St George & Redfield Voice March 2020 by St George & Redfield Voice

stgeorge&redfieldvoice March, 2020 Issue 37

www.stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk

FREE EVERY MONTH IN ST GEORGE AND REDFIELD

Rovers give fan a day to remember

A volunteerrun charity cafe at Barton Hill Rugby Club is proving to be a big success. Full story: Page 19

Action call on road peril A PETITION is calling for safety measures on Whitehall Road to enforce the 20mph limit. It has been launched by resident Brett Moodie, who said crossing the road at its lower end with his two children and getting along the narrow pavement is extremely hazardous. He said that since he started the call for action

he has been contacted by many people sharing their stories about dangerous journeys and near misses. “The road was not built for this many cars," he said. His daughter Dolly, six, added: “I feel like everything is really fast. Sometimes when big buses and trucks come by, it scares me.” Full story: Page 3

Peter Francis, a Bristol Rovers fan for 65 years, enjoyed VIP treatment at the Memorial Stadium thanks to a visit organised by one of his carers. PAGE 13

Anxiety over new school delays A much-needed new secondary school for east Bristol could be delayed until 2023, parents have been told. PAGE 5

Lit-up ads 'might cause accidents' Residents are opposing plans for an illuminated advertising billboard on Church Road, which they say would distract drivers and cause light pollution. PAGE 7

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St George & Redfield Voice is an independent publication. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisersí responsibility to confirm all relevant legislation. We strive to conform to the NUJ Code of Conduct for journalists. St George & Redfield Voice is distributed monthly within our distribution area, and is also available from local pick up points. Feedback on content and distribution is welcome - please call 07453954261 / 0117 3071122 or email office@ stgeorgeandredfieldvoice.co.uk

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March, 2020

Gurt lush - is this the most Bristolian street name yet? CHEERS drive is a phrase Bristolians have been using for decades to thank bus and taxi drivers. But now the cheeky comment has been immortalised by becoming the name of a road on a new development in Speedwell. Cheers Drive came about after residents living near the new Whitewood Park estate off Brook Road were asked to Photo: Cllr Mhairi Threlfall put forward their suggestions for naming the streets which were being built. Other road names which have been adopted include Ron Stone Road, after the long-serving Labour councillor; Dening Gardens, named after Speedwell Pool architect Charles Dening; and Kenney Lane, after Annie Kenney, a Bristolian suffragette. Eastville councillor Mhairi Threlfall, who carried out the residents' poll, revealed the road signs on her Twitter account, prompting some humorous responses. “This is going to be one of the most sought after streets to live on. I dread to think what the house prices will be in a few years' time,” one person tweeted. “Cue some very confusing exchanges with minicab drivers,” said another.

Llamas on parade MORE than 600 people were due to take place in a Lantern Parade in Redfield on February 29. Pupils from St Patrick’s, Educate Together and SummerHill Academy and members of the local community were processing to St George Park. The parade has the theme of 'Flock Together', and was being led by a team of colourful llama lanterns. The group of artists known as The Lamplighters has organised the event. Dee Moxon, of The Lamplighters, said: “Our lantern parade in Redfield in 2018 attracted crowds of over 1500 people lining the streets of Redfield to see the parade. We hope the 'Flock Together' parade on 29th February will attract an even larger audience." The parade will begin at the junction of Church Road and Morse Road in Redfield at around 6.30pm and then the parade of around 400 lanterns will make its way along Church Road to St George Park. The activities in St George Park will conclude about 8pm. The parade is a culmination of a series of 25 workshop sessions over the last six months when children made their own lanterns The event has been supported by the local community through a Crowdfunder, as well as by Big Lottery, Arts Council England and Quartet Foundation. Look out for photos in April's Voice!

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March, 2020

n NEWS

'Such a bad way to start the day' A FAMILY has launched a petition calling for action at the lower end of Whitehall Road saying pedestrians negotiating narrow pavements are left at the mercy of drivers who flout the 20mph speed limit. Brett Moodie and partner Lindsey Allen walk from their home in Carlton Park towards the bridge at Easton Road when they take their six-year-old daughter Dolly and four-year-old son Rudi to school and nursery. But the relatively short walk is fraught with anxiety when they have to cross Whitehall Road. Because the road is so narrow at that point, vehicles, particularly lorries and buses, drive perilously close to pedestrians, with their wing mirrors often hanging over the pavement. Brett said: “Every morning and evening we have a really bad time just getting across the road and then walking down the narrow footpath. It's quite scary. Just yesterday I was walking up with my son and a bus was so close that its mirror almost hit my head. “The only way we can get across is by waving at drivers and getting them to stop for us. I haven't seen any accidents but there's one waiting to happen.” Brett said families are forced to walk single file, but this isn't possible if a parent is pushing a buggy and has to hold the hand of another child. The problem is exacerbated on bin day when residents leave their waste and recycling out for collection, making the pavement even more narrow. There are several 20mph signs in place but when a reporter from St George and Redfield Voice visited the spot, it was clear drivers were exceeding the speed limit. Brett said: “Within a few hundred metres there are two nurseries, a secondary school, a playground, two primary schools and several entrances to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. The road is heavily used by school kids, families with young kids, pedestrians and cyclists getting to and from work, school and going about their daily business. This area is marked as a 20mph zone, yet cars, vans and lorries all travel in excess of this limit.

Brett Moodie and daughter Dolly on their perilous walk to school “It is frightening and dangerous to be a pedestrian on this road. When it rains it floods under Easton Road bridge and people end up getting soaked from the traffic speeding down the road. It also means bad visibility for drivers turning on to Whitehall Road from Easton Road.” Brett said after he mentioned the petition on social media he has been contacted by lots of residents sharing their stories about dangerous journeys and near misses. “I have written to councillors and received no response. We just want this area to be safe for everyone and believe simple measures could achieve this.” Brett said there are various options which could be considered including clearer signage, making the pavement wider on the side of the road where there are houses and widening the road on the other side, introducing more speed bumps and bringing in a chicane system where traffic has to give way to vehicles in the opposite direction. Other possibilities include a zebra crossing, speed limit signs painted on the

road, railings to act as a barrier between pedestrians and traffic and an additional entrance to the railway path, opposite the entrance to Carlton Park. Brett said although there are speed bumps in place near the corner of Whitehall Road and Cannon Street, vehicles tend to speed up once they've gone past them. “It wouldn't be expensive to put in some road calming measures. The best thing we could hope for is to make the road single file so only one car can come through at a time. “The road was not built for this many cars. It's obviously a spot which has been forgotten about. If the council wants Bristol to be a clean and green city, it needs to be encouraging people to walk. At the moment, it's such a bad way to start the day.” Brett's daughter Dolly said: “I feel like everything is really fast. Sometimes when big buses and trucks come by, it scares me.” A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “It is important that the city’s roads and streets are safe, efficient and accessible to everyone and we constantly monitor road safety and identify any problem areas. “Citizens can report their road safety concerns or request an improvement or change to the road on the council website (https://www.bristol.gov.uk/improve-mystreet) and can also raise those concerns with their local ward member. Bristol’s area committees make decisions on how local funds are spent to support improvements in their areas, including reviewing and prioritising road safety schemes. While the council is not responsible for enforcing speed limits, such issues can also be raised with the police, while the Community SpeedWatch scheme also allows local people to be actively involved in road safety.” People can sign the petition by visiting the e-petition section of Bristol City Council's website. The petition is open until March 2 but the family is hoping the authority will extend the deadline to allow more people to have a say.

