South Bristol Voice Bedminster March 2017

southbristolvoice March 2017 No. 17

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours

LOCAL NEWS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE

FREE EVERY MONTH in Bedminster, Southville & Ashton • Drivers flout road restrictions Page 3 • Cutbacks listed for BS3 schools Page 4

• Shock as Holy Cross is closed Page 8

A royal posy for you Cuts bite, but whose fault is it?

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, on a surprise visit to Southville, greets Kyra Lillyman, 1, and mum Amanda.

Story: Pages 6-7

LABOUR councillors voted en masse for £33.1 million of cuts on February 21, rejecting all amendments to Bristol’s council budget from other parties.

It came after an independent report into former mayor George Ferguson’s administration blamed no individual, but slammed a culture that allowed a

£29m deficit to go unnoticed.

Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy used Prime Minister’s Questions to claim Mr Ferguson had failed to “get a grip” on council finances, while shadow chancellor John McDonnell accused the Government of inflicting savage cuts on Bristol Continued on page 4

• Youths on bikes toss petrol bombs Page 9 • Threat to lantern parade Page 13 • Clean Air Zone for Bristol at last Page 20 • Employers: Do you know new rules on pensions ? Page 21 TWO COMPETITIONS! • Golf lessons Page 17 • Cupcakes delivered Page 20

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March 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

THE BLAME GAME AS THE full horror of the council cuts being imposed on Bristol’s citizens becomes clear, tempers are rising.

The Voice is not a city-wide paper, and we don’t pretend to cover council finances in depth, but the £100m cuts will affect us all, closing libraries, axing school crossing patrols, and more.

Understandably, Mayor Marvin Rees blames Tory cuts, and says it’s his duty to pass a budget and avoid the council being taken over by Whitehall.

But the lack of compromise at February 21’s budget meeting, where Labour voted out all amendments, and the public were excluded after violent

You can find South Bristol Voice on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/ southbristolvoice Twitter: @sbristolvoice Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is March 15th protests, is not attractive. Now Labour MP Kerry McCarthy blames ex-mayor George Ferguson’s “abject failure” to get a grip on council finances for the problem.

The Bundred Report into the council’s £29m deficit last year blames no individuals, but is damning about a culture where officials hid the fact that savings hadn’t been made.

Mr Ferguson told the Voice he left the council in a “far stronger financial state”, citing his backing for the Temple Meads enterprise zone which will reap tens of millions for the city in the future.

We all hope that comes true.

Meanwhile, without anyone being held responsible, the deficit has forced 300 council staff out of their jobs – and that’s just the start of the cuts.

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 March 3, 17 and 31. Call 0117 953 3575 for an appointment.

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 Tuesday March 14, venue tba, to decide group’s future.

Email gbcpnewsletter@gmail.com

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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March 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS A night out

Costa and supermarket planned

SOUTHVILLE Green councillor Stephen Clarke joined a sleep-out to fundraise for the homeless on February 24. He said beforehand: “Of course it will be cold for us, but it is only one night and we will have safety in numbers; imagine having to sleep out on your own every night, vulnerable.

It shouldn’t be happening in the 21st century, let alone in Bristol which is a city that prides itself on compassion and support.”

NEIGHBOURS have objected to a plan to open a Costa coffee shop in a prefab building in the car park at South Bristol retail park, next to the entrance to Ashton Gate stadium.

Costa says the café will provide nine full-time jobs, and will serve mainly people visiting the adjacent stores – Currys, B&M, Halfords and KFC. Nine neighbours in nearby Smyth Road have objected to the Costa

plan, saying it will add to the “noise, mess and anti-social behaviour” associated with KFC. The residents say Costa would add to problems of littering and noise, as their cups are nonrecyclable and the outside tables are close to neighbours’ gardens.

• A separate application asks for the vacant Staples store to become a supermarket. No objections had been lodged to this as the Voice went to press.

3

Butchers of Southville

Police called in after drivers ignore road closure signs ROADS ROUND-UP

POLICE were asked to mount extra patrols after some motorists ignored road closures and one-way signs brought in to allow Metrobus works.

Drivers ignored the no-entry signs at Hartcliffe Way, which will be one-way until November, while a bus lane is put in.

They are also accused of speeding and other dangerous manoeuvres around the road closure at Sheene Road, Bedminster, where the junction is one-way until April. HGVs are also accused of using weightrestricted routes.

Metrobus has asked for increased police presence around the works and has introduced CCTV recording.

Mark Bradshaw, cabinet member for transport and a Bedminster Labour councilor, said: “It’s clear that some of the

PARKING The results of council consultation on the RPS zone in Southville seem to show that most respondents want restrictions extended into the evening. More than a third – 35 per cent – wanted the zone active from 9am-9pm, and a further 27 per cent from 9am-7pm. The largest proportion, 38 per cent, wanted to stick with the current hours of 9am-5pm.

SOUTH BRISTOL LINK Open since January, the new road is reducing traffic on Winterstoke Road by up to 50 per cent, it has been claimed.

Access from the Link Road to the Brookgate industrial estate and behaviour we are seeing is deliberate and potentially very dangerous. I’m grateful to Avon and Somerset police for their support. I’ve been liaising with their senior officers directly.

“We ask that people take note of the signage, drive safely, and are especially careful near schools. I’d like to thank the vast majority of drivers who have responded to the changes with consideration for others.”

South Liberty Lane is expected to open in May. ASHTON AVENUE BRIDGE will be open in the spring to cyclists and pedestrians.

WINTERSTOKE ROAD The new bridge is in place. Work continues on a guided busway to Cumberland Road via Paxton Drive, Ashton Avenue Bridge and Avon Crescent.

WEST STREET Work will begin soon on new MetroBus stops.

EAST STREET Will close for six weeks from April to install a new MetroBus stop outside Wilko. Buses will be diverted via Dalby Avenue.

BEDMINSTER PARADE New bus stops are to being installed near Asda from April.

SCHOOL KEEPS ITS CROSSING PARSON Street primary school has hung on to a pelican crossing used by pupils on Hartcliffe Way. Head Jamie Barrie said he was told the crossing would be removed for up to three months, until he insisted it was vital for pupil safety. A temporary one is now installed, but it’s not clear for how long. But Cllr Bradshaw told the Voice the crossing won’t be moved without notice.

Find us on

Old fashion

New storage

RETROVILLE, the vintage and retro market, returns to the Tobacco Factory on March 19 from 10am to 2.30pm at the regular Sunday market. Stalls will include vintage clothing, furniture and homewares, recycled accessories and vinyl records.

• tobaccofactory.com

A NEW planning application will be submitted for the Art Deco former garage in Winterstoke Road, the Voice understands.

The new request will be for a self-storage unit, but without the 14 homes which were in a similar planning application, first agreed in 2008.

Drug raids POLICE seized more than 40 cannabis plants from a flat in Bedminster Parade on February 21. A man, who was also wanted on warrant for theft, is in custody. A drugs crackdown across South Bristol has seen several other arrests and six uninsured cars seized.

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

March 2017

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4

n NEWS

Children’s centre weighs cost of caring COMPASS Point children’s centre faces a second major cut to its budget shortly after having to reduce its opening hours and close its doors to families who pay for day care.

It comes as more of the families it serves across South Bristol face deprivation and money worries.

Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, was shown round the centre in South Street, Bedminster, along with the Voice, to gauge the impact of the likely changes.

Cuts in funding from the council and the Government have hit the centre hard. It is currently open five days a week from 8am-6pm. But from September, child care for over-twos will be offered only four days a week, MondayThursday, from 8.45am-3.45pm.

Paid-for childcare won’t be an option as increases in the Living Wage and pension costs mean the centre can’t be competitive, said manager Bridget White.

It also runs a wide range of services for families, from parenting groups, health advice sessions, pregnancy help and Continued from page 1 because it has a Labour majority.

The council’s cuts include parks, libraries, school crossing patrols, children’s centres and many other services.

Also proposed are increased parking charges, reduced funds for meals on wheels and higher charges for dementia care.

Neighbourhood partnerships will end (see page 13). Council tax will rise by five per cent –

Schools suffer too ON TOP of council cuts, schools across England will see an estimated £3bn shortfall in the Government education budget by 2020.

Bristol is likely to lose an average of £677 per pupil or £34m across the city.

Teaching unions say class sizes in primary schools could rise and some GCSE and A Level subjects could be cut.

Source for table: schoolcuts.org.uk (funded by trade unions)

early years groups. Many reach out to the wider community, from help for Roma families, to One World groups for families new to the area, and conversation classes for families whose first language is not English.

“There are 16 different languages spoken by the children we have in day care,” said deputy manager Jo Sloggett.

But this family work is under threat from a £1.5 million budget city-wide cut by the council.

The area served by the centre includes Southville, Windmill

THE FEARFUL TALLY OF CUTS TO COME

Libraries likely to close – but where? including a three per cent rise to help fund high demand for social care. It means a Band D home with a 2016 annual bill of £1,721 will pay an extra £1.42 a week.

