n More than 1,000 people attended the Family Fun Day to mark the reopening of Horfield Leisure Centre after a £4.8m revamp. Among them were MP Darren Jones, Cllr Stephen Williams, Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and professional freestyle footballer Rebaz Mohammed.
A PRIMARY school in Montpelier that opened just 13 years ago looks set to close this summer.
The academy chain E-ACT, which took over running The Dolphin School in Bath Buildings last September, says the primary has been hit by falling numbers of children in the area.
It says the school, which
had 340 pupils four years ago, now has 158 on roll and is “significantly undersubscribed”. Numbers are expected to drop again in September and predicted to continue to decline year-on-year.
“Running a school at such low numbers is financially unsustainable,” a spokesman told the Voice.
E-ACT has told parents it plans to merge The Dolphin with E-ACT Fairlawn School, which is housed in the Victorian former Fairfield Grammar School and currently has 227 pupils.
All children at The Dolphin and those who applied for reception class places for 2025, will be given places at Fairlawn, Turn to Page 3
First Grand Iftar held at the Mem
Bristol Rovers held a Grand Iftar at the Memorial Stadium for the first time during Ramadan, attended by nearly 100 Muslims. PAGE 23
Find out more about the election canddates bidding to become the next Mayor of the West of England.
PAGES 6 & 7
Ricky Eury, founder of Gorilla Thai in Gloucester Road, has severe injuries after being hit by a motorbike in Thailand. PAGE 9
A teacher aims to set a world record in London for the fastest marathon run in pirate costume. PAGE 17
Emma Cooper
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From Page 1
less than a mile away, and all staff will be offered jobs elsewhere in E-ACT.
Fairlawn is a two-form entry school, with a maximum 420 places, and was rated good at its last Ofsted inspection, while The Dolphin was judged to require improvement.
The proposal is expected to be put to the Department for Education’s South West Advisory Board this month. If approved, E-ACT The Dolphin School would shut in the summer.
The academy chain, which runs 14 schools in Bristol, carried out its consultation in partnership with the city council, which is trying to manage the drop in the birth rate following a surge in demand nearly two decades ago. Births peaked at 6,800 in 2012 and have steadily fallen, reaching 4,771 in 2023.
Ironically, both Fairlawn and The Dolphin opened in response to that increase in demand. The council has already had to shut St Barnabas Primary in Montpelier in 2023 after pupil numbers in central Bristol fell.
The Dolphin School opened in 2012 and moved into its purpose-built premises in 2017.
Councillor Christine Townsend, chair of
the city council's Children and Young People Committee, said: “ It’s sad to hear when any school is having to consider the possibility of closing, and we recognise that this must be a difficult time for staff, pupils, families and the local community.
“Bristol schools are experiencing the impact of a 30 per cent fall in the city’s birth rate from 2012 to 2023, which is why we’re seeing a drop in demand and therefore a surplus of primary school places.
“Ensuring our city has a sustainable number of school places is an ongoing challenge. We’re working with all schools across Bristol to identify where, in some of
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our larger schools, we can reduce the number of school places on offer by decreasing the reception intake in upcoming years, while still ensuring there are enough school places available for all areas of our city and helping our smaller schools to remain financially sustainable. As birth figures are telling us we should expect to see a decline in pupil numbers, we will continue to review the number of available places each year.
“We want our schools to remain open as far as possible - they’re important assets for our local communities and will provide the flexibility to accommodate increasing numbers of children if demand for places rises again in the future. Repurposing educational settings to meet the known needs of children with SEND is the current priority.”
The E-ACT spokesman said the intention was to keep The Dolphin building, which opened in 2017, for educational purposes.
“Considerations for its future use include repurposing the site as the sixth form for E-ACT Montpelier Academy. This will be done in full consultation with the DfE, Bristol City Council and other stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for the community,” he said.
A NURSERY has been given planning permission to expand by a third despite noise concerns from neighbours.
Zebedees in St Andrews has already been caring for up to 60 children for a few years, but previously only had permission to look after a maximum of 45.
The nursery on Walsingham Road was told by Bristol City Council it needed permission to expand the places to 60, which then led to a planning application in June 2023. This sparked objections from neighbours who complained about the noise of children playing and crying.
Parking pressures and traffic bottlenecks were another concern. But many parents supported the application, as the nursery provides a “vital community facility”, councillors on the development control B committee were
James Tavernor, a planning agent representing the nursery, said: “The nursery has been operating successfully since 1999. An enforcement letter was issued to my client regarding a breach of condition on the number of children attending. The nursery complied with the council’s request to
regularise operations and submit this application.
“The increase in numbers attending the nursery has been in place for some time without significant complaints and helps address the shortage of childcare in the city. Many nurseries in the area are oversubscribed. Reducing numbers at this site would impact working families and put further strain on local facilities. There is
strong community support.”
Councillors voted unanimously to approve planning permission. As the expansion had already happened, if councillors refused permission then the nursery would have to then shrink its capacity from 60 children back down to 45, leaving some parents suddenly without childcare.
Green Councillor Paula O’Rourke said: “A lot of the objections seem to be concerned about the growth of numbers of children to 60. But even back in 2023 when the application was first put in, the numbers of children had already risen to 60.
“So a lot of those objections are misguided by thinking that going from 45 to 60, they’re going to have more noise. But in fact, they’ve been living with it for years.”
Labour Cllr Lisa Durston added: “We have a massive shortage of nursery places at the moment in Bristol. If we were to object to this and suddenly the nursery has to reduce the number of children, I’m not quite sure where those parents would find for their children to go.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
PEOPLE in Bishopston and beyond saw the latest Window Wanderland season draw to a successful close, after lighting up the streets in yet another display showcasing the artistic talents of the local community.
Residents had been encouraged to decorate their windows as brightly and creatively as they wished, using all manner of inexpensive materials and designs.
Bishopston resident and set designer, Lucy Reeves Khan, founded Window Wanderland in the area in 2015, telling the BBC recently that she did so “when I was suffering from mobility issues and walking around the streets, seeing windows open and brightly lit, took me a little bit away from my pain”. She felt that if more people could decorate their windows for others to enjoy, it would cheer up winter evenings. Since then more than 350 festivals have taken place across the world. Festivals have been organised around the globe
from Canada to The Netherlands as well as across the UK.
Over the six weeks of the 2025 season, 15 Wanderlands were held from Vancouver to Southmead, with the Bishopston weekend taking place from March 8 to 10.
Lucy and the team believe that: “With every festival comes a story, and we love hearing what inspires people to organise a Window Wanderland for their community. The biggest drive for us is bringing people together through our trails - not just in your own neighbourhood, but as part of the Window Wanderland family.”
Another important part of the Wanderland’s focus on family and community is the concept of Social Prescribing – “connecting people with local groups, activities and support to improve health and wellbeing is what we’re about both through our festivals and our mindful crafting Art Shop.
“Just this week we've heard
how a girl, who is homeschooled due to health issues, found escapism through the planning and creative process of designing her sea-themed window for Bishopston Window Wanderland. “
Highlights from Bishopston 2025 included a collaborative design where a train spanned seven houses on Melita Road, a Lego space scene on Cornwall Road and a moving hot balloon on Kellaway Crescent.
