South Bristol Voice November 2015

FREE EVERY MONTH in Totterdown, Knowle and Windmill Hill

southbristolvoice November 2015 No. 6

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The arena consultation: Totterdown speaks Pages 13-15

LETTERS P17 | PLANNING APPLICATIONS P29 | FIREWORKS P39 NOW 40 PAGES! It’s your hospital: Do you use it? Page 5 Windmill Hill says towers too tall

Pages 10-12

Neighbours in fury over flats Page 19 New life for empty shops on Wells Rd

Page 25

History: The VC from Totterdown

Pages 30-32

Prepare to wonder at the art trail Marko Dutka’s stunning images of Arnos Vale cemetery feature in Totterdown’s Front Room Art Trail: p4

What’s on & arts Pages 37-39

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southbristolvoice Contacts Paul Breeden Editor and publisher

07811 766072 | paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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HE council is promising to listen to residents’ views on the arena. The first fruit is a plan for a new path and cycle lane to take the pressure off the overloaded pavement on Bath Road.

The plan is on page 15; have a look and see whether you think it will do the job.

By the time you read this the arena planning application may be out.

Let’s hope it reflects South Bristol’s perspective. We should hear about a new consultation meeting too.

November, 2015

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Intro

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On this subject, it was nice of the mayor to cite South Bristol Voice as one of the ways people are being kept informed of the proposals.

For the record, we’re pleased to do our bit to provide information and reflect the debate.

But we are not, repeat not, doing the mayor’s bidding or anyone else’s. The Voice is independent of any political or commercial interest.

Just time then to welcome two new businesses to longempty shops on Wells Road (p25). Surely a sign of new confidence in the area.

COMMUNITY groups which help look after South Bristol’s parks are hoping for better times in 2016 after a year of intermittent maintenance and erratic grass cutting.

The city council took the park teams in-house in February after dispensing with the services of Quadron, a private contractor which was generally praised.

The new arrangements got off to a bad start with a backlog of work made worse by a lack of resources. The Voice has been told that some workers had no tools to do their job – leaving some tasks undone for weeks.

Further upset was caused by a reduction in the amount of mowing. Park users were told that grass would be cut less often, with some areas left to grow longer to encourage wildlife.

Where this was planned, it was welcomed – in Victoria Park, for example, the many wildlife

enthusiasts are keen to develop a variety of habitats (see page 20).

But the consultation the council claimed to have carried out did not reach all the park groups affected. And sometimes areas were left long to encourage birds and insects, only to be cut down later in the year.

In Victoria Park the open-air film event in August was moved from one part of the park to another because of long grass.

Cllr Gary Hopkins said grass left long in parts of Knowle was “entirely inappropriate”.

And in Filwood people are “losing dogs in the long grass”, Windmill Hill neighbourhood forum was told last month.

At Victoria Park maintenance has improved over the year, though the most recent grass cutting on the park’s steepest slope left mounds of hay. The park’s wildlife group, part of friends group VPAG, thinks the

How do I get in touch with ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Surgeries on Friday November 13 and 27 at Knowle West Health Park, Downton Road, BS4 1WH, 9.1510.45 am. Call 0117 953 3575.

My councillor?

Gary Hopkins Lib Dem, Knowle (Lib Dem leader) By email: gary.hopkins@bristol. gov.uk By phone: 0117 985 1491 or 07977 512159 USEFUL NUMBERS

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EDITOR’S NOTE: South Bristol Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation.

Feedback is welcomed: call editor Paul Breeden on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk.

All stories and pictures are copyright of South Bristol Voice and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse.

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picture on maintenance hay may kill the grass underneath if left. However, other mown areas “look really good”, said a spokesman.

At Redcatch park in Knowle the year has gone much more smoothly, helped by a petition which succeeded in retaining park-keeper Fliss Barton at the park full-time.

Friends of Redcatch Park chair John Scott said: “I have not received any complaints about the grass cutting so it all seems to be working well.”

At Perretts park, smaller than the other two parks and without any permanent staff, park users are less happy.

Little maintenance was done throughout the summer, leaving one path near Sylvia Avenue so overgrown it was impassable.

Some benches were so overgrown they were unusable.

After a plea from the park’s friends group, Copp, there was a

Nowhere to sit: A bench in Perretts park just visible in the undergrowth sudden burst of activity during which all the undergrowth was severely pruned. All the grass was cut, too – including areas which had been left long.

The council said the reduced mowing would allow more repairs to be done – but when Copp asked for urgent repairs to

unsafe steps, the work took a month even though it was logged as a safety issue.

A spokesperson for Copp said: “This is a shame after the council put so much work into our new path and playground. We are still waiting for fencing to be fixed and a temporary entrance removed.

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“But we hope that next year work will be carried out in consultation with park users and things will go more smoothly.”

A council spokesperson said: “We have been trialling changes to our grass cutting regimes with sites being cut at different frequencies. However most sites will have been maintained as the previous arrangement.”

The council had run consultation on the changes, advertised on park noticeboards, and the response has been largely positive, she said.

“We will continue to implement different grass cutting regimes next year, but we will speak to park groups to let them know whether they can expect to see anything different.”

The changes had meant parks teams had been able to carry out daily infrastructure repairs to make a significant improvement on previous years, she said.

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News Hats off to the Front Roomers

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Totterdown’s famous Front Room Arts Trail takes place on November 20-22. The organisers have kindly penned this introduction for us ...

AS OUR visitors walk around the arts trail and see the amazing diverse art on show from more than 150 local artists, we want them to ask themselves if they could do this too, because this year we have decided to make the Arts Trail interactive.

We want to offer everyone the opportunity to have a go. Van Gogh said, “If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that

Sign: Front Room vice chair Vanessa Yeatman and chair Mandy Willis voice will be silenced.” We are offering free taster classes in pottery, painting, messy adult art play, drawing, needle felting, belly dancing, silk painting, yoga, quilting, floriography and drumming.

Our theme this year is Hats, so there will be hat making

workshops with Emily Draws, colourful hat bunting making to string across the streets, a big hat draw with GoSketch, and a community event in Totterdown Square building an enormous Quangle Wangle hat based on the Edward Lear poem.

There’ll be a hat hunt through

November, 2015

the venues and a hat parade in the woods of Arnos Vale culminating in a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the wonderful setting of the Anglican Chapel.

Visitors can choose a hat in the Oxford pub, Craftisan on Wells Road, and Bocabar at Paintworks so they can take on a whole new persona while they cavort to music. All the artists will be wearing hats which express their art form, and visitors will can judge the best.

Look out for six tiny Slinkachu-style urban scenes placed around Totterdown. Stop and take a photo, upload your picture and witty captions to our Twitter account @frontroomarts to win a prize.

There’s too much to tell you –have a look at the website.

• Pictures by Marko Dutka, featured on page 1 of the Voice, will be on show during the Art Trail at at the Spielman Centre, Arnos Vale cemetery. Marko will give a talk on his work at Arnos Vale on November 27.

• frontroom.org.uk

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We need to make more of our local hospital, says MP SOUTH Bristol residents are being asked to help shape the services available at the NHS Community Hospital in Hengrove.

MP Karin Smyth is concerned the new hospital, which opened in 2012, is not yet fulfilling its potential, and is conducting a survey to gather views.

Many South Bristol residents still travel across the city to other hospitals and health facilities, unaware of the services available on their doorstep.

“It took over 50 years of campaigning to get a new hospital built to serve people in South Bristol,” said Karin Smyth, who until she was elected to Parliament last May worked as a manager for the NHS. “It is beginning to play an important role, but it could offer so much more.

“I want to find out about people’s experiences of using the new hospital, and their views on how it could be developed.”

The MP says that when people use the community hospital they are generally impressed, both with the care they receive, and by how easy it is to get there.

One Totterdown man is a

typical customer. “I broke my ankle last summer and realised I’d either have to wait for a GP appointment or trek across town to A&E,” he said.

“Then I remembered the new hospital and thought I’d give it a try. It was great – I was there when it opened at 8am and 45 minutes later I’d had an X-ray and a diagnosis.”

The MP added: “I know there are many people in Totterdown, Bedminster and Windmill Hill who either don’t realise the hospital is there, or else don’t know what is available.

“There is little logic in expecting people who live fairly close to the new hospital to instead get themselves across the city, to the BRI or elsewhere.”

Ms Smyth has met NHS managers to urge them to collaborate with other local bodies, for example the fitness centre which is close to the hospital, and make better use of technology.

“We all know the NHS faces an ongoing funding crisis, so it would be unrealistic to expect dozens of new services.

“The survey aims to gauge the types of NHS services people

Underused: South Bristol hospital travel some distance to receive, as well as understanding what facilities local people feel they need to be added at Hengrove.”

Copies of the MP’s hospital survey will be delivered door to door. It is also online at www. karinsmyth.com/hospital or for a hard copy call 0117 953 3575.

Neina English, general

manager at the South Bristol hospital, said she welcomed the MP’s involvement and looks forward to hearing feedback from the community, which will add to comments received at the recent open day, held on October 17.

“The hospital is in Hengrove Promenade, a fantastic and accessible location for patients in South Bristol. Since the hospital opened in 2012, we’ve had more than 100,000 patients and received very good feedback.

“The hospital houses an urgent care centre for minor illnesses and injuries, day surgery and an inpatient rehabilitation service. Services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dieticians, speech and language therapy, X-rays and scans and a brand new community dental service.”

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All bow to the traditional fiddlers WANT to learn the fiddle?

Traditional Irish fiddle workshops start soon at the Hen and Chickens pub, Southville.

Tutors Viv Baker and Jane Dempsey are teaching in the traditional way, by ear, though sheet music is also available.

Viv and Jane have both been playing for many years and have travelled around Ireland picking up many beautiful tunes from Donegal down to Clare.

Workshops will take place in a side room at the pub, which is on the corner of North Street and Greville Road.

Adults and young people over 12 are welcome to come along to the first session starting on Monday November 2 from 6pm.

Turn up at 7pm if preferred.

The first session will sort groups into beginners or intermediate, depending on

Traditional: Vivienne and Jane numbers, and then start making music. The classes cost £8 for an hour.

Viv and Jane also play Irish music in a band, Cutting Ferns, available for parties and weddings, with Sheena Vallely on flute and Nick Woodward on guitar. To find out more email viviennefbaker@gmail.com.

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Slopes need cutting back VOLUNTEERS are needed to help tidy up Callington Road local nature reserve.

Saturday November 28 will see a Bramble Bash to clear dense undergrowth on the reserve’s slopes from 11am to 3pm. Tools are supplied.

Cllr Chris Davies urged support for the project, saying the reserve’s volunteers make an invaluable difference to Knowle.

November, 2015

Get spinning to help pedal aid to Africa A NOVEL form of indoor marathon takes place in Knowle with the aim of making it easier for children in Africa to get to school.

Fitness instructor Les Antoine is a national expert in Spinning – riding special exercise bikes in sessions which resemble a real cycle race. “I know you’re not

Ask the vet:

Could my pet have diabetes?

A pet that’s drinking a lot more than normal should be checked for diabetes

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UST like in people, diabetes is a growing concern for pets.

Diabetes is caused by the pancreas not being able to produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced is not being used correctly. Insulin allows glucose in the blood to enter cells, helping the body to function properly. Without this, it can be life threatening.

Unfortunately, your pet can’t tell you how they’re feeling.

However, diabetic pets can often display one or more tell-tale signs including excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite constant hunger, weakness or lethargy, vomiting, thin or dull hair, or cloudy eyes.

Like all illnesses, the earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treated, the better. There are estimated to be half a million undiagnosed diabetic people in the UK – imagine how many pets may also be at risk! Once diagnosed, it can be an easy condition to manage and your pet can lead a happy, healthy life.

It is thought that obese pets and female dogs are at greater risk of diabetes later in life, and some breeds can be predisposed to the condition. To help lower the chances of your pet developing diabetes, we recommend they maintain a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a suitable diet.

