SAUERSCOUT! Fermented foods are good for you - right?
These Scouts in Montpelier have been learning how to make kombucha, hot sauce and sauerkraut, earning themselves an 'unofficial' badge. Report: Page 13
BRISTOL has been in the national spotlight over possible reductions in the frequency of black bin collections.
The Green Party-run city council is consulting residents on whether it should continue to pick up non-recyclable rubbish fortnightly or change to intervals of three or four weeks.
People have until March 10 to take part in the survey on the council's website.
Redland Councillor Martin Fodor, chair of the environment policy committee, says no decision will be made until responses have been analysed but the proposal has provoked strong reactions from residents
who are already unhappy over continuing problems with missed bin collections.
An online petition started by Labour's Councillor Tom Renhard entitled 'Say No to monthly bin collections' has attracted more than 10,000 signatures.
More details: Pages 10 and 16
School's vow over Ofsted criticism
Cotham Gardens Primary School has promised a swift turnaround after being placed in special measures by Ofsted.
PAGE 5
£4.8m new look
A £4.8 million revamp of Horfield Leisure Centre has been completed.
PAGE 6
Michelin star
Wilsons restaurant in Chandos Road is celebrating its first Michelin star. PAGE 8
Gaie's release
Jailed climate campaigner Gaie Delap will serve the rest of her sentence at home in Bristol. PAGE 9
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Carnival warns of funding pressures
ST Paul’s Carnival is back this summer but organisers have announced a scaled-down programme.
They say the decision has been taken because of “ongoing challenges in the events sector.”
Executive director LaToyah McAllister-Jones has assured fans that the biennial July event will still bring “epic Carnival energy” to the streets of St Paul’s.
She said: “Like many cultural organisations, we’re facing financial pressures, and we have to make responsible choices to ensure we’re here for the long haul. That means doing things a little differently this year, but we’re still committed to celebrating and and sharing our culture with you. We are really excited about our plans for 2025, which will bring Carnival arts and culture to the city and continue to celebrate the roots of Caribbean heritage.”
This year’s programme includes the schools programme, the elders’ brunch and music
Glorious costumes and dancing are some of the hallmarks of Carnival
food and performance events.
Dr Michele Curtis, the new chair of St Paul’s Carnival, said:
“We are focused on ensuring we can continue to protect the legacy of Caribbean culture and the St Paul’s Carnival. Sustainability is our focus, which
means careful financial planning and developing ways to generate income throughout the year.
“What’s equally important is that our communities, both locally and across the city, understand the huge social and economic impact of Carnival.
If we want to protect its legacy, everyone has a role to play –whether through volunteering, donating, or sponsorship.”
“We know this isn’t the fullscale Carnival many of us were looking forward to, but we want to assure you that we’re doing everything we can to keep the spirit of Carnival alive.
Since its beginnings in 1968, St Paul’s Carnival has grown into an internationally recognised cultural asset, attracting over 120,000 people at its peak and contributing over £9.2 million to the regional economy. We are determined to see it continue for generations to come.”
The last full Carnival was in 2023. Organisers say it cost £450,000 to stage, with 50 per cent coming from funding sources and the rest from fundraising. Last year saw the Back A Yard programme that happens in the intervening years. Donations are welcome at https://www.stpaulscarnival. net/donate
Inspector shares the joy at 'vibrant' school
A VIBRANT school where pupils, staff and parents and carers feel a sense of joy – that’s how an inspector summed up Ashley Down Primary School.
His Majesty’s Inspector Sarah Favager-Dalton, from Ofsted, visited the 399-pupil primary for two days in December.
She concluded that the school had taken effective action to maintain the Good standards it achieved when it was last inspected in 2019.
The many positive comments in her report included:
• Pupils enjoy coming to school. They trust and respect staff, having confidence that adults will help them if they are experiencing difficulties. Pupils feel safe at school.
• The school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils are enthusiastic about learning.
• The rich diversity of the local
area and community are visible across the school. Different faiths, cultures and backgrounds are celebrated. Pupils appreciate the common ground that people share. This helps pupils to feel welcome and included.
• Pupils feel respected. They know they all have a contribution to make and that their thoughts and opinions matter.
• Pupils thrive at the school, both socially and academically. Staff are welcoming and approachable to pupils and their families.
The inspector said that the school’s curriculum was ambitious and broad, reflecting the high aspirations that the school has for all pupils.
She reported" “Learning is well sequenced, enabling pupils to build on what they already know. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. The work that
pupils complete is of a high quality. Pupils remember what they have learned and can link this to new knowledge.”
Staff were said to have good subject knowledge and to be well trained.
The love of reading among pupils of all ages was highlighted: “pupils read with fluency, confidence and enthusiasm”.
The inspector praised the children for working hard, being resilient and learning to manage their emotions and said staff supported children struggling with their behaviour.
She noted that this made for “a harmonious atmosphere where pupils are keen to support one another”.
To improve further, she said, the school should support all staff to identify pupils’ misconceptions promptly and consistently.
In a letter to parents and carers following the inspection, headteacher Amy Sood said the strengths of the school’s academic and pastoral commitments to its pupils had been recognised by the inspector.
“The children were a credit to you and to Ashley Down Primary School throughout the inspection, and we are very proud of them.
"It’s worth noting that it felt like two remarkably normal days for the school and their attitude, behaviour, and positive embodiment of the school values shone through,” she said.
Mrs Sood also highlighted “the contribution of the incredible staff team throughout the inspection and the whole year, without whom the wide range of achievements we are able to celebrate would not be possible”.
We'll turn things around, vows primary under fire from Ofsted
LEADERS at a school placed in special measures by Ofsted because of poor standards have pledged to make rapid improvements.
Families at Cotham Gardens Primary have also rallied to support the school following the publication of the education watchdog’s highly critical report last month.
Three Ofsted inspectors who visited the 482-pupil school for two days in December judged the quality of education and the leadership and management to be inadequate. Early years education and children’s behaviour and attitudes and their personal development were all rated as “requires improvement”.
“Pupils do not receive an acceptable standard of education at Cotham Gardens,” the inspectors said.
Their report downgraded Cotham Gardens from its previous rating of good. It said the school, which is a standalone academy, had not done enough to identify and address weaknesses and this had been compounded by “turbulence in leadership and governance”.
“The school and the trust must strengthen leadership capacity at all levels so that improvements are rapid and sustainable,” Ofsted said.