As a CIC (Community Interest Company), Window Wanderland relies on funds from selling toolkits to keep afloat. Get in touch with the team on www. windowwanderland.com
By Rosie Watson
WAITROSE has confirmed that it will open a store at 1-3 Gloucester Road this year.
The supermarket chain will move into the former Maplin building, most recently used as the Future Leap co-working and events space.
The shop will be branded a Little Waitrose, like the one at the top of Park Street. Waitrose also has a larger store in Westbury Park.
A Waitrose spokesperson said: “We have wanted to open a shop in St Andrew’s
for a long time and can’t wait to welcome local people to enjoy the great food and service we pride ourselves on.
“We look forward to sharing more news when we can.
On May 1 voters in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and B&NES will choose the region's next Metro Mayor.
The leader of the West of England Combined Authority has the task of coordinating the region’s transport, housing, infrastructure, jobs, skills and business support strategies.
The mayor works with the leaders of the three councils to deliver policies.
Current Metro Mayor Dan Norris is standing down after being elected as Labour MP for North East Somerset and Hanham last year.
Aiming to succeed him for Labour is Helen Godwin, a former Bristol City Council cabinet member. The Conservatives, who held the post from 2017 to 2021, have also picked a former Bristol city councillor, Steve Smith, to try and win it back. The Greens, third in 2021, have selected Mary Page, a community activist who was their candidate for the Bristol North West seat at the last general election. Bath & North East Somerset councillor Oli Henman is the Liberal Democrats’ choice. South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Scott is standing as an independent. As the Voice went to print, Reform UK had not announced a candidate. We invited the party to contribute to this article.
Nominations opened on March 26 and will close on April 2.
The Voice asked each Metro Mayor candidate to answer three questions to find more about who they are, their priorities and plans.
What are the three biggest issues for the region?
Helen Godwin: The lack of a smart, integrated transport network that effectively connects communities and meets local needs.
The critical shortage of affordable homes in communities with essential services.
The need for sustainable economic growth that delivers quality jobs and training opportunities across our entire region.
As your Labour Mayor working alongside a Labour government, I'll bring together stakeholders and private companies to tackle these challenges with my proven track record of delivery.
Oli Henman: The top issue is the need to improve public transport. This includes rapidly expanding reliable buses, alongside an integrated approach to trains and mass transit as well as improved cycle routes.
Secondly, we have an opportunity to build the jobs of the future, we need pathways through training and into employment in key areas such as renewables, net zero construction, engineering and
technology innovation.
I would also highlight the need for genuinely affordable housing in locations with good transport connections.
Mary Page: We need a New Green Deal for the West of England.
Public transport is unreliable or non-existent. We are experiencing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, conflict between development versus nature yet also a lack of affordable housing.
I will prioritise making public transport accessible and available 24 hours a day. Improve our environment and sustainability policies, support communities with local plans and upskill our people. Work with social housing developers and use the Green Infrastructure Fund to unlock private investment.
Ian Scott: Government Funding – Give us our money back. The West of England is a net contributor to the economy, so why is it not in the first tranche of the Integrated Settlement, like West Yorkshire? West of England or West Yorkshire? West of England voters will want to get fair funding and gets its money back to fund local services. Mass transit system – We are the biggest city in Europe without a mass transit system Cheap bus fares.
Steve Smith: Ending local councils' war on the
MP: Worked in community development support at Shirehampton Jobs, Training and Enterprise, Jobs 22 Marketing Manager, DWP Work Coach, National Composites Centre Business Development, South Gloucestershire Council political advisor, National Union of Journalists SW Exec, Trustee and Residents’ Association Chair.
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
motorist who are hitting people with new parking charges and wasting limited regional funding on closing off roads.
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
Transforming public transport by opening at least five new local train stations (three in South Glos), increasing service frequency. And prioritising bus services to improve coverage for communities affected by cuts like Chipping Sodbury. Championing our Green Belt by promoting a “brownfield first” approach to housing and promoting higher density development in the centre of Bristol.
routes to increase bus usage and keep bus fares as low as possible, whilst demanding a fair funding system from the government for the West of England.
MP: Meet all staff to outline my plans and hear theirs. Instruct an audit of policy documents and ways of working to ensure a sustainability first approach.
Start investigation into Franchising and set up outline brief for a Freedom travel card.
SS: I’ve worked in business, the NHS and local government. Crucially I have a proven track record of campaigning on local issues. This includes taking the fight to Lib/Lab South Gloucestershire Council against their Green Belt destroying, congestion creating Local Plan.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
HG: As a deeply-rooted local with generations of family across the West Country, I've proven my ability to deliver real change as both a business leader and Bristol cabinet member. My reputation for getting things done by bringing together key stakeholders will secure the investment our region deserves.
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
If you win, what would your first action be?
SS: To stop frittering away regional transport funding on schemes that close and curtail road access. The first to go will be the Labour Mayor’s planned congestion-creating and deeply unpopular A4 Bus Lane on the Keynsham Bypass between Bath and Bristol.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
OH: This is a key moment to rebuild trust in the role of the Mayor to drive new opportunities for our region. I would start by bringing together all the key stakeholders to listen and design a shared strategy on transport, housing and jobs.
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
OH: I have local roots and an international outlook. I have experience as a local councillor in the leadership at Bath & NE Somerset and deep expertise in sustainable development. I can deliver locally, raise the profile of the region and draw international investment.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
IS: Call in the bus operators to plan better bus
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
HG: If elected, my first action will be assembling a top-tier team at the West of England Authorityprofessionals demonstrating clear regional value while delivering immediate results. No wasted time, just tangible outcomes for our communities from day one.
into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
IS: I have been a councillor 25 years - Filton 15 years and South Glos 10 years. I worked as a local government policy adviser for South Glos Council two years, Bristol 10 years, and South West councils Local Governance Assessor.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
FROM Tuesday April 1, you can book Covid-19 Spring Booster jabs on the NHS website ( use post code BS6 7XR) or just walk in at Kellaway Pharmacy. As with previous programmes, we are geared to deliver another excellent, well-run programme. Those eligible for the booster include anyone aged 75 years, including those who will turn 75 years old by 17 June 2025, residents in a care home, and some eligible immunocompromised patients. We are also running a walk-in afternoon clinic on Saturday April 5.
It is over a year since Kellaway Pharmacy has been able to prescribe antibiotics to treat impetigo, infected sore throats, urinary tract infections, infected insect bites, sinusitis and ear infections for children and adults. We are pleased that a recent audit of our prescribing use has found that our antimicrobial stewardship aligns with best-use practices. Remember, for all these conditions, including shingles, you can just come in for a free diagnostic consultation with our pharmacist
and then receive appropriate NHS-funded treatments.
Kellaway Pharmacy Weight-loss support Clinics continue to be very popular. Our holistic approach means we are not just focusing on how to lose weight but also on why you may struggle to eat healthily and, most importantly, how to maintain healthy weight loss. A top tip we share is: Are you drinking enough water? When dehydrated, many people will snack. We do not drink enough water with our meals or during the day, and we even break the golden rule: Hydrate Well after Exercise. The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water or fluids daily. This includes lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, like tea and coffee. While we can guide and provide effective weight-loss therapies, including the novel injectable therapies Wegovy and Mounjaro, we are determined to help inform better lifestyle choices. Do contact us; we can help. This is a time of significant change across the NHS structures. Community Pharmacy
and our GP Surgery colleagues form part of the NHS Primary Care footprint, working with and supported by NHS England colleagues. Undoubtedly, things need to improve, but significant changes like this bring uncertainty into the lives of those directly impacted. The NHS has always been the embodiment of public service, rightly so, and we are grateful to the many individuals, not just clinicians, who help deliver its care and functions.