Because the cuts are spread

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PREDICTED CUTS IN BS3 SCHOOLS BY 2019 School

Ashton Park secondary Bedminster Down secondary Ashton Gate primary Ashton Vale primary Compass Point/South St school Holy Cross RC primary Luckwell primary Parson Street primary St Mary Redcliffe primary Southville primary Victoria Park primary

Total loss Loss per Cut in by 2020 pupil teachers -£409,910 -£389 -10 -£1,719,320 -£2,138 -46 -£289,245 -£488 -8 -£52,045 -£259 -1 -£186,962 -£659 -5 -£113,238 -£586 -3 -£103,243 -£459 -3 -£249,064 -£612 -7 -£223,855 -£533 -6 -£137,034 -£412 -3 -£233,810 £500 -6

Hill and Ashton. Officially it is not very deprived, but staff are seeing more families in difficulty from unscrupulous landlords, rising rents and benefit problems.

Families share cramped houses, often without outside space.

When children arrive at Compass Point and see the large outside play area, they often spend all their time outdoors, said Jo. Staff have also seen a rise in racial abuse of families in the community – much of which does not get reported to police.

Bridget White has proposed

an option to run some of the 27 children’s centres across Bristol with fewer managers, but preserving many of the services.

• Karin Smyth said she was concerned about the effect of a whole range of cuts, and urged consitituents to fill out a survey so she can use the information.

“I share concerns that some of the things people in South Bristol rely on, like buses and school lollipop patrols, could be threatened,” she said.

The survey is at: • bit.ly/BCCcuts

over five years, the impact of many of them is unclear. The libraries budget, for example, is earmarked for cuts of £1.4m – of which £300,000 will be made in the next year. Library closures would appear inevitable.

Southville councillor Charlie Bolton, Bristol’s Green leader, attacked Mr Rees for not fighting Whitehall harder. “We asked the mayor to show leadership by working with us and the Labour-

run core cities across the country to take this fight to government, but as far as we can tell all they did was write a slightly sternly worded letter,” he said.

The council must save £33.1m this year and £101m by 2022.

Part of the problem is a £29m deficit uncovered last year after the election of mayor Marvin Rees. It led to Mr Rees ordering a report into the council’s lack of financial control from ex-Audit

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March 2017

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5

n NEWS Planting seeds for weekend of Secret Gardens

How can parks be run on a budget of precisely zero?

PARK users and even councillors are struggling to understand how the council can achieve its ambition of making Bristol’s parks pay for themselves within three years.

Suggestions raised by officials have included charging an entrance fee to the annual Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court, increasing parking charges at Ashton Court and Blaise Castle, and seeking commercial opportunities to raise money.

The council wants community groups to discuss partnerships to run parks and open spaces.

But volunteers who help look after South Bristol parks are not rushing to support the plan.

Ben Barker, who is heavily involved with community groups across BS3 through the Greater Bedminster Community Partnership, said he had not heard of any park group wanting to take on more responsibility.

Cllr Celia Phipps, Labour

member for Bedminster, who is part of the committee of the Friends of Greville Smyth park (FroGS), said she wouldn’t want to see charges raised so that local groups couldn’t afford to use parks. Greville Smyth has popular bowls, tennis and football clubs which rent space, and also takes income from Rich Brady’s mobile coffee and cake stall on a tuk-tuk three-wheeler.

But the income does not pay for the park’s maintenance, and FrOGS has not discussed taking it on.

Cllr Phipps said more freedom to organise events – for young people, or growing vegetables – might be easier with less council control.

Mr Barker said it was hard to see how new custodians of parks ould make money out of them.

“You can’t go to Dame Emily park and start charging the skateboarders,” he said. “I can’t see any way to raise money

unless the council starts selling off parks for housing” – not something that has been suggested so far.

VPAG, the Victoria Park volunteer group which is probably one of the bestsupported parks groups in the city, has previously said that it cannot see how its members could take on responsibility for the park.

In talks with the Bristol Parks Forum, the council appeared to recognise that volunteers cannot completely take over parks maintenance. But with targets to save £425,000 from the parks budget in the coming year, £632,000 in 2018-19 and £2.8m in 2019-20, it is clear that serious cutbacks will be needed.

Parks officials are expected to report on how much of their budget can realistically be saved

by May. It may be that the self-funding approach will be shown to be unworkable.

IS YOUR back yard in BS3 a hidden gem? The hunt is on for more of Bedminster’s Secret Gardens, a project which every year allows people to open their green spaces to the public in the aid of community gardening projects.

The open days this year will be over one weekend instead of two – on Saturday June 10 and Sunday June 11.

If you’re interested, you can register your interest online here: • surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2017 Bedminsterssecretgardens If you’d just like to help out with the preparations, you can email matthewsymonds@ me.com The 2016 open days were a great success and raised more than £1,200 that was awarded as small grants to community gardening projects across BS3, including the Patchwork project to reclaim small derelict plots (see page 27). For full details visit • bloomingbedminster.org.uk

Commission chief Steve Bundred.

His report was damning, finding that many of the savings ordered by ex-mayor Mr Ferguson had not happened. Last year’s annual budget was passed on the assumption that savings from the previous year had been made – when they had not.

But Mr Bundred puts no blame on Mr Ferguson or anyone else, citing “a serious collective failure of leadership … for which several

people, including politicians, must take responsibility.”

A £64m “Change Programme” of cuts was overseen by council chief executive Nicola Yates, and strategic director Max Wilde.

Both left the council last year.

Mr Bundred said reports on the savings were so optimistic that councillors were misled.

Bedminster resident Mr Ferguson told the Voice: “Steve Bundred concludes that the

whole issue of cuts to services is down to central government squeezing local government, which we all know.”

He said he had an extensive programme of cost cutting, although the final figures were “as much a surprise to me and my excellent cabinet member for finance, Geoff Gollop, as it was to anyone else.”

Mr Ferguson called MP Kerry McCarthy’s comments “typically

malicious and uninformed”.

“This is a desperate Labour Party smear which in the process lets the Government off the hook for the cuts. I’m proud of having invested to save, and have undoubtedly left the city in a much sounder position than I found it, while maintaining and improving services in the face of relentless opposition from some party politicians who could not bear an Independent spoiling their game!”

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

March 2017

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n NEWS

A ROYAL VISITOR TO SOUTHVILLE

Camilla charms Southville IT LOOKS as if Southville is as fond of the royal family as it is of its independent shops, if the evidence of the Valentine’s Day visit by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is anything to go by.

Camilla visited acclaimed delicatessen Southville Deli, award-winning butcher Rare, and equally-accoladed florist Xanthe and chocolatier Zara.

She sampled plenty of their wares and met some of the local producers who supply meat, chocolate, coffee and more.

Everyone seemed pleased to see her, except for a heavily-built young man, clutching a bunch of Valentine’s roses, who was determined to walk straight through the royal party.

He may not have realised what was going on, and he may still be wondering how he was discretely shoved by a royal protection officer into a different direction.

Meanwhile the Duchess of Cornwall was determined to shake as many hands and greet as many children as possible.

One family she met was mum Anna Lavall and daughter Daisy.

Daisy, 5, was very shy but was delighted to meet the Duchess.

Anna, who was visiting Bristol from Derby, said: “Daisy is in love with the royal family. She’s always in front of the TV asking questions about them!”

All the stores visited have won

Zara shows her craft to Duchess

Pleased to meet you: Everyone wanted to greet the Duchess of Cornwall

Camilla and butcher Chris Cierpik

accolades. Rare Meat has won the Best Butcher award in the Bristol Good Food Awards three years running. Zara’s Chocolates

Zara’s, Ivory Flowers was a regional finalist in the prestigious Wedding Industry Awards 2016.

And long-established Southville Deli has also been nominated for Bristol Good Food awards.

Chocolatier Zara Narracott showed Camilla how her threestrong team makes handmade confectionery with the best Belgian chocolate. Zara began her business from home six years ago, and moved to the shop three years ago, making chocolate varieties she couldn’t find locally.

“I have always been a chocoholic and the Duchess seems like a chocolate fan!” she said.

Florist Xanthe Ivory struck a chord with Camilla when she gave her a posy of narcissus from the Isles of Scilly, which is part of the Duchy of Cornwall.

“She said she would have liked to be a florist in another

has also taken a Bristol Good Food Award for the past three years, for Best Confectionery.

Sharing the same premises as

Random: This family having lunch at Parsons didn’t expect a royal visit

ASK A VET: Help! How can I rid my house of fleas?

T

O BRING a flea problem under control, you must deal with both the fleas on the pet and the flea larvae and pupae that are in the home environment.

It is estimated that 95 per cent of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in your home, not on your pet. For each adult flea on your pet, there could be a minimum of 20 developing in the environment – usually in your carpets and furnishings.

Once a flea infestation has been established, it can take weeks to clear.

The first step will be to treat

your pets with the appropriate veterinary treatments that are proven to be effective and safe. All pets in your home will need to be treated. Be sure to get advice from your veterinary surgeon as some products can be toxic if given to the wrong animals.

Wash and treat all bedding and use an insecticide spray (available at your surgery) that will kill the fleas and larvae living in your house. This could be a challenge if your pet has the run of the house – you will need to vacuum and spray everywhere. Include their beds, your beds, carpets, floors,

furniture and so on. Also, don’t forget to empty your vacuum cleaner or change the bag after vacuuming your house.

A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, so over an entire life span, that single flea can be responsible for creating over 20,000 fleas. With modern living and mild winters, flea infestations can occur at any time of the year.

It is much easier to prevent fleas than it is to combat an invasion. By giving your pets regular preventative treatment they, and your home, will be constantly protected. If you think you may

Rob Parry-Hall MRCVS Ashton Veterinary Surgery have a problem with fleas, book a free appointment with one of our nurses who will be happy to help.

