Representatives of many faith groups attended a community Iftar at Fairfield High School during Ramadan.
FHS head teacher Amanda Bridgewater, front row, third from right, and her team are also celebrating a successful Ofsted inspection.
Reports:
Pages 13, 20 & 21
BUS services in Bristol have faced many troubles over recent years – driver shortages, passenger numbers dropping after Covid and subsidy cuts.
But now there’s some good news - the people of St Paul’s and St Werburgh’s are celebrating the launch of a new route that links them to the city centre and
to Southmead Hospital.
The weekday hourly service is run by Transpora Group. Local people have warmly welcomed the restoration of their connection to Broadmead and a new link to the Eastgate Centre, then up Muller Road to Horfield Common and the hospital. Green councillors Emma
Edwards and Lily FitzGibbon said: “We have raised concerns about the dwindling bus services for many months now and so are really pleased to see this service added.”
Bristol West’s Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire said the new route was needed because Turn to Page 3
THE Montpelier artist who put a Star Wars robot model on the vacant Colston plinth says he’s considering another “pop up” art exhibition.
People on social media criticised Bristol City Council after the model of a Battle Droid was removed just days after creator Simon Francis Thomas put it on show.
Simon stood the four-foot model on the plinth on April 7, posting on Facebook: “If you are in central Bristol today pop by our Star Wars Celebration sculpture being displayed for 3 days on the controversial Colston statue plinth.”
But council street teams apparently removed it just hours later.
Luckily Simon had hidden a tracking device inside, and was able to recover it undamaged from Hartcliffe Way Recycling Centre.
After he retrieved it, he posted a photo of the model in the passenger seat of a car, complete with seat belt, on the way back to his studio. He said he had been told by a member of the public that it had been removed from the plinth.
He posted on Facebook: “Thanks for all the love I really enjoyed this project and the
Emma Cooper
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feedback … should I do another pop up?”
The droid sculpture, a tribute to a Star Wars celebration weekend being held in London, was holding a plaque which said “Star wars Celebration” and had a QR code linking to Simon’s Instagram profile.
Simon, who describes himself on Instagram as an artist and designer, studied an MA in Design at UWE.
On social media people reacted to the news of the sculpture’s removal with surprise. One posted “What is wrong with the council! BCC should offer an apology.”
Another said: “The Droid statue was excellent and just a bit of fun, kids would love it.”
In December 2020 a model of Darth Vader, who was played by Bristolian Dave Prowse, was placed on the Colston plinth.
The original statue of Edward Colston, which stood on the plinth from 1895, was toppled in 2020. Last year four people were cleared of criminal damage in connection with its removal.Colston’s statue was displayed at M Shed for six months and is now in the museum’s store. Plans are under way for it to go on permanent display in the future following a public vote.
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WORK on Muller Road to improve bus, cycling and walking journeys through Lockleaze is taking longer than expected. The scheme, which began last August, was due to be finished this spring but will take until summer. This is because of bad weather and finding unexpected utility cables in the road. It includes:
• Installing a 24-hour inbound bus lane on Muller Road between its junctions with Downend Road and Ralph Road.
• A modal filter to stop through traffic from Muller Road onto Springfield Avenue, Draycott Road and Brent Road, while still allowing a through route for cyclists.
• New traffic signals at Muller Road’s junction with Ralph Road.
• Resurfacing Muller Road between its junctions with Downend Road and Ralph Road.
From Page 1
St Paul’s and St Werburgh’s had faced losing the city centre link when First withdrew the 47 service after its subsidy was ended.
“Despite this small win, there is a lot more to be done to improve Bristol’s buses. I will keep pushing private companies, WECA and Bristol City Council to ensure all Bristolians can access an affordable and well-connected public bus service,” she said. Ghost buses: Page 6
MEMBERS of City Voices Bristol choir were due to join others from across Bristol on May 1 to form a massed choir of 650 singing Handel’s Zadok the Priest to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and the 650th anniversary of the City of Bristol. The event Sing for the King! was taking place in Bristol Cathedral.
On Saturday May 27, the choir is performing at St George’s alongside performances from a number of other Bristol choirs Bristol City Voices annual summer concert Sounds of Summerwill take place this year at All Saints Church Pembroke Rd Clifton on Sunday June 25.
City Voices Bristol rehearse at Redmaids’ High School Performing Arts Centre at 7.15 pm on a Monday evening and welcome new members. For details: www.cityvoicesbristol.org
PERMISSION for up to three open-air concerts a year at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club’s ground has been granted in spite of residents’ concerns. Neighbours told a licensing hearing that a 2019 performance by Tom Jones led to antisocial behaviour outside the stadium, including allegations of gig-goers urinating on parked cars.
But Bristol city councillors approved the premises licence application for the Seat Unique stadium after hearing that the Welsh singer’s event had been largely out of GCCC’s control and that the club would be responsible for all future shows.
Residents’ group CG2 representative Alison Boulton told the panel that locals were much more concerned about the noise and disruption of the preparation for events, such as putting up the stage and deliveries, than the loudness of music.
She said: “We are not against the idea of concerts or what the
cricket club does – the last thing we want is for it to close and a supermarket built – but we want to make sure everything surrounding these big events is done to reduce the impacts on people near the ground.
“We welcome the fact that the ground will have greater control over these events.
“If they ever talk about having Tom Jones again, there will be an uprising because that was a really unpleasant evening.
“Antisocial behaviour is always an issue, especially when people have had a bit to drink, and there has been littering, urinating, very loud shouting and some road safety danger where someone could have been run over as people poured down
Ashley Down Road after the Tom Jones concert.”
She said residents wanted only one concert a year that was either at a weekend or during school holidays.
Solicitor Jeremy Woodcraft, representing the club, told the licensing sub-committee on April 6, that the new, ongoing licence for three gigs a year would give the club the control over the events that they had lacked previously because they had not been the applicants.
Mr Woodcraft said it would also help longer-term planning so that the County Ground would no longer have to seek a one-off licence “almost presumptuously” shortly before a scheduled concert when thousands of
MINISTRY of Sound Classical will perform an open-air concert at the Seat Unique Stadium on July 28. Dance anthems will be performed by a spectacular 30-piece orchestra, who will be joined by renowned DJs Seb Fontaine, Judge Jules and DJ Fergie on the decks.
tickets had already been sold.
He said: “This licence will facilitate that kind of approach and not having us keeping our fingers crossed that you will say yes.”
Mr Woodcraft said three concerts a year was probably “pie in the sky” and there were more likely to be no more than two, each with a capacity of up to 20,000 but more likely to attract fewer than 15,000 people.
“The club recognises residents’ concerns and wants to balance their needs with making the most of the ground to make it a sustainable venue,” he said.
Councillors granted the licence with 107 conditions after hearing they could be tightened up by pollution control if any problems arose.
Live music, alcohol sales and other activities requiring a licence will take place for no more than six hours between 12pm and 11pm on event days.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
NEIGHBOURS say a plan to build flats behind the Tesco Express on Gloucester Road will have a huge impact on a much needed local wildlife haven, and add to parking problems.
They say a small woodland area behind the store at 171-175 Gloucester Road is a vital green lung and home to birds, slow worms and bats.
Tesco is due to vacate the building when its lease ends in the near future, and developers want to convert it into two flats, and form an access to the land behind, which is currently used as a storage area.
They say they would fell some of the trees in the area behind, which backs on to gardens of houses on North Road, and build seven more two and three storey flats.
At the time of going to print 43 objections had been lodged at Bristol City Council’s planning portal, including one from Bristol Tree Forum, which said the application failed to explain which trees would be felled and which would be retained.
They say there are 20-30 trees on the site, four of which are sycamores which are subject to Tree Protection Orders.
In the application, consultants Rackham Planning, working for Whitehorse Homes Ltd, say the site is currently “unsightly” and would be converted into seven two and three bedroom flats, which would be “car free” with parking for 22 cycles.
Rackham say: “The provision of this type of flats will provide accommodation attractive to the growing market of young
professionals who are seeking to get on the property ladder or find accommodation in the City which is subject to ever increasing prices.”
And they say converting Tesco into two smaller retail units will enhance the character of the Gloucester Road.
“The proposed development will not have a harmful impact on the character of the Gloucester Road Conservation Area and will actually enhance its character, and further promote the positive features.”
Among the objections, many said they were concerned about the potential loss of trees.
One objector said: “The strip of land has a number of matures trees and is home to a surprising amount of wildlife.
“Birds nest in the trees and the strip of gardens behind it are
home to slow worms, palmate newts and frogs so the land itself will certainly have these species present. Bats can also be seen flying around the gardens in the evening.”