If you are concerned that your pet may have diabetes or would like further information, give Highcroft Veterinary Hospital a call on 01275 832410.

Rebecca Gibb BVM&S MRCVS Highcroft Veterinary Hospital, Whitchurch

It’s a trans-continental journey in a bid to help children get to school

going anywhere, but it’s up to the instructor to fire the riders’ imagination,” he said.

At the Superspin charity event on November 21, he will be urging riders on an imaginary journey across Africa.

Video screens will show terrain from each part of the race from North Africa to the Cape, through mountains, deserts, plains, rain forests and villages.

As the riders ascend a hill, they have to increase the resistance on their bike to simulate the effort of a real ride.

“We take people on a journey,” said Les. As well as leading Spinning groups at the Park Centre in Daventry Road, Knowle, Les is one of only 10 official Spinning team presenters in the UK who take charge at national events.

His aim is to raise money to support Qhubeka.org, a charity which funds bicycles for children in South Africa to help them get to school and improve their opportunities in life.

The charity has paid for 54,000 bikes since 2005. “Last

Market is back on the streets of Totterdown

In a spin: Riding Africa indoors year we raised £965 for Qhubeka which was enough for 12 cycles for children in South Africa. This time we are aiming to go well beyond £1,000,” said Les. “Participants can do up to three of the 60 minute rides, and make a minimum donation of £10 per ride. People can get sponsorship too.”

The charity is linked with MTN-Qhubeka, the first African registered team to ride in the Tour de France. This year they won stages in the Tour de France, Tour of Spain and won overall at the Tour of Britain.

If you’d like to find out more about the Superspin event, email les@la-revolution.co.uk.

THE BS4 Street Market returns on Sunday November 1 in School Road, Totterdown, with almost 30 stalls expected, from local art to food and fashion. Search BS4 Market on Facebook for details.

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Paul on 07811 766072 or Emma or Hollie on 0117 908 2121.

November, 2015

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A festival of brighter eyewear ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The Lynne Fernandes Frame Festival With our vision of being the number one in eyewear in Bristol, in November we are launching our new collections of frames with gorgeous collections from Ray Ban, Ronit Furst, Lindberg, Beausoleil, Wolf, Carter Bond, Oakley, Superdry and many more.

A festival of frames implies colour, wide ranges and broad appeal. We move brands out when they become staid and bring in new.

A new entry this year is SuperDry. Priced to offer street style at unbeatable value, the autumn/winter 2015 collection is only £150.

This season’s Ray Ban also returns at £180 and we’ve also spent time updating our handmade, in-house designed-by-lynnefernandes collection with new colourful, unique handmade styles.

Your frame festival personal styling consultation Whether you would like a bespoke professional image for work, or perhaps a cool casual style for when you are relaxing with friends, we want you to be absolutely delighted with your new look and our specialist team will help you find the ideal frames to reflect your own unique style.

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The Wolf Open Day: Saturday November 28th, 9am – 4.30pm The frame festival concludes with a showcase of the entire Wolf Eyewear collection.

Don’t miss our exciting special offers! Follow us on Facebook for more details: www.facebook.com/lynnefernandesoptometrists In Praise of Lynne Lynne has accepted the role of Chair of the Local Optical Committee. This committee represents local optometrists and works with the NHS to improve local eye health services and I am proud to say she is very good at chairing. Over three months Lynne has worked with a coalition of consultants, NHS

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administrators, ophthalmologists and national eye care groups to create a communitybased cataract post-operative assessment service. This will ease pressure on Bristol Eye Hospital, feed into national research and is funded well enough for the large optician chains to have signed up. The Bristol scheme should provide a model for the rest of the country to follow. I have to say I didn’t think this was possible, particularly after sitting in an optometrists training meeting, listening to the lack of awareness of the clinical skills appropriate for this level of service. At Lynne Fernandes Optometrists we have decided to audit our whole service, with extra training for our optometrists with clinical sessions and peer reviews of our work.

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Fit folk put their energy into the community

One way for Woodbridge Road planned

DO YOU exercise but feel that your energy could be put to more productive use?

Members of a group called GoodGym believe they have an answer, combining running with projects to help the community.

“We run to keep fit and to do good,” said organiser Pru Comben. Projects have included helping Windmill Hill City Farm turn their car park in to a garden, and the Patchwork Project to transform little unloved spaces all over Bedminster, Southville and Totterdown into gardens.

GoodGym started in London but is has been active in Bristol for a couple of years. Members meet at Vivo Sports Club on Welsh Back every Tuesday at 6.30pm and get back at 8pm.

“We run to a community project, spend about 30 minutes doing something physical such as gardening, sorting food donations, moving heavy things,” said Pru. “Once done, we then run back to Vivo, sometimes stopping in a park for a circuits session and a good stretch.”

PLANS to make Woodbridge Road, Knowle, into a one-way street and restrict the speed of drivers on Redcatch Road will take place in the New Year.

Neighbours in Woodbridge Road have long campaigned for a one-way order, Cllr Chris Davies told Knowle neighbourhood forum. The road is too narrow for cars to pass.

The chicane on Redcatch Road has led some impatient drivers to speed up Woodbridge Road. Others accelerate to get through, highways officer Neil Terry told the forum.

A speed table on the narrow section will slow drivers on Redcatch Road while the one-way rule will stop them dashing up Woodbridge Road.

Design work on the changes is expected to start in January.

Lop away: The GoodGym idea is to combine fitness with good works “We also have a programme to pair runners up with older people; the runners pop in for a bit of company, then carry on their run.

“We are not there to be home help or carers, we simply provide company and have a reason to go out for a run,” said Pru. “We’re always after more runners and also more tasks,”

she added. To find out more email pru@goodgym.org or search GoodGymBristol on Facebook.

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Room to be creative: Victoria Park primary childen sort their colours PUPILS at Victoria Park primary school have a smart new room specially for art.

The brainchild of art teacher Rachel Johnson, the new room is adorned with masks, pictures and every kind of art you can think of,

including bird silhouettes on the walls and painted tiles.

Pupil Harvey, 10, told the opening ceremony: “We are very lucky to have this art room because not many schools have one. Everyone had a hand in making it.”

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November, 2015

Bedminster towers too high

H

ALF of the homes in the major redevelopment known as Bedminster Green should be classed as affordable housing, a newly formed residents group has said.

Calling itself Wham – Windmill Hill and Malago community planning group – its members have issued a statement calling on developers Urbis to meet 10 standards.

They call for the height of the many buildings in the £100 million scheme to be reduced – several are expected to be between eight and 12 storeys but Wham asks for the heights to be “appropriate to the amount of open space”.

Carlton Bodkin, who chairs Wham, said members are unhappy at the sheer scale of the development.

Many in Windmill Hill are

upset that the 16-story St Catherine’s Place was approved, he said, and they do not want the skyline further disrupted by a range of more tall buildings.

“We are concerned that they are going to be sticking very large blocks up in an area that is not used to it,” he said.

“We say to Urbis, we have the opportunity to do something unique,” he said. “This could become an international exemplar of development. It needs to be dense but it needs to be ground breaking.” He said Wham wants to work with the developer to find a better solution.

The call for half the housing – envisaged to total up to 800 homes – to be made affordable is likely to spark the biggest disagreement.

Residents have already voiced concerns that with house prices

rising fast, buying a home is impossible for many young people and low-paid workers.

However, planning guidance provides for only up to 30 per cent of new developments to be affordable.

Mr Bodkin thinks the figure should be higher – and even these low targets are being missed all over Bristol. St Catherine’s Place has no affordable homes because Urbis says it would cost too much.

And even “affordable” rents can be too expensive for many – because they are linked to the current market rents in the area, which are currently rising alongside property prices.

Richard Clarke, managing director of Urbis, said the demand for such a large proportion of affordable housing is “not realistic.”

“The average contribution is seven to 10 per cent, and we are

offering 20 per cent or more,” he said.

A larger proportion of lower-rent homes is only possible in more affluent locations, he said, where property values are higher.

He said Urbis is determined

Green power plant could heat

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PEOPLE in Bedminster and Windmill Hill will be consulted this autumn on the first stage of the proposed Bedminster Green development – the energy centre (pictured above) which should dramatically cut heating bills for residents.

The first part of the ambitious £100 million plan to regenerate the area between Malago Road, Whitehouse Lane and East Street is for a green energy scheme to generate 11 megawatts of power – enough to heat 1,200 homes – plus up to 6MW of electricity.

This means several hundred homes outside the new development could be connected too.

Council homes in Ploden, Holroyd and Northfield houses could benefit from cheaper

heating as well as Bristol South swimming pool and possibly the new flats proposed for Regents House and Consort House – the old tobacco buildings on Bedminster Parade.

The new centre will be powered by gas – but it will be more efficient than a domestic boiler or even a gas-fired power station.

Using gas to generate electricity is about 50 per cent efficient. Using it to pipe heat direct into nearby homes is 86 per cent efficient, says Richard Clarke, managing director of developer Urbis.

It will also reduce carbon emissions by around 70 per cent compared to a domestic boiler.

Though gas is a fossil fuel, this will partly be offset by burning around 20 per cent biogas.

This biomethane comes

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November, 2015

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News

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and too many say residents WHAM’S 10 DEMANDS FOR BEDMINSTER GREEN • Building heights appropriate open spaces for wildlife and to the amount of open space. people • The Malago opened and • Community space for markets put at the centre of the and social events development • Affordable housing at 50%!

• Cycle and walking routes • A realistic plan for projected throughout traffic.

• Public transport improved • Buildings to highest • Trees environmental standards, with • Green corridors and green sustainable energy use.

Artist’s vision of the new energy centre from Malago Road with a dramatic greenhouse on the roof.

The new St Catherine’s Place tower is in the background to build a high quality development that will not cut corners and will improve not

only the Bedminster green area but also give a boost to the tired commercial area of East Street.

The higher density is intentional, he said, because Bristol is not building enough homes for the people who work in the city. He said the city is

effectively passing part of its housing burden to North Somerset and South Gloucestershire – meaning workers who drive into the city form a large part of the local traffic in peak hours around Bedminster.

Urbis has carried out a transport study which found that a large proportion of the cars passing through the area are commuters from out of town.

“We are trying to create a

transport hub to bring together the Metrobus, the railway, cycle and pedestrian routes, and making walking a pleasant experience,” said Mr Clarke.

Urbis believes it has dealt with many of the other demands made by Wham.

The Malago river – which is currently hidden or buried, and often an eyesore – is a central part of the Urbis plan, with riverside walkways and green Continued on page 12

council homes and pool as well from recycled vegetable waste such as tomato plants from commercial farms and recycled sewage.

The plant will also generate electricity.

Combined heat and power engines will produce electricity on demand for big utility firms. It will be efficient as there will be little power lost in the cables before it reaches the users.

Mr Clarke expects residents’ heating bills to be around 20 per cent lower than those from conventional suppliers.

The bills will be issued by a new, local company – South Bristol Energy. It has been formed by Urbis, technical experts First Generation and biogas specialist ST Energy 360.

The company will commit to paying for energy improvements such as

better insulation for up to 40 homes outside the development each year, paying out up to £200,000 annually.

The most visible feature of the plant is the giant greenhouse on the roof. The aim is to use excess energy to keep the greenhouse warm yearround, growing plants such as palm trees that wouldn’t normally survive in Bedminster.

Ways for the community to use the greenhouse are being worked out.

Local people will be able to see how the plant works in a visitor centre which will show off the technology.

Urbis looked at powering the centre through biomass – but realised that trucking in the huge quantities of wood chips needed would not be practical in such a restricted urban area.

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News: Bedminster Green

BEDMINSTER GREEN IN A NUTSHELL ...

THE NEW BUILDINGS: HOW TALL? eet Str t s KEY TO Ea BUILDING HEIGHTS IN STOREYS Up to 15 Up to 12 Up to 10 Up to 8 Up to 6 Up to 4

ag

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Up to 2

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spaces around it. The developer is working with Avon Wildlife Trust to create the green corridors and open spaces which Wham wants.

