South Bristol Voice Bedminster - December 2019

southbristolvoice

December 2019

December 2019 No. 50

southbristolvoice

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

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WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL – 10,900 copies of this edition

FREE EVERY MONTH in Bedminster, Southville, Ashton & Ashton Vale A Bedminster woman has raised over £1,400 for charity after braving a head shave in memory of a close friend who recently died from pancreatic cancer.

Sian Beynon, 46, was joined by her husband, children and friends at You Hairdressing in North Street as she waved goodbye to her shoulder-length locks.

It had been a month since the funeral of friend Fran House, who Sian had been close pals with since studying together at college in Yeovil.

The money raised will go to Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, a charity dedicated to improving research around the disease.

Sian says that she hopes that by fundraising for the charity, she will raise more awareness of pancreatic cancer which sees only 5-8 per cent of people diagnosed,

Turn to page 5

Sian's bald move to raise awareness

Get £5 off any tree with KINGSLEY CHRISTMAS TREES Voucher on P17

INSIDE A STEP INSIDE HELP BRISTOL'S HOMELESS CHARITY'S NEW HOME Pages 6-7 JOIN CONVERSATION ABOUT BEDMINSTER GREEN DEVELOPMENT Page 27 Sian with husband Lester and children Ivan and Seren

ELECTION SPECIAL Meet the candidates who are vying for your vote on December 12. Pages 21-23

CHRISTMAS FEATURE: GET READY FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON Pages 12-19 WHAT'S ON: FESTIVE EVENTS TO ENJOY IN YOUR LOCAL AREA Pages 34-36

the place for you…

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from Ocean oceanhome.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

IN

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Contacts

Becky Day Editorial director 07912 484405 news@southbristolvoice.co.uk Ruth Drury Sales director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Rich Coulter Production director 07775 550607 info@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Independent Community News Network member

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is December 4.

Deliveries: Greg Champion

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December 2019

southbristolvoice HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

My MP? Parliament has been dissolved in the build-up to the general election on December 12 and therefore, the Bristol South seat is now vacant. To find out more about the candidates who are contesting to be our next MP, turn to pages 21-23.

My councillor?

Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster

By phone: 07469 413312 By email: Cllr.celia.phipps@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: Cllr.stephen.clarke@ bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By phone: 07884 736111 By email: Cllr.charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Council tax 0117 922 2900

Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999

COMPLAINTS

on Facebook facebook.com/southbristolvoice on Twitter @sbristolvoice and on Instagram @southbristolvoice

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the South Bristol Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 0777 555 0607.

southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure

All stories and pictures are ©South Bristol Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission.

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December 2019

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n NEWS Delight as new youth club comes to Bedminster New venue and The wait is finally over – Bedminster now has a youth club, much to the delight of local youngsters.

The provision has come to fruition thanks to a partnership between south Bristol charity BS3 Community and Bedminster social action group Way Out Way (WOW), which secured £30,000 in funding from Bristol City Council to set up the club.

BS3 Youth Club runs twice a week from the United Reformed Church hall in West Street and is free to attend for children aged eight to 16.

A successful open day was held on November 2, which attracted many local families who wanted to find out more about the club and register.

The official opening night was on November 11 and saw fifteen eager youngsters, aged 8-11, bounce through the doors.

The club is run by trained youth workers and volunteers, as well as trained staff provided by Bristol City Council and Creative Youth Network, who will run activities at the club.

Children can enjoy a whole range of activities, including coding, arts and crafts, cooking, table tennis, and outdoor play.

Simon Green, who is the lead youth worker, said on the opening night: “We’re really pleased with the turnout.

“It seems the most powerful thing has been word of mouth among families.”

He added: “It’s a good alternative space for them to have besides school and home.

date for Upfest

All smiles! Children on the opening night of the new BS3 Youth Club “We want the kids to be able to steer it to become the club they want it to be.”

Sadie Fox, assistant youth worker at the club, said: “It’s going to be a lot of fun – we’ve already got lots of plans in place for what we want to do next year.”

Michelle Graham-McMorrow, one of the council youth workers for south Bristol, is supporting the club. She said: “It’s really nice to see it happening as there’s not much going on for young people around here.

“It’s a much-needed provision and it means we can support both sets of ages.”

At the Monday night club, Archie, 10, said: “I was told about the club by my mate. It’s good to try something new.”

Alice, 10, said: “I like the fact that there are lots of other young people to make friends with.”

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Upfest is set to return for 2020 and the festival has a few changes up its sleeve.

Revellers can expect a new location for the festival, as Upfest prepares to take over Greville Smyth park, and also an earlier date.

Huge walls and murals, traditionally painted during the festival, will be created in the weeks leading up to Upfest and will be exhibited throughout the park during the weekend-long event (May 30-June 1).

Hundreds of artists will also paint live, and there will be music stages and food and drink stalls to enjoy. In addition, street art will be showcased at The Tobacco Factory - the festival's original venue.

It is Upfest's first ever green field festival and it is anticipated to be "bigger than ever". It is the first time Greville Smyth park has been used for a festival.

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December 2019

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n NEWS

Sian braves the shave in memory of friend Fran Continued from front page surviving five years or more*.

Symptoms often appear at a later stage, making the disease extremely hard to treat.

Sian said: “I’m wanting to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer which is such a killer. It’s an under-funded cancer – it only receives 2 per cent of research funding. It needs a lot more money.”

She added: “It’s the same old story with pancreatic cancer – they didn’t know what was wrong until it was too late.

“Fran had been going to the doctors and had been ill for about 12 months, and when they finally diagnosed it, she had weeks to live.

“I wanted to do something in her memory – I think she’d find me shaving my head quite funny.”

Sian says that she has been amazed at the amount she has raised, as she was only expecting

Right, Sian before the shave. Main photo, friends and family, and Emilio the hairdresser (in white) with Sian at You Hairdressing in North Street a couple of hundred pounds in donations.

After the head shave, Sian said: “The grey’s quite a shock but it doesn’t look as bad as I thought it would … it feels quite

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liberating actually.”

Proud husband, Lester said: “For someone who has had long hair all their life, I think it’s an incredibly brave thing to do.”

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December 2019

n NEWS

New container village is a springboard for homeless

A homeless charity, which has provided much-needed accommodation and support to many of Bristol’s rough sleepers, is now back up and running after opening the doors to its new ‘container village’ in Bedminster earlier this month.

Help Bristol’s Homeless had to move from its original spot in Malago Road earlier this year

and the project has spent the summer months busily preparing the site and transporting its iconic, double decker bus and brightly coloured storage containers – using cranes – to Spring Street.

It’s clear to see that project founder, Jasper Thompson, is proud of the charity’s new home, which has seen hundreds of

Almost finished ... the site pictured just weeks before it reopened

people volunteer their time and expertise to make the space a real community hub.

The land, which has been gifted to the charity by Bristol City Council for five years, accommodates up to 27 people at a time.

There are 14 dwellings – one of which sleeps two – offering three to 12 months accommodation, as well as a double decker bus, which offers emergency, short-term stay for 12 people.

Each individual micro flat is fully kitted-out with modcons and has its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living space, plus heating and air conditioning.

It is hard to believe that an old shipping container could be so spacious and cosy.

Decking has been laid throughout the site with balconies for residents to sit out on, as well as hanging flower baskets and planters to add to the vibrancy of the place.

People can only stay in Spring Street if they have been referred to the project by a professional service. It is a dry site and strict rules apply with no drugs or alcohol allowed.

“No matter what, we want people to feel safe,” says army veteran Jasper.

The container village also offers facilities such as a canteen, restaurant, laundrette, plus a toilet and shower block, which are available to the wider homeless community – not just residents of the site.

Jasper says the communal

space gives the Help Bristol’s Homeless team – which have an office on site – an opportunity to check-in with residents and to “build a community spirit” among guests.

Jasper founded Help Bristol’s Homeless in 2017.

Speaking to the South Bristol Voice, he said: “One day, on a cold winter morning, as I was running down through Ashton Court, it dawned on me, how do homeless people survive in this weather?”

Jasper, who owned a restaurant in North Street at the time, was compelled to do something so he started outreach work across the city, delivering essentials to rough sleepers with his wife.

But he always felt like he wanted to do more. “I just felt like I wanted to help, that’s all.”

So, in April 2017, Jasper adopted a 38ft caravan and plot of land in Malago Road – thanks to the generosity of friends – and started offering shelter to the city’s homeless.

His project quickly developed, and the charity was soon being donated storage containers to accommodate and support more homeless people.

“We’ve had a lot of people move on from there. One lady has gone on to become a personal assistant, others have gone into full-time work, and some are now living in rented flats. We know it’s a system that works.”

But Jasper says that while Malago Road “served its purpose”, it always felt like “just

One of the longterm living spaces in Spring Street

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December 2019

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n NEWS a site”. The new place feels more like a “home”.

Through developing a sense of community among guests, Jasper hopes that it will in turn help them integrate back into society when they leave the project. He said: “Some people just aren’t ready to move into community life – they need help getting there. We help them find jobs, keep them on track with any treatment they’re receiving.

“We’re here to help as many as we can, getting them back into community living.”

He added: “Everyone on the project helps each other out, as well as themselves. People have their own strengths and they pass on their knowledge to others.”

Jasper says that he would like to see more spaces, like the one created by Help Bristol’s Homeless, established across Bristol. He said: “Homelessness isn’t going anywhere, if anything it’s got progressively worse. We need more projects like this

Jasper Thompson at the new site in Spring Street across the city.”

Help Bristol’s Homeless is always on the look-out for volunteers to support the project.

If interested, get in touch through the project’s website, helpbristolshomeless.org or its Facebook page Help Bristol's Homeless.

Start a conversation with a homeless person

Help Bristol’s Homeless has created a ‘conversation starter can’ which can be purchased from the charity in Spring Street for £2.50. These are small containers that could be filled with socks, gloves, a toothbrush, tissues – anything you think would be helpful. The cans also include information on how to find Help Bristol's Homeless and how the charity can help.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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December 2019

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ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST Why is the NHS offering carers a free flu jab this winter?