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March, 2020

n NEWS

Red buses roll on to our streets

THE new fleet of gas-powered buses aimed at cutting air pollution in East Bristol has started work on the streets of St George. As reported in last month’s Voice, operator First is introducing 27 biomethane gas buses under the new Citylines East Bristol brand for all services currently running along Church Road on the 42, 42A, 43, 44 and 45 routes. By the end of next month a total of 99 gas buses will be in service with First in the Bristol area, with a new gas filling station built at the Lawrence Hill depot.

The company says the new buses will reduce emissions by 85% and are also smooth and quiet, with USB charging points and a second wheelchair space on each one.

The scheme is costing £28 million over three years, including a government grant of £4.79munder the Low Emission Bus Scheme obtained through South Gloucestershire and

Bristol City Councils. First West of England managing director James Freeman said the filling station has capacity to be used by other commercial operators in future. The biomethane gas that fuels the buses is provided by the Gas Bus Alliance and comes from waste food, processed in anaerobic digesters across the UK. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “We welcome this significant investment in new, cleaner buses and infrastructure as part of our drive to reduce air pollution and achieve carbon neutrality.”

No Idling: Turn off your engine for cleaner air A CAMPAIGN to persuade drivers to turn off their engines while parked or stopped is looking for more people to get involved. Bristol City Council is holding an Air Quality Action Day event at Summerhill Academy and Summerhill Infant School on March 3, from 1.30-4.30pm, to persuade people to become Clean Air Champions. Parents in St George have been campaigning against air pollution, with the St George Breathing Better Facebook group encouraging drivers stopped near local schools to change their behaviour. Now the council’s Clean Air for Bristol organisation is targeting the area for its No Idling campaign. It has been training volunteers to talk about the dangers of idling and give information to motorists, pedestrians, and parents waiting to collect their children at other schools. Volunteers ask drivers to switch off their engines while parked or

stopped for a minute or more to improve air quality. Mayor Marvin Rees said: “Drivers tend to idle outside of schools and hospitals, where the most vulnerable citizens are affected. We need individuals to take small actions to make a big difference to the air in our city.” The initiative comes as the council faces criticism that changes to the proposed diesel car ban “protect the shopper” but not “the sick person”. Bristol City Council is under a legal obligation to reduce air pollution in the city by lowering NO2 levels to within legal limits as quickly as possible. Last year it proposed an inner-city ban on private diesel vehicles that would operate between 7am and 3pm each day and a surrounding clean air zone (CAZ) that polluting commercial vehicles would be charged to enter at all times. Mr Rees has announced a number of

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adjustments, including the removal of Cabot Circus car park from the diesel ban zone so that shoppers can get there from the M32. Changes have also been made to the boundaries around the Cumberland Basin area allowing for diesel cars to travel between the A370 and the A4 north of the river. And a proposed weight restriction on HGVs on Marlborough Street and Upper Maudlin Street has been scrapped, although diesel cars will still be banned from reaching the BRI and Bristol Children’s Hospital. Conservative councillor Claire Hiscott said: “It just seems a little unfair that perhaps you’ll completely protect the shopper but you won’t necessarily completely protect the patient or the sick person in the city.” Mr Rees pointed out that Cabot Circus was a “major employer” and that the city was “walking a tightrope” to meet its responsibility to deliver clean air while taking care of its economy.

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March, 2020

n NEWS PARENTS have been told they may have to wait more than three years for a desperatelyneeded new secondary school for East Bristol. Plans to provide a new 1,600-place school, to be known as Oasis Academy Temple Quarter, are currently awaiting permission. A series of delays means that the school, originally slated to open in 2018, will not now be completed as part of a major redevelopment on Silverthorne Lane, next to the Feeder Canal, until 2023 at the earliest. About 50 parents have written in support of the development which includes the school. Parents have now been given until March 11 to make a comment on the plans. Comments can be submitted online at bit.ly/2P5xTA2. The overall scheme faces possible objections from the Environment Agency over flooding concerns and the Council for British Archaeology and Historic England over changes to some of the historic buildings on the site.

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Stress for families as school plans hang in the balance

Parent Jenny Grinsted addresses the meeting Parents say a school needs to open by 2021, on a temporary site before the new buildings are finished, to prevent overcrowding at other secondaries as children who are part of a “bulge” in the population reach 11. Frustrations were expressed

Ros bows out at Educate Together THE founding head of Redfield Educate Together has announced her departure. Ros Farrell, who started the school in Avonvale Road and went on to lead Education Together in the West of England, wrote in a newsletter to parents: “It is with huge sadness that I have made this decision and I thank you for all the support and encouragement you have given me over the last five years, as we have built this wonderful school. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work in partnership with you all. “Redfield is a hard place to leave with its fantastic children, full of all the best of our ethos and the Learn Together curriculum. Their eagerness to embrace all we have offered them has been a joy to work with. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff and all the children for the privilege of working with them and of leading this incredible school and to thank all of you for your support and commitment.”

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at a meeting attended by about 70 people at the Redfield Educate Together primary school in February. The meeting heard that nearby secondaries, including Bristol Met, Bristol Brunel and John Cabot academies, were taking more pupils than their published capacity. Parent Jenny Grinsted, of campaign group BS5 Secondary Education Forum, said the city needed to create 18 new Year 7 forms to accommodate a generation of children, including her own son, with the population bulge becoming “critical” by next year. She said: “Not only will he miss out on the opportunity to go to this amazing school that has been promised to our community since 2017, but if that school doesn’t open, it will put pressure on existing schools in East Bristol because they will have to expand

to take large numbers of extra children. “I’m not knocking the amazing work done by our existing schools but we wanted and need a new school.” Council cabinet member for education Anna Keen said there had been a delay of two years between the green light from the government for a new school and a planning application for the school, which had to be approved at the same time as plans for office and commercial buildings, 400 new homes and accommodation for 750 students on the same site, which had “significant planning issues”. A redesigned planning application, submitted by developers Square Bay on the day of the schools meeting, is set to go before a council planning committee on March 18. Ms Keen said the scheme was at a “critical point” and that while it was possible children could start learning on a temporary site before the school building was finished, it would have to be one that was safe for children to use. Square Bay managing director Markham Hanson called on parents to come to the committee meeting and “let the city know that you are behind the scheme”. He said it was not possible to separate building the school from developing the rest of the site without adding to the delays. No one from Oasis, which will run the school, was at the meeting.

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March, 2020

n NEWS The artwork as it first appeared, left Photo courtesy of www.banksy. co.uk

The artwork covered up to prevent further damage fro storms and vandals, right WHAT a difference 48 hours make. The first photograph shows Banksy's latest piece of art, putting Barton Hill on the world map of must-visit places for street art fans. The second, taken just days later, shows the artwork boarded up after vandals attacked the piece with bright pink spray paint. The artwork was unveiled the day before Valentine's Day and shows a girl firing a slingshot of red flowers. Residents flocked to see the work, speculating on whether it was the work of Banksy, who honed his skills as a young lad at

Banksy returns to his roots the Barton Hill youth centre. They didn't have to wait long before Banksy, whose real identity is shrouded in secrecy, confirmed via his website and Instagram page he was indeed behind the work. The art appeared on the side on a house in Marsh Lane owned by Edwin Simons.

A typed press release posted on the wooden hoarding which now covers the artwork states: “The family who own the property have taken the difficult decision to box the artwork for a short period of time to prevent further damage from vandals and Storm Dennis. These steps will also enable the restoration of the artwork so that the local community and visiting public can enjoy Banksy's newest street piece as it was originally intended.” It went on to say the family are planning to put up bespoke clear viewing boxes and CCTV to deter any future attacks.

