South Bristol Voice Bedminster February 2017

southbristolvoice February 2017 No. 16

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As one road opens, two more close SOUTH Bristol is coming to terms with months of diversions, and delays as major work on the Metrobus route gets under way.

Road closures began soon after the celebrations on January 16 when the £47 million South Bristol Link road was declared open by transport minister Andrew Jones.

The Link is a major extension to the A4174 ring road, linking Hengrove Way to the A38 and A370.

It is hailed as giving easier access to jobs for local people, and better transport routes for businesses. A link to Brookgate opens up the South Liberty Lane area and should remove many HGVs from Winterstoke Road, while encouraging more investment and jobs.

• South Bristol Link facts: Page 3 As soon as the Link Road opened, the go-ahead was given for more Metrobus works at the Sheene Road junction in Bedminster, and Hartcliffe Way. At both scenes scores of motorists drove right up to the closed sections, then did U-turns.

• Living with roadworks: Page 3

Hang on ... don’t I know you from TV?

• Still no affordable homes on Green Page 4 • Boost for Parson Street station Page 5 • Cycleway divides opinion Pages 6-7 • See climate change at work Pages 10-11 • Why the arena is even further off Page 12

• WIN Meal for 2 and Bristol Blue gift in our great Wedding Guide Pages 14-17

Bedminster fitness teacher Marie Clifford is a frequent sight on BBC1 at the moment. Find out why on Page 9 CREDIT: Martin Parr/Magnum

• Cuts target is now even bigger Page 18 • Appeal to help families under stress Page 20

We’re truly local & proudly independent… www.oceanhome.co.uk

IN

February 2017

southbristolvoice

2 Paul Breeden Editor & publisher 07811 766072 paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk Ruth Drury Sales executive 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Editorial team: Beccy Golding, Alex Morss & The Wicked Witch.

Deliveries: Greg Champion

Intro

SO BEGINS THE YEAR OF THE ROADWORKS IT’S Only Just Begun, sang the Carpenters. They were thinking about romance, not roadworks, but once it gets stuck it your head it makes an eerie soundtrack to the experience of sitting in a South Bristol traffic jam – something we’ve got months and months ahead of us. Tempers are bound to get frayed, and officials blamed, sometimes rightly so.

But it’s our responsibility to suggest any improvements that might ease the pain. TravelWest and Metrobus are listening, they assure us.

We hope they’ll study the new A38 Lime Kiln roundabout

You can find South Bristol Voice on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/ southbristolvoice Twitter: @sbristolvoice Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is February 15th on the South Bristol Link road.

There was an embarassing collision there just as the roads minister was declaring it open.

The Voice had a look, and the road gradient makes it very hard to see lane markings as you cross the roundabout from the Long Ashton side.

Twice we approached the junction, and twice cars in front pulled across suddenly to find the right lane.

Stand there and watch, and you’ll see it happens all the time. Perhaps some dotted lines to show where to change lanes might help.

The Voice has been told a second safety audit is taking place of all the Link Road’s major junctions. It will see if motorists need further directions. That’s good to hear; let’s hope things improve.

How do I get in touch with ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Surgeries on Friday February 3 and 17 at Knowle West Health Park, Downton Road, BS4 1WH, 9.15-10.45am. Call 0117 953 3575.

My councillor?

By post: (all councillors) Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY

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 Pest control and dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999

Fire Inquiries 0117 926 2061 Emergency 999 Greater Bedminster Community Partnership Local forum for the public, councillors, police, council officials and other bodies.

Next meeting The future of the community partnership is unclear because of council cutbacks.

EDITOR’S NOTE: South Bristol Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We strive to conform to the NUJ Code of Conduct for journalists: • nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code Feedback is welcomed: call editor Paul Breeden on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk.

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

South Bristol Voice Ltd | 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX Co. no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76

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February 2017

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3

n NEWS: ROADWORKS ROADWORKS IN BRIEF

• Hartcliffe Way Closed outbound (away from city centre) for 10 months. Diversions via Bishopsworth Road, Novers Lane or St Peter’s Rise.

• Sheene Road Junction closed to traffic heading from Cannon Street OFFICIALS running the huge programme of roadworks to prepare for Metrobus in South Bristol have promised that they are ready to take action to minimise the impact on residents.

It came after scenes of rush hour chaos in Cannon Street, Bedminster, on the first day of the closures, and angry protests from residents and parents at a meeting at Parson Street primary school the same day, January 16.

Residents attacked Metrobus and council officers for not keeping them informed about the work.

After a protest from people in Bishopsworth Road about the impact of HGVs being diverted through the residential area, a Metrobus official said improved signage was being worked on. In that case, the official was asked, why weren’t people being informed so that they knew

HIGHBURY ROAD GETS A CHOICE Highbury Road, already a notorious one-way rat run, is seeing even more traffic since the Hartcliffe Way diversion. Residents are being consulted on four options to make the road safer: • Narrow the entrance to the road, with a speed table and bollards • Speed bumps along the road • Ban right turn to Marksbury Road • Ban left turn to Marksbury Road.

to Sheene Road for 12 weeks.

Winterstoke Road Weekend closures of Ashton Gate underpass and Cala Road trading estate possible into February, as bus lane flyover is completed.

West Street Work to upgrade bus stop outside job centre starts in

February. The stop outside Halfords will be upgraded in the summer.

Bedminster Parade Work on bus stops by Asda and Taunton Leisure start in April.

Parson Street Work on the bus stop outside the station will close the contraflow bus lane in May.

AND ANOTHER CLOSURE...

• East Street will be closed for six weeks from April while a Metrobus stop is built outside Wilko. Nearest bus stops will be outside Asda, and Tesco Express on West Street.

• travelwest.info/metrobus/ metrobus-build

Months of diversions begin with U-turns in rush hour action was being taken?

Metrobus staff say they are looking closely at improvements they can make. They promised better signs for Novers Lane, another diversion route, after protests from people there.

And the Voice was told signs will also be improved at Cannon Street, where drivers have been doing dangerous U-turns in rush hour traffic when they realise they can’t drive through to Sheene Road. Traffic is now being pointed down East Street and Dean Street to avoid too many vehicles taking to British Road.

Council transport chief Mark Bradshaw, also Labour councillor for Bedminster, came under attack at the Parson Street meeting for failing to respond to locals’ concerns.

Jamie Barrie, head teacher at Parson Street primary, told the Voice he was still waiting for an answer to the protests made by parents and residents to the proposal to move a Pelican crossing further way from the school. Many parents and Mr Barrie feel this will be dangerous, especially as the school’s call for

Bex’s Exercise Classes Monday 7-8pm @ The Gatehouse Centre, Withywood BS13 9JN Wednesday 7-8pm @ Ashton Vale Community Centre BS3 2QV

a 20mph speed limit nearby has brought no action.

A petition was signed by 800 people, and many filed a complaint against the traffic regulation order (TRO) to allow the crossing to be moved.

Parents expected they would hear the results of the consultation – until Cllr Bradshaw told Mr Barrie that such comments weren’t normally published.

Mr Barrie said he was promised before Christmas by Cllr Bradshaw that he would be sent a summary of the comments – but he hasn’t received one.

“That’s just shocking,” Mr Barrie told the Voice. “They asked for all these comments.

Surely at least the report of the decision should be made public?

“In my views these changes should have been considered and consulted on before the scheme was embarked on,” said Mr Barrie.

Cllr Bradshaw did not respond to a Voice request to comment.

He said earlier, however, that he had made changes as a result of public feedback. There is now a fenced footway along the Novers Lane diversion, and HGVs have been allowed to travel inbound along Hartcliffe Way to ease congestion elsewhere.

In addition, the pavement outside the arcade near Asda on Bedminster Parade won’t now be removed, and the right turn from Asda onto the Parade will be kept.

SOME GOOD NEWS: THE LINK ROAD

• It’s expected the Airport Flyer bus will attract more passengers – up from 10 per cent to 15 per cent of people using the airport.

• Businesses in South Liberty Lane can get out of the city without using Winterstoke Road.

• It’s predicted to bring £224m of economic benefit and 2,500 jobs.

• It’s already reducing traffic pressure on other roads.

The South Bristol Link was delivered on time and on budget.

It’s 4.5km long, with a bus lane, and separate path and cycle lane.

• It’s aimed to draw traffic – especially lorries – way from South Bristol streets like Parson Street and Winterstoke Road.

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February 2017

n NEWS DEVELOPER Paul O’Brien has made a planning application for two blocks of 217 flats in Bedminster Green in two buildings of six to 10 storeys – without a single affordable home among them.

The plan joins a list of major developments in the area which developers claim do not give the profits necessary to build lower-rent homes.

Consort House and Regent House, the former tobacco offices in Bedminster Parade, are to be turned into 235 flats, while St Catherine’s Place is to be rebuilt as 188 flats. No social housing is included in either scheme.

Bristol city council wants developers to build up to 40 per cent of new homes for affordable rent – but they cannot demand this if the developer can show the returns will be too low.

Mr O’Brien’s plan, submitted through Rollo Homes, says social housing can’t be afforded because of the need to build a district energy centre at one end of the site – the former Pring & St Hill steelworks on Malago Road.

No affordable flats in latest plan for Bedminster Green However, Rollo faces competition from developer Urbis, which plans its own energy centre on another site nearby.

Urbis has the council’s backing for its masterplan for the entire Bedminster Green area, and says it already has 1,000 homes lined up to take heat and power from its new plant. The plant could eventually supply 2,000 homes.

It’s not known if Mr O’Brien’s proposed energy centre has made any approaches to likely customers.

Urbis lost a bidding war with Rollo to buy the Pring & St Hill plot. Urbis was the first to propose a gas-powered energy centre on the site – known as Plot 1. Now Urbis says it is close to agreeing a deal on another site – meaning there could be two

competing plans for similar power facilities.

To add to the confusion, a Clifton company, Acerbic, has applied for permission to put 360 solar panels on a narrow strip of land next to the railway embankment, behind the proposed Rollo flats.

The 217 flats have only 103

Rollo plan: 217 homes in 2 blocks

parking spaces in an underground car park.

Windmill Hill residents group WHaM said Rollo’s claim to have consulted the community was “a joke”. Howard Purse, leader of WHaM’s Malago group, said Rollo had twice been invited to meet residents but hadn’t done so.

Both WHaM and the BS3 group fear that if the Green is developed piecemeal by different developers, the community benefits promised by Urbis – a health centre, new open spaces and more – will be lost.

WHaM is holding a meeting to discuss the Rollo plan at 8pm on February 15 at Windmill Hill community centre in Vivian Street.

The Voice attempted to contact Mr O’Brien for comment but was unable to speak to him.