All of us agree that helping to look after someone else is great kindness. Carers can be neighbours, friends, and family members or people working in a paid job, but all are truly priceless.

This winter with the support of Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees, We are encouraging all carers to take up the free NHS Flu jab available to them.

Who is eligible, and why?

• If you are over 18 years and care for an older or disabled person whose welfare would be at risk if you were ill, you may be able to get a free NHS flu vaccine. You can also get one if you get carer’s allowance.

• Health and social care staff, employed by a registered residential care/nursing home or registered domiciliary care provider or a voluntary managed

with Ade Williams Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy shows how pharmacies can help people with a variety of health conditions, and ease pressure on the NHS

hospice provider, if you are directly involved in the care of vulnerable patients/clients, you will also be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine.

It is free to carers because you need it. This is to ensure that carers are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications. Did you know that even if you had a flu jab, you can get the flu from a carer especially if you have a lowered immune system?

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flu and becomes too ill to care, there may be no-one else who can step in and look after the person they care for. It can result in needing to move out of their home or longer hospital stays.

Carers who catch the flu may have no symptoms, (not everyone does) but will still spread it to those they are looking after and their own families too.

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December 2019

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n NEWS

More lending, less wasting - it makes all the difference

Step ladders, jump leads, a dehumidifier and a kayak paddle … these are just some of the items that south Bristol folk have been able to borrow, thanks to a Facebook lending page set up by a local mum.

Katherine Morgan was on maternity leave when she came up with idea for the ‘BS3 Lending Library’.

The environment agency worker wanted to create a group which encouraged people to be “less wasteful and more neighbourly”.

She also wanted it to be a space where people could offer help to others.

For example, one lady needed some ivy cutting back – group members were quick to respond to her calls and within moments, she had found a keen neighbour – with a hedge trimmer – to help out.

“It’s like fastest finger first – people really want to help,” says Katherine.

The group has been met with a “great response” since launching in May and has attracted over 670 members. BS4 residents are also welcomed to join.

Katherine says that it is a group built on trust and so far, everyone has had a positive experience.

“One of my favourite posts was a parent

looking for waterproofs for her daughter who was doing Duke of Edinburgh. Straight away, she got all the kit needed and saved loads of money,” Katherine said.

Katherine went on maternity leave in January and was soon racking her brain about what to do in the spare moments when her newborn was sleeping.

“I needed to do something – I wanted to make a difference. I thought, how can I do my little bit and save things from landfill? I came up with idea for the group and told my husband, and he said, ‘why don’t you set it up then?’

“If ever I can do one thing to make a difference, it would to prevent us being a wasteful society.”

Through the page, Katherine also organised a clear-out weekend in September which saw dozens of residents listing free items to collect that may have otherwise gone to landfill.

To join the group, visit bit.ly/bs3lending-library.

Mum Katherine, pictured right, came up with the idea while on maternity leave

To find out more, call 01179 717 880 or visit crystalclearbristol.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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December 2019

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n NEWS

Clarification still needed on streets affected by clean air plan

By Amanda Cameron, local democracy reporter South Bristol residents have still not been told exactly which streets could be affected by a proposed diesel car ban and clean air zone (CAZ) in the city.

Bristol City Council published its outline plans to reduce air pollution on October 28 and submitted them to the government on November 6.

But residents, whose lives will be dramatically affected by the plans, have still not seen a map showing the exact streets marking the boundaries of the two zones that have been drawn up.

The council has provided a high-level map of the ban area and CAZ but no street names are shown.

Despite numerous requests from the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the authority has still not provided a map showing the exact streets marking the borders and has failed to supply the names of the streets so the service can draw its own map.

A council spokesman has emphasised the council’s clean air plans are at the “outline” stage only and could well change before they are implemented in March 2021.

If accepted by the government, the outline plans will undergo further development and public

THE PROPOSALS

• All privately owned diesel vehicles would be banned from 1.26 square miles of the inner city (marked in the image by the purple dotted lines) between 7am and 3pm from

Clean Air Zone, non-compliant commercial vehicles charged to enter Area where private diesel vehicles are banned

A zoomed in view of the CAZ plan. Image: Bristol City Council consultation before the final plans are submitted in February 2020.

What we do know from the high-level map of the plans currently on the table is the diesel ban area takes in Cumberland Basin to the west, Cabot Circus to the north east and Temple Quay and St Mary Redcliffe to the south east.

Its north western border runs along Upper Maudlin Street past the Bristol Royal Infirmary and the Bristol Royal Children’s

Hospital and its south eastern boundary runs past Bristol Temple Meads railway station.

The proposed CAZ covers quite a large chunk of the city, including Cotham, Montpelier, St Philips Marsh, Southville, Bedminster and Ashton Gate.

The boundaries in the “outline business case” under consideration by the government were the fourth set developed by technical consultants Jacobs.

It is difficult to draw a

March 2021- a £60 fine could be incurred if the ban is breached, but this has not yet been decided by the council • Commercial vehicles, such as buses, lorries and taxis, that do

not meet emission standards would have to pay a charge of either £9 or £100 a day to enter the surrounding clean air zone, covering 5.61 miles (marked by the pink dashed lines).

complete picture of those boundaries from the published documents, but it is clear the edges of the CAZ were moved outwards to include more areas.

Major changes included extending the boundary: • up the Portway as far as Sylvan Way • northwards in Ashley Down to include Upper Belmont Road, Nottingham Road, Lancashire Road, Surrey Road, Derby Road, Sefton Park Road and Ashley Down Road from this junction • north-east to sit at the immediate end of the M32, just past junction 3 • south-west to include Ashton Vale.

Minor adjustments were made

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11

n NEWS to the diesel ban area in January with “boundaries being refined around properties that would fall inside or outside the zone,” according to the documents.

The council is under a legal obligation to reduce air pollution in the city by lowering toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels to within legal limits as quickly as possible.

It was among 24 local authorities given the order by the government in 2017.

Technical modelling shows the outline plans would reduce the city’s NO2 levels to within the legal limit by 2025.

The clean air plans have drawn broad support because of the urgent need to tackle air pollution, which is estimated to kill 300 Bristolians a year.

But many of the details have been criticised for the impact they would have on low-income families, hospital visitors, businesses in the centre and people living in areas outside the CAZ.

YOUR VIEWS Katy Beth Slade: When businesses inevitably relocate outside of the ban zone - more unaffordable flats, apartments and student housing can be built on the land.

This isn't really about 'clean air', it's about changing the nature and demographic of our central areas and making a lot of money in the process.

Sarah Stone: Something’s got to be done to improve air quality so I think fair play to the council. Not to say it won’t have a direct impact on me and my family using the car at certain times, but on the flip side will make cycling and walking much nicer and safer too. The fumes on my walk/cycle to work atm are unbearable in heavy traffic.

Matt Campbell: In South Bristol, I'm specifically worried about lorries and vans travelling west-toeast deciding to divert via Novers Hill (a steep, narrow road without pavement, that in my grumpy opinion should already be a oneway with speed camera) to avoid

entering the Clean Air Zone and so avoid paying.

Kim Hicks: If only the council would work actively work with the bus companies to work towards affordable and efficient public transport. I believe that 'encouragement' to use public transport, where possible, is a far better way to reduce vehicles in the centre.

Barry Horton: It seems that many people have a special case for not wanting the ban of diesel cars in the city and perhaps if we'd been more sensible in the past with the unfettered growth of car ownership and increasing traffic we wouldn't be in quite the position we are in. It wouldn't matter what the council did or didn't do, there are a lot of people who want to moan. Let's make Bristol a green and great city and accept that we all have to play our part.

Mary Hutton: When you have the eye hospital/BRI/children's hospital/ dental hospital/St Michael's at the heart of the city. Also what if you our caring for a relative in town?

They should have an exempt procedure in place for patients' carers.

Rachel Herbert: It would impact my daughter's school coach company massively. Already pay out £80 a month and according to the email received this afternoon, we're looking at an increase of £40 a month. Just over £1200 a year!!!

My daughter is autistic so relies on this service. Can't afford a huge increase.

Craig Norris: My biggest concern is that it will push the most polluting vehicles into the residential areas around the city centre so places like St John's Lane will become even more congested and polluted. I notice areas like Kings Street are all ready like a Ghost town on a Sunday since the high parking charges, this will be another nail in the coffin for local businesses.

Also if they are going to charge buses £100 per day to enter the zone, then that will be passed onto the passengers making public transport even more unaffordable for families.

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Flexible working patterns will always be considered (so long as our services can support your requests). Equally, we have a proactive Bank Team.

We offer a wide range of benefits and Agenda for Change terms & conditions for some of our roles.

Please submit a short supporting statement or CV as your application via recruitment@sirona-cic.org.uk, call us on 0300 124 5444 or take a look at our current vacancies here https://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/work-with-us/ You can also find us on Facebook @ SironaCIC or on Twitter @SironaJobs We look forward to hearing from you

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

December 2019

southbristolvoice

12

n GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bath on Ice returns for another magical year With winter closing in and the festive season just around the corner, Bath is gearing up for Christmas.

That means lights, shopping, the Christmas Market and Bath on Ice! Just around the corner from the Christmas Market in Victoria Park, Bath on Ice is returning

with a huge outdoor ice rink giving skaters loads of space to learn to skate or show off their skills.

Lights, music and plenty of fun! Next door to the rink the popular Glow Mini-Golf (pictured, below right) will also be back again, with the trees beautifully lit up after dark and

visitors playing with glow-in-thedark golf balls.

And after all that fun in the crisp winter air, the warm glow of the rink-side Alpine Bar offers wood-fired pizzas, deluxe hot chocolates and a full range of festive drinks.

Bath on Ice (15th Nov to 5th

Jan) is a short walk from Bath City centre in Victoria Park and Park & Ride buses stop right next door during the Christmas Market.

Booking is advised and can be done online at www. bathonice.com or by calling 01225 436888.

FUN ON ICE We’re back for our 8th magical year!