Another said the loss of green cover would impact houses further afield: “Even from Effingham Road, the row of trees are a beautiful sight to break up an otherwise very urban area.”
One North Road resident said: “The proposed development directly backs onto my property and will overshadow the garden, with the proposed flats looking directly into our bedrooms.
“This would hugely impact our privacy both inside the house and in the garden.”
People living nearby also say they are concerned the plan will exacerbate parking problems for people living near the Gloucester
Road.
One objector said: “There is no parking provided with the site. There is no way of enforcing a no car rule unless a residents’ parking scheme is introduced which specifically bans residents of this development from having a parking permit which has been done in other towns and cities.
“Without any form of enforcement there is bound to be a knock on effect on parking in the surrounding roads. The parking on pavements, on double yellow lines and on corners is already dangerous without more cars fighting for spaces.”
In 2005 a proposal for a house and six flats on the site was rejected by Bristol City Council.
The planning application can be viewed at :https://tinyurl. com/2p8z4uy8
THE Walkers & Talkers group at Gloucestershire Cricket held a sponsored walk to raise funds for its future and to buy defibrillators for the area.
The group was set up by former Glos player Andy Brassington a year to bring together like-minded people, promote an active lifestyle, and to ensure regular social contact for those who became disconnected during the challenging Covid years.
Hosted every Wednesday at the Seat Unique Stadium, Walkers and Talkers regularly welcomes up to 100 attendees free
of charge. Guest speakers have included ex-England cricketers, rugby players and TV personalities.
The sponsored walk on April 12 featured an appearance and a Q&A session with former Gloucestershire player, Mike Smith. The prolific left-arm bowler made more than 400 appearances for Gloucestershire and claimed more than 830 wickets.
Andy Brassington said: “It’s amazing what a cuppa, a stroll and a chat can do. Everyone benefits from it and the constant high number of people attending is
overwhelming. The sponsored walk is our chance to enable the sessions to become self-sufficient as well as giving back to other areas within our community. To think that a defibrillator funded by the members of Walkers & Talkers could one day save the life of someone in the community fills me with a huge sense of pride.”
The initiative had raised £2,400 online as the Voice went to print. If you like to show your support, donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ walkersandtalkers2023
STRANDED passengers reported more than 100 cases of “ghost buses” in Bristol in March as part of a new citizen science project.
Darren Jones, Labour MP for Bristol North West, is collecting evidence from constituents to test promises made by bus bosses on improving reliability.
The project is asking bus passengers whose journeys start in the Bristol North West constituency to tell the MP if their journeys were on time, delayed, or if a service appears on an app or digital screen in a bus stop but never turns up — known as a ghost bus.
First, the city’s largest operator, promised that many services would become more reliable from the start of April. Several main routes — including the 70, 73, 73, 75 and 76 — should now see buses running more frequently, but the results of this remain to be seen.
Mr Jones said: “For as long as I can remember, problems with bus services have been one of the biggest local concerns for people. But looking at the data in black and white that is rolling in, even I’m astounded at how badly Bristol’s bus network is blighted by ghost buses. How can we expect people to leave their cars at home if they can’t trust that the bus they are waiting for actually exists?”
In March the MP received 109 reports of ghost buses. The project is continuing throughout April and May, and passengers are encouraged to log their bus journeys on the website: darrenjones.co.uk/bus
Mr Jones added: “I need the public’s help to gather the data that will show if the bus companies need to be held to account — and it’s not too late for passengers to start logging bus journeys from today. Nothing
would make me happier than to discover that the reliability of our buses is moving in the right direction. But let’s see what the data reveals.”
Earlier this year, Doug Claringbold, managing director of First in the West of England, said that services and reliability will improve from April. The company is running a huge recruitment campaign amid a dire shortage of drivers, and said that issues such as congestion can cause bus cancellations which are outside the company’s control.
A spokesperson for First West of England said: “New timetables have been introduced across Bristol from April 2 — including more frequent buses on a number of services — using specialist scheduling software which we are confident will improve reliability. We saw significant improvements when
we did the same earlier this year on Metrobus services, so we anticipate similar success across our Bristol network.
“Cancellations can occur for a variety of reasons due to issues on the road network we cannot control. We continue to do all we can to manage updates for our customers in dynamically changing situations and enable timely information to appear on our app and the Real Time Information (RTI) displays at bus stops.
“We are working closely with the [West of England] Combined Authority to explore improvements to how the RTI displays are refreshed with the latest details of all the services on our network.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
AN open-air music event in Bristol has been refused permission amid fears about public nuisance, crime and disorder.
Councillors threw out a request for a temporary event notice (TEN) for June 3 on Albany Green, Montpelier, after police and environmental health objected, having been provided with almost no details – including how it would be managed or even what kind of music would be played.
The applicant was not named and did not attend the hearing, but Bristol City Council licensing sub-committee heard it was not Glastonbury Festival legend Malcolm Haynes, landlord of the nearby Star & Garter pub, who has permission to hold eight events a year for up to 3,000 people on the open space.
Members said they had no
choice but to reject the proposed event for up to 50 people, from midday to 11pm, because of the lack of information.
Senior pollution control officer Mark Curtis told the panel that there were no details about how the number of attendees would be restricted even though the site was freely accessible.
He said: “Without any further information about what the music was going to be and what measures would be in place to control the event, I had to object because of the likelihood of public nuisance, public disorder and public safety.”
Avon & Somerset Police licensing officer Louise Mowbray said she had spoken to Mr Haynes, who created Glastonbury’s Dance Village and has organised St Pauls Carnival, and that it was “nothing to do with him”.
She said: “Albany Green is in the middle of a residential area.
“We have no idea how 50 people would be managed on that space or indeed if more than 50 people turned up.”
She said the applicant did not consult with the authorities either before submitting the TEN request or after the objections
were lodged.
“It’s the unknown – there are no details, I have no depth of knowledge or understanding of what they are going to do to uphold the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance or even crime and disorder, so we have no real avenue other than to object to it,” she said.
“As it stands we can’t have any guarantee that the numbers planned would not turn into something more which would then require public resources for the police service to manage any issues that arose.
“This will potentially cause traffic issues without all the relevant planning that should go into any event involving members of the public. It could attract any number of people.”
Announcing the decision, sub-committee chairman Cllr Marley Bennett said: “Because of the concerns raised through the relevant agencies and the fact we have so little information, we have decided not to grant the application.”
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting ServicePARTS of Bristol’s public transport are “unsafe” because of a lack of CCTV and lighting, while graffiti has made Montpelier railway station look like “The Bronx”, a campaigner warned.
Passenger champion David Redgewell told a council meeting that many bus and train stations and shelters felt intimidating, the public were treated as though “we don’t exist” and that the police were not patrolling the network enough.
Avon & Somerset Police says it works closely with Bristol City Council in tackling illegal graffiti and runs regular operations targeting taggers, while British Transport Police (BTP) says both uniform and plain clothes officers patrol the train network around the clock.
Bristol Public Transport Community Safety Partnership member Mr Redgewell told councillors that the authorities
did not fully understand or grapple with the issues facing public transport users.
He said: “In combined authority areas like Manchester and Birmingham, much more effort is put into making sure the public transport network is safe.
“We have only just succeeded in getting cameras put up at local
railway stations but only a few of them are on the control centre.
“We have graffiti and abuse in some of those stations and some of them are unsafe.
“Montpelier looks more like The Bronx than it does a Bristol station, but this is the public transport network our citizens have to travel on.
“We get graffiti on bus stops and shelters, and lighting does not work – that is not safe, graffiti makes passengers feel unsafe
“In fact students in Rupert Street tag the very building they live in in broad daylight opposite the main Bristol police station making the bus stops on both sides feel unsafe at night.”
Mr Redgwell said he had not seen any prosecutions for illegal graffiti or tagging.
“If the city and public transport are to be safe, the police need to do more travelling and we need lighting at bus stops, shelters and stations. It’s
as though we as the citizens who use the network don’t exist, and that is not acceptable.
“I want to see more action, more policing, more responsibility and more acceptance of the need to make sure the public transport network is protected.
“It’s got to be safe and we have got to make sure it’s safe.”
An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We work closely with our partners at Bristol City Council to tackle illegal graffiti.
“Together, we run regular operations utilising a range of resources and tactics including officers in plain clothes and CCTV, to identify those responsible for tagging.
“People can report damage to property by graffiti to us via our website: https://www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ forms/gra”
A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “BTP officers patrol across the railway network in Bristol day and night in both uniform and plain clothes to deter crime and reassure the travelling public. We’d always encourage anyone with any concerns while travelling to text us discreetly on 61016.”
