St George & Redfield Voice February 2020 by St George & Redfield Voice

stgeorge&redfieldvoice February, 2020 Issue 36

www.stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk

FREE EVERY MONTH IN ST GEORGE AND REDFIELD

Mud in the field? We're looking into it! Given the frequent downpours we've been having since early autumn, you might think there was not much mystery over why part of Troopers Hill field is flooded. But this patch is a quagmire every winter, so university students are investigating. Find out more on Page 13

Greener buses on the way A fleet of 27 buses fuelled by biomethane will be running through Redfield and St George from this month on the 42, 42A, 43, 44 and 45 routes. PAGE 9

Tragic Becky's voice was not heard - report LESSONS must be learned from the murder of teenager Becky Watts in 2015, a report has concluded. Becky, pictured, was killed at her home by her step-brother Nathan Matthews, assisted by his girlfriend Shauna Hoare.

A Domestic Homicide Review, by the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership, found that despite many agencies being in contact with Becky and her family in the years before she died, opportunities to help her were missed. Full story: Page 4

'Professionals listened to the adults and not to the child'

Care home pilots dementia project Redfield Lodge care home in Avonvale Road is trialling a virtual reality project to show staff what life is like for people with dementia. PAGE 3

GPs offer extra appointments GP surgeries in our area have been offering extra appointments to help ease winter pressures on the NHS. PAGE 7

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice n NEWS

February, 2020

stgeorge&redfieldvoice www.stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk Publisher & Sales Caroline Galvin 0745 3954261

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Can you identify these two robbers? POLICE want help in identifying two robbers - one armed with a meat cleaver - who robbed a Co-op shop. The pair entered the convenience store in Two Mile Hill Road at 6.11am on December 2. After threatening the two women working at the store with the knife they demanded cash from the tills before running off in the direction of Bell Hill Road. Police released CCTV footage of the men and investigator Emily Barber said: “This was a terrifying incident for the staff working in the store. "Thankfully, nobody was injured but understandably staff were left shaken by what happened. "We are hoping that by releasing this CCTV footage people will remember seeing these men in the area and be able to help us with our ongoing investigation.” The armed man was around 5ft 7in tall and stocky. He was wearing a dark blue boiler suit, grey gloves, a black balaclava or snood and a black beanie hat. The second robber was described as 5ft 10in tall and thin. He was wearing grey jogging trousers, dark waterproof jacket, a black balaclava, snood or scarf and black gloves, with a white strip across the top. He also had a black rucksack, with a white patch and dark green lettering. Both were said to be white and with Bristolian accents. Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 5219 277 995.

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Dementia care home pioneers Stabbing victim was virtual reality staff training targeted - police STAFF at a care home in Redfield are being trained to use virtual technology which replicates the experience of living with dementia. Redfield Lodge, in Avonvale Road, is one of just a handful of care homes in Bristol to use the dementia simulator, which gives staff an insight into what life is like for people who have the degenerative condition. Bristol City Council is funding the training of more than 30 staff there which will show them the perspective of a person living with dementia and the simple changes that can be made to help improve their lives. Training involves wearing a visual simulator headset, headphones and multiple-layered gloves, whilst being instructed to undertake daily activities. Redfield Lodge is the only local authority home in Bristol for people living with dementia. Councillor Helen Holland, cabinet member for Adult Social Care said: “With an ageing population there is always going to be a need for a skilled and compassionate care workforce. This forward-thinking technology will help staff understand the condition from a patient’s point of view, to help us deliver personcentered care with the individual at the heart of decision making.” She added: “Dementia and the way we provide care is changing. People are staying in their homes longer with support from our

adult social care transformation programme - Better Lives. By the time residential care is required, dependency needs are usually much higher. The more we can learn about dementia, the better equipped we are to provide the right environment and care that meets the patient’s needs.” Rahma Said, care assistant at Redfield Lodge, said: “The training provided a real insight into dementia and just how overwhelming everyday tasks must feel. “By understanding the issues faced by a person with dementia, we can start to make simple changes to the way we care to help reduce their frustration and anxiety.” The training will be rolled out to all managers and staff at the care home.

Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. It can affect an individual’s memory, speech, as well as, the way they think, feel and behave. The Alzheimer’s Society (2014) reports there are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. Of these, approximately, 42,000 are people with young onset dementia, which affects people under the age of 65. It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2021 will rise to over one million. If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s health, visit Bristol City Council’s website for advice and support: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ social-care-health/dementia

A MAN was stabbed as he sat in a car in St George. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened shortly before 4pm on January 23 in Weavers Mill Close, to contact them. The 21-year-old was sitting in a car when he was attacked. He was taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or lifechanging. Police seized the vehicle for forensic examination, carried out house-to-house enquiries and are examining CCTV footage from the area. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “Police believe this was a targeted attack and are currently trying to find and arrest a suspect in connection with the incident. “Anyone who saw the incident but has not yet spoken to officers, or who has any other information which could help the investigation is urged to get in touch.” Witnesses should call 101, quoting crime reference number 5220 018 318. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS A REPORT into the murder of St George teenager Becky Watts has told agencies to ensure that “a child’s voice is heard” in future. Becky, who was 16, was murdered in 2015 at her home in Crown Hill by her step-brother Nathan Matthews, in a sexuallymotivated killing assisted by his girlfriend Shauna Hoare. A Domestic Homicide Review, carried out by the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership to learn lessons from what happened, found that seven agencies had contact with Becky and her family in the four years before she died, eight had been involved with Matthews and ten with Hoare. However, none of them were aware of the family links between Matthews and Becky. The review concluded that even if they had, it was “unlikely that Matthews and Hoare would have been seen as posing a threat to Becky to the extent that they would murder her”. The report found that Becky had been in contact with various services – including the Family Intervention and Support Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Bristol Hospital Education Service, Bristol City Council

Nathan Matthews

Report shows lessons to be learned from Becky tragedy Early Help service, Creative Youth Network and Action for Children – since the age of 13, in 2011, when her step-mother contacted Children’s Social Care due to concerns over her non-attendance at school and behaviour at home. But the agencies placed “an emphasis on the voices of the adults around Becky”, rather than talking to her directly – and at one point she said told CAMHS that “no adults listen to her”. The report said: “This was a missed opportunity: CAMHS, or another service working with Becky at the time, could have explored this statement with her, ensuring that she was alone when this was done.” Becky had told a friend Matthews had touched her inappropriately when she was eight, but neither of them had told anyone else. She also told a friend she thought Matthews was “weird” and in the months before she was killed, she told her mother and a friend that Matthews had threatened to kill her, although she did not give the impression she believed it. Authorities had noticed the “controlling” behaviour of Matthews towards Hoare, that their relationship had started when he was 22 and she was just 15 and that Matthews had “difficulty managing anger... and often ends up in a conflict situation with others”.