15 NOV -5 JAN Book online now bathonice.com

Ice Skating • Festive Drinks • Glow Mini-Golf Wood-Fired Pizzas • Deluxe Hot Chocolates

Bath on Ice is a short walk from the Bath Christmas Market 01225 436888 // Royal Victoria Park BA1 2NR

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

December 2019

southbristolvoice

13

n GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

Festival in famous church will be 'treely' spectacular A festival of Christmas trees will be a spectacular beginning to the advent season in the Gothic splendour of St Mary Redcliffe Church.

The display of up to 100 Christmas trees, from December 3-7 and open daily 10am-5pm, will help raise money for local charities.

Organisers have invited local people, charities, schools, businesses and other organisations to take part by making and/or decorating a Christmas tree. The trees range in size from 1ft to 6ft. In the past the festival has had trees made out of canoes, fabric, wood, wire, ladders, tools, textiles, recycled materials and pompoms.

The trees help raise awareness of the causes, activities and services offered by the makers, as well as helping to raise money for the nominated charities, which are: • Preludes – a musical education

Last year's event charity run by Bristol Ensemble as part of their Education and Outreach programme. They give children the opportunity to learn to read music, sing and play a range of instruments in an inclusive and supportive setting.

• St Mary Redcliffe community development work – St Mary

Redcliffe employ a community development worker and a youth community development worker who work with the residents to help them realise the skills and experiences within the community that can be used to help set up new community activities and resources.

There will be a full music programme throughout the festival, including performances by local choirs and musicians.

On Thursday, December 5 there is a late night opening until 8pm. Preludes will be hosting a “come and try a musical instrument” session, followed by “come and sing” Christmas carols with their in-house band.

There will be opportunity to find out more about the work of Preludes and St Mary Redcliffe’s community work with festive refreshments afterwards.

The event is free entry but donations are requested to support Preludes and St Mary Redcliffe’s community work.

Treefest is kindly sponsored

by Hollis Morgan, b2 Architects, Queen Square Chambers and Out of Hand.

For further information: www.treefest.org.uk or email: treefest18@gmail.com

WE CANR

DELIVER

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AM TENH CHEL

Buy a Christmas tree and help a Refugee

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Shop Open:

10.30am - 7pm ever yday from

30th Nov to 22nd Dec

All profits go to help refugees and asylum seekers in need.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

December 2019

southbristolvoice

14

n GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

Last year's BS3 panto performance

ADVERTISING FEATURE

How my products educate others to look after the planet

Hare Raising Designs

W: www.hareraisingdesigns.com E: hareraisingdesigns@gmail.com Instagram: @hareraisingdesigns My name is Rachel, I’m an illustrator and designer from Bristol. I founded the company Hare Raising Designs in 2018 which proudly produces high quality, consciously sourced clothing, cards, prints and

accessories, which I then sell to individuals and buyers within the museum and heritage sector.

Using my eco-friendly products and interactive children’s book series, I intend to help educate people to be kind to nature and conserve our planet for future generations, which is very much at the heart of my business ethos.

Oh, yes it is panto time again!

The team behind the annual Christmas 'play in a day' panto is recruiting budding stars to join this year's cast of RAPunzel BS3.

It is the fifth year that Acting Out and Launchpad have organised this brilliant community event, which will take place at the Stackpool Playhouse, St Thomas Mar Thoma Church on December 14.

The workshop will run from 10am-4.30pm where the cast will be rehearsing, creating props, scenery and costumes ready for the evening production.

All ages are welcome to join the cast and participants can get involved with acting, creating or both.

Emma Lunt, from Launchpad, said: “This is a very special event which is great fun and aimed at involving all of the community. Previous years have seen casts of over 60 adults and children of all ages which makes for a hectic but very exciting and fun filled day. We can’t wait

to produce another Christmas panto with the brilliant BS3 community.”

Launchpad is working with the charity BS3 Community and its Monday Club for older people at the Southville Centre. Group members will be helping to make some of the props and scenery in advance of the event.

To book a place on the workshop, contact enquiries@ actingoutdrama.com or book on the website www. actingoutdrama.com. The workshop costs £25 for children and over 18s are free. Children must be six years or over to participate. The performance will be at 6.30pm and is open to all. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3.50 for children and can be purchased from the Southville Centre from November 25.

All profits from the pantomime ticket sales will be split equally between BS3 Community and St Thomas Mar Thoma Church.

AS WORKSHOP M T S I R CH Flowers & Co S Bedminster

Wednesday 27th November, 7pm Tuesday 3rd December, 7pm

Wednesday 4th December, 1pm

Wednesday 11th December, 7pm Tuesday 17th December, 7pm

Thursday 19th December, 1pm Come and have some festive fun, make a beautiful wreath or table arrangement to take home. Meet new friends and enjoy a glass or two of warm mulled wine and a mince pie or tea and coffee.

Cost £30pp - payable on booking. To book, call 0117 9634283 / 07807024057 or email flowersandco2016@gmail.com

www.hareraisingdesigns.com To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

Christmas y r r e M Foxon & Foxon would like to wish all customers a merry Christmas

Your local, independent kitchen and bedroom manufacturer Sarah Langford would like to wish all customers a Call today: 01275 892937 merry Christmas www.foxonandfoxon.co.uk sarahlangfordfitness.co.uk 07920 408 013 Matthews would like to wish all customers a merry Christmas

www.matthewsestates.co.uk 0117 971 1417

www.foxonandfoxon.co.uk 01275 892 937

Flowers & Co Bedminster

Christmas flower deliveries up to 12pm Christmas Eve 01179 634 283

Barcan+Kirby wishes its customers a merry Christmas Louise Declutter would like to wish all customers a merry Christmas

www.barcankirby.co.uk 0117 366 7392

FB: Louise Declutter Bristol 07510 197 249

SPRAYLINE Auto Refinishing

Sprayline would like to wish all customers a merry Christmas www.sprayline.co.uk 07730 100 388

Bristol Spanish wishes its students and friends ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo! rosana@bristolspanish .co.uk

One Life would like to wish all customers a merry Christmas www.onefitlife.co.uk 07970 968 151

Christmas gift guide madeinbristolgiftfair.co.uk

1

4

Products featured by the makers at the forthcoming Made in Bristol Gift Fair Weekenders at Colston Hall on: Nov 23 (10am-5pm) & 24 (10am-4pm); Nov 30 (10am5pm) & Dec 1 (10am-4pm); Dec 7 (10am-5pm) & 8 (10am4pm)

3

2

6

5

7 1. Handmade organic baby clothes and rattle by Ilo. Prices: Banana ‘Grow with me’ Organic Trousers from £20.00 2. Wooden teardrop display board by Brüün Design. Price: £30.00 3. Rings with gemstones made with sterling eco silver bands from Forest & Fawn’s Stones Collection. Prices from £70.00 each 4. Plant print by illustrator Hannah Broadway. Prices from £15.00 unframed 5. Hanne Rysgaard’s signature cast ceramic milk jugs. Prices from £36.00 (small) and £45.00 (large) 6. Colourful large keyrings made from reclaimed leather by Kay Morgan jewellery. Price: £16.00 each 7. Made in Bristol loves smelling of nature. Natural soaps and shampoo bars handmade in Bristol by Wild Grove. Prices: Shampoo bars £6.00; Liquid soaps in refillable glass bottles £8.00.

All items are available from the three Made in Bristol Gift Fair Weekenders in November & December.

Photos by Jo Hounsome Photography

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

December 2019

southbristolvoice

17

n CREATIVE COLUMN with Emma Garland, Little Red Apple Handcrafted geometric jewellery and colourful cards Emma makes and sells her own designs through her business Little Red Apple, which she started in Knowle in 2011.

Her creative journey started by making cards for friends and family and over the years her product range has expanded to include handmade jewellery and coasters, which she sells through several independent retailers in Bristol and also online.

She told us: “I love geometric shapes and clean lines. Anything from a colour combination seen on vintage fabric, to an urban walk admiring the colourful Bristol terraced houses can spark

inspiration.”

Little Red Apple strives to be environmentally friendly, using recycled and recyclable packaging and sustainable materials.

Emma says: “Bringing my designs to life is very rewarding and positive feedback from my customers is a thrill I never tire of. Getting every piece just right requires real focus which I find calming. Running my own business enables me to work flexibly and around family life.

Bristol is a really inspirational and supportive place to be with so many people keen to support

small businesses such as mine."

E: emma@littleredapple.co.uk Instagram: @littleredapple Facebook: @littleredapplecards www.littleredapplecards.etsy. com

£5 OFF ANY TREE

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OFF A

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Th e

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- 5th J ecember

4th D

anuary

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FANCY DRESS WE LCOME! Shepherds, Angels, Sheep...

Tobacco Factory Theatres Box Office: 0117 902 0344 Email: tickets@tobaccofactorytheatres.com

www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com (see website for dates/times + family ticket offers)

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

£12

December 2019

southbristolvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Kids ... Get ready for the wonkiest nativity ever!

Tobacco Factory Theatres

Raleigh Road, BS3 1TF W: tobaccofactorytheatres.com T: 0117 902 0344 Bristol’s much-loved maker of nonsense music and rock 'n' roll, Kid Carpet, gives the traditional Christmas story a radical remix with big beat songs, wonky carols, live special effects, puppetry and animation.

Full of silliness and mischief, get ready for the wonkiest nativity ever!

For ages 3+ and their families.

See it at Tobacco Factory Theatres over the festive period from Wed 4 December 2019 – Sun 5 January 2020. Tickets £12. Under 16s, £9.

For more info visit: tobaccofactorytheatres.com Here’s what press and audiences are saying about the show: “If ever a Christmas show lived up to its name, it is this wild exploration

by Bristol entertainer Kid Carpet of everything that can go wrong in the school nativity play” - The Stage “If you’ve got kids you must take them to see Kid Carpet. If you haven’t got kids, borrow some and go anyway!” - Audience member

19

n NEWS Lantern making gets underway For the first time in nine years, there will be no winter lantern parade this December.

But fear not, as it is being held in the new year, to lift us out of the January blues.

