something else,” he explained. “We now have more options going forward as we are not constrained to the park. However, Mr Ljubic did not rule out a return to the outdoor format, stating that fundraising would play a large part. “We’re not making a decision about next year until next year,” he said. “If people are keen to see a return to the park then a good way to help make that happen is to support our events or make a donation on our webpage.” “What it takes to make that decision is a hell of a lot of money – so once we have an idea of our funding position.” One of the main objectives that Redfest has identified for 2018 is to improve its community engagement, specifically with regards to minority groups in the area. The festival has therefore created a new community
engagement/diversity manager. “BS5 is probably one of the most diverse areas in Bristol but we don’t feel that we are reflecting that diversity very well at the moment,” explained Mr Ljubic. “We’re very successful in what we’re doing in terms of bringing the numbers in, however we are less successful in diversity – and that includes people on the board as well as those attending the festival.” The festival is also now
advertising for other voluntary roles which can be seen on this page. The Redfest pub quiz will take place at the Red Lion at 8:00pm on the 7 December. It is £2 per person, teams of up to six people will be allowed and there will be raffle prizes and free food. Redfestive will be at the Red Lion on 16 December at 8:30pm–2:30am. Entry is free and it will feature music from Tremor Tones, Husky Tones and Redfest DJs.
Join the Redfest team REDFEST is looking to boost its amazing team with some fresh and enthusiastic new faces. Positions now available include: • Community Engagement / Diversity Manager • Catering Manager • Cabaret Programming Team • Kids Village Manager • Wellbeing Area Manager
• Merchandise Manager • Build / Break Team Leader Applications for general stewarding and helpers on the day will open in early January. If you or anyone else you know might like to join the Redfest team, email: dom@ redfestbristol.co.uk
Santa’s elves busy at local shop SANTA’S elves have been busy at the Little Treasures shop at 134a Church Road, Redfield, helping to make some more toys for local children. Santa will also be paying a visit and he has said that he’d be happy to meet any children who’d like to visit him. On Sundays 3rd, 10th and 17th December children (and parents and carers) will be able to visit Father Christmas. Jo Webster-Green, who runs Little Treasures, told the St George & Redfield Voice that the shop will
be transformed for these special days to make Father Christmas feel more at home, and that there will be an opportunity for children to look around, talk to Father Christmas, have a photograph taken with him and receive traditional Christmas stocking toys. Visits to Father Christmas on 3rd, 10th and 17th December need to be pre-booked, so to arrange a visit you can visit the Little Treasures shop or call 07974 449801.
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We buy and sell a wide range of baby and children’s clothes, maternity wear, baby equipment toys and books. Christmas shopping events at Born in Bristol Enjoy Baileys & truffles and 10% off in store • Sunday 3 December 11.00am to 3.00pm • Thursday 14 December late night opening • Thursday 21 December late night opening At Born in Bristol we offer for hire a comfy unique space – The Baby Hub – open to the community for your group or event.
Events being held in The Baby Hub in December • 7 December - Brunel Photography Bristol, Christmas Mini Shoot, 12noon to 7.00pm • 13 December - Poppy Ceramics Mobile Studio, Christmas bauble decoration workshop, 10am to 12noon
• 14 December - Mini First Aid (2 hour baby & child first aid session), 10.30am to 12.30pm Coming in January HypnoBirthing Sessions, & Baby massage All events will be on our Facebook page with how to book, or pop in and see us at Born in Bristol for more info and booking details.
Save the date Christmas shopping event at Born in Bristol enjoy Baileys & truffles and 10% off in store 197 Church Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 9HL www.borninbristol.uk 0117 329 0530 enquiries@borninbristol.uk
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December, 2017
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n NEWS
Ebenezer Street developer challenges restrictions THE developer behind a controversial housing development on Ebenezer Street has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in an attempt to appeal restrictions that have been placed on the project. The development is for a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) consisting of twenty double bedrooms. It was
approved by Bristol City Council earlier this year, despite opposition from residents, city councillors and Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy. However, the level of local concern resulted in a series of restrictions being imposed upon the development. These included a site manager being present from 8:00pm to 8:00am and
EVERY Child Needs Christmas is a campaign which delivers thousands of presents to local children who are in difficult circumstances. Anyone can help – just buy a gift for around £5, for one of these age ranges: under one, 1-3, 3-5, 5-7, 7-10, and 10-16 years. Drop it off at one of the dropoff points below, or consult the Facebook page for more. Or you can follow the links to
Will you give a present to a less fortunate child? the Amazon wishlist, and order from there. Every Child Needs Christmas works with local organisations to identify children in need. The campaign has grown from delivering 700 gifts to 5,000 across the BS postcode area in five years.
restrictions on car ownership for tenants. Interested parties, including local residents, have until the 8th of December to submit comments on the case. To have your say on the appeal or to learn more, visit: https:// acp.planninginspectorate. gov.uk/ViewCase. aspx?Caseid=3184873&CoID=0
Drop offs: • 8 Hawthorn Way, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7FT • NatWest Bank- City Centre, Corn Street • Cumberland House, 133 West Town Lane, Bristol BS14 9EF
Council launches park kiosk consultation BRISTOL City Council is launching a new consultation on the kiosk in St George Park in order to find out how it is used and how it could provide a better service to park users in future. Consultation runs to 2 January, with feedback expected in late February. Council officers will be in the park speaking to people to ensure that those that do not have internet access can take part. The questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to complete and can be found at: bristol.citizenspace.com/ neighbourhoods/st-georgepark-kiosk/
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December, 2017
n NEWS
Revenge motive led to murder of Mohammed Abdurezek A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for the murder of another man in retribution for him taking a mobile phone used to facilitate a drugs network. The body of Mohammed Abdurezek was found by a dog walker, hidden in undergrowth, near the village of Siston in South Gloucestershire on Christmas Eve 2016. He’d been stabbed multiple times to the body and face and his head was covered in a black bin liner. 43-year-old Karl Cullen, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder at Bristol Crown Court following an investigation by Avon and Somerset’s Major Crime Investigation Team. Cullen also admitted charges of preventing a lawful burial and conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to life with a minimum of 19 years' imprisonment. A second man, 23-year-old Abdiwahab Abdulahi, also of no fixed address, was found not guilty of murder but previously admitted a charge of conspiracy
to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to six years and eight months. Mohammed Abdurezek, known as Maratu, was born in Ethiopia and came to the UK in 2004/05. He previously lived in the Swansea area but was staying in Bristol shortly before his murder. DCI James Riccio, who led the murder inquiry, said: “Mohammed Abdurezek was executed by Karl Cullen in revenge or retribution for him taking a mobile phone used to organise drug deals. “Following the discovery of Mohammed’s body, we launched a full-scale investigation and were able to trace his movements in the days leading up to his murder. “It became clear that Mohammed had become involved with a drugs supply network which operated out of a flat in Church Drive, St George. This established clear links between him and Karl Cullen – who was running the network along with Abdulahi.