The Kellaway Pharmacy Team will continue to do our best to deliver NHS care for our community. Call on 01179246579 or do just come in. We never take for granted the privilege and responsibility of being the most accessible part of the NHS.
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
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Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
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Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
WELLWISHERS have raised more than £24,000 after a restaurant owner was seriously injured in Thailand.
Ricky Eury, 39, founder of Gorilla Thai in Gloucester Road, was hit by a motorbike as he crossed a road in Phuket. He sustained multiple skull and rib fractures, a shattered nose, and bleeding on the brain.
His friend Solomon Wilkinson started an online fundraiser towards Ricky’s medical costs following the accident on March 15. As the Voice went to print, the total stood at £24,341.
Mr Wilkinson said he wanted to take the pressure off Ricky’s parents George and Annette, girlfriend Hannah and younger brother Joey, who had rushed to his bedside, while they supported Ricky in his recovery from his head injuries.
Writing on the fundraising page, Mr Wilkinson said that Ricky’s injuries had
initially been life-threatening but he had pulled through and now faced lengthy rehabilitation.
“The hospital are positive about his recovery but it is likely to be a long and difficult road, as well as an expensive one. Due to Ricky’s incapacity, we’re currently unable to confirm his insurance status, and out of pocket costs are likely to run into the tens of thousands of pounds,” he said.
In an online update, he thanked those who had contributed.
Ricky Eury, who is fighting to recover from head injuries
“Anyone close to Ricky knows he would be the first to drop everything and go above and beyond to help a friend in need, so I’m sure it is a small comfort to us all to be able to play a part in getting him back to health,” he said.
Ricky, from Hanham, was in Thailand for Thai boxing training.
As well as his Gloucester Road restaurant, Ricky runs another Gorilla Thai outlet in Fishponds.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpwith-rickys-medical-costs-in-thailand
THE Gloucester Road shop and art hub Room 212 has a new owner from this month.
Sarah Thorp, who founded the creative centre 12 years ago, is handing over to local artist and entrepreneur Hemali Modha.
Room 212 has played a key role in championing Bristol’s creative talent, showcasing original artworks, prints, gifts, and sustainable products. Under Sarah’s ownership, the shop has become a muchloved institution on Gloucester Road, one of the UK’s most celebrated high streets for independent businesses.
Sarah, who has dedicated the last 12 years to championing and nurturing Bristol’s artists, makers and designers, is stepping back to focus on her recovery following a recent leukaemia diagnosis before continuing with her long-planned move to Cornwall.
Reflecting on the transition, she said: “It’s been an incredible journey growing Room 212 into what it is today. I’m immensely grateful for the support of our artists- many of whom I now call friends - our customers, and the wider Bristol community. I couldn’t have wished for a better person than Hemali to take the reins and continue Room 212’s legacy.”
Hemali Modha brings a wealth of
experience to Room 212. With a background in fine art, she has successfully run a web design agency, a clothing boutique, and her own perfume brand. She has most recently been head of marketing and communications at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA Art Gallery.
Sarah Thorp, who has provided a platform for artists and designers and helped ensure the vibrancy of Gloucester Road as a centre for independent businesses, is handing over the reins to Hemalki Modha
She said: “I’m honoured to continue the incredible work Sarah has done in building such a unique creative space. Room 212 has always been about celebrating independent artists, and I’m excited to build on this foundation, bringing fresh ideas while staying true to the ethos that makes it so special.”
Traditionally, family hearings have been held in private in the interests of protecting the parties and any children involved. This means the public were unable to attend hearings unless permitted to do so by the Judge. Furthermore, Orders within the family court include confidentiality clauses and must not be shown to anyone who is not a party without direction from the court.
Journalists have been allowed to attend private family hearings since 2009, however previously had no right to report on cases. In 2023, a pilot scheme known as the “Transparency Pilot” was launched in Carlisle, Cardiff and Leeds, permitting accredited journalists to report on cases within the family court. In 2024, this scheme was further rolled out to an additional 13 courts across England and Wales. As of 27 January 2025, the new provisions regarding reporting on family cases apply to all family courts in England and Wales.
Journalists are able to report on family cases, provided the details of the families involved remain anonymous. There is a presumption that there is a transparency Order in cases unless there is a legitimate reason otherwise.
Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, expressed his understanding of resistance to the new approach, however noted that “improving public understanding and confidence in the family court is of fundamental importance” and explained that the pilot scheme has been significant in including coverage of “issues affecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society”.
Under the rules, journalists are able to talk to the families about their case if the family choose. However, they must follow the rules of the scheme and ensure that the details of each party remain entirely confidential. Judges still have discretion to decide some cases can't be reported on. Whilst some are concerned this will make families more reluctant
to share confidential information within the family court, there were no known breaches of anonymity in reporting during the pilot scheme and it is noted that keeping the parties confidential is a key element to the scheme’s success. Lucy Reed KC, chair of the Transparency Project, was positive about the rollout of the scheme and noted that “transparency is core to the work of the family court”.
The further transparency in the law could lead to clarity in areas of reform, and public attention in the interests of improving the family courts, provided the confidentiality of the parties and the children concerned remains protected.
It is considered that an increase in transparency within the Family Courts will allow individuals to make a more informed decision when deciding whether to pursue their matter through the Family Court. This aligns with the recent push from the family courts to encourage individuals
to pursue Non-Court Dispute Resolution ahead of bringing a matter to Court. Non-Court Dispute Resolution is encouraged to save time and costs compared to those when a matter goes to Court. If you would like assistance from AMD’s Family Department, please book an initial consultation by calling us on 0117 962 1205, by email to info@amdsolicitors.com or via our website.
114th Annual Art Exhibition
The Bristol 1904 Arts Society Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th May 2025 10.30am – 4.30pm daily
This year the Exhibition comprises over 100 excellent traditional and modern paintings, a number of contemporary sculptures and many 35mm film and digital photographs.
Copyright Adrian Vye
Paintings will be a mixture of subject including traditional landscapes, seascapes, portraits, still life both representational and abstract. A new addition this year will be a range of ceramic, metallic and natural wood pieces. The photographs have been especially selected to be both emotive and thought provoking.
The Exhibition, the Society’s principal artistic event, will be held in their main hall in the grounds of the Red Lodge, Park Row, Bristol. All exhibits are for sale to the public.
www.bristol1904arts.org
RSVP West is a region of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, part of the national volunteering charity, Volunteering Matters. Our area covers Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset.