• Letters: Page 18

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

February 2017

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5

n NEWS

Wise heads turn £10 into hundreds for hospital

Students Lewis Deacon, left, and Brad Alford, right, with a hospital representative handing over gifts which included a PS4 games console

THREE students at Bedminster Down school proved they know how to use their heads when they were set a challenge to see how much they could raise for charity from an initial £10.

Year 10 students Brad Alford, Lewis Deacon and Mo Sanneh decided to raise funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital by having their heads shaved and getting friends and family to sponsor them.

They turned the £10 investment into an impressive

£580. At the hospital’s suggestion, they used the funds to buy gifts for children who were spending their Christmas on the wards.

The students had been invited to take part in the ‘tenner challenge’, a scheme available to secondary schools to encourage enterprise and financial literacy. Students are pledged £10 to set up a business or challenged to see how much they can make it grow in a month.

• tenner.org.uk

Station due some attention at last LONG neglected, Parson Street railway station now officially has friends, after the first meeting of a group set up to support it was held on January 16.

The station is getting increasingly busy and on some match days the platform is full.

Passengers should start noticing the results soon – the stations manager of GWR, who attended the meeting, promised to look straight away at some of the requests for action.

It’s hoped there will soon be yellow lines painted to mark the platform edges, and a noticeboard for community use.

Also promised was a safety

check on the stairways and any repairs that are necessary.

Stef Brammar, who chaired the gathering of the Friends of Parson Street Station, said it was a “very productive and positive first meeting”.

The group also wants to see an electronic display at the entrance to the station, grants for artwork, and more planting. It’s being helped by Severnside Community Rail, which campaigns to improve facilities at stations all over the Bristol area.

There will be another meeting in February. Details will be at • Facebook: Friends of Parson Street Station

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February 2017

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6

n NEWS Praise for the region’s No 1 primary school

Top rated: Victoria Park primary VICTORIA Park school has been judged the best primary in the Bristol area.

The Primary Real Schools Guide 2017, compiled by Trinity Mirror, found that Victoria Park rated higher across 36 different scores of achievement than any other in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire or Bath.

The table doesn’t just measure how well pupils do in tests, but how much progress they make while they are at the school, and how much help is given to less able pupils.

Mark Bailey, the school’s chair of governors, is delighted, partly because he has seen the school improve dramatically over the last 20 years.

He praised the leadership of headteacher Jack Lacey, who has led the school for six years.

“It’s down to the wonderful young and enthusiastic team that Jack has built there,” said Mark.

“Over the past couple of years the school has had fantastic results. Of course it’s not really about being top of a league table, it’s about giving pupils the best possible start in life, and being part of the community.”

Opponents of Quietway are MP and councillors say locals’ views must be listened to by planners PASSIONS are high over the proposal to put a segregated, lit-up cycleway through Victoria Park, with almost 1,100 comments made to the council as the Voice went to press.

Objectors numbered 626 on January 16, while 451 wrote in support of the plan, which is the first planning application to form part of the Filwood Quietway – a £2.3 million safe cycle route from Filwood and Knowle West through Windmill Hill to the city centre.

Most of those opposing the plan are local to the park, while most of those supporting it live further afield.

According to Windmill Hill councillor Jon Wellington, only 67 of the supportive comments made by January 11 – the official

REVISED PLAN FOR WHITEHOUSE STREET THE last issue of the Voice reported protests from businesses in Whitehouse Street about a new, kerbed-off cycle lane and several restricted junctions.

At West House Transport, bosses feared their HGVs would have to manoeuvre over the cycle lane in order to turn into their yard.

West House and other firms are now studying revised plans to see

What they say OBJECTORS

SUPPORTERS

• Wide, segregated path encourages cyclists to speed • Current shared paths work well • Lights will change park’s character • Removing barriers will make it easy for youths on motorbikes • Loss of much-valued flat area • Wide path too intrusive • Will not fix drainage problems • Lack of evidence of a need for cycleway of this scale

• Evidence shows segregated paths don’t increase cycle speeds • Wider, flatter route is better • Lights will make people feel safer • Bikes still enter park now; and barriers prevent disabled access • Dangers are exaggerated • Similar widths in Castle Park • Will prevent flooded paths icing up • Traffic-free routes encourage more people to start cycling

close of consultation – came from the Windmill Hill ward.

Bristol Cycling Campaign and other cycling groups have been mobilising support for the plan, encouraging people from all over the city to register their views.

The campaign accused opponents of being opposed to cycling.

“We believe the estimable Victoria Park Action Group have been co-opted by a fundamentally

anti-cycling group. Their purpose is to resist the whole Filwood Quietway route and they’ve quite rightly identified the Victoria Park section as the point where they can hide their true aims under a cloak of appearing to care about parks and pedestrians,” said a statement by the cycling campaign.

Those opposed to the plan object vehemently to the claim

if they improve the situation.

Previously, a right turn from Whitehouse Street to York Road was to be banned.

Access both ways to and from York Road is now allowed. All junctions are also two way, except for Spring Street.

It’s not clear if a new pedestrian and cycle bridge will be built over the river. But a pedestrian crossing which was to be sited on York Road very close to the Whitehouse Street junction has been moved

towards Bedminster bridge.

No planning permission is needed for these changes – merely a Traffic Regulation Order, which doesn’t involve formal consultation. It appears a TRO may be sought in the summer.

Firms are unlikely to be happy that the plans remove many current parking bays.

• travelwest.info/projects/cycleambition-fund/bristol/filwoodquietway/whitehouse-streetproposals

ASK A VET: What is kennel cough?

K

ENNEL cough (also known as infectious canine tracheobronchitis or bordetellosis) is a nasty and highly contagious disease that causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchus in dogs. It is a widespread disease which is caused by several different viruses and bacteria.

Kennel cough is not a disease that is only caught in kennels. It can be caught through direct contact with affected dogs or by sharing contaminated objects such as toys or food and drink bowls.

Due to its contagious nature, it can spread very quickly among

dogs who are kept in close proximity, for example in kennels.

Many boarding kennels will not accept dogs who aren’t vaccinated against kennel cough.

Symptoms can include a dry hacking cough sounding like a goose honk. It often sounds as if there is something stuck in the dog’s throat. There can be retching and watery nasal discharge.

All dogs can develop kennel cough; however, certain dogs will be more at risk such as young puppies, older dogs, pregnant bitches, and dogs with low immunity or respiratory disease.

If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from kennel cough, see a vet as there are many causes of coughing and treatment can vary.

Your dog will also need to be isolated from other dogs so as not to spread the disease. If kennel cough is left untreated, it could develop into pneumonia, which will require hospitalisation.

Kennel cough can be prevented by a vaccination which is given via the nose. Although it does not guarantee that your dog will not contract the disease, it may reduce the risk of contracting the infection and also reduce its severity if the

Rob Parry-Hall MRCVS Ashton Veterinary Surgery dog does become infected. Call Ashton Veterinary Surgery on 0117 953 0707 for more information or to book an appointment.

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

February 2017

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7

n NEWS

accused of being anti-cycling

VPAG member Chris Wallace’s map shows objectors to the plan (in red) mostly live near the park. • explorersolutions.co.uk/planning/xquery/home.xq that they are anti-cycling. “There is absolutely no truth in this,” said Rob Porteous, a keen cyclist and chair of the Filwood Opposition Group, which was set up as an offshoot of VPAG. “It’s entirely unhelpful because it sets up a scenario where you have pro-cyclists and anti-cyclists.”

The wave of opposition to the plan from local people doesn’t show that they are anti-cycling, but that they don’t like the current plan, he said. “It’s perfectly possible to be in favour of a high quality link between Filwood and the city centre but opposed to the specific proposals in Victoria Park,” he said.

Mr Porteous believes cyclists should continue to use the shared paths in the park, but these should be improved. “We are very focused now on trying to find a solution which is good for everybody, which enables double or triple the number of cyclists through the park,” he said.

VPAG was asked to remove its flyer from a council noticeboard in the park. Meanwhile cycling campaigners have been distributing flyers made by the council’s transport department.

A council spokesperson said only planners, not the transport department, would have a role in deciding the application.

Windmill Hill councillor Jon Wellington said the “overwhelming opposition”

locally means a new plan for the route is needed. He used his position as local councillor to ask that the plan is considered by a planing committee, not officials.

MP Karin Smyth has also been deluged by comments on the scheme. In her Voice column, she said she was very much in favour of improved cycling infrastructure, but that many local people have serious concerns about the plans as they stand. She has written to the council urging that planning committee members “properly consider the views of local people, who know the park best and use it daily.”

The proposal is for 645m of path, mostly 4.7m wide, with a buff-coloured surface for the 2.5m wide two-lane cycleway, to set it apart from the footpath, coloured black and 2.2m wide.

About 150m of the path would be new. Critics say it will look more like a road than a path.

LED lighting on 4.5m posts would automatically dim to 30 per cent brightness after 7pm.

The new path would be designed to improve drainage, so that it does not get flooded.

Typical of the supporters was a resident of Hill Street, Totterdown, who wrote: “A cycleway through a park is the preferred option rather than cycling along a busy road.”

Barriers at Nutgrove Avenue and St Luke’s Road and Windmill

Close will be removed. Objectors including FOG, VPAG, and Tresa, the Totterdown community group, fear that removing the barriers will bring a return to the days when youths on motorbikes plagued the park.

Police did not object to the plan, but Acting Chief Inspector Nigel Colston acknowledged that the problem of anti-social motorbikes had previously been resolved by installing barriers.

Police would monitor the situation if the gates were removed, he said.

The council has £500,000 to spend on the Victoria Park scheme, as part of a £19m Cycle Ambition Fund grant ring-fenced for cycle schemes across the city.

A council spokesperson said: “Any delays will create a significant risk to the funding.”

The council was unable to say when the plan would be put before a planning committee.

• Karin Smyth: Page 22

Support for food problems PEOPLE who have trouble controlling the way they eat are invited to join a new group, Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous.

It runs a free 12-step recovery programme for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, under-eating or bulimia.

Meetings are held every Monday at Totterdown Methodist Church, Wells Road, Totterdown at 6.30pm. For more information call 07886 545228.

• foodaddicts.org

Our winner THE winner of the Voice competition to win a dog grooming session at Groomingtons, published in the January edition, is Ray Hooper of Knowle. His dog Millie, a collie cross, will soon be experiencing the full grooming treatment at Groomingtons in Whitchurch.

• groomingtons.co.uk

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

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February 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS Marie’s BBC film to get the nation moving A BEDMINSTER fitness instructor is now one of the most-seen faces on television.

Marie Clifford, who has featured in the Voice before for her energetic movement classes for people who are chairbound, was picked to lead one of her Zumba groups for a BBC clip.

The 16-second film is being used as an “ident” between shows on BBC1. It shows a varied group of 14, all putting everything into the music in their own way, behind the BBC caption “Oneness”.