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March, 2020

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

n NEWS

' Pull plug on lit-up Leisure Island plans are thrown out billboard idea' AN illuminated advertising billboard along one of Bristol's busiest stretches of road would be dangerous and could affect hundreds of homes, residents in St George and Redfield claim. Outdoor media company Global has asked Bristol City Council for permission to replace two regular billboards along the A420 in Church Road with one 3m x 6m lit-up sign. If permission is granted, an illuminated advert would change every 10 seconds and would be targeted at drivers heading in the direction of the city centre. But the application has proved unpopular with people living near the site, which is between St George Community Centre and Sikh temple Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bristol. The billboards sit alongside a further advertising hoarding on land owned by Bristol City Council behind a planted area created by volunteers from community group St George In Bloom. Dozens of residents have objected to the proposals, asking the council to consider the negative impact. They argue it would be distracting to motorists and could cause accidents. They also fear light pollution, danger to wildlife in St George Park and wasted energy. “Church Road is a notoriously dangerous road for traffic accidents and I can't imagine having a bright and potentially animated ad screen will help this,” said one objector from Seneca Street. “This is also a residential area and sits opposite housing. Some of

PLANS to turn a site off Lawrence Hill roundabout into a 15-storey apartment block which would be seen from as far as Totterdown and Trooper's Hill have been thrown out. Outline proposals were submitted for a car-free apartment complex at the triangular Leisure Island which included 122 flats as well as commercial and retail space. There would be room for 260 cycles but no car parking spaces. The development featured a single 15-storey tower with a six-storey block around the perimeter. But Bristol City Council has now told the applicant - a Ms L Brice – that the scheme is too large and modern for the area. A report said: “The 15 storey and 6 storey elements of the proposal by virtue of their

height, scale, massing, materials and design would result in unacceptable impacts on the character and appearance of this part of the Old Market Conservation Area, including the local and wider townscape and views.” The scheme would be out of keeping with Holy Trinity Church and would “harm the significance” of the locally listed buildings on the triangle, the report said, while the site's location, in an area with high traffic along two sides, was not ideal for a living complex: “The application fails to demonstrate that the site can achieve an acceptable living environment for future occupiers.” There were also concerns about broadband provision, drainage and servicing and pedestrian access.

Alpine LANDSCAPING these screens are so bright that light pollution might be seen in many streets around the screen affecting potentially hundreds of residents. “Bristol has recently declared an ecological crisis so it seems like an absurd waste of energy to install and run digital ad screens.” The resident added: “I also worry about the potential impact to wildlife, especially considering the site of the sign sits between two of the areas few green spaces (St George Park and Avonview Cemetery). ” In a supporting letter to the council, Global's agents Turnkey said advertisements would not contain any movement, animation or special effects. “Global records indicate the site has been in advertising use for at least ten years and so it is a longstanding and established part of the built environment. The illuminated digital display would face towards on-coming traffic travelling along the A420, Church Road. The highway is well-lit and level, providing excellent forward visibility on approach to the site, allowing drivers to glance at any advert far in advance without being distracted from the road ahead. “Under these circumstances such a familiar urban feature would not constitute a potentially hazardous distraction to anyone exercising a reasonable standard of care. Consequently, it is considered that the proposed advertisement would not unduly distract highways users and give rise to safety issues.” Grenville Johnson, chair and founder of St George in Bloom, said: “Several years ago volunteers worked extremely hard to enhance this site with a pollinator friendly planting scheme. An electronic sign will potentially be a huge visual distraction at this site for drivers of vehicles and, if the planning application is approved, the installation works will possibly disrupt the plants and other features at this site that have now become very well established.” Anyone wishing to comment on the plans can do so on the council website, by searching for reference 20/00597/A.

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March, 2020

n NEWS

Neglected dog was ‘screaming in pain’ DOG owners who left their pet to suffer instead of getting him help from a vet have been given suspended jail sentences. Staffordshire bull terrier Hugo was unable to stand and blind in one eye when family friends who offered to take him for a walk found him “screaming in pain”. He was taken to a vet but had to be put to sleep as he was so severely ill. The RSPCA brought an animal welfare prosecution against owners Luke Butler, 24, of Mayfield Park South in Fishponds, and Rebecca Whitlow, 19, of Speedwell Avenue in St George, along with Whitlow’s mother Claire Poore, 39. Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard the six-year-old Staffie was underweight, blind in one eye, unable to walk and riddled with fleas. Hugo was owned by Butler

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Staffie Hugo was underweight, blind in one eye, unable to walk and riddled with fleas. but lived with his partner Whitlow, at the home she shared with her mother. Friends of the family offered to take Hugo out for a walk last July, the court heard. Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Lindi Meyer said: “When Claire Poore brought out Hugo, he was

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screaming with pain. “He was barely walking, hopping along and dragging his back legs. His left eye was closed up completely and covered in a discharge, and his coat was clearly infested with fleas.” The friends told Poore that the dog needed urgent

treatment, and when neither she nor Whitlow said they would take him to a vet, they called the PDSA and rushed him to see one of the charity’s vets. But the court heard Hugo’s condition was so bad, the vet advised that he should be put to sleep. As the owners of the dog, Butler and Whitlow were told they were in a position of duty to act immediately on his condition. Both were handed ten-week prison sentences, suspended for a year, and told to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work at a hearing in January. There were also each ordered to pay £300 costs, a £122 victim surcharge and were banned from owning any animal for five years. Poore was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, banned from keeping dogs for five years and ordered to pay £300 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

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March, 2020

n NEWS

4,500 cyclists a day use path in summer - some at 40mph A SURVEY has provided a snapshot of how the Bristol and Bath Railway path is used. Transport charity Sustrans carried out the survey using video cameras to record pedestrian and cyclist movements on the path at one of its busiest points, near Whitehall Primary School. It was carried out on weekdays and weekends in the summer and winter of 2018 and 2019. Data from the survey has been presented to people using the Bristol & Bath Railway Path – OnePath Facebook group after work to turn it into graphs and tables by data analyst Adam Reynolds, who was asked to study it by Sustrans south area director James Cleeton. The survey found that the majority of users of the path at Whitehall were cyclists on weekdays and weekends, regardless of the time of year, but that the proportions varied from more than 88% cyclists on weekdays in winter to 66.6% on a winter weekend. It also found that average speeds of cyclists varied between weekdays and weekends, with weekday commuters faster, but ranged between 12 and 14.2mph. However the cameras also recorded a sizeable number of cyclists travelling at more than 20mph, particularly on weekdays, with a very small number travelling at more than 30mph and even, in one or two cases, more than 40mph. The number of cyclists using the path on summer weekdays was around 4,500, falling to around 3,250 in the winter, with

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l for sale St George's Hal

Housing for St George Park?

pub on THE Wetherspoons St George's Hall, Church Road, is for sale. opened as St George's Hall cinema the "Electric Palace" the entrance in 1912, but with The Pugsley in Victoria Road. the building family expanded neighbouring by joining it with Victoria Road the sites (including moved the and Mission Hall) Road (then entrance to Church Road) known as St George's The cinema during the 1920's. Boxing Day 1927, re-opened on 750 and a full with seating for

plans for Chalks An update on a and details of Road car park, petition. 3 TURN TO PAGE

Toilets and Cafe the cafe and Details of toilets George Park returning to St 4 TURN TO PAGE