The report did acknowledge that recent changes to the trust board showed early signs of bringing about better oversight and a more strategic approach to providing the rapid and sustained improvements that were needed.
It recognised that children felt happy
Some of Ofsted's comments:
• The school’s expectations of pupils’ achievement are low.
• The impact of the school’s curriculum is weak.
and safe at Cotham Gardens and that arrangements for safeguarding were effective. It also highlighted strengths in curriculum design, early reading and rigorous work on attendance.
Chris Seaton, chief executive officer at Cotham Gardens, said turbulence in leadership, management and governance over several years had had an impact on the school but hard work had been taking place since last summer to put things right.
He said he, the board, recently appointed head of school Emmeline Smith and their team were resolute in their commitment to making the changes needed, working with Regional Director’s office of the Department for Education to secure external support and implement a robust improvement plan.
The inspection team had provided a clear agenda for improvement, he added.
“Our staff team is motivated and determined to address the issues raised by Ofsted while consolidating the work already done in the past few months. “Cotham Gardens is a happy place, where parents and teachers alike want the best for their children; we have tried to foster an environment where children have the chance to showcase all their talents. We will be continuing to engage with parents as we continue on this exciting journey.”
Meanwhile, parents at the school have hit out at Ofsted over the report. In a letter to the board signed by 126 people, they said “The Ofsted report does not reflect our or our children’s positive experiences of Cotham
• Support for pupils with SEND to learn the curriculum is poor.
• Pupils’ gaps in learning are not routinely addressed.
• Staff do not follow the behaviour
Gardens Primary School, which has for many delivered a love of learning, a wealth of experiences and a valuable focus on being a good citizen.
“While we recognise that Ofsted need to address certain points and conform to a predefined format in their report, and also take on board your own acceptance of the areas for improvement and necessary actions required, we feel the report is far too overwhelmingly negative in tone."
policy consistently well.
• Provision for pupils’ broader personal development lacks coherence.
• The personal development offer
is not implemented as well as intended.
• A lack of oversight has led to a decline in the quality of education that pupils receive.
Chris Seaton and Emmeline Smith: leaders 'laying the foundations' for a bright future
Leisure centre gets £4.8m new lease of life
THE £4.8m revamp of Horfield Leisure Centre in Bristol is complete.
The centre, run by Everyone Active in partnership with Bristol City Council, now has an extended gym with state-ofthe art equipment, a mezzanine floor, and a new studio with group cycling area.
Upgrades also include a Bristol themed soft play, a modernised extended café and a refurbished reception, while the squash courts, sports hall and changing facilities have been given a new look.
Horfield Leisure Centre is home to a wide variety of leisure activities, including a sports hall, tennis courts, 25m pool and more than 150 sports classes hosted each week.
The investment in the centre includes more green energy saving initiatives, such as an additional 120 rooftop solar panels and LED lighting throughout the building.
A family fun day was due to take place on February 22 to celebrate the completion of the project, with guest appearance from Team GB sprinter
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and professional freestyle footballer Rebaz Mohammed.
Harry has won medals at each of the past three Commonwealth
It was great to host my ‘Meet Helen’ events across the West of England including in Bristol & Filton. It was lovely to meet residents from right across our region and hear your views on how we make the West of England a better place to live.
Games, including gold at Birmingham 2022 and Gold Coast 2018. He is also a three-times gold medallist at the European Championships and appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Rebaz Mohammed is one of the UK’s most successful
professional football freestylers and holds six Guinness World Records. His speciality is teaching freestyle skills to children having worked with hundreds of schools throughout his career.
Both athletes were due to be part of the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Cameron Bate, contract manager for Everyone Active, said: “We want to show as many people as possible the stateof-the-art facilities on their doorstep, which have something for everyone, no matter what your age, interests or ability. ”
Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, a regular user of the centre, said: ‘I’m delighted that the refurbishment of Horfield Leisure Centre is complete, giving people a fabulous new gym with a transformed front of house with a new café and soft play facility.”
GODWIN HELEN
Labour’s candidate for the West of England Mayor
MY PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND
Create an integrated transport network of buses and trains that local people can rely on to get around
Build new homes with the right infrastructure to help young people get onto the housing ladder
Bring investment into our region to make the West of England the home of new green jobs
Fill in my survey to let me know your views survey.labour.org.uk/tellmeyourviews
Gold medallist Harry Aikines-Aryeetey celebrates the new look for Horfield Leisure Centre
Boy's thanks to hospital
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
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.
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.
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”.
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.
JUNIOR and Mini events have been introduced to the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run for the first time this year – and a nineyear-old runner from Horfield will be one of the keenest participants.
Reuben Tushingham is looking forward to the 2.5k Junior event (for runners aged nine to 15), which will take place on Saturday May 10, the day before the 10k and half marathon events, while his fiveyear-old sister Iona is set to run in the 1.5k Mini, for three to eight-year-olds.
They will be part of a family team of 15 children taking part in the runs in support of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Reuben, a pupil at Ashley Down Primary School, has been preparing by joining the Horfield Common junior parkrun with his friends and playing football with his team, Ashley Down FC.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing
Reuben took part in the Family Run at last year’s Great Bristol Run, when he raised more than £1,000– far outstripping his initial target of £50. He and his team aim to do even better in 2025.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
For Reuben, the run is not only a chance to have fun while raising funds, but is symbolic of how far he’s come since his
early years.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
Reuben was born with talipes (also known as club foot), which happens when the Achilles tendon is too short and causes the foot to turn in and under. Both Reuben’s feet were affected, but thanks to extensive treatment he’s now able to walk, play football, ride his bike – and run.
Parents David and Becca are full of praise for the hospital. “When Reuben was born we didn’t know what to expect, so to see him take part in this run makes us beyond delighted, ” said David.
Reuben added: “Bristol Children’s Hospital cared for me so that today I can do runs like this one! They gave me boots and a bar, operated on my feet, gave me new splints to wear and plaster casts when I needed them. They taught me stretches that I need to do as I grow. They made me feel safe and they cheered me on through my treatment. Because of their kindness and hard work, I can play football with my friends and ride my bike!”
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
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.
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.
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
The Junior and Mini runs are being introduced in place of the Family Run, giving more opportunities for children to take part in their own running challenge, while freeing up time on the main race day.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
David and Reuben Tushingham at last year's Great Bristol Run
8 bishopstonvoice
n NEWS
Restaurant celebrates first Michelin star
THREE Chandos Road restaurants are in the spotlight after their success in the UK’s top food awards.
