So many students at Fairfield High School wanted to tread the boards in the school's production of tthe musical Bugsy Malone that the production had two complete casts . The performances, with the young gangsters armed with custard rather than bullets, were a huge success with audiences. Photo: Gavin Power Photography
POLICE, politicians, councillors, community organisations and media leaders have pledged to work together to tackle knife crime in Bristol and the causes that lie behind the rise in serious violence.
Many have spoken out in the wake of tragedies at the start of 2024. Among the victims was 16-year-old Darrian Williams, who was fatally stabbed in Easton in February and Aliki Mamwa, 30, known as Alex, who died in hospital after being
attacked in Ashley Road last month. Police have promised a “proactive operation” to disrupt serious violence and media and community organisations have launched a “Together for Change” initiative to try to prevent more deaths.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Peter Warren said: “Children are being seriously injured and killed by people of the same age. It cannot be allowed to happen."
Reports: Pages 4 & 5, MP: Page 6, Metro Mayor: Page 23
Freelance Mum, a group in which self-employed women walk and network with others and bring their children, is opening in north Bristol.
PAGE 23
Green Party councillors have "called in" a decision to introduce hefty rent rises and charges for Bristol's allotment holders.
PAGE 3
Temporary diversions on the Concorde Way cycle route are being made more extensive and will remain in place for longer.
PAGE 10
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PROPOSED hefty increases in Bristol’s allotment rents and charges look set to be a major issue in the run-up to the Bristol City Council elections next month.
There was a huge row earlier this year after plans were put forward to raise the fees for the first time since 2018 and introduce new rules.
Thousands of people raised objections, which led to most of the rule changes being dropped, although the rent rises were still said to be needed.
As part of the negotiations over the council’s budget for 2024-25, the Conservatives persuaded the Labour-led administration to delay the increases, which would see the cost of a medium plot rising from £70 currently to £113 in 2025, and then £156 in 2026, until next year.
Now the Green Party, which says it was excluded from those discussions, has “called in” the decision made at the Labour cabinet meeting on March 5 to bring in the rent rises from 2025. This is a process that can be used when councillors believe a decision was not made following the principles laid out in the council constitution.
The call-in was being discussed at a meeting made up of councillors of all parties on March 27, after the Voice went to print. But whatever the outcome, it’s likely the issue will be revisited after the elections on May 2, when Bristol will be returning to a committee system rather than a cabinet one.
Green Party Councillor Martin Fodor (Redland) said, “Allotments serve key functions to communities across Bristol,
providing an outdoor space to not only grow food, but for education and community, all of which can improve quality of mental and physical health.
“Whilst we recognise that fees may need to gradually increase to restore the smooth running of the service for plot holders, the decision from Cabinet to increase rents was deeply flawed. The consultation was a complete muddle, survey results were ignored, key information like the real budget of the service was presented late and totally inadequate, and the equalities impact assessment was not fit for purpose.
“These proposed shock rent increases are the result of an ill-judged freezing of rents by the Labour administration, which has created a failure to invest in the service for many years. In 2022, the Council agreed an
inflationary rent rise of 25% to cover the period 2018-2025, which was never implemented. The administration and Cabinet member with responsibility for Public Health and Communities must also answer why this was never put in place.”
Councillor Emma Edwards (Bishopston and Ashley Down), leader of the Green group, said, “Until May, Labour has total control of Bristol City Council, despite the Green group being the largest political party. As opposition councillors, although we are limited with the information we can get and the influence we can have, we have enough information to believe that this decision was in breach of the decision-making process as laid out in the constitution.”
“When the city finally gets balanced committees representing all parties elected by residents, the Greens will make sure the committees pick up the pieces and start to listen to the concerns, wisdom, and insight of allotment communities.
“These voices will be central in shaping our strategy to support the service and ensure there is a clear budget to sustain it. Meanwhile we will continue to gather information about what the current administration is doing.
“Sadly, the furore created by these ill-judged proposals means it will be a more difficult task to ensure a collaborative debate that develops a better way to manage this service.”
POLICE are continuing to investigate the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia last summer.
The attack on Eddie in Grosvenor Road Triangle Park, St Paul's, just before 11pm on Friday 21 July was featured on BBC’s Crimewatch Live last month and his mother Irene Muthemba held a vigil in Bristol city as the search for clues continues.
Three men arrested on suspicion of murder in the weeks after Eddie was stabbed remain on police bail but no one has as yet been charged over his death.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond, who leads the investigation, said: "It is incredibly hard for Irene and all Eddie's family that the enquiries into his death are yet to result in a positive outcome. We're still working very hard to identify and speak to potential witnesses and find that last detail, that piece of information which will bring the right person to justice.
The independent charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £20,000 for information given through its 100 per cent anonymous reporting system which leads to a conviction. Call 0800 555 111 or go online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.
AT least ten stabbing incidents including four deaths in Bristol since the start of 2024 have prompted moves for united action to tackle knife crime.
Police have announced a “proactive operation” to disrupt serious violence and media and community organisations have launched a “Together for Change” initiative to try to prevent more tragedies.
The campaigners want to
• Set up a task force
• Get knives off the street
• Strengthen the Online Safety Bill
• Raise awareness of how knife crime is linked to poverty, education, employment, social exclusion and the collapse in youth services."
• Lobby the government
• Hold power to account Police activities will include:
• High–visibility patrols in areas at increased risk
• Targeting of habitual knife carriers
• Knife sweeps of parks and open spaces
• Intervention and disruption activity co-ordinated with multi-agency partners
• School visits raising awareness of the consequences of knife crime
• Working with the Post Office and Border Force to intercept knives being sent in the post
• Hosting meetings to listen to people’s concerns and to provide reassurance
• Utilising civil orders such as Criminal Behaviour Orders to place restrictions on young people such as preventing them from wearing balaclavas and associating with named individuals or groups
• Working with others to install emergency bleed kits in and around the city.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Peter Warren said:
“What we have seen in recent weeks in Bristol and to a lesser extent elsewhere across our policing area in recent months is nothing short of tragic.
“Children are being seriously injured and killed by people of the same age. It cannot be allowed to happen.
“Our intelligence suggests a number of the recent incidents in Bristol have involved children and young people with rival affiliations or links to organised criminal groups, and so our work will be on developing this intelligence and preventing any further harm.
“We are working closely with our partners across
education, health and social care, and local authorities through our local Violence Reduction Partnerships (VRP) to ensure that we are taking a holistic approach, considering the age and vulnerability of some of those involved.
Police urge anyone carrying a knife in the belief it will keep them safe to dispose of it. There are knife amnesty bins in Castle Park and at Trojan Free Fighters, St Jude’s, BS2 9DA as well as at police stations.
Police also urge anyone concerned or worried that someone they know may be involved or at risk of serious violence, involving knife crime, to report it. You can do so by:
• Calling 101
• Reporting online or
• Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111 or online
THE family of 30-year-old Aliki Mamwa, known as Alex, have released a tribute, describing him as someone who “brought joy, happiness, laughter and protection” to those who knew him.