Throughout autumn, there have been a whole host of creative activities taking place across primary schools and community centres in BS3.

Lead artist Alan May says that spectators are in for a treat on parade day which is now scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, January 11.

Organisers have applied for a road closure plan for the whole of the route, which means there will be some disruption to journeys including public transport through the area from around 3-7pm. Chair of the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade, Malcolm Brammer, said: "We’ll try and keep that to a minimum using our team of

voluntary road safety steward, but I do hope that people realise that our first priority has to be safety for the many hundreds of children and adults taking part in this hugely popular local event.”

• Organisers are still looking to recruit more volunteers to help run the parade on Saturday, January 11. If you can help please contact info@bwlp.org.uk

Children at Oasis Academy Marksbury Road preparing their lanterns

Holy Cross RC Primary School A place for everyone If you are still deciding on the best school for your family, please visit Holy Cross RC Primary School Be part of our small, diverse, nurturing school with lots of outdoor space where the focus is on safe, happy children who are valued and make good progress

Wrap around care from 7.45am - 6pm Please contact the school for more information on 0117 377 2199 or email holycrossp@bristol-schools.uk

www.holycross.bristol.school Dean Lane, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1DB

Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

20

December 2019

n NEWS

Tradesman defends decision to chop mature trees

A local residents’ conservation group has expressed its upset after a row of trees were “massacred” in a Bedminster trading estate.

About ten trees, identified as maples, were chopped down on the land of building and roofing company Paul O’Brien, in Victoria Grove.

The trees were on the periphery of the site and lined the street, located just off York Road.

Jill Tomkiss, of the York Road residents’ conservation group, said that the trees had created an “important wildlife corridor” between Victoria Park and York Road.

A week previously, Jill said that she had heard owls in the trees.

It is believed that the trees were about 30 years old.

Jill told the South Bristol Voice: “I remember when the trees were planted – they were put there as a barrier between us and the pollution of vans coming in and out of the site.

“It was really quite a beautiful amenity to have the trees there.”

Jill said that these trees have now been

“completely massacred” and has suggested that the council should plant some new trees to mitigate the loss.

Paul O’Brien has defended the action and said that the trees were beginning to affect the business and the building.

A spokesperson for the owners said: “The trees were beginning to affect business and the building, damaging the surrounding walls and drains etc.

“I don’t think the trees were ever supposed to be that big, many were selfseeded and I am sure they would never of

planted them so close to the wall.

“As the trees were not the subject of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) nor are the premises situated within a conservation area, no formal consent was required from the local authority for their removal.”

A Bristol City Council spokesperson confirmed: “This took place on private land and the council has no powers to stop people doing this.”

Since 2014, the council has planted 57,000 trees in the city, with at least 6,000 more to be planted this winter.

Before. Photo, Google Maps

Life changing Our entrance examinations and assessments for entry in September 2020 are taking place in January Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9885 To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

After

December 2019

southbristolvoice

21

n ELECTION SPECIAL MEET THE CANDIDATES

ELECTION 2019

Andrew BROWN Liberal Democrats Occupation: Paraplanner within financial services

An election has been called this December - the first pre-Christmas poll since 1923.

Parliament has now been dissolved and candidates standing for the Bristol South seat - which has been held by Labour since 1935 and party candidate Karin Smyth since 2015 - are now out on the campaign trail, vying for your vote on December 12.

As residents prepare to go the polls, South Bristol Voice has asked each of the prospective candidates to tell us in their own words why they should be our next MP, their priorities and how they would represent constituents.

All five of the main parties are contesting to become our next MP. The candidates include Andrew Brown (Liberal Democrats), Robert de Vito Boutin (Brexit Party), Tony Dyer (Green Party), Richard Morgan (Conservative Party) and Karin Smyth (Labour Party). The deadline to register to vote is 11.59pm on November 26.

In 2017 our MP voted to invoke Article 50, which initiated the Tory party’s Brexit negotiations with the EU. In 2019, a vote for me is a vote to revoke Article 50 and stop Brexit.

Stopping Brexit is just the start.

We need to tackle the Climate Emergency with a comprehensive package of measures including investing in clean energy so that 80% is renewable by 2030, insulating all low-income homes by 2025, and reducing Britain’s carbon emissions back to 1990 levels. To do it fairly, Liberal Democrats are proposing Citizens’ Assemblies and a “Just Transition Fund” so everyone can play their part and no-one is disadvantaged by the changes we all have to make.

We would build a brighter future: investing in our schools, providing childcare for every child from 9 months, giving adults a

£10,000 skills and training budget to use throughout their lives, and ensuring the NHS has the resources to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health.

I am standing for the Liberal values of empowerment, fairness, and co-operation for the benefit of all in tackling the biggest issues: Brexit, Climate Change, and a fair deal for old and young alike.

Bristol South deserves a Liberal voice for our communities, our city and our country. As well as being that voice in parliament, I would make strong representations to the council on behalf of residents, hold regular surgeries in the constituency, and be accessible through a range of means, including social media and email.

STRAIGHT TALKING, HARD WORKING,

FIGHTING FOR BRISTOL SOUTH

To ensure we all have access to the health and social care we need, including at South Bristol Community Hospital.

SUPPORTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE

With improved access to better paid jobs through skills training and apprenticeships.

TACKLING THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Labour’s Green Industrial Revolution will meet carbon reduction targets by 2030 and boost the economy.

DECENT HOMES FOR ALL

Supporting plans to deliver hundreds of new affordable homes every year in Bristol.

REGULAR ENTITLEMENT EVENTS

Ensuring pensioners, families and disabled people get the financial support they need.

Karin Smyth Labour candidate for Bristol South

Vote Labour Thursday, 12th December

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Promoted by Jon Wellington on behalf of Karin Smyth both at 74 Chessel Street, BS3 3DN

A WORLD CLASS NHS

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

December 2019

southbristolvoice

23

n ELECTION SPECIAL MEET THE CANDIDATES Tony DYER Green Party Occupation: Freelance Business Consultant

Robert DE VITO BOUTIN Brexit Party Occupation: I'm currently fully occupied in caring about, helping and serving the people of Bristol South.

For ten years Robert de Vito Boutin worked out of an office in Bristol as an awardwinning freelance writer.

He wrote copy for sectors as diverse as engineering and food, finance and entertainment. A lifelong Europhile, Robert has lived, travelled and/or worked in France, Germany, Greece and Italy. More recently he and his wife have been involved (unpaid) in counselling people from all walks of life, helping charitable organisations in transition and supporting church leaders. Their focus has been on the poor and the disadvantaged.

Robert’s father served in the Royal Navy as a WW2 Fleet Air Arm pilot, after which he dedicated the rest of his life to education.

Following in his footsteps, Robert worked in schools as a Head Teacher, Finance Director and

Chair of Governors.

Robert is married and has a son.

He has a keen interest in Creative Arts, has written and directed a number of plays and a musical, paints occasionally, likes walking, loves film and enjoys everything to do with the sea.

Robert is very excited to be invited to stand in Bristol South, a community of wonderful people who appear to have been poorly served for many years.

There is a great deal of rebuilding to do and the work has begun.

Richard MORGAN Conservative Party Occupation: Runs own business Bristol South is a fantastic place to live, with the advantage of being close to central Bristol surrounded by fabulous countryside. The area has great communities and a wonderful spirit, but I do feel the area needs a strong voice as the current mayor seems to prioritise other parts of the city. Bristol South is being left behind in terms of regeneration projects and opportunities for younger residents and I am determined to fight for a better deal for south Bristol’s residents.

Furthermore, I believe the Mayor’s proposed “Local Plan” is a bad deal for South Bristol residents and we should be regenerating brown field sites before we down-grade and re-designate key parts of our valuable Green Belt. I am also concerned the proposed clean air zone is too draconian and could cause real harm to South Bristol’s residents.

I have previously run my own

Since the Brexit referendum, the Conservatives have changed their mind about their party leader twice and have called General Elections twice. What they consistently refuse to allow is the opportunity to see if the country has changed its mind about leaving the EU. I will therefore continue to campaign for a People's Vote and I to Remain in the EU. But this General Election cannot just be about Brexit. We are facing a climate emergency, and failing to act to combat the effects of climate change is no longer an option and even the other parties are now aware that they need to be at least seen to be taking this issue seriously.

But their proposals are nowhere near what's required. We don't pretend that the levels of investment required aren't high.

But that investment will also

create decent and sustainable jobs, energy efficient and truly affordable housing, cleaner air and much improved public transport, and generate greater levels of social inclusion and equality.

Instead of investing in our future, successive governments have inflicted years of austerity, causing great suffering, especially to the most vulnerable in our communities, for very little gain only a tiny few have benefited.

Now is the time to say NO to Brexit, to say NO to climate chaos, to say to NO to austerity.

Now is the time to say YES to voting Green.

Karin SMYTH Labour Party Occupation: NHS manager; MP for Bristol South 2015-2019

small business, so I understand the challenges facing local entrepreneurs. If elected on 12 December, I would do everything possible to support small businesses in our area, and in particular support our local high streets. I voted to leave the European Union in 2016, and I believe the uncertainty around BREXIT needs to end as quickly as possible so I would support the Prime Minister in getting BREXIT done and giving certainty and clarity to Bristol’s business community. I also care passionately about the NHS and absolutely support the principal that the NHS should always be free at the point of need and I support the extra £34 billion we are spending on the NHS.

It is a privilege for me to represent Bristol South in Parliament since 2015.

With a son at university, two other teenage boys at home in Bristol and an older parent who needs my support, I know what it’s like to balance responsibilities. I’ve seen the impact of nearly a decade of Tory austerity on public services so I’ve done whatever I can to help solve people’s problems and make their lives a little easier.

As your MP, I’ve run regular money entitlement events to help residents get the support they are entitled to. It’s only fair that if you work hard and contribute, the system is there for you when you need it. No one should miss out on the help they deserve.

My twenty years working in the NHS have shown me just how precious it is. Tory cuts have put it at risk and undermined the work

of brilliant NHS staff. A Labour Government will invest to ensure our NHS provide world-class health and social care.