It could make Marie and her class familiar faces to us all, because she’s been told it could be used for up to five years.

In fact, it isn’t strictly a Zumba class – the BBC found out two days before filming that they couldn’t use the Zumba brand, and asked Marie if she could come up with another routine.

“Luckily I have been teaching dance and drama for 30 years, so that isn’t difficult,” she said.

It turns out they weren’t moving to the dance track, either – Marie was using a James Brown song, but the BBC dubbed on another track.

Marie, a former actor, was chosen because of a video she made of her Bedminster Zumba Gold class for over-55s, in a routine which she shot on the roof of the Monica Wills building in West Street. She runs classes all over Bristol – the BBC film was shot in Avonmouth with a

9 Lead on: Chosen for her energy and infectious enthusiasm, Marie leads her class in the BBC ident

Get ready to light up the streets of BS3

CREDIT: Martin Parr/ Magnum

Window wonders from 2016

group from Westbury and Pill.

Marie was barely fit by the time of filming in November – she had fallen off her bike weeks before and broken both her arms.

“I was back at work within three weeks,” she said, “though I had to have someone else to do the arm movements!”

You can see Marie’s BBC clip on the Voice Facebook page: • Facebook.com/southbristolvoice And you can see Marie’s own film made in Bedminster, along with details of new classes she is starting in BS3, at • bristoldancezumba.co.uk

WINDOW Wanderland is back – the popular event which sees hundreds of people decorate their homes for others to admire.

Windows will be illuminated all over Ashton, Bedminster and Southville over three days – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 24-26.

Lighting up time is 6-9pm, and, if last year is anything to go by, there will be plenty of designs to spark the imagination.

To sign up, or find out where the windows are, visit • windowwanderland.com/event/ bs3-2017

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Email: fostering@five-rivers.org www.five-rivers.org/fostering Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

10

n FEATURES

Bats are flying, butterflies are basking and flowers are blooming in winter more often, says Alex Morss

How climate change is at work Rare find: A pair of dormice found at a secret site in South Bristol. Like bats and other hibernating creatures, they are increasingly being found active in the winter thanks to milder weather. PICTURE: Alex Morss

H

OW future-proof is your garden? Pioneering invaders from abroad are poised to migrate into Bristol gardens, parks and wild places, if scientists’ predictions are correct.

And we are likely to see changes among our favourite visitors, too. Recent sightings and climate change forecasts show that wild populations are on the move.

Our city offers the perfect ‘des res’ to invading opportunists, for several reasons.

We are close enough to the continent for migratory birds, bats, sea life, insects and spiders to drift or fly across from

February 2017

southern regions. Also, rarer, migratory species from Europe will probably increase in frequency amid forecasts for

milder, wetter winters in Bristol.

Those on the edge of their natural range are more likely to survive the milder winters and

breed natively. What’s more, alien species thrive on urban land and places near waterways, roads and railways. These factors combined make your little green corner of Bristol a potential hot spot for harbouring some surprising fair-weather friends and foes in future.

This winter, residents in Windmill Hill and Bedminster found plagues of ladybirds – thousands of them clustering on buildings and under sycamore and lime trees. This behaviour tends to be from the alien harlequin ladybird, which first arrived in Bristol 10 years ago and is now abundant. It preys on our 46 native ladybird species,

Kip McGrath Bristol Central 3 Portwall Lane, Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6NB Tel: 0117 370 4525 www.kipmcgrathbristolcentral.co.uk To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

February 2017

southbristolvoice

11

n FEATURES

– right here in South Bristol spreads a disease and robs them to hunt for insects, and they can of food. The UK Ladybird Survey be spotted emerging from says these variable-colour beetles crevices in buildings and trees. In are the most invasive ladybird on December 2016, I watched Earth. They are prolific breeders pipistrelle and noctule bats flying and foragers. Scientists say in Victoria Park and Arnos Vale harlequins invade cities faster cemetery. They would normally than surrounding countryside be hibernating in December. and there is a link between their I have also spotted red increase and climate warming. admirals and peacock butterflies Other recent Bristol arrivals in winter flight and basking in have included purple herons, sunny spots, sheltered from the small red-eyed damselflies and winds by our city’s urban skyline. not far away, rare, For any hungry migrating Geoffroy’s bat winter- awakening and Nathusius’ pollinators, wild pipistrelle bats. Many flowers are in blossom native moths and even on New Year’s butterflies are also being Day in Bristol – I boosted by milder counted 37 wild species weather in our region in bloom around the too, says the UK’s Northern Slopes and Environmental Change Victoria Park.

Institute. Sadly, farming Milder winters can and habitat loss reduce Invader: Harlequin help or hinder survival. this gain. ladybirds breed fast Species that normally Bleak winters are hibernate may awaken rare in Bristol, but last winter more often in milder weather, was the mildest on record, the such as bats, hedgehogs, insects Met Office said. Those of us who and dormice. record or survey wildlife saw On a protected site not far unseasonal activity. I frequently away, I recorded Britain’s rare found several of Britain’s 18 bat dormouse active in February species foraging into late 2016, when the cold would November. This is not unheard normally render them torpid. of, but milder temperatures There is concern that hibernating seemed to be rousing bats more species such as dormice could frequently than I expected from fare worse in a warmer climate, their winter torpor. because if they awaken at the When a bat’s metabolism and wrong time there may not be body temperature rises, it needs enough food and they could die.

SHOULD WE WELCOME ALIEN INVADERS? SHOULD we be worried about Bristol’s new ‘blow-ins’? We know many of our native wild species are struggling. Will they cope with competition?

Aliens are not new, but their rate of arrival is increasing. Some are a serious nuisance, such as Japanese knotweed and fungi that cause sudden oak death, ash dieback and Dutch elm disease, plus insects that damage crops.

These culprits cost Europe billions of pounds each year, says the UK’s Biological Records Centre.

But we have few truly unique wild species, compared to Europe.

Yes, Bristol boasts rare whitebeam trees, growing wild in Avon Gorge and planted in our parks. But half the species we call wildflowers are in reality historic invaders, such as

the Guernsey fleabane, wild fennel and willowherbs found on paths in Bedminster. Bristol is infested by Spanish bluebells and Himalayan balsam. They are legacies of Bristol’s slave trade, the Romans and our gardening obsession.

The bees are not complaining about floral newcomers. Our native pollinators need all the food they can find.

The RSPB thinks many of our truly wild bird species will expand their range under a milder climate, particularly generalist species including the green woodpecker and tawny owl, which are both seen in South Bristol.

We can still expect to see our top garden birds, from blackbirds to blue tits, but also arriving are serins, hoopoes and Scops owls.

The RSPB says specialists and rarer creatures, and those that need a cold spell, might suffer.

HELP WILDLIFE COPE WITH FUTURE CHANGE • We should design gardens, parks and wild spaces to support a range of species year-round.

Species richness will increase resilience to stress and change.

• Ensure your garden is well stocked and not too tidy, with a long season of flowers, fruit sources and shelter.

• Make connecting green routes between gardens, to increase animal hunting territory.

• In mild years, hedgehogs might have a late autumn second brood of hoglets. Offer sheltered spots and dry cat biscuits – not fish ones – to help their chances of winter survival.

Winner: The green woodpecker may thrive in warmer weather

• Diseases thrive in wetter weather. Create dry shelter areas to help insects and spiders. Allow moths and butterflies to overwinter in dry spaces such as your shed or house – don’t be tempted to put them outside.

We are a low cost counselling service in Kingswood, Bristol who offer a safe and confidential place to explore your issues and concerns.

We cover a wide range of issues at prices that meet your financial circumstances. Book your session today

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

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12

February 2017

n NEWS

Mayor puts arena date back to 2020 THE COUNCIL is looking for another company to build the Bristol arena after negotiations with Bouygues UK broke down.

The French-owned building giant was dropped by the council when it became an open secret that the two sides could not agree on a price to build the arena.

There appears to be only one company left in the frame to pick up the contract – Buckingham Group, a specialist in sports and leisure complexes, which built the £30m London 2012 Olympic handball arena, known as the Copper Box. Mayor Marvin Rees says the extra talks needed will add another year to the programme, meaning the arena will not open until at least autumn 2020 – four years later than planned.

Neither Bouygues nor Buckingham Group wanted to talk to the Voice. The Voice understands that three other firms – BAM Construction, Laing

Council looks for another partner after row on price O’Rourke and Sir Robert McAlpine – walked away from the 2015 talks because they thought the council wanted them to take too much risk.

Bouygues UK was named preferred bidder to build the arena in February last year, with Buckingham Group the only other remaining contender.

It was expected that a budget and timetable would be agreed by the summer of 2016, but that date kept being postponed.

With no signs of progress after almost a year of talks, the Voice and others asked for an update.

Finally, on January 10, Lib Dem leader Gary Hopkins asked Mr Rees when he would admit that the negotiations had failed.

The next day, January 11, the

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Campus dream: Bristol University wants to spend £300m on the old sorting office opposite the arena council said it had halted talks with Bouygues. Sources indicate the council would not pay the price Bouygues demanded, and consultants advised that another contractor should be able to complete the project for less.

Mr Rees said: “I firmly believe that we can and will build the arena Bristol deserves but this has to be for the right price.”

If the council cannot agree a deal with Buckingham, tenders will be sought from other firms. But Mr Rees still expects construction

to begin by spring 2018.

Cllr Hopkins said the delay will only add to the cost – officially £95m but now thought to be many millions higher.

Every week of delay to the project was said by the council to add £80,000 to the bill. An extra year would add more than £4m.

“There’s heavy inflation in construction costs, especially in this part of the world,” said Cllr Hopkins. It leaves the one remaining contractor in a strong position to negotiate, he added.

Cllr Jon Wellington, who represents Windmill Hill ward, said he thought it was better that the arena was brought in on budget, rather than on time.

Former mayor George Ferguson said he was “extremely disappointed” by the news, but he believed other contractors would re-enter the fray. But he said it would now take 15 years to pay for itself rather than the 10 he had originally predicted.

Free coffee for readers in an unbeatable location ONE OF Bristol’s most beautifully situated cafés has come up with a special pre-spring offer for readers of South Bristol Voice.

Kate’s Kitchen, which since last year has been running the café at Arnos Vale cemetery, will give every reader who asks for it, a free cup of coffee.

It’s one cup per reader, and for each coffee you must produce the Kate’s Kitchen advert which appears on this page (no photocopies will be accepted).

Owner and founder Kate Ploughman wants to share the beauty of her new café, which is tucked away in woodland in the middle of Arnos Vale, before the arrival of spring brings its usual rush of visitors.

The café will also be running themed monthly pop-up suppers, (details on its Facebook page).