Wilsons is celebrating its first Michelin star while Dongnae took an honour at the Good Food Guide Awards and Little Hollows received a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Wilsons, which opened in 2016, already had a Michelin green star for its commitment to sustainability and now has the sought-after accolade of a full star. This is granted to restaurants that deliver outstanding cooking and exceptional dining experiences.
Owners Jan Ostler and Mary Wilson pride themselves on their “farm-to-table” menu. Chef Jan oversees the kitchen, basing menus on the fruit and vegetables grown by Mary on their two-acre market garden in Barrow Gurney. Produce is also preserved for future use as well as for sale in The Bread Shop,
which they also run, just a few doors away from the bistro,
The Michelin inspectors noted: “There is so much to enjoy, and so much to admire, when dining at Wilsons. It’s one of those appealing neighbourhood operations that works in pure harmony, with everyone from the chefs to the service team sharing the same ethos. “
Jan said: “Mary and I feel incredibly proud to have received this honour from Michelin. Our goal has always been to create something that reflects our values and passion and that serves Bristol and our local community. This award is testament to the dedication of our entire team, as well as the incredible farmers, producers and the people of Bristol who continuously support us.”
Korean restaurant Dongnae, which opened six months ago, won the ‘Chef to Watch’ category at the 2025 Good Food
Guide awards.
The restaurant is run by Duncan Robertson and his wife Kyu Jeong Jeon. The couple met in Paris, then moved to SouthWest France where they opened and ran a Michelin-starred restaurant, before living for nine years in South Korea.
They opened Dongnae, which means neighbourhood, last year as a partner to their restaurant, Bokman, on Nine Tree Hill, off Stokes Croft.
After the award ceremony in London, Duncan said: “We were shocked – we’d convinced ourselves that weren’t going to win, especially as the other five or six on the shortlist were all such well-respected chefs.”
Asked how Dongnae had been nominated, Duncan admitted that he didn’t know. “Inspectors come anonymously, write a review and then contact you if you are going into the Guide, but I have no idea who nominated us for an award.”
The annual Good Food Awards recognise the “chefs and restaurateurs who have earned their place at the top over the past year”.
Artisan pasta and Italian food restaurant, Little Hollows, was delighted to be one of three new Bristol recipients of the Bib Gourmand, which honours eateries “committed to offering affordable, high-quality cooking”.
The Michelin Guide, launched at an event in Glasgow, said of Little Hollows: “Bristol's pasta-lovers are really being spoilt with this rustic bistro run by a charming and knowledgeable team."
The restaurant responded: “We’ve spent the last three years perfecting our recipes and carefully sourcing our ingredients, which we do from local, family-run independent importers and producers to ensure uncompromising quality and authenticity.”
Relief as climate activist Gaie is allowed home
ENVIRONMENTAL protester
Gaie Delap was released from prison on January 31 after an additional 42 days behind bars.
Gaie, 78, a retired teacher from Montpelier, will see out the rest of her sentence on home detention.
She had served three months of a 20-month jail term imposed after she climbed over gantries during a protest that halted traffic on the M25 in 2022. She had been allowed home but was recalled to Eastwood Park prison in South Gloucestershire on December 20 because a suitable electronic curfew band for her wrist could not be found. She could not have an ankle tag because of deep vein thrombosis.
Her brother Mick Delap told Bristol 24/7 that the 15cm wrist strap with which Gaie has now been fitted is the same size at the
one that Serco, the company that manages electronic curfews for the Ministry of Justice, had said was too small to be secure.
Gaie’s supporters were also outraged that her sentence was extended by 20 days for being 'unlawfully at large' during the time she was at home awaiting the original tag fitting.
Her release came after campaigners wrote an open letter to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, asking her to revoke Gaie’s recall to prison and launch an inquiry into the failures that led to her recall.
During Gaie’s second period in prison, which included Christmas and her birthday, supporters including Bristol West Green MP Carla Denyer and environmentalist Chris
Packham made public appeals for her to be allowed home.
Campaigners, including members of the Climate Choir and Redland Quaker Meeting House, which Gaie attends, held a vigil outside the jail.
A crowdfunder by the Good
Law Project raised more than £30,000 towards her legal fees.
Ms Denyer said she was pleased and relieved that Gaie was now home but said she remained concerned at the threats faced by peaceful climate protesters.
MP Carla Denyer with supporters of climate campaigner Gaie Delap
Bishopston & Ashley Down: Emma Edwards and James Crawford (Green Party)
Recyling consultation now live
Many residents will want an update on Bristol Waste and the missed collections over Christmas and in the New Year. Bristol Waste have been in touch with Emma and James after they passed on the missed collections in the ward.
Bristol Waste have explained that this has been down to catching up after the bank holidays, poor weather conditions, the capacity limitations of trucks and challenges with the increased volume at the processing facility, which has led to service disruption in some areas of the city.
Bristol Waste has now deployed extra resources to help overcome these issues. They have added extra trucks temporarily collecting mixed recycling, which is then separated out at the depot. They have also redirected resources from commercial service, garden waste collections and paid-for bulky waste. The have assured us they are hopeful to be back on track soon.
We know that the waste and
recycling services in Bristol need reforming, and we want to increase recycling rates in the city, as well as looking at ways to reduce reliance on black bin collections.
Subsequently the council has recently launched a consultation for residents on recycling, where we are asking residents views on all things waste and recycling, including things they want to see recycled as well as frequency of collections. The aim of this consultation is so we can improve recycling rates and lower the need for black bin collections. We won’t make any changes until the consultation results are in and it does not mean we are pushing for four-weekly, we just want to gather an idea of how that would impact residents alongside other options.
We want to hear from as many people as possible as a first step to these reforms. You have until March 10 to make your views known on this matter - Waste and Recycling Collection Consultation 2025 | Ask Bristol Consultation and
Engagement Hub
Please do share this with your neighbours or in any street Whatsapps.
New trees for Springfield Council tree planting teams are continuing to work hard through the city and the ward. They will be working through till March, so you should see so you should hopefully see some new trees in Springfield Avenue and Muller road. Some of these trees have been funded by Bristol Rovers as part of their south stand development.
If you want a tree replaced or planted in your street, you can sponsor a tree via https://www. treesforstreets.org/ , as long as a tree pit is already there.