Alex died in hospital following an incident in the Ashley Road area of St Pauls, on Tuesday 5 March. A 43-year-old man has been charged with his murder.
His family, who are being supported by specially-trained officers, said: “Alex brought joy, happiness, laughter and protection to all those he loved and those who met him. His presence and smile always lit up a room
“Alex was not troublesome, he kept himself to himself and was always very humble.
“Alex was looking forward to fulfilling many of his life plans, unfortunately this was cut short mercilessly. He did not deserve for his life to be taken in such a tragic way and at such a young age.
“We, his family are devastated and we will truly miss him. As time passes and fades away, our memories and love for him will always stay. The only thing we ask for is that justice be served in Alex’s favour.”
IN February I tabled a motion in Parliament with my Labour colleagues calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, one that lasts and is observed by all sides. It was unanimously agreed and passed. You and I have found the events in Gaza horrifying.
The fighting and unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian people must stop, aid must get in urgently and the hostages kidnapped by Hamas returned to their families. Most importantly there needs to be a path to long term sustainable peace in the region.
This is why our Parliamentary motion called for rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief, an end to settlement expansion and settler violence and a political process towards a two-state
solution. A safe and secure Israel alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state is the only path to a just and lasting peace. A ceasefire needs a process to peace if it is to be sustainable.
You can read more about the ceasefire motion on my website.
Bristol has seen a series of knife attacks in the last few months, leading to tragic loss of life. My heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims and I always make sure they are aware I’m here for any practical support they may need from me. Our city is not an anomaly. Knife crime is up by 70% across the UK since 2015. Labour has a plan to end knife crime.
Prevention comes first: we need to tackle the causes of knife crime early. A Labour government will have a targeted programme in every area to identify the young
people most at risk with support tailored to their needs – including youth workers, youth hubs and mental support in schools. We will also bring in stronger laws to crack down on knife sales.
I have been in regular contact with the local police after each incident and support their plan for “much more high-profile proactive operation”.
Presenting the girls football team at Hotwells Primary with their new Premier League kit
It was a pleasure to visit Hotwells Primary School and present the Year 6 girls’ team with their new kit, sponsored by the Premier League as part of their initiative to provide support for grassroots women’s football.
If I become the next Secretary of State for Media, Culture and Sport, I will be a champion to get more girls’ team sports like
Thangam Debbonaire writes for the Voice
football as well as all kinds of physical activity. I brought with me representatives of the Premier League and the actual Premier League trophy – an exciting moment for all!
Planning service in 'special measures'
As we previously reported, the shortage of planning staff and the long delays dealing with them has led some developers to appealing when decisions were not reached in time.
One example is the former NEG Appliance Centre site facing Applegreen. They have now asked the government planning inspectorate to make a decision on their pending HMO application. This means it won't be heard at a planning committee which Martin had asked for if it was going to be recommended for approval.
Income from applications falls short of the cost of the service needed and staff have gone to better paid jobs elsewhere while recruitment was frozen.
In March, due to the continuing backlog, the government took control of the service so certain applicants can now go direct to them - not the individual household ones or the very largest but those in between. We hope that the delays for householders will now be eliminated and the council can regain control of decision making in a few months.
Allotment rents to rise
Despite public pressure in March the Cabinet approved proposals for a two stage hike in allotment and water rents. There were 3500 consultation responses reported but despite negative feedback the rises were nodded through.
Almost 4000 local signatories also forced a petition debate in the March council meeting about the proposed changes. Martin and other councillors 'called in' this decision process due to several concerns raised by allotmenters about the procedure followed and information available - so these issues are due to be revisited by a Call In panel as we write.
Some of the changes have been pushed back. Additional charges for ponds, trees and sheds including retrospective rules have been postponed and the city's new committee system starting in May will have to deal with them.
Allotment fees have not changed since 2018 so a review is clearly needed but Fi and Martin are horrified at the shoddy consultation process and impact that such measures could have. The new multi party committee administration to deal with after
May’s elections and we hope a much more collaborative process of joint working with stakeholders will be adopted to resolve the funding shortfall. Allotments have been starved of investment for repairs and use parks income to underwrite the service. We know how important food growing is to many people in the area.
More library staff being recruited
The disruptive short notice closures affecting Bishopston Library and all the city's branches haven't ended yet, but new casual staff and replacements for vacancies are now being recruited. A spending block last summer meant vacancies and lack of cover. With recruitment finally under way libraries will be able to train new staff and then stay open as advertised.
Recycling services under pressure
We arranged to meet Bristol Waste Company management to find out what’s being done to remedy the recycling service problems. We stressed how frustrating and awkward it's been for people in streets missed out on their designated day. We're still concerned that long term
solutions are needed when rogue parking isn't being managed and trucks can't get access. A smaller recycling vehicle can be used but this then has to return to the depot for emptying more often. We do need a reliable service so that all the materials can be recycled or processed in the most effective way that also helps fund the service with recycling income.
Meeting over Bishop Rd traffic
Fi has arranged a meeting of the interested parties from the school, police, and residents. As previously reported we are trying to find some ways to improve the traffic issues on this road used as a cut through near a busy school.
Bristol Local Elections on May 2
After a decade serving the ward we’re both delighted to have been selected to stand as Green Party candidates in the May elections. For information on registering, the new voter ID requirements, or postal votes see: https://www. bristol.gov.uk/council-and-mayor/ voting-and-elections
Contact us: Fi: Cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk.
Martin: Cllr.martin.fodor@bristol.gov.uk
Fi: 0117 3534720. Martin 0788 4736101
As one of Britain’s oldest and youngest familyrun watch brands, Fears Watch Company, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its Clifton boutique, a momentous occasion in their rich history. Established on Redcliff Street in 1846 by Edwin Fear, the company faced a brief hiatus from the late 1970s until being reestablished in 2016.
Located at No. 4 Clifton Arcade the new boutique builds on the success of their first showroom which was located within their Bristol HQ in 2022 . Ready to warmly welcome customers from the 2nd April Fears invite you to join them in-store Tuesday through Saturday for a calm sense of luxury in the Clifton boutique while exploring the collection of British built watches.
Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, the (4th) Managing Director and great-great-great-grandson of Edwin Fear, has brought the company back to its original and historic home city of Bristol where their watches are designed.
Nestled in the historic Clifton Arcade within the charming Clifton Village, the boutique finds its perfect home amidst surroundings steeped in mid-late 19th-century heritage. Within a stone’s throw of one of the original Fears locations, Richmond Terrace, the arcade mirrors seamlessly with Fears’ commitment to tradition and craftsmanship.
The opening of the Bristol boutique signifies not just the continuation of Fears’ legacy but a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. As they take this significant step forward, Fears remains devoted to its roots in Bristol while embracing
the timeless allure of British horology and watchmaking.