Network Rail and First Great Western, which are responsible for infrastructure at railway stations such as lighting, CCTV cameras and removing graffiti, were asked for comment but did not respond.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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Lack of funds for area projects
Most years we remind community groups about the lead in process to the allocation of developer funds to local projects. This is the percentage of the sum eligible developments pay called Community Infrastructure Levy or CIL which comes to our local Area. The rest is held centrally by the Mayor. We usually invite project ideas.
Sadly we have had news that due to optimism and overallocation last autumn and the slowing of developments in the city we have no confirmed funds in the pipeline at present! Until more development projects get underway and make their CIL payments there won't be even the modest budget we usually have for councillors in our part of the city to allocate. As councillors we have no others discretionary funds at our disposal at present so we're sorry to say this means no money for new road safety, play or other community building projects.
Following a unanimous vote of the Council, in October last year Bristol’s Labour Mayor promised to hold an independent inquiry into the scandal of SEND officers ‘spying’ on parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities. However he recently stated he is no longer planning to commission the investigation. We know this
will disappoint many people who expected the inquiry.
We share this concerned that the Mayor appears to be abandoning the commitment –supported by all parties at Full Council – to hold an independent inquiry into his administration’s monitoring of SEND parents, a saga which seriously damaged the council’s reputation and its relationship with parents and guardians of SEND children. Without an impartial investigation we doubt the lessons from this will be learned and the council’s already poor relationship with SEND parents could be further undermined. Greens will work with other parties to do everything within our power to ensure this much needed investigation happens.
Most of the ward’s pavements are being treated over the next few months in a preventative maintenance programme where the surface is sealed with a non slip coating. This preserves the footway life though it doesn’t deal with major faults. Only one side of each road will be treated at one time and it should take just a day to set in good weather so hopefully this will not be too big an inconvenience. All the stop taps and edges should be taped to protect services, driveways etc. Where the footway is badly damaged it may need more
Concorde Way and Muller Road
While we welcome the new that work has finally started on the new Ashley Down Station, we are greatly concerned about the cycling diversions in place. Concorde Way is expected to be closed for over a year and while we accept that can’t be changed, we are challenging the administration to provide better, safer diversion routes. Emma put a statement into March Full cabinet, but sadly The Mayor has come back to say that he does not think changes can be made. We fully intend to challenge this and call for more options for cyclists who use this route to commute. We have also been told that the Muller Road project is now due to be complete by Summer 2023 after a slight setback due to weather. We are in on-going talks with the officers relaying residents feedback and are hoping to see some of these reflected in the finished project,
such as making sure people to not drive on the green at the bottom of Springfield Ave.
Cycling Day Success
We were delighted with the success of our first cycling community day at The Ardagh on the 14th April. We welcomed community officers from Avon and Somerset Police, who spent the afternoon doing free QRCode bike marking for residents. We also had Peter Adcock from Life Cycle who came chat with visitors about cycling training, and Bristol Cycling Campaign who joined Emma and Nick in a lively panel discussion about improving cycling provisions in Bristol. We also had visitors write notes telling us their views and gave away free cycling maps. We hope to host many more events like this in future and a big thank you to all who came down, and The Ardagh for hosting.
We were delighted to hear that a
attention so please do report it via the ‘Report a pothole, damaged road or footpath’ page of the council website. We’re aware of concerns that some debris may not have been swept before the treatment and have reported this. The way loose debris is being blown off the foot way could also affect parked cars so do consider moving yours. Do let us know if you have any issues.
We've been contacted by various residents after planning applications have been delayed. We previously reported how the shortage of council planning officers has been holding up applications as the council recruitment and retention of staff continues to be difficult. We know this is frustrating both applicants and neighbours with comments or objections. We’ll do what we can to press for a planning officer to be appointed where there isn’t one but unfortunately the delays in dealing with applications are very common across the city. Do get in touch if you need advice on any applications.
The impact of winter and reduced road mainatence is sadly visible across the city. We're worried about how this affects road safety, and the condition of streets like Cheltenham Road is worrying, as only the largest potholes are being fixed. Do remember to report any
new bus route has started along Muller road, the 25. This route has been provided by the bus company Transpora, and runs the length of Muller Road to Horfield Common and Southmead Hospital. We met with Transpora last week to discuss the service and ways of letting residents know that it is up and running. We have raised concerns about the dwindling bus services for many months now and so are really pleased to see this service added. You can find the timetable here: http://www.transporabus. co.uk/route-25
Cricket Ground News
On the 19th April Emma attended the Annual CG2 community meeting at Gloucester Cricket Club. Here we discussed the new license granted to the club to hold three large-scale events a year. The Cricket Ground brought a licensing application to the council recently to hold three large-scale
damaged roads and pavements via the council website. The Residents' section has a page for reporting all types of street issues, from potholes to blocked drains and abandoned vehicles. It's always helpful to get problems lodged in the maintenance and inspection system as soon as possible. Until a pothole has white lines painted around it it may not be due for repair.
We're all delighted to see spring blossom replacing winter weather, although the return of hay fever will not be welcome to everyone. But with the new growth underway do remember to cut back hedges and shrubs to your walls and fences please - it's one of the things affecting access around the neighbourhood.
We're sorry to have to remind people that due to the council financial situation there are now increased charges for collecting garden waste and also for replacing damaged or missing wheelie bins. A delivery charge is likely to be added soon for replacement recycling boxes, although broken ones will be exchanged for free at the household recycling centres like Days Road.
Contacts:
Cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk.
Cllr.martin.fodor@bristol.gov.uk
Fi: 0117 3534720. Martin 0788 4736101 Facebook.com/cllrmartin. fodor or /cllrfi.hance
events a year. Residents wrote to us with concerns about the application, which were relayed as representations to the Committee. The license has been granted but thanks to the representations made they have had additional conditions put in place that otherwise wouldn't have been, meaning that there will be a lot more control to alleviate concerns around antisocial behaviour. We also discussed the changes to the FLUMP which are going to the planning committee soon, as well as more discussions about road safety in the roads around Ashley Down road. We also discussed the possibility of a future shuttle bus service to the Cricket Ground, watch this space!
Contacts:
Cllr.EmmaEdwards@bristol.gov.uk
Cllr.LilyFitzgibbon@bristol.gov.uk
Facebook: @ EmmaEdwardsLilyFitzGibbon
BS9 ARTS TRAIL
June 10 and 11, 11am to 5pm
Sponsored by VWV Solicitors
WHERE can you go to see the work of 40 painters, 15 potters, 10 textile artists and 8 mixed-media artists, plus printers, glass artists, jewellerymakers, digital artists, illustrators, an enamel artist and a wood carver – and all for free?
Answer: this year’s BS9 Arts Trail!
The trail takes place on the weekend of 10th and 11th June and 87 artists will be showing their work in 15 venues in the Henleaze, Westbury-on-Trym and Stoke Bishop areas of the city. All venues are open from 11am-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
The artists are a talented bunch and produce a vast array of high-quality work that is available for you to purchase, directly from the person who made it. There is something to suit every budget, from greetings cards to big original paintings. The BS9 Arts Trail is a community event that benefits enormously from the support of the BS9 community and local businesses, including our sponsor for this year’s trail, VWV. Margrielle Blake, Associate at VWV commented: "VWV is delighted to sponsor the Arts Trail and continue to invest in our local community. We're always excited to see the range of artwork displayed every year and love supporting local Bristol artists."
The trail is located in a really attractive part of the city and artists are based in interesting venues, such as the Stoke Lodge Centre and Trinity College. There are good bus routes (1, 2, 3, 4) and it's a great area for cycling and walking, with the Downs and Blaise nearby. Several venues offer refreshments, which not only provide welcome breaks in your journey, but have helped to raise around £2000 for local good causes in previous years.
For more detailed information about artists and venues, visit www. bs9arts.co.uk, pick up one of our brochures from cafés, libraries and shops in the area or find us on social media. BS9 Arts Trail first took place in 2014 and has since become one of Bristol’s leading annual art events. It is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who are all local artists. This year’s event is generously supported by Bristol solicitors, VWV (VWV | A Leading UK Law Firm & Award Winning Solicitors). I
MAJOR changes are planned on four key routes into Bristol to make buses more punctual and journey times much quicker.
The planned works, including probable new bus lanes as well as upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists, will mean big changes to the Portway, Bath Road, the A38, and the A37 and A4018.
But the A38 Gloucester Road and Cheltenham Road is not included in Bristol City Council’s £200 million programme of changes to the city’s transport network in spite of the regular congestion.
Some works are planned to improve walking and cycling routes near the new arena in Filton, which is due to open in early 2026, but nothing major is planned for buses on the Gloucester Road, despite this being the key route from the city centre to the arena.