More trees, cycle routes, pavements and public transport improvements are likewise central to the plan.

The adjacent St Catherine’s Place development – where a 16-storey tower will have 188 homes – will also accommodate a dentist’s surgery and a gym as well as an open space where farmers markets and other community events are envisaged.

A detailed traffic plan has been prepared, and already the buildings are designed to Code 4 insulation standards – the second highest used in the UK. The district energy centre is featured in the story on page 10.

After consultation, a planning application for the energy centre should follow by the end of the year. Further applications of rother stages of the scheme will follow next year.

Bedminster station

M

Continued from page 11

Energy centre

November, 2015

Windmill Hill

• Up to 800 homes • About 20% affordable rent • About 18 buildings, max 12 storeys • 150-space car park at East St • Doctors’ surgery and community centre • Energy plant to heat homes • Homes for students, elderly • Completion early 2019 GREENER CITY ...

• Malago river opened up • Green walkways and river walk • Trees and “rain gardens” – plants to soak up rainwater • Avon Wildlife Trust assisting NEW TRANSPORT HUB ...

• Metrobus and Metrorail to hike public transport use • New pedestrian, cycle ways NEXT DOOR ...

• St Catherine’s Place to have 188 apartments, 16 storeys • Run by a property company • No “affordable” homes • Gym and dental surgery – no “pound shops” • Permission granted, completion end 2018

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Arena focus

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Totterdown calls for action to avoid arena traffic chaos Council says arena alone will have small effect on Three Lamps FEARS that plans for the Bristol arena will be pushed through without proper consideration of the effects on South Bristol residents were expressed in force at a public meeting in Totterdown.

Residents packed into Totterdown Methodist church hall for the meeting on October 2, which was arranged with community group Tresa after public objections to the fact that no local meetings were planned.

They were told that it would make no difference that Bristol City Council is the developer and is also responsible for ruling on the planning application.

Stuart Woods of the council’s arena project team told residents there was a “Chinese wall” between the officials planning the 12,000 capacity arena and those judging the application.

The application is expected to be submitted in early November.

It will be followed by six weeks of consultation before the planning

committee makes a decision.

Another consultation event in Totterdown is expected to be announced soon.

The cost of the project has risen from £91 million to £93m, and completion is now expected in early 2018 rather than 2017.

Planning is one of the few areas where councillors take decisions, rather than mayor George Ferguson.

Some residents queried the pre-planning consultation process, which ended on October 13, with most of the information events taking place in the city centre rather than in neighbourhoods near the arena.

“I don’t think people have been given an opportunity to comment,” said one. “I’m very in favour of the arena but I’m very concerned about the traffic plans.”

No parking spaces have been identified for arena users south of the river, she said.

Another resident pointed out that traffic around Ashton Gate during Bristol City games is “horrendous”, and pleaded for something to be done to alleviate the Three Lamps bottleneck. “I’m all in favour of the arena but if we have an event there and City are playing at home, the whole city is going to be gridlocked.”

Much criticism focused on the lack of detail in the arena plan

Bus access looks less than ideal DISCUSSIONS on the arena at Windmill Hill and Knowle neighbourhood meetings, where council officials made presentations of the plans, found similar concerns.

Officials were told that many people from South Bristol will drive to the arena because public transport from areas such as Hartcliffe and Withywood is inadequate after cuts to bus services.

At Knowle, there were fears that those with limited mobility will have to walk a long way from bus stops to get to the arena.

One woman said: “It’s all very well having disabled parking but for people who cannot walk very far, if it takes

15 minutes to walk [from a bus stop], well some people cannot walk that far.”

A lack of detail on the transport elements of the plan also came under attack.

One resident said: “You are basing your proposals on all the roads being open, the railway lines all running normally.

“You talk about there being ‘only’ 20 capacity events at the arena a year, but that’s more than one a month – you are skating over these things.

“We have long enough memories to remember the plans for the roads that blighted Totterdown for many years [from the 1960s] and you are about to do the same.”

Open plan: The arena site awaits the go-ahead from planners – the full transport plan and environmental assessment will not be released until the planning application is made. Calls for

Three Lamps junction to be altered to allow a right turn from Wells Road are not part of the Continued on page 15

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November, 2015

Arena developer must listen to Mayor says the area was not forgotten and concerns are being addressed PLANNING for the arena has paid too little attention to the needs of people who will live closest to it, says Bristol South MP Karin Smyth.

Developers must also look beyond the facility’s recreational benefits and focus on using the project to bring jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for city residents, said Ms Smyth.

The Labour MP’s response to the official consultation on the arena welcomes the development, saying it must bring employment benefits for Bristol residents. “Those

WE’RE LISTENING ... Concerns are considered

THE council says it has listened to the public during the monthlong pre-planning consultation, and is looking at several points.

Those raised at the Totterdown meeting were: • Potential parking problems for residents • Not enough car parking identified to south of arena • Traffic, pedestrian and cycle flows at Three Lamps • Cycle and pedestrian ways on Bath Road (see panel, right) • Access for arena users to Park & Ride and incentives for visitors to use it • Noise and light pollution from arena when it is being built and when it is in use • Future of the former PO sorting office next to Temple Meads • Noise and other issues at coach drop-off point in Albert Road • Changing Temple Circus roundabout to traffic light control • Problems with drivers wanting to drop off and pick up at arena • Hours of operation for arena, and hours of alcohol licence • Avoiding simultaneous major events at arena and Ashton Gate • Visual impact of the arena overseeing the arena project simply must ensure it brings genuine employment and skills opportunities for jobs for Bristol residents,” she said.

She says she expects to see building trade apprenticeships provided by contractors and

looks to the city council to ensure that Bristol South’s young people have equal opportunity to these – and are paid the living wage.

Ms Smyth expressed serious doubts about the level of consideration given to the impact on people who live nearby, in

terms of traffic, access and noise.

She also said South Bristol itself appeared to have been left out of initial consultation plans.

“People within my constituency are telling me that if a residents parking zone is required, then the arena developers should meet the costs, not the people who happen to live in streets that are affected. I am particularly concerned about the impact on residents in Totterdown, Windmill Hill and Knowle.

“From the consultation papers, residents would be forgiven for thinking the detail of the public art that will festoon the building may have been given more thought than the effect of noise on the arena’s neighbours.”

“When the consultation was first announced, it was disappointing that South Bristol appeared to have been left out of plans given that these are the residents who will be most affected. I was pleased to see that a consultation was belatedly included for South Bristol and it

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South Bristol concerns, says MP is vital that the developers act on the responses.

“Most of the improvements are designed to benefit people travelling from the north, east and west and include road, cycling and pedestrian improvements.”

She said Bath Road is already very busy and fraught with dangers for pedestrians, and she is not sure if the current plans are sufficient to improve pedestrian safety for people travelling to the arena from the Wells and Bath roads.

“The projection of a ‘worst case scenario’ of 80 per cent of people travelling by car is bound to place significant pressures on the residential areas closest to the arena, particularly as there are no plans to build any parking spaces other than disabled parking on the arena site. In addition to visitors, there will also be the setting up of operations for the day.”

Mayor George Ferguson replied to the MP’s comments.

He said all the arena contracts require the operator and building contractors to provide training and skills plans to promote employment opportunities to local people. “We will make sure they are implemented,” he said.

He went on to deny that the consultation with South Bristol residents had been inadequate – and asserted that articles in

Path cut into embankment

New bridge, 48m long, 3m wide

Arena plaza

South Bristol Voice were helping to keep people informed.

Mr Ferguson said: “I do take issue with the false assertion that South Bristol residents have been left out of the consultation. We have fully consulted with local people via door-dropped postcards, briefings, drop-in sessions, public exhibitions and online.

“Members of the project team

Totterdown consultation Continued from page 13 arena plan because officials say the arena itself will not increase traffic enough to make it necessary.

Andrew Davies, a council transport officer, said 44 per cent of traffic for the arena is expected to approach from the north and only about eight per cent from the south through Three Lamps.

“We cannot use this development [the arena] to solve the wider transport problems,” he said.

Gary Hopkins, the council’s Lib-Dem leader, hit back, saying the arena is going to contribute to traffic problems, adding: “If you are trying to say it’s got nothing to do with the arena you are missing the point.”

Residents should not have to pay for any mitigation to the problems they will suffer because of the arena, such as residents parking schemes, he said.”The developer should pay for it, and that needs to be a planning condition,” he said, to applause.

Bath

Three Lamps junction

Road

NEW BRIDGE TO MEET SAFETY FEARS ON BATH ROAD A NEW foot- and cycle-way is proposed next to Bath Road. It would cut into the bank near Three Lamps to link to a 48m bridge into the arena site. This path will be 6m wide near Three Lamps, narrowing to 3m on the new footbridge.

On Bath Road, the narrow path over the exisiting railway bridge – less than 3m wide for both pedestrians and cyclists – remains. have attended neighbourhood partnership and forum meetings in the area and we have responded to requests for additional meetings in South Bristol.

“We have also supplied comprehensive information and plans to local media including the South Bristol Voice community paper that has been distributed widely in the most

affected areas. During the consultation there has been widespread support for the arena and positive feedback on the proposed design.

“Some of the emerging issues include the quality of pedestrian and cycle routes on the Bath Road, arena visitor parking on nearby residential streets, noise and the impact of additional traffic in the area.”

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Supermarkets are lacking

Where’s the green man?

WHAT has happened to pelican crossings? Gone is the little green man opposite me, welcoming me across when he lights up, and stopping me when he’s unlit.

Now I stand at the kerb and a mini green man is somewhere behind me.

Sometimes he doesn’t even bleep at me, leaving me guessing it’s safe to cross. How can I teach my children to stand at the kerb and watch till the green man says it’s safe, when he’s not only behind them but above their heads?

Is this only me? Or do you miss the little green man? Please let’s bring him back.

RL Perrington, Victoria Park

S

I READ the letter from your correspondent complaining about the lack of supermarkets in Knowle in the last issue and thought I would write as I am in the same position.

I too am 85 and live in Knowle and find it difficult to get my shopping but I use Dial-a-Ride which I find marvellous.

I am able to walk down to Sainsbury’s and Dial-a-Ride pick me up and bring me back.

They will also collect you from your home if you cannot manage an ordinary bus. I believe they also go to Tesco and Asda.

Once upon a time it was free but now they charge £20 a year, which you cannot complain about.

If you want to find out more you can ring them on 0845 130 1875.

AB, Knowle

southbristolvoice

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November, 2015

A lane almost without a name

I HAVE been following with great interest your articles on the arena project. Yet it seems the planners have overlooked a possible walkway? Opposite the Three Lamps on the Bath Road side is a lane which has never carried a name but in a bygone age it was always known as May Walk owing to the blossom that grew along its walls.

It was used as a direct route by the railwaymen walking to and from St Philips Marsh engine shed at all hours, day and night.

This engine shed was the second largest on the Great Western Railway and employed 700 men.

The fruit market now stands on the site.

May Walk had many faces: summer evenings were tranquil with birdsong and the smell of balsam, while winter nights would turn it into an eerie place, with the wind turning the gas lamps into a miniature volcano.

To stand at the end of the walk on an early summer’s morning to hear the dawn chorus was magic. At the bottom of the walk, the way continues across the river by way of a viaduct.

There is a door and a lamp that once gained entry to the Bristol and Exeter railway workshops.

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The door is now welded shut. At the end of the viaduct steps lead down into Victor Street.

The site of the arena was once Bath Road engine shed that took care of the passenger traffic. It started life with the Bristol & Exeter, changing hands with the GWR. It was rebuilt in 1932 and continued to service steam engines until 1960. It became a diesel depot and closed in the 1990s. The boundary wall from Bristol & Exeter days remains, and the high ground behind is the site of the first railway club, called Avon Clift House.

DJ Fleming, St John’s Lane

Our right not to have a mayor

MANY readers will be aware that due to an anomaly, Bristol is the only city in the UK that having opted for an elected mayor does not have the right to change its mind in a vote.