Fears’ mantra of ‘Elegantly Understated’ can be seen throughout their watches that are still proudly hand-built in Britain. The Fears collection is a sophisticated, yet contemporary range of watches that retain inspiration from their vast archive and collections are named after historic Bristol locations the company once inhabited. The collection showcases the evolution of what Nicholas Bowman-Scargill envisions his family would’ve created if the company had continued through the late 70s
until present day.
To celebrate this significant occasion, Fears extends a special invitation: bring in a copy of this publication to the boutique and receive a complimentary glass of English sparkling wine as you view the Fears collection and learn about its historical ties to the area. Nicholas BowmanScargill expresses his heartfelt acknowledgment of this milestone, stating, “We are proud to share the beauty of Fears with watch enthusiasts and the Bristol community, offering a unique and sophisticated experience at our new boutique. This step is a homage to our heritage. This move symbolises not merely a physical presence but a profound connection to our origins, perpetuating the legacy of Fears Watch Company in the heart of beautiful Clifton. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new.”
For additional information, please explore the Fears website at www.fearswatches.com or contact us through the following channels:
Phone: 0117 427 1846
Email: enquiries@fearswatches.com
CLIFTON ARCADE BOUTIQUE OPENING APRIL 2024
COMMUNITY organisations including St Werburgh’s Community Centre and The Ardagh have joined a citywide campaign to protect and enhance Bristol’s shared spaces.
They want urgent measures to safeguard and improve the facilities, which are under threat due to various challenges.
The campaign highlights the need for the process underpinning decisions on council-owned buildings to reflect their importance as the connecting fabric of our communities.
Sixteen organisations have signed a manifesto calling for several changes to ensure community buildings are appropriately valued.
Leaders of the organisations involved are inviting people to visit and share what their local space means to them, by adding a memory, word, sentence, or feeling to a ribbon. These will form a collective artwork that demonstrates how much these spaces mean to Bristol residents. Residents can also share views on a virtual ribbon on social media using the hashtag #CommunityRoots.
THE Concorde Way cycling and walking route is facing further disruption while work continues on the new Ashley Down railway station.
Permission for the temporary closure has been extended to the end of September, although the city council says it is unlikely to need all that time for the work.
An extra section of Concorde Way, from Station Road to Muller Road, which has remained open so far, will need to be closed to complete the station entrance works with a diversion via Ralph Road put in place.
Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said: “I know lots of people from Ashley Down and Lockleaze will be looking forward to using their brand new station later this year, massively improving connectivity. I recently visited the station to see how works are progressing and it’s great to see it taking shape.
THOUSANDS more people across Bristol will be supported each year to get new skills and progress in work thanks to a £15 million package to skill-up the region voted through by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
More than £5 million will go towards training more than 6,000 locals to plug skills gaps in the region - including courses to train up an army of retrofitters, electric car mechanics and other workers needed as the region transitions to a net-zero future.
Meanwhile, 200,000 young people will get the support they need to plan their routes into the jobs they want later on through a £1.5 million investment to support all 97 of the region’s secondary schools to improve the quality of their careers education.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “This latest funding boost f is our biggest investment yet and will help to give tens of thousands more locals access to the support and training they need to develop new skills and develop their careers in the West of England.”
“It’s disappointing that the Concorde Way closure will need to be extended and I’d like to thank residents for their continued patience. This work will be well worth it, when, later this year, we have another new railway station that serves communities in Bristol.”
The Ashley Down station project partnership includes the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority working with the council, Network Rail and Great Western Railway.
The station is part of the MetroWest programme which aims to unlock opportunities for both business and pleasure for residents between Ashley Down and Temple Meads, Filton and
Henbury.
When complete, Ashley Down station will initially be served by hourly trains operating between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood from Monday to Saturday and a more limited service on Sundays. The service will be extended once the planned stations at North Filton and Henbury have opened.
The work involves connecting Station Road up to the entrance to the new station, making sure it offers Equality Act compliant access. It includes:
• an accessible route to the station entrance and a resting bench
• two disabled parking bays and a loading bay
• improvement to the levels of Concorde Way
• new steps from Station Road to the subway
• new measures to reduce potential issues between cyclists and pedestrians in a narrow space, including painting ‘SLOW’ markings and improving visibility along Concorde Way near the subway
• a crossing point to the station entrance
• landscaping works, including flowering hedges, meadow grassland, spring flowering bulbs, planting tree and shrubs, and installing bird and bat boxes
• lighting leading up to the station entrance
has meant that homeowners in England are increasingly turning to solar panels to reduce their environmental impact and energy bills.
Solar panels can be bought and owned outright by the homeowner or installed on the property by a third party who will take a lease from the homeowner of the airspace above the property to install the panels and then lease the panels to the homeowner.
When installing solar panels on residential properties in the UK, the following considerations may be of relevance to the homeowner:
By Shelley Faulkner, solicitor with AMD Solicitors
addition, listed buildings or properties within conservation areas may have stricter regulations.
2. Building Regulations: Solar panel systems must comply with building regulations regarding structural integrity and adequate roof support, electrical safety, and fire safety.
3. Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS): Solar panels should be installed by a specialist MCS certified company. This certification confirms that the installation was compliant with industry standards.
will be. However a Will can be worded to provide that a gift of 10 % of the value of your estate at that time is given to a charity or charities of your choice. The effect of this will be that the rate of Inheritance Tax payable on the whole estate is reduced from 40 % to 36 %.
1. Planning Permission: In most cases, installing solar panels on residential properties falls under permitted development rights, meaning planning permission is not required. However, limitations exist, for example, panels should not protrude more than 200mm from the roof slope and should not exceed the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys). In
WHILE most of us support a number of charities in our lifetime, it is perhaps not surprising that a smaller number choose to remember a charity in their Will. Clearly the priority for most is to provide for a surviving spouse or children, or to ensure that the family wealth can be passed on to benefit the next generation.
However, government policy is clearly to encourage giving to charity, and a recent development in the law is intended to promote gifts to charity being made by Will. This change may also, on occasion, serve to save Inheritance Tax, or even to create a gift which literally pays for itself.
Where somebody dies after 6 April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estate can be reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in other words by 10 %), provided that at least 10 % of the estate passes to charity.
Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly what value the assets you leave by Will will have on your death for Inheritance Tax purposes, or what 10 % of the total value
In same circumstances, it has been calculated that this reduction in the tax bill can serve to leave the estate, even after payment of the gift to charity, with a value as high as if the gift had not been made. Thus the gift can in some cases quite literally pay for itself.
4. Grid Connection and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): To connect your solar panel system to the electrical grid and benefit from SEG, you need to consult with your local District Network Operator.
from your neighbour.
6. Buildings Insurance: You should check with your insurance provider to ensure that the installation of solar panels does not affect your coverage and that there is adequate coverage for your solar panel system against damage or unforeseen events.
7. Mortgage Lender: If you lease the solar panels you must obtain your mortgage lender’s consent to the lease of the airspace above your property. You may wish to seek legal advice on the terms of the lease if you are at all unsure of your legal position in granting the lease.
for the distribution of the estate, and the estate can then be divided as if the Will had been made in these terms. A Deed of Variation could therefore provide that 10 % of the estate is to pass to a chosen charity or charities, making the estate as a whole eligible for the reduced rate of Inheritance Tax.