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March 2017

n NEWS

southbristolvoice

7

A ROYAL VISITOR TO SOUTHVILLE

Xanthe hands Duchess her posy • More pictures and a longer story on southbristolvoice.co.uk

Thrilled: Camilla meets royal-crazy Daisy Lavall, 5 and her mum Anna

Paul Wick gives a Deli welcome

life,” said Xanthe. At Rare Butchers, Camilla met not only owner Chris Cierpik, but some of the suppliers who bring him his organic, free-range meat.

Chris said: “She asked where the meat comes from, and how people are now getting interested

in free-range meat. And how we came to win the Best Butcher award three years running!” He said young people are increasingly turning to butchers so they can be sure the meat is high-welfare.

“I hope this is an inspiration to others to start in the business

change of direction – I was working in call centres and bars.

It was a steep learning curve!

“There’s been much hard work done in the street. It’s turned itself around in recent years, and it’s really nice to have that acknowledged!”

as people get wise to factory farming,” he said.

Southville Deli owner Paul Wick said Camilla asked how he came to establish the shop in 2001.

“I explained I couldn’t find everything I wanted to buy in the North Street area. I needed a

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March 2017

n NEWS ‘Nothing to hide’ in Green Capital THE REPORT into Bristol Green Capital Year 2015, ordered by mayor Marvin Rees, has decided that suspicions about its finances were “totally unfounded”.

Ex-Bristol West MP Stephen Williams had wanted more detail of how the arms-length company set up by the council, Bristol 2015 Ltd, had spent £12.5 million.

But a report by former Audit Commission boss Steve Bundred said the company had nothing to hide, and the Green Capital year was a great success.

The company was run by Nicola Yates, the council’s chief executive. She received a separate salary for her Green Capital role, and would not answer questions at a council audit committee last March. She left the council last year.

Former mayor George Ferguson praised the report, saying he had given Mr Bundred a long and detailed interview about Green Capital.

Fear that RC church will sell Holy Cross for development DISMAY has greeted news that Holy Cross Roman Catholic church in Dean Lane has closed.

Less than four weeks’ notice of the closure, due to take effect on February 27, was given by the RC Bishop of Clifton, Rt Rev Declan Lang.

The bishop said that every effort had been made to keep the building open – but it needs £500,000 in repairs, a bill which the church can’t meet.

Many fear that the church and the presbytery, where the priest lived, will now be sold off for housing. The church says no decisions have been taken, and services for the 150 or so worshippers will be held at Holy Cross primary school next door.

Worshippers from Bedminster and further afield reacted with dismay. Holy Cross is the only

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Holy Cross: Closure is sudden Roman Catholic church in the city where Latin mass is read.

One long-term worshipper said he believed the £500,000 repair bill was ”an excuse” to allow the church to sell the site for what he claimed would be £5 million.

“The people of Bristol and Bedminster are all disgusted at the diocese accepting 30 pieces of silver, as Judas did to betray Jesus,” he told the Voice.

Another worshipper said: “I question why this situation has been allowed to develop over the years. I am disillusioned that the Catholic church, one of the world’s richest organisations, should put finance before religion.”

A third member of the congregation told the Voice: “The

decision has come as a surprise to the congregation and those that know the church.

“I would argue that rather than sell the whole site the accommodation at the side of the church could be sold to raise the money. It would be tragic if a place so full of memories and prayers was to close.”

Bishop Declan said the work needed was too extensive. At a meeting with parishioners on February 9, he said the church needed complete rewiring, roof repairs, fire safety work and damp repairs.

It was feared the church would have to be shut in December 2015, he said, but stopgap repairs had kept it open.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make,” he said.

A spokesperson for the diocese told the Voice that all options are being considered for the building. He would not speculate on whether it would be sold or used for housing, or anything else. A feasibility study is expected to take some months.

“Our priority is to provide a place of worship for the parish,” he said. Mass will be said at the school for the time being, but a new venue is being sought.

“I am gutted – our family have always been a part of Holy Cross – communions, weddings and funerals from our family,” said one man on Facebook.

• Letters: page 19

Voice joins news debate THE Voice series of magazines – currently 13 across the Bristol area – will be part of a debate about the challenges facing the city’s media in an age of declining revenues and “fake news” .

Representatives from the city’s media, including the Bristol Post, the BBC, ITV, Bristol 24/7 and the Bristol Cable will be present.

Called Local News Matters, it’s on March 24 at the Watershed and is organised by the Bristol branch of the National Union of Journalists.

The debate will ask how well the city is being served by its

news organisations, and look at the many challenges they face.

The number of journalists serving the city has plummeted in the last decade. There have been cutbacks at the BBC, ITV, and the city’s newspapers, which have seen their advertising income shrink in the face of competition from the internet.

Many people now expect their news to be provided for free – leaving news organisations the problem of how to pay for it.

For tickets (£6, or £4 for concessions and NUJ members) go to watershed.co.uk

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

March 2017

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9

n NEWS

Arrests after youths throw petrol bombs from bikes

POLICE have made three arrests after youths apparently rode the streets of Bedminster throwing petrol bombs from motorbikes.

No one was injured in the spate of attacks, which happened on January 26 and 27.

At the same time police were forced to crack down on a spate of bike thefts by youngsters in several parts of Bristol.

In each case police described the resulting fires as small, but they caused much alarm and in at least one case a petrol bomb was thrown at a group of youths.

The tally of incidents logged by police was: Thursday January 26 6.35pm Acta Centre, Gladstone Street, a small blaze is discovered among some shattered glass.

7.26pm Member of the public reports five people riding motorbikes in Dame Emily park

and starting small fires.

7.27pm A witness reports a “fireball” being thrown at a parked motorcycle by two riders on another motorcycle.

7.30pm A group of teenagers outside Argos on East Street report two motorcycles driving the wrong way. The second bike was carrying two suspects, who threw a lit glass bottle at the group. No-one was injured.

11.56pm A portable toilet is set on fire on Chessel Street.

Friday January 27 Early hours Police called to a van fire on Elmdale Road and bike on fire on North Street.

Later A second burnt out bike was located in Victoria Park.

Cllr Celia Phipps witnessed the attack at the Acta centre as she arrived for a meeting there.

“No one was hurt and the meeting carried on,” she said.

Talks continue to revive harbour races

“There’s been a lot of joyriding but there seemed to be no real motive” [for the attack].

DS Jack Tween said: “It is sheer luck that no-one has been injured during these incidents.

“The suspects have clearly given no thought to their safety or the safety of others.”

In the same period a burnt-out Mini was left in Greville Smyth park. Vandals have also damaged planters in North Street and the new Ebenezer pocket park.

• A 17-year-old from Southville was arrested on suspicion of handling parts from three stolen bikes, found at his address.

Three people were arrested in connection with the petrol bomb incidents. No further incidents have been reported.

Anyone with information can call 101 and quote crime reference 5217019262.

POWERBOAT racing is a step closer to returning to Bristol harbour thanks to the backing of mayor Marvin Rees.

The races, at speeds of up to 120mph, were a huge visitor attraction from 1972 to 1990 but caused seven deaths, including French ace Francois Salabert in what proved to be the final event.

Racers called the course “the widow maker” because of its steep turns near harbour walls.

However, promoter BRM Racing says that power boats are now much safer, with safety cells to protect drivers if they crash.

BRM met the mayor and harbour officials three times last autumn. But the council stressed that any revival of the races would need several sets of permission and safety licences.

Using the Avon Gorge is not an option, said officials: it would not give spectators good views.

Facilities include: •4 floodlit courts; • Clubhouse with disabled access (also available for private hire); • LTA coach • Big TV screen and licensed bar

TRY TENNIS FOR FREE! at South Bristol’s largest, friendliest and most successful tennis club All ages and abilities welcome

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For more information contact Margaret Griffin on 0117 977 7800 or kltcmembershipsec@gmail.com Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

March 2017

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10

n NEWS Getting ready for Art on the Hill festival DO YOU want to join in one of South Bristol’s most popular artistic events?

The 11th Art on the Hill trail takes place in Windmill Hill and Victoria Park on October 7 and 8.

Every year the weekend attracts around 100 artists and performers across 50 venues.

Thousands of visitors seek out painting, sculpture, photography. ceramics, craftwork, music, dancing and other happenings.

People visit from all over Bristol and find their way with a map or a smartphone app.

Artists can sign up from early March until May 31. If you live in the area shown on the trail’s website, you can host an event in your home.

If you’re an artist who lives elsewhere, you may find a local resident who will give you space.

• artonthehill.org.uk

Residents aren’t the only ones A PLAN by Bedminster-based developer Rollo Homes to build 217 homes in two buildings of six to 10 storeys on Plot 1 at Bedminster Green – the former Pring & St Hill steel factory – faces a barrage of obstacles.

There is a tide of public objections to the scale of the development.

Of the 152 objections lodged, many complain that the scheme has no affordable homes.

Others say the building is too high, will block out views all around it, and will cast homes on the other side of Malago Road into shadow.

Mike Wakelam, who lives in Church Lane, told the Voice: “Folks north of the site are going to have no direct sunlight for half the year. It’s quite a nice place to live and a nice atmosphere there, but it’s going to feel like it’s in the bottom of a valley.”

Like many other objectors, Mike also criticised the lack of

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contribution to the community infrastructure.

“The plan says the nearest primary school is St Mary Redcliffe, where my children go,” he said, “but the school had 160 applications for an intake of 60 last year.”