It should be stressed that although the present mayor may have highlighted some of the issues, this right is about the method of governance rather than about an individual.

Lib Dems launched a petition which attracted thousands of signatures and put a motion to Bristol city council. We were pleasantly surprised to get

17

unanimous support from all parties.

An amendment promoted by Baroness Janke (ex Lib Dem council leader) was agreed by the House of Lords and I was happy to have all-party local support to lobby minister Greg Clarke to ask the Government not to reverse the decision with a whipped vote in the Commons.

Cllr Gary Hopkins Lib Dem leader, Bristol City Council

Improving the skyline walk

THANK you for the article in the October Voice, “A walk around the Skyline”. We were really pleased to see people using the walk and providing feedback.

We have been reviewing the way the route is described and how we waymark it. This has resulted in a revised booklet, available from our websites and from the address below.

Fly tipping can be a real nuisance: there is nothing we can do to stop it other than report it, and try to ensure that areas are difficult to dump into. You can report tipping to the council on 0117 922 3719 or email to bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk.

Your ideas on the walk are welcome: email info@bssw.org. uk. If you get a chance to try it (there is a short and a long route) on a crisp winter’s day, it is a great way of getting exercise and seeing the views it is famous for.

Websites: www.bssw.org.uk and www.northern-slopesinitiative.org.uk/skyline Or write to BSSW c/o 67 Beckington Road, Knowle, Bristol BS3 5ED. Len Wyatt, Bristol South Skyline Walk group

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News Neighbours in a fury over plan for flats on prominent hilltop Claims Totterdown flats could ruin one of Bristol’s best views and overshadow several neighbours A PROPOSAL to build nine flats on a prominent corner site in Totterdown has whipped up a storm of protest.

Neighbours and other Totterdown residents have sent a flood of objections to the council over the four-storey building they say would overshadow nearby homes and damage one of Bristol’s most prominent views.

Developer Crossman Land, a Bath firm, has submitted an application for nine flats – two of one bedroom and seven with two bedrooms – on a small, longderelict plot at the corner of Goolden Street and Bathwell Road, behind Holy Trinity church.

In an attempt to fit in with Totterdown’s famous multicoloured skyline, Crossman wants to clad the building in coloured panels – which objectors say are completely out of keeping with the area.

So far 49 objections have been submitted to the council. Both local councillors, Deborah Joffe and Sam Mongon, are against, as are Totterdown residents group Tresa and Bristol Tree Forum.

Linn Waite, who lives nearby on Stanley Hill, said the proposal could damage one of Bristol’s best views. “This is the view you

Multicoloured hilltop: Developer Crossman proposes coloured cladding but has not named the material get of Bristol when you come in by train when you look up to Totterdown and Holy Trinity church on the skyline,” she said.

“This will partly block the view you get of the church.

“They had an incredible opportunity with this site – it is a small plot but it has an impact on a lot of the surrounding streets.”

Like many other objectors, she also opposes the size of the building – it has four storeys, though the top floor is half the size of the others – and its mass, as it butts straight onto Goolden Street and Bathwell Road.

One objector whose Wells Road bedroom looks onto the site fears the visual impact: “Why industrial cladding in such a small, characterful area?

Presumably chosen because it’s

cheap,” he said. Others dubbed the plan “huge, hideous” and “unspeakably foul” and called it “alien to the area”.

Some in Bathwell Road fear the first floor living rooms of the new flats will look straight into their bedrooms, and they will lose a lot of natural light.

Others object to the number of flats and the number of parking and cycle spaces. Five parking spaces are proposed, and room for one cycle for each flat.

Objectors also point out that the derelict scout hut behind Holy Trinity church is expected to be developed for social housing, bringing more people to the area.

“There are far too many flats already and parking is a major issue,” wrote one neighbour in Goolden Street. “Putting more

flats would not only cause congestion on the street but also [have a] major impact on neighbours. As a young person who’s looking to buy [a] first home, flats are not [what] we need but proper houses.”

However, the site already has planning permission for 10 flats and two maisonettes. Consent for so many homes on the site may mean councillors on the planning committee cannot resist the new application on the number of flats alone.

The deadline for consultations expired on October 26. Crossman said it would “address reasonable comments to find a balance between the concerns of local residents, the requirements of the local authority and the constraints of this complex site.”

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November, 2015

WILD PARK Picture special ... Windmill Hill art trail,

A new column by the Wildlife Group of Victoria Park Action Group THE 50 acres of Victoria Park are some of the best loved in South Bristol. Gentle sweeps of turf lead through avenues of stately lime trees, with fine views over the city framed by colourful Totterdown.

Unfortunately, the short grass, lack of water, dense clumps of shrubs and tidy edges aren’t so friendly for wildlife. The VPAG Wildlife Group wanted to help improve things and this summer saw positive changes.

Good growing weather and a slightly reduced mowing regime led to a brief riot of yellow dandelion.

Rather more intentional was the long grass on the steeper north and east flanks of the hill. Here is emerging a nature reserve within a park.

Occasional surprise patches of bright buttercups; a reversion to the Somerset meadowland this once was.

The annual thinning, or coppicing, of the small woods on the hilltop helps to let in some light encouraging smaller plants to grow. Areas of snowdrops and expanding sheets of pungent white wild garlic are establishing a habitat similar to country woodland.

Most welcomed the changes.

Nature certainly did. In July a Bioblitz in the park involving around 900 local children counted over 400 species of insects, plants, birds, mammals and reptiles which are mostly around the park edges by the railway, but should expand with the new meadow areas. Children liked it.

Dogs liked it. Concerns over ticks were unfounded as they are only found where there are deer such as Ashton Court. Some of the annual wildflowers were more successful than others but with perennial wildflowers due to be planted soon the beds should have more coverage.

The council sees an advantage in ‘nature areas’ in Bristol’s parks. A reduction in mowing potentially leaves more budget for other resources. Victoria Park retains Ray, the parkkeeper, but he has been stretched to take on extra parks.

These unsung heroes maintain our parks and informally keep us as park users in good order.

Volunteers also help to make the parkkeeper’s task manageable. At the time of writing, a work party in the Victorian ‘Secret Garden’ by Fraser Street found many small frogs and signs of bank voles.

Interested in joining a Wildlife Group Saturday morning work party?

See the Victoria Park Action Group website for details: www.vpag.org.uk

Lizzy – Of Mick & Lizzy – plays at the Art on the Hill event, left. Above, Nathaniel, Stanley,Timmy and Adelen

Dancers wowed the Victoria Park fun day on September 12

It didn’t sound much – but three times around Victoria Park on the fun day run makes 5km.

Fun Day pictures: VPAG

Children at the new Marksbury Road Oasis Ferguson, Lord Mayor Clare Campion-Smit

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, Victoria Park fun day, school celebration and more

ne make pictures for the junior church at St Michael’s as part of the trail, while the Shynee Ladies performed Eastern dance to acclaim in Victoria Park.

Cheers! Jill Pidgeon, centre, of Lilymead Avenue, Knowle, raised more than £250 for Macmillan cancer relief at her coffee morning on September 25

primary school held a teddy bears picnic and welcomed mayor George th and other important guests for their official opening on October 13

Right, the Friends of Redcatch Park celebrate £6,000 of improvements, including new trees, open air gym equipment, a new picnic table and new bench. Sadly the park appears likely to lose one of the long hedges next to Sylvia Avenue to honey fungus, along with other plants

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November, 2015

News Toy library gets a push start thanks to walkers PLANS for a South Bristol toy library have got under way with a grant that will buy the first pieces of equipment.

Let’s Walk Bedminster initiative, which is part of Bristol’s Green Capital 2015, is giving money to buy two push-along trikes and three micro scooters.

These will be available for parents to borrow, and will support the Let’s Walk Bedminster aim to get more families moving on foot.

Toy library organiser Annie Berry said: “This is a pilot scheme for Toy Library South Bristol – we will be lending these trikes and scooters out for a very small membership and hire fee as a trial for the library.

“The library will be available to anyone caring for a child in South Bristol – carers,

Group gets under way with appeal for more toys and help

grandparents and parents – and is a wonderful way of trying out toys, reducing waste and supporting the development of your children.”

Annie, who is the chair of the new toy library group, is also appealing for help in finding premises and more volunteers.

“If you are having a toy clearout please consider donating your toys to the library for shared use within your community. Our committee of volunteers are seeking a secretary and would

also love to hear from anyone with skills to share (e.g. websites, databases, research, fundraising).

“Or if you are a business or community group with temporary storage for our toys or have a potential library play session space, please get in touch! We will also soon be fundraising set up costs for the library.”

To find out more, email toylibrarysouthbristol@ gmail.com or via Facebook by searching for toylibrarysouthbristol.

A push-along trike similar to the ones the library is about to buy

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A SERVICE of memorial is to be held at Arnos Vale cemetery on the anniversary of the end of World War 1, November 11.

The cemetery is the last resting place of many servicemen from all over the world – as well as local people who lived through both world wars.

The ceremony will be held at Arnos Vale’s Great War memorial by the Bath Road entrance. The memorial was built in 1921 at Soldiers’ Corner to mark the graves of Great War casualties who died in Bristol’s hospitals.

Richard Smith Road which is the car access to the top of the cemetery will be closed between 10am and 11.30am.

The event will be supported by local schools, the Royal British Legion and their standard bearer, plus the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The event will start at 10.45am and two minutes silence will be held at 11am.

All donations made during the event will go to the British Red Cross.

• www.arnosvale.org.uk

DO YOU HAVE ANY STAR WARS FOR SALE? Cash Paid - I am looking for Star Wars items both vintage and modern, large and small.

If you need to clear out ready for the new movie or want to cash in on the interest in Star Wars because of the new movie, please contact me.

Also looking for other collectables, Art Deco, vintage toys, vintage clothes, records, DVD’s and CD’s.

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Attic Treasures Ltd To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Paul on 07811 766072 or Emma or Hollie on 0117 908 2121.

November, 2015

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23

Bristol Dogs & Cats Home Support our work at Christmas fair W

E ARE kicking off the festive season by inviting everyone to join us for our annual Christmas Fair on Sunday November 22.

This fabulously festive and fun family event will get you in the mood for the season ahead, with Christmas crafts and gorgeous gifts, mince pies and warming mulled seasonal drinks – and of course no Christmas Fair would be complete without a visit by the famous Santa Claus!

This event has something for everyone, with fun games for the kids, a vast array of stalls – from gorgeous gifts for humans and pets alike, to decorative accessories, stunning Christmas cards and tasty refreshments! It’s a brilliant opportunity to avoid the high street rush, bag yourself

It’s the time to get seasonal at Bristol Dogs & Cats Home

a bargain and soak up that Christmas atmosphere – all the while supporting animals in need at the home this winter.

All the money raised at the fair contributes to our Winter Warmer Appeal, which aims to keep toes toasty and tummies full this winter. As the cold weather can be a danger to the health of our animals, especially the young, old, and unwell, we make sure they have extra food,

Police update T

HE clocks have gone back and the countdown to Christmas has begun – there is no denying that winter is here.

During the darker evenings and nights, my team will continue to work hard in the community to keep you safe and prioritise the things which matter most to local residents.

An issue which is often raised at neighbourhood forums is that of drugs, in particular cannabis.

In June, my officers discovered a cannabis factory at a property on St Luke’s Crescent in Totterdown, which we visited following complaints from the landlord.

The house had been converted into a cannabis factory, with three growing rooms using lighting and extraction, and contained more than 700 cannabis plants which we seized.

Following investigations, a 33-year-old man from Totterdown was found guilty of being concerned in the production of cannabis and last month he was sentenced to three

Every penny raised at the seasonal event will help keep animals like Marley warm and fed warmth and care, which of course incurs more cost.