5. Party Wall Act: If your installation involves work on a shared or party wall, compliance with the Party Wall Act may be necessary, requiring notification and consent
Even where a Will has not been prepared in these terms, it may be possible to take advantage of this tax break. If the beneficiaries of the estate agree, it is possible to effectively amend the terms of a Will within two years of the date of death. A
‘Deed of Variation’ can be drawn up which sets out the family members’ agreed arrangements
This change in the law is clearly very good news both for charities, and potentially for some estates as well. However the detail of the application can be complex. For example, the estate is divided into different ‘components’ depending on how the property will pass to the beneficiaries, in order to calculate whether the 10 % test has been met. Taking specialist advice on the implications for your particular circumstances is therefore essential.
that the panels have been safely and correctly installed. You should also ensure that there is evidence of regular maintenance and servicing.
If you would like to discuss this, or any other conveyancing matters further, please contact AMD on info@amdsolicitors.com, 0117 973 5647 or pop into any of our four Bristol offices.
members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, the leading professional body in this field. We offer a free initial consultation for new clients.
For advice on administration of estates, trusts, wills, powers of attorney and all private client issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, Florence Pearce and the other members of the team on 0117 9621205, email probate@ amdsolicitors.com or call in at 15 The Mall Clifton, or 100 Henleaze Road Henleaze.
Consulting with local authorities, experienced installers, and legal professionals is crucial to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations specific to your location.
When selling a house with solar panels, documentation should be provided to your conveyancer to enable them to pass this on to the buyer’s conveyancer to show
AMD’s team of experienced private client solicitors and practitioners includes full
AMD Solicitors are delighted to announce our new charity of the year as Flamingo Chicks. Flamingo Chicks is a charity tackling social isolation by giving disabled children and those with illnesses such as cancer the opportunity to enjoy dance and explore movement. They also provide a peer support network for parents and carers, intergenerational volunteering, global outreach and advocacy. Various fundraising activities will take place throughout the year, the first major event will be a team from AMD running a half marathon and another running 10K. Sponsorship link to appear on our website soon.
AMD Solicitors takes pride in sponsoring local, Bristol based charities and this year is very pleased to be supporting the Bristol branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, the local branch of this national charity which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in Great Britain. For full details of our fundraising activities visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com.
Copyright AMD Solicitors
THE Government has placed Bristol City Council’s planning department “under designation” because of its failures to deal with applications in time.
This means developers wanting to build between one and nine homes can apply directly to the government’s Planning Inspectorate for permission, bypassing the council. Householder applicants or proposed developments of 10 or more homes are not affected.
The backlog of applications has come down from its peak last summer, but in February there were still 600 without an assigned case officer. Councillors on the growth and regeneration scrutiny commission were updated about the issue on March 7.
Alex Hearn, director of economy of place, said: “It’s obviously not positive at all, we recognise that. It’s also important to recognise that there’s a lot of progress being
made in the service.
“The officers in the service are doing a brilliant job and are very committed to getting the backlog down to zero, which we hope to be able to do by around summer. This doesn’t mean that we’ve been stripped of our powers.
“We’re working with the Government around our action plan to get us out of the designation. Once our action plan is approved and delivered, if we can show two clear quarters of sustaining good performance, then there’s every chance that we can have the designation rescinded.”
John Smith, executive director of growth and regeneration, added: “It’s not a positive thing. It reflects historically that we have had significant issues in planning, and that’s caused delays to applicants and we’re very sorry about that.”
Opposition councillors called for more action to tackle
the crisis in the planning department.
Commenting on the designation, Conservative Councillor Richard Eddy, chair of the development control A committee, said: “It’s hardly a surprise to anyone who has followed closely the ‘log-jam’ in Bristol’s planning system over the last few years. Every time I attend the meetings of the Planning Users Group — and practically daily receive complaints from planning applicants and their agents — I hear of continuing problems and delays in the service.
“This is directly handicapping Bristol’s regeneration and the provision of new jobs, economic investment and housing.
“Officers have the full support of elected members in seeking to reduce this backlog and recruit the necessary professional planners to remedy the unacceptable delays. Indeed, under chief planner Simone
Wilding, appointed in May 2023, there have been significant reductions in the planning backlog and new officers have been put in place, but more needs to be done to resolve the fundamental problems.”
Green Cllr Tony Dyer added: “The actions required will have an impact on the planning process far beyond the end of the current administration and the current model of governance. It is therefore vital that any proposals agreed between BCC and [the government] have the full support of all political parties to ensure continuity into the committee model of governance.
“Bristol desperately needs a robust planning system that does not fast-track pet projects over the current unacceptable backlog and will hold developers to a higher standard, taking into account the needs of Bristol residents.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
We started the year in style with a clothes swap and talk on sustainable fashion from Becky Barnes. All clothes not swapped were used to support local charities such as 1st Impressions, which helps women create the right first impression when re-entering the workplace, and Action Aid which works with women and children across the globe.
Becky is a local stylist who believes fashion doesn’t need to cost the earth and shared with us the impact of a single pair of jeans as it moves from the cotton field to our closets. It was quite eye opening! Becky practises what she preaches and recently appeared in The Guardian having clothed their columnist from our very own Gloucester Road charity shops! We love supporting local Gloucester Road businesses and
hearing from the inspiring women behind them, which is why we have Sally Hare from The Family Practice and Dee Ryding from Divine Ceremony coming to talk to us in May and June. Sally is a hypnotherapist who is coming to talk to us in mental health awareness month about anxiety, and Dee is an ex-TV producer turned undertaker who will be addressing the question ‘How to talk about death and why women are leading the way in this.’ Both should prove fascinating, in both their content, and the personal stories of the women behind them. We also have a tai chi workshop in April.
Why not come along and give us a try? Visitors are welcome to attend for £6.50 and membership for the new year opens in April. We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at St Bonaventure’s Parish Hall, Friary Road, BS7 8AF. Doors Open at 7.45pm for an 8pm start.
BRISTOL u3a
MANY people have never heard of the u3a. u3a officially stands for “University of the 3rd age” but we prefer “You in the 3rd age” as the first definition sounds as though we are an intellectual organisation. Whilst we do have discussion groups that can be considered intellectual, we have others such as disco dancing, social groups, walking groups, pub groups.
We are a self-help group aimed at semi-retired and retired people looking to occupy their free time and joining your local u3a is a great way to find and develop new interests and make friends in a relaxed environment. It doesn’t cost much to join the Bristol u3a –just £20 per year.
You can find out more about the Bristol u3a by looking at the following website: https://u3asites. org.uk/bristol/welcome.
We have monthly talks, lasting about 50 minutes, on a variety of subjects.
Richard LynchHORFIELD COMMON
JUNIOR PARKRUN
A NEW free weekly 2km Junior Parkrun has launched at Horfield Common and will take place every Sunday at 9am, weather permitting.
The first event on March 10 saw 124 finishers.
