August, 2015
E: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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Explore green jewels on your smartphone A WEALTH of beautiful green spaces is one of the reasons why Bristol is European Green Capital 2015. Now they are being celebrated by a unique app guide, drawn up by a man who lives next to Victoria Park. David Smith, who teaches software at the University of the West of England at Bower Ashton, is behind the Bristol Parkhive app, which has details of more than 200 parks and open spaces throughout the city. Smartphone users can find their nearest park and browse details and pictures, as well as being able to search for features like play areas and cycle tracks. Symbols show other facilities too such as toilets, picnic areas and disabled access. All can be searched for, and the parks pinpointed on a map. David is also behind another unique project to make a digital GPS walk tracing the medieval water pipe that used to run from Springfield allotments in Knowle to St Mary Redcliffe church. The ornate outlet is still visible in the church wall, but the pipe was damaged by World
Parkhive: The left-hand screen shows your nearest parks. You can also search for parks with features such as toilets Picture: David Smith War 2 bombing, and the flow now stops at the water ‘maze’ in Victoria Park. The ‘Pipewalk’ will be available at the end of the year. David loves the fact that Parkhive and its spin-offs are collaborations, fed by endless updates and pictures from the public. “Parkhive is useful for visitors to Bristol but also to residents,” he said. “I have
discovered no end of green spaces I had no idea existed, and I’ve lived in Bristol all my life!” The project is funded by UWE and partnered by Bristol Parks Forum. David is assistant creative director of Parkhive. • Search for Bristol Parkhive in the Apple Appstore or Google Play store. • www.bristolparkhive.com
Blooming best in BS4 rewarded
Winner: Danielle Fulgoni, 30, and her many blooms
THE BS4 Good Gardens awards have picked an overall winner after more than 50 streets were patrolled by judges looking for the brightest and best front yards. Danielle Fulgoni, 30, of Wick Road, Brislington, wins a meal for two at the Tube Diner. Despite little gardening experience, Danielle transformed her front garden with a brighter door, plus pots and flowers galore. She wanted to revive the home she shares with her father after two tragedies – her mother died five years ago and her brother last year. “Everyone says how mch nicer it looks now,” she said. Organiser Ruth Drury said she was thrilled by many inspiring stories. “It’s been a fantastic success. So many of our judges have seen huge efforts,” she said.
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Libraries saved after huge campaign MARKSBURY Road and Wick Road libraries look likely to stay open after Mayor George Ferguson indicated he will next month slash planned cuts to the libraries budget. In all, seven libraries across Bristol were under threat from plans to save £1.1 million. Now only £465,000 will be cut, though this will probably lead to cuts in library hours and staffing. Marksbury Road in Bedminster, and Wick Road, Brislington, are relatively small libraries but both were stoutly defended by their users. More than 150 people joined a protest march in May from Wick Road to Knowle library, which would be the nearest to Brislington if Wick Road closed. The Save Wick Road campaign won almost 4,500 signatures on a petition – enough to win a debate at a full council meeting on July 21. Campaign leader Valerie Cobbin said: “Wick Road is a very well used library, particularly by children and families, and a hub for the community.” She won praise from councillors of all parties for the campaign.
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