New cycle hangars
We're also very lucky to be soon having two new cycle hangers one on York Avenue and one on Beech Rd. We know that these have already got a waiting list at each site we're pushing hard for more,
as this is something residents often tell us would help them and encourage them to take up cycling. If you think your street would benefit from a cycle hangar then do get in touch.
Safer School Streets
We are still working on our campaign to improve safer walking routes for school children in the ward. We recently got an area prone to flooding near Fairfield School looked at and fixed and are now looking at improvements in routes to the other schools as well as putting pressure on Network Rail to put lighting in the tunnel under the new Ashley Down train station.
If you have any suggestions for more safer route measures we can look at then please get in touch.
Contact us
Cllr.james.crawford@bristol.gov.uk
Cllr.Emma.edwwards@bristol.gov.uk
LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY – APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEYS
Hermione Farmer of AMD Solicitors discusses the appointment of attorneys under a Lasting Power of Attorney.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal form that gives authority to those appointed as Attorneys to make decisions on behalf of the donor (the person who has created the LPA). There are separate LPAs for Property and Financial Affairs and for Health and Welfare.
Attorneys appointed under an LPA are able to make decisions that the donor could make if they still had the ability to do so themselves. You can therefore appreciate the power that these documents have and the importance of appoint an attorney or attorneys who you trust to look after your best interests.
Some people think that the decision over who to appoint to is a simple one. Perhaps they have a spouse who they trust to look after their best interests and they know would be willing to make decisions for them, a child or chil-
dren who are financially knowledgeable and manage their own finances well, or siblings who they think would get along and act well together. However, there is more to the consideration of who to appoint than meets the eye. For example:
Sole attorneys - If a solely appointed attorney is unable to act (perhaps they have died before the donor or lost capacity themselves), their appointment would fail and the donor would be left with no attorney to make decisions for them and the LPA would be invalid. You should consider someone else who could act alongside your attorney or who could step in as a replacement.
Multiple attorneys: How should they make decisions - You can appoint attorneys to make decisions jointly and severally (they can make decisions either together or separately), jointly (they must make decisions together), or they can make some decisions
jointly and separately, and some jointly
Each option requires very careful consideration. For example, appointing attorneys to make decisions jointly could mean that if one of them dies before you, the remaining attorney cannot make those decisions that they had to make jointly with the other attorney.
Bankruptcy or debt relief orders – An attorney cannot be appointed if they are currently bankrupt, an undischarged bankrupt or are subject to a debt relief order. If this happens after they are appointed, they can no longer act. If an attorney has previously been bankrupt etc., are they a suitable choice of attorney?
These are just some of the issues to consider when thinking of who to appoint as your attorney and it is best to seek professional advice to ensure the best possible decision is made.
For further advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney, the administration of estates, Wills and other private client matters, contact AMD’s Private Client Department at 100 Henleaze Road, Bristol BS9 4JZ, on 0117 962 1205, by email to info@amdsolciitors.com or visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com
Be prepared – to get in a bit of a pickle ...
A SCOUT group in Montpelier has been learning about healthy eating and the benefits of fermented foods.
The youngsters at 63rd Bristol have taken part in fermentation workshops run by Matt White and James BaylissSmith, whose daughters are members of the scout troop.
Matt is the founder of Muti, which makes fermented foods, and James the founder of Nania’s Kombucha. They helped the scouts make kombucha, sauerkraut and hot sauce.
But the two dads did not stop there – they challenged the children to continue the ferments at home to earn a Fermenter’s Badge, which they had created using AI that was reverse engineered to turn it into an unofficial replica scout badge.
James said: "Many
families have approached us to say they've continued their fermentation journeys at home, which is hugely rewarding.
"Our food system is broken, and teaching people to ferment at home is our small way to help get our society back into healthy eating habits."
Matt added: "These young people are the future, and it's been so encouraging to see how enthusiastically they've taken to earning their Fermenter's Badge. It's absolutely a step in the right direction away from ultraprocessed food."
Robin Sherriff, CEO of the Fermenters Guild, commented: "We're delighted to see innovative approaches to teaching young people about the ancient art and science of fermentation. This grassroots initiative demonstrates how
traditional crafts can capture young minds and spark scientific curiosity."
The Scout Association said of the initiative: “It is great to see innovative and engaging activities taking place at 63rd Bristol Scout Group,. There are hundreds of badges for scouts to earn nationwide through our
wide and detailed programme.
“The ‘fermenting badge’ is not an official scout badge, but was created locally to mark the unique activities of the evening. The creative and committed work of volunteers and families involved provided important skills for life for the young people of the scout group.”
Members of the 63rd Bristol Scout Group taking part in a fermentation workshop to help earn a unique new badge
n FROM BRISTOL NORTH WEST'S MP
Have your say on our missions
AT the start of February, as our first Prime Minister to join a meeting of European Council members since Brexit, Keir Starmer has started the muchneeded work to rebuild the UK's relationship with Europe.
On May 19, the UK will welcome the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the UK for the first UK-EU leaders’ summit, to further strengthen the relationship between the UK and the EU.
And in June, I'm organising a summit in Bristol North West specially for constituents on ‘Resetting our relationship with the EU’.
The latter is part of a new series of town hall events that I'm running across the constituency this year before the summer recess, with each event themed to focus on a different mission in this government's Plan for Change.
I'm holding these events
because it's important that, in my capacity as a constituency MP, I hear your views on the government's plans. This is your opportunity to share with me your support, questions or concerns about the work that my Cabinet colleagues and I are doing to deliver on our promise of change.
I’ve already got the ball rolling on this new series of events by discussing the UK’s transition to clean energy at a packed Climate Crisis Town Hall at St Peter’s Hall in Henleaze in January – thank you to everyone who came along. It was a pleasure to have Dr Alix Dietzel, a climate justice and climate policy expert at the University of Bristol, join me on stage at this event to discuss the outcomes of recent COP29 climate conference, and you can expect more guest speakers at the forthcoming events.
The next town hall will be held at a venue close to Westburyon-Trym on Saturday March 1
(2.30pm-4pm) to discuss our government's mission to build 1.5 million new homes in England and fast-track planning decisions.