Dianne James, a prominent member of WHaM, said adding so many homes in a tall block on busy Malago Road would add to traffic problems – especially as there are only 104 parking spaces for 217 homes.

“There are long tail backs at rush hour. Siting a high density, high rise block here will increase both traffic and pollution. This will be a noisy and polluted place

to live,” she said. The plan would be far too crowded with 400 homes per hectare, she said.

WHaM has put forward its own planning brief, suggesting Bedminster Green should be developed along the lines of Wapping Wharf, which manages 200 homes per hectare in buildings of five or six storeys.

An objector from St Catherine’s Place, opposite the site, called the plan “a monster block of soulless flats with no amenities, poor parking and little consideration for the rest of the area.”

Another resident of St Catherine’s Place wrote: “The gentrification of BS3 needs to stop. We are in desperate need of affordable and social housing, not one- or two-bed buy-to-lets.

Rents in this part of Bristol are astronomical and the level of homelessness is deplorable. This development, like St Catherine’s Place, will not enhance the area, but will go some way to its further destruction.”

Charlie Bolton, Green councillor for Southville, which includes Bedminster Green, was also among the objectors. “I regard the lack of affordable

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BEDMINSTER Green can still be developed in a way that will benefit the community, insists the man behind ambitious plans to transform the inner city site.

Richard Clarke, managing director of developer Urbis, says his framework for 800 homes on five major plots plus public works such as a health centre, revamped railway station and new open spaces including a riverside walk, is still on track.

That’s despite the fact that the Green’s first major planning application, for Plot 1, the old Pring & St Hill factory, comes from a developer, Rollo Homes, which doesn’t want to contribute to the framework benefits.

Campaigners against high-density, high-rise buildings on the green are sceptical.

“I think the framework plan is now dead,” said Howard Purse, chair of WHaM, the Windmill Hill and Malago community planning group.

WHaM believes there are now

ANGIE’S PETITION BEDMINSTER resident Angie Palmer has started a Change.org petition calling on the council not to accept the Rollo plan without affordable housing.

“I fear for how long I can afford to rent here,” she says in her petition, organised with tenants’ group Acorn. She fears her children’s schooling, her friends and work are at risk “because we cannot afford over £1,000 a month for a small house to live in.” too many developers involved for the community benefits to be realised.

“There are now five developers if you count St Catherine’s Place [the nearby seven-storey block about to be rebuilt as 16 storeys] and Consort House and Regent House [on Bedminster Parade, outside the framework area].

“The framework should be there to look at the need for infrastructure – for schools, for

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

March 2017

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11

n NEWS

objecting to 10-storey flats

“A monster block of soulless flats” said one resident of the Rollo proposal housing in this development as completely unacceptable,” he said.

He cited concern over the huge increase in numbers of homes in the area. “There seems to be no consideration of the impact of these on schools, and a whole range of community facilities. It is as though it is Bedminster and no one cares,” he said. He also criticised the lack of consultation.

Windmill Hill Cllr Jon Wellington will also file an objection to the plan. Without some oversight of the whole area,

the Green could be filled with “a set of dormitories” or “tower blocks no one wants to live in,” he said.

Meanwhile the plan faces other potential stumbling blocks.

The Environment Agency has objected to the plan on the grounds that it will obstruct its staff from working on the River Malago. A plan to place a fence across the river could also increase the flood risk, it added.

The council’s sustainability team asked a host of questions about the attached energy centre

– a rival to the one proposed by Urbis. The Rollo plan suggests using the possibility of using biogas – gas made from organic matter – or biomass, which often means burning wood. Much more detail is needed, said the team.

The police did not object to the plan, but made several security requests, including automatic doors to the underground garaging Network Rail objected to the plan unless it can be convinced it will not increase the flood risk.

In addition, there is an objection from Acerbic, a Clifton firm which applied for permission to put solar panels on the narrow strip of land it owns along the railway embankment.

Acerbic says its solar panels, 8m high – will be in front of the lower windows of the Rollo block.

It “relies on rights to light across the adjacent land which have not been established and therefore do not exist,” said Acerbic.

The Voice asked Rollo Homes for comment. A spokesperson said a statement addressing concerns was being prepared and will be released in time for the next issue of the Voice.

community benefits’ says Urbis doctor’s surgeries,” said Mr Purse.

WHaM points to a tide of objections against the Rollo plan for 217 flats. The public comments include a statement from Urbis’s Mr Clarke, who told the council that Rollo cannot claim to have been part of the public consultation that went into the framework planning. Mr Purse seized on Mr Clarke’s comment, saying: “That is evidence that the framework is dead.”

Mr Clarke responded that it had never been envisaged that Urbis would develop all the sites, but would work in cooperation with other developers.

He insisted that Urbis is working with all the developers on and near the Green, except for Rollo Homes. “Rollo were given the opportunity to buy into the scheme but turned it down.

That’s their choice,” he said. He stressed he did not criticise the plan put in by Rollo for Plot 1.

The Rollo plan has no

AFFORDABLE OR NOT? BRISTOL city council wants 40 per cent of new homes to be affordable – but builders can sidestep this by saying it would make their plan unaffordable.

Thanks to Southville councillor Stephen Clarke, the council is now drawing up a policy which will force developers to make their sums public.

At the moment, though, this disclosure can’t be forced – and Rollo has declined to give figures.

It says the need for a district energy centre next to the flats makes social housing unaffordable.

Critics say Rollo is chasing a 20 per cent profit margin. affordable housing. But the other four plots will include affordable homes, said Mr Clarke.

Urbis is also pressing ahead with several joint projects, said Mr Clarke. It is working with several of the other developers on a flood prevention plan, and

on a transport assessment of the area.

Plans for plots 3, 4 and 5 have yet to be revealed, though Urbis has given proposals for Plot 5 – which includes the River Malago and Bedminster railway station – to the council. Its partner on Plot 5 is Generator Group, which was criticised when its plan for Easton’s Chocolate Factory included no affordable housing.

The Plot 5 plan will seek to “maximise” affordable housing and community infrastructure, said Mr Clarke.

Plot 3 – the NCP car park on Dalby Avenue – is owned by developer Deeley Freed.

St Catherine’s Place is to be built as a 16-storey block of flats for rent by another developer, Longharbour.

• Representatives from WHaM, from BS3 Planning, and Bedminster Town Team are to meet Mr Clarke on February 28 for the first of a series of monthly meetings to provide a forum for

Whirlwind wedding at the hospice

United: Geoff and Theresa AN ASHTON Gate couple tied the knot in a whirlwind wedding at St Peter’s Hospice after just three days of planning.

Geoff, 65, and Theresa Hudson, 68, of Ashton Gate, married on January 31 in front of family and friends at Bristol’s only adult hospice, following Geoff’s terminal cancer diagnosis, which came just a few weeks ago.

Sadly Geoff passed away on February 17 after a little more than two weeks of marriage.

It was in late January that Geoff asked the hospice’s spiritual care coordinator Neil Aplin to help him realise his dream of marrying partner of nine years, Theresa.

With the help of friends and family, who pitched in to make the cake and sort out the flowers, and the support of the hospice staff, Geoff and Theresa enjoyed an emotional ceremony in the hospice three days later.

Theresa said on her wedding day: “Everyone at the hospice was been amazing and did so much to make today happen.”

Geoff said: “This is the most amazing place. They are not just supporting me, but also my family. I will be forever grateful to them for helping organise the best day of my life.”

Geoff was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his bladder last spring and shortly after suffered a heart attack. It was then discovered that the cancer had spread to his bones but the heart problems meant chemotherapy was not an option.

• stpetershospice.org

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

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March 2017

southbristolvoice

13

n NEWS

Lanterns need funds, or may fade out Cuts mean there’s hole in the budget for BS3’s top winter event THE BEST-ever winter lantern parade has been followed by a warning that the future of the event is under threat if funds can’t be raised by July.

An estimated 1,200 people took part in the parade on January 21, accompanied by four bands, with a further 1,500 spectators lining the streets of Bedminster and Southville.

The event has become one of the landmarks of the South Bristol year – but it costs around £19,000, and this year’s savage council cuts will cause a shortfall.

Malcolm Brammar, chair of the parade organising committee, said “We have got to get additional funding from somewhere, and we don’t want to ask schools for more as they are facing their own pressures.

“If we don’t get the money in, then this year’s parade might not happen.”

Traditionally the parade happens in December. Last year, bad weather forced a postponement to January. Until

Highlights: Ashton Park school made Pokemon, while the Southville Centre brought a teapot PICTURES: BWLP now the city council has contributed around £1,000, and the neighbourhood partnerships about £3,500.

With the council looking for £33m in cuts in 2017-18, the parade is likely to be short of at least £4,500. A total of at least

SAVE THE LANTERNS A BRAINSTORMING meeting to come up with ideas to save the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade takes place at St Francis Church, North Street, at 7.30pm on Monday March 20.

£6,000 must be raised by the end of July to allow payment to the artists who help the schools build their lanterns during the autumn term.

The parade also has to pay for road signs and barriers, transport, publicity, insurance, health and safety, and the fireworks finale in South Street park.

Money is raised from charges to schools, the sale of lantern kits, community fundraising and sponsors, including Bedminster Town Team.

The largest sponsor donates close to £1,000, but Mr Brammar

said there are opportunities for smaller firms to offer between £100 and £250. In return their logo is used on publicity.

“Every effort will count: from tea parties to jumble sales, school discos to market stalls. We’ll consider anything as long as it’s legal!” said Mr Brammar.