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“This flat had belonged to a vulnerable man with significant health problems and Cullen had moved into it without permission in order to use it as a base to deal drugs – a practice known as cuckooing. “It was here that Karl Cullen Mohammed Cullen carried out Abdurezek his deadly attack on Mohammed, on carrying out a concerted clean-up or around 9 or 10 December, operation inside the flat. before removing his body and
Barton Hill couple died after wife's seizure caused car to crash into canal Bethany Wash reports A HUSBAND and wife from Barton Hill drowned after she had a seizure behind the wheel and crashed their car into the Feeder Canal, an inquest heard. Joan and John Tipler had been driving along Feeder Road when their Renault Clio careered into the canal at 11pm on Wednesday, April 26. Joan, 73, had a history of suffering from seizures and had previously had her licence taken from her, the joint inquest heard. The retired nurse's licence was reinstated nine to twelve months prior to the tragedy, despite her loved ones' requests for her to give up driving altogether. She was on two different medications for seizures and spells of depression at the time of the accident. The couple's deaths being related to either medication was ruled out during the inquest. The couple's daughter-in-law Jenny Searle said: "This has been a terrible tragedy for the whole family. The one saving grace is that they were together - just like they always were when they went anywhere." She added the couple's son Christopher had contacted the DVLA to make them aware of Joan's condition but a response came too late, two days after
their deaths. Collision Investigator PC William Gibson, of Avon and Somerset Police, said the couple had been driving home along a "predictable" route down single-carriageway Feeder Road, when Joan lost control of the car, mounted the curb and entered the water. PC Gibson added: "When I investigated the scene I could see no obstruction of the road itself or any surface contaminates that could have caused the diversion. All components of the car were also working fine at the time of the accident. "There was no evidence to suggest that Joan had been driving at excessive speed along the 30mph road, or that she had accelerated or gained speed." Coroner Mr Terence Moore said: "I think the most likely scenario here is that Joan has had a seizure, and that has been the cause. "All that is left is for me to offer enormous sympathy to the family, who did all they could do with regards to the tough job of persuading elderly parents to give up their licence." The inquest heard that Joan and John, who were active members of their local Royal British Legion Club, were wellloved in their community. Three hundred people attended their funeral.
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December, 2017
n NEWS FRIENDS of St George Park (FoSGP) are celebrating after being awarded almost £9,000 by the Big Lottery Fund and receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the Britain in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign. The Britain in Bloom award has come thanks to the efforts of Friends of St George Park volunteers over the last five years. As well as the lake project, activities have also included building and planting planters, rubbish picks and fixing all of the benches in the park. The money awarded by the lottery will be used to improve the lake. FoSGP are aiming to have Slimbridge Wetland Centre conduct a survey of the lake so that it can be listed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Additional fundraising will be required to begin the work once the plans and consultation have been completed. “They’re going to do a survey to begin with and create some proposals and we will do some consultation on some designs,” explained Maggie Waldon of FoSGP. “For example pond dipping areas to make it much more peoplefriendly.”
7
Friends of St George Park celebrate double success Mrs Waldon explained that securing a ban on fishing at the lake had been key to gaining the funding, as lots of birds were being injured. The number of fish in the lake has also been reduced, creating a more balanced ecosystem. Other challenges include subsidence all the way around the lake and problems with the integrity of the island. “It could be that we can put some gabions on one side of the lake to make some shallower areas and get some greenery,” said Mrs Waldon. “This will make the ducks and the wildlife a lot healthier, it will be more interesting for people and it will attract a lot more interesting wildlife.” Slimbridge previously visited the lake in 2012 to report on the amount of silt. It was found to be clean and large amounts of it were reused after dredging to landscape the children’s playground.
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
December, 2017
n NEWS
9
First ever Barton Hill Festival a roaring success Bethany Wash reports ORGANISERS have branded the first ever Barton Hill Festival a roaring success The event which took place on 29 October saw over 1,000 residents come together to enjoy the charity-run festival. The free festival aimed to celebrate the incredible creative community of the area and bring local residents together with theatre performances, craft workshops, music, poetry and a lantern parade. The event was hosted by local charities Travelling Light Theatre Company and Barton Hill Settlement, as well as the community magazine Up Our Street. Jo Woodcock, Production Manager at Travelling Light, said: "We teamed up to create a day for and with local people. Barton Hill is a place to be proud of. Over 70 different nationalities
have chosen to make it their home and we wanted to create a day that reflected that. "There's so much fantastic activity going on in the area, but often the organisations and community groups don't know about each other and neither do the residents. Barton Hill Festival was about bringing everyone together to be a part of something fun and new; a day where residents could get involved, enjoy themselves and see the area through their neighbour's eyes." The festival was held in Barton Hill Settlement in the heart of Barton Hill; a hub for local community focussed organisations. Each activity was provided by a local organisation, from a sensory tent showing films made by young people with additional needs to a wellbeing room, offered by therapists from The Wellspring Healthy Living Centre.
Visitors of all ages and ethnicities crowded in the hall to learn about Somali Spice Mixing from The Somali Kitchen and view the Somali cultural display, alongside the historical information provided by Barton Hill History Group. Travelling Light Youth Theatre and Wyldwood Arts performed Hillstories; a moving new play inspired by memories of local people. The Bristol Community FM (BCFM) music stage broadcast live from the festival, welcoming local musicians to share their talents. Scouts from the Regional Music Awards were there looking to support and mentor musicians and the amateur photography competition offered local photographers the chance to have their work professionally published. The festival culminated in a lively lantern parade between the tower blocks, which had
younger residents waving from the balconies. Sarah Dailly, Network Coordinator for Barton Hill Settlement, said: "Free community celebrations like Barton Hill Festival offer a brilliant day out for everyone to enjoy together, create meaningful memories and build new relationships between organisations and residents. They also change how a community views itself and we were proud to be a part of that positive change. "We are just beginning to look through the feedback from the day, but one comment already sticks out: 'today changed my perception of this area and its people.'" The festival was supported by Big Lottery Fund Awards for All, Arts Council England, Bristol City Council Festival's & Event's Fund and Tesco Bags of Help.
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice November, 2017
FREE EVERY MONTH
Issue 8
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IN ST GEORGE
AND REDFIELD Community loses save popular St battle to George pub
In your free local monthly newspaper:
Dundridge Woodland to benefi from Lottery moneyt
A POPULAR St George pub has been forced to shut down despite the community's vigorous effort to save the 'thriving and viable business'.
Dundridge Woodland has been selected as one of eight sites that will benefit from Heritage Lottery Fund money.
In September, we reported that the Three Crowns, on Blackswarth Road, succeeded in becoming an Asset of Community of Value status, protecting it from development for five years. However, despite community's efforts the save the pub from to help closure and redevelopment, the Three Crowns sadly closed the last time on the its doors for 8th Landlady Ash Bird October. told the St George & Redfi eld Voice that after the freehold of into liquidation in the pub went September 2016 she was not allowed to renew the lease or continue paying rent. The sad news comes just three months after the pub, which has been trading since at suffered a break-in least 1828, costing over form of rent, not £5,500. offer lease or get the pub a new Ms Bird, 32, said: valued so the "It is with community can buy the saddest regret it. Now an that asset to the community been forced to close. we have The current closed and a thriving has been landlord will not and viable accept any business has been shut down.
TURN TO PAGE 3
Petrol bomb attack on learning disabilities centre
A petrol bomb attack centre for adults with on a drop-in disabilities has causedlearning around
TURN TO PAGE 4
Suspicious caller report leads to arrest
A man has been arrested burglary after witnesses for reported suspicious callers at an elderly resident’s home.
TURN TO PAGE 7
"The pub was home to Bristol County Pool teams and hosted regular pool tournaments with teams coming from all over the South West to play. All the locals Continued on page 2.