Green Cllr Emma Edwards, representing Bishopston and Ashley Down, told a Bristol City Council growth and regeneration scrutiny meeting: “There’s a lot of concern in those residential areas either side of the road. It already doesn’t take a lot for the Gloucester Road to get absolutely jampacked. It happened the other day when there were some roadworks and it was just gridlocked. So the people who live on either side of the Gloucester Road really suffer
when that happens.”
Transport strategy officer Pete Woodhouse said: “I’m not aware of anything specific about interventions on the A38.”
Labour Cllr Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, added: “The problem with Gloucester Road is not the lack of funding, it’s the lack of space.”
Bristol has been granted the £200 million by the government to spend up until 2027, in a deal called the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.
Updates on the projects were given to the meeting on March 22. More details should become clear of each project as individual business cases go to the cabinet or the West of England Combined Authority to get signed off.
Buses will be given extra priority along the Portway corridor, from Jacob’s Wells Road roundabout in the south to the Avonmouth roundabout in the north. Walking and cycling routes will be upgraded from the park and ride to the city centre.
Transport bosses are developing different designs and few details are available, but they expect to submit an outline business case to the combined authority in December.
One major change to the Portway will create access to the park and ride for buses coming from the north. Currently buses can only access the park and ride from the south, but adding northern access would mean the site could be served from the motorway, as well as providing services to the new arena in Filton. A new train station is also under construction at the park and ride, expected to open this summer.
A new bus lane and cycle lane will be built on the A4018 between Charlton Road and Crow Lane, in the north of the city. This project is shortly going out to tender, and is forecast to be completed by winter next year.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
FAIRFIELD High School in Bristol is a nurturing school that is ambitious for the future of all students.
That’s the view of young people, their parents and carers – and also of the education watchdog Ofsted, which has given FHS another glowing report.
Following a two-day inspection in February, Ofsted says FHS continues to be Good, with a “calm and purposeful atmosphere”.
Lead inspector James Oldham writes in his report: “Pupils are happy and safe. They feel that that staff are caring and respectful and ambitious for their futures. Parents say this too.”
The school’s leaders are praised for planning carefully what pupils need to know and when, and for their good use of assessment. “Teachers have the subject knowledge they need to teach the curriculum well.” The report recognises the contribution the curriculum has on personal development; also that “the curriculum helps pupils to develop an understanding of healthy relationships appropriate to their age.”
Leaders at the school are said to have high expectations for the behaviour and conduct of their 1,069 pupils, who are aged 11-16.
“Staff are quick to challenge any form of disrespectful behaviour or bullying. Pupils and parents appreciate this and have confidence in leaders to resolve any issues.
“Pupils feel that they have a voice in the school. They enjoy opportunities to be leaders themselves. For example, pupils say they want to help build their peers’ awareness of how to prevent, and keep (themselves) safe. Leaders listen to pupils’ ideas and act together to tackle this important issue.”
The inspector highlights the emphasis on personal development. “Leaders carefully respond to local and national trends. For example, they recognised the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on pupils’ wellbeing. As a result, they place a strong emphasis on supporting pupils’ mental health.”
Safeguarding is said to be effective. Other areas of strength include extra-curricular opportunities languages clubs and equalities societies, effective support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), staff morale and governance.
Mr Oldham says the leaders of FHS, which is part of Excalibur Academies Trust, are determined that pupils gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
The only area for improvement suggested is early reading support.
Principal Amanda Bridgewater said: “I am so proud of our whole school community for this wonderful report, which includes so many positive comments. The inspectors have recognised the unique qualities of our school, where young people are able to thrive in their learning and development because they feel safe, are happy and have confidence in the adults around them.”
Aerospace Bristol, on the site of the former Filton Airfield, will host Luke Jerram’s Mars as part of a new Journey to Mars exhibition. The artwork will be stunningly displayed from 4th May to 5th June alongside the last Concorde ever to fly.
The temporary exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Beagle 2 lander on Mars Express, Europe’s first mission to Mars. It will include models of Beagle 2 and the Mars Express Orbiter on display alongside Luke Jerram’s Mars sculpture.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, Mars features
THE Bristol Schools 48-Hour Film Challenge takes place this month.
Students aged 7-18 are invited to shoot, edit and submit a short original 4-minute film with any device or their mobile phones within the time limit.
The event takes place from May 12-14 and entrants must register by May 5.
The project is endorsed by IMDb, boomsatsuma, The Bottle Yard Studios, Sync Ltd and is hosted by Redmaids’ High School with proceeds from the competition entrance fees going to the local charity Off The Record.
Among the judges is Mamma Mia! screenplay writer Catherine Johnson.
detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.
Visitors will have the chance to view Mars from the air, as though they are a satellite, mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail, with every valley, crater, volcano and mountain laid bare to inspect.
The Journey to Mars exhibition is included with museum entry.
Visit https://aerospacebristol.org/ for more information and for tickets.
The 48-Hour Film Challenge project was initiated by Sarah Bramley-Dymond, head of digital learning at Redmaids’ High.
She said: “The 48-hour film project itself is a well-established and very successful concept that runs in cities around the world. Each year, we are blown away by the concepts the teams come up with and the creativity that shines through their final creations. I would encourage any student who is interested any aspect of film and creative media to take part.”
The Zazi project which is part of ‘Off The Record’ (OTR) has been announced as the charity partner for the challenge and will receive 100% of the £10 per team entry fee. OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Teams must have a designated adult to oversee the weekend, and there is a charitable donation fee of £10 per team. The earlier teams register, the more workshops and guidance they will have access to, so early registration is encouraged. For further information or to register, visit: https://schools48hourfilmchallenge. co.uk/
ELAINA Gard, a teacher at The Dolphin School in Montpelier, Bristol, has been selected for Team GB at the World Triathlon Championships in Ibiza in May.
Elaina has been a competitive runner for many years and only switched to triathlon two years ago after an injury.
Her success in an Ironman competition last year – in which she swam 3.8km, cycled 112 miles, then ran a marathon –qualified her for the national team.
Now she is training for the long distance event in Ibiza, which is slightly shorter: 3km swim, 116km cycle and 30km running.
She has also qualified for the middle distance event at the European Triathlon Championships in Belgium in August.
Elaina trains six days a week, often twice a day, fitting in swims before work at The Dolphin School, where she teaches Year 5, and runs and bike rides at the end of the day. She is a member of Kingswood Triathlon Club and Bristol & West Athletics Club and is trained by Trimoore coaching.
“It does take up a lot of hours, but it is all worth it,” said Elaina. “I have always had an aspiration to represent my country
“The children in my class think my GB kit is pretty cool. They ask a lot of questions and are very excited about the Worlds. I hope I will inspire some of them to become passionate about sport.”
David Watson, chief executive of Venturers Trust, of which
TDS is part, said; “Elaina deserves every success. She is a real winner in our eyes – her total commitment to her class, her school and her sport are an inspiration. We encourage children to work hard and have courage and Elaina’s efforts show just what such an attitude can achieve.”
BRISTOL North West MP Darren Jones visited Trinity Academy for a tour of the school and a question and answer session with Year 8 and Year 10 students.
The Labour MP shared his journey from his early life in Shirehampton to the House of Commons. He fielded questions from students which ranged from an MP’s salary to the development around Filton Airport and how young people’s voices are being heard.
Mr Jones also met a group of students from Trinity’s Parliament.
The secondary school in Lockleaze opened in 2020 and moved into its £24m buildings a year later. The premises include a 570-seater concert hall and other facilities linked to Trinity’s specialism in music and the performing arts.
The team, led by coaches Kellie Hull and Anna Joll, travelled to Peterborough for the England Netball Schools Finals, where they were competing against some of the strongest and most specialist school teams in the country. Coming through the group stages, Redmaids’ High faced title favourites Hurstpierpoint College in the semi-final, securing a 15-9 win, before defeating Bromsgrove in the final 14-10.
Redmaids' High is the only school in the South West to have won this title since its inception in 1969.
Director of Sport at Redmaids’ High, Claire Maggs, said: “What these girls and our netball coaches Kellie Hull and Anna Joll have achieved together is outstanding. Their determination, commitment to one other, and their belief throughout the whole tournament, from Regional to Nationals, has been extraordinary. These girls have created a legacy at the school which will inspire generations to come and we couldn’t be more proud.”
The senior success has inspired the younger pupils already. The school’s U11 team did well at the National Finals, reaching the quarter finals of the plate, placing them top 16 in the country.
Junior School headteacher Lisa Brown said: "It has been remarkable to see the U11 team reach the National Finals. This has been the fruition of a lot of hard work from everyone involved. The girls played with determination and skill, and we are so proud that they have reached such a level.”