We would love you to join us for the festive fun – so please pop along, and help make a difference to the animals we care for this winter. The Christmas Fair will be held at Bristol Dogs and Cats

Home in Albert Road, St Philips, from 10am until 3pm. Entrance is £1 for adults, and children get in free! For more information call 0117 300 3968 or email harriet@ rspca-bristol.org.uk. To donate to our Winter Warmer Appeal visit www.rspca-bristol.org.uk.

With Sgt David Deakin, Broadbury Road police station

Cannabis is a growing concern that can land you with a jail term years in prison at Bristol Crown Court.

I would urge all landlords to keep a close eye on their properties and to report anything suspicious to us. In particular, keep an eye (or nose) out for: • A strong vegetable smell • Windows covered from the inside with plastic or polythene • Condensation on windows • Curtains always drawn • House appearing unoccupied, or tenants who do not engage with their neighbours.

W

e have also stepped up our patrols of Malago Park following your concerns about drug use and anti-social

All lit up: A cannabis factory typical of those uncovered in Bristol behaviour. There has been a significant drop in activity in recent weeks but we need your continued support to tell us where and when it may have moved on to.

If you suspect there’s a cannabis factory near you, or you’re concerned about drugs activity in your neighbourhood, call us on our non-emergency number 101, or email us through the ‘Your Area’ pages of our

website, www.avonandsomerset. police.uk. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask for your name or trace your call.

Or come to our next neighbourhood forum for Windmill Hill and Totterdown on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm at the Community Centre, Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Ave, BS3 5DA.

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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Columns We’re now seeing real improvements to our schools

southbristolvoice

O

VER the last couple of months I have been particularly pleased to be able to mark some significant improvements to our schools in South Bristol.

Firstly, I opened the new Ashton Gate primary school in the old Imperial Tobacco building in Upton Road, and am driving a process to ensure we achieve a greater level of road safety following the planning committee decision not to insist on road closure. Soon after I joined representatives from the council’s partners, local families and schoolchildren at the official opening of Oasis Academy Marksbury Road, Bedminster. This was a real milestone for our Local Education Partnership and reinforces Bristol’s role as a Learning City, promoting access to good education for our young people. I am now in discussion with Oasis about the possibility of

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

The Mayor’s view Each month Bristol mayor George Ferguson shares his take on South Bristol life playing a greater role in the community.

Southville primary school has created a 420-pupil expansion, giving an appealing mix of the old and the new. We have been working to ensure we have enough school places for all pupils in Bristol, while creating inspiring places to learn. Bristol has, this year alone, welcomed 18 new headteachers and academy

GAINES Greengrocers and Food Store

What’s New? Fish Fridays

Choose from up to 20 kinds of fresh fish, sustainably caught in Cornwall. Order by Wednesday.

• Mounts Bay Sardines • Falmouth Bay Dover sole • Oysters • Line-caught Mackerel • Newlyn Hake

Fresh fruit and veg Wholefoods & groceries 172 Wells Road, Totterdown BS4 2AL 0117 971 1083 | 07974 947555 jason@bristolgreengrocers.com www.bristolgreengrocers.com

November, 2015

principals to improve our education offer across the city.

During October we also marked Shared Lives week raising awareness of a national drive to recruit more carers for long term placements. Thanks to all those who attended our local information day at Bristol Community Links in Knowle. I want Bristol to be a place where the cared for and the caring, young and old, are highly respected and valued members of our society. You can find out more at www.bristol.gov.uk/ sharedlives Finally, on behalf of the Lord Mayor, I would like to urge readers to think of any local heroes they may know in their community. The Lord Mayor’s Medals are now open for nominations until December 31.

I have some ideas but do you know anyone who goes the extra mile in order to help others? Anyone who is nominated must either live or work in the city and serve the people of Bristol through their voluntary community work or charitable acts. For more details visit www.bristol.gov.uk/lordmayor

Wells Road & Queen Charlotte Street

Osteopaths Receptionist Needed We are looking for a friendly part-time receptionist to join the lovely team at our Wells Road Clinic.

Two days a week (Tuesday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Friday) plus occasional holiday and sickness cover.

Experience of using Microsoft Office required (Word, Excel, Outlook).

If you are interested in applying please contact David Richardson on 0117 9710 221 or email a C.V. to wro@live.co.uk.

www.southbristolosteopaths.co.uk Wells Road Osteopaths | 253 Wells Road Knowle Bristol BS4 2PH

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Paul on 07811 766072 or Emma or Hollie on 0117 908 2121.

November, 2015

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News Craft centre and vintage fashion shop show a new faith in Wells Road

TWO long-empty shops on Wells Road are to be reopened within the next few weeks.

The former Wine Rack off-licence next to Totterdown Baptist Church is to become Craftisan, not only a seller of art and craft supplies but a venue for all kinds of art projects.

Further down Wells Road, opposite Lilymead Avenue, the old scales shop is to be the new venue for Copper & Corduroy, selling vintage clothing, accessories and homewares.

Both shops will also house cafés selling locally-sourced food.

The driving force behind Craftisan is Emily Sinclair, 22, a lifelong Totterdown and Knowle resident, who convinced the Prince’s Trust – the Prince of Wales’s charity which supports young entrepreneurs – that her business idea was worth backing.

“At first they had concerns about whether the area was suitable. But they don’t know it how I know it – I convinced them what a creative place this bit of South Bristol is,” she said.

Emily, who completed an art and design course at Bristol School of Art, said: “I want Craftisan to be a creative hub, somewhere people can socialise, make things and be inspired.

“And I want it to be accessible.

Anyone can do art and crafts – it’s not only for people who can draw or paint a certain way.”

The shop has been empty for two years. It is believed the owner turned down a bid by Domino’s Pizza in favour of Craftisan.

The shop has had weeks of work, including installing a disabled toilet, and opens in early

Flowered up DAFFODILS and narcissus are to be planted on verges around the Broadwalk in Knowle thanks to a grant from the council’s Clean & Green fund. About 7,000 bulbs will be planted with the help of the probation service, Cllr Chris Davies told Knowle neighbourhood partnership.

Previous grants provided bulbs for Crossways and Knowle Park.

Left. Craftisan’s Emma Simclair; right, Copper & Corduroy style November. During the Front Room art trail on November 21 and 22 there will be a focus on textiles, with milliner Jane Eveleigh running hat-making demos, and ‘origami with fabrics’ classes from quilter Sally Elver.

Craftisan will stock haberdashery and fabrics, paints, ribbon, buttons and beads, jewellery-making, decoupage and papercraft materials.

In the evenings there will be courses, craft clubs and one-off workshops – already planned are messy play, felting and quilting.

The café will have coffee from Bristol roasters Wogan and cakes from another Prince’s Trust entrepreneur based in Bath.

Copper & Corduroy was until recently a stall in St Nicholas Market, set up by former social worker Sian Titchener and vintage trader Hannah Rowe.

The pair worked together on a number of pop-up shops before joining forces in January 2015.

Like Emily, they are both

Rainbow’s ball THE Rainbow Centre, the Lilymead Avenue charity which helps children affected by lifethreatening illness, is to benefit from a fundraising ball. The Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Redcliffe Way hosts the ball on Friday November 6 with dinner, an 80s disco and a prize raffle.

Tickets £25: call 0117 926 0041 or email events@focusbristol.co.uk.

convinced of the potential for Wells Road. Sian lives in Knowle resident and Hannah was raised in South Bristol.

Sian said, “‘This area is definitely on the change and we are very excited to be part of that.”

Opening in early December, the shop will sell ladies clothing and accessories from 50s to 90s styles. Homewares are a mix of quirkiness and classic style.

Hannah said: “We love mixing the bright kitsch items of the 60s and 70s alongside more minimal designs. We also like to mix different eras of fashion to create unique one off looks.”

Their café, called The Eating Room, will use bread from Oxford Street’s Baked, and cakes baked locally by Pearly King.

Long term, the shop plans to make use of its garden and cellar.

• www.craftisan-shop.co.uk • www.facebook.com/ copperandcorduroy • Thanks to Beccy Golding who wrote on Craftisan for this piece.

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Shoplifting down, vehicle crime is up CRIME in Knowle is generally in line with the rest of the Avon & Somerset force, Knowle neighbourhood partnership was told.

Some crimes appear to be on the increase but this is because recording of incidents has changed and they are more likely to be logged as crimes, PCSO Tim Jarvis told the meeting on October 6.

Criminal damage incidents for example are up by three in Knowle in the last quarter compared to the same period last year. For other incidents, Knowle is doing better than the average across the force, such as burglary, up by one on last year.

Sexual offences are up by six but some of these relate to historic offences. Shoplifting is much reduced, down by 29 per cent.

Theft of pedal cycles reduced by a similar amount but thefts of vehicles and thefts from vehicles both increased, in line with the force average.

• COMPLAINTS of anti-social behaviour by youths in Maxse Road, Knowle, have not been observed when police visited the area, PCSO Tim Jarvis told the neighbourhood partnership. He was told that neighbours have confronted the youths and the situation was ”much improved.”

Scout appeal BRISTOL South Scouts are looking for a treasurer to oversee their finances. The post involves tracking scouters’ expenses and bills, and producing annual accounts. To find out more, email scott.stowell@avonscouts.org.uk

Bit of a turn-off Boxing clever PLANS to restrict drivers making a rat-run through Windmill Hill are progressing slowly.

Preventing a right turn from St John’s Lane into Windmill Hill is no easy task, highways officer Neil Terry told Windmill Hill neighbourhood forum. Officials are trying to draw up a plan which does not remove parking spaces or push traffic into other roads.

SPACE for new-wave industries is being created at Temple Meads in the form of 20 converted shipping containers. Known as Boxworks, the containers will be used until about 2017 as temporary accommodation for the creative, digital and high-tech industries. They will provide extra capacity for new business hub, Engine Shed, which is full.

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice www.southbristolvoice.co.uk Reports from your councillors – Knowle T A 26

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November, 2015

How to get in touch with your councillors – page 2

HE transport and parking issues connected to the arena are of course a major concern and will continue to be so Gary until a proper Hopkins, transport plan that Lib-Dem, protects local Knowle residents is in place.

It is quite amusing to see the mayor leaning so heavily on the Bus Rapid Transit system (Metrobus) as the solution given that during his election campaign he was pledging to ditch it.

The most important step though for public transport that can be made is to change the relationship with FirstBus. From the time a few years back of the major public investment in bus lanes, bus stops and so on, First in the West moved from profitable to massively profitable. Money was syphoned out of Bristol and routes that were not profitable were either council subsidised or cut. That has to stop.

The Government’s Buses Bill

allows councils to take control of fares, routes and timetables.

Shocking therefore that the present devolution bid from Bristol and neighbours misses out this vital power.

What is also interesting is that social enterprise companies that run public transport recognise the potential in the Buses Bill.

Competing with the likes of FirstBus head to head on routes is not an option, as the big companies have deeper pockets to drive the competition away, but they can provide a better service if franchised and will reinvest the profits for the area.

Two of Bristol’s park and ride service franchises were awarded to such a company, HCT, and they help enormously with community transport in Bristol.

Two other related issues that I have been working on are the Cycle Eye which if fitted to buses gives warning to their drivers of bicycles entering danger zones, and making better car club facilities available for the area.

Progress on both next month.

BUSY BEE Day Nursery

T THE recent Knowle neighbourhood forum, residents were presented with a briefing by council officers on Chris the arena, which Davies, regretfully lacked Lib-Dem, many answers.

Knowle I asked if they had a transport strategy for this project, but was not reassured by their reply and we pressed them to address a wider audience at a public meeting. We were subsequently advised, at rather short notice, that it would be held at Totterdown Methodist Hall, giving us little or no time to advertise the meeting properly.

At this packed meeting of residents, from both Knowle and Totterdown, and with Gary and I the only councillors present, we were given just 15 minutes to ask questions. This was hardly a great way of collecting public opinion or hearing from two elected members the concerns of their constituents on such an

important £90 million project.

Personally, I thought the presentation was lacking in answers and did not address the wider issues regarding the cost of residents parking zones and the arena paying for it; site and pavement access; parking, and a coherent transport strategy.