It’s 10 years since Kate began Kate’s Kitchen as a caterer for events including weddings, corporate and private events.

She said: “Arnos Vale café is a great shop front window for Kate’s Kitchen and a great opportunity to showcase all our

Free coffee – roasted in Bristol food, and such a lovely venue to be involved with.”

She lives in Southville and has a commercial kitchen base in Windmill Hill. Food is as seasonal and locally-sourced as possible – milk is from Somerset, meat is free range from South Gloucestershire, and many ingredients are organic. Staff are selected according to their sensibilities as well as their skills.

Before starting her business, Kate worked as a chef in several bistros and restaurants in Bristol, and as far afield as New Zealand.

She soon became convinced that she could strike out on her own to create cost-effective food on a par with top-class restaurants.

• Facebook: kateskitchenarnosvale

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

13

n THE MAYOR

MARVIN REES Mayor of Bristol

B

Y NOW many Voice readers will have had the chance to review the council’s new budget proposals and updates to the draft corporate strategy launched in January. These documents outline how we propose funding the top priorities for the city including my seven key commitments and vital services.

I’m grateful for all the thoughts and ideas that were given to us during the initial consultation at the end of last year and I understand that some of the savings ideas aren’t popular. Many other places made these hard decisions a long time ago. Bristol is being forced to catch up and if we don’t do it now we will lose any chance of making savings in a planned, controlled way which can take into account the needs of local people.

A new round of detailed consultation is planned from late January, looking at how the council will implement some of the latest savings proposals, if they are approved. You can also submit questions to be answered at next month’s special budget-focused full council meeting on Tuesday February 21. In order to be considered, please get your questions to us by 5pm on February 15, by emailing democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk.

Elsewhere, we are also working hard to support those in Bristol aiming to improve their own health and fitness during 2017. Not only has Bristol got a wealth of active health

groups which aim to make sport and health more accessible, but this is also the city’s year as a European City of Sport. In January I met 150 key individuals from sporting organisations across the city to discuss the vision for the year ahead and how to develop sporting opportunities for Bristol.

• bristol.gov.uk/cityofsport2017 Staying fit and healthy is not just about exercise. What we eat and drink also has a big impact. Last month saw the launch of Bristol’s bid to become a Sugar Smart City. Alongside the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation, Bristol Sport Foundation and UWE, we want to raise awareness of where sugar is hidden in food so that we can all make more informed choices.

Current data shows that 57 per cent of adults and over a third of 10-11 year olds are now overweight in the city – and a quarter of five-year-olds in Bristol have tooth decay.

Not only this, but the number of cases of life threatening diseases related to a poor diet, such as Type 2 diabetes, is increasing.

Many of these conditions can be traced to eating too much sugar. While it can be easy to point out some foods to avoid, some are much harder to spot. If you would like to take action for yourself and your family I would encourage you to head to the website below to discover how we can all eat smarter in the year ahead.

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

14

n WEDDING GUIDE Advertisement feature

By Kirsten Butler, venue stylist • LittleWeddingHelper.co.uk

A

S A STYLIST I’m always aware of the latest trends, colour of the year or bridal fashions. To be honest I acknowledge them but don’t really follow them. Trends can be great for inspiration but, a bit like fashion, if it doesn’t suit you, then don’t go with it. Do you want a trendy wedding or a wedding that reflects you both, your personalities and tastes? Either way, it is easy to become overwhelmed when planning your wedding and thinking about how you want your day to look.

Pinterest is a fantastic tool to help collect all your thoughts and

Wedding trends – pick the ones you like best ideas in one place, and I would say about 90 per cent of brides show me their wedding board when we meet for a consultation.

2017 TRENDS Light-Up Letters Lighting has always been important at a wedding, whether it be an up lighter or a candelabra, but having giant letters is certainly popular amongst couples who want to add a personal stamp to their celebration. Whether it’s your initials, your new surname or just a little LOVE, they really do light up a reception area or the dance floor.

Sequins Who doesn’t like a little sparkle, but never it seems on the dinner table.

We often tend to stick to white tablecloths, napkins and china, either because it’s a safe option or because that’s what our venue provides. Well, sequin linen is becoming more popular as couples

want to add a little wow factor to their big day.

Signs I have noticed a lot more of my couples getting creative with signs, whether it’s to welcome their guests, let them know what is happening and where, or to write their own personal messages, which I love. Signs are a fantastic way to add your personal stamp through your own handwriting or using modern calligraphy and illustration. What’s great about making your own signs is that pieces of wood can be picked up easily, or you could even use old doors! I loved this old door (left) at a tipi wedding in the summer Embroidery This may be a hobby that was associated with your grandmother - but no longer! For a vintage style wedding, hand or machine embroidery looks beautiful for

table names, place names and even buttonholes! And how cute is this badge (below) made by Sewn by Rachael, who also makes table names, menus, place names and pictures of the happy couple!

Long Dining Tables I love long tables at wedding receptions. Long table dining is great in village halls, tipis and marquees, and almost goes back to how celebrations used to be celebrated, everyone sitting down in an informal way. The idea is to create a personal atmosphere and fill the centre of the tables with colour and texture.

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Just around the corner, you’ll discover 45 acres of beautiful woodland habitat.

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

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n WEDDING GUIDE Advertisement feature

Great competitions with a romantic twist WIN a meal for two from a South Bristol wedding caterer – and a great prize from Bristol Blue Glass

W

E’VE got two great competitions for you as part of our celebration of South Bristol businesses that can help make your wedding more memorable.

Bristol Blue Glass needs no introduction – it’s one of the emblems of the city and it’s often chosen to be part of a wedding celebration.

Sometimes Blue Glass is chosen as gifts – earrings for the bridesmaids, perhaps, or cufflinks for the men – or indeed something special for the happy couple.

Sometimes it’s chosen as a little piece of Bristol that can be taken to another part of the world.

Another popular reason for choosing Blue Glass is to complete the saying, Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue: what could possibly be a better gift for a Bristolian?

Every piece is handmade at the Blue Glass studios on Bath Road, opposite Arnos Vale, and there is a showroom in Bristol High Street.

One lucky reader can win a heart pendant, made of sterling silver and Bristol Blue Glass, an ideal romantic gift for Valentine’s Day. It’s worth £32 and it could be

Beautiful gift: This heart-shaped pendant of Bristol Blue Glass

Meal to savour: locally-sourced menu from the Eating Room

yours if you can answer this simple question: • Where is every piece of Bristol Blue Glass made?

• Answers by email to paul@south bristolvoice.co.uk by February 10.

“infusing Mediterranean flavours with a Bristolian flair”!

Ingredients are always sourced

locally, including from Totterdown’s Little Butcher and Baked bakery.

Everything is seasonal and as fresh as possible.

Menus for all kinds of outside events can be discussed, and the selection is always changing on the evening menu, offered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Brunch and lunch are available Monday, Tuesday, and ThursdaySaturday.

Sample evening dishes are slow cooked shin of beef pie with turnips, pearl barley and cavolo nero, or in contrast a mixed crostini of braised fennel, marinated rainbow chard, baked borlotti beans and salsa rossa.

We’re offering one reader brunch, with cake to follow, for two.

Just answer this question: • What year did the Eating Room open?

• Answers by email to paul@south bristolvoice.co.uk by February 10.

T

he Eating Room is fast becoming a Totterdown institution. Opened at 156 Wells Road in 2015 by former social worker Sian Titchener, it’s already grown from a daytime café offering quality coffee and sandwiches to an evening destination too (with occasional pop-up guests). It also offers outside catering for weddings and other events.

Chef Thea Wakeling cut her teeth in the kitchens of Trullo and Lyles in London, followed by a spell in Rome. Hence some of the Eating Room menu is inspired by the trattoria of Italy – described as

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

d e d

s

February 2017

southbristolvoice

16

n WEDDING GUIDE Advertisement feature

For ideas to make your wedding special, There are so many reasons not to travel far when planning your big day

I

F Valentine’s Day and the approach of spring puts you in the mood for planning a wedding, you’re in a great place to do it. Many people think of a country church or a huge hotel as a wedding venue, but there’s plenty of choice of locations, food, gifts and accessories right on your doorstep here in South Bristol. Our featured advertisers can offer you the satisfaction of individual service delivered locally, and they will probably cost less than many of the more corporate alternatives.

One of the biggest expenses is the wedding dress. One alternative to spending a small fortune on an

item which will only be worn once is to visit Bridal Boutique, where owner Laura specialises in finding the best sample and “pre-loved” wedding dresses.

Designs from names such as Suzanne Neville, Stewart Parvin, Ritva Westenius and Caroline Castigliano are available for up to 70 per cent less than the original price. Bedminster-based Laura says: “It is my goal to help you find your dream dress. I run BBB out of my home and I can guarantee you will have a friendly, honest and fun experience with me as you search for your perfect dress – with a glass of bubbly thrown in for good measure!”

• bristolbridalboutique.co.uk You’ll want flowers of course, and there’s a good excuse to treat your loved one on Valentine’s Day at Flowers & Co in Parson Street, Bedminster.

That’s because they are offering a 10 per cent discount on flowers for February 14 to anyone who

Sample & preloved designer wedding dresses We take beautiful sample and preloved wedding dresses from the best designers in the business and offertake thembeautiful to you at up to 50%and off.

We sample preloved wedding dresses from the Maybe the dress of business your dreams best designers in the and could be aatreality… offer them to you up to 50% off.

A wedding photo with a difference by the hand of lauracrouchley.com brings in the special advert (right).

Owner Amanda Brown has worked in floristry for more than 12 years, starting out at Stoke Lodge College, Bristol, where she achieved Level 1 & 2 in floral design & craft, including wedding design.

She went on to work in a busy contemporary florist in central Bristol where she became manager before becoming a business partner in her own shop in 2012.

Weddings are a speciality for Amanda and she’d love to talk to you about your requirements.

• flowersandco.org.uk It’s often the little touches that make a wedding stand out in the memory. Knowle resident Diane Hollands has created Pompachomp as an outlet for her reasonablypriced, very original sterling silver jewellery, as well as other gift ideas.

Describing her creations as “gifts and homewares that pop”, Diane has a small but growing

range of jewellery including a fun fish pendant and chain for £16 or a pair of fun fish studs for £12.50.

Each piece is gift-wrapped in a recycled Kraft box with a message if desired. ‘It’s a labour of love, with some creations taking weeks, but the sense of achievement you feel when you finish a piece is indescribable,” says Kate.

• facebook.com/Pompachomp If you are using the outdoors, you might want some extra outside catering from a cute vintage caravan. Lucille’s is a familiar sight around South Bristol – a lovinglyrestored retro caravan selling ice creams and coffee in the summer and, in the winter, luxury hot chocolates and waffles on a stick.