Local Plan

orchestra. for St George's But the future look good a Hall does not are looking for Road that Wetherspoons business on Church buyer. for Bristol City and they do not spokesman has signed-up if the pub is sold Toilet Wetherspoon purchaser, then told the Voice: Council's Community transfer to the redeploy our their toilets Eddie Gershon that St George's to Scheme, making we would look "We can confirmhas been put up community not other Wetherspoon available to the employees at Hall in Redfield understand just pub users. pubs in the region." opened for sale. We totally come as a shock Wetherspoon's customers and The news will that our loyal users of St in 1979, and their first pub the to the many frequent grown to staff will be disappointed particularly as However, has subsequently pubs and George's Hall, seem to be busy. with this decision. on occasion, 900 does operate nearly the UK and premises always Wetherspoon, in have told the pubs up for the over 50 hotels Wetherspoons will put some of its Martin founded decision George's Hall Ireland. Tim Voice that St buyer sale. It is a commercialafter long is now Chairman unless a new company, and one-third of the run as normal taken by the company are currently around staff 27 The pub will owns he found. is consideration. pub. as normal until company. employed at the continue to trade is the only St George's Hall a buyer is found." our staff that "We have told

how you can Information on plans for influence Council housing and the location of spaces protection of green 10 & 11 TURN TO PAGES

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Get ready for the Patrick's Day Parade THE popular St Patrick's Day parade will return to Bristol on Sunday March 15. For the first time the parade will set off from Trinity Community Centre, heading through Old Market, Lower Castle Street, Newgate and High Street, ending up by St Nicholas Street and A previous parade Photo: Bristol Irish Society Bridge Street. Setting off at 1pm, the parade will be led by two bands and will feature colourful floats and walkers. Lord Mayor Cllr Jos Clark will be joining in the fun. The parade will finish up with a street party with entertainment around Seamus O'Donnell's bar in St Nicholas Street, which will be closed to traffic. The parade, now in its 21st year, is organised by the Bristol Irish Society which was formed in Redfield 31 years ago. The society aims to keep the Irish culture alive by providing information about all things Irish which happen in the city including music, dance, sport and folklore. St Patrick's Day is on Tuesday March 17.

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pedestrians numbering just over 820 in the summer, falling to around 440 in the winter. At weekends, daily use by cyclists was around 2,200 in summer and 800 in winter, while for pedestrians it was around 800 in summer and 600 in winter. Weekday use by pedestrians peaked at school opening and closing times, while cycling peaked just after 8am and 5pm. At weekends cycling peaked around 11am and 3pm, while pedestrian numbers were spread more evenly, with several peaks. Sustrans is currently carrying out a £1.1 million scheme to improve the path on its busiest stretch as it passes through Whitehall, Easton and Lawrence Hill, with new designs for some of the busiest sections. Mr Cleeton said the data “highlights the peaks in use at commuting and school run times, and confirms that there are some people who travel along the path at particularly high speeds”. He added: “The volume data confirms the path’s popularity, particularly amongst people riding bikes. However it is only a picture of use in a short section of the path at Whitehall and doesn’t reflect how we’ve heard it is used along its whole length. “It is also not representative of the people who want to or could use the path; many people have told us that they are put off walking on it because they don’t feel safe doing so.” For more on the survey visit the Bristol & Bath Railway Path – OnePath Facebook group.

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

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n FRIENDS OF TROOPERS HILL

Star shows could help buy a new slide THANKS to the generosity of Immersive Theatres, Friends of Troopers Hill are offering three short planetarium astronomy shows, each aimed at different age groups, from 5 upwards. Part of Immersive Theatres’ business is to provide these shows for schools and its founder, Mario Di Maggio, lives locally to Troopers Hill and offered the shows as a fundraiser. We were delighted to receive this offer and quick to see how any money raised could be used. The much-loved red slide in Troopers Hill Field had rusted away so much last year, after more than 30 years of service, that Bristol City Council had to remove it for safety reasons. The council has told us that a new slide, of a very similar design, with modern safety surfacing, will cost in the region of £10,000. We will use the astronomy shows as a way to launch fundraising. Places for the shows, to the held in the afternoon of Saturday April 18, are now available to book via the Friends of Troopers Hill website www.troopers-hill.org.uk/events.

The old slide has been removed for safety reasons The Friends are suggesting a donation of £3 per family group, which will cover the cost of hiring Summerhill Methodist Church on Air Balloon Road for the shows. Any larger donations and any surplus money will go towards the slide. We are appealing to local people who used the old slide and who would like their children to use a new one, to help raise the money. If anyone wants to run their own fundraisers for the slide, please get in touch and we will help with your

publicity. There must be over 1,000 bottoms that have used that slide since the 1980’s. If each person who has used the slide donated £10, we would exceed our target. Anyone wishing to make a donation can use the link www. tinyurl.com/thslide, call the Friends on 0117 947 5037, email friends@ troopers-hill.org.uk or send a cheque, payable to “Friends of Troopers Hill” to 3 Corkers Hill, St George, Bristol BS5 8DT. The Friends have a good track

record of fundraising. We are looking into other possible sources of money but a much stronger case would be made for a new slide if local people showed how much they wanted the slide by contributing at least some of the money. Any funds will be held for the new slide for two years. If, at the end of that time, the target has not been reached, the money will used for children’s activities at Troopers Hill. Meanwhile, alongside this fundraising activity, it will be business as usual on Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve, with much careful nature conservation work now that the bird nesting season has started. The Friends would welcome the help of anyone who has two hours to spare. There is a conservation work party on the first Saturday and third Thursday of every month, starting promptly at 10am and finishing at noon. Meet by the sign marking the start of the audio trail, at the entrance to Troopers Hill from Troopers Hill Field. Susan Acton-Campbell

n ST GEORGE IN BLOOM

Blooms brighten shops and petrol station SINCE 2014 the volunteers from St George in Bloom have been planting up the three containers at the Kingsway Shopping Precinct in St George with colourful plants, to brighten up the area for shoppers, local residents, and the business community at this location. Later, members of St George in Bloom invited the local traders to donate funds to allow this voluntary enhancement work to continue. Every spring and autumn the volunteers purchase fresh plants and compost to fill the three planters, then maintain them during the year. The traders help with the summer watering. St George in Bloom sincerely thanks the following shops and commercial outlets at the Kingsway Shopping Precinct for their generous sponsorship and financial support with this annual project: The Wash & Vac Centre, 42nd Street

The forecourt planting scheme at the Nags Head Hill Sainsbury’s store and petrol station Hair Salon, McColl’s, Grays Cafe, Kingsway Launderette, Spice Cube takeaway, Atlantic Fish Bar, Vinyl

Graphics and Karparts. Just around the corner from the precinct is the Sainsbury’s store and

petrol station, next to the traffic lights at the top of Nags Head Hill. St George in Bloom volunteers have been brightening up their busy forecourt since 2014 by planting up the raised frontage with perennials and bedding plants that are generously supplied by Sainsbury’s store manager. Volunteers then water and maintain the plants during the year. Anyone interested in joining or supporting St George in Bloom is welcome to contact Grenville Johnson, chair of the group, by email at victorianhouse@ blueyonder.co.uk or by phone on 0117 949 6788. Further details of St George in Bloom’s projects can also be found on the website at www. stgeorgeinbloom.org.uk Grenville Johnson Chair & Founder, St George in Bloom

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

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Tim's debut novel takes us on a world of adventure A DAD from St George has published his first book inspired by his around the world travels with his future wife. Tim Ewins debut novel We Are Animals spans 10 countries, 54 years, two criminals and 22 different animals. He describes the novel as funny, heart-warming and quirky and says many of its exotic settings are just the tonic needed for the blustery month of March. We Are Animals centres around an old hippie who has spent his life travelling looking for a woman who stole his heart and his passport - 46 years ago. The book takes in countries visited by Tim and his thenpartner Gemma including India, Sweden, Russia, Cambodia and Poland. The keen cyclist, who has a two-year-old son Indy, said: “Gemma and I went travelling

for six months about seven years ago having saved up for about two years to be able to do it. I proposed in Peru, but didn't actually put that country in the book! “Whilst we were travelling we wrote a blog and I'd always wanted to turn it into a book but it took me a while to come up with a plot that interwove the all countries.” The book will be released this month as an electronic book by independent publisher Eye Books. Tim, 33, who also writes and performs comedy, said: “Eye Books are releasing a new imprint called Lightning Bolt which is a way of trying to get debut authors to be read. They put an e-book out first for proof that the book is selling and then the idea is that it will go into print later this year.”