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ horfieldcommon-juniors/
IN under two months, the mayor of Bristol will be gone. Two years ago, in a local referendum Bristol citizens voted on a three to two basis to remove the role of directly elected mayor. This was a year after the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives ran candidates for Bristol mayor on ‘Scrap the Mayor’ campaigns. Councillors of all parties were increasingly concerned that the position of executive mayor led to a lack of democracy and representation, as all decisions were centralised. At the start in 2012 when the first mayor had a rainbow cabinet, the concentration of power wasn’t so obvious, as multiple views were represented at the top table.
After mayor Rees was elected and sacked the other parties from his
Cabinet, Labour took full control despite not having a majority.
The Liberal Democrats then twice tabled a council motion to hold a referendum on the way our city is run. The first time was unsuccessful, but on the second attempt, politicians from all five parties on the council supported the motion to have a referendum on the governance of Bristol.
Outside of the council, the ‘It’s Our City Bristol’ group formed. Local politicians and activists from all five Bristol political parties, as well as independents, worked together to run the ‘It’s Our City, Vote Committee’ campaign.
It was an honour and a pleasure to work cross party on this campaign, and we achieved a 59%-41% split in favour of moving to a committee system of governance. The turnout of almost 95,000 voters was higher than at the 2012 referendum in which just under 77,000 people voted, and
which had only narrowly backed the mayoral system, 53%-47%.
On May 2nd Bristol will vote once again for the councillors who will run the new committee system. There will be eight committees composed of councillors allocated in proportion to the number of council seats held across the city. It’s not proportional representation, but it will ensure that views across the city, and the political spectrum, are heard across every aspect of council decision making and that someone who represents your values is in the room. The current six local area committees who decide how to spend public funds locally, will become nine so that they are each smaller and more representative of each community’s needs. The whole structure should be more democratic and grass roots than under the mayoral system, and more empowering and inclusive
Household budgets remain under pressure during the continuing national cost-ofliving crisis. We continue to treat your money with respect, while leading Bristol in a way that is compassionate and unapologetically ambitious.
We have retained our Council Tax Reduction Scheme, supporting 32,000 households with up to 100% discounts. Our Local Crisis Prevention Fund continues, after helping around 5,000 households this year with essentials like food and fuel.
Working as One City, more than 70 Welcoming Spaces have helped people stay warm and connected.
Bristol’s budget this year is again led by building homes.
Ensuring people have a safe, secure, and affordable home is the biggest contribution we can make to tackle poverty and climate change, improve health, and drive ambition. We have got Bristol building: more than 12,500 new homes were completed between 2016 and 2023, including the first from Goram Homes, our councilowned housing company. 86% of these homes are built on previously developed land; 3,000 more homes were under construction in April 2023; and we will deliver another 3,000 council homes by 2029.
Despite 14 years of national austerity, increased need in our city, and rising inflation, we have protected your frontline
Got
services. This year we have again safeguarded all of our children’s centres and libraries, and also opened our new £10 million Elmfield School for Deaf Children. And we keep investing in early intervention, with our world-class £15 million south Bristol Youth Zone opening in 2025.
At Portway Park & Ride, we opened Bristol’s first new train station in almost a century, with work well underway on another at Ashley Down. 2024 saw our 100,000th One Tree Per Child tree planted and a 10% drop in nitrogen dioxide pollution across Bristol – with Clean Air Zone help still on offer. And, by 2029, Bristol City Leap will have invested £771 million in clean energy:
for the citizens of Bristol.
To make this system work, we need to elect councillors who are prepared to work together to reach a consensus. Many people are tired of the behaviour of politicians who disrespect each other and the public. We need meetings to be productive, and as professional as in any other workplace. Compromise should not be a dirty word, and collaborative politics should be welcomed. We need to include everyone in discussion to achieve the best result for the most people.
We want you to have your say so please register to vote by 11:59pm Tuesday April 16 on https://www.gov.uk/registerto-vote
If you are voting in person on May 2, then please remember you will need photo ID.
creating 1,000 new jobs and cutting around 150,000 tonnes of emissions. We have faced huge challenges. Many are still with us. But, together, we have made real progress in building a better Bristol: our City of Hope.
COME mid-April the dawn chorus is amplified by the voices of returning migrants joining in with our resident birds. The singing begins in the gloaming, the sun still below the horizon, and the full concerto usually persists for an hour or so after sunrise. The world is quieter at dawn and the air often still, allowing the songs to carry up to 20 times as far, giving the singers a greater reward for their efforts. Listening, as colour seeps back into the world, is a joyous experience and worth the effort (even I admit it).
For those of us who find getting up at sunrise an unwelcome prospect (I was poorly named) we can listen out for the dusk chorus as sunset encourages the birds to sing again. Singing in low light levels attracts less attention from predators and it is too dark to search for food, so it makes sense to use the twilight to proclaim your territory and try to attract a mate.
Identifying birds from their song is a challenging art but people have been doing it forever, and, consequently, there are many little mnemonics. The best ones emphasize the rhythm of the song as well as the sounds.
My parents taught me “Did he do it, did he do it? Who can tell?” which is an age-old transliteration of the song thrush’s refrain. Incredibly, an individual can have 100 of these phrases, usually repeating each one a couple of times and varying his choices to produce his own unique composition: “did he do it” remains one of the most well-used lyrics.
The song of the chaffinch is written as “H, E, B, R, E, W, S, Hebrews!” with the last few
syllables speeding up as they go. Great tits flutily chant “teacher, teacher, teacher” though it is also a big joke in our family that any puzzling bird call is invariably a great tit. Their extensive range of vocalisations may help to explain how great tits, widespread in Europe and a sedentary species, have evolved different accents in different regions, rather like people.
The coal tit is one of our less common garden birds but listen out for “see saw, see saw” and you might see him. The wren, tiny as he is, has an explosive warbling song which always contains a rasping section, like a tiny stick being quickly dragged along a fence “tttrrrrrrrrr”. But best of all is the wood pigeon, whose rich, throaty tones offer the seductive suggestion to “take twoooooo cows, Taffy”. The chiffchaff, like the cuckoo (who is desperately hard to find nowadays, though a few pairs still breed in the Bristol region) sings his name and he is normally the first of the migrants to start singing, usually in March. That first irregular “chiff, chiff, chaff, chiff”, perhaps on a chilly day, coming defiantly from a high perch on a naked tree-top, really sends the heart a-leaping like almost nothing else.
TRINITY Academy in Lockleaze is celebrating a hugely positive Ofsted report following its first inspection.
The secondary school, which opened in 2019 as part of Cathedral Schools Trust, has been rated Good overall and Outstanding for leadership and management and pupils’ personal development.
Four inspectors visited Trinity Academy on January 23 and 24, observing lessons and meeting staff and students. In their report, they described the school as a vibrant community where pupils felt supported to achieve highly.
“This is an ambitious school that wants the very best for its pupils, both academically and pastorally,” Ofsted said.