At the forum meeting it was reported that due to an electrical problem there will be a month’s delay in the Axbridge Road crossing, which will now commence in November. There may be traffic delays when work starts. The Ilminster Avenue raised pedestrian crossing is still on target for November as well.

The Friends of Redcatch Park were pleased to be judged Outstanding in the It’s Your Neighbourhood South West in Bloom Award. To add to that, a silver pennant award went to Knowle Neighbourhood Communities, which includes Springfield Allotment garden shop, Friends of Redcatch Park, The Park (Eddie’s Garden) and the Community of Perretts Park.

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268 Wells Road, Bristol BS4 2PN 0117 977 5357

Come and see us at 254 Wells Road, Bristol BS4 2PN 0117 9777 218

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To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Paul on 07811 766072 or Emma or Hollie on 0117 908 2121.

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk southbristolvoice Reports from your councillors – Windmill Hill T I

November, 2015

E: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

WENTY isn’t plenty when it comes to road safety. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pleased every residential street Sam in Bristol will be Mongon, 20mph and would Labour, love to see drivers Windmill observing the new Hill limits. But the truth is the focus on 20mph over other road safety schemes has provided poor value for money and little improvement in road safety. £2.3m is a lot of money to spend in austere times on a scheme that has amounted to little more than new signs, with none of the traffic calming measures and enforcement that all the evidence shows is needed to make 20mph work.

While the new limits have been rolled out, locally identified traffic problems are left on the shelf. Windmill Hill alone has three schemes we have been waiting years for delayed due to resources going on 20mph zones:

the Stanley Hill and Cotswold Road rat-runs and the St John’s Lane-Redcatch Road junction.

The mayor has finally agreed additional funding to get these schemes finished by next spring (is there something happening then?) However, there’s still no commitment to other schemes local communities have identified in the last couple of years.

If we really want to have a long term impact on getting people walking and cycling we should be focusing on increasing the number of children using these means to get to school. I’m afraid 20mph has done little to improve this.

When it comes to speed 20mph is plenty but when it comes to road safety there are a number of relatively low cost improvements that could be made to roads, paths and crossings that would make parents and pupils feel safe on their way to school. That’s why I’m calling on all the mayoral candidates to make this their number one priority for transport.

’VE become aware of the chronic underfunding of pavement maintenance in Bristol after Deborah hearing complaints Joffe, and asking Green, questions of Windmill council officers.

Hill This is a vital, if not glamorous, issue. I broke my arm last winter tripping on an uneven pavement. Well-maintained footpaths are vital to the safety of elderly and disabled people in particular and the people who most use them are least likely to have other transport. In addition if we are to encourage people to walk we need to ensure that pavements have a high priority.

I’m very pleased with the announcement that Tony Dyer is to be the Green Party’s candidate for mayor at next May’s election.

Tony was the candidate for Bristol South at the General Election and is someone I really believe could actually do the job

27

of mayor and do it well. Tony has already indicated some of the ideas he has to improve the deep seated problems facing our city including jobs for young people, housing, transport, skills and education, the environment and health.

These are problems which are being made far worse by government policy, but Tony has some excellent suggestions of how to tackle them locally.

The arena continues to be a major concern for local people and some people did not feel fully consulted. I strongly believe that the council should have engaged with residents at a much earlier stage and I would have liked to see the arena co-created with local people.

However I do think as a councillor the best approach is to meet the planners and try to influence what happens rather than just shout about it. This has really paid off with the new plans to improve the cycle and pedestrian route along Wells Road into Temple Meads.

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Features

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Harvest home as Cleve marks new chapter YOUNGSTERS from Cleve House School celebrated their Harvest Festival with poems, songs and action stories.

Proud parents were treated to a performance of The Little Red Hen, a harvest samba song, poetry and some clever letter juggling while Daniel Wellens and Emily Rodman gave their inaugural speech by closing the festival with a prayer as the new head boy and girl of the school.

Children at the school in Wells Road, Knowle, baked a plaited loaf for the day while the less fortunate were also remembered with a collection of fresh produce, tins and toiletries being distributed between two local homeless charities, the Wild Goose Cafe and the Bristol Soup Run Trust.

Craig Wardle, headmaster at Cleve House School and Little

Home grown: The Cleve House pupils take a fresh approach to harvest Cleve Nursery, said “It was a wonderful harvest festival with contributions from every child in

the school. The harvest loaf made by the older children was enjoyed by all and so many

November, 2015

generous gifts to support such worthwhile causes.”

Mr Wardle took over at Cleve House this term from husband and wife team David and Elaine Lawson, who have retired after 28 years at the school.

Mr Wardle moved to Bristol from Norfolk, where he was headmaster at St Nicholas House in North Walsham. A history graduate and qualified school inspector, Mr. Wardle was also headmaster at Charters Ancaster College in Bexhill, Sussex.

He says it will be “business as usual” at the school on Wells Road, which takes pupils aged three to 11, although its nursery has been re-branded as Little Cleve Nursery.

“I’ve been teaching for 28 years and love it more than ever,” said Mr. Wardle.

“The traditional ethos, small class sizes and nurturing atmosphere for which the school is renowned will remain constant, as will the range of extra-curricular activities and specialist teaching on offer, for example in French and music.”

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To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Paul on 07811 766072 or Emma or Hollie on 0117 908 2121. 16:26 22/07/2015

South Bristol Voice ad puppy kitten 120 x 178.indd 1

November, 2015

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southbristolvoice

Planning applications 117 Ravenhill Road BS3 5BT Prior approval for single storey rear extension of 3.2m with maximum height of 3.66m.

Refused

126 Broadfield Road BS4 2UU Prior approval for single storey rear extension of 4.2m with a maximum height of 3.9m.

Prior approval not required

5 Addison Road BS3 4QH Application for a lawful development certificate for rear roof extension. Granted

43 Kensal Road BS3 4QU Application for certificate of proposed development for rear dormer roof extension. Granted

49 Haverstock Road BS4 2DA Application for a lawful development certificate for internal alterations.

Granted

52 Bower Road BS3 2LW Two storey side extension.

Granted

42 St Johns Lane BS3 5AD Prior approval for single storey rear extension of 3.02m with maximum height of 3.98m.

Pending consideration 1A Bayham Road BS4 2EA Addition of new window in first floor of rear elevation.

Pending consideration 80 Broad Walk BS4 2RE Single storey rear extension of 3.6m with maximum height of 3.5m.

Pending consideration 61 Fitzgerald Road BS3 5DH Conservatory to rear of property.

Pending consideration 31 Oxford Street, Totterdown BS3 4RJ Change of use to from A1 shop use to Class A3 resturant/cafe.

Pending consideration Priory Surgery, 324-326 Wells Road, Knowle BS4 2QJ Two storey extension to doctors’ surgery.

Granted subject to conditions

5 Maesknoll Road BS4 2HF Single storey rear and side extension. Granted 53 Minehead Road BS4 1BP Prior approval for single storey rear extension of 6m with a maximum height of 3.78m.

Prior approval not required 131 Broad Walk BS4 2RT Outline application for three 2 bedroom flats and one 1 bedroom flat. Withdrawn Bristol Jamia Mosque, Green Street BS3 4UB Two storey rear extension.

Granted subject to conditions 71 Connaught Road BS4 1LH One 3 bedroom and one 2 bedroom dwelling. Withdrawn 3 Wootton Park, BS14 9AQ Proposed single storey side and rear extension.

Pending consideration 97 Somerset Road, Knowle BS4 2HX External stairs, entrance and windows to basement level.

Pending consideration

OASIS ACADEMY MARKSBURY ROAD Brand New School! Open for Reception Children Building and Achieving Excellence Open Days: Thursday, 5th November 2.00pm Thursday, 12th November 6.30pm

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

29

147 Broadfield Road BS4 2UY Application to approve details of permission for detached single dwelling house to rear of property with off street parking.

Pending consideration

80 Broad Walk BS4 2RE Notification of prior approval for single storey rear extension that would extend 3.6m with maximum height of 3.5m and eaves 2.5m high.

Pending consideration

35 Weymouth Road BS3 5HH Proposed single storey rear extension.

Pending consideration

28 Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Broad Walk BS4 2QU Proposed installation of exterior roller shutters.

Pending consideration

71 Connaught Road BS4 1LH Proposed construction of two 2 bedroom dwellings.

Pending consideration 366A St Johns Lane BS3 5BA Application to approve details of permission for extension to provide three flats.

Pending consideration 42 St Johns Lane BS3 5AD Prior approval for single storey rear extension to extend 3.02m, with height of 3.98m and eaves 2.6m high.

Pending consideration 19 Monmouth Street Bristol BS3 4SJ Proposed first floor, rear infill extension.

Pending consideration 100 Marksbury Road BS3 5JZ Proposed two storey side & single storey rear extension.

Pending consideration Former City of Bristol College Marksbury Road, Bristol Approval of reserved matters following outline planning permission for new primary health care centre – to consider appearance, layout, scale and landscaping.

Approved

Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road BS4 3EW 5-day notice to dismantle a dangerous black locust tree within a conservation area, but not subject to a Tree Preservation Order.

Preservation order not required 8 Tyning Road BS3 5DE Erection of part single and part two storey rear extension and raised deck area.

Granted subject to conditions 5 Newry Walk BS4 1LU Construction of a new dwelling with access, screening, parking and landscaping.

Granted subject to conditions 11 Harrowdene Road, Knowle BS4 2JD Single storey 2 bed dwelling on land to rear of 9-13 Hampden Road, accessed off Harrowdene Road.

Granted subject to conditions • The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planning online.bristol.gov.uk

Oasis Academy Marksbury Road

AUTUMN FAYRE The PTFA of Oasis Academy Marksbury Road are holding their very first event. Please join us for an afternoon of fun, food and games!

Saturday, 14th November from 2pm–4pm Come and see us at Marksbury Road, Bristol BS3 5JL 0117 312 6500 www.info@oasismarksburyroad.org

Oasis Academy Marksbury Road, Bristol BS3 5JL 0117 312 6500 www.info@oasismarksburyroad.org

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History

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November, 2015

Harry Woods, Totterdown’s

T

HE SOUTH Devon resort of Teignmouth was an unlucky destination for Bristolians, it appears: earlier in this series inspired by graves at Arnos Vale, we reported the tragic death of five young city dwellers drowned there on a Victorian day trip.

This month we find that the life of a heroic soldier of the First World War also effectively came to an end in Teignmouth – a bitter irony, given that Harry Blanshard Wood had survived the First World War in the trenches.

Harry Wood must have been a remarkable soldier. It’s arguable which is more impressive: that he lived through years of hell on the battlefield, or that near the end of the conflict he was awarded not only the Victoria Cross – the highest decoration for gallantry

Tales from the Cemetery

Every month we tell a story from Arnos Vale Cemetery

Too little is known of a quiet man who won the Victoria Cross – but the Military Medal too.

What a tragedy then that he had few years of peacetime to enjoy, and seemingly very little time with the woman he finally

married in 1924. It was on his honeymoon that Harry went to Teignmouth from his Bristol home. He lived at 14 Windsor Terrace, Totterdown. He had found a peacetime job through the Corps of Commissionaires – the organisation which sourced employment for ex-soldiers, often as doormen.

Harry worked for the Anglo American Oil Co whose Bristol offices were in Baldwin Street.

Sadly we know nothing about his wife – not even her name.

What is clear is that they had not long been married in July 1924 when they went on honeymoon to Teignmouth.

The Bristol Times & Mirror reported after his death: “He was walking with his wife when a motor car mounted the pavement.

“Mrs Wood pushed her husband out of the way, but was herself pinned against the wall.

She happily escaped with only light abrasions, but the shock of the mishap was so great to Serge.

Wood that he immediately became unconscious.”

We can only speculate on the nature of Harry Wood’s affliction, but the fact that he was taken to the Bristol Mental Hospital shows that his malady was of the mind, not the body. Were his nerves shot to pieces by his time in the trenches? We don’t know, but back in Bristol he spent six weeks in a coma.