While this drive to find new sites for house building won’t affect Bristol North West, in the local context, work on the YTL Arena and neighbouring Brabazon housing development is already under way – along with new train stations for the Henbury line (North Filton and Henbury stations) and somewhat controversial plans to add bus and cycle lanes in Henbury and Brentry in the works (including the Passage Road section of the A4018), all in a bid to prevent congestion from the builds.
Tickets for this event are available to book now at darrenjones.co.uk/events, or by calling my office on 0117 959 6545 if you don't have internet access. Tickets for the other events will be released in due course – please sign up to my monthly newsletter
For Spring 2025, we are hosting online meetings focussing on issues we know matter most to tenants.
● Come along and find out what we are doing to improve the quality and safety of your home. We’ll update you on our progress towards meeting the new housing regulations and share information about the work we are doing to tackle housing disrepair issues and improve how we maintain our homes.
● Places must be booked, you can do this online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums
on my website to be among the first to hear when the events are available to book.
As always, if you need my help or have a question, you can get in touch with me on e-mail 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.
● If you are not online there is also a free dial-in option which you can join using your phone. For more information about how you can access the meetings contact Tenant Participation 0117 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk
Darren Jones writes for the Voice
n FROM BRISTOL CENTRAL'S MP
Speaking up for the right to protest
THIS month, we celebrated some incredible news as Gaie Delap was finally released from being unjustly held in prison over Christmas. Gaie is a peaceful climate protester who was recalled to prison after the company in charge of security monitoring couldn’t find a tag to fit her wrist – something I wrote to the Prisons Minister about at the time. It was a huge relief to hear that she has finally been allowed home. I’m still really concerned by threats to the right to protest in this country, and will keep pressure on the government over the unjust jailing of peaceful protesters.
Meanwhile, I’ve been busy both in Bristol and in Westminster. I recently visited the fantastic St Peter's Hospice Clifton Superstore last week to hear about the Hospice’s vital work caring for people at the end of their lives. I was also invited to look around the Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group’s lab at the University of Bristol and discuss their work monitoring emissions.
In Westminster, I’ve been fighting for better public services for people in Bristol and across the country. I spoke in Parliament about the appalling state of train services here in Bristol, and pressed the transport minister on when Great Western Railway will come into public ownership. I also wrote to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, urging her to address the severe financial pressures facing local councils as a result of rising costs and years of underfunding from government.
Sadly, it’s been a bad month for the government when it comes to climate action. Earlier this month, MPs had the chance to vote through a landmark piece of legislation - the Climate and Nature Bill - which I co-proposed. But, disappointingly, despite my best efforts to push the bill to a vote, most MPs decided not to have a vote on it and instead kicked it into the long grass. Days later, the government announced it backs airport expansion at Heathrow, even though this would be catastrophic for climate action.
And last week, the government refused to rule out pushing ahead with oil drilling at Rosebank, despite a judge finding that the previous government’s consent for the oilfield was unlawful. I’ve kept the pressure up in Parliament for the government to stick to the environmental pledges it made before the election. Here in Bristol, I registered my opposition to Bristol Airport expansion, which would be reckless and irresponsible in the face of the climate crisis and would expose residents to severe noise, road congestion and pollution.
Finally, this month the Renters’ Rights Bill had its third reading in Parliament. I proposed an amendment on rent controls, and another to make sure that disabled people are able to make the adaptations they need to their homes. While I was not successful in persuading the government to take action on the housing affordability crisis, I was pleased to meet with the Housing Minister to discuss how we can make my disabled
Carla
Denyer writes for the Voice
adaptations amendment work in practice.
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
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
Redland: Martin Fodor and Fi Hance (Green Party)
Your view wanted on recycling and waste We’re sorry there have continued to be issues with collection reliability since November 2023. We know how utterly frustrating this has been for people and it’s affected us too as local residents. We’ve been putting pressure on our contractor to address these issues.
Redland ward has most streets scheduled for Friday and these services have often suffered more. The north of the city is also affected by access to the depot making this area one of the worst affected by unreliable collections since Bristol Waste reduced the number of crews in response to budget restrictions by the previous administration. The three re-routings carried out in an effort to maintain the services with fewer crews simply hasn’t worked. In September Martin’s committee discussed a report trying to come clean for the first time about what had gone wrong and how it was being put right again. There have been real improvements since four extra crews were put back onto the rounds across the city and in November recycling reliability was back to the year before. Unfortunately sickness, staff shortages, and vehicle breakdowns have impacted again and we're really sorry about the disruption.
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.
We do face continuing escalation of collection costs ahead of inflation. These come from fuel, staff, vehicles and national insurance however 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.
We're pleased that what's collected in this city is high quality material [cardboard, plastic, glass, paper and cans] always sold into markets. Only enhanced recycling with better containers like larger sacks and more capacity for cardboard can help pay for better services from this income. We're also asking about extra services to help larger households, those with nappies and absorbent hygiene products, or 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. But we want to hear from you.
That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to study the consultation documents - available on the Ask Bristol website [ask.bristol.gov.uk] and tell us what services you value and what you’d like to see.
Contrary to rumours and claims nothing will be decided until the responses have been collated and reviewed by the cross party Commitee.
Our aim is to get these basic services right again and restore them in a way that’s fit for the future, putting the useful materials back to work into help the economy and the environment.
Parking – new charges for first permit
The cost of permits in areas that have a parking management scheme [Redland was in 2014] haven't been raised for a decade. This year new charges for the first car are coming in.
First car permit in Residents Parking Schemes (RPS) is increasing from £56 to £124
Note that this is much lower than the tripling proposed by the previous Labour administration but not implemented. Instead it's been held at a level that just covers the cost of running the scheme itself - something that was always promised when the areas were created.
Second & third car permits generate revenue that funds transport & street improvements we all benefit from, such as better public transport. All revenue from: on-street parking, clean air zone charges, and Bus gate fines is in fact reinvested in: New bus routes & better public transport; Fixing potholes & clearing drains; Keeping the streetlights on & upgrading them; and Safer roads & cleaner air for everyone. We know the higher rates affect many people but we also understand that areas with managed parking are popular and sought by other parts of our ward. We are actively looking for sources of capital that could be used for areas that want new parking schemes for better road safety and to stop corners being obstructed by rogue parking.