Tim fitted writing around his work in finance, spending many hours looking for inspiration while sipping a latte in Redfield cafe Grounded. “I've always wanted to write a book and for a while I toyed with the idea of writing a book about trying to write a book when you've never written a book but that proved to be silly! “I wrote We Are Animals in my lunch breaks and on evenings, spending just under an hour every week day, which is why it's taken four years! I wrote a fair bit of it in Grounded too. “I really enjoyed the process. I'm not one of those writers that starts by going back into the characters' history, I found out more about them as I went along. This meant it didn't always go how I'd imagined but I quite like that.” Since finishing the book, Tim

Tim with son Indy has managed to write another but he's staying tight-lipped about that for the moment. His publisher has agreed to release that one too and a third once Tim gets around to writing it. “The second one is with the publisher now and it's quite different from the first so I'm not going to say too much about it at the moment,” Tim said. We Are Animals is available to download from Eye Books and Amazon and is priced at 99p for the next two weeks only.

What could you and your community make happen in your park? The way our parks will be managed is changing. It’s important that we understand what’s already happening and your contribution can help shape the future of our parks. Come and have a conversation about the Bristol Future Parks project and the opportunities to get involved in making your local green space better. Find details of your local community event at:

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Rovers fan Peter has a VIP day out A LIFELONG Bristol Rovers fan was given the VIP treatment for what could be his last visit to see the club he loves. Peter Francis first went to watch the Gas when he was eight years old and has been to hundreds of matches. But Peter’s health is rapidly failing and he is now living in Brunelcare’s Orchard Grove Reablement Centre in Whitehall. After hearing all about his Rovers obsession, carer Tracy McConnell decided to organise a special day out for him and after contacting the club she received a call from chief executive Adam Tutton inviting Peter, 74, and his best friend Brian to a home game. Peter, a born and bred Bristolian who lived in the Whitehall area before moving to Orchard Grove, had lunch with the club’s directors and met the team before watching the match from executive box number one at the Memorial Stadium.

Peter Francis (seated) and a friend with some of the Bristol Rovers squad at the Memorial Stadium And although Rovers couldn’t make it a perfect day with a win – the match against Fleetwood Town finished 0-0, with a late

Rovers penalty saved – Peter still had a day to remember. He said: “I couldn’t believe it when Tracy told me, it’s honestly

a dream come true. I’ve been supporting Rovers for 66 years and went to my first match when I was just eight years old, in 1954. I’ve been a season ticket holder for over 55 years. Going to see Rovers home or away was a way of life for me, it’s in my blood. We’d always get fish and chips after the match, whether we lost, won or drew.” Tracy said: “I heard all about Peter’s obsession with Rovers and I knew I wanted to surprise him!” Adam said: “All of us at Bristol Rovers Football Club were delighted to welcome Brunelcare resident Peter Francis to join us for our match against Fleetwood Town. “We heard that Peter was a lifelong Bristol Rovers fan and were delighted to be able to offer him the opportunity to join us in our boardroom and meet some of the first team before kick off. We hope it was a very memorable day for Peter.”

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n AGE PROUD BRISTOL

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studies found that people who perceived later life in a more positive way tended to live longer and experience better health. For Colin, later life hasn’t been what he expected. “I didn’t expect to be getting married and having a swell time!” Colin says. Colin came out as a gay man in his 60s. He fell in love with his now husband, and together they run a social group for LGBT+ people of all ages. Colin said that for him, later life has been a period of joy. “One of the brilliant things about reaching later life is that you stop caring so challenge more of the negative much what other people think of You’ve gotstereotypes something about that someone older age and you, and understand better what else needs.look forward to a period of time you need in order to feel content. It Catherine, Creator of all depends on your circumstances, whenAge they BS3 Helping Others. 65.can continue to enjoy but for me, getting older haswww.agefriendlybristol.org.uk life as they choose. meant I’m a little more financially • This is the third article in a series of well off, I’ve got the time and the three, inspired by older people based money to pursue my hobbies - like in Bristol. Find out more about the Age photography and oil painting.” Proud Bristol campaign by visiting www. Every person’s experience of agefriendlybristol.org.uk or search ageing will be different of course, #AgeProudBristol on Twitter and take but BAB hope that following part in the conversation about ageism this series of articles, readers will in Bristol. Y DL

learning difficulties. Due to health conditions, Joyce needed to retire early. Unfortunately, Joyce’s condition worsened and she made the decision to have her left leg amputated below the knee. But, Joyce didn’t let the operation hold her back. Joyce is out and about most days of the week, enjoying her role as the Malcolm X Elders Coordinator. “I love talking, meeting people and having a good laugh, it makes my day. You have to make the most of every day as you see. I enjoy my life. Every day, every year counts.” For Joyce, getting older is a celebration. Her mother died young and so every year Joyce experiences, she is grateful for. “I still have life. I have it really to the full. I just want to live it and live it, and do it and do it and enjoy it and enjoy it. In the club, there is a lady in her 90s; I just hope I get there!” Having a positive outlook on later life can affect how you age. A 2014 review of multiple research

EOPLE seem to dread getting older, despite evidence that shows we tend to become happier at this stage of life. This comes from a variety of studies looking at the ‘U-Shaped Curve of Happiness’, which found that self-reported happiness levels are often highest in early childhood and later life. As a part of the Age Proud Bristol campaign, which challenges negative perceptions of older people, Bristol Ageing Better (BAB) spoke to Joyce Montague (62), Coordinator of the Malcolm X Elders Group and Colin O’Brien (71), Chairperson of Gaywest, about their experience of getting older. “I don’t let anything stop me.” says Joyce. “There’s good and bad about getting older, but if you’re positive about life, you shouldn’t be scared of getting older.” Joyce came to Bristol in 1971 and worked all her adult life in a job she loved, as a nurse supporting people with