The ice cream comes from Mendip Moments, handmade on a family dairy farm in Somerset using milk and cream from a pedigree herd of Holstein cows. She also sells sorbets, Fairtrade Brian Wogan

Lucille’s: the ideal wedding treat!

We take beautiful sample and preloved wedding Maybe the dress of your dreams dresses from the best designers in the business, couldNeville, be a reality… such as Suzanne Stewart Parvin, Ritva www.bristolbridalboutique.co.uk Westenius, Caroline Castigliano and more, and 07939 598 489 offer them to you at up to 70% off.

Maybe the dress of your dreams www.bristolbridalboutique.co.uk could be598 a reality.

07939 489 www.bristolbridalboutique.co.uk 07939 598 489

• Charming vintage caravan • Award-winning ice cream from Mendip Moments • Plus great coffee, waffles, shakes, sorbets and more • lucillescaravan.wixsite.com/lucilles

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

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n WEDDING GUIDE Advertisement feature

you could try keeping it in South Bristol coffee – and thick shakes made from the ice cream. Lucille’s is a regular at festivals and outdoor events but is also a hit at weddings.

• lucillescaravan.wixsite.com/ lucilles Once the day is over, it’s the photographs that help to bring back many of the memories. Laura Crouchley is a South Bristol photographer who prides herself on listening to her clients and her attention to detail.

She specialises in weddings and events such as christenings, and likes to bring a natural look to her pictures – shooting outdoors or using natural light.

“My style is artistic, unobtrusive, natural documentary photography.

Every shoot is different and a creative dream,” she says.

Laura’s website is full of

commendations from couples: “The Lastly, we can offer intimate waxing photos are amazing – so many ready for the honeymoon.” lovely shots” is a typical example.

• facebook.com/ • lauracrouchley.com Essentialmaintenancebeauty Well before the big day, brides Jenny at Fuchsia Beauty will be thinking about their specialises in making the bride’s appearance. Beauty specialist Becky nails look their best on the big day, of Totterdown-based Essential as well as offering facials.

Maintenance aims to take the worry She’s proud to have more than out of waiting. She has a five-star 100 five-star reviews on Facebook rating from customers on and glowing testimonials from Facebook. clients.

She says: “To feel your best on Based in Ashton Vale, she also your wedding day, beautiful offers a course in avoiding wedding skin is a must. A regular nail-biting – an essential for anyone facial is recommended to help with who has a problem with biting outbreaks and relaxation. Maybe their nails. you have the brow shape you • fuchsiabeautybristol.com already want; if not we can help you achieve this with threading, tinting Support local businesses experience and waxing.” Gel polish manicures and tell advertisers you saw them in will provide a long-lasting manicure and help strengthen your nails.

Sometimes the smallest touches are the most appreciated.

Eva’s Little Corner is a home for all kinds of gift ideas, mainly based around small doll figures, with a special line in wedding favours.

Eva’s BS3-made creations are popular – dressed in the bridal gear – as room decorations, on tables, or on the cake. “My handmade creations are made with nothing but love,” says Eva, “All crafted and created by myself!”

If you scroll down Eva’s Facebook page you can find out what happy couples thought about Eva’s unique creations.

• facebook.com/evaslittlecorner

10% discount on Valentine’s flowers with this advert!

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Handmade Wedding Cake Toppers Made with care by Eva’s Little Corner

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Planning the most important day of your life? Let me take care of your nails and make them perfectly gorgeous for your wedding. I’m proud to have over 100 5* reviews and glowing testimonials from clients.

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

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February 2017

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST How to stop those germs in their tracks

A

S THE winter draws on, coughs and colds become more prevalent. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets of mucus into the air, or into their hand if they cover their mouth. If you get these droplets on your hand (for example, by shaking hands or touching contaminated objects such as doorknobs), you can pass them into your eyes or nose. The virus travels easily to the nose and

BRISTOL’s financial black hole deepened as mayor Marvin Rees revealed that the council needs to save £100 million over the next five years – up from £92m.

The council needs to identify £40m of cuts in the next year alone. The main cause is the slashing of Government support for the council by 75 per cent.

It means unpalatable decisions for councillors, with the full council meeting on February 21 likely to be asked to approve: • Halving the libraries budget, leading to closures £1.4m; • Making parks “self-funding” by involving community and commercial groups £3.9m; • Ending neighbourhood partnerships £1m; • Cut adult care services £2.9m; • Axe meals on wheels £220,000; • Increase parking charges and end free Sunday parking £1.2m; It means the future is unclear for Greater Bedminster

throat, where it can cause infection.

You can help avoid being infected by washing your hands thoroughly.

Children get around seven to 10 colds a year, compared with two to three for adults. People who spend a lot of time with children, such as childminders or teachers, are more likely to pick up the viruses.

The advice is to rest, eat well, avoid stress and keep hydrated. If you have a fever, you may need extra fluids. We can advise how to manage symptoms such as fever, sore throats, running nose and congestion.

Antibiotics (which are used to treat bacterial infections) aren’t any use because the cold is caused by a virus, of which there are more than

200 varieties. Most patients and children will have a speedy recovery from the virus although some symptoms may linger. We always pay particular attention to patients that have asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. You may be advised to seek medical attention for children and babies who are vomiting, who have a rash as well as a fever, who stop drinking and are unusually lethargic, have a high fever or don’t respond to medication.

To stop the germs spreading: • CATCH IT Germs spread easily.

Carry disposable tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Don’t share cups or drinking bottles.

• BIN IT Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible.

• KILL IT Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can and also use antibacterial hand gels.

Remember that flu is a lot more serious than a cold, so ensure you are vaccinated, especially children, pregnant women, those with long-term medical conditions or carers. We can advise.

• We also offer free help with energy costs for cold homes: contact us for details.

• This column by Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy aims to show how pharmacies can help with a range of conditions

Local democracy slashed at a stroke in cuts proposals Bedminster’s GBCP looks under threat Community Partnership (GBCP).

Funding appears likely to end for all neighbourhood parterships, but the outcry is likely to be loudest in Bedminster, where the GBCP is better-attended and more active than almost any partnership in the city.

Neighbourhood partnerships allow residents to raise local problems with the council and police, and provide funds for work on roads and parks. It’s not clear how they will be replaced.

An outcry over the ending of

paid lollipop patrols at schools has led to the saving being halved, from £360,000 to £155,000.

Some savings have been dropped altogether – the council will not be charging for creating disabled parking bays, or withdraw bus passes for carers.

South Bristol parks will suffer as the council snatches more than £150,000 raised from the sale of land at Salcombe Road, Knowle, for housing. The money had already been allocated to pay for trees, paths, benches and other improvements to Victoria, Perretts and Redcatch parks, Northern Slopes and Salcombe Road.

Cllr Gary Hopkins, Lib Dem

member for Knowle, said: “This is an absolute disgrace. The clear ring fencing has been ripped up.”

Southville Green councillor Charlie Bolton said: “Further cuts will destroy many of the public services we all rely on. Services for older people, those with disabilities, our young people and children will all be slashed.”

Among other proposals (all listed on the website below) Bristol Waste Company could make £50,000 a year by offering householders larger bins, or weekly collections, for a fee.

Green waste collections would be fortnightly instead of weekly.

• bristol.gov.uk/corpstrategy

LETTERS Send letters to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to 18 Lilymead Ave, BS4 2BX councillor Stephen and support social networks. The community centre in Vivian Concerns over Southville Clarke has got the council to danger is that the Green will be Street.

Howard Purse agree that developers should developed piecemeal and any social Leader, Malago Group, WHaM release this information. cohesion will fall through the flats proposal Secondly, the plan doesn’t gaps. We will end up with a lot of WHaM – the Windmill Hill and Don’t leave take into account the already flats, not enough family housing, Malago community planning overstretched services such as and a lot of isolated people. group– is still considering the doctors, dentists and schools.

Rollo’s statement of food in parks application by Rollo Homes for There is no investment in community involvement is 217 flats on the old Pring & St Hill site near Bedminster Green. But we already have some concerns.

Firstly, there is no affordable or family housing. We will be pressing for Rollo to make public their social housing viability report – something we believe should be possible now that

social infrastructure to encourage community cohesion. We believe the local authority has a role to play in this. We have a meeting scheduled with mayor Marvin Rees and Paul Smith, the cabinet member for housing, and will be urging them to recognise the Green as a major development and create

frankly a joke. We have invited them to meet residents on two occasions and they haven’t come back to us. One meeting with BS3 Planning group is not enough.

We invite residents who want to comment on the proposal to a public meeting at 8pm on February 15 at Windmill Hill

I LOVED your feature on helping wildlife in winter in your January issue. But can I make a plea to anyone who wants to feed birds or other wildlife – put the food out in your garden, not in a park.

If you leave it on the ground it will be eaten by rats – or my dog.

GR, Totterdown

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

19

Youth bailed after alleged stabbing A TEENAGER is on bail after being arrested following an alleged knife attack in front of horrified passers-by on a busy Bedminster street.

Bystanders called police saying they had witnessed a knife attack on a man in broad daylight in Malago Road at about 1pm on December 30.

The location was described as

near the carwash, though this is round the corner in Sheene Road.

The injured man was taken to hospital but was not thought to be in any danger.

A police spokesperson said: “We received a call at about 1pm to reports of an argument between two men.

“One of the men was assaulted and the other arrested

POLICE REPORT Come and pop into our Pod outside Asda

I

’M PLEASED to say that our new Police Pod at Asda opened last month and will be a permanent fixture, just outside the main entrance, giving us a real presence in the heart of the community.

My officers will be there as often as possible (although it won’t be staffed 24/7), so when you’re out doing your shopping, please pop in to talk about any issues you might have. We will also be holding regular beat surgeries at the Pod – details of these to follow later in the year.

We’re aware of anti-social behaviour (ASB) problems, such as noise and litter, arising from groups of street drinkers gathering around the disused shops at the end of Mill Lane and we’re working to try and resolve

them. We’re speaking to the landowners and liaising with other agencies that can provide support to people to try and help them address their long-term problems.

These types of issues are happening in several pockets around our area and unfortunately there is no quick fix. However, we take the problem seriously and would encourage people to report any concerns they have about ASB to us in the usual way – by using the form on the ‘contact us’ area of our website (www. avonandsomerset.police.uk) or by calling 101. Or by popping into the Police Pod at Asda!

F

shortly afterwards. The injured man was taken to hospital but is not thought to have lifethreatening injuries.

“A knife was recovered nearby shortly afterwards.”

The 16-year-old was bailed until January 31.

Anyone with information can ring Avon and Somerset Police on 101.

No to car wash in Asda car park PLANNERS refused permission for Asda to put a hand car wash in its car park, next to St John’s Road. A firm called Car Park Valeting said it would clean 200 cars a week and employ eight people. It was refused because the firm did not give enough evidence of likely noise levels.