For 30 years we have encouraged people over 50 to volunteer in the community, providing volunteers with appropriate training and regular support. We have around 400 active volunteers involved in our current projects which are: Volunteering in Schools, GP Surgery Schemes befriending older
patients; Volunteer Driver Groups helping older people attend appointments;Volunteer Lay Assessors assisting Bristol City Council’s Quality Assurance service with visits to Care Homes and to people receiving the Home Care service; Guiding visitors around the historic replica ship The Matthew in Bristol Harbour and our Knitting group producing knitted and crocheted items for premature babies and needy families in Ukraine. For more information on how to volunteer see our website https://rsvp-west.org.uk
Are you over 50 with time to spare and would like to improve the quality of life of older people living in care homes in Bristol? We are looking to recruit volunteers with a personal or professional experience of care homes to join our existing team. We work closely with Bristol City Council Quality Assurance Staff to provide an independent view of how care homes look after their residents.
Volunteers are given full training, ongoing support plus insurance cover. The role would require between 10-12 hours a month, but you can negotiate your time and availability and claim out of pocket expenses.
For further information please contact carehomes@rsvp-west.org.uk
BRISTOL’S TV & film boom in focus
As I write this column, the 97th Academy Awards has just been held in Los Angeles. There was no Oscar for the latest Wallace and Gromit film from the Bristol-based studio Aardman Animations, but it did win two gongs at this year's Baftas.
Panning across from Hollywood to our neck of the woods, TV and filmmaking is a burgeoning industry in Bristol, with many productions made in the city – and right here in Bristol North West.
Recent examples include the whodunnit A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, with some scenes shot on the streets of Westbury-on-Trym; the comedy-drama Rain Dogs, which used Hermitage Close in Shire to film scenes of a London estate; King Arthur's Avalon was recreated at Blaise Castle for The Winter King; and the comedydrama Outlaws was filmed at Sea Mills Community Centre for its first two seasons.
Coming soon, filming in Avonmouth has just wrapped on a six-part BBC One dystopian drama, called The Dream Lands. The drama is set 14 years in the future and explores the impact of climate change and society inequality, so definitely one to keep an eye out for.
And, while he didn’t film any Hollywood blockbusters in Bristol, Cary Grant was born in Horfield and later lived in Bishopston, just outside the constituency boundary. A blue plaque commemorating the actor was unveiled on his former Bishopston residence last November – so add that to your local TV and film tour!
It's more than just a novelty to see your home area on TV and on the big screen: the Bristol Film Office recently reported that film and TV productions shot on location in Bristol or at The Bottle Yard Studios in the city generated an estimated £30 million towards Bristol’s economy in the 2023/24 financial year.This government
recognises the importance of our creative sector. That's why we're rolling out a 40% reduction in business rates bills for studios, to help create more award-winning productions in the UK – and here in Bristol!
We need everyone in our society to be represented on the screen and behind the camera, so I'm pleased to hear of two local initiatives to help address the lack of racial diversity in Bristol's TV and film workforce: Culture West, led by the West of England Combined Authority and Arts Council England, and All Set West from the Bristol Film Office, which has recently secured £245,000 of funding from the BFI National Lottery Places Fund.
Finally, before we roll the credits on another column, it would be remiss if I didn't mention my own filmmaking efforts, with the Village Matters collection of short films about Bristol North West that I released last year – with two special
cinema screenings held for constituents in Westbury Park! You can view the films online at darren-jones.co.uk/village-matters.
As always, if you need my help or have a question, you can get in touch on email at darren.jones. mp@parliament.uk, by calling my office on 0117 959 6545 or by writing to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
THIS has been a really worrying month for many people in Bristol and across the UK. We’ve seen President Trump’s actions on Ukraine and Gaza increase global instability. And here at home, rising energy bills and talk of cuts to welfare for disabled people will have many people feeling fearful about how to cope with rising costs and shrinking budgets.
In Parliament, I’ve been raising these issues and more with the government. With over 6000 homes in Bristol Central estimated to be living in fuel poverty, I urged the government to take action on energy bills.
Along with the other Green MPs, I wrote to the government to make it clear that international aid shouldn’t be cut to fund defence spending – not only because the decision will hit the world’s most vulnerable hardest, but because international aid makes the world more secure and keeps us safer.
Ahead of Keir Starmer’s visit to
President Trump, I urged the PM to make clear that the President’s threat to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza will not be tolerated – and I will continue to fight for the rights of Palestinians.
I also challenged the government’s plans to cut welfare spending. This is a cruel and unnecessary policy that will make life harder for those who are already struggling the most.
I proposed that the government look elsewhere to raise the funds, putting in place a wealth tax on multi-millionaires and billionaires to help fund public services.
But there has also been hopeful news. This month, the Committee on Climate Change published its findings on how we can reach our climate goals – which showed that getting there will be even cheaper than we previously thought and could save households £700 a year on bills. Here in Bristol, I was delighted to spend some time at the Castle Park Energy
Centre, a huge water-source heat pump on the harbourside which will hopefully be one of many providing clean energy to Bristol.
Visiting some of the brilliant organisations here in Bristol working for a better future has also bolstered my hope. I had the privilege of dropping into Caring in Bristol to join their cooking group for young people, and was blown away by the dedication and compassion of their staff.
I also visited the Nelson Trust, who do inspiring work to help vulnerable women rebuild their lives, many of whom have experienced the criminal justice system, and took some time to visit a hotel in Bristol that houses asylum seekers. I will continue to push the Government to treat those seeking asylum fairly, humanely and without discrimination.
Finally, I would like to wish a Ramadan Mubarak to all those celebrating – I had a wonderful time sharing a meal with
Carla Denyer writes for the Voice
Bristolians from all walks of life at the Grand Iftar in Bristol Cathedral. If you live in Bristol Central and have a local issue you need support with, you can email me at bristolcentraloffice@parliament. uk or write to Carla Denyer MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA For enquiries about national issues please email me using carla.denyer.mp@ parliament.uk
FAIRFIELD High School swept the board at a Bristol-wide school art competition.
All three winners in the Year 7 category – Olive, Luca and Herbie - were from the school.
The competition, organised by the Victoria Methodist Church on Park Street, set the theme as Colours of Nature: embracing diversity, Students could respond to this in any media, with work being any size.
Fairfield saw a great range
of artworks submitted across all year groups. In addition to the Year 7 success, two Year 10 pupils, Ismay and Martha, were recognised with ‘highly commended’ awards.
Tessa Mortimer, director of Art, DT & Engineering at Fairfield High School, said: “I am thrilled that the talent and creativity of our students has been acknowledged, with this competition giving a fantastic opportunity for the public to appreciate the incredible work of all the prize winners. This year’s competition theme resonates deeply with us at Fairfield, as celebrating diversity is at the core of our values, and we take great pride in our rich multicultural community.”
All the artwork was displayed to the public in the Victoria Methodist Church, next to the RWA Gallery. There was also a prize giving ceremony in which the Lord Mayor presented prizes.
AN emoji book title quiz was just one of the activities for World Book Day at Redmaids’ High Junior School.
It was followed by a performance of The Secret Garden by visiting theatre company M & M Theatrical Productions. The show, sponsored by the Friends of Redmaids’ High Junior School, brought to life the story and characters in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel.
The Friends also ran a pre-loved book sale throughout the week, with proceeds going to the Children’s Book Project, a charity taking books directly to children who may not otherwise own a book.
Another World Book Day activity was the half-termly parent book club, which meets to discuss suitable titles for eight to 12-year-olds.