Miss Maggs continued: “To see how well our younger teams have done recently too is a testament to the excellent work that our coaches are also doing in the Junior School. It’s truly inspiring and we can’t wait to build on our success for years to come.”
BADMINTON School has welcomed its new head teacher, Jessica Miles.
Justin Lewis, chair of governors, said: “Mrs Miles brings with her a wealth of experience in leading girls boarding and day schools having previously been Head of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls and prior to that, Head of Queen Margaret’s School in York, as well as having held numerous senior leadership and teaching positions at some of the top independent schools in the country.
“She is a fierce advocate of single-sex education, in particular for girls, and we were impressed by her strong alignment to Badminton’s vision and values.”
Mrs Miles said: “I am thrilled to have the great privilege of being the new head at Badminton; a school that has a remarkable history, a
vibrant community, and at which girls know their individuality will be celebrated and their learning expanded far beyond the classroom. I look forward to stewarding
this great school into the next chapter of its history.”
Established in 1858, Badminton is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 4-18.
THE number of primary school places offered in Bristol for September 2023 is slightly down on last year.
A total of 4,787 applications for reception class places were received by the city council, compared with 4,844 in 2022.
The council said that, as last year, 92 per cent of families were allocated their first-choice school and 99 percent one of their top three choices. Fifty three children were offered a place at a school that was not one of their parents' three preferences. Parents and carers have to respond to the offers by May 2. Anyone not receiving an offer for their preferred school was being given information about how to stay on the waiting list and the appeals process. For more information about the offers process visit the Bristol City Council website.
THE community Iftar at Montpelier High School was organised by the V6 Head Student Team.
Friends, colleagues, families, and students took part in an evening of education, enjoyment and belonging. The event started off with a quiz and a presentation about Ramadan and what it means to them from a group of lower school students.
Once the time to break fast came along, a speaker recited some of the Quran and everyone broke their fast all together in the hall with dates. It was finished off with some prayers and a shared meal in the dining room.
THE Muslim Holy Month on Ramadan was marked with community Iftar events at local schools, including Fairfield High School and Montpelier High School.
Both were a great success, celebrating the inclusive and diverse nature of the schools and their communities.
Bristol also saw two Grand Iftars, one in St Mark’s Road and the other on College Green, and Eid celebrations were taking place as the Voice went to print.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. For 30 days, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, devoting their time to prayers.
At the Iftars, non Muslims are invited to share the breaking of the fast, sharing food and learning more about the
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significance of Ramadan and the importance of unity.
At Fairfield, speakers represented the Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and Humanist faiths.
Sheikh Afdal Feroz, the Muslim speaker explained how fasting (largely a spiritual concept) helped individuals appreciate what they have been blessed with and how important this was in the Islamic calendar for encouraging empathy and understanding of other peoples’ needs.
Andy Padget spoke about Lent, the important religious observance and significant fasting in Christian faith. Whilst Lent can take different forms, traditionally people would give up butter and eggs, so no coincidence that Shrove Tuesday
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‘I
is the traditional feast day before this observance begins.
It was explained by Valerie Rassaell Emmott, the Jewish Speaker, that in so many ways Judaism is linked with the Islamic faith. With fasting for three major and three minor times a year, Yom Kippur is the holiest day in this faith and marks a time for atonement through fasting and prayer.
In Hinduism, Tom Aditya shared that, whilst there are a group of Hindus who don’t believe in fasting, many rigidly fast as an act of sacrifice believing it purifies the mind, controls passion/the senses and checks emotions.
Javinder Singh, the Sikh speaker again likened their religion to Islam. Whilst in Sikhism people don’t fast as such, the focus is on sharing
food and those who don’t fast out of choice, rather lack of food or money.
The Humanist speaker, Chrissie Hackett, talked about how Humanism wasn’t a religion, rather a philosophy. Finally, Mohamed Arif, the multi-faith forum speaker shared the importance of helping one another and reaching out to those in need; recently demonstrated by the journey made to Turkey/Syria to help with post-earthquake aid.
POLICE are appealing for information and witnesses following an incident in Gloucester Road in which two people suffered serious injuries.
A 20-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man were assaulted by a group of men after a dispute over a taxi. It happened at about 1.20am on Sunday 19 March near the junction with Zetland Road.
The woman suffered head injuries and concussion after being struck with a broken bottle, while the man suffered a broken nose. Both of them required hospital treatment.
The offenders walked off in the direction of the Arches following the incident and got into another taxi, which dropped
them off in the Hampton Road area of Redland.
If you can help, please call police on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223063917.
A 27-year-old man has been remanded into custody after appearing before magistrates charged with drug offences. Dehaney Wright, of no fixed address, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Monday (10 April) charged with two counts of possessing Class A drugs.
He was also charged with breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
The charges come after cocaine and heroin with an estimated street value of tens
of thousands of pounds were recovered from a property in the St Paul’s area of Bristol on Saturday (8 April).
Wright will remain in custody pending the next court hearing which will be on a date yet to be fixed.
POLICE responding to a report of a serious assault in Cheltenham Road on March 25 came back to find their marked vehicle graffitied on the passenger-side door.
The incident happened between 5.30pm and 9.45pm
If you have any information, or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, please call 101 and quote reference 5223070062.
A MOPED rider failed to stop after a collision with a cyclist in Gloucester Road.
Police were called at about 1pm on Sunday 2 April to the incident, which happened between Strathmore Road and Rudthorpe Road.
The moped rider, who had left the scene, was wearing a red jacket and a helmet with a clear visor. The moped was black with a delivery box on the back.
The cyclist, a man in his 40s, was taken to hospital by ambulance and was later discharged to recover at home.
If you have any information or saw the incident, please call 101 and quote reference 5223076356.
At Field House care home in Horfield, the safety, care and well-being of our residents are at the centre of everything we do.
If you are looking for a home or a home for a loved one, we would be happy to show you around our beautiful, family-owned home in Horfield, Bristol.
“The care that she received from everyone was above and beyond what we could have expected. All the staff who looked after her were brilliant. Really kind and respectful.”
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AS we get closer to summer, many people are looking forward to attending local and national sporting, comedy and music events.
Unfortunately, unscrupulous ticket sellers prey on people’s excitement for such shows for their own financial gain.
I urge local people to be vigilant when buying tickets, as new national figures reveal over £6.7 million was lost to ticket fraud in 2022.
In the same year, Action Fraud received over 7,088 reports of ticket fraud, with 138 coming from Avon and Somerset residents.
As part of its latest awareness campaign, Action Fraud is working with the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) to promote the safe and secure purchasing of tickets to events, and advises the public to follow the appropriate preventative measures.
These include only buying from official promoters and ticket agents,
being wary of messages offering unbelievably good deals and avoiding paying for tickets by bank transfers. Remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
We have just marked the first anniversary of an independent report, Identifying Disproportionality in Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice System (CJS).
Independent chair Desmond Brown conducted a two-year deep dive review into local CJS partner agencies to investigate racial disproportionality.
Lots of work is being done to set up a programme under the Local Criminal Justice Board, a group of senior leaders from all the partner agencies of which I am chair.
The chief constable is leading the steering committee to deliver the recommendations.
It’s vital to work in partnership and implement real and lasting change, so that communities feel a difference in how they are treated
when they encounter the CJS, whether as a victim, a witness, or a perpetrator.
I will keep you updated on the progress of this important work that aims to build trust, confidence, and legitimacy in policing and the wider system, particularly in communities impacted by race inequality, where trust and confidence is low.
Earlier this year I, along with my counterparts in Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, penned a letter to Therese Coffey – the then Environment Secretary - calling for a new way to tackle the growing menace of fly-tipping.
The cost of fly-tipping on private land is estimated to be up to £150m a year, and the cost of clearance of fly-tipping for local authorities in England is nearly £50m.
It is time to make criminals pay for fly-tipping, not local people.
I am delighted that Rebecca
Pow, MP for Taunton Deane, supports the five Southwest PCCs coming together to fight the scourge of fly-tipping. This is a step in the right direction.
This crime blights our rural landscape and causes problems for farmers and the rural economy. I’m committed to working with partner agencies to find new ways to tackle this problem.
may lead to an offence.
• Shareholder and subscriber details. Companies will need to record the full names of their shareholders and subscribers under the Bill. Providing only initials in the case of their forenames is currently permitted, allowing a degree of opaqueness as to the ownership of some companies.
CORPORATE filing obligations are set to become even more onerous under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill. In order to tackle economic crime in the UK, the Bill will significantly reform Companies House (among other things). This change in corporate compliance is directly applicable for most of our commercial clients, being private limited companies or LLPs.