The South Bristol Voice will offer the parade a (modest) sponsorship this year, and we hope many other firms in BS3 will do the same.

• www.bwlp.org • Twitter: @BemmyLanterns • Facebook: Bedminster Winter

Partnership aims to carry on even without council funding BEDMINSTER’s cherished community network is set to continue even if the council pulls the plug on its funding.

Until now, the Greater Bedminster Community Partnership (GBCP) has had council cash to pay for meetings which bring residents, community groups and councillors together with the police and other bodies.

It’s had a hand in many success stories – helping the Patchwork group, for example (see page 27), which tidies up small derelict plots all over BS3, and campaigns such as Let’s Walk Bedminster.

All the neighbourhood partnerships – of which GBCP is one – look set to disappear in the council cuts. But GBCP is far from dead. Meetings will continue,

said spokesperson Ben Barker, with the next one on March 14 to be a brainstorming session.

“We see ourselves as doing two things: acting as a network between all the local groups, and filling in the gaps where something needs to be done,” he said.

The aim will be to bring people together and organise projects without spending money.

“We could have special meetings – say, once a year we could bring together all the organisations for young people, or parks,” said Mr Barker.

GBCP will still support activities like the BS3 garden bird survey, and the Bedminster Social Club for older people.

To find out about the March 14 meeting email gbcpnewsletter@ gmail.com

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Buying + Selling

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Four tips for investing in buy-to-let Low interest rates, high rents and rising house prices make owning a second property an attractive proposition, but it’s important to get the finances right. Sasha Jacques, Partner and conveyancing specialist at Bristol solicitors Barcan+Kirby, shares her four top tips to consider before you put up the cash for a buy-to-let.

Speak to a mortgage broker

It’s a common assumption that going through a middleman means higher costs than if you deal with the bank directly. In reality though, many mortgage brokers have arrangements with the big lenders that aren’t available as off-the-shelf products, so it’s worth seeing what they can offer.

Fix your interest rate now

Mortgage rates can’t get much lower and general wisdom suggests they’re only going to go one way – up. Locking in a good rate now could save you thousands over the next two to five years.

Location, location

Factors as diverse as school catchments, transport links and local history can affect the desirability of an area. Do your research, using property sites like Zoopla to check historical and current prices, and look at other letting agents to get an indication of an area’s popularity.

You don’t want to be left with a house worth less than you paid for it, particularly one on an interest-only buy-to-let mortgage, so consider how well a property will hold its value.

Think about your ideal tenant. Are you targeting young professionals, or would you prefer to attract families? Pinning down your target market will focus your search on properties and locations that best suit their needs.

Due diligence

If you were investing in a fund, you wouldn’t skimp on getting the proper assurances first. Use the same diligence when you invest in a property – make sure you get a survey done and instruct an experienced conveyancer to carry out the necessary checks.

If possible go for a local solicitor who knows the area - they will probably have dealt with properties similar to yours in the past and know which common issues to

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

March 2017

southbristolvoice

n THE MAYOR

15

MARVIN REES Mayor of Bristol

B

Y THE time this comes through your door, Bristol may well have confirmed a new budget for the coming year. We have had to make some really tough decisions, setting a corrective budget to help us get a grip on our huge financial challenges. There will be an impact on many services and you can still be part of helping us decide how we implement some savings plans, rather than if we should make the saving. Visit our Consultation Hub at bristol.citizenspace.com.

Our future isn’t just about our financial challenges though. We’re still working hard to build a better Bristol which has aspiration and equality at its heart. One of the commitments I’ve made is to make Bristol a place where sport can be accessible to all.

With spring just around the corner, now is a perfect time to start thinking about getting

active. Bristol is a formally recognised European City of Sport for 2017, and throughout it we will be celebrating the role that sport and recreation can play in our lives.

Across the city we have one of the highest participation rates in sports and active recreation out of any of the major cities in the country, but this is not the case for all our local communities. There are still large areas of the city where people are less active and less likely to join in with sport.

We need to address this. Not only is sport

and being active a great way of improving our physical health but it has also been proven to improve our mental wellbeing. It can improve our mood and outlook on life, developing the aspirations of our children and helping us to focus during the day. It doesn’t have to cost a penny, with our many parks and green spaces within reach of most people’s doorsteps.

There are also many opportunities to get involved in sport around the city, including trying out a new sport with one of Bristol’s many and varied sporting clubs.

To help you on your way, we’ve pulled together a list of sport and activity clubs from every ward in the city. Between them they cater to a wide range of different ages and abilities so there should be something for everyone. You can access all of these on our European City of Sport pages.. You can like and follow the Bristol European City of Sport 2017 Facebook page to get the latest news on sport events that you can take part in.

Bristol is a passionate and energetic city and this year we’ve got a great excuse to channel that in to sport and recreation. Not only can it make you happier and healthier, but in tackling obesity, preventing chronic health conditions and improving mental health it can also help reduce demand for health and care services, something which is vital given our long term financial challenges.

• bristol.gov.uk/cityofsport2017

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March 2017

southbristolvoice

17

n COMPETITION

Beginner’s course in golf must be won!

HAVE you ever thought about taking up golf, but weren’t sure if it is the game for you?

Long Ashton Golf Club makes the decision easier by running frequent sessions where beginners can learn the basics of the game from a professional.

And one lucky Voice reader can attend one of these five-week courses – normal cost £25 – for free. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is to answer the simple question at the end of this article.

Long Ashton golf course is set in beautiful surroundings on the edge of the city, and very handy for South Bristolians now that

Ryder Cup competitor: Chris Wood the South Bristol Link Road makes getting there easier.

Courses for beginners and improvers last 45 minutes, with equipment provided if necessary, while the next stage is to take an intermediate course, consisting of five hour-long sessions, for

£40. There are several choices of courses starting in March – on Tuesday March 21 at 5pm, on Thursday March 16 at 12noon or 5pm, and on Saturday March 18 at 12noon.

Girls are increasingly taking up golf, and to encourage this the club is running This Girl Rocks sessions to introduce the game on Saturdays at 12 noon from April 29. The cost is £14 for five sessions. There’s a free taster on April 20 too.

All classes are for up to eight people, and groups of friends can be accommodated together.

Courses are led by the club’s professionals, Tom Widley and Mike Hart, or associate professional Hannah Wood.

The club’s most famous name, however, is undoubtedly European Tour Pro Chris Wood.

Chris has been a member at Long Ashton since he was 10 years old.

Last year he was winner of the BMW PGA Championship 2016 and part of the European Ryder Cup Team 2016 competing in Chaska, Minnesota.

LAGC is continually

improving the golf course – it’s the only one one in Bristol with the USGA system for free draining greens, allowing play whatever the rainfall.

It also has a covered driving range with eight bays, and the latest technology to help players improve, including a GC2 swing analyser.

There’s a short game area with bunkers, pitching green and a new 700m chipping green.

The club also prides itself that it gives a warm welcome, with a big variety of membership packages and a lively clubhouse with restaurant and bar.

• longashtongolfclub.co.uk

HOW TO WIN WOULD YOU like to win a course of five beginners’ golf sessions at Long Ashton Golf Club? Just tell us the name of the club’s European Tour Pro. Email with your name and address to paul@ southbristolvoice.co.uk or post to 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX, by March 14.

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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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March 2017

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ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST problem. Unsurprisingly, What is snoring the snoring is one of the top reasons cited for relationship breakdowns in Britain. And while the snorer can saying about be the topic of many a party conversation, it is a serious sleep your health? disorder. Snoring may be the tip of

B

EDMINSTER Pharmacy is partnering with the British Lung Foundation to improve awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We’d like to speak to you if you snore while sleeping, but also if you rapidly fall asleep during the day when you’re not active.

Snoring is caused by a partial closure of airways during sleep due to relaxation of the muscles in the neck. The soft tissue then vibrates to cause the sound of snoring. Most snorers are blissfully unaware of

the iceberg and may lead to other life-threatening health problems.

Other common signs include: • Extreme sleepiness; • Stopping breathing during sleep; • Choking episodes during sleep; • Being overweight; • Morning headaches; • Depression; • Frequent trips to the bathroom in the night and/or night sweats; • Waking to dry mouth or sore throat; • Waking unrefreshed despite a ‘normal’ night’s sleep;

LETTERS Let’s make it easier to walk MANY people, especially those with a disability of sight or mobility or who are pushing buggies, have reported that some streets in BS3 are difficult to navigate. Sometimes they walk into poorly-stored recycling bins or overhanging bushes or are forced to walk in the road because cars are parked on the pavement.

However, we get the impression that things are better than they used to be. Partly, this follows from the Greater Bedminster Community Partnership (GBCP) campaign

• Irritability or lack of concentration; • High blood pressure.

Typically, sleep apnoea sufferers are alerted by their partner, who has noticed them snore or stop breathing during sleep. If you pause while you snore, and if you choke or gasp after the pauses, these are signs that you have sleep apnoea.

There is a seven-fold increased risk of road traffic accidents associated with OSA due to sleepiness, higher cardiovascular disease and stroke risks because of higher blood pressure.

The major factors associated with OSA are: gender (more common in men); age (more common in older age); hypertension; diabetes; smoking; alcohol; and obesity. It is likely that the prevalence of sleep

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apnoea will rise in coming years, particularly due to rising levels of obesity and the increasing age of the UK population.