IF you happen to be watching this year’s London Marathon on the TV later this month, you might be lucky enough to spot a very intrepid pirate. Bristol Rovers fan, Josh Fish, will be donning an obligatory eyepatch and wielding a sword to take on an extraordinary challenge—attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon ever run dressed as a pirate. Thankfully, no parrots or gangplanks are involved.
A dedicated runner and lifelong Gashead, Josh completed the London Marathon last year but wanted to make his 2025 effort even more memorable. While searching for unique marathon records, he stumbled upon the pirate-themed challenge, which felt like the perfect fit for a Rovers supporter inspired by the club’s famous nickname.
"When I saw the record for the fastest marathon dressed as a pirate, I knew it was too good anopportunity to miss as a Rovers fan," said Josh."I contacted Guinness World Records, got the approval, and now I can’t wait to take on the challenge."
To meet the Guinness World Records' strict guidelines, Josh must complete the full marathon distance of 26 miles, 385 yards and must wear the full pirate attire—including a
hat, eyepatch, pirate shirt, trousers, boots, and carry a sword – for the whole duration. In 2023, world records were set by a female ‘pirate’ in the marathon and the fastest halfmarathoning (male) pirate, so there is clearly a gap which Josh has his eye on – with or without a patch.
However, besides the fun of the costume and a hoped-for world record, Josh is combining his challenge with a more serious note – raising money for the Bristol Rovers’
Community Trust, a cause close to his heart.
As an assistant headteacher at Orchard School and living in our community, Josh has been able to witness first-hand the incredible impact of the Trust’s work.
"A lot of our students have been supported by the Trust, particularly those who are more vulnerable. I’ve seen how valuable their work is, and I also see the difference they make in our wider community," he said. "This is my way of giving back while doing something fun and different."
Josh has set himself a fundraising target of £1,000 or more, with all proceeds going directly to Bristol Rovers Community Trust’s initiatives. It would be amazing to raise as much as possible, and I’d love to have the support of the Gas family.
"If you see me out on training runs, give me a shout, and if you can donate, know that you're supporting a brilliant cause!"
Josh’s marathon attempt will take place on Sunday April 27, and fans can track his journey and donate via his fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ fastestpirate
By Rosie Watson
• For boys currently in Year 4 and 5
• Coaching in two sports of your choice
• Experience QEH’s state-of-the-art facilities Friday 16 May
IN our area the commonest native trees are first the ash and then the pedunculate oak. They often grow together but the rangylimbed ash dominates on drier, limier soils whilst the ruggedbarked oak becomes commoner in damper, more acidic conditions. In Bristol you will find old, stubby pollarded oaks in surviving hedgerows with taller, airy ash growing, for example, along the old stream boundary near Cranbrook Road. However, where they are left untouched the mature form of both can vary greatly.
They are easy to tell apart, even in winter when the meandering branching of oak and the more upright shape of ash are evident in the silhouette (variability notwithstanding). Ash has divided leaves like rose leaves but longer than your hand, whilst oak leaves have rounded lobes divided by rounded scallops and are about as long as an index
Oak leaves pressed by JW White in 1892 with press cutting.
Thanks to Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives for this image.
finger. The ash, with less acidic bark than oak, supports a diverse range of mosses and lichens. But it is the oak that is most noted for its wildlife value. Oaks can live for hundreds of years in a state of slow senescence, becoming stag-headed with antler-like dead branches remaining attached to the trunk for many years. Bearing all growth stages from fresh buds to rotting limbs helps to explain the oak’s ability to support hundreds of invertebrate species.
Britain has an outstanding
heritage of ancient oaks, more by far than any other western European nation. Both trees are much-storied, though oak has the edge in fame what with its penchant for hiding kings and living to a venerable age. You may know “if the oak is out before the ash then the earth will get a splash, if the ash is out before the oak then the earth will get a soak”. Growing up in Bedfordshire I found that little weight was placed on this saying, perhaps because we so rarely had a summer that could conceivably be described as “soaking”.
The photograph shows a specimen of oak leaves collated by an enthusiastic 19th century botanist, JW White. The press cutting with them is a letter from a diligent observer of nature from Hereford magnificently signing himself J Forth Humby who, in the mid century, recorded in 31 separate years that each leafing out was followed by the
appropriate summer as foretold by the rhyme.
Inevitably, this letter provoked a grumpy response (from a Yorkshireman as it happens) who stated that the oak “invariably” leafed out before the ash at his location, always followed by wet summers, rendering the proverb nothing more than “a popular fallacy”.
As an ecologist, it doesn’t seem unlikely to me that observations from one side of the country could have led to a helpful saying which, when taken elsewhere, failed to hold true reducing it to mere doggerel, its usefulness lost in translocation. In the milder, damper and more variable climate of the western half of the country (as compared to colder Yorkshire and drier Bedfordshire) this old phrase may be a useful predictor. From now on I will have to keep my own records in order to find out.
© Dawn Lawrence
Whole School Open Morning (for ages 3 – 18)
Friday 2 May
badmintonschool.co.uk
Unblocking corners - proposed solution for Monmouth Street Fi met with residents, council officers and Bristol waste managers on Monmouth Road recently to try to find a way forward with the unreliable collections they have been experiencing.
Several streets in the area have been having problems with waste collection due to tight corners and inconsiderate parking. Smaller collection lorries have been used in the area but even so they sometimes can’t get through. Bristol Waste officers offered to try collecting early in the mornings when there are fewer parked cars but even this isn’t always possible due to obstructions.
In addition, in discussion with the Transport committee chair, Martin has proposed spending a strategic highways budget he first got reserved for street improvement. This should be available to tackle street corners
lacking effective safety features like double yellow lines and dropped kerbs. We're working with Bristol Waste to identify all the frequently blocked corners they know of including our own ward's Monmouth Road. We are hopeful this should help and shall keep you informed of progress.
Recycling and waste
There have been improvements since four extra crews were put back on to the rounds across the city although sadly sickness, staff shortages, and vehicle breakdowns can still affect services. We take up all the reports we know of with the service manager and want to see all streets reliably served on the day promised.
There are several actions already under way to reduce disruptions, with extra staff and supervisors recruited, new processing capacity to reduce delays, a new baler being commissioned in
Avonmouth, and preventive vehicle maintenance but we know there’s much more do to and we are working with our contractor to stop streets being missed on the due date.
Another issue is continuing escalation of collection costs. These come from fuel, staff, vehicles and national insurance and these issues won’t be resolved easily. Removing waste will keep costing more due to new carbon charges, yet 51% of what’s in black bins is recyclable.
Consultation breaks records
The recent consultation had the highest response to a council consultation ever in Bristol, over 16,500 filled in. A working group will study what you are telling uswhat new services you would value most and what else you’d like to see. After all the issues have been collated and reviewed a full report and recommendations will go to a public meeting of the cross-party Committee that Martin chairs.
Among the many options offered in the consultation were choices between two, three and four weekly black bin collections, although most modelling has been for the improvements a three
weekly service could help pay for. This is the most common change other councils have been bringing in to boost recycling. Greens have therefore ruled out supporting the four weekly option being taken forward at this time in Bristol. The biggest permanent rises in recycling in the city were the move the two weekly bin collections and the switch to smaller bins.