The Bill follows last year’s Economic Crime Act, which addressed immediate concerns about sanctions busting related to the Russia-Ukraine War by introducing a register of otherwise anonymous foreign owners of UK property. The new Bill targets economic crime far more broadly.
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 %.
The scope of reform to Companies House is significant:
By Shelley Faulkner, solicitor• Identity verification. The Bill will introduce identity verification requirements for company directors, PSCs and anyone filing documents at Companies House on their behalf. Entities will be able to file information with Companies House directly or by way of an authorised provider. The precise requirements of this remain unclear and are to be determined by the Secretary of State. Failure to verify one’s identity when required
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.
• Financial information. The Bill will expand financial filing obligations for small companies by way of removing various current exemptions. These include (1) requiring micro-entities to file balance sheets and profit and loss accounts, (2) requiring small companies that are not microentities to file annual accounts and directors reports and (3) no longer permitting small companies to file abridged accounts. Beyond preventing crime, these changes also aim to give creditors a clearer picture of the financial position of small companies in potential transactions.
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.
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
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
• Enhanced role of the Registrar. Companies House will gain new powers aimed at improving the accuracy and integrity of filed information under the Bill. These will enable them to (1) reject filings that are inconsistent with previous ones, (2) notify companies
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.
of inconsistencies they must resolve, (3) remove inaccurate material from the record and (4) demand additional information to determine whether any document complies with their requirements. Accordingly, companies will need to be more diligent with Companies House filings in future.
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.
in addition to existing corporate reporting obligations, which many companies already find onerous and struggle to comply with without professional support.
These new transparency obligations and increased powers of Companies House will have a big impact on corporate compliance for limited companies. The rules are
AMD’s team of experienced private client solicitors and practitioners includes full
The author Jack Bull is a Trainee Solicitor in the Whiteladies Road branch of AMD Solicitors. To discuss how our corporate team can help with your company’s corporate compliance obligations, please contact us on 0117 9733 989 or by email to info@amdsolicitors.com
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.
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INSPECTORS have said Avon and Somerset Police “requires improvement” in investigating crimes including rape and serious sexual offences. Half of all investigations carried out by the short-staffed police force end up with no further action being taken, a report said.
Avon and Somerset Police also needs to improve responding to the public and recording crime data. The police force was graded as “adequate” in protecting vulnerable people and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, and “good” at treating the public with respect.
A 12-month review of Avon and Somerset Police was carried out by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, between 2021 and 2022. The results of the inspection were published earlier this month.
Inspectors said: “The constabulary’s capacity to conduct timely investigations into rape and other serious sexual offences is exceeded by the number of these offences. As a result, such crimes are often left without being allocated to an investigator for a period of time during which evidential opportunities could be lost — as could the confidence of the victim.
“The constabulary told us that, between
April and June 2022, the number of such unallocated crimes varied between 125 and 48. Although these crimes are kept under review by supervisors and senior officers, they aren’t actually being actively investigated.”
Avon and Somerset Police has a dire shortage of detectives and investigators, the inspectors said. This means that half of all investigations considered for prosecution result in no further action being taken.
Another area needing improvement is recording data about crime. During the year covered by the inspection, the police force didn’t record an estimated 13,100 crimes, including 420 sexual offences. Particular crimes picked out by inspectors included rapes, crimes involving vulnerable victims, and anti-social behaviour.
Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “Responding to the public more quickly, improving our investigations and better management of offenders are areas of intense focus for us, and we have plans in place to address the shortfalls outlined. The report recognises the sheer volume of non-emergency demand coming in the police service, much of which we know is spillover demand from other public services.
“In the last 12 months, we’ve taken more
than 385,000 calls for service, with under a third of these relating to crime or antisocial behaviour. The rest are issues which go beyond the policing sphere, including incidents involving people in mental health crises.
“We know there’s more to do to improve our investigations and management of offenders … Generating extra capacity and specialisms takes time and is not an immediate fix, but our plans are well advanced and this is reflected in the report.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford added: “I am delighted that Avon and Somerset Police has been graded outstanding for their work in ‘engaging with and treating the public with fairness and respect.’ However, I’m concerned about the areas highlighted that still require improvement including investigating crime, recording data about crime, responding to the public and managing offenders.”
Inspectors are still carrying out a review into how Avon and Somerset Police deals with vetting and corruption in the force, as well as disrupting serious organised crime. Results will be published on the His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services website once these areas have been fully investigated.
This time last month we were in the final stages of dosage trials for our new sparkling wines. A few weeks down the line, the labels are now printed and we’re about to bottle. We hope to release our new sparkling wines by the time this goes to print. Our new still rosé is also ready but we’ll release that in a month or so. It’s all very exciting!
In the vineyard the heavy rains have led to prolific grass growth. The vine buds have just burst so we’re in the danger zone when it comes to frosty mornings for the next few weeks. If we get clear skies overnight there is every chance the delicate young vine growth will get nipped by frost and we’ll have to wait three weeks before they have a second attempt at growing! The modern hybrids that I grow are a bit more tolerant of frost damage than the classic champagne varieties like Pinot and Chardonnay. Once bitten by frost their second attempt at growth is rather feeble and unfruitful whereas the modern varieties seem to still produce a decent crop even after frost damage. In these times of extreme
weather I feel much happier knowing my hybrids are a bit more robust.
Another vine grower recently commented that we have six weeks of panicking about frost and six months of manic vineyard tidying ahead! He is joking of course but the shift in gear from slow, winter work to hurried summer work is well under way as try to help the vines compete with the grasses they share the ground with. I wonder what kind of weather this summer will bring…
We saw our first swallows over the vineyard at the start of April. We often have an early sighting because we’re standing outside all day but the first views are often just a fleeting fly-by. By the end of April we hope to have our resident, local swallows back calling overhead as we work in the vineyard. So lovely!
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A RESCUE plan has been put forward to keep open two banks in Westbury-on-Trym, by asking them to share a shop front.
NatWest has announced it is closing its branch in the High Street in August – the same month HSBC will close its branch 70 yards away in Canford Lane.
The NatWest closure comes as a blow to the village.
Bristol City Councillor, Steve Smith, said he was very disappointed and concerned.
“We were very disappointed both because of the impact on NatWest customers and the wider impact on Westbury Village and the many shops that benefit from footfall generated by the banks. It is concerning that this is the second bank in quick succession to shut up shop locally.
A group of councillors have sent NatWest a joint letter, asking them to consider sharing premises with HSBC.
Councillor Smith said: “We have written to NatWest setting out our concerns and offering to host a conversation with all of the village banks about providing a shared facility to maintain a local presence, but have not had any substantive response.”
The letter says: “We wish to point out that the presence of major banks performs a vital
role in helping to ensure our local high streets remain attractive, coherent, and vibrant places to visit.
“They are integral to secondary shopping centres. Furthermore, the loss of these facilities runs entirely contrary to the future of city and town planning for liveable neighbourhoods which will seek to limit travel and tie residents more to their immediate area.”
The councillors also say reduced bus services locally made it harder for people to travel to other branches.
Westbury-on-Trym Forum discussed the closures at their meeting in April.
Spokesman Malcolm Neave said many people travel to Westbury from adjacent areas, such as Henleaze, Henbury and Southmead, because all the banks in those areas have already disappeared. He urged customers and shareholders to voice their views to the banks.
Councillor Sharon Scott said the NatWest closure would be “a major blow for the community”.
She said: “A large number of our residents are elderly and don’t use online banking. The prospect of them travelling to the nearest branch in Filton is outrageous as many
may no longer drive. The loss of NatWest in Westbury village in early August will no doubt reduce numbers coming into the village and potentially will impact our local businesses.”
Nat West confirmed the Westbury branch will close on August 8, because of falling counter transactions, which are down by almost two-thirds since 2019.
A spokesperson said they have opened a partnership with the Post Office in Canford Lane to provide counter services, and opened a dedicated phone line for any customers aged over 60 to help them use online and mobile banking.
They said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.
“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind."
In January The Voice reported that HSBC was to close its Westbury branch in August this year. HSBC said nine out of ten customers now used online and mobile banking.
IF you were a Bristol City Councillor and had £200,000 of spare money what would you spend it on?
I think I would spend it on extra tuition for children to learn to read and write. A survey found that 17% of 16 to 19 year olds leave school illiterate. This must devastate their life chances. I’ve heard that 25% of men in prison can’t read and write. Is their illiteracy why they are in prison?
Or perhaps a youth worker in an area with lots of anti-social behaviour? Children who hang around the streets are at serious risk of getting into trouble. Maybe there's a bit of council land that’s going spare? A kit to build a two bedroom prefabricated house is only £6,647 and there are 19,000 families on the housing list. What I certainly wouldn’t do is spend it on closing the small, hardly used Overton Road to traffic. I can't see any benefit to any one in doing this.