“The school’s ambition, to nourish the ‘head, heart and soul’ of the pupils who attend, is fully understood by the school community. The school provides a wealth of opportunities and celebrates its cultural diversity.”
The inspectors praised the ambitious and well-planned curriculum and the exceptional extra-curricular programme at the 814-pupil school, which has a music specialism.
They also noted the warm and respectful relationships between children and staff.
“Lessons are not disrupted by poor
behaviour. The school is calm and orderly because pupils understand the rules and routines in place. “
=Headteacher Eiron Bailey said: “We are delighted with this report. Whileschools are so much more complex than single word judgements, we do see the full report as a recognition and affirmation of our mission and hard work”.
Neil Blundell, chief executive of
Cathedral Schools Trust, said: “This is a wonderful endorsement for the school and welcome news for education across the city. We are proud that personal development was judged to be outstanding and the report recognises that ‘the school provides a wealth of opportunities and celebrates its cultural diversity’.”
Trinity Academy has pupils in Years 7 to 11 and will open its sixth form in September.
Book your place
Junior - 25 April
Senior - 9 May
Friday 26th April 2024
Preschool to Year 8
Ages 3 - 13
Come and discover life at Clifton College Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory School. You will have the chance to meet staff, tour the classrooms and explore the wider facilities. Children encouraged to come along!
If you can’t attend our open day, book a personal tour at a time convenient to you at: cliftoncollege.com
SHADOW Cabinet Minister Darren Jones delivered a workshop on public speaking at Fairfield High School.
The invitation to Mr Jones, Labour MP for Bristol North West, came from the school’s Fem Soc and took place on International Women’s Day.
Mr Jones has run his Speak Like You Own the Room masterclasses at a number of secondary schools in Bristol during this academic year.
At Fairfield, he explained how his tips could be used in many circumstances, such as a doctor or nurse as they spoke to patients, a bus driver as they spoke to customers, or as an IT technician while deciphering technical problems.
Mr Jones showed some clips of public speaking that demonstrated less than favourable body language, such as lack of eye contact, fidgeting in the seat and speaking over each other.
For those students with their eyes on a career within the political world, he gave tips to both the chair person (giving everyone equal time to speak and knowing when to move an argument along for example) and questioner (maintaining a calm disposition
and not accepting evasive answers).
In questions and answers at the end of the workshop students quickly got down to the nitty gritty: in 10 minutes they had established the MP’s age, how much he earned, and the steps needed to become an MP, Mayor or Councillor.
Mr Jones said: “I was shy growing up but learning the saxophone and being on stage was a turning point as my confidence grew. I now represent around 100,000, if you include young people who can’t yet vote, and am in and out of national TV studios and
the House of Commons every week. Aside from this, I really enjoy meeting the next generation of leaders. Fem Soc are a great bunch of students who listened intently, showed great body language of their own and who I am sure will have bright futures.”
Jenny Putman, director of English and Classics at Fairfield High School, said: “We would like to thank Darren for this wonderful masterclass which will be relevant for all walks of life, and especially for combining his visit with International Women’s Day, something as a school we value very highly.”
I’M sure you don’t need reminding that February and March have been very wet. This isn’t causing the vines too much stress at the moment because they are dormant but they won’t like it if it continues into the growing season. The vines usually start to produce shoots and growth around the middle of April. Just like a person, they feel stressed in extreme conditions and can often get fungal diseases if the ground is extremely wet or dry. I have been meaning to make a rainwater collection system all winter and have joked that as soon as I finally get round to building it, we’ll probably have a drought and I’ll have missed all the rain collection opportunities!
Now the pruning of the vines is over, I’ve switched to pruning the willow windbreak. It’s quite a different process to vine pruning and involves sawing rather than snipping with secateurs. At the vineyard edge, we now have huge piles of 20 foot long, thin willow branches that we’ll chip for mulch as soon as the ground dries out enough for vehicles to drive across it.
For the last two weeks, I’ve been sharing the vineyard field with around 25 sheep. We
have a couple of rams but mainly pregnant ewes who are due to give birth around the end of March. They’ve been doing a great job, nibbling all the grass down to ground level which will give me a headstart keeping things clear and giving the vines some space to grow. They especially love nibbling the fresh, young leaves off the willow branches I’ve just chopped down.
On the wine front, our new sparkling white has been released and is proving very popular. We should have a new sparkling red in a week or so as well.
hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk
www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk
@DYvineyards (X/Twitter) dunleavy vineyards (Facebook & Instagram)
EVERY year in the last week of April and first days of May, the Bristol 1904 Arts Society hold their Annual Paintings Exhibition. Over the 9 day event around 100 new paintings for 2024 will be on view together with occasional grand piano music and demonstrations of artists at work on the easel.
The paintings on show in the exhibition are the fruits of sketching excursions and many hours of arduous work during the year. Every day at least one of our skilled artists will be available to talk about the medium and complex techniques that go into each painting. All the original paintings are, of course, available to purchase.
Bristol 1904 Arts is a friendly society with over 200 members that have common interests in the visual and performing arts as well as in good fun and fellowship. There are members who draw and paint, others who play fine music, perform entertaining magic or read poetry and many who simply enjoy the creative talents of their artistic and musical colleagues. The society has a number of organised groups covering classic cars, country walking, city history, weekly painting skills workshops, photography club, bird watching and ornithology - and much more.
We meet during the winter months on Wednesday evenings in the large performance hall built in the style of an old tithe barn, situated in the grounds of The Red Lodge in Park Row. Each week we enjoy piano recitals often accompanied by violin, cello, clarinet or flute – and singing performances.
Everyone is cordially invited to our paintings exhibition, a significant part of Bristol’s art scene. Please visit the Bristol 1904 Arts Society website for further details.
bristol1904arts.org
FREELANCE Mum, a support network for selfemployed mothers, is opening a hub in north Bristol.
The idea is for mums to meet monthly to ‘netwalk’ for fresh air, focus and friendship. Crucially, they can bring their children along.
The group meets at The Ardagh in Horfield on April 18, May 16 and June 20 for walks plus free coffee and cake. Freelance Mum also offers mums who juggle parenting with running their own business an active online community, with weekly virtual coffee mornings where members across the country can connect.
Membership is free for the first 30 days and is then £25 a month.
Freelance Mum was founded in 2013 by Faye Dicker, who was balancing motherhood with her voiceover work. Hubs have sprung up in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Southampton and even New Zealand.
The North Bristol hub will be run by Faye Dicker with Freelance Mum Claire Callaghan, a self-employed physio. The netwalks are being funded by Bristol Business and Enterprise Support through YTKO West of England.
Claire used to travel across Bristol to the city to get to the original FM netwalk in Ashton Court so jumped at the opportunity to launch a hub closer to home in Horfield.
She said: “I wanted to help set up a hub in North Bristol as I've lived here for over 15 years, and really feel there's a need for this. I've also gained so much from meeting and working with other Freelance Mums, so it would be great if others could benefit too.