To settle the issue of Brexit we must ask the public to vote again, with the straightforward choice of Remaining in the EU or Leaving the EU on the terms of the negotiated withdrawal deal. The British people can then make a genuinely informed choice. In my view no withdrawal deal will ever match the benefits of staying in the European Union, so I will campaign and vote to remain in the EU. I hope I can count on your support again.

Hustings events: Youth Hustings, Wednesday November 28, 6-8pm at The Station, Silver Street. Organised by Creative Youth Network • Bristol Education Hustings, Wednesday December 4, 5-7pm at Wills Memorial Building (G25).

Organised by the Bristol SEND Alliance with support from the National Education Union (NEU).

To keep up to date with other local hustings events, follow 'South Bristol Voice' on Facebook and Twitter.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

24

n THE CITY PAGE

December 2019

southbristolvoice

BRISTOL CITY ROUND-UP

Let's not have to endure twilight world of playoffs MARTIN POWELL says City's chances of automatic promotion will hinge on getting results against their fellow top-of-the-table rivals, starting with West Brom

T

hings are so tight at the top of the Championship table that Bristol City’s up-coming game at West Bromwich Albion on November 27 already looks like it will be a season-defining fixture.

With no runaway leader so far and just a handful of points separating the top teams, it is performances against others in the top six that will make a real difference.

City have established themselves amongst the pack fighting it out at the top of the table but it is the teams that edge victories over their rivals that will be sitting in the top two at the end of the season, rather than entering the scary, twilight world of the play-offs.

I still have bad dreams every week of Dean Windass swinging his tattooed leg and thumping in the only goal of the game to send Hull City into the top flight and me on to a miserable coach ride home from Wembley. That was

the last time City reached the play off final – and to be honest nobody wants to go through that again!

Which is why two of the games in October were disappointing.

Firstly, a Friday night fixture away to Barnsley was an opportunity to go into second place and put pressure on those also in the top zone. Barnsley were rock bottom but after doing the hard work and being two goals in front with 15 minutes to go two goals were conceded, including one in the 94th minute and the chance was passed up.

A few weeks later a Sunday fixture at home to Wigan presented a similar opportunity after other clubs had stuttered the day before. Another 2-2 draw was the result, this time with Pedro Pereira rescuing it for City at the last minute.

If the season continues in similar vein there will be more opportunities to clinch a top two place and City must capitalise

Pedro Pereira celebrates after scoring his equaliser against Wigan on them. Thankfully there are signs that the injury crisis may be easing with Tomas Kalas and Adam Nagy both returning to first team action and Korey Smith making a cameo appearance in a duffel coat watching the Cardiff City game in a hint that he might soon return to action.

Automatic promotion to the Premier League by finishing in the top two is not an impossible dream with the current squad if they can develop a bit more selfbelief and mental toughness. I’m not sure I can develop the mental toughness for the play-off route, so I’m hoping they get it together!

When you look at the teams in that top group: West Brom, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Swansea and Fulham, all have Premier League histories with

just Bristol City and Preston yet to reach that goal. Wouldn’t it be great if those were the two sides enjoying automatic promotion?

Martin’s shorts Cardiff manager Neil Warnock is one of the great characters of the game and his comments are always good value. In a recent interview he was asked about his relationship with Bristol City fans and told the Welsh media: "When I pass away, I don't want clapping or a minute's silence, I want a minute's booing at Bristol City."

I think we should arrange that, but let’s hope it’s not too soon as he is a chap we love to hate!

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Intuitive, caring and grounding relaxation massage in the heart of Bristol.

To book an appointment call Oli on 07968876150 or visit thegoodhour.co.uk

Loft Ladders

Raised Loft Storage

Loft Lighting

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Loft storage solutions for period and new build homes that don’t void your warranty

01373 813 438 www.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

December 2019

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

Council debate held over Western Harbour petition

By Adam Postans, local democracy reporter

Plans for a massive revamp of Cumberland Basin have been branded “insane” amid fears they will “rob” communities of their heritage and way of life.

Opposition councillors blasted Bristol mayor Marvin Rees’s vision for the area renamed Western Harbour and urged him to ensure residents, who currently feel “ostracised” from the decision-making process, were fully involved.

Mr Rees said doing nothing was not an option and that local householders and businesses had already been engaged at the “earliest possible stage” and would continue to be.

He said a masterplan would not be completed for about two years and that it would take a third year to establish funding and planning agreements.

The debate at full council (November 12) was triggered by a 3,800-name petition, created

by Totterdown resident Suzanne Audrey, demanding the release of the feasibility report into the original nine options considered for the area’s regeneration, although that study has subsequently been published.

Bristol City Council is forging ahead with two of those, plus a hybrid of them, to demolish the complex 1960s road network connecting Ashton Gate with Hotwells over the River Avon.

The 'Western Option' would see a new bridge over the river to the west of where the River Avon New Cut joins the Floating Harbour.

An 'Eastern Option' has traffic flowing over a new bridge next to the Nova Scotia pub and a new bridge across the Avon into what is now the Riverside Garden Centre car park.

'UNTHINKABLE TRAGEDY' A director at a garden centre which has come under threat by the Western Harbour plans, has urged the mayor to "find an alternative solution" which would allow the business to continue at its current site.

Steve Shaw, of Riverside Garden Centre, made the plea at a public meeting at City Hall in November.

He said that if the 'Eastern Option' goes ahead, the centre "would be obliterated" and that would be an "unthinkable tragedy" for the business.

He said that the support for the garden centre has been overwhelming.

At the same meeting, resident Suzanne Audrey expressed concerns about the membership of an advisory group set up to shape the direction of the harbour project. She asked why the group did not include any representatives from the Environment Agency or English Heritage, given the flood risks and heritage buildings associated with the area.

Mr Rees said the council was working with the Environment Agency separately and that

25 councillors and members of the public would be able to have their say via a wider “stakeholder group”.

The advisory group includes: • John Savage, Executive Chair of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative • James Durie, Business West • Simon Dicken, Bedminster BID • Martin Griffith, Ashton Gate • Kevin Bourner, Homes England • John Hirst, Destination Bristol • Alice Bond, Hope Community Church • Dennis Gornall, Cumberland Basin Stakeholder Group • Marti Burgess, City Centre Revitalisation Group • Paul Hassan, representing community organisations • Matthew Tanner, SS Great Britain • Ian Wilkinson, Underfall Yard • David Mellor, Architect • Paul Baker/Chris Grazier, Bristol Property Agents • Siena Jackson-Wolfe, Youth Mayor • Mohamed Aidid, Youth Mayor • David Carter, WECA • Lucy Shomali, North Somerset Council • Includes reporting by Amanda Cameron, LDRS reporter

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

December 2019

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26

n NEWS

The plaice to eat! Local chippies win top award

Two local chippies are frying high after being crowned winners of the Good Chippy Award.

Star Fish Bar in Bedminster Road and Farrows in Wells Road were the only two takeaways in Bristol to win the prestigious Good Food Award for Fish and Chip Shops, which acknowledges the UK’s best chippies.

There were 200 winners of this award, selected out of 10,500 fish and chip shops nationally.

And we are fortunate enough to have two right here on our doorstep.

Top quality fish and chips is essential to qualify for the award, running Star Fish Bar in but value for money, consistent Bedminster Road for eight years positive customer feedback and – it is the first time his shop has how highly the takeaway ranks won an award. among other competitors were He said: “We received a letter all taken into consideration. from Good Food Award which A top food hygiene score is we put on display to encourage also a must. customers to vote for us.

Entrance into the Good Food “I wanted to win it, so it was Award is by invitation only. exciting news when we found Customers are then encouraged out. to vote for their favourite chippy.

“We’re very happy to have Ricardo Da Silva has been December, 2019 E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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won and it is good to know I am doing something right. If our customers are happy, that’s the main thing.”

Teresa Allen, who has worked at the chippy since it opened in 2011, said they regularly receive calls from customers, saying how much they enjoyed the food.

Chris Reed, who took over ownership of Farrows two years ago after having worked in fish

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and chip shops and restaurants since 1989, said: "There is so much going on here behind the scenes and we try and give the best quality fish and chips we can to people, so it's good to have received the recognition.

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n NEWS

How can we make Bedminster Green a great place to live?

Windmill Hill City Farm has organised an event to explore how the community might take control of space within the Bedminster Green development.

Residents are invited along to an informal open session at the farm's cafe on December 5, 6.30-9pm where organisers are hoping to "forge ideas" on how to make Bedminster Green a great place to live.

The farm says that it is putting itself forward as an "honest broker" in "advancing the cause of a good development".

Key figures in the development will lead table discussions before a conversation about next steps for a community hub within the Bedminster Green development.

What residents can expect: • To contribute ideas and opinions on the evolving proposal for community-owned

spaces across Bedminster Green • To see stakeholders coming together to sketch out the road map to implementing the ideas • To gain an understanding of barriers, enabling mechanisms, key decision makers and a timeline for implementation • An exploration of links to the wider city context, for example, One City Plan, Western Harbour development, local plan Throughout the evening the bar will be open and snacks will be available.

Tickets to the event are free and should be booked in advance at bit.ly/bedminster-greencommunity-hub.

More information about the event can be found at: windmillhillcityfarm.org. uk/about-us/projects/ bedminster-greencommunity-hub/

ST CATHERINE'S PLACE At the time South Bristol Voice went to print, the council's planning committee were due to make a decision on Firmstone's proposals to redevelop St Catherine's Place, as part of the wider Bedminster Green development.

As reported in the October issue of the Voice, Firmstone had made a U-turn on the height of the main tower block, reducing it from 22 to 16 storeys.

The development, which would include a £5m investment in the shopping complex and a three screen cinema, has since won the backing of the Bedminster Business Improvement District (BID).

But local campaigners contested that the changes to the development's height were not extensive enough.