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Becky Watts: 'Her voice was not heard' by professionals But agencies they did not have any information that he posed a risk to Becky or anyone else, the report said. It found that Matthews and Becky were registered with the same GP at the same home address, but this had not been flagged as Becky was not subject to “safeguarding concerns”. Becky’s friend told the review Becky had been “very unhappy” at being frequently ‘cat-called’ in the street by men, which left her not wanting to go out alone and possibly affected her anxiety and anorexia. The report made nine recommendations for various agencies, including ensuring that training about coercive and controlling behaviour is given, that professionals working with young people take into account their “full family history and

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wider social networks” and to ensure young people are asked if they would like to speak alone to professionals, without other family members present. Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership independent chair Ivan Powell said: “The review highlighted the need for a child’s voice to be heard. “Our hope is that the changes that have been introduced as a result of this case will help develop an improved response and reduce the risk of such tragic events happening in future.” Responding to the report, Becky’s mum Tanya Watts said: “It is clear to me that there were missed opportunities to support Becky from individuals and agencies. Becky wasn’t able to have a voice and I hope that learning can be implemented to ensure another young victim can speak out in a way that my daughter couldn’t. “I was horrified to read in the report that Becky had confided in a close friend that she had been sexually abused by her step brother at a young age. I had not known about this before and if I had known I would have done everything I could to support and protect her.” Becky’s father, Darren Galsworthy, said: “Becky was the heart and soul of our family and the light at the end of our tunnel; without her there is only darkness left and an impatient desire to be reunited with her.”

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Railway path plans are dangerous, say cyclists

A CYCLING group says some of the changes planned for the Bristol and Bath Railway Path are "dangerous and likely to deter cycling". Transport charity Sustrans is overseeing a £1.1 million improvement scheme for the path on its final stretch from Clay Bottom through Whitehall, Easton and St Philip's. The path is used by thousands of people each day and is a popular route to the city centre by bike for commuters travelling from as far as Bath. But the number of pedestrians using the path increases the further into Bristol it gets. In December, Sustrans unveiled radical design concepts for areas of the path where there were most likely to be issues between pedestrians and cyclists. But the Bristol Cycling Campaign has raised concerns over some of the proposals, particularly those which include seating and other "obstacles" which the group says will "hinder rather than help" cycling on the path. Bristol Cycling Campaign chair Nick Davies said: "Our members have been frankly appalled at some of the poorly thought out ideas to put obstacles or street furniture on the direct cycle route. Some of the proposals are both dangerous and likely to deter cycling." In a detailed, 37-page response to the plans, the group argues for the path to be widened throughout its busiest section to enable separation of cyclists and pedestrians, calling for a three-metre wide cycling section alongside a 2m pedestrian lane. Particular concerns were raised over the possibility of seating at the sharp bends at Clay Bottom, changes to the pedestrian crossing near Whitehall Primary School, and changing the direct route of the path near Easton Community Centre, as well as adding a series of raised tables in contrasting colours. In its response, the group said: "Conflict between different users is inevitable at busy times on a shared-use path; only effective separation of modes will alleviate this."

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The design concepts for the Clay bottom 'wiggle' are among those criticised by the Bristol Cycling Campaign The group also said that while there had been a focus on 'speeding cyclists' in the consultations, they represented a "very small percentage" path users, and it said speeding was "a subjective term". In its response, the group said: "We will oppose any measures which deter cycling (and some of these designs do). That will only increase motoring in east Bristol, with adverse consequences for the local community and the climate." Sustrans South area director James Cleeton said: "We are grateful to the Bristol Cycling Campaign for taking the time to put together such a considered response, which we will take into account in the work that follows. "The aim of this project is to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone – including people riding bikes – in line with the community vision. This is what we’re working towards and why it’s so important that we hear from as wide a range of voices as possible.

"The concept sketches we consulted on came about after an extensive engagement process and represented the thoughts and ideas we had heard from the community so far. They’ve prompted debate and further engagement, which is all very useful and has given everyone engaged in the project a lot of food for thought. "We will continue to work on designs for improvements to the path, including looking at the feasibility of widening – and other options – within the scope and budget for this project. We would welcome a meeting with the Bristol Cycling Campaign in the weeks to come and look forward to further engagement with the wider community too.” Sustrans will be running an update workshop on the co-design project at Easton Community Centre on February 24, from 5-7pm. The Sustrans plan can be found online at bit.ly/2sysdpX and the Bristol Cycling Campaign response is at bit.ly/bcycbbrp.

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Campaigners: Commuter train cuts are crazy RAIL campaigners say cuts to daytime services at Bristol stations are "crazy" as the city tries to tackle gridlock on the roads. Pressure group Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways says timetable changes introduced at the end of last year mean fewer trains now go from Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road stations direct to Bristol Parkway. They say the move affects commuters travelling to and from the major employers in the north of the city, as well as students. Train operator GWR says the problem has been fitting local services around extra trains introduced in December, including its new "SuperFast" services from Temple Meads via Parkway to London. FoSBR is calling for the direct local services to be restored when the next timetable change is made in the spring. Fewer local trains now end their journey at Bristol Parkway, with a number of them stopping short at Filton Abbey Wood instead. During the weekday off-peak period, there are now no direct trains from Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road to Bristol Parkway between the 7.48am and 4.11pm services from Lawrence Hill: previously there were 10

Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways chair Rob Dixon. Picture: FoSBR direct trains during the same period. The group has visited both Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road to talk to people affected by the changes. GWR says it has changed ticketing rules to allow people to make the journey via Temple Meads but this means that a journey which takes 13 minutes from Lawrence Hill or 10 minutes from Stapleton Road on a direct train could now take up to 54 minutes. FoSBR Chair Rob Dixon said: "To withdraw cross-city services from a city that’s infamous for traffic gridlock seems crazy. The GWR leaflet suggests alternative bus services,

but this timetable change may drive people back to their cars." A GWR spokesperson said extra trains were now using the route between Temple Meads and Parkway, where track capacity has been expanded. The spokesperson said: "It was not possible for train planners from Network Rail to find enough paths for our services between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol Parkway from Filton Abbey Wood. "Stapleton Road and Lawrence Hill customers are most significantly impacted as some may have to go to Bristol Temple Meads to get a train to Bristol Parkway. "We’ve managed to run some peak time services and we’ve produced a leaflet showing alternative bus journeys that has been distributed at the relevant stations. "The most recent passenger figures show low numbers of customers being affected but this is still something that we want to put right and we’re working on it with Network Rail. "The timetable is due to be revised by Network Rail on May 17, which will include some additional services and hopefully more paths between Filton Abbey Wood and Bristol Parkway."