“Sometimes networking can feel forced and transactional. Freelance Mums is just the opposite! The informal netwalk format and Faye's welcome and natural sparkle ensures that everyone is comfortable and able to express themselves in whatever way they wish. We're keen to bring women from diverse jobs, backgrounds and experience levels together.”
For further information, visit https://www.freelancemum.co.uk
April 7th
n ANTIQUE, VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES FAIR 10am3.30pm. Ashton Court Mansion House, BS41 9JN. Fine jewellery, gold and silver, china, militaria, books, prints, paintings, vinyl, Vintage clothing and accessories, furniture, watches, toys and lots more. Over 40 stalls all inside mansion house, Café serving teas, coffees, cakes. £2.00 entry, under 16s free
April 10th
n DAN NORRIS, WECA MAYOR, invites you to "Protecting and Enhancing the Environment", our achievements and next steps in delivering cleaner air and transport and introducing your candidates for Bishopston & Ashley Down, Andrew Milton and Eileen Means. 7:30pm, Weds, 10th April, 2024, The Bowling Club, The Ardagh, Kellaway Avenue, Horfield Common, Bristol, BS6 7YL (There will be a bar will be open) Please RSVP as places are limited, BishopstonAshIeyDownLabour@ gmail.com Promoted by Kieran Mooney on behalf of Andrew Milton and Eileen Means at 27 Morley Square, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 9DW
April 20th
Giacomo Susani
Classical Guitar Recital
Sat 20 April 7:30pm
Saint Stephen’s Church, BS11EQ
“A guitarist with myriad colours and bold sensitivity” BBC Music.
Info/tickets www.bristolclassicalguitarsociety.org
n BRISTOL NORDIC WALKING
Bristol Nordic Walking is an award-winning club with the most experienced team of instructors and friendliest community in Bristol. Our sessions are full of chat and laughter and you’ll get an effective full-body workout. Locations - Clifton Down, Blaise, Oldbury. Leigh Woods, Ashton Court. Book a one-off Beginner Workshop (we supply poles) and you will receive another hour-long Nordic walk for free! Visit www. bristolnordicwalking.co.uk or call Ros for an informal chat on
April 24th
n THE FILTONES CHOIR is, as a one off event, holding a choir open rehearsal at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park between 1.45 and 3.45. It is FREE for all to drop in and listen to how we prepare for our concerts, and you can even join in if you feel inclined. Meet the choir for free tea and biscuits during their break. You are assured of a very warm welcome.
Monday
n SHARED READING AT ST PAUL’S LIBRARY. Meet and connect with others Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm. St Paul’s Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, Bristol BS2 8XJ. Email: support@thereader.org.uk
n REDLAND WIND BAND has vacancies for some woodwind, brass and percussion players. This friendly group meets 7.30-9.30pm at Redland Church Hall, Redland Green. Contact via email on redlandwindband@gmail.com
n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875.
BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA DISCUSSION GROUP are a merry band of retired people who meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday morning (9.45) and like to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to join and help to solve some of today's challenging issues, contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.
Tuesday
n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL
LECTURE welcomes new members. Our lectures, given by specialists in their own field, take place on the second Tuesday of the month from September to May at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information visit our website www.theartssocietybristol.org.uk
n BRISTOL HARMONY WEST
GALLERY CHOIR and band sing and play lively church and village music from the 18thcentury. St Edyth’s Church Hall, St Edyth’s Road, Sea Mills, 7.30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. All voices (SATB), string, wind and reed instruments welcome. No auditions but ability to read music helpful. www.bristolharmony.wordpress. com or call Fritjof 0117 924 3440. Contact before attending.
n POETRY UNLIMITED – poetry circle meet on the First Tuesday of every month 11am - 12 midday. Basement Room, Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. £2.50 - £3.00 donation towards the cost of the room. Bring a couple of poems to share, other poets or your own. Contact Dee: wetwo@ gentlyblown.co.uk Web: www. poetryunlimitedbristol.weebly.com
n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL
n BRISTOL COMMUNITY GAMELAN play the music of Java at Cotham School from 6.30-8.30. We play by numbers – only 1-6, without the 4 ! So no auditions, no need to read music. If you fancy a different musical experience, contact us via email on keithripley27@gmail.com
n WESTBURY ON TRYM WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2.00 - 4.00 pm. We have interesting speakers, and extra activities of crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. For more information call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917
We are a 'threshold choir' looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/ compassion/loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join/support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org.
Wednesday
n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcomefirst visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Tania by email at tanialake@ yahoo.co.uk
n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA. A vibrant, lively new afternoon WI in BS6. We have an exciting and varied programme to offer to members. Visitors and new members will be given a warm welcome. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@gmail.com.
n WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your local area. Call 0117 435 0063 for more information.
n HEALING SESSIONS Spiritual
Healing is available from 2pm to 3.30pm by the accredited healing team at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE
For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30 start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n BRISTOL VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR welcomes new members at any time. We meet at 7.30pm in St Werburghs Primary School during term time. See www.bristolvoices. org.uk for details.
Thursday
n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feel more relaxed, peaceful, calmer.
Drop-in at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. NEW TIME 3.30 to 4.45 pm. Donation basis. Supported by Healing Trust members. Contact Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@ yahoo.co.uk for dates and other information.
n BISHOPSTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Meet on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.00pm at Horfield Baptist Church, 160a Gloucester Road, Bishopston BS7 8NT. Everyone welcome, no audition necessary. Contact us via email on bishoproadchoir@gmail.com
n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Come and join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278
n HENBURY SINGERS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet each Thursday 7.30-9.15pm at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, Cedar Park BS9 1BW. We perform sacred and secular music under our conductor Andrew Kirk. No auditions. See our website www. henburysingers.org or contact
the the secretary at secretary@ henburysingers.org
n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@ bristolbach.org.uk
n HIGHBURY BADMINTON
CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/ highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westbury-on-Trym Village Hall
n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING aLooking for a new hobby? Join us for fun, fitness and friendship (singles welcome). First evening free! Thursdays: New/Inexperienced dancers 7–8.30pm (£4). Intermediate/Advanced dancers 7.30–10pm (£6). St Monica Trust, Oatley House Main Hall, BS9 3TN. www.rscdsbristol.info. Contact Ruth 01179683057.
n THE STEPFORD SINGERS WOMEN'S COMMUNITY CHOIR meets at Horfield Baptist Church, Bishopston on Thursday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm. No auditions and no need to read music! Come for a free taster session with our friendly, supportive group and learn to sing in harmony. For info, contact Fran franbolton66@gmail.com
0300
ARE you a Community Pollinator? People power will help turn Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) into a year-round source of food forage and shelter for the many kindly and diverse insects we all rely on for fruit pollination. If they become hungry and homeless, so do we!
Last spring, one of our active, Harvest-share members was keen to apply to the Bee Bold Community Pollinators fund, a West of England Combined Authority (WECA) initiative. Other members took part in films made to support the bid - and everyone was buzzing! Our project, ‘Bee Active, Bee Fruitful!’, was successful!