Barry Cash, Bishopston
by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
Review by Bob Deacon
Ayanna Lloyd Banwo is a writer from Trinidad & Tobago currently living in London. Her novel When We Were Birds has been named one of the Best Debuts of 2022. The novel opens with Grandmother Catherine telling her granddaughter Yejide about a time when the island of Trinidad was home only to animals. One day a man arrives on the island. He sees the animals as prey to be hunted, the trees as timber for houses and the land as property to be taken. There is a long and bloody battle with many animals and men killed. A long dry season is followed by a great storm with flooding and landslides. The islands green parrots turn into black vultures called corbeaux who devour the flesh of the dying animals and men. Yejide discovers that she is one of a line of women, transformed from the corbeaux, into human witnesses to the dead, ushering them into the
afterlife. We meet her mother, Petronella, her grandmother Catherine, her great grandmother Deborah, her great, great grandmother Babygirl and Maman, the mother of BabyGirl who was raised as a slave on a cocoa plantation. We fast forward to find Yejide preparing for the death of her dying mother, knowing that her mother’s power of speaking to the dead will soon be passed to her. We are also introduced to the other main character Darwin, a dreadlocked Rastafarian who lives with his seamstress mother, Janaya in the countryside. Darwin is desperate for a job, and accepts a position as a
gravedigger in the Fidelis cemetery in the city of Port Angeles. Janaya is enraged at Darwins new job , seeing it as contrary to her faith. Darwin shaves off his dreadlocks and heads for the city, estranged from his mother. After a few weeks working at the cemetery, Darwin realizes that his generous wages are paying for the clandestine burial of unnamed bodies carried out under cover of darkness. When Yejide visits the cemetery to make arrangements for her mother’s funeral, she meets Darwin and they soon find themselves in a romantic relationship. This is an engaging and beautifully written novel , covering distant and absent parents, life and death and loss and renewal, culminating in an satisfying storm drenched finale. If you are not a library member, please visit us at 100a Gloucester Road and obtain a library card, giving you free access to over two million books.
Monday (1pm-7pm)
Tuesday (closed)
Wednesday (11am-5pm)
Thursday (11am-5pm)
Friday (11am-5pm)
Saturday (11am-5pm)
Sunday (closed)
IF you are 75 years and older, resident in a care home for older people, or aged five years and over with a weakened immune system, the NHS will offer you a booster of the coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine this spring. Kellaway Pharmacy will again be providing the vaccinations.
The Spring Booster Campaign runs between April and June; as in previous campaigns, those with the highest risk are being called in first. The booster should be around six months from your last dose, but you can have it from three months based on your risk.
If you are turning 75 years of age between April and June, you will be called
for vaccination during the campaign; you do not have to wait for your birthday.
Why? It protects against Covid-19 infections are more severe in older people and people with certain underlying health conditions.
The vaccines for this campaign have been updated since the original vaccines and target different Covid-19 variants. These updated vaccines boost protection well and give slightly higher antibody levels against the more recent strains of Covid-19 (Omicron) than the vaccines you would have received previously.
The vaccines are offered to older people, who may otherwise respond less well
to vaccines and contain an adjuvant (a chemical used to improve the immune response to the virus). This adjuvant is like the one used in the flu vaccine, which is routinely given to over 65 year-olds.
Please accept the vaccination offered to you as soon as possible – you will be provided with the right vaccine at the right time. There is no need to delay vaccination while trying to receive a particular vaccine type.
Please be assured that, as with your previous dose, the common side effects are the same for all Covid-19 vaccines, including the updated vaccines being used this spring.
Pharmacists and other trained healthcare
0117 9246579
18 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7XR
professionals will provide the dose
. We will be on hand to offer you support and answer any questions.
How to Book? When invited for your booster, you can call NHS 119, book using the NHS App or contact Kellaway Pharmacy for support to book or details of any walk-in opportunities.
As part of the NHS, protecting you is not just our responsibility; your trust in us is a great privilege.
Successful campaign to restore the number 25 bus route!
In my April column I wrote about the struggles many people face with buses in Bristol. I raised the case of one route facing the axe – the No. 47, which connected St Werburghs, St Pauls and nearby areas to the City Centre. After weeks of campaigning by me, Labour volunteers, and community campaigners, I am pleased to say that a new bus has replaced the axed service.
The new No. 25 bus began operations on 3rd April, run by Transpora Group. It is an hourly service on weekdays between the City Centre and Horfield Common/Southmead Hospital, serving all the stops between Eastgate and the City Centre. You can find the bus timings here: www.transporabus.co.uk/route-25.
Thanks to everyone who responded to my petition and survey. Despite this small win, there is a lot more to be done to improve Bristol’s buses. I will keep pushing private companies,
WECA and Bristol City Council to ensure all Bristolians can access an affordable and well-connected public bus service.
Demystifying pensions with Bristol women
I recently hosted a free pensions workshop for women of all ages in Bristol West, supported by the DWP and Scottish Widows.
Planning for our financial future isn’t always a top priority and can feel daunting, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis. What’s more, women typically reach retirement with smaller pension pots than men, leaving us more at risk of financial pressures in older age.
We had an interesting session demystifying the world of pensions. I was so pleased that attendees took full advantage of the opportunity to question the team from Scottish Widows. From the feedback I received afterwards, I was happy attendees felt it gave them “more confidence and reassurance” in preparing for their financial future.
I plan to do similar events in the future, so if you couldn’t make it, keep an eye on my website.
The climate emergency is one of my top priorities as your MP, so I have been proud to meet recently with Bristol-based organisations that are leading the way on technologies geared towards achieving Net Zero. I heard from an energy utility and a solar power developer about their work to transform our energy system to run on renewables. I also met a local company developing one of the world’s first all-electric vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft, building on the long tradition of flight engineering in Bristol.
From each organisation, I heard about the barriers they are facing under the current government in scaling up and rolling out these technologies, and what they would need from a future Labour government with an ambitious target to reach net
zero energy by 2030.
As ever, do get in touch if you have a problem I can help with, a question about how I’m representing you, or want me to visit your school or workplace. And stop me for a chat if you see me out and about!
May 9
n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL lecture on Roland Penrose and Lee Miller is at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW on 9 May. We welcome new members and guests. For more information on our lectures, given by specialists in their own field, see our website www. theartssociety-bristol.org.uk
Bristol Stitchers Exhibition
June 2 & 3
n BRISTOL STITCHERS
EXHIBITION AT Stoke Lodge Adult Education Centre, ]Shirehampton Road, Bristol, BS9 1BN. Lots of embroidery, textile art and mixed media work to see and buy. Sales, demos, raffle, book stall and tasty refreshments. Entrance £4 Children free. Disabled access
Monday
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 TAI CHI & QI GONG. Weekly beginners / improvers classes with Tai Chi Body and Mind. These classes are for your physical and mental health and wellbeing –there is no fighting. In Person: Mondays, Fairfield High School, Alfoxton Rd. 7.30 – 8.30pm. Online: Tuesdays 6.30 – 7.30pm. Contact: Claire - Claire@taichibodyandmind. co.uk (07769 857672).
n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. New members welcome. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for further details.
n PLAY 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 (0945) and like to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the worldnear and far. If you would like to join us and help to solve some of today's challenging issues whilst enjoying good company, tea, and chocolate biscuits - please contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628. We would very much like to hear from you.
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
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 on our lectures and other activities visit our website www.theartssociety-bristol.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 is recruiting new members We are a 'threshold choir' actively 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 soothing and uplifting 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 or 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 welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@blueyonder.co.uk
n HEALING SESSIONS run by accredited healers take
place 2 til 3.30pm at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, or for info contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit www. westburyparkspiritualistchurch.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 3.00 - 4.15 pm at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. Donation basis. Supported by members of The Healing Trust. Contact: Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@yahoo. co.uk.
n BRISTOL MALE VOICE
CHOIR Always been keen to sing? Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm - 9.15pm on Thursdays in St Andrew's Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. No need to read music, no audition, just a voice test to establish whether you are tenor, baritone of bass. We cover many musical styles, enjoy singing in a great social vibe as we prepare for our regular concerts in local and national venues. From the Beatles to Mozart, from classical choruses to classic pop. Ffi : www. bristolmvc.org.uk ; facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@ bristolmvc.org.uk;or ring 07776447699; or 07587143220
n BISHOPSTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Meet on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.00pm at St Michael's and All Angels Church on Gloucester Road. 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. For more information contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278
n LOCAL CHOIR ACTIVELY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, BS9 1BW on Thursday, 7.45 - 9.15pm. We are a well-established mixed choir performing both sacred and secular music. See our website www.henburysingers. org or contact the secretary at secretary@henburysingers.org.