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February, 2020

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

n NEWS

GPs offer more appointments as NHS feels the winter pressure GP surgeries are providing extra appointments as the NHS tries to cope with increased levels of illness over the winter. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which is responsible for paying for health services in the area, says GP practices across its area are providing a total of 7,000 hours more for appointments over the four months to the end of February. It comes as Bristol’s hospitals reported that mounting pressures over the winter meant they were failing to meet targets to see emergency patients within four hours and waiting times for planned treatment were rising. The CCG says that in Bristol, the number of hours available for appointments across all surgeries had been increased by between 413 and 1,780 hours per month, the equivalent of between 17 and 74 entire days of surgery opening. In November, 413 extra hours of appointments were provided in Bristol, with 1,780 extra hours in each of December and January, and 923 extra due to be available in February. But the time patients wait to have an appointment can vary considerably between practices. According to the NHS GP Patient Survey for 2019, 18 per cent of patients of Air Balloon Surgery were able to book a same-day appointment, 24 per cent waited more than a day but less than a week and 48 per cent waited for a week or more. At Fireclay Health, which includes St George Health Centre and Lodgeside Surgery, just eight per cent of patients were able to book a same-day appointment, 54 per cent waited more than a day but less than a week and 32 per cent waited for more than a week. At the Wellspring Surgery in

Redfield, 24 per cent of patients surveyed were able to book same-day appointments, 39 per cent waited more than a day but less than a week and 27 per cent waited a week or more. At Lawrence Hill Health Centre, 54 per cent of patients reported being able to book a same-day appointment, 26 per cent waited more than a day but less than a week and 12 per cent waited a week or more. Some patients responding to the survey couldn't remember the length of their wait. A spokesperson for the CCG said more evening and weekend appointments were being provided to make things more convenient for patients and relieve pressure on busy hospitals. He added: “In order to support access, especially during the colder months when people pick up winter illnesses, GP practices are providing 7,000 hours of extra appointments from November through to the end of February. “Many practices are also embracing digital ways of serving patients, allowing patients to reorder prescriptions, access self-care advice, and book appointments through the NHS

app. Some are also offering an online consultation service for their patients. "We’re also planning to work with practices to pilot and

evaluate video consultations in 2020, and provide this as an option for practices to use in 2021. “There are preventative steps the public can take to stay well this winter, avoiding a trip to a GP or other urgent care service altogether. Actions as simple as keeping warm, getting a flu vaccination and visiting a local community pharmacist at the first sign of illness all contribute to staying healthy.” A CCG governing body meeting in January heard hospitals including the BRI and Southmead were "enormously pressured" over Christmas and New Year, with demand at A&E growing at a "really significant rate" and 19 people currently waiting more than a year for planned surgery.

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n FRIENDS OF ST GEORGE PARK

What do we want to spend our money on?

’VE written articles for the Voice over the past few months about what people have asked for in St George Park, as well as making even more of the park. A recurring theme has been asking people to get involved in making these things happen. At the end of February, we have a chance to do this across all three St George wards (St George West, Central and Troopers Hill). We get to influence how the council spends a big pot of money called the CIL fund. The Council charges the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to everyone who builds in the city. This money is available to create things for the benefit of the community. Our local councillors get to choose what projects are put forward for funding. We can talk to our councillors

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about what we want (or don’t want) and we can create projects. This starts with an open public meeting at the St George Community Centre, from 2.304.30pm on Sunday February 23. In 2018, eight projects were submitted, including for the St George Park Lake Project, refurbishment community centres, one-way systems, traffic calming and tree planting. Project costs varied from £10,000 to £300,000. The CIL fund also paid for the toilets and kiosk refurbishment in St George Park. If there is something that you and your community want done, this is a chance to get money make it happen. You need to: • Agree what the project is; it must be “infrastructure”, not operating or maintenance costs. • Talk to your local councillor(s)

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about the project • Go to the meeting on February 23 and tell people what you want to do The St George councillors are: • St George Central – Nicola Beech, Steve Pearce • St George Troopers Hill – Fabian Breckels • St George West – Asher Craig You can find more information at the website bristol.gov.uk/ people-communities/fundinglocal-projects, including a form that you can fill in with your councillor. If you want to find out what is being proposed and be part of choosing what gets funded, please come to the meeting on February 23: I hope to see you there. And, with spring on the way, if you want to get involved in supporting St George Park, email info@friendsofstgeorgepark.org.uk.

n NEWS

Woman slapped and robbed A WOMAN was hit in the face and robbed of her mobile phone by two muggers in a St George street. Police say the incident happened on December 12 between 9.30pm and 10pm, between Glebe Road and Lambley Road. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "The victim was walking home from work and was approached by two men on bikes. "She was slapped in the face and had her phone taken." The muggers were white and aged between 19 and 20. One was about 5ft 7in and slim, with short, straight dark hair. He wore dark trousers and a dark top, and riding a white mountain bike. The other was about 6ft and had a hood up. He wore black jogging bottoms, possibly Adidas, and a dark jacket, and rode a dark bike. Anyone who thinks they saw the two men or has other information that could help police should call 101 and quote crime 5219 286 817.

'High value' raid haul POLICE are trying to trace four people over a burglary in which jewellery and other valuable were stolen. The Avon and Somerset force says the "high-value" burglary happened in Sloan Street, near St George Park, between 8am and 4pm on November 28. Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries, forensic enquiries and a review of CCTV footage, which found the four people pictured. Anyone who thinks they recognise any of the youths should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 275 586.

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February, 2020

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

n NEWS

Gas from waste is set to fuel our buses BUSES travelling through St George and Redfield are set to get a lot greener this month. Operator First West of England is introducing a fleet of 27 biomethane-fuelled buses to run on the 42, 42A, 43, 44 and 45 services. The bus company is set to base a fleet of 77 gas-powered buses at its Lawrence Hill depot. The first 10 are already in service on the m3 metrobus service from Emersons Green to the city centre via the Avon Ring Road. Over the coming months 67 more will be introduced across East Bristol, with all buses currently running 42-45 routes due to be replaced with biomethane-powered vehicles in February. First says greenhouse gas emissions from the new buses are more than 80% lower than the diesel vehicles they replace while poisonous nitrogen oxide

Biomethane-powered metrobuses at First's Lawrence Hill depot emissions are 95% lower. The move is part of First's efforts to meet Clean Air Zone requirements proposed by the city council which require operators to pay £100 per bus per day to enter the inner city from next year.

Lawrence Hill will host the city's biggest permanent biogas filling station. First West of England managing director James Freeman said the new buses would be "part of the solution in helping to clean up the city’s air".

He said: "These 77 new biogas buses are not only 95% less polluting but will also, we hope, encourage more people to leave their cars at home and jump on the bus, with an improved level of service on offer.” The new vehicles have free Wi-Fi and are fitted with at-seat USB charging facilities. First says it has chosen biomethane buses over electric buses because, although electric buses have zero emissions on the road, the amount of greenhouse gas created by their production and charging is 19% higher than a biomethane gas bus. Biomethane buses also have a longer range, of 250 miles, which means they can stay on the road for longer. Biomethane is produced from decaying organic material at landfills or biogas plants using anaerobic digestion, which involves heating waste in the absence of oxygen.