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
10
December, 2017
n TROOPERS HILL
Troopers Hill – The Future SEPTEMBER’S St George & Redfield Voice shared the news that local people had given the go-ahead for the Friends of Troopers Hill’s Ways to Nature project. The Friends then put together their preliminary application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The good news is that we can, with more work, go forward to the next stage of the application process. The bad news is that the Heritage Lottery Fund does not consider the proposals for path improvements and a new path to be good value for money. What this means is that we look for another funder for the path work and have already identified at least one possible source. However that is a lower priority than completing our Heritage Lottery Fund application which will now focus on protecting Troopers Hill for the future. As in the original application we want to replace the rotting wooden fencing on the boundary of Troopers Hill Rd. This is the only barrier to motorbikes accessing the site and destroying valuable habitats. Now, without the cost of paths, we can also look at other ways to protect Troopers Hill using Heritage Lottery funding. Those of you who have visited the Hill over many years or who look at our monitoring reports and photographs dating back to 1994 will have seen the spiny, yellow-
flowered gorse has spread from a small group to large thickets. While these provide good shelter for birds this spread of gorse is destroying important areas of grass and heathland. It is also a high fire risk in dry periods. Volunteers, and offenders carrying out community service under the Community Payback scheme, have done much work cutting back these areas; unfortunately this work has not kept pace with the gorse. We are now asking for advice on the best way to control the gorse. When we have an agreed method and costs we will take our funding application to the next stage. What we do as volunteers is in addition to the regular maintenance carried out by Bristol City Council. There is a consultation out now on how to save nearly £3 million annually on parks maintenance. This contains some good ideas but it is very important that you have your say. You can pick up a copy of the Parks and Green Spaces consultation at your local library or visit www.bristol. gov.uk/parksconsultation As our Chair, Susan ActonCampbell, said in her statement to Full Council on 14 November “If Bristol City Council do not carry out the core maintenance tasks, from grass-cutting to dog bin emptying, there will be no point in volunteers
giving the valuable, added support they donate today”. Join the Friends at one of their conservation work parties on the 1st Saturday or 3rd Thursday of every month, starting promptly at 10:00am and finishing at noon. The
volunteers meet by the red slide on Troopers Hill Field.You are also invited to the Friends of Troopers Hill Annual General Meeting, 7.15pm–9:00pm on Thursday 7 December atSummerhill Methodist Church, 5 Air Balloon Rd.
Call for defibrillator match fund donations FRIENDS of Troopers Hill is calling for donations after furniture and woodworking skills company Didac has offered to fund match any donations made for a new defibrillator that will be located on the Avon River Trail at Crews Hole. The River Avon Trail in Crews Hole is a regular running, walking and cycling route used by local people. Didac Ltd’s Woodwise Academy overlooks the river and the trail. Its business is training people in furniture and woodworking skills in its fully equipped workshop. Ten of its staff are trained first aiders. Susan Acton-Campbell, Chair of Friends of Troopers Hill said: “We were quite surprised to be contacted by Didac Ltd with a generous offer to match any money we could raise to fund a
defibrillator, accessible 24 hours a day, by the public, beside the River Avon Trail, outside the Woodwise Academy. The more we thought about it, though, the more it made sense.” Friends of Troopers Hill run regular conservation work parties on Troopers Hill and if anyone did suffer heart failure on the hill, the nearest existing defibrillator is 1.3 miles away from Troopers Hill. The NHS website says in an item dated 13th July 2017: “Ambulances will now be expected to reach the most seriously ill patients in an average time of seven minutes”. If Didac Ltd installed a defibrillator this would be just 0.4 of a mile from Troopers Hill’s nearest entrance. It might be possible for the defibrillator to be brought to Troopers Hill more quickly than an ambulance could
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arrive. Friends of Troopers Hill funds, other than grants allocated for specific projects, rarely exceed £1,500 which is what they need to be sure they can run a year’s activities and events on Troopers Hill. They can spare £100 to donate towards the defibrillator. The total cost of the defibrillator is £2,600 so a further £1,200 is needed. Susan Acton-Campbell said: ”We really hope local people, particularly those living in Crews Hole and others who regularly use the River Avon Trail, will feel this is a really worthwhile Christmas present to give themselves. Donations can be sent to us, making it clear it is for the defibrillator and we will work with Didac to make it happen. Any donations that take us over the
target will be added to our Ways to Nature project, to replace the fencing that is nearing the end of its life on Troopers Hill Rd”. Cheques can be made payable to Friends of Troopers Hill, marked on the reverse, “defibrillator” and sent to Friends of Troopers Hill, 3 Corkers Hill, St George, Bristol, BS5 8DT. The Friends can be emailed or telephoned for bank account details, if people prefer to make an online payment. The Friends’ email address is friends@troopers-hill. org.uk, their phone number is 0117 947 5037. If a donation is made as a gift for a friend or relative, the Friends can supply the first 25 donors with a blank greeting card designed by local artist Anthony Rudman, featuring a reproduction of his painting of Troopers Hill.
Email: sales@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
December, 2017
n NEWS PLANS for a new housing development on Beaconsfield Road have been referred to full committee due to residents’ and councillors’ concerns over parking, privacy and a lack of affordable homes. The plans are to convert Olympia House – an old industrial building – into 26 apartments ranging from one to three bed units. However, the development will only provide 12 parking spaces and local residents are concerned that this will add to the difficult parking conditions in the area. The development was referred to full committee by Councillor for St George West, Asher Craig. She said that local people were not against the development of the site. However, they don't want to see it over-developed. “The proposed scheme of 26 flats within such a confined space is considered to be over-development and there is limited off-street parking,” she explained. “The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposal would not generate levels of
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
11
Olympia House goes to planning committee on-street parking that cannot be reasonably accommodated or regulated through parking control measures, detrimental to highway safety.” Councillor Craig explained that the development would also result in an unacceptable loss of privacy for nearby residents and that it makes no provision for affordable housing which is a priority for the Mayor and a concern for local people. However, developer Christian Grant Properties told the St George and Redfield Voice that council planning officers had yet to file their report when the application was referred to full committee and so the development has not been proven to be unsuitable. “We don’t think Councillor Craig had the opportunity to
discuss her reasons with them [council planning officers] so they had not fully assessed the proposal when she lodged the request,” explained a representative of the company. “To this end the timing has been unfortunate. We can understand if local people with concern would be frustrated as until we have the opinion of the local authority we cannot respond fully to issues raised.” They explained that they had created revised designs based on meetings with planning officers that addressed the local authority’s concerns. The company is looking forward to a positive outcome from the committee thanks to its positive dialogue with the local authority. 10 January is the earliest that the application would be heard by
the planning committee. The developer had originally attempted to submit plans that offered more parking at the front of the building; however these were rejected by council officers. “The building remains unoccupied during this period and we are becoming increasingly concerned to hear complaints from local residents about potential increase of vermin and fly tipping and the fear of illegal entry,” explained the company representative. “It's in no one’s interest to see these premises lying empty; we just want to start the development as soon as possible.” “This will enable the existing building to be saved and preserved and help meet Bristol’s growing need for housing.”
Don't leave cats for dead: drivers urged to slow down Bethany Wash reports RESIDENTS are desperately appealing for drivers to adhere to the speed limits to reduce the number of cats being killed and abandoned in the road. The appeal comes after numerous cats have been hit and left for dead on Whitehall Avenue, which has a speed limit of 20mph. A nearby Snowberry Walk resident, who wished to remain anonymous, was devastated when his 13-month-old kitten was run over and killed on the road on Monday 20th November. He said: "The driver didn't stop. It's a terrible road with cars parked on both sides of the street causing loads of blockages and reducing most of the road to single tracks, which in turn seems to cause people to drive irrationally, and often above the 20mph limit. "While there is no legal requirement to stop if you hit a cat, there is a legal requirement
to adhere to the speed limit and I feel if people did this more then fewer cats would be killed in this area." Whitehall Avenue resident Kelly Haskins volunteered to take the cat to a nearby vets to identify its owner. She said: "I also lost a cat, who had just turned oneyear-old, in August when he was also hit on this road and killed. Thankfully my next door neighbour found him and I was able to take him to the vets myself. It's utterly devastating when we lose a pet as they become a massive part of the family. "We have another big grey tabby and I worry about him all the time ‑ people drive way too fast down this road and we have been trying to do something about it but with not much luck at the moment." Resident Jenny Winter also lost a cat on Whitehall Avenue, and now runs a Facebook
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community group aimed to get measures in place to slow drivers down. Miss Winter said: "I first noticed the issue when I moved in four years ago and noticed the sheer speed of the cars. I've had a one-year-old cat killed two years ago at Christmas and we've had five altogether that we know about in two years. "Last summer a child was hit just outside a house. There were only very minor injuries and police weren't informed ‑ it was totally the kid's fault but if it was a speeder it would have been a totally different story. "We want something done really before something horrible happens. I'm afraid that what it's going to take. I've contacted St George West Councillor Asher Craig, FixMyStreet and the council's Highways Department. "I contacted charity Sustrans and applied for a pot of money through them for street improvements such as pockets.