With Sgt Caroline Crane Broadbury Road police station one in four of us that are affected.

We want to understand and support in the most appropriate way. Last year, we joined forces with other emergency services to create a Mental Health Triage Team, ensuring that those with mental health problems get the care they need and don’t end up in a police cell.

Throughout February, we’ll

be encouraging people to open up and talk about mental health issues and supporting wherever we can to break down the barriers which can prevent people seeking the help they need. Remember, the road to recovery can start with a simple ‘hello’. To find out more, visit • time-to-change.org.uk Sergeant Caroline Crane

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ebruary 2 is Time to Talk Day and aims to bring the nation together and talking, to break the silence around mental health problems.

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Advice on: FREE WEIGHT LOSS CLASSES! • healthy living Ask for details • medication • minor ailments Follow us • incontinence products on Twitter: @bedminsterpharm • mobility products Prescriptions managed and collected from all local surgeries www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk

bedminster pharmacy Cannon Street, Bedminster, BS3 1BN Open 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat 0117 985 3388

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

20

n NEWS Violent break-in POLICE are investigating a terrfying incident when three masked men burst into a home on Sion Road, Bedminster.

Police are treating the incident, which happened at 6.15pm on 16 December, as aggravated burglary. It is not being linked to criminals looking for cannabis crops, contrary to reports on social media.

A spokeperson said: “The victim, a woman, reported three men had broken into her home wearing baseball caps and balaclavas. One hit her on the leg with what she described as a metal pole. The incident is under investigation. Nothing was stolen.”

Park meeting THE FRIENDS of Greville Smyth park meet on January 30 at the Rising Sun on Ashton Road, from 7-9pm. Anyone with an interest in the park is welcome.

• facebook.com/frogsbristol

‘Help us support families in stress’ Isolated parents can be helped by visits, says charity CHARITY Home-Start Bristol is aiming to improve the emotional health of parents and children in South Bristol with a new project.

Home-Start Bristol’s initiative was started just before Prime Minister Theresa May said that she wants to transform attitudes to mental health.

Last year, 83 per cent of the isolated parents helped by Home-Start said they had mental health problems.

The charity said the impact of depression and anxiety – especially if coupled with isolation – can often be a vicious

circle that is hard to break out of.

Families in need of support are offered weekly visits by trained volunteers, who are parents themselves and understand the challenges of family life. Scheme manager Beverley Symonds, said: “We work alongside families, encouraging them and helping them to build confidence. This type of support benefits both children and parents, increasing their sense of wellbeing and ability to manage.”

The charity said that of 182 Bristol families supported recently, over 94 per cent felt better able to cope.

Charlotte, a mum from South Bristol, said: “My world crashed when I fell pregnant with twins just two months after my son,

Beverley Symonds: Supporting parents and children to manage was born with disabilities.

“From the moment I met my volunteer, I knew she was perfect for us. I had someone to talk to and my son bonded with her right away. She gave me a chance to relax and focus on the twins.”

The charity is appealing for volunteers. The next accredited course for new volunteers starts in April at the Ilminster Avenue children’s centre in Knowle. To find out more or make a donation, call 0117 950 1170 or visit • homestartbristol.org.uk

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OPECHOOL MOR N NI FRI 10 M NG 10 A o 12

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What are you doing today?

For more information or to arrange a visit, call 0117 930 3068 or visit www.qehbristol.co.uk To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

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n NEWS

Proving music is for everyone WINDMILL Hill City Farm is the venue for a new music workshop which aims to enhance wellbeing, with musicians and music therapists Kim Roberts and Judit Soler.

With no musical skills required, the session is open to anyone. People are encouraged to interact with others and make music together.

It’s an opportunity to try out different musical instruments, engage in guided activities to communicate with others through music, and to discuss ideas and musical experiences in a friendly environment. There will also be time for relaxation and listening to music to release stress and take notice of how participants are experiencing the session.

Starting on Saturday February 11 from 10am-12.30pm, it’s run

by Kim Roberts and Judit Soler, who both recently graduated from the music therapy masters course at the University of West England.

Judit said: “We can all make sounds and be part of the music, it’s not a medium exclusive to musicians, which is why we’ve said no musical skills are needed to take part in the workshop.”

Kim said: “We can all actively enhance our quality of life through engaging in creative activities. Our aim with this workshop is to create an opportunity for people to actively improve their personal wellbeing through music.”

City Farm Marketing Manager Simone Dougall said: “We try to make our activities as diverse as

New groove: Kim and Judit, centre and right, want to show that everyone can be part of the music. PICTURE: Duncan Smith possible to enable us to reach out to all people in the community.

We are excited to host this first Music For Wellbeing workshop which will be a great addition to the recreational and therapeutic facilities we already have on offer.”

Tickets are £12-15. For details visit: • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/ whats-on/events • Facebook: facebook.com/ musicforwellbeing

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Helping you to cut your home energy costs WANT to find out how to cut your energy bills? Bedminster Energy Group (BEG) is a group of volunteers working to support local people to reduce their energy use by improving the efficiency of their homes.

The group meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Tobacco Factory bar from 7.30-9.30pm and all are welcome.

The group is also holding a series of films and talks, hosted by researcher Nikki Jones, in the Snug bar at the Tobacco Factory.

On Tuesday January 24 the subject is Global Energy Trends.

On January 31 there’s a film called Chasing Ice, while on February 21 the talk is called Is Nuclear the Answer? February 28’s topic is Land Use and Climate Change. To find out more, call Katherine on 07866 918683.

Will Writing & Estate Planning

A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –

if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.

We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.

Please feel free to call us during office hours on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online. co.uk

Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

22

n YOUR MP

KARIN SMYTH Labour MP for Bristol South

Planners must consider views of locals on Victoria Park cycleway

G

ETTING out and about knocking on doors across South Bristol is one way that as your local MP I keep in touch with issues that really matter to local residents. Sometimes people want to talk about national issues that hit the headlines, but very often it’s local things that really affect their neighbourhood and quality of life.

One local issue that was raised with me by a number of people in December and January was the proposal for the Filwood Quietway, a cycle route linking the city centre with Filwood through Windmill Hill. It’s clear feelings have been running high, because of the implications of this plan for the muchloved and much-used Victoria Park.

Planning application consultations rarely attract responses that can be counted in

double figures. But hundreds of residents took the opportunity to give their views to the city council on this one. Many also contacted me by letter and email, and not just those living right by the park. As Voice readers know, Victoria Park is used by people across Bedminster, Totterdown and Knowle.

As a Sustrans champion, I’m very much in favour of improved cycling infrastructure,

and I know great strides have been made in our city in recent years. But I know that many local people had serious concerns about the plans as they stood. Many of those objecting to the proposal are people who also cycle regularly.

The 4.7 metre width of the path through the park led to concerns that it’s more road than cyclepath, and that this could markedly increase the speed of cyclists using Victoria Park. There were also fears that changes to park access, with barriers removed, creates the possible return of motorbikes to the park and the reduction of green space.

In addition to the details of the proposal there have been questions about the need for change, in the words of one constituent the “current co-sharing arrangement between cyclists, pedestrians and dogs works extremely well”.

In January I wrote to the city council urging that committee members properly consider the views of local people, who know the park best and use it daily. At the time of writing, the official consultation period has just ended, with planners due to make a decision imminently.

As ever I welcome Voice readers’ views on local or national issues. You can email me at karin.smyth.mp@parliament.uk or write to The House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

The very best in retirement living The St Monica Trust holds regular open days at our unique Monica Wills House retirement community where you will be escorted on a guided tour by one of our residents.

Offering all the advantages of independent living, but with a strong feeling of community spirit, these well-appointed 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are situated in the heart of Bedminster and provide social activities when you want them, and access to care and support when you need it.

pool, a roof terrace with panoramic view of the Bristol skyline and a host of other facilities.

Located just off West Street, Monica Wills House has a fully licensed restaurant, gym/

www.stmonicatrust.org.uk info@stmonicatrust.org.uk

Why not come along to our next open day on Tuesday 14 February?

Call 0117 919 4267 for details.

To book your place, or to join our re-sales mailing list, call 0117 919 4267. Or type ow.ly/a39s307mSEP into your browser to find out more.

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

February 2017

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23

n PLANNING APPLICATIONS 1 Lock Lane, Southville BS3 1BZ Variation of condition 4 (Use restriction) attached to application 14/00256/X: Demolition of storage building and erection of work studio/ workshop; to allow other uses within Use class B1. Granted subject to conditions

basement front from 1m2 light well with steel security grill cover. Granted subject to conditions

30 Thanet Road BS3 3HZ Two storey side extension.

Pending consideration

23 Longmoor Road BS3 2NZ Single storey front extension.

Pending consideration

165 Luckwell Road BS3 3HB Change of use from offices (Use class B1) to three 1-bedroom flats (Use class C3). Pending consideration

Storage yard, South Liberty Lane, Ashton Approved details of conditions 2 (Sound insulation), 3 (Contamination), 4 (Remediation), 5 (Approved remediation) of permission 16/03588/F: Two storey building comprising one 2-bedroom house and two 2-bedroomed flats. Pending consideration

24 Leighton Road, Southville BS3 1NT Erection of single storey rear extension. Granted subject to conditions The Old Brewery, Durnford Street, Ashton Partial change of use of brewery tower from brewery (Use class B2) to three 3-bedroom flats; first floor rooftop garden with privacy screen, three parking spaces accessed from St Francis Road.

Change of use of theatre studio (Use class D2) to brewery visitor centre with new shop front; installation of solar panels. Granted subject to conditions Bristol City FC, Ashton Road BS3 2EJ Removal or variation of conditions 14, 21, 23, 47 following 14/00751/X, following proposal to retain 65 Ashton Road and its rear building.

Granted subj. to conditions 19A Duckmoor Road BS3 2DD Insert below-ground window to

108 Risdale Road BS3 2RA Demolish house and replace with a pair of semi-detached properties.

Granted subj to conditions

60 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1HJ Change of use from shops (Use class A1), financial and professional services (Use class A2), betting offices, pay day loan shops and casinos (sui generis uses) to restaurants and cafés (Use class A3). Pending consideration UWE, Bower Ashton Woodyard, Kennel Lodge Road BS3 2JT Crown lift of trees identified, and clearance of sapling trees and scrub at entrance to university campus; T64, T68, T69: crown lift of canopy to 4m. Granted 145-147 East Street, Bedminster BS3 4EJ Change of use from amusement arcade with offices on first floor to ground and first floor offices.

Pending consideration

Bedminster, Southville, Ashton

South Bristol retail park, Wedlock Way, Ashton Pod unit suitable for restaurant, cafes or hot food takeaway (Use classes A3/A5), and associated works.