The application - which was due to go the planning committee on November

20 - had been recommended for refusal by officers on the grounds that it 'fails to provide a sufficient level of affordable house'; 'would be unacceptable in design terms and impact on existing residential amenity'; 'compliance with the A38 corridor works has not been demonstrated'; and an agreed S106 contribution package the money invested back into the community to mitigate the impact of the development - had not been presented.

Director of Firmstone, Francis Firmstone, said that he was "deeply disappointed" with the planning officers' recommendation.

View of tower block from courtyard

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FESTIVE WASTE COLLECTIONS Over the festive period your waste collection dates will change slightly to allow for bank holidays. Check what dates we will be coming to you on the calendar below. Thank you and happy holidays!

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Christmas tree collection You can take trees to your nearest Household Waste & Recycling Centre.

We will also be collecting real trees from 7 January 2020. Put your tree out on your collection day with the tree symbol.

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Fri 10 Jan Sat 11 Jan

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For more details and to discover top tips and festive life hacks visit: www.bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

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n NEWS

Pizza takeaway shortlisted to become 'Best in Britain'

A popular North Street pizza takeaway has reached the finals of the coveted British Takeaway Awards (BTAs).

Pimms Pizza, a favourite among many south Bristol residents, needs to outshine four other takeaways from the South West in order to win best in the region.

If successful, the independent takeout would then be in the running to be crowned ‘Best Takeaway in Britain’.

The decision will be made by an expert panel of judges, including celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot and former Dragons’ Den star Sarah Willingham, at a starstudded ceremony at The Savoy in London on January 27.

The judges will consider public votes, mystery shopper feedback, as well as a written submission from the takeaway owner, before deciding the regional winners and overall winner.

Heath Pimm, owner of Pimms Pizza, North Street It is the fourth year that Pimms has made it to the finals of the BTAs – an awards programme launched in conjunction with Just Eat to pay homage to the “unsung heroes” of the takeaway sector.

In 2015, Pimms won best in region and owner, Heath Pimm, hopes that next year, he will be able to add another trophy to the

mantelpiece.

Speaking to the South Bristol Voice, Heath said: “In a nutshell, it’s an honour to have that respect – it’s good to be in the limelight.

“It’s a good place to be whether we win or not.”

Pimms, which has 15 employees on its books, has a glowing 5.5 star rating out of 6

on Just Eat with almost 1,500 reviews.

The local institution has been tirelessly serving customers in North Street for over six years, but Heath has been running pizza takeaways from the same spot in North Street since 2001.

The takeout not only prides itself of its affordable but delicious pizzas, but the open kitchen allows customers to see their takeaway being prepped and cooked.

Heath says that he enjoys working in North Street and the takeaway has built up a loyal customer base over the years.

“People just pop in and say hi or wave through the windows.”

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December 2019

n NEWS

The Killers to headline Ashton Gate next summer

The band behind one of the greatest anthems to come out of the noughties is set to perform at Ashton Gate next summer.

The Killers, who catapulted to stardom after the release of Mr Brightside in 2003, will be playing at the south Bristol stadium on Tuesday June 9, as

part of their biggest ever tour of the UK and Ireland.

Their tour also coincides with the release of their hotly anticipated sixth studio album, Imploding The Mirage, which will be out in the spring.

Bristol is one of nine stadium tour dates for The Killers who

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will be joined by special guests Manic Street Preachers.

General tickets go on sale on Friday, November 22 at 9am and can be purchased at www. ticketmaster.co.uk Hospitality packages are also available at www.tickets. bristol-sport.co.uk.

Ashton Gate stadium.

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Library funding available Bristol City Council is offering community groups up to £3,000 to develop innovative ideas for their local libraries.

The Library Innovation Fund will see just over £100,000 split between the city’s 27 libraries.

Projects could range from buying furniture or equipment to funding activities such as creative writing workshops. It could also be used as match funding for a larger project.

A thousand pounds from the fund will be allocated to each library's Friends group, with a further £3,000 available for each library, with bids accepted from community groups, local businesses and individuals.

The deadline to submit a draft application for funding is December 13, and the final deadline is January 13 2020. For more information, visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/libraries-archives/apply-for-funding-for-ideas-foryour-library

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n HISTORY Avon Gorge PART 3

Fatal consequences

In our final part tracing the history of the Avon Gorge, Paul Breeden tells of the tragic flight by an RAF pilot which probably marked the end of such daredevil stunts for good.

T

he final RAF flight up the Avon Gorge that we know of ended tragically – and probably put all pilots off attempting a repetition.

At 10.30am on Sunday, February 3, 1957, Flying Officer John Crossley took off from Filton in a De Havilland F.9 Vampire, a single-engined fighter that had been only the second jet to enter RAF service in 1946.

Eleven years later, the type was becoming obsolete, but it was

still used for training, and could reach almost 550mph.

Around 20 minutes later Crossley reached the Avon Gorge.

He flew under the Suspension Bridge, heading towards Avonmouth. Once under the bridge, he climbed steeply and entered clouds. He was then seen to roll slowly out of the cloud, descending then turning to the left side of the gorge, when he suddenly seemed to lose height more rapidly.

BOING, BOING

THE FIRST bungee jump was made from Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1979. Four members of the self-styled Dangerous Sports Club, David Kirk, Alan Weston, Simon Keeling and Tim Hunt, younger brother of racing driver James Hunt, leaped off the bridge on April 1. Police had been tipped off, and were watching the bridge, but the four moved quickly. They tied two-inch thick elasticated ropes to the bridge supports, and leapt. The elastics were intended to catch planes landing on aircraft carriers, and they had been assured the lines would take their weight – though the only practice had been jumping off a tree in a friend’s garden. The modern ‘sport’ of bungee jumping began that day – though it’s strictly forbidden on the Suspension Bridge.

Onlookers on the bridge could not see, but heard clearly an explosion as the plane, almost certainly travelling at more than 200mph, struck the left side of the gorge. Crossley was killed instantly. His plane was not fitted with an ejector seat, and he probably wouldn’t have had time to use it anyway. The impact caused a landslide, blocking the railway line to Pill, which ran along the bottom of the Gorge.

The following day’s Western

PHOTO: Matt Prosser, Creative Commons

Daily Press included shocking eyewitness testimony. “I heard the Vampire flying over the river but did not at first see it because it was in low cloud,” said Douglas Bendle, himself a former Spitfire pilot. “Then there was silence and the aircraft came down out of the cloud upside down. It looked to me as if he had done a victory roll after flying under the bridge and had his engine pack up when he was upside down in cloud.

“He managed to get the aircraft upright again, but it was very low. I did not see the crash, as the aircraft disappeared behind trees.”

In the Daily Mirror there was worse. Alfred Fenn, who ran a kiosk on the Suspension Bridge, told the paper that “two men and a girl” appeared soon after the crash, having apparently witnessed it. “The girl was in tears. They told me that they had been at a party with the pilot the previous night.” There was a strong crosswind from the gorge, Mr Fenn said.

Even this wasn’t the whole story.

Flying Officer Crossley had a day job with the Bristol Aero Engines in Filton, but he was also a weekend pilot in 501 Continued overleaf

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32

n HISTORY Avon Gorge PART 3 Continued from previous page Squadron, RAF Volunteer Reserve. The RAFVR had been founded to increase the supply of pilots for World War II. In 1957 it was surplus to requirements – and on February 3, it was to be disbanded, with a commemorative flypast for the Duke of Gloucester at Filton.

Squadron Leader MC Collings, commander of 501 Squadron, explained to the Mirror that Crossley had been on an authorised flight to test the plane – but he wasn’t supposed to fly under the bridge. Similarly, the Western Daily Press reported that Crossley was supposed to be a reserve pilot for the flypast.

But even this wasn’t the truth – and it was no surprise that the RAF didn’t want to reveal it.

Crossley hadn’t been meant to fly at all. For one thing, he had been partying all night – because the RAF had allowed the squadron’s farewell party to take place the night before the disbandment.

What really happened emerged at the inquest, and was disclosed later by people who knew John Crossley. The flight was not authorised, Flight Lieut David Chalkin told the Flax Bourton coroner four days later.

So what happened?

Corporal Robert Troll told the coroner that at 10.30am, he saw Crossley sitting in a Vampire, having started the engine.

“He then climbed out, dashed round the starboard side, disconnecting the starting appliance, and then climbed back into he cockpit as if he was in a hurry.

“I made signs to prevent him from taking off because the nose wheel chock was behind the wheel and danger might ensue.

He ignored me completely.”

Flight Lieut Chalkin heard the takeoff and rushed out, but could do nothing. “It was not possible to contact the aircraft by radio,” he said.

At a later hearing, on February 26, Chalkin said Crossley was an experienced pilot, but had been reprimanded three times “for faults arising from over-confidence.”

But there were still some facts missing from the airmen’s testimony.

The inquest wasn’t told that the squadron’s farewell party went on all night, and that Crossley arrived straight from the celebration, in his dinner jacket. How drunk was he? We’ll never know, and there wasn’t a

of Crossley who were trying to protect his reputation. Corporal Troll’s testimony to the inquest makes it clear that he did all he could to prevent the takeoff. A later account had Troll throwing a chock in front of the Vampire’s wheel, but to no avail.

Crucially, Crossley did not take the cover off the plane’s pitot tube. With the tube blocked, the plane’s airspeed meter would not work – depriving the pilot of vital information.

In his haste, he did not even fasten his safety harness. Yet the eyewitnesses saw him roll the plane upside down after shooting under the bridge. Without a harness, he may easily have lost contact with his controls – enough in itself to explain a split-second error that sent the jet hurtling into the cliff.

Did he mean to kill himself?

Some pilots thought his actions so reckless that suicide was a possibility. But the jury did not think so, returning a verdict of Fast jet: A De Havilland accidental death.

Vampire of the type which They heard evidence from John Crossley flew under Crossley’s friend, Geoffrey Clifton Suspension Bridge Higginbottom, who said he was in 1957 before crashing “high spirited and fearless”. into the Gorge He claimed Crossley had once PHOTO: Michael Seeley, climbed from the rails of the Creative Commons Suspension Bridge up to the top of the tower – an incredible feat if true.