Unfortunately the application was turned down by the funder they contacted on behalf of us, because they prefer to fund smaller projects." Currently, there is no legal requirement to stop for or report an injured cat. The GOV UK website states drivers must stop and report the accident to the police if you hit any "dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys and mules" but cats are not mentioned. You can join the "Speed Calming Measures for Whitehall Avenue" To report a road safety concern to the council, visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/ streetstravel/tell-us-about-aroadsafety-concern <https:// www.bristol.gov.uk/streetstravel/tellus-about-a-roadsafety-concern> To report a road safety concern to the council, visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/ streetstravel/tell-us-about-aroadsafety-concern
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
stgeorge&redfieldvoice n KERRY MCCARTHY - MP FOR BRISTOL EAST
December, 2017
12
T
Kerry McCarthy writes for St George and Redfield Voice You can contact Kerry at kerry. mccarthy.mp@parliament.uk or via 0117 939 9901 for her latest newsletter or for details of her regular constituency surgeries
OO often it seems that the system of planning and regulations we have doesn’t work for local communities, who feel powerless to influence change in their local area. Local to St George we have a well-liked community pub the Three Crowns, which has been forced into closure, despite it turning a profit. Unfortunately, a liquidator of the holding company is aggressively pursuing plans to develop the pub, regardless of the wishes of the community. It’s clear to see from the public outcry how much the pub means to the local community, with former patrons and workers alike coming out to voice their complaints, and over 1,000 people signing a petition calling for its re-opening. At a time when so many pubs are being forced into closure, this well-liked and well-used pub should be retained by a community that want to keep it, and not bought out by outside developers. Many residents close to
the Church Road will have experienced acute parking problems, particularly as more people are moving into the area. When a proposed development on Ebenezer Street, which would have added 20 new units of multiple occupancy housing to an already congested area, went through planning, a list of much-needed conditions were imposed. This included restricting car ownership for tenants, avoiding parking chaos if an additional 20 cars were trying to find space on this short street, as well as the inclusion of a housing site manager. The developer submitted an application which took into account those conditions, but then submitted an application rejecting the conditions and asking to continue without them, and are now appealing to the Government’s Housing Inspectorate after Bristol City Council rejected that! I am working closely with local Councillor Asher Craig and the Council on this. I am also involved in a national
National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme
campaign for an ‘Agent of Change’ law, which would protect music venues and clubs when a housing development springs up in their vicinity, whether it be an office block being converted into flats, or new build. Too often this can result in noise complaints from the new tenants, with venues ultimately being forced to close. Iconic music venues in Bristol like Thekla and the Fleece are at risk. I am sponsoring a new law that will be introduced soon by John Spellar MP, which will require property developers to take into account pre-existing businesses, like music venues, placing the burden on the developer, not the venue, to make sure that the venues and residents can co-exist in the same area. All of these cases demonstrate why we need to give local people a greater say in what goes on in their neighbourhood, and to stop developers doing just as they please. I will carry on campaigning for this
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
December, 2017
13
n NEWS
Katana Judo Kai at BJC Championships
THE British Judo Council’s (BJC) Closed National Championships took place on Sunday 19 November with three members of Katana Judo Kai competing across the various age and weight categories. The overall medal tally from the three members was one Gold medal and national champion title, one Silver medal and one Bronze medal. There were also representatives from two of other BJC clubs that make up the Avon Area, with a combined medal tally across all three clubs of one Gold medal, one Silver medal and four Bronze medals. The first competitor for Katana Judo Kai was Charis, who was entered in the girls 10–12 year old over 52 kilogram category. Charis was one of four entered in her group and beat two of her opponents by throwing them flat onto their backs for an ‘Ippon’ win. Charis was able to get her opponent onto their back while continuing to fight on the ground and successfully pinned her opponent on her back for 25 seconds for a clean sweep of ‘Ippon’ wins. The next competitor to
step onto the mat representing Katana Judo Kai was club coach Matt. Matt was the lightest of five entrants in the Senior (age 16+) Men Dan grade (black belt) over 100 kilogram category and quickly threw his first opponent flat on their back for an ‘Ippon’ win. Matt then lost his next contest to the eventual Gold medallist but because of the numbers entered the competition was to be fought as a round robin event with everyone fighting against everyone. This meant that Matt had two contests left and won the next one by taking his opponent to the ground and pinning him where he submitted from the hold. Matt’s final contest was a close one with Matt picking up two small scores (Yuko) and his opponent picking up two small penalties for minor infringements, giving Matt another small score. Matt was then caught by his opponent for a middle score (Waza-Ari) and as the fight continued both Matt and his opponent picked up a small penalty each, meaning that his opponent now had three penalties in total which also gave Matt a middle score. That is how
the scores then stayed until the end of the contest time which meant that Matt had won the contest by the early small scores to earn the Silver Medal. The final competitor for the day representing Katana Judo Kai was Piotr, in the Veterans (age 35+) Men Dan grade (black belt) under 81 kilogram category. Piotr was one of three entered into this category but having only returned to training a few months ago following three years out, Piotr was there for the experience. His time out of Judo showed as his first opponent was quick off the mark to throw Piotr flat on his back for an ‘Ippon’ to win the contest. Piotr had composed himself better for his second and final contest, with this one lasting much longer but during the process of being thrown and held down by his opponent Piotr managed to pick up an injury and was unable to escape from the pin that his opponent had on him. This meant that Piotr had to settle for the Bronze medal this time but he was upbeat and determined to improve his fitness and technique for the next
competition. Next up for members of Katana Judo Kai is a local interclub training competition at Yate Star Judo Club on Sunday 26th of November, where three of our younger members will be representing the club and learning about the competition experience. I am sure that everyone will join us in wishing these three the best of luck. Katana Judo Kai always welcomes new members to come and learn Judo with us. As a club we encourage members to attend competitions and training events within Bristol as well as some further destinations such as Kettering, the venue for the BJC Closed National Championships. For details about our training sessions or to get in touch please visit our website www. katanajudokai.co.uk Did you know: That the British Judo Council (BJC) was started in 1958 by Kenshiro Abbe and Masutaro Otani and that the current President of the BJC, Robin Otani, is the son of Masutaro Otani.