It is estimated that 1.5 million UK adults have OSA, although only around 330,000 are diagnosed. At Bedminster Pharmacy, we appreciate that snoring can have an immense impact on the health and quality of life for the snorer, their partner and family. We also know that lifestyle changes can make a difference and we are able to advise on treatment options. We offer a FREE 3 minute screening test; come in and speak to us today.

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

Send letters to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to 18 Lilymead Ave, BS4 2BX

Let’s Walk Bedminster. People have become more aware of the problem, not least because of reports in South Bristol Voice, and have responded positively.

Well done! This is a Good Thing, but we can’t yet “live happily ever after”. There are still some difficult streets. Could readers look at their street and consider how easy it would be to move along in a wheelchair or if they were partially sighted? If you have experienced problems, GBCP would like to hear about it; email gbcpnewsletter@gmail.com If there are obstacles, would people help to remove them?

Some people are already doing that. Many thanks to them.

Ben Barker, Bedminster

Tragic if our church closes I AM writing concerning the proposed closure of Holy Cross church on Dean Lane. The Catholic church has estimated that £500,000 will be needed for restoration and this is the reason for closure. The decision has come as a surprise to the congregation and those that know the church.

I first saw the beautiful brick church as a young architectural student in 1986, and, along with many people, it is important to me. I would argue that rather than sell the whole site, the

POLICE REPORT E’VE had a problem over recent weeks with motorbikes and mopeds being stolen, mainly from Bedminster and Ashton, but also from Southville and Totterdown.

A 17-year-old from Southville has been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with this series and parts from three bikes, all confirmed stolen, were seized from his address.

In response, local police teams carried out extensive crime prevention work in all four areas, including putting advice letters through doors of bike owners.

We also carried out extra patrols.

Despite the arrest, I’d still

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advise extra caution around securing motorbikes and mopeds and ask for any suspicious activity to be reported to us – use 999 if it’s happening there and then. Advice includes: • Always set the alarm and immobiliser. If you don’t have one, get one professionally installed; • Use a good quality chain, disc lock or D-lock to secure your vehicle to an immovable object; • Always put the steering lock on; • If possible store it in a secure shed or garage at home. The building should have good locks an alarm, and a ground anchor; • Use a bike cover; • When you park, use a motorbike bay and lock your bike to a stand;

accommodation at the side of the church could be sold to raise the money. It would be tragic if a place so full of memories and prayers was to close.

Mr C Brockman, Bedminster

Parks don’t pay I CAN’T be the only one to think that the council’s proposal that all parks in the city will pay for themselves is absolutely crackers.

How can parks be maintained without a budget? We can’t line them with shopping malls. And what hope of volunteers doing even a fraction of the maintenance work? This so-called “plan” is unworkable.

FR, Knowle

With Sgt Caroline Crane Broadbury Road police station • Use a security marker or etch your bike with its registration; • Fit an engine cut-off switch; • Fit a tracking device.

Another successful result was the arrest of three people in connection with a number of incidents where petrol bombs were thrown from bikes at vehicles. No further incidents have been reported.

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e’re aware of concerns about street drinkers causing problems on North Street and the surrounding area. Please remember that we need you to report specific issues to us in order for us to effectively deal with the situation.

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he UN International Day for the elimination of racial discrimination takes place on March 21 and will launch the next stage of our hate crime awareness campaign. More than half of victims and half offenders are within 2km of their homes when a hate crime takes place.

So, this year we are calling on all communities to work together to celebrate diversity and look out for their community. There are some fantastic initiatives happening across the area, so please do get involved. Find us on social media and help us share your story: #hello Sergeant Caroline Crane • avonandsomerset.police.uk

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

March 2017

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n NEWS WIN A box of Easter cupcakes WOULD you like to celebrate Easter with a box of freshly baked cupcakes, delivered to your door?

To celebrate the success of her new business 280 Bakes, baker Louise Vargas is offering one lucky Voice reader the chance to get a special delivery this Easter.

Louise started baking cakes to order last year, but quickly found that demand was more than she could cope with in one kitchen.

She’s now recruited three local colleagues, all baking from their homes, including one in Knowle.

“Our team are so creative,” said Louise, “We’re all passionate about cakes and it shows!”

Together the 280 Bakes team offer a huge variety of homebaked cakes delivered to your door anywhere in Bristol – cupcakes, traditional home bakes, birthday cakes and more.

280 Bakes specialise in vegan cakes, and will meet dietary

needs such as gluten-free.

Six of the most popular cakes are available for same–day delivery including coffee cake, Victoria sponge, and a customer favourite, chocolate peanut butter cake. This service, the bakers affectionately call ‘CakeOD’ - cake on demand.

All the bananas used in 280 Bakes cakes are Fairtrade and it also supports Free Cakes for Kids, a Bristol charity that makes birthday cakes for families who couldn’t otherwise provide them.

This March the team are also organising a community litter pick, with free cupcakes.

• 280bakes.weebly.com

HOW TO WIN One Voice reader can win a box of six decadent Easter cupcakes from 280 Bakes (normal cost £12 delivered). To enter answer this question, and email with your name and address to paul@south bristolvoice.co.uk by March 12: Name one cake 280 Bakes can bake and deliver the same day.

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We are 280 Bakes – local bakers delivering fresh, home-baked cakes across Bristol.

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Clean Air Zone will look at buses and HGVs to start with OWNERS of diesel cars will not be made scapegoats if Bristol’s Clean Air Zone comes into operation, Bristol city council’s transport boss and Bedminster councillor Mark Bradshaw said.

A Clean Air Zone could impose charges for diesels or other polluting vehicles.

Speaking the day after Bristol was given £500,000 to spend on a feasibility study on improving air quality, Cllr Bradshaw said: “It’s a great recognition that we have a problem.”

Bristol was not among five cities picked last October to begin Clean Air Zones by 2019, even though many sites around the city break EU law on air quality.

The problem is worst in the city centre, but Bedminster Parade and Parson Street are among South Bristol roads where limits are breached.

Some new flats in Bedminster Parade will have to have their windows fixed shut, and mechanical ventilation installed, because the air quality is so bad.

An estimated 300 people a year die prematurely in Bristol because of air pollution – much of it traffic-related.

The deadly pollutants are particulates – tiny lumps of soot – and nitrous oxide, both emitted by diesel engines. Yet only 10 years ago drivers were officially

No sign yet of road charging for diesel cars in city centre encouraged to buy diesels because of their better fuel economy.

One obvious way to improve air quality is to impose a charge on “dirty” diesels in city centres.

But Cllr Bradshaw said he doesn’t want to target car owners first.

He said a Green party motion to the council would have penalised owners of diesel cars made as recently as 2014. “People who thought they were doing the right thing, and listened to the evidence before buying a small diesel van or a family car, now find that it was one of the most polluting types of vehicles you can have,” he said.

Cllr Bradshaw wants to look first at cutting emissions across fleets of buses, council vehicles and HGVs. First Bus has spent £30m on low emission buses, one of the biggest fleets in the UK, and Bristol will look at biomethane, hybrid and electric power.

Bristol is working on its study with South Gloucestershire council, as well as European cities, and taking advice from London.

Feasibility on the zone could be completed in a year.

• Your councillors: page 25

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n NEWS

n BRIEFLY

Small employers told they have to provide pensions SMALL employers in Bristol are to get a helping hand from South Bristol Voice, a city MP and the Pensions Regulator as they prepare for major pension reforms that will see most workers enrolled into a workplace pension scheme.

The 13 monthly magazines in the Voice network across Bristol have joined together to arrange expert pensions advice for small firms on April 10.

Whether you’re a shopkeeper, a plumber or employ someone in the home, if you employ at least one person you are officially an employer and you have certain legal duties.

All employers are invited to come along to Orchard School Bristol in Horfield, BS7 0XZ at 1pm on Monday April 10 to learn more about preparing for automatic enrolment and to pose questions to pensions experts.

An official from the Pensions Regulator will be attending to provide guidance.

The event is free and

Alone: With one employee, you can to be liable to pension law refreshments will be provided.

Failing to comply with the new duties could lead to a fine, so it’s important that each employer understands what they have to do and when.

The event will help small employers understand what’s required of them, and the automatic enrolment right for

New authority

their workers. There will also be information on what to consider when choosing a pension scheme, making the most of payroll software and how to tell your staff about workplace pensions.

The event will be hosted by Charlotte Leslie, MP for Bristol North West, whose constituency includes Horfield. She said: “Failing to get it right could lead to a fine, so it’s important that every small business understands that automatic enrolment applies to them, what they need to do and by when.”

The website of the Pensions Regulator includes a Duties Checker, so firms can check what they must do.

Register for the event at: • tinyurl.com/hhnp9tv • thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/ en/employers

THE NEW West of England Combined Authority (WECA) holds its first public meeting at 1.30pm on Wednesday March 1 at the Watershed, Bristol. It will have influence on issues including transport, housing and skills across Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire. A new ‘metro mayor’ to run the authority will be elected by the public in May. • westofengland-ca.org.uk

Spruced up ST JOHN’S churchyard is set to receive a package of improvements which may include resiting the memorial to the former church in the middle of the park. Paths will be repaired, a new gate and archway installed and new Victorian-style lamps erected. The entrance opposite Church Road will have a chicane-style gate to obstruct vehicles. The stone wall will be repointed and repaired.

Campaign to clean the Greenway goes from strength to strength PEOPLE living near the Malago Greenway have made big inroads into cleaning up the neglected open space next to Brixham Road in the last year.