'No blank cheque' THE government minister in charge of future transport planning has vowed to help Bristol meet its zero carbon target but says he is “not going to write a blank cheque”. Transport minister George Freeman was in the city on January 23 to speak to Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees and Metro Mayor Tim Bowles about their ambitions for transport. The launch of a government transport ‘decarbonisation plan’ is due in the next few weeks as part of a plan for the UK to go carbon neutral by 2050. Bristol has set its own target of 2030, and is one of the areas that the government will help, the minister said. Mr Freeman said: “We’ll be looking at all their plans, but I’m not going to write a blank cheque here, obviously, and that’s the reason for coming is to see the city and the region and talk to both mayors.” Mr Freeman described Bristol as “leading” in transport terms. He said he was impressed with the “ambition” and the “clarity of leadership” from the council and Weca. But when asked whether the

government would commit to funding a mass transit system for the city, he said: “It needs to be strategic. It needs to link the right centres of employment, it needs to tackle the travel to work black spots, and it needs to be affordable and sensible.We’ve had a history in the UK of very expensive grand projects that slightly never get off the ground.” He said a government commitment to spend £220 million on buses would not only see the greening of the national fleet but a move towards digital, demand-led services that responded to passenger need rather than ran to timetables. Weca has recently reaffirmed its commitment to its Joint Local Transport Plan, despite the collapse of the Joint Spatial Plan for development involving Bristol and neighbouring councils. The commitment to change came as the British Heart Foundation said particulate air pollution was a “major public health emergency” which could cause 800 deaths in Bristol over the next decade. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n FRIENDS OF TROOPERS HILL

Biology, astronomy, and geology at Troopers Hill

A mining bee

RIENDS of Troopers Hill celebrated the end of their National Lottery funded “Protecting Nature” project on January 25. As they had promised, they revealed the results of the 2019 invertebrates survey carried out by entomologist David Gibbs. David recorded 321 species of invertebrates during his visit, ranging from moths to beetles. These included a number of rare species and was a good quality result for such a small area. For some time the Friends of Troopers Hill have been proud to say that 78 species of bee have been recorded on Troopers Hill. Thanks to David’s research, this has now risen to 84 species. There are over 270 species of bee in this country. Unlike the honey bee and bumblebees, the rest are solitary bees and are just male and female. They do not have queens, nor do they have hives. Solitary bees are far more efficient pollinators than honey bees and are responsible for most of our fruit tree pollination. Troopers Hill provides an ideal habitat for many of these bees. Mining bees need bare patches of soil to create nests to lay their eggs, and nearby flowers to gather pollen and nectar, for themselves and to leave with their eggs for when they hatch. Some bees behave like cuckoos, and lay their eggs in the mining bees’ nests. When

The moth Dasystoma salicella was thought to be extinct but was found on Troopers Hill last year. their young hatch out they will kill the young of the mining bee and consume the food that she has left. Quite often only one species of cuckoo bee will prey on only one other species of solitary bees, so having found a cleptoparasite (cuckoo) bee in the past makes it quite likely its victim species will be found. This is exactly what happened. Five of the six newly recorded bee species, including the aptly named heather mining bee (Andrena fuscipes), have had their cleptoparasites recorded on site in earlier years. Moving from below to high above the ground, there will be the opportunity to look at the stars and planets above Troopers Hill in February. The generous volunteers of the Bristol Astronomical Society (BAS) will once again be joining forces with Friends of Troopers Hill to provide a star gazing evening for 25 lucky people. Numbers are restricted to fit the number of telescopes BAS can support. The evening will start with an introduction, pointing out various constellations across the night sky, and then there will be the opportunity to look through the telescopes. Friends of Troopers Hill are taking expressions of interest in the event via tinyurl.com/ stargazing2020 online. As in previous years, everyone who registers their interest will be emailed 24 hours before the date

A green beetle on a cat's ear flower meteorologist Rod Davis declares as good enough for star gazing, and the first 25 people who respond will be given places. Then, in March, we can look at our own planet. Geologist Dave Green will be leading a walk for Friends of Troopers Hill on Saturday March 8 at 10am. Places can be booked online via tinyurl. com/geology2020 to look at this Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Site (RIGS). Meanwhile, Bristol City Council have been working hard carrying

out winter conservation work on Troopers Hill and the Friends have been doing the same at their volunteer-led nature conservation work parties. There is a conservation work party on the first Saturday and third Thursday of every month, starting promptly at 10am and finishing at noon. Meet by the sign marking the start of the audio trail at the entrance to Troopers Hill from Troopers Hill Field. Susan Acton-Campbell

To advertise in your the local newspaper email sales@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk or call 07453 954261

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS

Mud mystery probed as path works begin A TEAM of students is trying to find out why part of a field turns into a quagmire every winter, as a project to build a path across it begins. The section of Troopers Hill Field, between the play area and Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve, is a muddy mess impassable to anyone not wearing boots at this time of year, meaning people visiting the nature reserve have to walk around the edge of the field on a combination of path and rough track, which is impossible to use in a wheelchair because of puddles, mud and grit. Work to build a new tarmac path and surface the rough track along the edge of the field is due to start this month, after the Friends of Troopers Hill secured

a total of £62,500 to pay for it. The Friends applied for funding in 2018 after a survey found local people wanted it. They secured funding from the Enovert Community Trust and the Ibstock Enovert Trust, along with Bristol City Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, after St George Troopers Hill ward councillor Fabian Breckels championed their cause. The work to build the new path and improve the track is due to take five weeks, after which the Friends hope it will be easier for people to reach the nature reserve over the winter months. Last month, before work got under way, six geography students from Bristol University

took soil and water samples to try to find why that section of the field is so boggy. The Friends of Troopers Hill have asked them to identify whether any of the water soaking the field is mains water, from a leaking pipe. The students are due to publish their results in March.

Rob Acton-Campbell, who made the grant applications on behalf of the Friends, said: "We hope to see families with children in buggies, people in wheelchairs and anyone who would usually be put off by the mud, enjoying year round access to this beautiful Local Nature Reserve."

WE'RE ONLINE TOO! www.stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk

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Your opinions help us make decisions! Come along and discuss your local housing services with the council. If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and can make suggestions about improvements to shared council areas. Housing Officers will also be there to help you with your individual enquiries. FREE tea, coffee and biscuits provided. For information contact: Tenant Participation (0117) 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk. All details at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums If you have news for us please email news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk or call 07453 954261 BD12681 - Local Housing Forums (Jan 2020).indd 2

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS A FORMER football manager from Hanham has launched an initiative aimed at tackling male suicide. Martin Williamson, who managed a team at AEK Boco from 2004 to 2016, was devastated to hear of the death of former player Sean Finnegan. Sean, also of Hanham, was 28 when he took his life in August. The news rocked the footballing community and left many thinking about what could have been done to have stopped Sean's death. Martin himself did much soul searching and came up with the idea of creating drinks mats featuring messages and slogans of support aimed at young males who may be experiencing mental health issues. They also feature advice as well as phone numbers and websites of organisations which can help. Messages include “Some people say they are ok when they are not. Talk to a friend” and “If you are feeling desperate, depressed, sad, lonely, anxious or overwhelmed...you are not alone”. Martin, 52, who has two sons aged 20 and 23, says the drinks mats can be placed at sports clubs, bars, pubs, canteens and offices in order to break the taboo surrounding mental health. Orders are already coming in from across the country as news of Martin's initiative spreads, with 100 per cent of all profits going to mental health charities. Martin said: “A lot of people said to me that they saw Sean a couple of days before he died and he was fine. You hear this all the time – people somehow manage to carry on and live a normal life when they're at breaking point. “Mental health is getting to the forefront of the media and news but is that making people talk about it? I don't know. “It's as though they think killing themselves is somehow easier than sharing their problem with somebody. It's mindblowing that someone can be in such a state mentally that they think that's the best thing to do. This really got to me.” Shortly after Sean died, a football game between his club Hanham Athletic and AEK Boco, where he played as a child, went