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
14
December, 2017
n NOSTALGIA
Grenville Johnson’s memories of St George THERE were rows of ornate oriental style tin tea canisters on a shelf that had gilt embellishments and depicted the type of tea such as ‘Assam.’ The tea was weighed by the shop assistant on large, ornate brass scales and were wrapped in a brown paper bag. There were no tea bags in those days. Biscuits were stored in square tins in front the counter and were weighed and sold separately. Broken biscuits were usually sold at discounted prices, and granulated sugar was scooped from large storage bins and weighed and packaged up in brown paper bags. Close by was a tailor’s shop: Vincent French and Sons – High Class Tailors, where I received my first tailored suit at the age of twelve complete with a waistcoat. Mr French always wore a smart pin striped suit with a tape measure draped around his neck. In the front windows rolls of cloth were smartly displayed. One shop that filled me with
dread when I was very young was a visit to the local barber’s shop. The local gentleman’s hairdresser in the 1950’s was Burt Dark. The shop was located further along from the coop stores. As a child, the 1930s chrome hairdresser’s seats always seemed very high and the electronic clippers chattered and buzzed away, and they smelt of oil as they approached my ears! The scary part of the operation involved the use of a cut-throat razor that was used to shave hair off from the back of your neck or below year ears. The barber sharpened his razor on a broad leather strap before the procedure started. The only hairstyle on offer was a short back and sides with the option of a side parting and the finishing touch of some Brylcream hair cream. After your hair was cut the remnants were swept into a small cupboard and apparently the hair was sent off later and used for wig making. I was an only child, so playtimes
with friends who lived locally were very significant to our social and childhood development. We spent most evenings and the entire summer holidays playing in the streets or visiting local areas of St George, and we would take it in turns to lead the games, and this taught us to take turns, to listen to the ‘leader of the pack’ and, above all, take risks. Of course, there were very few cars on the streets in those days, so we all enjoyed playing outside with relative safety. We were given tremendous freedom to play, and explore and learn important life skills. We regularly visited St George Park and hired boats that we steered around the lake. The park keeper blew a whistle when our boating exploits came to an end, and there was a shed that was located near the lake where the boats were stored. We also walked to Troopers Hill which was a wild and totally rugged place in those days. We explored the gritty slopes
on the hill or shouted up the old chimney stack and waited for the resounding echo in return. Often the waft of tar came drifting over the area from Butlers tar works on Crew’s Hole Road. More importantly there were no adults around to supervise us while we were playing, but we always knew that neighbours and local residents were there to keep a close eye and admonish us if were dared to ‘step out of line.’ In those days elderly neighbours and members of the local community would not hesitate to inform your parents if you dared to misbehave! This also instilled a great sense of respect for the more elderly members of the wider community. In the 1950s St George Park still had a wonderful Victorian cast iron band stand where we regularly listened to live music or the Salvation Army band playing on Sunday afternoons.
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice n RUTH PICKERSGILL, CITY COUNCILLOR FOR EASTON WARD December, 2017
APPROACHING the festive season, I thought it would be a useful time to reflect on my hopes for the area for the New Year. One of the reasons I was proud to be elected to represent the Easton ward (which covers Whitehall, Redfield etc.), was that we are a diverse area where, on the whole, people live harmoniously and respect each other’s differences (80 percent of residents of the ward said they got on well together in the last Quality of Life Survey compared to only 63 percent city-wide.) However, over the last year, I have become increasingly aware of the large numbers of isolated people in our community, (many of whom are older, vulnerable, have left care or have mental health issues). Many residents who get in touch with me are frustrated by the lack of services or unable to access information because so much is online and they don’t have a computer, or they can’t get through agencies’ automated switchboards to speak to a human! The government’s austerity programme has led to the cutting of many of the services that used to support these same residents (like day centres, lunch clubs, activities in communal areas of older people’s residences, supporting people services etc.). I have met people who have not left their flat for two years, rarely get visitors and keep the door permanently locked worried about their safety.
Although they have very specific issues they need support with, it often becomes apparent when I visit that they also just want to have an opportunity to chat with someone over a cup of tea! This area has a great range of community and voluntary sector organisations, along with really committed individual activists (you know who you are) organising litter picking, street parties, improving the environment, creating vibrant festivals, reporting flytipping etc. It would be wonderful if everyone reading this were also able to identify and reach out to any isolated neighbours extending the hand of friendship. In a time when there is an increase in hate crime and suspicion of people from different backgrounds, our area can be an example of how things can be different. Trying to attract more resources into the area and changing those government policies that lead to the cuts to services for older and vulnerable people is a mammoth task, which we, as local councillors, all need to be continually focussed on. However, along with local residents, we too can think of small individual acts of kindness that can make such a difference to the lives of those who are isolated and lonely. Maybe all of our News Year’s resolutions could be to try to do both!
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117 947 7721
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bartonhillhistorygroup@gmail.com Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
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Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
stgeorge&redfieldvoice n LIZ COOKE – CHIEF EXECUTIVE, THE HIVE AVON 16
The Hive Avon is a dropin centre for adults with learning disabilities based on Two Mile Hill Road, St George. It provides activities and support to people across Bristol and South Gloucester. We caught up with its Chief Executive Liz Cooke to find out more about the work it does. What work do you do at The Hive? Aside from the drop-in centre we do a lot of work around moving into independence – whether that’s helping people become more independent at home or helping them to move out into supported living or into a flat on their own or with a friend. We do workshops around that and the skills you need when running your own home. We do money skills training as well and self-advocacy: helping people to stand up for themselves and put their own views forward in a non-aggressive way. We show them that they have a voice and it is important that they are listened to and it is their choice how to live their lives. Historically, people with learning disabilities have been told what to do and what they can’t do. We’re all about telling them that they can and giving them the tools to do it themselves. What is your organisation’s vision? We’ve actually been doing some work around this and have involved the guys who come here. Our vision statement is that we believe that everyone with a learning disability should be included, valued and live great lives. Alongside that we have our values such as them having their own choices, being independent and having their own lives. What does your role as CEO involve? It covers most things! I do strategic planning on where we are going and what other services we want to provide. But also fundraising, putting in lots of funding bids,
as well as working with staff and volunteers to arrange fundraising events. Who else works there? We have seven staff and we are all part-time with the exception of one full time person. Our full time staff member covers the self-advocacy and independent living work that we do. He has volunteers that support him in delivering the training. We have a volunteer coordinator who recruits and trains the volunteers who support us at the drop-in, with fundraising or with the training. The other staff are our core workers and session leaders at the drop-in and we have volunteers that help in those sessions too. We have over 60 volunteers; we take people from 16, so every year we get a new intake of sixth formers. We try not to turn people away and if they can only help once a week or even once a year then we work around it for them. Tell us a little about the history of the Hive Avon I’ve been here since 2004. I was the first person that they employed – up until then we were run by volunteers and we did not have the drop-in. We were affiliated with Mencap and were called Avon North Mencap. We started small and in the beginning of 2010 we opened the drop-in centre. Before that we gave out grants for holidays or would run Christmas discos and things like that. We called it The Hive because we wanted it to be a place where people come if they want to depending on if they have plans that day, or on how they feel. There’s no obligation for members to come and if they don’t come then they don’t have to pay. Although we were affiliated with Mencap, we were a charity in our own right. There were benefits, but a lot of funders thought that we were part of a national organisation and therefore had funding; but this wasn’t the case. So we decided that we should stop using the Mencap name to show people that we are a local charity – that was in 2015. It was a good move and we have not regretted it yet.