Now they are aiming to continue the good work with another day of action on Saturday march 11 from 10am-12noon.

“It is a work in progress, due to the left side of the riverbank being heavily affected by years of fly tipping and anti-social behaviour,” said Raluca McKett, who helped set up the Malago Greenway Project last year.

The event has the support of Bristol Waste Company as part of mayor Marvin Rees’s challenge to clean up Bristol.

Raluca said: “When we first came here, back in June, it was an absolute tip. We found road signs, broken bicycles, even a rusty axe.”

But the clean-up already

seems to have deterred further damage.

“We have noticed a massive improvement since the first clean up,” Raluca added. “There hasn’t been any major fly tipping since, just minor littering. So we hope that if we keep up the good work, things will improve permanently.”

Bedminster’s East Street Fruit & Vegetable Market will provide some well-earned fruit for everyone involved.

People will be encouraged to bring unwanted items, perhaps in need of some TLC, and leave them under a gazebo for the day.

Those taking part can drop off or pick up any items they like and give them a new home.

If you want to join in, bring gloves and wellies and a bit of good will! Children welcome.

For more information search Malago Greenway on Facebook or email malagocommunity@ gmail.com.

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

March 2017

southbristolvoice

22

n YOUR MP

KARIN SMYTH Labour MP for Bristol South

Let’s show there are opportunities for South Bristol’s young people

O

NE OF my priorities as South Bristol’s MP is improving the quantity and quality of training and apprenticeship opportunities available here. It’s an issue that’s raised time and time again by parents and grandparents when I’m listening on doorsteps and in shopping centres.

Together we face a number of challenges.

Fewer young people living in Bristol South go to university than from any other UK constituency, so there’s a vital need for other avenues. We’re also home to some of the most deprived wards in the country. And we have hardly any large employers, the type of which offer apprenticeships on a large scale.

There are things going for us, though. For example, we have many small and medium sized firms which are often open-minded

about offering apprenticeships, but often just need more support and information about how to go about it.

So as part of my local work I’ve organised the South Bristol Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, which I understand is the first of its type aimed specifically at South Bristol people. It takes place on Friday March 10, from 12noon to 5.30pm at the South Bristol Skills Academy, BS14 0DB – an excellent local

facility that’s located in Hengrove, right by the leisure centre and hospital.

It’s free and everyone is welcome to attend: secondary school and sixth form students; adults looking to get back into work; parents and carers too. There’s no need to book a place or to let me know you’re coming.

A range of employers, training providers and others will be there to help you: • Find out what apprenticeship opportunities are available; • Learn what employers are looking for, how they recruit and what training they offer; • Find out about training, and what employers look for when they’re recruiting; • Strengthen your CV by showing it to employers for advice.

And you’ll be able to talk to current apprentices about what life’s like for them.

For the reasons explained earlier I’m also inviting people who run small and mediumsized businesses to come and learn how to take on an apprentice without bureaucracy, how to pay, and how to recruit.

Like the free finance events I organise to help residents with any entitlements they might be missing out on, I hope you agree the South Bristol Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair on Friday March 10 is exactly the type of thing I should be prioritising as your MP.

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March 2017

southbristolvoice

n PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Bed Workshop, Braunton Road BS3 3AA Partial demolition and conversion from retail showroom (Use Class A1) with workshop to seven dwellings (Use Class C3).

Replacement of annexe and infill extension with new structures and single-storey extensions to rear and side. Pending consideration Unit B, South Bristol Retail Park, Wedlock Way BS3 2LQ (To allow Staples store to be used as supermarket) Removal or variation of condition 5 of permission 1815P/95S: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of class A12 nonfood retail stores. Pending consideration 15-21 Bartley Street BS3 4DY Demolition of warehouse/store and construction of a block of six flats (Use Class C3) with refuse and cycle storage. Pending consideration Jessop underpass, Clift House Spur BS3 2BE Banner advertising nursery services, attached to railings. Refused Gaol Ferry Bridge, Coronation Road BS3 1RE Banner on Coronation Road to advertise nursery services.

Refused Mount Zion Church, Victor Road BS3 3LW Approved details in relation to condition 2 (Construction management plan) of 15/04047/F: Conversion of church (Use class D1) to eight flats (Use class C3). Granted 17 Swiss Drive BS3 2RS Rear dormer roof extension. Granted 6 St Peter’s Court, Bedminster Parade BS3 4AQ Two fascia signs and one hanging sign. Granted subject to conditions Bart Spices, York Road, Bedminster BS3 4AD Single storey extension between the existing buildings. Granted subject to conditions

23 Bedminster, Southville, Ashton

Little Forge, 18 Murray Street BS3 1AE Approve details of condition 1 (Refuse storage and recycling), 2 (Pedestrians/ cyclist access), 3 (Solar PV) of permission 16/02055/X. Granted

Leylandi hedge: Remove.

Pending consideration

8 Duckmoor Road BS3 2BY Outline application for two twostorey attached houses; access and layout to be considered.

Pending consideration

183 Luckwell Road BS3 3HB Conversion of 2-bed ground floor flat to two 1-bed flats, with new windows and first floor extension.

Pending consideration

127-131 Raleigh Road BS3 1QU Non material amendment to 16/00013/F: Conversion of second floor from Use Class B1(c) to nine flats (Use Class C3) with third floor roof extension: additional windows. Refused

31 East Street, Bedminster BS3 4HH Change of use of ground floor to an A3 restaurant, enlarging front windows.

Conversion and extension of upper floors to make three flats, including new third floor and external alterations. Pending consideration

23 Frayne Road BS3 1RU Single storey rear & side extension. Granted subject to conditions 5 Ashton Drive BS3 2PN Change of use of first floor storage area from retail and financial and professional services (Use class A1 and A2) to residential (Use class C3) to two 1-bed flats with new access.

Granted 45 Hebron Road BS3 3AE Hip to gable of existing roof line, increase of dormer window in north (street) roof slope. Dormer window in rear roof. Refused

39 Greville Road BS3 1LN Alterations to rear to provide access to balcony and external stairs. Pending consideration

Little Cross House, Phipps Street BS3 1SH London plane T1: reduce lateral branches on the development side by 2-3m up to a height of 10m. London plane T2: Remove second lower limb extending over access ramp. TPO 1198. Pending consideration

Holy Cross Church, Dean Lane BS3 1DB Fell: cherry, holm oak and ash. Pending consideration Land next to 18 Victoria Place BS3 3BP Approved details in relation to condition 2 (Contamination), 3 (Remediation), 4 (Implementation remediation), 5 (Landscaping), 6 (SUDS), and 7 (Samples) of 14/00826/F: 4 bedroom single dwelling on land adjacent to 18 Victoria Place.

Pending consideration 5 Greville Road BS3 1LN Conversion of HMO (house in multiple occupation) into three flats. Pending consideration 212 West Street, Bedminster BS3 3NE Change facade from shop front to window and door; change use to dwelling house.

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

Will Writing & Estate Planning

39A Islington Road BS3 1QB Two storey artist studio.

Granted subj. to conditions 120 Smyth Road BS3 2DP Single storey rear extension to extend beyond the rear by 3.5m, of maximum height 3.8m and eaves 2.6m high. Granted 30 Hendre Road BS3 2LR Single storey side and rear extension. Granted subject to conditions 12 Mount Pleasant Terrace BS3 1LF Alteration to roof to accommodate additional storey. Granted subject to conditions

30 Thanet Road BS3 3HZ Two storey side extension.

Granted subj. to conditions

8 Osborne Terrace BS3 3PT First floor rear extension over single-storey extension.

Pending consideration

50 Greville Road BS3 1LL Loft conversion and dormer to rear. Granted

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

I

March 2017

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WRITE this on the first day that Upton Road has been closed during school hours at Ashton Charlie Gate primary. I Bolton went along to see Green how it worked Southville out. A few cars turned down the road, having not looked at the signs (well, you probably wouldn’t, would you?), but fewer than I expected.

In fact, the whole morning rush-hour seemed to go pretty smoothly. Obviously, that is only one morning’s experience. But I would expect people to become accustomed to the change and adjust their journeys. If you wish to comment on the scheme, email tro.comments@bristol.gov.uk.

Anyway, while I was outside the school, a parent came up to me and said: “I cycled down here over the weekend and thought it looked great” – it has eight planters on each side of the raised bit of road. She added:

Southville

“We should have more of this around Southville.”

Any debate about the closure thus far has been about the rights and convenience of motorists versus the safety – or otherwise – of children. There is actually a whole separate side to it, which is that it makes the street a much pleasanter place in which to walk, play, and live. It also makes it brighter, and greener. As a Green, it fits in very much with a community-based approach to improving the local environment for local people. And, while I am aware there are some people who will be unhappy at it, there are reasons for doing more of this sort of thing. The road does not have to be just a car park. It has the potential to be so much more.

• There will be a consultation for bike hangars in Exeter Road and Howard Road, funded by the Cycling Ambition Fund (before you ask, if they go in, they will take out one parking space each).

• By the time you read this, we will also have voted on the budget. It is simply awful.

I

HAVE talked before in this column about council services suffering death by a thousand cuts and, following Stephen last week’s budget Clarke meeting, that will Green start to become a Southville reality. How will this impact on your lives? Well, if you are a vulnerable or disabled person who is supported by the council – perhaps, for example, by the Crisis Fund or bus subsidies for your carer – that will become obvious very shortly as services are drastically cut.