Tragedy inspires campaign to reduce male suicides

One of the Friends Must Talk drinks mats, which Martin hopes will encourage people to talk about their mental health

Former football manager Martin Williamson, from Hanham, with some of the drinks mats he's made that bear a vital message ahead in his memory. “It was quite emotional and got me thinking whether football clubs do enough for their kids,” said Martin. Feeling concerned, Martin then sent a text out to his former under 18s team. “I told them if they ever needed to speak to anyone about any issues they have, I'd like to think they would give me a call. “I thought they would just make light of it but a lot of replies appreciated my text and seemed really heartfelt. I was taken aback and it got me thinking that we

don't do enough. “There are 16 or 17 lads who are now aged 21 in my former team and statistically four of those will have some sort of mental health issue in any given year.” Martin has worked in the print industry since he was 16 and, inspired by a photo of a drinks mat posted online by a mental health charity, decided he could use his experience and contacts to do something similar. After designing two different mats, Martin set up a website, buying the domain name 'Friends

Must Talk' for just £3. He is starting to sell them to sports clubs and leagues but has also come up with one aimed at young women as well as a more generic design more suitable to offices and other non-sports related venues. After emailing numerous football leagues, Martin was staggered to hear the number of stories about young men taking their own lives or experiencing mental health issues. “I had someone ring me from a football league in Sussex and he told me that he'd had mental health issues. He ordered 2,500 so he could give 50 out to every club in his league. “I've not spoken to anyone who doesn't think it's a good idea. They aren't expensive - 300, say, with postage works out at about £29. Take-up so far is promising but I need to make more people and organisations aware that they are available.” Martin said: “The aim of the drinks mats is to get people talking and make people realise that they aren't the only ones going through this. They could act as a prompt and if they help to save just one life then it will have been worth it.” You can find out more about the drinks mats by visiting www. friendsmusttalk.co.uk or by searching Friends Must Talk on Facebook.

'Some people say they are OK when they are not. Talk to a friend' To advertise in your the local newspaper email sales@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk or call 07453 954261

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS RESIDENTS living in Crofts End Road in Speedwell have welcomed the arrival of their very own coffee shop. Called Crofter Coffee, the shop opened on January 20 as part of the new Crofts End Church and community hub development. It follows three years of construction, led by Crofts End Church, to give the community facilities they can be proud of. The first 50 customers at Crofter Coffee, on the ground floor of the new building, were each given a free reusable takeaway mug as part of the opening day celebrations. Coffee shop manager Liam Everett said: “We have been working very hard over the past few weeks to ensure everything was ready for when we opened our doors to the public.” The first customer was resident Loren Davy who popped in on her way to work as she had run out of coffee at home. The opening of the Crofter Coffee is just one aspect of a wider community project to

Crofter coffee shop opens

Manager Liam Everett hands Loren Davy her free reusable coffee cup as the first customer of Crofter Coffee provide badly needed community facilities. The new hub includes a

church which can seat 200 and will be made available to local business for conferences, plus

a community cinema room to provide entertainment for children and senior citizens. The original chapel is now also set to become a community centre for local groups to hire. The project has received grants from a variety of trusts, both local and national. Pastor Andrew Yelland said: “We have been blessed not only by the generosity of individuals and organisations who have helped us financially to achieve our vision, but also the countless volunteer hours that church members have put into the building for the benefit of others.” Crofter Coffee is open Monday to Friday 8am-2pm but hours will increase as the shop becomes established. For more information about hiring any of the facilities email bookings@croftsend.org

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AGE

Every day, every year counts. STO

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

The contribution of older people in Bristol Age Proud Bristol is an awareness campaign that challenges perceptions of older people in Bristol and encourages people to feel proud of their age and experiences. A COMMON misconception about older people is that they do not contribute to society. However, far from being a ‘burden’ or a ‘drain’ on society, older people contribute more resources than they use. Research carried out by the Royal Voluntary Service identified that nearly half of people aged 55-74 volunteer, while figures from the Office of National Statistics show that over 50s make up nearly onethird of the entire UK workforce. As a part of the Age Proud Bristol campaign, Bristol Ageing Better has gathered the views of a variety of inspirational people from across Bristol about their

experiences and advice regarding later life. This article features Catherine Wescott (65), Creator of BS3 Helping Others and Zehra Haq (64), CEO of Dhek Bhal. “The average 65-year-old still has an awful lot to offer in terms of wisdom, passion, love, care and, most of all, time.” says Catherine, who set up BS3 Helping Others after asking in a neighbourhood Facebook group whether anyone needed any help. Within 24 hours, she’d received 350 likes and 60 comments. “We must learn to befriend all those whom we meet in our daily lives and never assume that they are ‘OK’. You can do this no matter how old or young you are and no matter where you are - at the bus stop, in a cafe, in a store,” says Catherine. “You’ve got something that someone else needs.” Many older people develop close, supportive relationships with younger generations; from grandparents who look after their grandchildren, to older people who volunteer through

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community groups. Catherine has formed bonds with younger people volunteering as a part of BS3 Helping Others. “Lots of youngsters are looking for the company and knowledge of adults and lots of adults are looking for the company of youngsters. We can help each other.” says Catherine. For Zehra, who works full time as the CEO of Dhek Bhal, supporting the community is her lifelong work. Dhek Bhal means ‘to take care of’, and Zehra has been either volunteering or working in Barton Hill since 1986. Zehra has always encouraged the older women she works with to have their say and to inform others. “I tell them, you are very lucky,” says Zehra. “You have a lot of skills and knowledge you can contribute.” Zehra believes it is important for younger and older people to interact and to recognise the contributions each side can bring to their community. In the past, Dhek Bhal has set up intergenerational activities and events with local schools. “I would

like to see older people going into schools more,” says Zehra. “If a school does a cookery class, let older people teach it and show what we can do. Create opportunities for conversations - I think conversations are very important in breaking down barriers and sharing life experience.” As well as the contributions older people make in the workplace and volunteering, it is also important to recognise the unpaid caring roles that many older people undertake. Research from the national charity, Age UK, has shown that one in three people aged over 80 provide vital unpaid care for loved ones in the UK. This is the second article in a series of three, inspired by older people based in Bristol. Find out more about the Age Proud Bristol campaign by visiting www. agefriendlybristol.org.uk or search #AgeProudBristol on Twitter and take part in the conversation about ageism in Bristol.

Your move ... A VOLUNTEER who knows about chess is wanted to lead a club at Hillfields Library. The library needs a junior chess club leader with a good understanding of the basic rules and the ability to communicate their knowledge. Anyone interested would need to commit to at least a year in the role, for which there will be a full induction, DBS check and support. Partner group Chess in Schools & Communities offers free training and will hold a session at J3 library in Easton on February 19, which any volunteer who comes forward can attend. Anyone interested should email libraries.volunteering@bristol. gov.uk.