Raymond Thomas’s Brisray website carries more testimony drink-drive limit at the time, but from a friend of Crossley, Tom pilots today are expected not to Routledge, who worked with drink at all on the night before him at BAE. “John was a fine a flight. young man – a bit taken with The Daily Mirror, whose the silk scarf romanticism of the first report was still making out RAF,” Tom wrote. To the notion that the flight was authorised, that the crash might have been claimed that “when Crossley was suicide, he said: “It certainly was told to take up the plane he gave NOT. He was just trying to fulfil the thumbs up to his comrades” a young man’s dream, and he and said: “A pilot’s farewell to his PROPERTY knewMAINTENANCE that his chance would be horse”, as if taking a final ride on shortly. PAINTING INTERIOR gone & EXTERIOR his steed.

“A tragic end to a young This seems to be a complete FENCING • PATIOS man’s life• LANDSCAPING … largely because fabrication by the RAF or the stupidity.

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n HISTORY Avon Gorge PART 3 the winds were not kind and, though special permission had been given by the Civil Aviation Authority, the city council and the trustees of the bridge, Mr Bailey had to change course to avoid drifting into the cliffs, and passed over the bridge.

Sources Professional Pilots Rumour Network (Prune), pprune.org/ military-aviation/96306-lowflying-under-bridges-updated. html History The Clifton Suspension Bridge, cliftonbridge.org.uk The Avon Gorge, Bristol’s Great Glacier? bbc.co.uk/bristol/ content/nature/02.shtml The Flyer They Could Not Stop Daily Mirror, February 27, 1957 brisray.com/bristol/gorge2 The Clifton Bridge, Key Publishing Aviation Forums, forum.keypublishing.com thosemagnificentmen.co.uk/ machines/boxkite02.html

Fact file A GORGEOUS PLACE

THE AVON GORGE isn’t just a place of danger, of course – it’s also a natural wonder and a Site of Special Scientific Interest with unique plants and wildlife. Two trees, the Bristol whitebeam and the Wilmott’s whitebeam, grow nowhere else. Very rare plants include the Bristol onion and Bristol rock cress. Wildlife includes peregrine falcons – the world’s fastest bird, which can dive at 180mph.

Not wanted: Brunel wanted to put an Egyptian Sphinx on top of each tower of the Suspension Bridge, but dropped the idea as too expensive PHOTO: Iyad Al Ghafari, Pixabay

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friends used to raise a drink to ‘good old John, who died as he would have liked’ … and I thought then, as I do now, bullshit – it was a terrible waste.”

A terrible waste indeed.

And apparently witnessed by Crossley’s fiancé, who had been told by him to to be at the bridge that morning to see something spectacular. The Daily Mirror account says two men were with her, but others say the woman was with her mother.

There are no records of any unauthorised flights under the Suspension Bridge since John Crossley’s tragic journey. Police helicopters have flown under the bridge in 1997 and 2017 while conducting searches of the Gorge.

An attempt was made at ballooning under the bridge by pilot Clive Bailey of Bailey Balloons for the 2007 Balloon Fiesta, with an actor dressed as Brunel on top of the balloon. But

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Bishopsworth, Filwood, Hartcliffe & Withywood, Hengrove & Whitchurch, Stockwood

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Your opinions help us make decisions! Come along and discuss your local housing services with the council. If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and can make suggestions about improvements to shared council areas. Housing Officers will also be there to help you with your individual enquiries. FREE tea, coffee and biscuits provided. For information contact: Tenant Participation (0117) 3521444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk. All details at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

n WHAT’S ON Christmas events Saturday November 30 n Bedminster Methodist Church Christmas Fair, 11am-2pm. Various stalls, tombola, refreshments, Father Christmas - all in aid of Help Bristol’s Homeless and Church Funds. n St Paul's Church Christmas Bazaar, Southville at 12pm. Come and enjoy stalls, bouncy castle, refreshments and a visit from Father Christmas. n St Michael and All Angels Church Christmas Market, 10.30am-2.30pm, Vivian Street, Windmill Hill. Come along and pick up hand crafted items for Christmas. Everyone is warmly invited. If you are an artist or crafter and would like to sell your work at this event contact smaaanews@gmail.com n Help Bristol's Homeless Fayre, 1.30-5pm at Long Ashton Community Centre. Lots of festive stalls, a raffle and plenty of mulled wine & mince pies.

Sunday December 1 n Arnos Vale Cemetery Christmas Market, 10am-

December 2019

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GOT A LISTING YOU WANT INCLUDED? Email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

4pm, Bath Road. Free entry all day! Showcasing a host of local craft and produce suppliers from our region. n 'Forever Flying' remembrance event, 4-6pm in Leigh Court, Pill Road, Abbots Leigh. The service, hosted by Great Western Air Ambulance is free of charge and will give guests the chance to share their memories and celebrate loved ones. Tickets must be reserved in advance by contacting lamorna. hooker@gwaac.com or call 0303 4444 999 December 1, 2, 8 & 9 n Wild wreath making workshops at Redcatch Community Garden. Sunday workshops, 6-8pm. Monday workshops, 7-9pm. Cost: £25 per person including mulled cider and festive treats, and all materials. Bring your own secateurs if you have some and wear warm comfortable clothing.

Pre-booking required via bit.ly/ wild-wreath-workshop Sunday December 1, 8, 15 & 22 n Tobacco Factory Christmas Markets, 10am2.30pm. Discover a selection

of the best local food, makers, producers, craft around, plus Christmas trees with Ali & Joe's Christmas Trees, live music, street food and the usual lovely atmosphere.

Thursday December 5 n Christmas Street Photography, 5.30-7.30pm, meet at Upfest, North Street.

Take a stroll through Bedminster with local photography legend Colin Moody. Bring your camera or camera-phone and get a festive fun look at the place while improving your street photography style. Open to everyone. Cost, £5 with all proceeds going to Help Bristol's Homeless. Email bedminster@ weareplaster.com to book your space!

Thursday December 5, 12 & 19 n North Street Nights, 5-9pm. As Christmas creeps closer, some of your favourite North Street businesses are opening their doors late to help you find that perfect last minute gift. Look out for the snowflake in the window to see which shops are involved and come on down for a nice evening on

NIA DANCE FITNESS A fun, energising mix of dance, martial arts and yoga, with relaxation to end. Simple steps to follow, all set to brilliant tunes.

Everyone welcome, beginners too. Tuesdays, 7.45-8.45pm, Southbank Club, Dean Lane (term time). £7 drop-in/book on MoveGB. T: 07434 964490.

Nia with Helen North Street on Thursdays this December.

Saturday December 7 n BS3 Community Christmas Market, 11am-5pm at the Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville. Join us for the perfect opportunity to meet local artists and makers and to purchase unique Christmas gifts for friends and family.

December 7 & 21 n Christmas Silent Disco, 8pm at Tobacco Factory. Nothing spreads Christmas cheer like a silent disco under the lights!

Come down to the Tobacco Factory garden for two amazing nights of Christmas dancing.

With three music channels to choose from, there’s sure to be

Sunday roast Sunday roastatat Bedminster Church of Christ 298 St John’s Lane BS3 5AY

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 28th November Children’s activities 6pm Thanksgiving dinner 7pm RSVP Jason: 07795 560990

Come and join us for the last winter before we close in March 4 different kinds of juicy local meat and vegan or vegetarian nut roast.

All served with Yorkshire pudding, seasonal veg, roast potatoes and rich home made gravy.

Available for pre-orders, bookings and walk-ins.

For more info call: 0117 963 5440

12:00 till 17:00

14 windmill hill, Bedminster BS3 4LU

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

December 2019

n WHAT’S ON

something for everyone! FREE to attend!

Monday December 9 n West Street Christmas Carols, 6-7pm at Mezzaluna Italian Restaurant. The West St neighbourhood group's annual carols with the Bedminster Citadel Salvation Army Band.

Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies kindly provided by Mezzaluna and Tesco.

Wednesday December 11 n Bedminster Community Choir festive concert, 6.45pm at acta Centre, Gladstone Street, BS3. Raffle prizes and Christmas craft stall. Bar open from 6pm.

Tickets £3 on the door. n Circle of Hope wreath making with Floriography 7-9pm at Redcliffe Nursery and Children's Centre, Ship Lane. £20 per ticket. £5 for cheese platter and glass of wine. Tickets available at bit.ly/357iLYp. Saturday December 21 n Christmas stories and crafts, 2.30pm at Marksbury Road Library. Drop in for free.

Most suitable for ages 3-8.

Children must be supervised by an adult.

Monday December 23 n Christmas stories and crafts, 2.30pm at Bedminster Library. Drop in for free. Most suitable for ages 3-8. Children must be supervised by an adult.

Other events Tuesday November 26 n Ashton Vale Together AGM at the Ashton Vale Young Persons Club in Silbury Road, 6.30-8pm. We are a small voluntary group of residents, anyone who would like to join

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GOT A LISTING YOU WANT INCLUDED? Email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

us at our events will be most welcome. n Friends of Bedminster Library meet-up, 7.15pm. All welcome. For more info contact friendsofbedminsterlibrary @gmail.com Thursday November 28 n Avon Organic Group invites local gardeners and growers to our talk ‘The Life in Your Soil – Soil Biology for Growers’ with Tom Hartley, Soil Association. 7pm, The Station, Silver St, BS1 2AG. All welcome £5/£3.50 student/concession. groworganicbristol.org.

4.30pm, last Saturday of every month at the United Reformed Church Hall, West Street, Bedminster. Facebook: BS3 Repair Cafe n BS3 Community runs and hosts regular activities for those aged 50+ at the Southville Centre. Zumba Gold (chairbased), every fortnight on Weds 1.30-2.30 (Ruth 0117 9231039).

Yoga, 5.45-7.15pm every Mon (Caroline 07570507494).

Pilates, 6.30-7.30pm every Mon (Rose 07748735200). Learn French, 7.30-9.30pm on Tues (Audrey 07903821655). Choir, 7.30-9.30 on Tuesday evenings (Nickomo 01749850474).