December, 2017
What is your background? Before joining The Hive I worked with another voluntary organisation called Homestart who support families with preschool children. Before that I was a head teacher in Southmead before I had my third child – I planned to take a career break, but instead ended up changing direction! What drives you? In the 13 years that I have been here attitudes have changed; there is more willingness for the guys that we work with to be included and not shut away in day centres where nobody can see them which sadly is what it used to be like. If I’m working on a ridiculously long funding bid and I’m getting irritated, then I just have to walk into the drop-in and think “yes that’s why I am doing it” because I can see the difference that it is making to people. What challenges do you face? Funding is our biggest challenge. The drop-in has been running for years now and it is almost self-sustaining because the guys pay. However, funders want to see something new and that makes it difficult and so we have to do a lot of fundraising. Funding applications often ask what we are doing different and we say that we’re not because we know that what we do works! However, it does mean that we can get money for our impact projects because we are always looking at new courses and new ways of working with people. The other challenge is that we are constantly recruiting volunteers. There are some times of year such as summer when it is harder to recruit than others. At the moment we have new people coming through because they are thinking about the New Year and what they are going to do. What’s next for The Hive? Next year is our 50^th anniversary. We have a ball planned at the Marriott on the 2nd of June. We want to expand our independent living work. We want to help members get into volunteering and further down
the line get them into work. In a way we are trying to do ourselves out of a job as much as possible because the vision would be that the drop-in would not be necessary for so many people because they have things that they are more connected with in their local community. We’d also like to do some employment training. How can people get involved? People can ring us on 0117 961 4372. They don’t need experience of working with someone with a disability. They come and meet our volunteer coordinator Cath and she’ll show them round and talk about the best way for them to get involved. We’re always looking for anyone to partner with us or sponsor us. This year we’ve been Gloucester Road WI’s charity of the year and next week I’m going to be visiting Kingswood Rotary as they have a cheque for us – but we are interested in people getting involved in any way. We always love having visitors so if anyone wants to pop by then they are welcome – they don’t necessarily need to get involved. The more people that come in and see what we do and tell other people, the better. For more information on The Hive Avon, call: 0117 961 4372, email: office@thehiveavon.org. uk or you can visit: thehiveavon. org.uk
You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @SGRVoice Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
December, 2017
n NEWS
Libraries decision postponed following consultation result
St George Health Centre merges with Lodgeside Surgery TWO well-established GP surgeries have announced they will merge next April. St George Health Centre and Lodgeside Surgery have boundaries which overlap and a history of working together as neighbouring practices. They will continue to operate from the two existing purpose built sites, in Bellevue Road, St George and Lodgeside Avenue. They will provide GP and nursing services to a combined list of around 22,000 patients, covering the area from Redfield and St George to Kingswood and Fishponds. A spokesperson for the surgeries said: "The practices took the decision to merge due to the increasing demands and pressures on GP services. "By merging, the practices feel that they will be able to change and adapt to meet these demands and ensure that the new practice is sufficiently robust to continue to offer quality care to patients in the future. "They have a very successful history of working together as neighbouring
practices and are delighted to be able to build on this firm foundation. "Staff and the Patient Participation Group have been informed of this decision and have given it their total support." Both practices are keen to convey the message that it will be business as usual for all patients when the merger takes place in April 2018. Patients will continue to be able to access services at their currently registered practice should they choose to do so. More information about the merger is available on the practice websites and via a newsletter which is available at reception in both practices. Patients’ views on the merger are welcome and can be sent by email to lodgesidesurgery@nhs.net or stgeorgehc.admin@nhs.net Anonymous comment, if preferred, can be sent directly to the practice by post or delivered by hand. The consultation period closes on 31 January, 2018.
Community
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Local Community Centre Beehive Breakfast Small Breakfast open to all! 19a Stretford Road Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7AW
0117 9354471 ACTIVITES & EVENTS on every day
(See our website for more info)
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17
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Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
ST George Library will continue to operate a usual following a decision by the council to revisit its proposals on the city’s library service. A large number of respondents to the council’s It’s Your Neighbourhood consultation rejected all three options presented, choosing the ‘none of the above’ option instead. The library service had already commissioned a consultant to assess whether an alternative delivery model – for example a mutual, trust or commercial provider - could be appropriate for the future service. This was thanks to funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The council will wait until the conclusion of this review, before making a final decision. The result offers renewed hope that St George Library could continue to receive council funding. Two of the three options in the consultation would have seen council funding withdrawn, while a third would have seen its funding significantly reduced.
News?
Call Richard On 07716 569447
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stgeorge&redfieldvoice
18
December, 2017
n NEWS
Act now to Play Out in spring RESIDENTS are being reminded to act now in order to arrange Playing Out sessions on their street in time for spring next year. The nationwide scheme aims to improve children’s wellbeing and community cohesion by organising road closures that allow kids to play in the street. However, Bristol City Council needs at least six weeks notice in order to process Temporary Play Street Orders and so residents are being advised to think two months ahead. “Lots of streets start thinking about Playing Out as the weather starts to pick up, but then get frustrated by the wait,” explained Jo Chesterman Local Area Activator for Playing Out. “Using the dark nights of winter to meet with neighbours and get decisions made – when, how often, and who's stewarding – is a great use of this time of year! It also gives people
something else to talk about other than the festive season.” Mrs Chesterman explained that Playing Out in St George is really taking off and as more streets start take part it sparks others to get involved. Glen Park has featured on national and international news programmes about the benefits that playing out can bring to all residents, young and old, with or without children. Clouds Hill Avenue and Congleton Road are the latest streets to start Playing Out sessions, with Howard Avenue now in its fourth year of fortnightly/monthly sessions. For more information contact Jo Chesterman on: 0781 181 6620 or email: jo@playingout. net The scheme costs nothing, and will help you get to know your neighbours by finding out if they want to be part of Playing Out.
Pupil safety not assured at St George special needs school THE proprietor of an independent school for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities in St George has said that issues are being dealt with after receiving an inadequate rating by Ofsted. Encompass Education is a very small school and boarding house registered for up to six pupils aged 11-19, however there are currently only two pupils on the roll. The report states that: “Pupils’ safety cannot be assured. Staff do not always know where pupils are or supervise them adequately.” The report also criticised the school for poor – but improving – pupil punctuality. However, speaking to the St George and Redfield Voice, the school’s proprietor Mr Pirtpal Singh explained that he expected most issues to be resolved within three weeks. Referring to effectiveness of
leadership and management, the report says: “Leaders do not ensure that pupils are adequately supervised throughout the school day. Consequently, leaders cannot assure themselves that pupils are safe.” Referring to personal development, behaviour and welfare, the report says: “Leaders cannot guarantee the safety of pupils when they are not on the school site.” The report also stated that the proprietor had not carried out the necessary checks on prospective staff before they start working at the school. However, the report did highlight that pupils that had recently left the school had been successful both academically and in their personal lives and that the proprietor shows a deep commitment to the school and pupils. This has resulted in pupils moving on to employment or higher level studies.
Will Writing & Estate Planning ST GEORGE STUDY CENTRE
A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –
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Kumon Maths & English Study Centre stgeorge@kumoncentre.co.uk Tel 07889 753311 Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.
Please feel free to call us during office hours on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online. co.uk
Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
December, 2017
19
n NEWS FROM THE ALLOTMENT
Your soil may be hungry over Christmas, feed it compost COMPOSTING to some gardeners is a mundane, if not boring chore, whilst many find it somewhat baffling. With others it is an obsession and their sole ambition in life it seems, is to produce a nutrient rich material from almost anything that comes to hand! Whole books have been written on the subject of turning garden waste into compost, but put simply there is nothing mysterious about the process, it’s just a matter of getting the ingredients about right. Almost anything that has originated from the soil can be included, up to about 50 percent of the mix; these are the ‘greens’ the rest needs to be ‘browns’ consisting of shredded paper, scrunched newspaper, straw or plain brown unprinted cardboard to mention a few. Adding woody, twig cuttings in small amounts is useful as these allow air into the heap. Bulk grass cuttings should be avoided as this simply turns into a soggy mess; better mix it with some browns
Thermometer indicates winter temperature of a compost heap.