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If you have news for us please email news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk or call 07453 954261

n NEWS

stgeorge&redfieldvoice n ST GEORGE IN BLOOM

February, 2020

Baby bank Spring needs help flowers for A CHARITY that helps families in the city experiencing child poverty has put out an SOS for volunteers. Baby Bank Network, based at Stoke View Business Park in Fishponds, collects used baby items such as prams, cots and clothes and redistributes them to mums, dads and carers. A spokeswoman said: “Demand for our services is increasing and we are urgently looking for more warehouse volunteers to sort donations and prepare items for families.” Volunteers would be required to help out at the warehouse, creating and sorting bundles of clothing, toys, books and toiletries, completing orders preparing them for collection. Baby Bank Network also has a vacancy for a someone with a flair for fundraising to join their trustee board Anyone interested in the roles can get touch by visiting www. babybanknetwork.com

park visitors

THESE two large planters that welcome visitors to St. George Park are now maintained by St. George in Bloom. This is how they looked in the spring of 2019 and they will soon be planted again with spring flowers to greet park visitors. They are replanted twice a year to give a constant display of colour and variety. Many local businesses contribute to St. George in Bloom funds and these planters are currently sponsored by Black Iris Images, photographers based in St. George since 2012. It needs both know-how and funds to create a beautiful floral display like this, so if you or your business would like to sponsor a St George in Bloom bed or display, please contact Grenville Johnson, chair of St George in Bloom, by email at victorianhouse@blueyonder.co.uk. Maxine Williams Photo: Nigel Williams, Black Iris Images

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Boost for business A MUM of three is using her entrepreneurial skills to help small businesses in the area. Laura Church runs two ventures from home in Hanham to juggle life with her three young boys, Dylan, 10, Toby, six, and 10-month-old Archie. The qualified florist has an online Facebook shop, called LJ Flowers and Plants, and also looks after a team of around 60 Avon representatives. Now she has come up with the brainwave of holding a business fayre at Hanham Community Centre in a bid to shine the spotlight on other small enterprises. She hopes members of the public will turn out in force when the fair takes place later this month. Laura, 32, who is married to John, said: “My dream has been to own my own florist shop but with having three boys and the costs involved, it has been challenging. “At the the moment I market my flower business through Facebook and other social media to get my name and reputation out there but competition is

tough.” Laura had been selling her wares at car boot sales, table top sales and summer and winter fairs but found a lack of support from organisers. “I think this is a great opportunity for local people who have a talent for cake making, jewellery designs, handmade gifts and so on to show their skills and get their name out there so local people know they can go to somewhere other than the big supermarkets.” Laura reached out to businesses through social media and was inundated with people wanting to take part. “I put out a simple ad saying I was looking for mumpreneurs, dadpreneurs and small business owners and had a fantastic response. I'm now fully booked with 28 stalls. I'm hoping this really takes off and gets the footfall it needs to be a success.” The event takes place at Hanham Community Centre on February 15 from 10am-1pm. Find out more by searching 'Fantastic Entrepreneurial Event' on Facebook.

To advertise in your the local newspaper email sales@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk or call 07453 954261

February, 2020

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

n NEWS

Council tax set to rise 3.99 per cent COUNCIL tax bills for Bristol City Council services are set to rise by more than £60 for the average resident in April. The council will bring in the maximum allowed 3.99% increase, which takes the annual bill for an average Band D property up £67.46 to £1,758.28. Further rises will also be added for increases to police and fire service precepts. The council will receive an extra £8.7 million to spend on services from existing council tax payers, plus £2.4m from the 1,567 new households in the city since last year. Half of the increase will go towards paying for adult social care, after a consultation with householders found a majority in favour of increases specifically for that purpose, although 41% of respondents wanted a freeze on council tax and no additional fee for adult social care. Tax payers in Band A households face a £44.98 council tax rise (total £1,172.19 for city council services); Band B a £52.47 rise (£1,367.55); Band C a £59.97 rise (£1,562.92); Band E a £82.46 rise (£2,149.02); Band F a £97.45 rise (£2,539.75) Band G a £112.44 rise (£2,930.47) and Band H a £134.93 rise (£3,516.57).

The final budget will be voted on by all councillors on February 25, having been agreed by the majority Labour group's cabinet. At a cabinet meeting on January 21, Mayor Marvin Rees said the 2020/21 budget, with no cuts to services, was an “incredible” achievement after an inquiry in 2017 found a massive financial shortfall. Mr Rees said: “We inherited a £30 million black hole in our budget from the previous administration, facing over £100 million in savings that were pushed upon us. “It’s financial competence that gives us the platform to be able to make commitments to Bristol and to drive them though but also to offer ourselves up as a local authority as a credible partner for the development in Bristol. The council’s financial management and grip is stronger. Overall, Bristol City Council’s green shoots of improvement are visible. There is much to do to turn that potential into reality.” Deputy mayor with responsibility for finance Craig Cheney said the council was "effectively presenting a no-cuts budget again", and said he and his colleagues "continue to prioritise and protect all life-and-

limb services, have kept all our children’s centres and libraries open and maintained the council tax reduction scheme for the most vulnerable citizens in this city". Conservative group leader Mark Weston criticised the proposed rise and criticised the millions of pounds the local authority had invested in its loss-making “zombie” company Bristol Energy. In a written statement to cabinet, he said there was a “declining appetite” from residents for inflation-busting council tax rises.

Mr Weston said: “There must come a point where loading such increases onto the local tax base becomes politically and economically untenable. “In the mayor’s capital programme, the continued expensive obsession with sustaining a zombie energy company remains highly questionable and lacks genuine public support. There are also budget lines in the revenue proposals which are worthy of criticism, such as the expansion of the mayor’s own office.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Citizens' assemblies A MAJOR shake-up of how decisions are taken on Bristol's big issues will see 'citizens’ assemblies' introduced. Residents will be chosen at random in the same way as jury service for the assemblies and be paid to spend time hearing from experts on complex issues, including the climate emergency, before making decisions which could be binding on the city council. The council's ruling Labour group threw its weight behind the Green Party’s idea, with backing from the Liberal Democrats. But Tories voted against, saying it could become “consultation on steroids” and add an unnecessary new layer of bureaucracy. Labour said it had "radically strengthened" Green councillor Paula O’Rourke’s motion to set up the assemblies, giving them a mechanism for residents to suggest and vote on proposals to be funded in their area with a £5-10 million capital budget. The Labour amendment means the assemblies will be piloted in some areas first and will be introduced over a longer time period. Deputy mayor and St George West ward councillor Asher Craig told a council meeting on January 14: "Our administration acknowledges we need better tools for listening to and engaging with citizens with innovative new tools of participatory democracy." She said the assemblies would work "alongside, rather than in addition to, elected politicians" with a focus on "deliberation and openness". By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

If you have news for us please email news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk or call 07453 954261