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n FRIENDS OF ST GEORGE PARK

Seven easy ways to support community A personal view from Nick Burroughs, chair of the Friends of St George Park MOST people care about their community but are short of time: here are some ideas that can make a difference. 1. Eat cake and drink coffee at St George Library. The Friends of St George Library hold a coffee and cake morning on the first Saturday of every month, 11am-1pm. For £1.50 you can enjoy coffee and a piece of amazing cake, knowing that you are helping support the library (or sometimes a charity) and if you walk, you’ve burned off calories getting there! Also (by coincidence), our local councillor holds their ward surgery at the

same time, if there is something you want to say. Please leave me a piece of cake. 2. Pick up litter in your street. Hang on, that’s the council’s job, isn’t it? Yes, it is done by Bristol Waste and I’m certainly not suggesting that you deal with anything gross or offensive. But what about the occasional plastic crisp packet or sandwich wrapper? These end up going down drains and into watercourses then into – you guessed it – the sea. Search for Bristol Waste’s Big Tidy Pledge online if you want to know more. 3. Drive for the environment: Ideally, we should walk or cycle or use public transport. But, if you have to drive, remember that only 20% of the pollution from cars is from the engines (I learned this from a professor of transport studies). Most of the rest comes from tyre and brake wear, which either goes into the air or is washed into the

drain system. Sticking to speed limits and driving gently reduces pollution, and saves you money and stress. 4. Report Things: Tell someone if something needs fixing or dealing with. Streetlight out? Fallen tree? Antisocial behaviour? If it doesn’t get reported, it often doesn’t get fixed. Don’t worry whether someone else might have reported it – multiple reports create pressure to get things done. Most problems are covered by the council, Bristol Waste or the police and it only takes a few minutes to report. 5. Express your opinions on community issues: How about joining the Bristol Citizens’ Panel? This lets you share your views and ideas on a wide range of issues affecting the city, as well as putting you in the draw for £40 shopping vouchers. Also, talk to your local councillor if there is something you think is wrong (or

right) or needs attention. 6. Enjoy the green bits: We have amazing green spaces such as Troopers Hill and St George Park that are good for us, our families and our environment. Spending time in green spaces is good for physical and mental health, as well as being community in the most fun sense. If you want to make these places even more special, contact the associated friends group. 7. Do Stuff: If you find yourself saying “someone should do something”, ask yourself: “Should that someone be me?” You might not be able to do it on your own or it might just need you to phone or email someone. There are others out there who feel the same – it is people, more than money, that gets things done. Pick one (or two) of these, feel good and support our community.

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£1,000 boosts reading for pleasure CHILDREN at Summerhill Academy have received a boost to their reading adventures in the form of £1000 of books from children’s literacy charity Read for Good. Vice Principal Rachel Scammell applied for the national charity’s new Brilliant Box of Books scheme containing some 150 titles aimed at children in Years 5 to 8. Summerhill was chosen as one of of 30 schools chosen to pilot the scheme, aimed at boosting reading for pleasure. Read for Good's chief executive Justine Daniels said: “Our charity's mission is to support children to love reading.” Mrs Scammell said: “We want our children to find books nestled on our library’s shelves that will become lifelong favourites. Books can show children other worlds and possibilities, encouraging them to dream big.”

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS THESE images taken in St George were entries in a city-wide photographic competition showcasing the best of Bristol's natural beauty. The photo in St George Park was captured by Emma RossMackenzie and the image at Troopers Hill was taken by Bethany Evans. They were both entries in Wild Bristol: Winter run by Bristol Energy, a national company owned by Bristol City Council. The energy provider invited photographers of all ages and abilities to share wintry snaps on social media to celebrate Bristol's wildlife and green spaces. Weekly winners, including Bethany, were awarded tickets

to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at M Shed in Bristol. Bristol Energy managing director Marek Majewicz said the entries “highlight how we must work together to protect the planet, combat climate change and support our city’s wildlife and areas of nature”.

Art competition open to all ages ARTISTS of all ages are being encouraged to produce a work celebrating the 25th anniversary of Troopers Hill being declared a local nature reserve. The Troopers Hill Young Rangers are organising a friendly art competition, open from March 1 to May 31, where entrants can submit works inspired by the reserve’s wildlife and landscape. There are three age groups – under-12, 12 to 16 and over-16 – and three categories: Wild Flora and Fauna, Landscape and Geology and People and History. Full details of the competition, including the rules, can be found online at www.troopers-hill.org.uk/art25. Nine winners will receive a certificate and the overall winner will be awarded a trophy. The judging panel will include the Young Rangers and professional artists Angie Tonge, who runs the Summerhill Arts Club at Summerhill Methodist Church, and Tony Rudman, who instructs the Young at H’art group at the Wellspring Centre at Barton Hill. The entries most admired by the panel will go on display on Troopers Hill Field on June 28, when there will be an anniversary tea on the hill at 4pm. To enter, send an image of your work by email to friends@ troopers-hill.org.uk.

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

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Serving good food for good causes A NEW volunteer-run cafe where every cuppa and meal sold raises money for charity is proving a big hit. More than £1,400 has been raised since the charity cafe at Barton Hill Rugby Club’s Speedwell ground opened at the beginning of February. People have been packing the cafe at the clubhouse in Duncombe Lane on Monday and Wednesday lunchtimes to enjoy the cooked meals, hot drinks, treats and company on offer. The volunteers are working to help two good causes – mental health charity Mind and a young girl who needs support for a physical disability. Rugby club social secretary Holly Hawker, her mum Nicola, aunt Mandy Bryant and fellow volunteers Elizabeth Harris and Nicola Goodall are the core of a team running the cafe. Holly said: “It’s all voluntary – every bit of profit we make is going straight to the two charities.” The cafe sets a fundraising target and works towards it, with three quarters of the money raised going to help a particular person in need. Once they reach the total they will set a new one and choose a new person to help. The other 25% of the money raised for every fundraising target will go to Mind. Its first target is £3,100 – of that, £2,300 will buy a specialist splinted Lycra suit, called a Second Skin, for Edie Browne, a young girl who lives near Bristol and has complex physical disabilities including scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Holly says Mind is a cause close to the hearts of rugby club members. She said: “So many men have mental health issues and don’t talk about it. The RFU has been working with Mind and last year

our club raised over £2,000 for Mind through social events.” On its first day the cafe raised £255 and after the first six sessions, it had raised £1,428. Mandy said things are going so well that the cafe is applying for official charity status. She said: “We didn’t expect to raise so much. It’s lovely that people are getting behind it. “We’ve been amazed by the support – it’s absolutely fantastic.” Holly said: “The response has been amazing. I’m so pleased at how many people have turned up to support it.” The cafe was originally going to run one day a week but expanded to two when the Bristol Community Friendship Club was unable to continue its Monday sessions at the club, which many of the charity cafe volunteers were already helping with. Building firm BAM Construction, which Mandy’s sister-in-law Lisa Hawker works for, has donated kitchen equipment for the cafe, while

Stabbing: man charged

A MAN has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a stabbing incident in St George. Nicholas McClean, aged 30, is also accused of possessing a knife after a 21-year-old man was injured as he sat in a car in Weavers Mill Close on the afternoon of January 23. The injured man, who has not been named by police, received hospital treatment. Police say his injuries are not believed to be lifethreatening or life-changing. McClean, of no fixed address, was due to appear before Bristol Magistrates Court on February 28.

Tesco and Greggs are donating food on an ongoing basis, with further help from the Co-op and Krispy Kreme. The cafe has also signed up to the FareShare scheme which redistributes surplus food from supermarkets and producers. The Voice attended the official opening event for the cafe in early February, when more than 50 people came to have lunch or a drink. Customer Dennis Lear had travelled from New Cheltenham to visit the cafe. He said: “I’ve been disabled for a long time and I’m always looking for somewhere I can go out and meet people, otherwise I would just be sitting at home, staring at four walls. I need somewhere to go and talk to somebody. “Everyone has just been so friendly. The food and drink is brilliant, too.” The cafe is open from midday to 3pm every Monday and Wednesday, except bank holidays.