The Times & Mirror reported that “he never recovered from his coma till yesterday when, not long before his death, he opened his eyes and showed recognition of his wife.”

His death, said the newspaper, “was the result of a brain affection” – a misprint, surely, which further obscures what really happened.

Harry Wood was born on June 21, 1882, in Newton on Derwent, a small village five miles west of the market town of Pocklington in the East Riding of Yorkshire. His father John was a farm labourer. Later the family moved to York and it was there that Harry found his first job as a cleaner at the railway station.

Harry joined the Scots Guards in 1903. At 5 ft 10in he was relatively tall – a requirement for

Harry Blanshard Woods: feted and dined, presented with gold watches for his gallantry, but also scarred by his war service the Guards. He was described on enlistment as of fresh complexion with blue eyes and brown hair.

By 1908 he had worked his way to the rank of lance sergeant but in May of that year he was court martialed for drunkenness and was reduced to the ranks. He left the army as a private in February 1911. When the First World War broke out in 1914 he was a commissionaire for Anglo American Oil – as well as being an army reservist.

Then aged 32, he was recalled to the Guards on August 5, 1914 – the same day Britain declared war on Germany. The full-time army was far too small to cope with the conflict and experienced soldiers were highly valued.

Many of them, of course, were mowed down in their first weeks or months of service.

Few indeed survived the whole war in the trenches.

Stranger still, Harry wasn’t one to hang back from the fighting: he had a reputation for taking risks. But he seemed to have a charmed life and was never even wounded. Perhaps this was one of the qualities that made men follow him.

He won praise for his exploits long before he won medals. As the Times & Mirror put it, early in the war “he had an exciting

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reluctant trench war hero

adventure, narrowly escaping capture by the Germans.”

Out one night on duty – some accounts say as a sniper – he became detached from the rest of his unit. Dawn came, and he was forced to hide in a ditch, “the country around being infested with enemy troops.”

“While crawling about seeking cover,” the Times & Mirror said, “he came across a Belgian soldier in a similar plight, and for days they lived on turnips and apples they found in field and orchard, having many hairsbreadth escapes from capture by the Germans.”

The pair must have strayed far from the front line, because having found a friendly Belgian cottager, they were supplied with civilian clothes and forged passports, with which they tramped their way out of the area. Accounts published after the war vary but some say at one point the pair were sniffed out by a German dog, which licked them but luckily refrained from barking.

Eventually they reached Holland, and Harry got ship for England. He met his mother in London – who reputedly did not recognise him after the effects of his ordeal.

Dangerous “Wherever there were dangerous duties to be performed he always sought to be selected for the task, and showed unfailing courage and resource,” said the Times & Mirror.

In 1916 Harry completed 13 years of army service – enough for him to be discharged as having done his duty.

Was he relieved? Surely. In 1915 he had come through the Battle of Loos, one of the war’s hardest campaigns. Staying with his mother in Gloucester, he would have read about the devastation on the Somme, when a million men were killed or wounded. How then did he feel when 11 months later, living in Bristol in January 1917, he was recalled to the army?

He may have hoped to stay in the UK: there is a record that he was on duty as a hospital guard in London in May 1917 when he

Uphill fight: The crossing of the Canal du Nord, shortly before the action in which L Sgt Woods won his VC was reprimanded for not reporting immediately the escape of a prisoner. But the next year there was a drastic shortage of men, and he was sent back to France in March 1918.

Now a lance sergeant again, on August 15, 1918 he led a volunteer detachment of 20 men at Boyelles station near Arras. It was not an ordinary patrol, which was dangerous enough, but a mission to discover which German units were in the line.

Harry dressed his men in black, and had them smear their faces the same colour. Perhaps his men were too hard to see, because half way across No Man’s Land he lost touch with them. But he carried on, and found the German trench in the dark.

He heard German being spoken, but as he did he accidentally kicked a tin can. The noise brought six or seven German soldiers to see Sgt Wood standing there. Assuming he must be part of a bigger force, they shouted for help. But as three more Germans came running up, Harry fired, killing two men and wounding another.

Grabbing the wounded man as a hostage, he ran off into the night, and somehow dragged his prisoner safely to the British line.

Continued on page 32

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Sgt Woods, the reluctant VC Continued from page 31 There it was found that the injured man was carrying papers which gave just the information which was needed about the German dispositions.

For this distinct singlehanded success, Harry was awarded the Military Medal.

Less than two months later he was at it again. October 13, 1918, found Harry’s unit, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, poised to cross the River Selle at the village of St Python.

As the Guards fought house to house there was heavy fire from concealed mortars and machine guns on the other side of the river.

Harry was with a platoon tasked with fighting their way over the partly destroyed main bridge. But the firing was intense and the platoon’s sergeant was killed, leaving Harry in charge.

Worthy gift: A gold watch presented to Woods by his Bristol employer Others might have taken cover. Harry was not for cowering. He wrestled a large piece of masonry off the bridge – some accounts call it a large brick, but that wouldn’t have

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been big enough – and hauled it into the road. Under fire all the time, he positioned himself behind it and fired his rifle at the gunners opposite, urging his men to creep forward as he covered them.

By one account, he also crawled across the bridge himself, and silenced three of the four German machine guns. The he ran back, grabbed a Lewis heavy machine gun, and went back over the bridge, where he took on the remaining German machine guns and silenced them.

Harry and his comrades fought off several counter attacks on their bridgehead until they were relieved later that evening.

“His gallantry and conduct contributed largely to the success of the operation,” said the official account when he was recommended for the VC two months later.

It’s perhaps too easy for us, a century on, to bandy talk of heroism, and pretend we can understand what it was like to behave selflessly under the most extreme conditions humans can experience. The most complete account of Harry’s war in Gun Fire Vol 28, a journal of the First War, says some of the stories told about him cannot be verified, and titles his volume Reluctant Hero.

He was certainly not unscathed: he was given a civic reception in York in February 1919 but in May, when the city was conducting the traditional collection of funds for him, he was in hospital “suffering from the effects of his arduous

November, 2015

service”. He was wined and dined frequently, and presented with several gold watches, and later the sum of £138 by the city.

In London in September 1919 he did what many soldiers did: he got drunk. A constable in Buckingham Palace Road found him quarrelling with some military policemen, and he was arrested. “I am not going to spoil the splendid record of man like you,” said the magistrate, and bound him over for good behaviour.

Harry’s wartime experiences may have contributed to his early death. He had myalgia and the Times & Mirror says his health was not good for his last three years.

But we can all wish that he had longer to live in his Totterdown terrace, to get to know his new bride, and even to know how much his actions were valued by his adopted city.

State occasion His funeral on August 20, 1924, was like a state occasion. A service in the cathedral was attended by a captain of the Scots Guards, with a party of pipers in kilts. Scores of army officers and dignitaries including the Lord Mayor attended, and College Green was packed with onlookers.

A party of Guards sergeant majors bore Harry’s coffin until it was laid on a gun carriage and drawn by horses of the Royal Field Artillery, escorted by warrant officers and NCOs of the Guards, as it wound its slow way to Arnos Vale, “where there was a very large attendance of the public”. The choir of Holy Trinity, Knowle, was there to sing, then the Last Post was sounded and Scots Wha’ Hae played as a final tribute.

Sgt Harry Wood has a place of honour at the very front of Soldier’s Corner near the entrance to Arnos Vale. No one would begrudge him that.

• Sadly we know nothing of Harry Woods’s wife. She is believed to have remarried. In 1954 his VC medal was auctioned by an anonymous seller at Christie’s. It was bought for a then record £240 for his sister, and presented to York Castle Museum.

Controversially, the price was so high because the Scots Guards Association wanted the medal for their collection, and bid against the family.

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November, 2015

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Columns I keep meeting people who will lose out on tax credits THE Government’s planned cuts to tax credits are a real local worry right now.

It shouldn’t be a surprise. In the Bristol South constituency alone, some 4,800 working families stand to become an average £1,300 a year poorer when these cuts are implemented next spring.

By putting in place the tax credit system, the last Labour government aimed to lift families out of poverty and welfare dependency, giving people on low incomes an incentive to work. To apply an over-used phrase, they’re a hand-up, not a hand-out.

Rather than being a traditional benefit, they act as a credit against the tax you pay – the clue is in the name. For years politicians of all parties have agreed working is better than relying on benefits. It helps the country’s finances but it’s better for the individual too.

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The MP’s view Each month Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth gives her perspective There is common agreement that the welfare bill needs to be tackled, but cutting tax credits undermines the value of work, and penalises people in employment. That’s not the way to reward strivers for their endeavours.

Some of those who’ve come to my constituency surgery in recent weeks are cases in point. I’ve met a number of people

from a range of backgrounds who stand to lose out: • There are those who had found themselves out of work through no fault of their own and who, rather than seeking benefits, have instead taken on unfamiliar jobs. That’s because they want to work and to develop new skills to better their future prospects. But they’ll lose out next spring.

• Then there are many parents, women in particular, who’ve gradually been getting themselves back into work, upping their hours, after bringing up children. They’re set to lose out. Research from the Resolution Foundation shows these cuts impact disproportionately on women.

• And there are those who’ve set up in business themselves, seeing self-employment as a way forward in challenging financial times. Many of these will be hit the hardest – even though a high proportion of selfemployed people don’t yet realise it. We see the Government unrepentant and happy to punish entrepreneurs.

Along with other Labour MPs I opposed these cuts in Parliament, but the voting numbers are stacked in the Government’s favour. With increasing opposition we might yet see a much-needed U-turn. In the meantime the campaign for a change of heart goes on.

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Books

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My mum’s mementos helped me write the book THE world’s first test-tube baby Louise Brown, who lives in Knowle, has published her autobiography.

Louise chronicles her historic birth, her childhood touring the world and being paraded on television in Japan and US and the constant worldwide media interest in her, while she tries to live an ordinary life in Knowle.

The book was started six years ago but when her mother, Lesley Brown died three years ago a unique family archive was uncovered.

The material documents events leading up to Louise’s conception as the first IVF baby in the world, the media frenzy that followed it and the worldwide reaction to the birth.

Louise Brown: A life lived in the spotlight Now the book is published Louise would like the material to be preserved and talks are being held with Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives.

Louise said: “Museums and institutes in other parts of the country have asked if they can have the material as it is part of the history of in vitro fertilisation

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but I am keen to keep the collection in Bristol.”

Louise and her publicist Martin Powell researched and wrote her story for Bristol Books.

There are now more than five million people in the world who have been born through IVF. The archive includes hundreds of cards from well-wishers and celebrities as well as media offers and even a Hollywood film script.

Gifts given to the family during their tours of Canada, Japan and the US were also found.

Personal items included Louise’s wrist bands and navel clamp from hospital when she was born as well as documents and letters from Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe.

Talks are being held about cataloguing and preserving the fascinating collection in Bristol.

Bristol Books director Clive Burlton said: “We would like the whole collection to be catalogued and cared for and we believe there are even more gems in there that haven’t been used in the book.”

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November, 2015

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The puns are raining down in Totterdown’s own panto

MERCILESS Mang is back with his most evil plot yet: bringing a terrible drought to the Island of Totterdown in Tropical Storm, the latest home-grown panto from Totterdown Community Players.

It’s up to Prince Paco and Idaho Smith to save the day – with a little help from their friends.

Featuring show tunes, dinosaur fights, and more bad jokes than you can wave a rain stick at, this quirky pantomime offers fun for all the family.

Performances take place on Friday December 4 at 7pm and Saturday December 5 at 1pm and 4pm at Totterdown Baptist

Oh no, he’s back! Mang the Merciless and Minion featured in the 2013 Totterdown panto; now they’re back to wreak havoc in Tropical Storm Church, Sydenham Road.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children (ages 3-16); all proceeds to Filwood Hope Centre

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search Facebook for totterdownpanto. The show is Totterdown Community Players’ fourth panto in recent years. All the productions are entirely original – and slightly bonkers – written, directed and starring local people, and raising funds for local charities. Many of the players come from Totterdown Baptist Church, with other members of the community joining in too.