Pending consideration

window and door at ground floor rear. Granted

The Bowers, Courtlands Lane BS3 2JS Detached 4 bedroom house with garden, vehicular access and parking.

Pending consideration

Land between 10 & 11 Derry Road BS3 3JB One bedroom dwelling with parking space.

Withdrawn

76 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1HJ Change of use from shops (Use class A1/A2) to dwelling houses (Use Class C3).

Pending consideration 18 Blackmoors Lane BS3 2JJ Single storey side and rear extension. Granted subject to conditions 13 Beaufort Street, Bedminster BS3 3PH Insertion of 2 roof lights in rear roof in connection with conversion of loft to habitable space, removal of chimney to rear, and re-positioning of

30 Bartletts Road BS3 3PL First floor rear extension.

Refused

123 Smyth Road BS3 2DR Approve details of condition 2 (Contaminated land) of 16/01470/F: Two bedroom endof-terrace dwelling, to be built in garden of 123 Smyth Road, with off-street parking. Granted Workshop, 115-119 West Street, Bedminster BS3 3PD Change of use from car repair centre workshop (Use class B2) to restaurant (Use class A3) with external alterations. Refused • The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planningonline.bristol.gov.uk

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February 2017

southbristolvoice

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

G

REENS brought a motion to the recent full council meeting to seek support for an Charlie investigation into Bolton the idea of a Bristol Green Living Rent.

Southville The motion had four asks: • To investigate into the pros and cons of a Bristol Living Rent; • To determine its level; • To support the setting up of a renters union; • To lobby government for the powers to achieve it.

So what is a Living Rent?

Well, it should be obvious – the rent we should set which allows people to live here. The simpler part is to take action to control rent where the council actually has some leverage to do so – mainly as a landowner. The much harder part is where we have no explicit control.

Why do we need it? Again, it should be obvious. Too few homes.

Southville

And a free market which pushes prices up and up and up, because demand massively exceeds supply. And whatever housing is built in Bristol, I can’t see that big a change any time soon.

Setting the level of a Living Rent is more complicated.

Generally, the figure quoted is something like a third of take-home pay. But it is obvious that we would need to consider the size of what is being rented, and – possibly – the location.

The idea of setting up a renters union comes from the Green London mayoral manifesto. Those who are renting need to organise because it is through organisation that you have power. This could be a job for Acorn (a group that stands up for Bristol renters).

And the bit about lobbying.

Well, that’s all about getting the powers needed to cover all the rest of the private rented sector.

I write this prior to the council considering it. I hope by the time you read this, they have agreed to it ...

A

S I WRITE this the devastating cuts in council spending that Marvin Rees has proposed Stephen have just been Clarke announced.

Green When people Southville bandy around figures for the five-year deficit like £92m (or whatever the figure has grown to by the date you read this) it sounds frightening but it is still just a number. It is only when you look at the cuts that are actually proposed that it really hits home how devastating they will be to the most vulnerable people in the city (and the staff who will lose their jobs).

Cuts to children’s services; to services for people with learning difficulties; effectively the end of neighbourhood partnerships; cuts to services for the homeless, libraries closed and so on and on.

Yet we are apparently surrounded by prosperity. Bristol is voted one of the best cities in

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How to contact your councillor: p2 Europe to live in; penthouse flats are growing like mushrooms around the harbour and a new restaurant seems to open every day. What is going on?

The answer is that the Tories in Westminster have decided that local councils (especially pesky ones like Bristol that voted in Labour MPs) are surplus to requirements. They don’t want cities like Bristol making decisions about issues like affordable housing and social care.

What can we do about it?

Stick together; help the pensioner down the road when her meals on wheels service stops, volunteer a few hours to keep your library open, get out for a few hours and maintain your local park. The council will no longer be providing much of the social glue that makes our society what it is but we can replace some of it with our own efforts.

Secondly; watch closely who votes in the council to implement these cuts. It won’t be the Green councillors; we think austerity is yet another economic fairytale.

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS

T

HIS month will see Labour continuing to campaign to support the NHS. At the time of writing, we have just seen a week where hospitals have been struggling to manage the high demand of people in need of care and treatment, often called winter pressures. So it might surprise you to know that we have to consider a Sustainability and Transformation Plan which aims to bring about NHS funding cuts of £305 million across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.

We are 100 per cent supportive of the NHS, and in particular the staff working in it, and while we are willing to scrutinise the detail of the STP, we note that the STPs are a smoke screen posed by the Government to mask underfunding.

Detailed plans for the STP have not been developed, but despite this, Bristol city council is a delivery partner for the plan, particularly for integrating health and social care. This is a good

Mark Bradshaw Labour Bedminster

Bedminster

Celia Phipps Labour Bedminster

idea and long overdue, as it will reduce the number of times a person has to be assessed before reaching the service they need and will tackle difficulties before they become a crisis.

It is good that our senior council officers have had the opportunity to discuss broad plans for allowing health and social care to work better together and that they have had the opportunity to look at different models of social care.

These include a greater emphasis on early intervention and self care, which will help to slow the flow of referrals into both systems. That’s a good thing, as this will ensure that both systems

25 How to contact your councillor: p2

are more sustainable over time.

But this model of change will take several years to come to fruition and will be completely stifled if the services to support people are reduced or cease completely.

As we face huge financial cuts from the Tory government, services will begin to evaporate before our eyes. This, coupled with a crisis in social care as demand increases, is a recipe for a perfect storm. Would it not be better to allow new models of working to bed in before cutting services ?

It is an important principle of the NHS that those in need of care are seen as quickly as possible and receive evidencebased, good quality care. This applies across the NHS, both in hospital and the community.

Hospital care is there to treat those in urgent need and those with medical or surgical problems. The knock-on impact of the inability to protect social care and public health will send people into hospital and put

greater pressure on the NHS. We also need to ask whether the NHS is sustainable in its current form, knowing that it has driven efficiency as far as it can and is highly effective in the services which are delivered.

Reaching people early has always been important but the NHS has not received the funding required to support this over the last decade at least. People are angry about any threats to our NHS and coupled with the cuts to local services, there are tough times ahead, so let’s protest about it.

N

EED cheering up? So go along to Window Wanderland later this month, another community-led event coming our way. Look out for some wacky window dressing and take to the evening streets to see your neighbourhood in a whole new light.

If you want to talk to us, drop in at Acta on the first Friday of the month, 10.30-11.30am, or contact us direct – we are always happy to hear what you have to say.

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February 2017

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n FEATURES

The comedian’s comedian lands in BS4 Comic Stuart Goldsmith has forsaken London for the quiet life with his young family in South Bristol. Which has given him some new material, finds Beccy Golding

show, which he performed at Edinburgh last year, and some newer material, followed by a Q&A about his podcast.

T

Stuart Goldsmith: coming to terms with Totterdown, among other things

D

O YOU know the one about the standup comedian who tours internationally, has a tremendously respected podcast with 6.5 million downloads to date, and lives right here in South Bristol? He’s appearing at the Comedy Box at the Hen and Chicken on North Street on March 10th.

Stuart Goldsmith’s been living in Totterdown for a year, having moved here from London.

Though actually he was born in Chipping Sodbury and lived in Downend as a child. “Like many comics,” he told me, “I grew up in the suburbs and went straight to the big city.”

Stuart moved here with his partner and young baby (code-named Boutros) and is “impressed. I love it. And as a new dad, we have neighbours and new parents that we actually speak to.” Stu’s new show is about leaving London, “coming to

terms with not having the whole world on your doorstep, and how much compromise is too much.”

Stu’s route to stand-up started with street theatre. Before leaving for London he want to Circomedia, the well-known Bristol school of circus and physical theatre. After he and a mate had “learnt the secret of walking on broken glass,” they went on to “entry-level carny stuff” like juggling and firebreathing. And started performing at Edinburgh Fringe.

“I did 10 years at Edinburgh doing street shows during the day and watching comedians at night. At some point I thought ‘I can’t not try this any more’.”

Eventually, at 27, he did his first ever stand-up gig and thought

“Oh my god, I’ve found my thing!” and felt he could do well if he continued to “work hard, write hard, watch stuff, listen to people.

“All my stuff is autobiographical. My life was 99 per cent stand-up, I was necessarily self-absorbed, but I also knew I wanted a child. I left London, having been ‘tricked by a cunning girl’, and had a baby.

Now I can’t just look out of the window and think… which is where jokes come from.”

His show – Compared to What? – is about “realising you’re not the main character anymore. You’re not the star in your own life, not the lead character… I’m the roadie!”

Stu’s tour consists of the

he Comedian’s Comedian is Ricky Gervais’s favourite podcast. Prolific and legendary podcaster Richard Herring says he prefers it to his own. ComComPod, as its known, consists of one-to-one in-depth conversations between Stu and another stand-up comedian.

“It’s a rigorous, well-researched investigation into creativity.”

Guests (“people who I think are brilliant”) discuss their process - how they write, how they find their voice, how they ‘find the funny’ – as well as their journey, and their mental health. It’s a fascinating insight into the inspiration, imagination and lives of the people who make us laugh. Definitely recommended.

On March 10 Stu brings his show to the Hen & Chicken, “a brilliant venue that is very dear to my heart. I’ve done gigs there a couple of times a year all this time. Steve Lount (the organiser) is a long-term supporter.” The audience will include comedian mates, local fans and new Bristol friends who know him as a dad and neighbour first.

The tour, with dates in the UK, Ireland, and a stint at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, has 58 dates in total.

“I’ve got to remember it’s all I’ve ever wanted, and to do it one step at a time. It’s a big tour, a massive moment. I’m travelling hopefully and I can’t wait!”

• comedianscomedian.com/tour

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Buying + Selling

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If you’re looking to buy a flat in South Bristol this year, there’s a good chance you’ll view at least one of the many new apartment developments, or an older property that’s been divided up.

Most of these properties will be leasehold rather than freehold – as will some houses – and there’s often some misunderstanding about what this means.

Whilst you shouldn’t let popular misconceptions about leasehold properties put you off, it’s still important to understand how they differ from freehold before you invest in one.

Leasehold means that you own the property, but the land on which it stands belongs to the freeholder.

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28

February 2017

n WHAT’S ON Thursday February 2 n Manipulate: Scotland’s international visual theatre festival Tobacco Factory theatre, 8pm. The double bill of word-free drama includes La Causeuse, in which a young woman revisits a sordid and doomed romance: as wandering hands seduce and frolic, she dances with her inner demons.