Volunteers at the Barton Hill Rugby Club charity cafe: Lisa Hawker, Mandy Bryant, Elizabeth Harris, Jo, Sandy Stewart, Holly Hawker, Hayden May Below: Holly Hawker serves up a meal at the cafe

Shop sponsors school kit

SPORTY youngsters from a Hanham school are warming up for pitch action now they have a smart new kit. The school football team at Christ Church CE Primary School was presented with the bright blue strip by the Kumon Study Centre in Hanham and Whitehall-based shop Professional Sport and Fitness. The sponsorship agreement initially formed when headteacher Neil McKellar-Turner approached Kumon instructor Nikki Warr and her husband, who runs the shop.

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

stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Saturday March 7 n 10:00 am Conservation work party on Troopers Hill. Meet at entrance to hill from Troopers Hill Field, near the sign for the start of the audio trail. Sunday March 8 n 10:00 am Geology Walk on Troopers Hill. Free event but booking essential. Book your place through Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/ geology2020. Friday March 13 n 10.05 am St George Strollers linear walk from Emersons Green to Page Park. Meet at MetroBus Stop C2 City Centre. Thursday March 19 n 10:00 am Conservation work party on Troopers Hill. Meet at entrance to hill from Troopers Hill Field, near the sign for the start of the audio trail. Monday March 23 n 10.00 am St George Strollers circular walk around Yate Common and Kingsgate Park. Meet at Cabot Circus S1 bus stop opposite Fabric Land.

REGULAR EVENTS Monday n 55+ Wellbeing Group, 11.00am to 1.00pm, Beehive Centre n Ping Pong Club, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, Beehive Centre n IT Support and Advice, 10.30am to 12.30pm, St George Library n ESOL – Learning Direct 9:30am– 11.30am, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre. Please call to find out when the next course starts, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Baby Clinic, 1.00pm–2.30pm, Cossham Hospital seminar room n Messy play, 1.30pm–3.00pm, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Capoeira: Easton Community Centre, 6.30pm–7.30pm, call Rad on 07734 469251 or Lise on 07590 408705 n Bristol Community Friendship Club, lunchtime cuppa and roll: every first Monday of the month 12

YOGA & PILATES WITH KERRY Mondays - Pilates 18:30 Deep flow yoga 19:35pm Wednesdays - Pilates 10.30 at Christ Church Hall, North St, Downend, BS16 5SG Wednesdays - Pilates 19:00 at Pomphrey Hill Pavilion, Mangotsfield, BS16 9NF Thursdays - Yoga/Pilates mix 18:45pm at Kings Oak Primary School, Brook Rd, Kingswood, BS15 4JT Call Kerry 07919 051019 or email kerry@yogaandpilatesforlife.com

noon–2.00pm at St Annes Boardmills Club on Avonvale Road. Everyone welcome, make new friends. Visit the Bristol Community Friendship Club Facebook page and ask to join or telephone Gill on 0117 902 5779 n Speedwell Community Café 11.00am -2.00pm, Barton Hill Rugby Club, Duncombe Lane - pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Tel Gill for more details 0117 902 5779 Tuesday n Walking Group, 10.30am to 11.30am, Beehive Centre n Lunch Club, 12.30pm to 2.00pm, Beehive Centre n Film Club, 1.45pm, Beehive Centre n Arts & Crafts, 10.30am to 1.00pm, Saffron Gardens, Prospect Place, 0117 935 4471 n Messy play, 1:30pm–3:00pm, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Stay and play, 9.30am–11.00am, St Aidan’s Church Hall n Baby Clinic, 10.00am–12noon, St George Health Centre n ESOL Conversation Club, 1.30pm– 2.30pm, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Capoeira: Gracie Barra School BS5 9JU 6.30pm–8.00pm, call Rad on 07734 469251 or Lise on 07590 408705 n WECIL monthly social meet up: second Tuesday of the month, social meet up for disabled people at the Old Post Office pub, Fishponds Road. Open and friendly group meets 6.00–7.30pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community – www.wecil. co.uk contact: 0117 947 9942 or email peersupport@wecil.co.uk n Orchard Choir: 7.00pm–8.30pm at the Orchard Coffee and Co., Cherry Orchard Lane n IT Support and advice 10.30am12.30pm St George library Receive help with some of your IT queries. Just turn up at n Baby Bounce and Rhyme, 11.00am to 11.30am, St George Library. (Term time). n Monthly lunch club for senior citizens at Crofts End Church, third Tuesday of the month. To book a place call 0117 9513520. Wednesday n Holistic Massage, 10.00am to 12noon, Beehive Centre n Tai Chi, Beginners 10.30–11.30am, advanced 11.30am–12.30pm Beehive Centre n Art & Craft Class, 1.30pm to 4.00pm, Beehive Centre n Keep Fit, 2.00pm to 3.00pm, Beehive Centre n Easton Food Assembly, 12.30pm to 7.00pm, collect orders from Easton Community Centre, info eastonfoodassembly@gmail.com n Nurturing programme and parenting puzzle. Please call to book, 9.30am–11.30am, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903

0329 n Under 1’s social group, 1.30pm– 3.00pm, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Wicketz: 4.00pm to 6.00pm, behind Wellspring Healthy Living Centre. Free fitness and cricket sessions for girls and boys aged 6+. The sessions run at The Cage (behind Wellspring Healthy Living Centre). For more info contact Crispin on: 07398 211596 or email: crispin.shingler@gloscc.co.uk n Meadow Vale Retirement Club, every Wednesday 2.00pm to 4.00pm, Meadow Vale Community Centre. For more info call 0117 903 0329 or firussell@blueyonder.co.uk Thursday n Community Café, 9.00am to 1.30pm, Beehive Centre n Over 55 Ballroom Dance, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Beehive Centre n Canoeing, Kayaking, Rowing and Sailing for the over 55s. 10.00am to 12noon. Baltic Wharf. Info 0117 935 4471 n Coffee Morning, 10.00am to 12noon, St Aidan’s Church, Fir Tree Lane. Info 0117 960 6592 n Pre-School Children’s Story Time, 10.15am to 10.45am, St George Library n Childminders’ group, 9.15am– 10.45am, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Growing together, 9.30am– 11.30am, Speedwell Allotments n Rock-a-bye, 9.30am – 10.30am, please call 07952 064702 to book, Community Hub, Hillfields. n Stories Songs & Rhymes, 1.00pm –2.00pm, Speedwell Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Post natal group. Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, Call to book, tel: 0117 903 0329 n Baby Massage, 1.30pm – 2.30pm, please call to book, Speedwell Nursery and Children’s Centre, tel: 0117 903 0329 n ParkWork: Between 10.00am and 12.30pm. 1st Thursday: Other spaces (Meadow Vale), 2nd: St George Park, 3rd: Troopers hill, 4th: Dundridge, 5th: Other spaces (Meadow Vale). Contact Joe Mckenna on: 07469 400689 or joe.mckenna@bristol.gov.uk n Capoeira: kids class 5.15pm– 6.15pm, adults class from 6.30pm– 8.00pm at Gracie Barra school BS5 9JU, call Rad on 07734 469251 or Lise on 07590 408705 n The Green Mingle is an informal monthly networking event for people interested in an environmentally sustainable Bristol. The Mingle runs from 5.30pm– 7.30pm on the first Thursday of the month at The Station Kitchen in Broadmead n Friends of Troopers Hill work party, 10.00am–12 noon, every third Thursday of the month. Volunteers meet by the red slide on Troopers Hill field. n WECIL informal and social creative challenge arts session for disabled people at Trinity Arts Centre, Trinity