We would love to publicise your event
Send details of your events and activities in the following format: WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words, email us at: news@bishopstonvoice.co.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 OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE
For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30pm start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, or for info contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit www. westburyparkspiritualistchurch.org
n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING at St. Monica’s Oatley Hall, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN on Thursdays 7.30 – 10.00 p.m. £6.00 per session. Phone Trish 0788 052 8925/www. rscdsbristol.info
n THE STEPFORD SINGERS
WOMEN'S COMMUNITY CHOIR meets at St Michael & All Angels Church, Bishopston on Thursday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm. No auditions and no need to read music - just come and sing, laugh and have a cuppa! For info, contact Fran franbolton66@gmail.com
Friday
n CALLIGRAPHERS wanted to join us at St Edyth’s Church Hall, Sea Mills, on Fridays 1000-1200. New members welcome. Come and meet us or call Peter at 0117 329 4516.
Pop up Restaurants
n MARISCO, BRISTOL'S NEW POP-UP SEAFOOD RESTAURANT now open for business on the following Friday nights @ La Ruca, 89 Gloucester Road : May 5th, May 19th, June 2nd, June 23rd, July 7th, July 21st.
Sergio, a Chilean chef, prepares delicious seafood dishes from Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean.
Great selection of tapas / platters - spicy prawns, scallops and morcilla, sea bass ceviche, Galician octopus, Goan mussels and patatas bravas. www. mariscobristol.com for updates/ menu, or our Instagram, @ marisco_bristol. For bookings call/text 07794766971
THE elder looks its best at this time of year, a tree wearing a wedding dress, its white flowers like finest lace. However, its scientific name, Sambucus nigra, comprises the old Greek name for the plant plus “black” - a reference, surely, to its berries at the other end of the year. The elder is a plant rich in these contrasts; for instance, is it a shrub or a tree? To paraphrase Queen Elizabeth I, it may have the form and branches of but a feeble bush yet it has the heart of a tree: its brittle, pithy twigs mature into a hard, fine-grained wood that older texts advise is sought after by woodturners. Perhaps it is no surprise that elder has also acquired a somewhat contradictory mythology. It was reputed to be the wood used for the cross of Christ and legend has it that the elder tree was punished by becoming barely able to support its own branches. If you burn the wood you risk summoning the Devil, yet planting it near your house will keep away the Devil and sundry other evil spirits to boot.
Elder leaves have a rather nasty smell (cat urine and mouse nests are suggested comparisons) and act as a fly repellent. The plant often grows around cowsheds and dairies (it is fond of soil enriched by manure) and it was encouraged to do so to keep flies from the
milk. We still use it today to keep flies away from horses’ faces by putting a lightly bruised sprig into the horse’s brow band, if the fidgety animal will let us. However, several moth caterpillars brace themselves to eat the leaves; including dot moth, swallowtail and buff ermine, all to be found in our gardens. Yet despite its (largely) noxious leaves the bright white or
creamy coloured flowers are highly attractive to many different insects, including flies, as they provide nectar and the flat umbels make for ease of access. The flowers have the sweet, heady perfume familiar from elderflower cordial and are also used to make a sparkling country wine good enough to have taken the name of champagne (albeit against the will of French champagne producers). To add to its value for wildlife its shiny black fruits are attractive to birds. Elderberries are rich in Vitamins C and A plus iron, potassium and calcium amongst other nutrients - those birds know a thing or two. Elderberry is a home remedy used for many ills, famously as a cough linctus and winter tonic; additionally an eye lotion can made from the flowers. Again, it seems counterintuitive that such a weakling of a shrub can be such a mighty curative.
The value of its wood, flowers and berries led the elder to once be considered a useful plant for hedging but it is now largely scorned. Luckily it needs no help in establishing itself, particularly in places once associated with dung heaps or human habitation. It is a plant that can look after itself.
This impressive period home is just one of only four houses of this style on this sought-after road. The arched entrance and deep round bay windows add to the external appeal of this home.
The entrance hall has a feeling of grandeur thanks to the arched entrance and decorative plasterwork on the ceiling and above the doors.
The spacious lounge feels very light thanks to the five double glazed sash windows inset into the bay, and there is a working fireplace adding to the characterful feel. The ceiling has coving plus additional ornate finishings.
The second reception room has an equally spacious feel and opens via a set of bi folding doors to the side return extension. This modern addition connects to the kitchen and out into the rear garden.
The kitchen/family room is at the rear of the house and again connects to the rear garden via a set of french doors. This is a bright and social space with room for a dining
A TEAM of young kickboxers from north Bristol travelled to Austria with their coach Sharon Gill to compete against the world's best.
More than 30 countries were represented at the contest, which involved more than 2200 competitors.
Team Bristol, whose members were aged eight to 15, came back with a big haul of medals including three gold, four silver and five bronze.
Cristiano Firth won two gold medals and Marco Casali one, making them Austrian Classics World Cup Champions.
The team trains hard in Unity 3B, Merton Road, Horfield, four to five times a week under the watchful eye of Sharon Gill, 7 x World Champion, and welcomes newcomers.
table and sofa.
A handy WC and plenty of under stair storage complete this level..
On the first floor, there are four bedrooms, a family bathroom and
an additional shower room.
The bedroom at the front has the same large bay with double glazed sash windows as the lounge downstairs.
IF you’re reading this, you are likely at home, rather than work, as this May has extra bank holidays. Hurray! And if someone is nagging you to mow the lawn on your day off, tell them the Metro Mayor says you don’t have to. More on that later!
The West of England has a long heritage of May Day celebrations, dating back to pagan times.
Many have echoes in customs such as dancing round the maypole. However, this bank holiday was first brought in as a way of marking International Workers Day in 1978.
The Spring bank holiday is back to its usual slot on the last Monday of May and this year, there’s that extra day off to celebrate King Charles’s Coronation too.
Whether you’re a republican or royalist, this is certainly a moment in history.
I’ve been finding out about our region’s association with coronations. Did you know that on May 11, 973 AD, Bath Abbey was the site of the coronation of Edgar, the ‘First King of All England’?
The service used for Edgar’s coronation
was compiled by Dunstan, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the same service is being used by King Charles III.
Bath Abbey is well worth a visit, as are so many attractions across our amazing region.
I run an Explore Local campaign, and as part of this, I get to visit many fantastic museums, green spaces and other attractions. As the Spring weather improves and everyone looks to the great outdoors, I’d urge you to explore our brilliant region.
I promised to get back to mowing (well, not mowing, to be precise). Because the other thing I’m marking this month is No Mow May. A month off from cutting the lawn for the very best of causes - our bees!
Our bees need our help because they are fighting some big enemies: pesticides, habitat destruction and climate change. But they are so vital. Bees pollinate flowers and crops. In fact, one in three mouthfuls we eat depends on our pollinator pals.
One way to give bees a break is to liberate your lawn and free the wildflowers in your grassy areas so they can grow wild
and provide a feast for pollinators.
Many people are doing that, as are organisations who I’ve been encouraging to enter my annual Bee Bold Awards to showcase the region’s very best “bee buddies”. I love to see the entries - it really gets me buzzing!
Finally, I’m well aware bank holidays don’t mean a break for all, especially people in emergency service roles like nurses, police or firefighters, so a special shout out to them, and particularly to bus drivers as I work hard to recruit more.
Keep safe - and I hope you have a great May.
THE birds in our gardens will be well into nesting by now. They will use dry plant matter, moss, bird feathers and wool or dog hair to make their nests, so don’t tidy up too much during the winter months. Leave some detritus for the birds. You might also catch the rather beautiful song of the Blackcap in your local park. These will be returning migrants. The Blackcaps seen in gardens during the Winter are now back in Northern Europe. The Spring breeders prefer woodlands and denser scrub.
But remember to look up from time to time. These days Ravens and Buzzards regularly fly over Bristol. Several pairs of Peregrines breed in the city and Sparrowhawks can also be seen. Peregrines have narrow, pointed wings. Buzzards and Sparrowhawks wings are broader and rounded. You can tell Sparrowhawk from Buzzard by the tail. The Buzzard tail is short and about the same length as the
width of the wing. The tail of the Sparrowhawk is longer than the width of its wing. It is also smaller but that’s not always obvious up in the sky. Buzzard plumage is quite variable from almost black to mainly white; you often have to look twice to be sure.
Ospreys, Red Kite and even White-tailed Eagles are also reported over Bristol from time to time. So you might get lucky.
Alastair Fraser Bristol Ornithological Club Avonbirding.blogspot.com
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