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n BRISTOL EAST MP

We'll do what we can to protect child refugees Holocaust Memorial Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau with a Commons debate and signing a book of remembrance, as we do every year. (Lord) Alf Dubs fled Prague on the eve of the Second World War. His Jewish father had escaped to London earlier, when the Nazis arrived in Czechoslovakia, and six-year-old Alf made the journey on the Kindertransport organised by Sir Nicholas Winton, to be reunited with his father at Liverpool Street Station. Alf went on to become a Labour MP, director of the Refugee Council and, now, a Labour peer and a champion for child refugees, especially those who have been orphaned or lost contact with their families because of war and conflict. Under “the Dubs scheme” in the last Parliament the Government – somewhat reluctantly – agreed

MPs are now back in Parliament after the General Election, and the reality of what happened on December 12 is starting to sink in. The Palace of Westminster is buzzing with eager new Tory MPs who have taken seats from former Labour colleagues. There’s a lot more space on the Opposition benches, while on the Government side, it’s standing room only. It’s when the results of divisions are read out that it really hits home. The Prime Minister, who lost seven votes in the Commons in a row when he took over from Theresa May last year, now has a very comfortable majority indeed. This became starkly obvious when MPs voted on the so-called “Dubs amendment” to the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which many constituents had urged me to support. This came to a vote in the week when MPs were marking

to take in 3,000 unaccompanied children, but have dragged their feet and taken in fewer than 500. The Dubs amendment would have allowed unaccompanied migrant children to join their families in the UK. I voted for this in the Commons but, sadly, that was not enough; the Tory majority meant that it was easily defeated. It was then reintroduced in the Lords, and this time the Government could not command a majority, as the Lords are far less likely to obey party whips, and there are a considerable number of independent-minded cross-benchers too. But the Bill returned to the Commons, and once again, the Government whipped its troops to vote the amendment down. I was very proud of my Labour colleague Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, who, as a new member of Labour’s Brexit team, took to the Despatch Box to make

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice the case for supporting the Dubs amendment. We didn’t win on this occasion, but we will carry on trying to do all we can to protect child refugees in this Parliament.

n BRISTOL WEST MP

Bristol's people give me hope

T is the time of year for new beginnings. This year, we also have a new government. Disappointingly, it is not the Labour government I campaigned for, and it will be with us now probably for more than four years. I am grateful to you for showing faith in me as MP for Bristol West. With your support I will challenge this government on what they do and put forward alternatives. I welcome your views at every stage. When Parliament returned in December, I laid out my priorities for Bristol West in the Queen’s Speech debate. I want a reverse to ten years of cuts to schools and public services, Windrush victims to get the compensation they are still waiting for and a close future relationship with the EU. Above all, I want the government to treat action on climate emergency as top priority. I will be proactive in campaigning in Westminster and

beyond on your behalf on these things and more. The UK’s role as an outwardfacing country is more important than ever. This was highlighted by events the first three days of 2020, with raging wildfires in Australia, tragic deaths in the Middle East and an escalating security situation. I will continue my work in opposition and do everything I can to urge the Government to act in the right way on both the climate emergency and foreign policy. I am now part of the Official Opposition front bench Brexit team for the last few weeks before we leave the EU on January 31. As part of that team, I’ll hold the government to account and to challenge them on the consequences. As I write, the Withdrawal Agreement Bill is going through Parliament and I have a leading role in this, putting forward many of our amendments and

speaking from the Dispatch Box as a front bench Shadow Minister for the first time. After the election, the government cruelly removed protections to help unaccompanied child refugees join family members in the UK. I believe most in this country agree we should help some of the most vulnerable children in the world. This is who we are as a country. Sadly, the government has so far voted down Labour’s amendments. I also challenged the Brexit Secretary on the government’s treatment of EU citizens. Labour’s amendment would grant automatic status to the millions of EU citizens who have made their life in the UK. Although the government ultimately voted that down, we will keep pushing them. If you are an EU citizen and are having any problems with the

Thangam Debbonaire column application process, please get in touch. Campaigning for positive change in 2020 looks tough, but the fantastic people of Bristol, particularly the children I meet in my regular school visits, give me hope for the future. As always, do get in touch if there is something you want me to know, or take up in Parliament, or if you need my help. Thanks for your support.

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @SGRVoice If you have news for us please email news@stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk or call 07453 954261

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Wednesday February 19 n Holiday Club at Speedwell Methodist Church BS15 1ES 10am to noon, followed by optional lunch. Craft activities, toddler toys, singing, story and refreshments. A welcome for all children accompanied by a responsible adult. Saturday 29 February n Breakfast at Speedwell Methodist Church 10am to 12 noon. Coffee and cake, a bacon roll or full breakfast. (veggie available) No need to hurry, and an opportunity to ask for prayer. All welcome. Monday March 2 n The Royal Osteoporosis Society Bristol Support Group will meet at 1.45pm in Westbury Methodist Church Hall. The talk will be by occupational therapist Maria Fitzgerald. Everyone welcome. For more information ring 07710 743613. Saturday March 7 n Splash of Soul charity night, KES Club, Kingswood (formerly Kingswood RBL club). DJs will be spinning northern soul, Motown and 60s R 'n B tunes. £5 on the door. 7pm-12am.

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 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

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n Fishponds Friendship and Exercise Club Fishponds Baptist Church (scout hall) 10-11.30am each Tuesday. Chair based gentle exercise for older people.Tea, coffee, friendly chat. Instructor: Spencer Davies. Telephone 07825 155954.

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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 noon–2.00pm at St Annes Boardmills Club on Avonvale 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 n Speedwell Community Café 11.00am -2.00pm, Barton Hill Rugby Club, Duncombe Lane pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Tel Gill for more details 0117 902 5779

Tuesday n Walking Group, 10.30am to 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 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–12noon, St George Health Centre n ESOL Conversation Club, 1.30pm–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 n WECIL monthly social meet up: second Tuesday of the month, social meet up for disabled people at the Old Post Office pub, Fishponds Road. Open and friendly group meets 6.00–7.30pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community – www. wecil.co.uk contact: 0117 947 9942 or email peersupport@wecil.co.uk n Orchard Choir: 7.00pm–8.30pm at the Orchard Coffee and Co., Cherry Orchard Lane n IT Support and advice 10.30am12.30pm St George library Receive help with some of your IT queries. Just turn up at n Baby Bounce and Rhyme, 11.00am to 11.30am, St George Library. (Term time). n Monthly lunch club for senior citizens at Crofts End Church, third Tuesday of the month. To book a place call 0117 9513520.