Rd, Old Market. Open and friendly group, meets last Thursday of month 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community – www. wecil.co.uk. n Orchard Community Choir: 7.00pm–8.30pm at the Orchard Coffee & Co, Clouds Hill Road. For more information contact Renee on: orchardchoir@gmail.com n FAB Cafe - an opportunity to share a cup of tea (and a slice of cake!) and chat about what is going on in the local area in an informal and relaxed setting. Last Thursday of every month 10.00am to 12noon, Beehive Centre n From September 12, Gospel Generation Community Choir, 11am12.15pm, House of Praise Church, Tudor Road, Easton. No membership fee, donations welcome. Contact Emma gospelgen@googlemail.com for more information. n Shared Reading group. Drop in to read and listen to a great story and poem and talk about it. Free, no pressure to read. No prep. The Beehive Centre 1.30-3pm. Friday n Line Dancing, 10.30am to 11.30am, Beehive Centre n Ping Pong Club, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, Beehive Centre n Bingo, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Beehive Centre n Stay and play, 9:00am – 11:00am, St Aidan's Church hall tel: 0117 903 0329 n Reading group 6pm third Friday of the month. St George Library. Meet with other readers to discuss and debate. (You will need to be signed up for Extended Access) Saturday n Capoeira: 10.30am–12.00 noon, Gracie Barra school BS5 9BH, call Rad on 07734 469251 or Lise on 07590 408705 n St George wards councillor surgeries, first Saturday of every month, 11.30am–12.30pm at St George library n Chess club, 3.00pm–5.00pm at St George Library; all welcome n Golden Oldies. A light hearted sing-a-long session. Second Friday of the month 10.30am - 11.30am at the Beehive Centre. Contact adele@ golden-oldies.org.uk n Friends of St George Library coffee morning on first Saturday of the month at the library in Church Road from 11am-1pm. friendsofstgeorgelibrary.org.uk online. Sunday n Singing for the Soul, at St George Community Centre, every 2nd Sunday of the month 10am–12.30pm. n Beehive Centre is at 19a Stretford Road (next to St Ambrose Church) www.thebeehivebristol.co.uk or telephone 0117 935 4471

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n BRISTOL WEST MP

Fighting for special needs education

T’S been a busy month. I’ve nearly caught up on postelection tasks, from the two months when I was not an MP, delaying some responses. In Parliament, the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill passed, I led for the Opposition on this, and spoke in Parliament on many other matters. I spoke in Labour’s Opposition Day debate on policing and crime. Additional money promised for Avon and Somerset Police will mean 403 new officers over three years; the force has lost 700 officers since 2010. There have been tragic consequences of the cuts over the last ten years, such as an increase in knife crime in Bristol. We need police cuts to be reversed but also more money to reverse cuts to other services, such as youth work, mental health, and domestic violence protection.

Every child and young person in Bristol has the right to a good education. For many months, reflecting your views and experiences, I’ve focused particularly on support for Special Education Needs and Disabilities. I am looking closely at Bristol City Council’s improvement plans to address the weaknesses in the current SEND programme, including the Education Health and Care Plans. As a priority, I want to work with parents and carers to regain confidence in the SEND system in Bristol. The Withdrawal Agreement Bill came back from the House of Lords, including amendments I proposed on child refugees and EU citizens in my role as Shadow Europe Minister. I defended these amendments again in the Commons, but sadly the

government voted them down. I will carry on scrutinising the government throughout the process of negotiating the future relationship, pushing for the closest possible relationship with the EU. I’ve asked the government how many EU citizens who have applied for settled status have been given the less secure presettled status. I still haven’t been given an answer and am worried that those who have the legal right to be here aren’t being treated properly. This process should be seamless. I urge every EU citizen to apply as soon as possible and let me know of any problems. I was outraged that journalists from some national newspapers and news sites were denied access to a briefing from Number 10 on the future relationship with the EU. Accountable political journalism

Thangam Debbonaire column is more important than ever, particularly as the government have blocked Labour amendments to allow Parliament to scrutinise them. I will keep campaigning for freedom of the press, particularly as this seems to have become a worrying trademark of this government. As always please do get in touch if there is something you want to know, or take up in Parliament, or if you need my help.

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @SGRVoice

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stgeorge&redfieldvoice

March, 2020

n BRISTOL EAST MP

Protecting Bristol’s music scene

IT’S the kind of sentence that invariably sounds like a slightly embarrassing cliché coming from a politician, but music has always been an incredibly important part of my life. And one of the things I love most about Bristol is its diverse music scene. I know that’s something I share with many of my constituents. Relative to its population, Bristol punches well above its weight in terms of musical talent. From Portishead to Roni Size to more recent products like IDLES, Bristol has a reputation as a hotbed of cultural talent. And one of the reasons for that is our wealth of independent venues, with time and space for new acts to show what they can do and build a following of fans. As a patron of the Music Venue Trust, I know all too well how venues like Thekla, the Exchange and the Fleece have come under threat from rapid development and its associated

issues. We’ve seen iconic spots like the Surrey Vaults close because of noise complaints from new-build luxury apartments. That's why I’m so proud to have been part of the successful campaign to have the “agent of change principle” written into the National Planning Framework, meaning that responsibility now lies with housing developers – and not existing music venues – to ensure residents are protected from outside noise through proper soundproofing. I was also glad that last month the Government finally heeded our call to reduce business rates for small and medium venues across the country, a move that the Music Venue Trust estimates will save each site an average of £7,500 a year, and release more than £1.7 million back into the grassroots live music sector. But there is still more to be done to protect Bristol’s iconic music scene. In recognition of

n NEWS YOU probably will have heard of Bristol Open Doors where the city's best buildings are thrown open to members of the public. But what about Bristol Green Doors? Bristol-based charity the Centre for Sustainable Energy is organising a weekend event from May 16-17 where people open their homes to share their environmentally friendly tips with visitors. Organisers are looking for people to showcase their healthier and energy-saving homes. Bella Peatfield, from CSE, said: “Decarbonising our society to Net-Zero - whether by 2030 or 2050 - is going to require radical and rapid action. The scale of the change needed can feel overwhelming.

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this, Bristol City Council – led by cabinet member for culture and St George councillor Nicola Beech – has pioneered an advisory panel with responsibility for protecting and developing Bristol’s night time economy. It's now just over a year since the panel was formed, and in early February representatives of various clubs and bars across the city came together with organisations such as Bristol Drugs Project and Save Bristol Nightlife to celebrate all that's been achieved so far. Our independent venues and wider night time economy aren’t just important for cultural reasons, they’re also an important source of jobs in Bristol and a way to attract visitors to our city and boost our economy. It’s more important than ever that we protect these unique spaces – and make sure they are accessible and welcoming for everyone. I’m confident that with the vision and support of Marvin Rees as our

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for St George & Redfield Voice Mayor, and Bristol Council cabinet members like Nicola Beech, who truly understand the unique importance of Bristol’s music scene, there is a bright future for one of our city’s greatest assets.

Help open up Green Doors “But everyone, whether we own, rent or share, can take action in our homes to reduce our reliance on fossil fuelled energy. Draught proofing, secondary glazing, water management, heat pumps - the impact of a few changes, small or large, can become hundreds, that lead to thousands, ultimately millions of homes drastically reducing our energy consumption.” Bella said it was up to people who are already working towards a zero-carbon future to help others. “If you’ve made changes to your home to

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save energy or reduce your environmental impact, people want to hear about your experience. ” The project is also looking for volunteers to act as event stewards who will play a crucial role in giving out information. CSE is encouraging people to spread the word about Bristol Green Doors to try to get as many people as possible to take part, either by opening up their home or visiting homes during the event. You can find out more by visiting www. bristolgreendoors.org/events

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St George & Redfield Voice March 2020

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