We also asked about extra services to help larger households, those with nappies and absorbent hygiene products, or how to encourage the half of homes not recycling food waste to help us collect and process these usefully. We want to get smelly and valuable waste out of bins to help fund the services in the face of escalating disposal and collection costs. Our aim is to get the services back on track and adapt them in a way that’s fit for the future, putting the useful materials back to work to help the economy and the environment. Only enhanced recycling supported by better containers like larger sacks and more capacity for cardboard can help pay for better services from this income.
11-12 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AL 01179 443 223
Cycle storage
There are finally some more cycle storage hangars in the city. The last scheme in Bristol was in 2015 and since then requests haven't been acted on. Having lockable storage in each neighbourhood is really helpful. This can help people living in upstairs flats, terraced houses, and those with no garden.
Each hangar can store half a dozen bicycles in the same plot as a single car. One is being added in Redland ward in Wentworth Road. Demand has been really high for sites already available with waiting lists in most of those released to date. There’s an annual fee for the key of £55 plus a refundable deposit and the scheme is managed by Bike Nest for the combined authority. Applications and waiting lists are found via the council website under ‘Cycle Hangars’.
Making our rivers safer
We're looking into ways to clean up our rivers. A group has started work with our city partners through the One City Environment Board that Martin is co-chair of. They are reviewing the
issues raised in a council motion last December.
Key partners including Wessex Water are looking at the causes of river pollution and how to make them cleaner. Pollution from agriculture, industry and sewage treatment has to be tackled in different ways.
We know how keen some people are to know when it's safe to swim and to stop sewage getting into rivers. One way is to promote sustainable urban drainage so that storm water doesn't rapidly flood into streams and cause sewage drains to overflow. Another is to stop misconnections by household appliances like downstairs toilets. The motion to council also called for more rainwater butts to be used to slow the flow of storm water reaching drains. An initial public report about this work has already been made the committee Martin chairs and as it carries out work updates will be reported. Contact us:
Fi: Cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk. 0117 3534720. Martin: Cllr.martin.fodor@bristol. gov.uk0788 4736101
Abdul, as finance sub-committee chair, helped to shape and lead the council’s £1.7billion budget through. This includes more social housing, investment in green spaces and culture, and support for Family Hubs. Find more details on the council website.
Tim has been helping local groups through the CIL application process. This fund is for community infrastructure, such as park play equipment or accessibility improvements.
Izzy has been helping out at Dalrymple park; a collaboration between the council and community groups who are transforming it into a growing space. Please get in touch if you are interested in helping out!
Izzy has also been investigating glysophate alternatives. If you/ your street would be interested in opting out of weed-killer, and volunteering to weed the area
yourself, please do get in touch. We are pleased to see plans to pedestrianise Overton Road progressing, as this is something that residents have been asking us about.
We are also happy to see new cycle hangars being introduced. There is such a high demand that spaces at these were booked up almost immediately! We will be lobbying for more safe storage for bicycles. We, as a council, have also been consulting around waste collections, listening to your views. We are trying our best to ensure that the service is reliable and efficient, and that Bristol’s waste is reduced, reused, recycled and disposed of in the most sustainable ways possible.
Contact us
cllr.izzy.russell@bristol.gov.uk
cllr.Abdul.malik@bristol.gov.uk cllr.tim.wye@bristol.gov.uk
Recyling consultation now live
We hope you are all enjoying spring and the change in the weather. We’ve had a busy month and were delighted that our new administration passed its first budget in March. We’re now looking forward to getting out and about more in the ward again, especially as there is an election coming up in May, for a new Regional Metro Mayor and we have been supporting our Green candidate Mary Page. Mary has been listening to residents on the doorstep, and discussing her priorities for the region. We have a change to our surgeries coming up soon, and we hope we can meet more residents there. Read on to find out more.
Bike hangars and EV chargers
We were delighted to see that the two new Bike Hangars have been installed in the ward now, one on York Road and one on Beech. We know that people are still interested in getting more, and we will be keeping up pressure on the combined authority to fund more
as they are clearly very popular. Do get in touch if you would be interested in getting a bike hangar on your road. We have also been told some lamppost EV chargers are due to be installed in the ward soon and we will let residents know when the locations of these are confirmed.
Trees, trees, trees
The tree planting season ended with a lot of new trees for the ward. New trees have been planted at the bottom of Springfield Road, all around Ashley Down Train Station and on Ashley Down Common. We look forward to watching all these new trees flourish in the future. A new bin has also been added at the station at the request of residents.
Budget passed
At the end of February, the new Green-led administration passed our first budget. Through this lengthy process, councillors and officers did a huge amount of work to find savings and investments and ways to avoid the worst cuts. The budget, which is the largest ever budget set by Greens in
administration, covers £1.7 billion of spending across all areas and prioritises more money for adult social care, young people and social housing. Alongside a revenue budget of £1.3 billion, the budget includes £400 million of capital investment in areas such as parks and green spaces, new council housing, repairing ageing highways infrastructure, bringing new transport options online and introducing new homes for children in care. While there were concerns about certain cuts, such as to libraries, museums and lollipop people, we have found ways to avoid these and instead will be looking at ways to sustain them for the future. Thank you to all residents who got in touch with feedback on the budget.
Bin consultation update
The Council consultation on bin and recycling services closed at the beginning of March and we want to give a huge thanks to all who filled it in. As it stands we know that four weekly collections are off the table, and the rest of the results
will now go to a working group to look at how we can improve recycling services and rates. In the meantime we are in discussions with Bristol Waste about how they can improve services. We hope the results of the consultation and working group are able to find more long-term solutions to the most pressing recycling issues. There has also recently been a revamp of the fly-tipping reporting service and this is something we are looking to improve also.
New Ward Surgery venue and time
Now that the weather is getting warmer, we are relocating our monthly ward surgery back to the Garden area of The Ardagh, we will be located on the tables in front of the garden room. We are also changing the day of the week from April, and the new time will be 4pm -5.45pm Second Thursday of every month. This will come into effect from Thursday April 10 Contact us
Cllr.james.crawford@bristol.gov.uk
Cllr.Emma.edwards@bristol.gov.uk
BRISTOL Rovers welcomed people from the local community and beyond to a Grand Iftar event at The Memorial Stadium.
Local Muslims were welcomed to the Seat Unique Suite on March 13 to break their fast, participate in the Maghrib Prayer and spend time with others from the community.
Iftar is the time when Muslims break their fast at sunset during Ramadan and is considered an opportunity to celebrate togetherness with friends, family and
acquaintances from near and far.
Almost 100 people were in attendance for Rovers' first Iftar, among them Gas midfielder Kamil Conteh.
He said: “It’s wonderful to see Bristol Rovers put on this event and it’s great that so many people have come together to be involved.
“For me, Ramadan is all about being closer to Allah, giving to charity, cutting down on bad habits and feeling spiritually cleansed. Iftar is a big part of that and the best bit
is sharing it with family and friends, regardless of faith or background.
“It means a lot to me to share this with my friends and colleagues from Rovers at this event. The support I’ve felt from the Club throughout Ramadan has been incredible. It means a lot to me.”
Event organiser and Bristol Rovers financial controller Zayn Alime said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has attended or helped organise this Iftar event.
“Bristol is a very diverse city and something we’re eager to do at Bristol Rovers is open our doors for people from all backgrounds and ethnicities to feel welcome at our club.