The second piece, Cloth, explores a woman’s dreams and desires, using visual imagination and physical skills to create a unique poetic world. With no spoken dialogue, this evening is fully accessible to the deaf and hearing-impaired. £13 and £9.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com n Andy Zaltzman: Plan Z Described as “political comedy at its best” by the Sunday Times, Andy brings his new show to the Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken. He addresses diverse issues such as the past, the present, the future, body surfing and the unending volcano of confused fury that is modern global politics. 8.45pm, £12 • thecomedybox.co.uk Friday February 3 n Susan Calman: The Calman Before the Storm Comedy Box at the Tobacco Factory, 8pm; also on February 4. Familiar from shows including QI and radio 4’s News Quiz, Susan Caiman appears here life-size – for information Susan is taller than a borrower but shorter than the average 13 year-old. Incidentally she would also like to be Batman. £16.50.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com n Jerry Dammers The Specials frontman and founder of Two Tone records brings his legendary record collection to

Making it up as they go – but on top form REVIEW Carl Donnnelly, Stand Up for the Weekend, Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken WATCHING Carl Donnolly’s stand-up is like hanging out with your best funniest mate when he’s absolutely on-form.

He’s casual, comfortable and very funny. Also frank, open and charmingly honest about himself and his foibles.

He was clearly (he told us) improvising plenty of it, playing with ideas – just going with it - but merged this in with other more rehearsed stuff so you couldn’t see the joins – I’d heard one of his bits before, but didn’t recognise it at first, so natural was his style. And as an audience it feels extra special when you feel your headliner is creating content right there and then, especially for you.

Compere Paul Macafrey did The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown, for a DJ set. Support

by Roy Strong. 7.45pm. £10.

• thethunderbolt.net Saturday February 4 n David O’Doherty: Big Time Comedy Box at the Tobacco Factory, 4pm. Known as the Aldi Bublé, the Ryanair Enya – David O’Doherty is delighted to present a brand new show of talking and songs played on a crappy keyboard from 1986. £17.50.

Note that David is also playing two evening shows at the Old Vic

a grand job at warming us up and getting us laughing, with some classic banter with front-row audience members, and some spot-on observational stuff that really resonated.

Dana Alexander is a black Canadian female comic, so not your average stand-up. Her set included some wry observations on travelling, children and relationships – between men and women, black and white. Some of it near the knuckle, thought-

provoking; some of it laugh-outloud dirty.

This was a Stand Up For The Weekend session at the Comedy Box, above the Hen & Chicken on North Street. These Saturday shows are on most weeks and feature three professional circuit comedians – a 45-minute set from the headliner, a 30-minute set from the opening act and a compere introducing and gathering it all together. On these club-style nights the room is set up cabaret-style, with tables for six, so you can put your drinks down, and a bar which is open before the show and during the interval.

Tables are first-come, first-served. Arriving about 30 minutes before the start got us a great spot, not right at the front, but not too far back (it’s a big room, with 25 tables in all).

Whether you’ve heard of the acts or not, Stand up for the Weekend shows are guaranteed to deliver top-quality comedy on our doorstep.

Beccy Golding • thecomedybox.co.uk

on Febuary 3 and 4.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com n Mike Silver Saltcellar Folk Club, basement of Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Road, Totterdown. “Songs of experience and observation combine with an easy rapport and a fund of stories.” Tickets £5. BYO alcohol, soft drinks on sale.

• saltcellarfolk.org.uk n The Dockside Latin Orchestra SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville. Featuring Colombian singer Elpidio

Alegria, a new 17-piece orchestra featuring the best of the Bristol Latin music scene, playing salsa, mambo and Latin jazz. £11 advance, £12 on the door. 8-11pm.

• southbankclub.webs.com n Go Go Children The 60s club night at Fiddlers, Willway Street, Bedminster, marks its ninth birthday with an all-nighter from 9pm-6am. Soul, r ’n’ b and more from DJs including Alan Handscombe and Dave Rimmer.

Tickets £12 in advance.

• fiddlers.co.uk

Dana Alexander: near the knuckle

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

February 2017

southbristolvoice

29

n WHAT’S ON Why should age make you give up on the groove?

REVIEW Never Too Old to Disco IT’S JUST another Saturday morning in a church hall in Knowle... a dozen or so mostly middle-aged women milling about... an air of expectancy… and then Zoe Sharples, teacher and choreographer, starts showing us the moves. DISCO! Never Too Old To Disco is a once-a-month session held in the Charles Padfield centre, in the newly refurbished Victoria Park Baptist church hall on St John’s Lane. It’s a nice space, light and bright, and the atmosphere is friendly and informal. Zoe told Sunday February 5 n Dr Phil Hammond: Dr Phil’s Health Revolution Comedy Box at the Tobacco Factory, 8pm. NHS doctor, BBC broadcaster, Private Eye journalist and whistle-blowing comic Dr Phil combines both of his 2016 sell-out Edinburgh fringe shows in one. £15.50. Note: sold out, but consult the website.

• thecomedybox.co.uk Friday February 10 n John Hegley + Diego Brown and The Good Fairy The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. 7.45pm. John Hegley is an Edinburgh Fringe favourite for countless years, called “Comedy’s poet laureate” by the Independent. Diego Brown and The Good Fairy were once described as “the most surreal musical experience since the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band”.

7.30pm, £10.

• thethunderbolt.net Saturday February 11 n Yoga with Katy Arnos Vale cemetery, 9.30-11.30 am.

Monthly yoga sessions which aim to help you rediscover a free form of movement through your body and spine, helping to restore natural vitality. Cost: £20 or three sessions for £50.

• arnosvale.org.uk n Music for Wellbeing workshop Windmill Hill City Farm, 10am-12.30pm. Join musicians and music therapists Kim Roberts and Judit Soler for a

Making a move: Zoe Sharples’s all-age disco has proved to be a big hit me she’d been brewing up this idea for the last five years or so – as you get older the chance to just have a good old dance seems to decrease – we go to fewer live gigs maybe, perhaps we don’t feel confident clubbing with

people the age of our own grown-up children, or have the stamina to stay out as late as we used to – so where do we go to get moving to some great tunes?

This is the gap Zoe wanted to fill – and she’s done a great job.

creative music workshop to explore ways of using music to enhance your health and wellbeing. For over 18s; no musical skills required. Fee £12.21 (concessions) or £13.33.

• windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk n Doreen Doreen Bristol’s good-times band are back at the Fiddlers, Willway Street, Bedminster. 8pm-2am. Tickets £10 in advance, £12 on the door.

• fiddlers.co.uk n The Atomic Rays The Tunnels, Temple Meads. Popular Bristol covers band mixing Bowie with the Stones, The Who with Nick Cave, Muse with Deep Purple and The Temptations with Glen Campbell. 7.30pm, £8.

• thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Sunday February 12 n The Girl & the Giraffe Tobacco Factory presentation at Bristol Grammar School’s 1532 theatre; also on February 13 and 14. “One day while Girl is playing in her garden, she spots something peculiar … Giraffe! As their friendship grows, Girl discovers that Giraffe isn’t very well; but he needs a different kind of plaster for the things you can’t see.” Puppetry, an enchanting soundscape and beautiful storytelling combine.

Ages 3+, 45 minutes, £8.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com Monday February 13 n Guess how much I love you? A Stomping Story activity for children at Arnos Vale

cemetery, 12.45-1.30 pm. Also on February 15 at 10.30am and 12.45pm. A well-loved classic told in the beautiful outdoors plus a crafty activity. Suitable for ages 3+. Child tickets £5, babies and toddlers go free with a paying sibling. Parents do not need to purchase tickets.

• arnosvale.org.uk n Den Building Family Fun Arnos Vale cemetery, 2.303.30pm. Learn how to make a fantastic den out of natural and man-made materials. Tickets £10 per family – up to 2 adults and 3 children. Session is led by Forest School Leader Janine Marriott.

• arnosvale.org.uk Tuesday February 14 n Lego Days at Zion Roll up for half-term fun at Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road, for young fans of Lego. From 10am-12noon on February 14 and February 15.

All Lego supplied, and Duplo for the little ones. £2 per child.

• zionbristol.co.uk Thursday February 16

Othello Tobacco Factory, until April 1. The Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory season

Zoe has selected some fab soul and disco tracks from the 70s, 80s or 90s, including Yes Sir I Can Boogie by Baccara, and the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever, and put them together with classic dance steps – creating choreography that’s fun and easy to learn (roughly – it doesn’t matter if you’re not perfect).

Within a few minutes she’s taught us a whole sequence of moves so we can dance to the entire track. And it feels great. I might even have Whooped at the end of one or two of them.

Zoe closes the hour-long session with Saturday Night Fever and boy, are we in the groove! I think everyone in the room was channelling their inner Travolta – I certainly was.

And I’ll be back to feel the beat again – it’s from 10.45-11.45am on the second Saturday of the month. £7.

Beccy Golding • nevertoooldtodisco@gmail.com kicks off with Othello, a tragedy that seems startlingly relevant.

Othello, played by Abraham Popoola, is a Muslim general hired by Venice to fight its battles. But in a society riven by discrimination, fear and mistrust, and manipulated

by Iago, Othello’s life quickly unravels. Tickets £16-24.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com Friday February 17 n Dap Disco – the Mixtape Years! Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road, presents old skool tunes including pop, indie, funk and hip-hop. It’s billed as an alternative disco on your doorstep for those who miss the dancing but not the sticky floors and toilet queues at nightclubs in town. Bar and food on sale.

7.30-11pm, £3.

• zionbristol.co.uk Saturday February 18 n Zoe Lyons, Stand up for the Weekend Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street, Southville. TV regular Zoe Lyons headlines the regular Saturday night show, with guests. Tickets £11 advance, £13 on the day.

8.45pm (doors 7.45pm).

• thecomedybox.co.uk Sunday February 19 n The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville.

With Ryan Briggs. 7.30pm, tickets £7.

• southbankclub.webs.com Continued on page 31

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

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February 2017

southbristolvoice

31

n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 29 Monday February 20 n Art and craft Windmill Hill City Farm, 9.45am-12.30pm or 1-3.45pm. Courses for people with mental health issues. For enquiries email nicky.bacon@ windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk or phone 0117 963 3255. 17 sessions (no classes April 10, April 18, May 1 or 30). Cost: £172 or free if in receipt of means tested benefits. Students are invited to

make a voluntary contribution of 50p per week for materials.

• windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Wednesday February 22 n Pamper Night at Zion Allow yourself to be pampered at Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road.

Choose from reiki, Indian head massage, reflexology, facials, hot stones, nails and hand massage plus homeware gifts and crafts.

Treatments from £5 upwards, women only. Entry £2.50

n LOCAL SERVICES

includes glass of bubbly. Bar open all evening.

• zionbristol.co.uk Sunday February 26 n Josie Long: Something Better Comedy Box at the Tobacco Factory, 4pm. A show about optimism and hopefulness and about looking for people and things to look up to. From the star of BBC Radio 4’s Romance and Adventure, All of the Planet’s Wonders and presenter of

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February 2017

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