An experimental Wild Bee Hive prototype was installed in our Home Orchard Plot in July 2023. It’s been a talking point with visitors at Apple Day and Wassail - and a great way raise awareness of wild bees and other pollinating insects.
It’s true that our nature-friendly orchard is already a welcome place for pollinators. We have identified ways to make it even better. These include adding more pollinator-friendly fruiting plants and herbs, and more ‘dry’ hedges. The project also brings opportunities to engage orchard-lovers from the wider community in the activities.
Past experience teaches us that proper preparation of planting areas is key to success. Many hands make lighter work! Lend a hand and muck-in at one of our Bee Active. Bee Fruitful volunteer sessions. Tasks range from deep digging of bramble roots, to gentler sieving
of rough mulch materials. The activities involve 'green exercise' of some kind. There is something suited to every ability.
Looking for other ways to be a Community Pollinator? Please get in touch if you can donate homegrown woody herbs, herbaceous berry and fruit bushes, and pollinator-friendly bulbs. We also welcome local orchard lovers to join us Friends of HOCO, and support our work year-round.
Bee Active, Bee Fruitful! Community Pollinator volunteer sessions: Saturday 13 April
Please sign-up c/o the HOCO website: http://www. community-orchard.org.uk
Come along with a friend or family member!
Phone 0117 373 1587
Words by Shannon Smith aka The Apple Tree Lady Photograph by Jamie CarstairsTHE Walk and Talk initiative is now available to women aged 18 or above who live or work in Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police are inviting women to meet with female police officers or PCSOs to show them areas in which they feel vulnerable or unsafe in their communities.
Walk and Talk lead for Bristol, Acting Inspector Jonathan Scott, said: “If there are particular areas in your neighbourhood that make you feel unsafe, or that you avoid, then a walk and talk is a way to meet with a female police officer or PCSO and show them these areas, explain experiences you have had, and also a chance to ask any questions you may have.”
The Walk and Talk initiative was initially launched as a trial in Somerset in September 2023. To find out more, visit: https:// www.avonandsomerset.police. uk/apply/walk-and-talk/
THE recent loss of young lives across the West of England is a huge concern.
At my annual Schools Summit, students pitch ideas to me for new policies.
Sometimes it’s the environment, transport, or about skills. This year’s big theme turned out to be how to tackle knife crime.
Many young people are currently worried, anxious and unclear about what they can do to best avoid knife violence. But they know the awful toll of young lives only too well.
Mason Rist and Max Dixon – aged just 15 and 16 respectively – were stabbed in Knowle West back in January.
Darrian Williams, also just 16, was killed in Easton in February.
Another 16-year-old, Mikey Roynon, was stabbed and killed at a birthday party in Bath last June.
In 2022, Radstock teenager Charley Bates was another young victim. His killer was prosecuted last August.
Knife crime is impacting young people, who are changing their behaviour from fear, for example staying in more and not seeing their friends so frequently.
There is no single answer – far from it. But I do know we must act.
We need to invest in young people and the resources that help them. Real-terms reductions to local council budgets for the past 14 years have hit youth services very badly.
There is also a lack of mental health support for youngsters growing up in an ever more complex and fast-changing world. As a former NSPCC-trained child protection officer, this is something close to my heart.
Young people need mentors, to take part in activities that build their self-esteem. They also need access to first rate support from qualified professionals.
Sadly, young people are staying away from youth clubs and youth provision because they and their parents are frightened. That’s a vicious circle we need to break.
We also need to smash the myth that carrying a knife makes you safer. It doesn’t.
However secure it makes you feel, you’re actually more likely to be stabbed with your own knife than anyone else’s. By carrying a knife, you’re potentially arming your attacker.
The police are right to hold knife amnesties. But the fall in police numbers and prosecutions under this government is unacceptable. I also can’t fathom the reason to wait until the autumn to ban dangerous ‘zombie knives’ and
Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
machetes. And when the worst happens, we need people trained to react.
At my schools summit, youngsters learnt from the brilliant anti-knife crime campaigner Leanne Reynolds how to use ‘bleed kits’, which contain everything needed to give first aid to someone rapidly losing blood.
So, here’s the deal: to tackle knife crime head-on, we need to get everyone on board – community groups, charities, businesses, police and especially young people.
It also requires political parties to work together, something as West of England Mayor I’m keen to encourage.
The senseless loss of young life is an utter and total tragedy. It’s time for action, so we can beat it – together.
JACK Allen was born in Westonsuper-Mare and grew up in Bristol. A local rugby player and teacher, Jack has written an ITV drama and a book about Bristol’s nineteenth century bare knuckle fighters which provided the inspiration for Pugilistica 54. We find ourselves in the year 2054. Bristol is part of the Kingdom of England & Wales following Scottish independence and the unification of Ireland. Terrorists have destroyed the Nord Stream pipeline and Dogger Bank windfarm causing energy prices to soar. A new killer virus has decimated the population leaving the NHS overwhelmed. Millions are out of work and hundreds of homeless people are dying on the streets from hunger. The nation is run as a one party state by President Zebec, a firebrand preacher from Texas who is the leader of the Progressive Christian Party. Competitive sport is outlawed, newspapers and magazines banned and internet access blocked. However at secret sites around the city, an annual
competition named Pugilistica is held to find the next World Heavyweight boxing champion. We follow the life of Jason Lee, a 20-year-old boxer who dreams of becoming world champion. When he was young, his parents were killed in a car crash and he was adopted by his trainer Mickey Rossiter. The regime exercises control in the city via Chief Superintendent Crilly. Anyone caught out during curfew receives a ten point penalty and if you reach thirty points your brain is lobotomized. Justice is administered by Judge Keeling, who oversees trials, fixed in advance by bribing witnesses and packing juries with people close to achieving thirty penalty points. Micky takes Jason to an illegal bout in a disused quarry at Ashton Court. The fight is broken up by Crilly and his thugs. Jason is arrested and sentenced to three years detention , on the evidence of Kathryn Hart, whose partner was murdered by the police and whose son David was put into care. Jason is taken to a boot camp, full of boxers,
imprisoned after illegal bouts, including the current undefeated World Champion, Carl Straffen, who is backed by Crilly and a group of rich businessmen. Although boxing is officially illegal there are a number of lucrative fights sanctioned by the regime. Jason is goaded into a fight with Straffen and floors the current World champion. The fight is watched by Keeling and Crilly’s business guests. They see Jason’s potential, purchasing him for five hundred million pounds and they appoint Mickey as his trainer. We discover that Kathryn is secreting helping the rebel cause, by trading sex with Keeling for information that she passes on to John Nicholson, the rebel leader. She meets Jason and they develop a close relationship whilst she maintains her liaison with Keeling. Will Jason realise his dream of becoming World Champion, will this be a catalyst for the overthrow of the regime, will Kathryn continue her double life, supporting the rebel cause without Keeling finding out
from Jason? You will need to read the book to find out. This is a gripping dystopian thriller, with believable characters and dialogue, realistic fight sequences and firmly embedded in the city of Bristol including a safe house in Gloucester Road and public hangings on The Downs.
Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library
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Rob
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