Development starts at former NEG site
Readers may have seen that work has started at the site of 102 Gloucester Road by Berkeley Road. You may remember how a third planning application followed recent approvals for mixed developments with either 14 or 17 flats and some retail space. This was a bid for 9 HMOs comprising 57 individual rooms, and some retail space. As the council did not make a decision in time that was appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and they recently granted the appeal and allowed the development. This means demolition of western part of the former chapel and the single storey extension can proceed, and construction of a three-storey extension for the 9 dwellings for HMO use can take place. Some commercial/retail space will return to the side of Gloucester Road. The inspector has set a range of conditions requested by the council but considered that so many HMO units did not amount to overdevelopment at this location.
Work on kerbside space
For many years we've sought better ways to manage the kerbside areas of our streets, usually used for parking but also sought by many other initiatives, such as new street trees, seating
areas, sustainable drainage and wildlife areas, road safety, and cycle hangars. For many years a parking strategy for the city was promised but never delivered. This work has finally been picked up and added to these related issues to develop a comprehensive approach to how we manage the space at the side of our streets. The council now has a working group looking at this collecting evidence and drawing together the different issues so that better decisions can be made.
Meanwhile funds are finally available for more cycle hangars in the city. The last scheme in Bristol was in 2015 and since then requests haven't been acted on.
Each hangar can store half a dozen bicycles in the same plot as a single car. This can help people living in upstairs flats, terraced houses, and those with no garden. One is to be added in Redland ward in Wentworth Road the near future and we'll keep you informed when the details of how to apply for a place are clear.
How can we make our rivers safer?
As reported last month we're looking into what can be done to clean up our rivers.
A group has been formed 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 involved and are looking at the causes of river pollution and how to make them cleaner. One issue is the different types of pollution from agriculture, industry and sewage treatment have 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 applicances 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, although this means they need to be 'leaky' storage butts. An initial public report about this work was scheduled for the committee Martin chairs as this column went to print.
New funding for youth climate action
New funding is now available for youth-led climate initiatives across the city. The council has once again joined up with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund programme to secure £70,000 to be used as micro-grants for climate action projects that work with young people aged 15 to 24 in Bristol. Last summer a smaller pot was available and many valuable and inclusive projects created from films to surveys and practical initiatives. We're delighted that these valuable grants will allow more groups to develop exciting ideas led by young people.
The deadline for applications is March 31. https://www.cse.org.uk/news/apply-for-the-youthclimate-action-fund/ Contact us:
Fi: Cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk.
Martin: Cllr.martin.fodor@bristol.gov.uk
Fi: 0117 3534720. Martin: 0788 4736101
Facebook.com/cllrmartin.fodor or /cllrfi.hance
School joins GDST
REDMAIDS’ High School in Bristol has joined the Girls’ Day School Trust family of schools.
The GDST, founded more than 150 years ago, is a group of 26 independent schools and academies, recognised as global leaders in girls’ education.
Redmaids’ High is this year celebrating 390 years of educating girls.
Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive of the GDST, said: “As the first standalone school to join the GDST in 17 years, we could not be more pleased to welcome such a fine school to the GDST.”
Paul Dwyer, head of Redmaids’ High said: “As we embark on this exciting new journey with the GDST, we proudly celebrate 390 years of excellence in girls’ education, a legacy that perfectly aligns with our new chapter as part of a family of like-minded and vibrant schools.”
Community raises £3k Computer says Yes
PARENTS and friends have raised more than £3,000 to install a prayer washroom at Fairfield High School.
Mohamed Osman, a community governor and parent, started an online fundraising appeal for the facility in the school – and the money came in within ten days.
It will mean that Muslim students can perform the important ritual cleansing of wudu, involving the washing of hands, face, arms and feet before prayer, in a dedicated, purpose-built facility. Up to now, students have had to use the disabled toilets.
Mohamed Osman said the wudu room would reflect respect, inclusion and faith.
“I am thrilled that we have successfully reached our target to fund wudu facilities for Fairfield High School,” he said.
“Subhan Allah, this incredible achievement speaks
volumes about the generosity and unity of our community. I am deeply humbled and grateful for your support. Thank you so much!”
FAIRFIELD High School has been awarded National Centre for Computing Education’s ‘I Belong’ certificate in recognition of its efforts to improve gender balance in Computer Science.
Edel Cronin, the school’s principal, said: “Our wonderful and diverse community have yet again demonstrated generosity and compassion by digging deep into their pockets to support this worthy cause. We will waste no time in scheduling this work, hoping to have the facilities ready in time for Ramadan.”
This achievement celebrates initiatives such as the introduction of the Code Divas Club, participation in girls-only competitions and related trips, and a broader shift in perceptions, all aimed at inspiring and encouraging girls to develop a passion for the subject.
Ayat Said, director of science and computing said: “We are delighted to receive this certificate, which is a testament to our hard work to improve the gender balance of this fast paced and important subject.”
Opportunity follows
Whole School Open Morning (ages 3 – 18)
Friday 2 May
badmintonschool.co.uk
n FEATURE
WHEN I give talks about my work on ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’ project (which I do frequently), I am guaranteed to be asked two questions. One is where I find the women who I write about. The other is if I will ever run out of women to write about. The second question is easier to answer than the first.
So, where do I find the women I write about? Honestly, I get asked this question so much that I wrote a 5,000-word chapter attempting to answer this, which is included in Volume Two of ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’. In short: from all over the place. If there was already an existing repository of fascinating women, there would have been no need for me to have spent the past eight years working on these books!
After ticking off the so-say ‘obvious’ women from Bristol’s past (eg Mary Carpenter, Hannah More, Annie Kenney and co), there comes the much more fun task of really digging around to unearth the forgotten gems. Which means I have ended up finding women to
Waving the flag for wonderful women
The Women Who Built Bristol: Volume 3 will be published on March 3 in time for International Women’s Day. Author JANE DUFFUS shares some of the behind-the-scenes stories from this popular series.
research from street signs, building names, plaques in church walls, throwaway mentions online, or when somebody emails to suggest somebody to me.
An easier question to answer is will I ever run out of women to write about. And the short answer is: no.
Volumes One, Two and Three each contain 250 different women from Bristol’s past. Quick maths bring that tally to 750 women. There are also a bonus 10 women
in a limited-edition booklet (Volume 3.1) that has been produced this month as a thankyou for people who pre-order Volume Three directly from me, which means there are now 760 women in The Women Who Built Bristol’s archives. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone gasps when I give talks and tick off these numbers, and I agree that 760 sounds impressive. But if you think that the books cover roughly a 1,000 year period,
Jane Duffus
then that’s not even one woman a year. There are still thousands of women out there just waiting to have their stories shared.