before adding. Don’t forget of course that any green kitchen waste can also go into your bin, vegetable peelings and tea bags, however the material they are made from can take an age to decompose. But a word of caution, avoid adding cooked food as this will attract vermin. Coffee shops are a great source of material for composting. Seen as a neutral, coffee grounds when mixed in help absorb moisture if everything is too wet. And the shops themselves are pleased to give it away as it saves on their waste disposal costs. Many small cafés can easily produce several kilos a week, one shop in the area has approached us and offered theirs on a regular basis if
anyone would like to collect it for us, let us know. Purpose made plastic composters are ideal in gardens, but for a larger plot old pallets tied together in a square pen will work effectively. Whichever method you choose your waste will quickly start its decomposition process; even in winter months your heap can easily reach an internal temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees centigrade. If you would like to read up on composting we’ll be pleased to let you know which books in our opinion, are a good buy if you’d like to get in touch with us. Making compost, I’ve concluded, is far easier than digging, in fact these days I rarely dig at all! Earlier this year I prepared beds, four feet across and the width of my plot with woodchip paths between the beds. With no wooden sides to the beds time and
cost are saved, there is nothing to rot or anywhere for slugs to hide and the level of the beds were raised a few inches simply by adding homemade compost as described above. The results have been above expectations and weeding with a hoe has been quick and easy. ‘No dig’ gardening has been practised extensively for many years by Charles Dowding; the vegetable produce from his garden in Somerset can only be described as ‘exceptional’. Having appeared on television, written in magazines and published several books, Charles has offered to supply our allotment shop with signed copies of two of his best-selling titles in time for Christmas. One is How To Create a New Vegetable Garden, useful for both the beginner and even the most seasoned gardeners. The other is Charles Dowding’s Vegetable Garden Diary, not so much a diary in the day to day sense of the word but a manual of gardening to inform and inspire that is packed with illustrations. Three quarters of the book contains advice on how to grow great crops and it is intended to be used year after year. Call in to our shop and take look, either will make superb Christmas presents. Regular readers of our column may remember the achievements we had of our No Dig potato trial this year. Our beds where the spuds were planted were cleared of any weeds, a hole about 4–6 inches deep was made for each seed, then earthed-up using homemade compost. This produced a more than acceptable crop of all the varieties we planted. Needless to say, we’ll be adopting the same
method next year. Our main crops were Majestic and King Edward; these are just two of more than thirty-five varieties that will be available at our Potato Sale starting from 11.00am to 3.00pm on New Year’s Day, continuing every Saturday and Sunday morning thereafter. Our complete list of all varieties is now available and if you would like a copy call in and see us, or we can email it to you. You’ll be able to select as many or as few seed potatoes as you need so it’s a great way to experiment with different varieties, or if you only have a small space and want to grow them in bags. Please make a note to pop-in and see us on 1 January and take a look at what’s on offer, we’ll send you a reminder if you let us have your email address. Our kitchen will
be open serving bacon butties and veggie soup, a great way to get a bit of fresh air and wind down after all the festivities. We’re easy to find in Nicholas Lane, St. George, BS5 8RU, hope to see you then. But in the meantime we wish everyone a very Happy Christmas!
Bristol East Allotments Association Join us on New Year’s Day, 11.00 til 3.00pm for the start of our seed potato sale. Over 35 varieties on offer, PLUS stock up on veg seeds for your new growing season. ALL AT GREAT PRICES!
Email: beaanews@gmail.com or call 0117-932-5852. www.bristoleastallotments. com
Want to grow your own? Ask us about plot availability
The Allotment Shop
Nicholas Lane, St. George, Bristol, BS5 8RU Open every weekend 9.00am to 12.30pm
We also stock Composts, Fertilizers, Seeds, Sundries, Plants
Tel: 0117 9603253 - email: beaanews@gmail.com
www.bristoleastallotments.com
Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
From plot to plate, veg can’t get any fresher
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
ES M HO PEN OWW O H S NO
Stoke Gifford Retirement Village
An inspiring new
Retirement lifestyle
An ExtraCare Charitable Trust Village
for Stoke Gifford
Opening in late 2018, Stoke Gifford Retirement Village will give people over 55 an opportunity to enjoy an active lifestyle, in a home of their own, as part of a vibrant, supportive neighbourhood community. Located to the east of Coldharbour Lane in Stoke Gifford, near to the University of the West of England campus, the village will have 261 comfortable new homes all boasting the latest safety and security features. Here the focus will be on staying as active and independent as possible in the company of like-minded friends and neighbours thanks to a host of outstanding social and leisure facilities and activities. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust aims to ensure that opportunities to live at the village are affordable to all, and are offering these superb, state-of-theart retirement apartments for purchase, shared ownership or rent.
Village Show Homes Open for viewing Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm. Apartments available to purchase from
ÂŁ139,975
*
*Subject to availability.
In addition, should you need care, now or in the future, it can be provided in the comfort of your own village home.
Come along and have a look around to discover everything this exciting new village has to offer. Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Off Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1EJ For more information please call
0117 440 3570
or email stokegifford@extracare.org.uk
or online at www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk
StokeGiffordVillage Charges will apply. Details of any costs associated with your home, care and village services will be provided as part of your application. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, registered charity number 327816, is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales as company number 2205136. Its registered office is at 7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN. Copyright Š 2017 - The ExtraCare Charitable Trust
stgeorge&redfieldvoice 21 n TAKE A BREAK PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE Adult puzzles Children’s puzzles December, 2017
WORDSEARCH This month: Rivers from around the World
SUDOKU
Can you find 40 rivers hidden vertically, horizontally or diagonally?
Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.
S P K U T A S L H A O K N I A G R A O
O S K Z W O B D R I O N G N D L M O R
N O M A M U R R A Y T R G O G A U R U
N U D M K E A F Y P I E H G Z T B I J
C D E B P U H F Y S V E R O G H A N O
Y I A E C P M Y E L B E N I A A N O R
C F M Z Y H A A N Q T O O V V M G C D
TXT PERT
G E F I T R P N I G E R R N U E I O A
U L B P T A U G S W Q Q A F I S R C N
L G E I K T T T E K J C N P A R A N A
R H O N E E R Z Y P O P G G A N G E S
P G V Q A S A E X P X O E D A N U B E
2 3 1 4
3 2
SOLUTIONS
D V B L Y L R W Y K D X T T T U G G D
WAHT’S MY PRESENT?
U O I B G E G R E E N R I V E R H L A
Parcel a is the car, b is the submarine and c is the aeroplane.
H F Y I N U A M I E S F E G I R E O R
TXT PERT
E U C I J D N J L U M C O N G O E V O
Across2 Gravy, 6 Stew, 7 Nut, 8 Grapes, 10 Oil, 11 Rye. Down 1 Sausage, 3 Raw, 4 Venison, 5 Staple, 9 Pie.
I L E W R T X J D J D Y U J I D I D L
WORDSEARCH
Q S I Y E K H N M G E V P N K H Z R O
Amazon, Brahmaputra, Colorado, Congo, Danube, Elbe, Euphrates, Ganges, Green River, Huang, Hudson, Indus, Irrawaddy, Jordan, Lena, Mekong, Murray, Niger, Nile, Ob, Oder, Orange, Orinoco, Parana, Po, Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Somme, Syr Darya, Thames, Tigris, Ubangi, Volga, White River, Yangtze, Yellow, Yenisey, Yukon, Zambezi
Q J S N K B I V Y E L L O W K Q R V C
EASY for children
WHAT’S MY PRESENT? Can you trace which Christmas present is in which parcel? Answers above
a
b
c
This month: Food
Yenisey The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad Yukon Clues 1
Across Zambezi 2. 47289 6. 7839 7. 688 8. 472737 10. 645 11. 793
Down 1. 7287243 3. 729 4. 8364766 5. 782753 9. 743
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
2
3
4 5
6
7
8
9 10 11
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Got News? Call 0117 422 7200 or 07716 569447
Email: news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
stgeorge&redfieldvoice
22
December, 2017
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA 1 December n Summerhill Infants Christmas Fair 3:15pm–5:00pm. 2 December n Air Balloon Hill Primary School Christmas Fair. 11:00am-2:00pm at the School. Lots of stalls, activities and Christmas Shopping, as well as hot food and refreshments. New Harmony Ladies Choir and Bristol Male Voice Choir Seasonal Concert also featuring Oldland Brass. Starts 7.30pm at Horfield United Reform Church, Muller Road. Tickets £10 from choir members or at the door. Visit our websites: www.nhlcbristol. co.uk www.bristolmvc.org.uk 5 December n Brass band night at St Aidan and St George Church on Fir Tree Lane at 7:00pm. Bristol East & Kingswood Brass Band will be playing seasonal and other music to get December off to a flying start. Tickets £7 on the door and include interval refreshments. 7 December n Redfest Quiz, 8:00pm at the Red Lion, Whitehall Road. £2 per person, teams of up to six. Festive questions, raffle prizes, free supper. n Friends of Troopers Hill AGM, 7:15pm–9:00pm at Summerhill Methodist Church, Air Balloon Road. 8 December n The Hive Avon Christmas Fair. 1:00pm–4:00pm. 322-324 Two Mile Hill Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 1AJ Tel: 0117 9614372 Email: office@thehiveavon.org.uk n Summerhill Academy Friends Winter Fair 3:30pm–5:30pm. Volunteers wanted, stalls available. Contact: summerhillacademyfriends@gmail.com 9 December n St Michaels Church on Two Mile Hill Road will be displaying over 400 nativities to raise money for GOSH between 10:00am–5:00pm. 10 December n Summerhill Infants Christmas Fair 3:15pm–5:00pm.St Michaels Church on Two Mile Hill Road will be displaying over 400 nativities to raise money for GOSH between 11:30am–5:00pm. 13 December n A history and memories of Christmas past: illustrated talk by local historians. Starting at 7:30pm at Bethesda, Church Road. Members £1.50, non- members £2.50. Mince pie and tea/coffee included.