In 2011 they put on the medieval themed Knight Knight, raising £830 for the Safe Foundation.

In 2012 the theme was Cowboys vs Pirates in Yeeyargh, raising £1,290 for the Rainbow Centre, the charity in Lilymead Avenue which helps children affected by terminal illness.

In 2013 they put on Space Invaders, raising £1,060 for the Grand Appeal which helps Bristol Children’s Hospital.

The group took 2014 off on the insistence of the producer’s husband.

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What’s on

Saturday October 31 Night of the Living Dead The classic horror directed by George A Romero in a Halloween screening at Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian Street. Tickets £5, doors 7.30pm.

• www.portable pictures.co.uk Monday November 2 Get to grips with stage combat skills Session for 1013 year-olds, Tobacco Factory theatre. One of a series of specialist skills classes, 4.155.45pm. Cost £3, limited places.

• www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Meeting of Victoria Park Action Group to discuss events in the park, issues that have arisen and ongoing projects, like play areas, wildlife areas, mending benches, etc. 7.30-9pm, Victoria Park Bowling Club • www.vpag.org.uk Tuesday November 3 Southville Garden Club host a talk by Sally Gregson from Mill Garden plants. Sally has published several books, and will talk about plants for areas where sunlight is in short supply.

7.30pm, St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Bedminster.

• https://southvillegardeningclub. wordpress.com Jane Wenham: The Witch Of Walkern Tobacco Factory Theatre. A gripping and haunting new play about sex, fear, religion and magic, from the Bafta-winning writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz. Age 14+. Until

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Floating away: The Light Princess will not be bound by mere gravity HOT on the heels of the Tobacco Factory’s wellreceived 101 Dalmatians last year, The Light Princess is Bedminster’s latest Christmas creation, inspired by George MacDonald’s fairy tale.

In a kingdom far away, lives an extraordinary princess who has no gravity. What fun

to fly and float! But of course, it’s not as simple as that. Her windows are forever closed, she can’t run free; she can never take anything or anyone seriously. Especially not the prince who falls in love with her… Shows from November 26 to January 10. Box office: 0117 902 0344

November 7 at 8pm, matinee Thursday 1pm & Saturday 2.30pm. £14/£10.

• www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Wednesday, November 4 Bristol Unsigned presents: Thc Dreams + Type + A Decade Late + Howling Moon, 7.30pm,

The Thunderbolt, Bath Road. £5 • www.thethunderbolt.net Thursday, November 5 Dr Feelgood Britain’s most famous r’n’b band, 7.30pm, The Thunderbolt, Bath Road. £15/£20 • www.thethunderbolt.net

November, 2015

Saturday November 7 Sarah McQuaid, Salt Cellar Folk Club, Totterdown Baptist Church, Sydenham Road, 7pm, £5. Sarah’s voice has been likened to malt whisky, melted chocolate and “honey poured into wine”.

• www.saltcellarfolk.org.uk • www.sarahmcquaid.com Sunday November 8 Jeremy Hardy Comedy Box, Tobacco Factory Theatre, 8pm.

Radio 4’s ever-present panelist is back on tour after 31 years as a comedian. £15.50 • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday November 12 The Pitch 2015 Final, Paintworks, 9am – 8pm.

Culmination of what’s claimed to be Briatin’s biggest competition for small business: the final 30 entrepreneurs battle it out for the title of The Pitch 2015 Champion.

Plus practical content sessions, interactive workshops, expert one-to-ones and networking.

Tickets £12.90.

• www.thepitch.uk Ladies’ pamper night in aid of Sydenham Road Under 5s at Totterdown Baptist Church, 7-10pm. Cakes, drinks and pizza; range of treatments to try for £5.

First glass of wine included in ticket – £4 in advance, £5 on the door. Call 0117 377 8665 or email mariahulme@hotmail.co.uk Friday November 13 The Far Side at Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster.

Challenged to talk against the sands of time, campaigners and cloud REVIEW 5x15, Tobacco Factory theatre FIVE people, one stage, and an oversized egg timer – it could be a recipe for all sorts of things, but at the Tobacco Factory it set the scene for a fascinating and unpredictable evening.

Five by 15 is a simple idea: find five people with a passionate interest and get them to speak for 15 minutes. For Clive Stafford Smith, renowned defender of many US citizens facing the death penalty, this was the chance to relate not only his courtroom travails but the challenge of living with his father, who was bipolar.

Smith related defending one man who came within minutes of execution four times before the process was halted – once the stay came with only 58

seconds to spare. Once, his father visited while he was defending a condemned man in Mississipi. His father inveigled a meeting with the state governor and told him not only should the court execute the accused man, but it should finish off Clive Stafford Smith as well.

All this is in the spirit of 5x15, which is that you don’t know what you are going to get.

The biggest cheers were reserved for Fahma Mohamed, who became famous aged 15 as a campaigner against female genital mutilation, or FGM. Not only is she one of the young Bristol faces on anti-FGM videos on YouTube, she is unabashed at confronting anyone.

She describes part of the campaign as a challenge to Prime Minister David Cameron

“to prove he has balls”, and relates with relish the embarrassment on the face of then education secretary Michael Gove as teenage girls describe to him in detail how FGM affects girls’ bodies.

Yet until the Integrate Bristol campaign started, even members of the Somali community like Fahma were unaware: “I had no idea it was going on in Africa, let alone in Bristol,” she said.

Notably Fahma is the only speaker allowed to overrun the egg timer. Cloud Appreciation Society founder Gavin PretorPinney described not just a love of clouds but a determination to get people to stare and wonder – to fight the banality of blue sky thinking, as he put it.

David Olusoga, creator of the recent BBC TV series about

Britain’s role in slavery, brought the subject home with tales of quite ordinary Bristol citizens who happened to own slaves.

Britain doesn’t make sense unless we acknowledge the enormous impact slavery had: we need confidence to examine all our history, not just the nice bits, he says.

Little space to tell you about Tim Dowling, whose Guardian column and book chronicle father- and husband-hood.

“Everybody knows marriage is hard, nobody wants to see the work” being one of his pithy precepts. This, the first 5x15 in Bristol after being imported from London, is a triumph for producers Helen Nixon and Jessica Huth. It was a sellout; the next event on January 17 will no doubt do the same. PB

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Paul on 07811 766072 or Emma or Hollie on 0117 908 2121.

November, 2015

E: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

What’s on

Upstate Theatre present an intimate look at an Irish town through the memories of seven people, delivered with Irish humour, with poignant moments of reflection. Tickets free: book online or call 0117 953 2448.

• www.acta-bristol.com Saturday, November 14 Autumn Fayre The parentteacher association of Oasis Academy Marksbury Road, the new primary school, invite you to an afternoon of fun, food, and games, 2–4pm.

• www.oasisacademy marksburyroad.org Red Rope Theatre presents Dracula 7pm in the Anglican chapel at Arnos Vale Cemetery.

The Atrium Cafe bar will be open.

Wrap up warm and bring a torch: performance may be outside.

Tickets £10, £8 concessions.

• www.arnosvale.org.uk The Spitfires + Underground Frets + Jubilee Park + DJ Kev Regz, The Thunderbolt, Bath Road. 7.30-11.45pm, £6/£7 • www.thethunderbolt.net Sunday November 15 Strictly Balti Brewery Theatre.

Bristol’s charismatic Saikat Ahamed (101 Dalmatians, The Tiger and the Moustache) dances precariously through his dualidentity childhood. Age 11+. Until November 22. £12/£8.

• www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Tuesday November 17 The Crossroads at Acta theatre, Gladstone Street,

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www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

FIREWORK DISPLAYS Please check websites before attending Sunday November 1 Bradley Stoke, Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke. From 4.30pm. No alcohol, no sparklers.

• www.bradleystoke.gov.uk Trinity Centre fireworks party, 6-10pm, Trinity Road, near Old Market. Bonfire, live music and DJ sets. Priority for those with flyers.

• www.3ca.org.uk Thursday November 5 Victoria Park bonfire Donations of wood from 3.30pm. Fire lit at 6.15pm, soon after Guy contest. Crêpes, hot drinks, plus beer and snacks.

• www.vpag.org.uk Bristol Zoo – also on November 6 and 7. Low-noise fireworks. Booking essential.

Doors at 5pm, display 5.45pm.

Tickets £8 adults, £6 children.

• www.bristolzoo.org.uk Friday November 6 Downend Round Table Sutherland Avenue, Downend, Bristol BS16 6QW. Children’s display 6.30pm, adults 8pm. In advance £4.50, on day £6 & £5 children.

• www.downendrt.co.uk The Riverside Inn, Saltford.

Bedminster. New show from The Thursdays for children 5 - 8.

Previewing at Acta before touring to schools in the new year. How

Bonfire 6.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Free entry.

• www.theriverside-saltford.com Saturday November 7 Bishop Road primary school, Bishop Road, Bristol BS7 8LS, from 5pm. Fireworks, food, lantern parade, bar.

Advance tickets £5 adults, £3 children; on day £6 and £4.

• www.bishoproad.bristol.sch.uk Canford Lane fireworks fiesta, Bristol BS9. Gates open 6pm, display 7pm. Supports St Peter’s Hospice. Tickets £5.

• www.fireworksfiesta.co.uk Henleaze infant school fireworks 6-7.45pm. Tickets £2 to £5 from school, Park Grove, Bristol BS9 4LG • www.henleaze-inf.bristol.sch.uk Thornbury Round Table Fireworks 5-9pm, Mundy playing fields. Music, bar, hot food, bonfire.

• Thornbury RoundTable on Facebook Sunday November 8 BTRA Sports Ground, Stockwood Lane, Stockwood.

Bonfire 6.30pm, fireworks 7pm. Adults £5, children £2, family £10. Bar and food.

• www.btarfc.co.uk will Fibsy, Bootscilla and Me-me find their way out of the Wasteland?

Also on November 24.

• www.acta-bristol.com

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Wednesday November 18 Meeting of Tresa (Totterdown Residents Environmental & Social Action), 7.30-9.30pm, family room at the Star & Dove, St Luke’s Crescent.

• www.tresa.org Saturday November 21 Malawi aid charity Temwa hosts a fundraising party at Paintworks, Bath Road, 7pm12.30am. Drinks, entertainment

by Bakehouse Productions and dancing with funk band Charlie Miller and the Soul Agents. Tickets £55 include food, champagne reception, entertainment and a donation to work in Northern Malawi.

• www.temwa.org Friday, November 27 Retro Electric – a tribute to electronica from Kraftwerk to the Thompson Twins and Depeche Mode. 7.30-11.45pm, The Thunderbolt, Bath Road. £5/£6 • www.thethunderbolt.net Saturday November 28 Yoga for healthy living with John Irving at Arnos Vale cemetery, 10.30am. Details from John on 07970 921209 or john. yogaforhealth@gmail.com.

• www.arnosvale.org.uk Christmas Market at Totterdown Methodist Church, Bushy Park, 10am3pm. Lots of stalls, games and delicious hot lunches. Christmas grotto and treasure hunt.

Supporting Brace Alzheimers Research.

fans keep us all captivated Squire of Tott on panto stage IN THE mood for a traditional pantomime? Oh yes you are!

St Anne’s Players, based at St Peter’s Methodist Church, Allison Road, Brislington, present Mother Goose – with all the ingredients needed – good fairy, bad fairy, henchmen, and of course a goose called Priscilla.

They have given it a local flavour, featuring Squire Totterdown, and set in Little Brislington in the Dell.

Written and directed by Judi Smith, it runs from December 2-5. Tickets are on sale from Café Britalia on Wick Road, priced at £8 and £5.50 concessions. St Anne’s Players have been going for 24 years and are always on the lookout for Pithy: Tim Dowling at 5x15 PICTURE: Alexandra Tyndale new talent.

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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November, 2015

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