• Would you like to list an event in our What's On page? Contact news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Regular events n Bedminster sight-loss clinic at Bedminster Library, 2-4pm every 2nd Friday of the month. Appointments can be made between 10am and 1pm.

Sight loss advice, signposting, equipment demonstrations, tech training and more. We are here for all your sight loss needs. For more information, call 01173224885. n BS3 Helping Others volunteer meet-ups at the Tobacco Factory cafe/ bar, Raleigh Road. Mondays, 6.30pm & Tuesdays, 10.30am.

No meet ups Dec 23, 24, 30, 31.

More information, visit: www. facebook.com/bs3helpingothers n Folks & Bairns parent and baby choir at the Milk Shed, Southville. Tuesday, 2.153.15pm and Wednesday, 1-2pm.

Free taster/pay termly. Email folksandbairns@gmail.com or visit folksandbairns.com n BS3 Repair Cafe Repairs for a donation plus cream teas and homemade cakes. 1.30-

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

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n THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

T

he best firework display I saw this year was a single Roman candle in a bucket of sand, watched from the safety of the church steps by a group of toddlers and their parents.

So often the things that bring real joy and delight are not costly and impressive professional displays but the homely and local.

What an empowering discovery that is! It means that our small, best efforts can be valued, rather than dismissed because they are not glossy

Regular services n Bedminster Church of Christ 298 St John’s Lane, BS3 5AY Minister Jason Snethen 07795 560990 churchofchristbristol.org Sunday 10am Bible Hour for all ages; 11am worship; 5pm worship; Tuesday 7.30pm Bible study; Thursday 10am Coffee morning; Friday 3.45-5pm After-school; 7-9.30pm youth group. n Bedminster Quaker Meeting House Wedmore Vale BS3 5HX Clerk Chrissie Williams 0117 923 0020 bristolquakers.org.uk Sunday Worship 10.45am; 2nd & 4th Sunday Children’s meeting; 2nd Sunday Shared lunch.

December 2019

from Sally Spencer, South Bristol Methodist Church “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light” - John 1.5

or expensive.

That is part of the Christmas message too: the history of the baby Jesus in an ordinary home in Palestine

n St Aldhelm’s Church Chessel Street, Bedminster BS3 3TT hello@staldhelms.org Minister Rev Nick Hay 07534 249338 staldhelms.org Sunday 10am Morning service, informal with mix of traditional and contemporary songs. Creche, Sunday school, refreshments; House groups meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 7.30pm. n St Paul’s Church 2 Southville Road, Southville BS3 1DG stpsouthville@gmail.com Rev Nick Hay 07534 249338

reminds us that the sacred and the special is here too, among us in the daily routine of life.

As political parties compete for our votes and retailers urge us to spend, let’s make this Christmas a time to celebrate good relationships and the hope that comes from awareness of a power greater than

saintpaulschurch.co.uk Sunday 10.30am Worship is a mix of contemporary and traditional with groups for children and young people.

Also: 1st Sunday 9am Traditional Communion Service; 2nd Sunday 7.30pm Praise and Prayer. n St Francis Church 279 North Street, Ashton Gate BS3 1JP staldhelmsandstfrancis.org.uk Priest-in-charge Rev Andrew Doarks 0117 963 9121 Sunday 10am Communion or Morning Worship; 1st Saturday 10am Open church; Thursday 10am Eucharist.

ourselves. And as the nights draw in and the days shorten, let’s take encouragement, because the light of life is nearer than we think.

Photo, Google Maps

n Victoria Park Baptist Church Sylvia Avenue BS3 5DA 0117 977 2484 victoriapark.org.uk Sunday 10.30am Interactive service with all ages together (Communion every 3rd Sunday).

Friday 10.30am Coffee morning and food bank for those in food poverty.

See website for all other groups and hall hire bookings. n Salvation Army Padstow Road, Bristol, BS4 1EN Lieutenants Clare and Matthew Kinsey salvationarmy.org.uk/bristolbedminster Sunday 10.30am Morning Worship

Christmas at your local churches Bedminster Church of Christ

Victoria Park Baptist Church

298 St John’s Lane, BS3 5AY SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 Carol service, 5pm TUESDAY DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve family devotional, 7.30pm WEDNESDAY JANUARY 1 New Year's Day service, 10.30am with refreshments to follow

Bedminster Methodist Church British Road, BS3 3BW SUNDAY DECEMBER 8 Christmas gift service for The Julian Trust, 10.30am WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11 Carol concert including carols, poems and short readings at 7pm SATURDAY DECEMBER 14 Christmas coffee morning with Christmas stall, 10.30am to noon SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 Candlelit carol service, 4pm led

by Rev Sally Spencer

St Aldhelm’s Church Chessel Street, BS3 3TT SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 Cider and Carols, 4pm FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 Messy Christingle Service, 3.30pm WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18 Carols by Candlelight, 7.30pm CHRISTMAS EVE Midnight Mass, 11.30pm CHRISTMAS DAY Morning worship, 10am

St Paul’s Church 2 Southville Road, BS3 1DG SUNDAY DECEMBER 15 Christingle Service, 4.30pm THURSDAY DECEMBER 19 Wassailing (various local pubs) SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 Carols by Candlelight, 7.30pm CHRISTMAS EVE Midnight Mass, 11.30pm CHRISTMAS DAY Present service, 10am

Sylvia Avenue BS3 5DA FRIDAY DECEMBER 6 Friday night food for all, community Christmas social, 4-7.30pm SUNDAY DECEMBER 15 Christingle service, 10.30am FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 Christmas lunch club, 12 noon SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 Morning carol service, 10.30am SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 Carols by candlelight, 6.307.30pm MONDAY DECEMBER 24 Time for friendship and calm before the big day, 2-4pm TUESDAY DECEMBER 25 Christmas morning service (bring your favourite gift) SUNDAY DECEMBER 29 Christmas communion service, 10.30am

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

December 2019

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37

n NEWS

Let’s halt litter spillage to sea Have your say on council tax Businesses, residents and organisations situated along the River Avon in South Bristol are being urged to join a major new campaign which aims to reduce the huge amount of litter entering the river and subsequently the ocean.

Treasure Your River aims to be the largest ever collaborative effort to prevent and reduce the amount of litter in our waterways, tackling five of the UK’s largest rivers; the Avon, Mersey, Thames, Severn and Forth and their tributaries. The campaign, which is being run by environmental charity Hubbub with funding by the Coca-Cola Foundation, will initially focus on prevention and clean-up activities on five major cities based on these rivers – Bristol, Manchester, London, Cardiff and Edinburgh Treasure Your River, which is due to launch in May 2020, will educate the public about how rivers are transporting

rubbish from our streets and riverbanks to the sea. As well as tackling littering behaviour with engaging bins and eye-catching interventions, the campaign aims to remove 90 tonnes of litter from these five rivers and their tributaries over the next year.

Trewin Restorick from Hubbub said: “The vast majority of plastics that end up in the world’s oceans are carried there by rivers. Cleaning up the river is one thing but preventing litter getting in there in the first place is really crucial. Until we change behaviour on land, this problem will just continue.

“We want all organisations along the banks of the River Avon to come together and help halt the flow of litter into the sea. “ According to the Canal and Rivers Trust, 500,000 items of litter make their way into the sea from UK rivers every year. To find out more and sign up to the campaign visit www. treasureyourriver.co.uk

Residents are being asked their views on a possible 4 per cent rise in Council Tax from next April.

Bristol City Council has launched the consultation on Council Tax for 2020/2021.

Every February, the council sets a budget for the next year which details how much money will be available to spend on each of the services the council provides.

For the second year running the council is proposing a budget with no new cuts to service funding.

Options to increase Council Tax next year (from April 2020-March 2021) have been put forward to help cover some of the existing and emerging financial pressures the council faces in delivering services.

The options range from making no change to a 2 per cent increase in the amount of Council Tax to cover the cost of general council services such as children’s services, waste and recycling, street lighting, parks, and addressing homelessness.

There is also a further option to

add up to an additional 2% which would go towards the cost of adult social care. (This extra amount for adult social care is referred to by the government as an Adult Social Care Precept).

Cllr Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor for Finance, Governance, Performance and Culture, said: “We are conscious of the impact of Council Tax increases on Bristol residents and continue to lean on the government to properly fund local councils and local services.

“Services such as supporting the elderly, children’s services and homelessness support continue to be under immense pressure and support some of the most vulnerable in society.”

You can give us your views by completing the questionnaire at www.bristol.gov.uk/ budget2020-2021.

Residents can email consultation@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 922 2848.

Paper copies are also available at libraries.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

December 2019

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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS Bedminster ward: Awaiting decision

Southville ward: Awaiting decision

Southville ward: Decision

15 Hebron Road, BS3 3AB Renovation and new roof extension to mansard roof.

86 Bedminster Parade, BS3 4HL Fell 3 x cherry trees

AP Autocare, Whitehouse Place, BS3 4BL Proposed erection of car wash and spray booth canopies, at the side of existing garage workshop.

Granted subject to condition(s)

9 Osborne Terrace, BS3 3PT Erection of a shed store to the highway in front of the house.

22 Ashville Road, BS3 2AP Proposed conversion of garage, to two storey 1no. bed ancillary accommodation.

BRUSHSTROKES DECORATING

• The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planningonline.bristol.gov.uk

Got news? Email Becky on news@ southbristolvoice.co.uk

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December 2019

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n LOCAL SERVICES Griffin Electrical Established 1984

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Promote your business in our trade section and reach thousands of homes across south Bristol Call Ruth on 07590 527 664 or email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

INVITATION

CJ Hole Southville invite you to accept our offer of a free sales or lettings valuation.

To arrange an appointment, please telephone the office or call in personally.

If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be considered to avoid a possible liability to pay two commissions.

MEDIUM SOUTH WEST

268 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JA

t: 0117 963 4373 southville@cjhole.co.uk With 17 offices covering Bristol, Gloucester and Somerset

OPENING HOURS Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

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