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 16 December n Redfestive 8:30pm–2.30am at the Red Lion, Whitehall Road. Featuring music from the Tremor Tones, Husky Tones and Redfest DJs. Free entry. Raising funds for Redfest, bad Christmas style encouraged. St Michaels Church on Two Mile Hill Road will be displaying over 400 nativities to raise money for GOSH between 10:00am–5:00pm. 17 December n St Michaels Church on Two Mile Hill Road will be displaying over 400 nativities to raise money for GOSH between 11:30am–5:00pm.
REGULAR EVENTS Monday n 55+ Wellbeing Group, 11.00am to 1.00pm, Beehive Centre n Ping Pong Club, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, Beehive Centre n IT Support and Advice, 10.30am to 12.30pm, St George Library n Baby Bounce and Rhyme, 10.15am, St George Library n ESOL – Learning Direct 9:30am– 11.30am, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre. Please call to find out when the next course starts, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Baby Clinic, 1:00pm–2:30pm, Cossham Hospital seminar room n Messy play, 1:30pm–3:00pm, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Capoeira: Easton Community Centre, 6:30pm–7:30pm, call Rad on 07734 469251 or Lise on 07590 408705 n Bristol Community Friendship Club, lunchtime cuppa and roll: every first Monday of the month 12:00pm–2:00pm at St Annes Boardmills Club on Avondale Road. Everyone welcome, make new friends. Visit the Bristol Community Friendship Club Facebook page and ask to join or telephone Gill on 0117 902 5779 Tuesday n Walking Group, 10.30am to
To advertise, contact Philip on 0117 422 7200
11.30am, Beehive Centre n Lunch Club, 12.30pm to 2.00pm, Beehive Centre n Film Club, 1.45pm, Beehive Centre n Arts & Crafts, 10.30am to 1.00pm, Saffron Gardens, Prospect Place, 0117 935 4471 n Branching Out 9:00am–11:00am, n Messy play, 1:30pm–3:00pm, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Stay and play, 9:30am–11:00am, St Aidan’s Church Hall n Baby Clinic, 10:00am–12:00am, St George Health Centre n ESOL Conversation Club, 1:30am–2:30pm, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Capoeira: Gracie Barra School BS5 9JU 6:30pm–8:00pm, call Rad on 07734 469251 or Lise on 07590 408705 Wednesday n Holistic Massage, 10.00am to 12noon, Beehive Centre n Tai Chi, Beginners 10.30– 11.30am, advanced 11.30am– 12.30pm Beehive Centre n Art & Craft Class, 1.30pm to 4.00pm, Beehive Centre n Keep Fit, 2.00pm to 3.00pm, Beehive Centre n Easton Food Assembly, 12.30pm to 7.00pm, collect orders from Easton Community Centre, info eastonfoodassembly@gmail.com n Community / Parents Group Meeting, Summerhill School n Theatre 4 Tots: Develop confidence and co-ordination through the diverse practices of performing arts. Sessions run at The Bristol Hippodrome 11.00am to 12noon, for 0 - 4 years. Info Marie on 0117 961 1686 n Nurturing programme and parenting puzzle. Please call to book, 9:30am–11:30am, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Under 1’s social group, 1:30pm– 3:00pm, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 Thursday
n Community Café, 9.00am to 1.30pm, Beehive Centre n Over 55 Ballroom Dance, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Beehive Centre n Canoeing, Kayaking, Rowing and Sailing for the over 55s. 10.00am to 12noon. Baltic Wharf. Info 0117 935 4471 n Coffee Morning, 10.00am to 12noon, St Aidan’s Church, Fir Tree Lane. Info 0117 960 6592 n Pre-School Children’s Story Time, 10.15am to 10.45am, St George Library n Childminders’ group, 9:15am– 10:45am, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Growing together, 9:30am– 11:30am, Speedwell Allotments n Rock-a-bye, 9:30am – 10:30am, please call to book, Community Hub, Hillfields n Stories Songs and Rhymes, 1:00pm–2:00pm, Speedwell Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Post natal group. Call to book, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Baby Massage, 1:30pm – 2:30pm, please call to book, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n ParkWork: Between 10:00am and 12:30pm. 1st Thursday: Other spaces (Meadow Vale), 2nd: St George Park, 3rd: Troopers hill, 4th: Dundridge, 5th: Other spaces (Meadow Vale). Contact Joe Mckenna on: 07469 400689 or joe. mckenna@bristol.gov.uk n Capoeira: kids class 5.15pm– 6.15pm, adults class from 6.30pm– 8.00pm at Gracie Barra school BS5 9JU, call Rad on 07734 469251 or Lise on 07590 408705 n Green Mingle is held on the first Thursday of the month at The Station Kitchen in Broadmead it is an informal networking event for anyone who is interested in anything green. Bordeaux Quay between 5:00pm – 7:00pm. n Messy Play: Bethesda Methodist Church, Church Road, 10.30am– 12:00. £3 per child or £5 for two or
Email: sales@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk
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Publication:
December, 2017
stgeorge&redfieldvoice St George and Redfield Voice
n WEdition(s): HAT’S ON INApril OUR AREA 2017 more children. No minimum age as the parents/guardians stay with the children at all times. For more information contact: 07799577584. n Friends of Troopers Hill work party, 10:00am–12:00pm, every third Thursday of the month. Volunteers meet by the red slide on Troopers Hill field. Friday n Line Dancing, 10.30am to
Size:
11.30am, Beehive Centre n Ping Pong Club, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, Beehive Centre n Bingo, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Beehive Centre n Stay and play, 9:00am – 11:00am, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329
n Capoeira: 10.30am–12:00pm, Gracie Barra school BS5 9BH, call Rad on 07734 469251 or Lise on 07590 408705 n St George wards councillor surgeries, first Saturday of every month, 11:30am–12:30pm at St George library n Chess club, 3–5pm at St George Library; all welcome n Friends of Troopers Hill work party, 10:00am–12:00pm, every first
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Saturday of the month. Volunteers meet by the red slide on Troopers Hill field.
Directory 5.8cm x 5.0cm Beehive Centre is at 19a
Advertiser:
Leaflet Delivery
Saturday
Stretford Road (next to St Ambrose Church) information on activities at the Beehive Centre is available at www. thebeehivebristol.co.uk or tel 0117 935 4471.
Date: and Redfield 17 March St George Voice 2017
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Would you like to feel more connected to your community?
Community Navigators Bristol: a free service to help local people feel less isolated. • North Bristol: Contact Laura We’ll help you discover what’s on 0117 951 5751 or on locally and give you the laura.t@northbristoladvice.org.uk confidence to take the first step, whether it’s meeting people, • South, central & east Bristol: rekindling hobbies, volunteering Contact Gemma on or learning something new. 0117 440 9100 or community.navigators@nhs.net The service is for people over 50. You can refer yourself or someone else. • communitynavigators.org.uk