For a signed copy of any books in The Women Who Built Bristol series, please order direct from Jane at: janeduffus.com. All pre-orders of Volume Three come with a free gift.
n NATURE WATCH with Dawn Lawrence
More to woodlice than meets the eye
I DON’T often think about woodlice, to be brutally honest, but suddenly I found myself intrigued. As a child I enjoyed the way they would curl up into a neat ball which could be rolled around like a marble (sorry, woodlice of my childhood!). The armoured back protects their delicate underside and the shape makes them hard to grip and permits a tumbling escape if fumbled.
Woodlice are crustaceans, more closely related to crabs than to any of our typical garden invertebrates, and as such they don’t just love damp conditions (especially under logs) they actually require them. Like insects they have paired sets of legs and a jointed body but woodlice have seven pairs of legs, leaving insects with their three pairs and crabs with their five looking pretty silly. They breathe through specialised gills which must be kept moist but also have an extra structure which enables them to breathe in low humidity securing their ultimate success as land animals in this otherwise aquatic group.
Woodlice mothers carry the fertilised eggs inside them, sustaining the developing babies with nutrients and oxygen and many species also offer maternal care to their tiny offspring after hatching – a detail that is
always both delightful and surprising in such a commonplace and simple creature.
What we might casually think of as “a woodlouse” is in fact many species – around Bristol we might find 30 different ones. There are five common and widespread species - engagingly nicknamed “the famous five” by woodlice enthusiasts. The common pill bug is the likely victim of my childhood games; it usually comes in grey but can also be mottled in shades of brown and it curls itself into those wonderfully neat spheres when disturbed (not all woodlice do this). The common shiny woodlouse is also variable and can be quite prettily decorated with lines of
catkin-yellow dots. The rough woodlouse is one of the largest – up to 17mm long – and in addition to the regulation grey they can be patterned in orange and tan. The striped woodlouse has a dark dorsal stripe (down its back) relative to its varied shades of reddish brown through anonymous grey. Finally the pygmy woodlouse comes in at under 5mm and is reddish purple in colour: virtually all the individuals are females reproducing parthenogenetically (that is producing young without needing to mate).
They have many charming and unusual names - chuggy-pig, chiselbob and tiddy-hog are amongst my West Country favourites in a large field. But I was very surprised (and slightly nauseated) to learn of their traditional use in medicines: a recipe from Gloucestershire involved stirring live woodlice into mild ale with raisins, rhubarb and roots of ferns in order to cure rickets. They would also be swallowed alive as a “cure” for stomach ache. I prefer my woodlice to be left to fulfil their key ecosystem role of regulating decomposition and nutrient recycling which they do by simply chomping away on dead organic matter without complaint, bless them.
Common rough woodlouse, recycling nutrients. Photograph by Martin Cooper
Responded
Angela
Treated for chronic neck pain due to arthritis developing many years after a neck trauma. Just a remarkable response where all other treatments failed.
Teacher's 150-mile trip in memory of her father
TEACHER Zara Kindred is making a special journey next month in memory of her father, Rob.
Zara plans to cycle and walk 150 miles over six days from the Dartington Crystal factory in Great Torrington, where her dad worked, to St Peter’s Hospice in Brentry, where he spent the last eight weeks of his life in 2015.
Zara, who teaches health and social care at Montpelier High School in Cheltenham Road, said: “This year marks the tenth anniversary of my dad’s death, and I am determined to honour him by finishing a pledge that I made with my mum and brother – to raise £18,000 for the incredible care provided by St Peter’s Hospice.
“£18,000 is the target as that was the cost of running the hospice for one day in 2015, including all the community work the hospice does. To date, we have raised over £13,500, and we are hoping to raise a further £4,500 to achieve our goal.”
St Peter’s Hospice, which cares for adults
with incurable conditions in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire as well as providing support for their families, now says it costs £27,000 a day to provide care. All care is provided free of charge, but the charity relies on gifts in wills, donations, fundraising and money raised through its retail shops to deliver its services, with only per cent of its services paid for by the NHS.
To support Zara, visit: www.gofundme. com/f/zaras150-mile-challenge-for-stpetershospice
The charity is also celebrating after receiving £75,000 thanks to players of the People's Postcode Lottery.
The funding was awarded through Postcode Community Trust after eight neighbours in Westerleigh, South Gloucestershire, won the Millionaire Street prize in December last year.
Each month, Millionaire Street prizes benefit local communities, with local charities near the winning postcodes receiving a share of £1 million in unrestricted grant funding for
their causes.
"We’re absolutely delighted to receive such a substantial sum of money thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery,” said Sarah Allen-Gunn, director of fundraising and communications at St Peter’s Hospice.
"The grant will have a significant impact on the hospice, helping us reach more individuals, and support more families.
“Support like this can help us address a person's medical needs as well as their emotional, social, practical, psychological and spiritual well-being. Or, it could help us grow our core services, such as the Hospice at Home programme or our 24-hour clinical advice line.”
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Zara Kindred with a photo of her dad, Rob
n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES
Our own murmuration a reward for hard work
THE quiet plod of winter tasks continues in the vineyard as we gradually work our way through the pruning of the vines and the pollarding of the willow windbreak. This year we’re ahead of schedule with the vine pruning and have almost finished the pollarding as well but there are always plenty other jobs to do when those are over. When doing these winter tasks, it’s almost impossible not to start monitoring your daily progress and trying to go faster or do more as a small daily challenge. This year I’ve been removing the white fibreglass sticks that have supported the baby vines over the last few years so I’ve been measuring my daily pruning speed by the amount sticks in my wheelbarrow at the end of the day. What I realised is that it’s amazing how much more you can do if you give yourself a bit of a deadline or a goal to reach by the end of the day!
On the wildlife front there’s not much happening aside from the usual rooks, buzzards and small brown birds but we have been treated to our own personal, mini murmuration from a large group of starlings that seem to be hanging around the vineyard at the moment. The sight and sound of them is quite impressive when they take to the wing en masse.
On the wine front we’re busy prepping new white fizz as well as our new col fondo for sale. Our 2024 rosé will be bottled in a few weeks so the vineyard and wine cycle continues!
n SPRING CEILIDH at the Elmgrove Centre, Redland, 6.309.30pm with All At Sea and caller Hannah Moore. Raising funds for The Harbour charity. For tickets go to Headfirst Bristol.