“Events like this one are just a part of bridging that gap with the south Asian and Middle Eastern communities in our area and, going forward, we are keen to do even more to make all those who wish to visit The Memorial Stadium feel embraced and comfortable at Rovers.”
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THE pruning is over and we are just starting to think about the lead-up to bud burst and the start of the growing season. Last year the vines started to grow unusually early. This year, because we have had quite a cold spring, the vines are still very much dormant with no signs of life being apparent. If we get a warm couple of weeks, the buds will start to swell and things might start to ramp up more quickly. I’m hoping it stays cold because the risk of frost is still quite high so any new growth could very easily be damaged.
The first sign of spring we see in the vineyard is the emergence of primroses in the hedge line and an increased amount of mole activity in the field. This usually seems to coincide with
the emergence of bloody nose beetles as well. Every year the cycle varies a little bit but it always follows a similar pattern.
On the wine front our new rosé is about to be bottled and we’re starting to think about some fun labels for our new col fondo red wine.
hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk
www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk
@DYvineyards (X/Twitter)
dunleavy vineyards (Facebook & Instagram)
Toast the spring with one of our wines
n BLAISE COMMUNITY
GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS. Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Interesting walled kitchen garden, free to enter, new volunteers welcomed. Plants always available. Events: Café on 12th April 10-2 and SPRING MARKET with Café on 10th May 10-3.
n LA SCALA DELI HENLEAZE
Join us for our educational Italian wine tasting evenings led by our in-house sommelier, Xavier: April 3 & 25 - Calabria Regional Tasting
April 17 - Italy’s Nobel Grapes
April 26/ May 1 - Italy’s Volcanic Wines
May 9 & 29 - Sicily Regional Tasting
May 22 - Big Bubbles
June 12 & 27 - Sardinia Regional Tasting
June 14 - Summertime Pink Wine
June 19 - Big Bubbles
Private Events also available Bookings: lascaladeli.com
n YOGA FOR ALL is a Bristol yoga school where movement is fun, achievable and for everyone. Classes in Bishopston Library, Cotham Parish Church, Spin City and online. See www.yogaforall. co.uk for details!
Various days
n PILATES classes, Northcote Scout Hall, BS9 3TY. Mondays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Mixed Ability inc. Beginners); Tuesdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Gentle); Thursdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.45am (Mixed Ability - inc Beginners). Small, friendly classes. Please register interest before attending. Full details at www.mindbodypilates.org. Contact; Leanne 07817189474 or leanne@ mindbodypilates.org
Monday
n SHARED READING AT ST PAUL’S LIBRARY. Meet and connect with others Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm. St Paul’s Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, Bristol BS2 8XJ. Email: support@ thereader.org.uk
n REDLAND WIND BAND has vacancies for some woodwind, brass and percussion players. This friendly group meets 7.30-9.30pm at Redland Church Hall, Redland Green. Contact via email on redlandwindband@gmail. com
n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford
Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. See www.dickens-society.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875.
FOLKSTARS: We are looking to expand the Folkstars project in the local area. If you would like your school to be considered email info@folkstars.co.uk ADULTS, want to try out guitar / violin or improve your playing? Folkstars are running a new tuition club in BS7 where you can learn weekly from experienced musicians in a relaxed / sociable setting. We have a limited number of FREE guitars and violins available to borrow for the first to join. The group will cover folk music alongside pop and rock songs as chosen by the members. To register your interest visit www. folkstars.co.uk/adult-tuition INSTRUMENT AMNESTY: If you have an unused guitar or violin gathering dust Folkstars would love to hear from you! Any condition, we will fix and use to give more kids in Bristol the chance to play an instrument. Smaller sizes a bonus but all sizes useful. Email info@folkstars.co.uk or text 07927746661 to arrange a collection.
n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-on-Trym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) 2-4pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www.goodafternoonchoir. org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk
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 (9.45) and like to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to join and help to solve some of today's challenging issues, contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.
n BRISTOL COMMUNITY GAMELAN play the music of Java at Cotham School from 6.30-8.30. We play by numbers – only 1-6, without the 4
! So no auditions, no need to read music. If you fancy a different musical experience, contact us via email on keithripley27@gmail.com
n WESTBURY ON TRYM WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2.00 - 4.00 pm. We have interesting speakers, and extra activities of crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. For more information call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917
n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL 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 7.30pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information visit our website www.theartssocietybristol.org.uk
n BRISTOL HARMONY WEST GALLERY CHOIR and band sing and play lively church and village music from the 18thcentury. St Edyth’s Church Hall, St Edyth’s Road, Sea Mills, 7.30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. All voices (SATB), string, wind and reed instruments welcome. No auditions but ability to read music helpful. www.bristolharmony.wordpress.com or call Fritjof 0117 924 3440. Contact before attending.
n POETRY UNLIMITED – poetry circle meet on the First Tuesday of every month 11am - 12 midday. Basement Room, Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. £2.50 - £3.00 donation towards the cost of the room. Bring a couple of poems to share, other poets or your own. Contact Dee: wetwo@ gentlyblown.co.uk Web: www. poetryunlimitedbristol.weebly.com
n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL We are a 'threshold choir' looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join/support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org
n BRISTOL A CAPPELLA: Tuesdays 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church. Bristol A Cappella is an awardwinning mixed barbershop chorus of around 30 members who love to sing close harmony a cappella. Our songs are mainly from pop music, with a bit of rock and some musicals. www. bristolacappella.co.uk/ Contact: membership@bristolacappella.co.uk n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) on
Monday afternoons 2.00-4.00pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www. goodafternoonchoir.org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk
Tuesday and Saturday
n BRISTOL HF RAMBLING CLUB
We are a friendly sociable club with a variety of walks. We have 2 Tuesday walks of either 8-9 miles or 5-6 miles. On Saturdays we have varying length walks including a hill walk eg Brecon Beacons once a month. If you would like more information please visit our website.
Wednesday
n "REST REFUGE: YOGA FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC FATIGUE" with Sarah Bradley (Occupational Therapist & Yoga Teacher). Wednesdays 10-11am. In Studio and livestreamed on Zoom. Bristol Yoga Space, Princes' Place, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NP. Contact: Seasonalflow@gmail.com or 07716 625418. Book your place: SarahBtheOT.com"
n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30 start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA. A vibrant, lively new afternoon WI in BS6. We have an exciting and varied programme to offer to members. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@ gmail.com.