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 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 n Wicketz: 4.00pm to 6.00pm, behind Wellspring Healthy Living Centre. Free fitness and cricket sessions for girls and boys aged 6+. The sessions run at The Cage (behind Wellspring Healthy Living Centre). For more info contact Crispin on: 07398 211596 or email: crispin.shingler@gloscc.co.uk n Meadow Vale Retirement Club, every Wednesday 2.00pm to 4.00pm, Meadow Vale Community Centre. For more info call 0117 903 0329 or firussell@blueyonder.co.uk

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 07952 064702 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. Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, Call to book, 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 The Green Mingle is an informal monthly networking event for people interested in an environmentally sustainable Bristol. The Mingle runs from 5.30pm– 7.30pm on the first Thursday of the month at The Station Kitchen in Broadmead n Friends of Troopers Hill work party, 10.00am–12 noon, every third Thursday of the month. Volunteers meet by the red slide on Troopers Hill field. n WECIL informal and social creative challenge arts session for disabled people at Trinity Arts Centre, Trinity Rd, Old Market. Open and friendly group, meets last Thursday of month 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community – www.wecil.co.uk. n Orchard Community Choir: 7.00pm–8.30pm at the Orchard Coffee & Co, Clouds Hill Road. For more information contact Renee on: orchardchoir@gmail.com n FAB Cafe - an opportunity to share a cup of tea (and a slice of cake!) and chat about what is going on in the local area in an informal and relaxed setting. Last Thursday of every month 10.00am to 12noon, Beehive Centre n From September 12, Gospel Generation Community Choir, 11am-12.15pm, House of Praise

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Low impact classes offer dance, exercise and core strengthening. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints. 6.25-7.30pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Tel: Rachael at FL Exercise on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net . Classes run on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking (£8 per class -1st Class Free)

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February, 2020 Church, Tudor Road, Easton. No membership fee, donations welcome. Contact Emma gospelgen@googlemail.com for more information. n Shared Reading group. Drop in to read and listen to a great story and poem and talk about it. Free, no pressure to read. No prep required. The Beehive Centre 1.30-3pm.

Friday

n Line Dancing, 10.30am to 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, St Aidan's Church hall tel: 0117 903 0329 n Reading group 6pm third Friday of the month. St George Library. Meet with other readers to discuss and debate. (You will need to be signed up for Extended Access)

Saturday n Capoeira: 10.30am–12.00 noon,

stgeorge&redfieldvoice Gracie Barra school BS5 9BH, call n NEWS 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, 3.00pm–5.00pm at St George Library; all welcome n Golden Oldies. A light hearted sing-a-long session. Second Friday of the month 10.30am - 11.30am at the Beehive Centre. Contact adele@ golden-oldies.org.uk n Friends of St George Library coffee morning on first Saturday of the month at the library in Church Road from 11am-1pm. friendsofstgeorgelibrary.org.uk online.

Sunday n Singing for the Soul, at St George Community Centre, every 2nd Sunday of the month 10am– 12.30pm. n Beehive Centre is at 19a Stretford Road (next to St Ambrose Church) www.thebeehivebristol.co.uk or telephone 0117 935 4471

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Support on offer for unpaid family carers LOCAL charity, Carers Support Centre, is reaching out to people in St George and Redfield to inform them about help they may be entitled to. If you are a carer, you have the right to a carer’s assessment. If you look after someone, or often provide crucial care for someone who couldn’t manage without that help, this may help you. Bristol carer, Elmas, looks after his wife, Joan, who has a terminal illness. When Jan Mussi of Carers Support Centre first visited them, Joan was bed bound and declining fast. Elmas was under a huge amount of stress. When Jan helped Elmas with his assessment, she realised his wife wasn’t claiming her entitlement to benefit. She helped him complete the paperwork and they were awarded the highest rate of Attendance Allowance. After his assessment, Elmas was awarded a one-off payment to pay for a sitting service. Then his niece offered to come and stay for three months to help take care of his wife. Jan contacted the council on his behalf and they agreed the payment could be used to pay for travel costs. Elmas’s niece is now staying with them and caring for Joan. Get in touch with CarersLine at Carers Support Centre to find out more about carer’s assessments. If you care for an adult who has a support package from Bristol City Council, you can call the Integrated Carers Team at the council on 0117 352 1668. Contact CarersLine: 0117 965 2200, carersline@ carerssupportcentre.org.uk or www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS

Barbershop choir wants new members A MUSICAL director is on the look-out for new members to join an all-female barbershop choir after finding a new rehearsal base at Eastville. Mary Williams heads up Avon Harmony A Cappella which has amembership from across the city. She now hopes to expand to enable the choir to keep taking part in singing events for charity. The choir has just completed a bumper year of community singing and supporting local charities where the highlight was performing a Mary Poppins medley in costume in front of an audience of more than 2,500 people. Mary, pictured here as Mary Poppins, is looking for enthusiastic singers to join their Love To Sing annual six-week taster workshops which starts this month. She said: “Avon Harmony are an established choir which has grown by a third in the last two years.

The choir performed a Mary Poppins medley in October at the Ladies Association Of Barbershop Singers Convention (LABBS) in Llandudno We have young people who are at university, keen singers in their thirties, forties and fifties, right through to retired ladies. “I get a lot of pleasure from working with motivated ordinary women who enjoy the thrill of singing in harmony with others. The look on their faces when we make a beautiful sound and they go skipping out the door at the end

of the night with a smile on their face warms my heart. “As a choir ran by volunteers, our education, our costumes and running costs are funded by a low monthly affordable fee, donations and concert appearance fees. On top of this, there is a vibrant social life, laughs and we are great friends, and we are looking forward to our chorus competition

tour at the end of October 2020 with some upcoming fabulous music lined up for later in the year.” The choir is especially looking for low altos, however there is plenty of space for everyone whatever their voice as long as you can hold a tune. The non-profit singing group has women aged 18 plus travelling from all over Bristol and beyond, over a wide span of ages and cultures. The Love To Sing taster course costs £20 and starts on Thursday February 6 at 7.30pm at the choir's new rehearsal venue Glenfrome Primary School, Cottisford Road, Eastville, BS5 6NL. You can register on www. avonharmony.com, contact Mary on 07954 170532 or via email 495mary@gmail.com and look for further information on the choir's Facebook page @Avon Harmony A Cappella Chorus.

Homes for Heroes seeks local memories PEOPLE in Hillfields still have time to get involved with an 18 month-long project celebrating 100 years since the first council housing was built in the area. Homes for Heroes launched last year with projects exploring and celebrating the history of the area and the people that have lived and worked there over the last century. Initiatives, led by community interest company Local Learning, have involved a Sharing Memories event at Hillfields Library which saw people dress up in 1920s costumes, share memorabilia and talk about 'the good old days'. It also included interactive street theatre tours of the area,

Projects have also taken place at Minerva Primary Academy where pupils explored their area, made pin-hole cameras, designed homes, made houses from junk and met members of the community to hear stories. The project will culminate on Saturday June 6 with a piece of street theatre performed live in the heart of the area. Local Learning are urging people to get involved by attending sessions at Hillfields Community Hub, off Thicket Avenue, which take place Thursdays from 1-3pm. Organisers are also looking for locals to take part in writing workshops to coproduce a legacy booklet about the history

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of Hillfields. Sessions for this take place on Wednesday afternoons, from 12-2pm, at Hillfields Library and start on February 26. A further project involves creating a community tapestry map of Hillfields. Anyone who is interested should head for Hillfields Library on Wednesday afternoons from 3-5pm, also from February 26. The name Homes For Heroes comes from a speech delivered by Prime Minister Lloyd George, who called for a “country fit for heroes to live in”. For more information, contact Ruth Myers on ruth@locallearning.org.uk or leave a letter in the post box in the library.

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