Wednesday March 19
n BRISTOL WNO FRIENDS. Broadcaster Nigel Simeone introduces the music of Peter Grimes and considers how Britten, who described the the opera as "the most exciting of musical forms" combined innovation and convention to create this operatic masterpiece. We warmly invite you to at The Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral. Worcester Road Entrance, 6.45 for 7.15. Entrance £8/£10 easy parking, Bar. Details:01934 842014 or melaniejdavid@btinternet. com Also coach trip to Peter Grimes at Cardiff: Saturday 5th April, fare only: £28.00 Details: diane2.badgersden@gmail.com
Saturday March 22
n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR WITH BRISTOL ENSEMBLE conducted by David Bednall perform Haydn’s Nelson Mass and CPE Bach’s Magnificat in St Peter’s Henleaze at 7.30pm . Tickets from £5 www. bristolbach.org.uk
REGULAR EVENTS
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
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 DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875.
n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym 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
auditions but ability to read music helpful. www.bristolharmony. wordpress.com or call Fritjof 0117 924 3440. Contact before attending.
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
Tuesday
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.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
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 award-winning 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 2.004.00pm (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). 10 - 11am. In Studio and livestreamed on Zoom. Bristol Yoga Space, Princes' Place, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NP. Seasonalflow@gmail. com Book your place: https:// bookwhen.com/seasonalflow
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 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 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
Loft Boarding & Insulation
along and give us a try. For further information contact Tania by email at tanialake@yahoo.co.uk
Thursday
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 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 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 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 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 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 HENLEAZE 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. Drop-in at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. NEW TIME 3.30 to 4.45 pm. Donation basis. Supported by Healing Trust members. Contact Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@yahoo. co.uk for dates and 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
Sauna proves a success
A POPULAR addition to the sports, leisure and wellbeing opportunities offered by the Ardagh Community Trust (ACT) is here to stay.
The Ardagh Community Sauna, which opened in December 2024, was originally planned as a short-term attraction but has been so well used it is set to remain.
Residents say the 16-person, wood-fired facility is a welcoming space for wellness, mindfulness and deep relaxation, all within the heart of Horfield Common.
Part of the nationwide movement of community saunas, it is supported by the Community Sauna Network, which has helped with consulting on how to start a community sauna, with a focus on affordability and accessibility.
Jon Savage, who runs the sauna enterprise, says, “We are really enjoying running the sauna and wellness area at the
Ardagh - the customers have really received it well and it has become such a nice place to be. I love working there as people arrive happy that they are about to have a sauna and leave even happier once they have had a sauna!
"We are growing our opening hours, so take a look on the website for when to come down. We are now also offering a 25 per cent discount for NHS staff.”
Prices start at £15 for a one-hour session. Bundles and private hire for groups are also available. Bookings can be made via the website: ardaghcommunitysauna. org, or by emailing: info@ ardaghcommunitysauna.org for private hire enquiries.
The sauna is also planning to host silent, women-only and guided sessions, and welcomes suggestions for tailored sessions from other fitness, community or social groups.
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n PHARMACY BLOG
Walk-in NHS pharmacy treatment could be just what doctor ordered
THE Pharmacy First scheme offered at Kellaway Pharmacy enables everyone in our area to just come in and receive NHS care for a variety of conditions. A year after the national launch, it continues to deliver popular, accessible, and timely care for our locality.
Common conditions covered include:
1. Sinusitis – for children and adults 12 years and over;
2. Sore throat (examination) - for children and adults 5 years and over;
3. Earache (otoscopy examination) for children and adults 1 year and over;
4. Infected insect bite – for children and adults 1 year and over;
5. Impetigo – for children and adults 1 year and over;
6. Shingles – for adults 18 years and over;
7. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women 16 to 64 years.
8. Infected eye treatment – for children
aged over 30 days to 2 years
This service is NHS-funded , so all medicines supplied will be like receiving NHS prescription items and you also do not pay for a consultation. Consultations with the pharmacist, include examination looking into the ear (otoscopy) and the throat as appropriate, to assess your symptoms and medical history and agree clinically appropriate next steps including supplying antibiotics or any other prescription only medicine that is required.
A referral may also be actioned to the appropriate healthcare access point, such as a GP surgery or A&E.
The pharmacist’a assessment delivers evidence-based care using the same clinical guidelines and tools used across the NHS.
GP surgeries and NHS 111 now also refer people directly into the service.
The scheme is creating better integrated working between local GP Surgeries and Kellaway Pharmacy with the pharmacy consultation details shared with the GP, further supporting better care continuity.
This service is a most welcome development for the health of our community and a step in the right direction; bringing NHS care closer to everyone.
Remember this NHS Walk-in service covers both children and adults.
Need our help? Questions or queries? Come in to see us or just call us on 0117 9246579
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BOOK REVIEW
My Life, My Body by Madge Piercy
MADGE Piercy is an American feminist. My Life, My Body is a collection of her essays. One essay deals with the gentrification of neighbourhoods and describes how her Parisian working class neighbourhood was multi-cultural with local shops selling the necessities of life. It is now full of travel agencies, boutiques and dry cleaners for fine leathers and furs. Her San Francisco neighbourhood used to be inhabited by musicians, artists, porters and bartenders in cheap and convenient housing. It is now full of shopping malls, boutiques and fancy restaurants and no-one she knows can afford to live there now.
In another essay Madge
laments the lack of promotion of woman writers. Most men still read too few women writers and they tend to award book prizes to each other. She has hundreds of male Facebook friends who never list any of her books as liked or read. In Few Writers Are Rich, Madge breaks down a 100,000 dollar book deal. She reveals that 50,00 dollars goes to the publisher with 7,500 dollars to the agent. This leaves the writer 42,500 dollars. If you deduct the 15,000 dollar advance, the writer is left with 27,500 dollars. Madge spends 3 years to write a novel so she has effectively 9,000 dollars a year to live on while she writes a book. In Living Off The Grid, we learn that Cape Cod has a long history of writers, painters
and radicals living undercover especially during the McCarthy era. In My Life, My Body she points out that before Roe v Wade, the choice was forced motherhood, signing your baby away or abortion without anaesthetic. She found herself pregnant at 18. Determined to finish college she performed her own abortion which almost killed her. For this book and many more come and visit your local library at 100 Gloucester Road.