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.
n HEALING SESSIONS Spiritual Healing is available from 2pm to 3.30pm by the accredited healing team at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www.westburyparksc.org
n 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 Tania by email at tanialake@yahoo.co.uk
n WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your local area. Call 0117 435 0063 for more information.
n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@ bristolbach.org.uk
n THE STEPFORD SINGERS
WOMEN'S COMMUNITY CHOIR meets at Horfield Baptist Church, Bishopston on Thursday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm. No auditions and no need to read music! Come for a free taster session with our friendly, supportive group and learn to sing in harmony. For info,
contact Fran franbolton66@gmail.com
n FRIENDS TOGETHER
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY CAFÉ A Dementia accessible café for all on the first Thursday of every month, 10am-12pm; The Randall Room at All Saints Church, Pembroke Rd, Clifton.Support, guidance, information and friendship with complimentary tea, coffee and homemade cake. No need to book – just come along and be a part of our community! For more information contact All Saints Parish Office: 0117 974 1355
n HIGHBURY BADMINTON
CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524
or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/ highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westbury-onTrym Village Hall
n SWIFTS INCLUSIVE SPORTS
swimming sessions are for adults 18+ with any disability (hoist available) on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm. £5 per session at Henbury Leisure Centre. Contact Karen Lloyd at 07734 335 878.
n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING ]
Looking for a new hobby? Join us for fun, fitness and friendship (singles welcome). First evening free! Thursdays: New/Inexperienced dancers 7–8.30pm (£4). Intermediate/Advanced
dancers 7.30–10pm (£6). St Monica Trust, Oatley House Main Hall, BS9 3TN. www.rscdsbristol.info. Contact Ruth 01179683057.
n HENBURY SINGERS welcomes new members at Stoke Bishop Primary School, Cedar Park BS9 1BW, 7.30 – 9.15, a warm welcome awaits you at Henbury Singers. We perform sacred and secular music under our conductor Andrew Kirk. No auditions. www.henburysingers. org Contact the secretary at secretary@ henburysingers.org
n HEN LEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278
n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feel more relaxed, peaceful, calmer. Dropin at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. NEW TIME 3.30 to 4.45 pm. Donation basis. Supported by Healing Trust members. Contact Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@ yahoo.co.uk for dates and information.
n BISHOPSTON COMMUNITY CHOIR
Meet on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.00pm at Horfield Baptist Church, 160a Gloucester Road, Bishopston BS7 8NT. Everyone welcome, no
audition necessary. Contact us on bishoproadchoir@gmail.com
Friday
n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE Come and meet a group of friendly people and enjoy talks in Spanish, musical events and social evenings. We meet every month from September to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For more info, see https://www. spanishcirclebristol.com/ n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB. Come along at 5.45pm on Fridays to see if bowling could be the sport for you. Coaching available. Experienced bowlers welcome. Situated in Grange Court Road, by Newman Hall. This is a friendly Club with good bowling facilities and social events throughout the year. Phone, Tom Logan, on 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@ henleazebowlingclub.org.uk for further details.
Saturday
n SEA MILLS REPAIR CAFE offers sewing, woodwork, general, electrical and cycle repairs at the Methodist Church, Sea Mills Square, from 10am12pm, every second Saturday of the month (except August). This is a voluntary service run by experienced repairers. Donations welcome. FFI see Facebook @seamillsrepaircafe
HORFIELD ORGANIC COMMUNITY ORCHARD (HOCO) has its roots in the ground and its eyes on the future. Since 1998 orchard members have planted 100 fruiting trees. We’ve connected with the wider community through our celebration eventsWassail and Apple Day.
HOCO hosts of place-based orchard learning and training activities including fruit tree pruning courses and workshops.
As buds break into blossom this April, we begin a bold, new venture: Fruitful Futures – a climate resilience action project. We’ve already seen the impact of a decade of chaotic and changing weather patterns on our fruit trees. Social and economic patterns aren’t fixed either – and the Covid years shook up everything. When it feels like things are falling apart, I recall this quote: “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant new apple trees today.”
We welcome new Harvest-share members to join us now, and to be part of this innovative community action and learning project. Participants will design and lay the groundwork to plant and grow new fruit trees for future generations. Can your bring your hands, head, humour, and heart to this project? Previous fruit-growing experience is helpful – a problem-solving approach is essential.
HOCO is also on a mission to double the number of Friends of the Orchard. It only costs £30 a year. Friends benefit from member-only social and learning opportunities, plus discounts for Orchard Learning courses, and from the Apple Tree Lady. Our aim is to create and sustain a part-time, paid co-ordinator role, which is vital for the future of the orchard.
More information at https://community-orchard.org.uk/
Shannon Smith aka The Apple Tree Lady
Rapid Mounts are makers and providers of mounts to suit all photo and picture mount styles. With our in house lab fitted with the latest Valiani computeroperated machinery, we can supply designs to suit all requirements all with a high standard of workmanship.
Rapid Mounts & Picture framing has had pleasure in supplying frames & mounts for people since 2000.
The majority of our work comes from the internet with several large contracts including over 7,000 followers on ebay we have been pleased to fill.
Time has come for us to hang up our last frame and call it a day. So as well as a BIG Thank You to all our existing customers- there is a fabulous business opportunity for someone to invest in!
All training would be given and help along the way for you to succeed in this profitable business.
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For many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. North Bristol based loft ladder installer, Access4Lofts, whose slogan is 'Creating Space The Easy Way' can change all that, often in less than a day.
Access4Lofts Bristol North is owned by Rash and Ollie. Much of the work they carry out is for growing families; "We know how crucial storage space can be for large families" says Rash. "We also find that a large percentage of our clients are retired people looking for the safest access to their loft available."
Freeing up a room currently clogged with clutter can save a lot of trouble and expense, as Ollie explains; "Some people looking for more space consider moving to a bigger home, but this needn't be necessary. People are surprised by the amount of space a loft can create, we can even include shelving to maximise the space."
Call Rash & Ollie now to book a free survey and quotation on 01174 501116, or visit www.Access4Lofts.co.uk/BristolNorth.
You can also find them on Facebook as Access4Lofts Bristol North
by Susan Muaddi Darraj
SUSAN Muaddi Daraj is a Palestinian American who lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Her novel follows the lives of three generations of three PalestinanAmerican families as they tackle issues of poverty, racism, religion and class in their adopted land, living between two cultures, in pursuit of the American dream.
We meet Reema, pregnant at 16, with a dying father and a ghost of a mother. We hear of her first date at Burger King with her boyfriend Torrey and how her father washed dishes for six dollars a hour to save money so she could go to college. We also meet Marcus, a cop who has lost his mother and is estranged from his father. He pays his sister Amal’s tuition fees and pays 400 dollars for her abortion. His longtime girlfriend Michelle wants to get married,
but he doesn’t. They row and the relationship finishes when she accidentally fires his gun wounding him in his left arm.
We meet Walid, who owns several strip malls and real estate in every corner of Baltimore. He hires the Sheraton ballroom for the wedding of his son Raed and is disgusted at the absence of any Arab music. He gets into a violent argument with Marcus and leaves his own son’s wedding.
We also follow the life of Maysoon, the younger sister of Reema. She is a cleaner for Dalia who is married to Demetri, the youngest son of Walid. Maysoon has sex with Demetri and terminates her cleaning job when she is falsely accused of stealing items from the house. We meet Layla who is the granddaughter of Walid. She
objects to the choice of Aladdin as a school drama production because of its stereotyping of Arabia as a land where they cut off your ear if they don’t like your face.
Meanwhile Hiba, who is the daughter of Demetri, is body shamed at school for her big ass and flat chest by her skinny classmates who all diet and often faint due to lack of food. This is a nuanced portrayal of the experience of Palestinian Americans, with engaging, charming and complicated characters and a revelatory ending. For this book and more, come and visit us at 100 Gloucester Road. You will be greeted with a friendly smile and a warm welcome.
Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library
Bishopston Library opening hours
Monday 1pm-7pm Tuesday closed
Wednesday 11am5pm
Thursday 11am-5pm
Friday 11am-5pm
Saturday 11am-5pm Sunday closed
Come