I imagine that you love your local park. I hope so because you may soon have to look after it yourselves; because of the Tory cuts; in other words the council won’t be putting any money into them. Want to say something about parks? Neighbourhood partnerships were one of the major ways to do this but they are also losing their funding.

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How to contact your councillor: p2 information about these proposals from your library? Be quick; many of those will be disappearing soon too. These are only a few examples of the cuts that the Tories are making Marvin impose on us. I think that he should have fought harder to resist them by joining up with other core cities and putting real pressure on the Government.

Another shock to the system at the council has been the Bundred Report, commissioned to report on the mismanagement that has led to a £29.1 million deficit in this year’s budget. It is depressing reading: very weak finance function, optimism-bias in officer reporting and wariness about making politically difficult decisions, combined with very poor reporting to councillors who were supposed to be scrutinising decisions, and lack of leadership.

This led to a toxic brew of no one wanting to give bad news to anyone. The main players then left, and the bad news emerged.

We will see in due course if the lessons have been learned.

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March 2017

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS

I

N WRITING the monthly column for the Voice we do not usually have the luxury of hot-off-the-press news, but now there is some to share.

Bristol has seen levels of air pollution increase, similar to other UK cities. Traffic fumes are a major contributor in terms of carbon (adding to climate change woes) but also fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and 10) and nitrogen oxide (NOX). Both the latter are proven causes of health disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and even heart disease. In Bristol alone, around 300 people die each year due to the effects of air pollution.

Congestion is often cited as one of the biggest challenges faced by Bristol, but worsening air quality is rapidly becoming a health crisis for our city.

Ministers have encouraged local councils to work together and submit evidence of the levels of pollution and examples of proposed action. Bristol teamed up with South Gloucestershire colleagues seeking funding for

Mark Bradshaw Labour Bedminster

25

Bedminster

Celia Phipps Labour Bedminster

investigating how a Clean Air Zone would operate in our area.

The bid was successful and a feasibility study into creating a Clean Air Zone for the Bristol area will begin soon.

Clean Air Zones will encourage the replacement of old, polluting vehicles with modern, cleaner technologies, such as ultra-low emission vehicles. They are one of the measures recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for improving health.

The study will determine the extent to which air pollution needs to be reduced, the extent of the area, timescales, whether and how charging could be

How to contact your councillor: p2

introduced, and if so, which vehicles should be included.

It will also need to take account of traffic growth, plans to ease traffic congestion and other initiatives which may affect air quality. It will link closely with the mayor’s planned Congestion Task Group and current Air Quality Working Group, and will also be part of the city’s longer term Air Quality Action Plan.

This aims to reduce air pollution below legal limits, because for some pollutants like particulates there is no safe limit.

Mark co-chairs the mayoral working group which is looking at commitments to improve air quality. There is strong crossparty support to improve air quality in Bristol; several debates and motions received unanimous backing at full council.

The funding bid is linked into the ClairCity project (claircity. eu), a four-year European Union investigation involving thousands of people in six European cities, including Bristol. The University of the West of England is

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working on it, and the project will be informed by the views of local people.

The feasibility and design work on the zone will begin as soon as possible and could be completed in early 2018. The timing of when any Clean Air Zone will be introduced will be determined by the feasibility study and on feedback from the consultation. It will also take account of progress by the Congestion Task Group.

In the meantime, Bristol now has many more newer, less polluting buses, including for park and ride, local services and soon for city-to-city routes. The new Metrobus vehicles will be low-emission from day one and then, within two years, powered by biomethane, electricity or both. Bristol has two hybrid buses which switch to electricity in areas of poor air quality.

Early stages, but at least recognition of the problem we face, the rising levels of ill-health caused by air pollution, and some new resources to get action.

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n NEWS Rush to invest in new nursery

Taking root: some of the Patchwork members at work in Dean Lane.

From rear, left to right, Annie, Guy, Barney, Rachel, Yvonne, Laura and Liz

Forgotten street corners are blooming EVER wondered why lots of street corners and derelict plots throughout Bedminster have gradually been tidied up and neatly planted? It’s not the work of elves – it’s the members of the Patchwork group.

Patchwork is a group of volunteers who turn out on Saturday mornings to take care of small patches of land that would otherwise get forgotten and possibly fly-tipped.

The Voice caught up with them in Dean Lane, on a corner plot opposite the SouthBank centre.

Patchwork has taken care of this site for several years and members were giving the shrubs a hard prune. But even though their visits are widely spaced out, the patch still looks cared for.

This means that everyone will take better care of it. “We always

get nice comments when we are working,” said member Liz. Organiser Laura Murgatroyd explained that the group does a lot with very little money.

Bedmister’s Secret Gardens group, which opens up residents’ back gardens every year, donated £300 to Patchwork’s community orchard on the corner of Warden Road and Dean Lane.

The group also looks after plots in South Street, Cherry Tree Gardens, Stackpool Road, Holledge Gardens off Dean Crescent, and Clifton Street.

But Laura is worried what the end of councils-funded neighbourhood partnerships will bring. The Bedminster partnership, the GBCP, gave not only grants but also moral support, she said.

Members are determined to carry on, though. The value of

Are you missing out on unclaimed benefit £ms?

RESIDENTS of South Bristol have a chance to check they are receiving all their financial entitlements, when MP Karin Smyth organises the latest of her free one-stop-shop community events at The Park centre in Daventry Road, Knowle, from 10.30am-12.30 pm on Friday March 24.

The Labour MP said that her research shows that around £16 million per year in pension credit, and upwards of £20m in income support, goes unclaimed

by Bristol residents each year.

Organisations including Bristol Citizens Advice, South Bristol Advice Services, the Department for Work and Pensions, Care and Repair and Bristol city council’s Welfare Rights & Money Advice Service will be present. They will help guide people through the processes to claim what’s theirs.

• One stop shop for unclaimed benefits, The Park centre, Daventry Road, Knowle, Friday March 24, 10.30am-12.30pm.

their work was obvious. When they first looked at the Dean lane plot, in 2003, “there was nothing here, only rubbish,” said Laura.

Now there is a bench, and hazel, buddleia, hebe and roses growing in profusion.

• bedminsterpatchwork.tumblr.com

AN OFFER that invited residents to invest in the new community nursery to be built in Chessel Street raised all the money needed within just five days.

The appeal by the Southville Centre, which is building the new nursery and community hall, met its £280,000 target much more quickly than expected. The bond was offered by Bristol-based ethical bank Triodos.

It’s hoped the new centre will open in the autumn on the site of the former Boys Brigade hall.

The nursery is not yet accepting bookings.

Coffee morning THERE’S a coffee morning on Saturday March 11 at Bedminster Methodist Church in British Road, Bedminster, from 10.30am to 12noon. Stalls include cakes, bric a brac and books. Tea and coffee also available.

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March 2017

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29

n WHAT’S ON Thursday March 2 n We Are Ian Rave on as Ian remembers Manchester, 1989: a frenzy of drugs, beats, illegal raves and acid parties. This sell-out Edinburgh 2016 show is a Tobacco Factory theatre Beyond production at the Wardrobe Theatre, Old Market. £8, 8pm. Age 14+; contains strong language and adult themes. Until March 4.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com Saturday March 4 n Sing Into Spring Ashton Park school. The Handfuls of Harmony choir host a free singing session for anyone, no matter what their experience, both adults and children. Refreshments will be provided. 10.30am to 12.30pm.

For details email roger@ handfulsofharmony.org.

• handfulsofharmony.org n Winter tree walk Arnos Vale cemetery, Bath Road, 10.30am12noon. Take a walk with an ecologist to discover the art of tree identification using subtle clues in buds, branches, bark and more. £5.

• arnosvale.org.uk/events n Bristol Women’s Voice Celebrate International Women’s Day, M Shed, 10am-5pm. This year’s theme is Take Up Space, with celebrations, fun workshops and activities. All women are welcome. Free creche as well as free pre-arranged transport services to collect and take home groups of women from across the city. Email info@ bristolwomensvoice.org.uk • Facebook: Bristol Women’s Voice n Saltcellar Folk Club Basement of Totterdown Baptist church, Wells Road. Ninebarrow, “an award-winning duo in great demand, bring beautiful harmonies and engaging performance”. 7.30pm, £5.

• saltcellarfolk.org.uk n Stand Up For The Weekend with Dane Baptiste and guests Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street, Southville. “Observational comedy at its finest,” says the Independent of Dane Baptiste, who’s familiar from Sweat the Small Stuff (BBC3), Virtually Famous (E4) and Celebrity Squares (ITV1). £11, 7.45pm.

• thecomedybox.co.uk Sunday March 5 n Jonny & the Baptists: Eat the Poor Tobacco Factory theatre. Exploring the gap

Where friends meet for music in the cellar REVIEW: MIke Silver, Saltcellar Folk Club, Totterdown ANOTHER little gem hidden right under our noses, the Saltcellar is a monthly Saturday night happening, held in a room that’s by day a playgroup venue, this evening a room with great acoustics and a welcoming, English-folky vibe.

There’s not a lot of dancing but there’s some gentle seated swaying, subtle foot-stomping and spontaneous harmonising.

It feels like the audience are old friends, yet are delighted to welcome newcomers.

It’s an evening of two halves.

The first part is for ‘floor acts’ – anyone can sign up on arrival to sing a song or play a tune.

The compere, Alan Kirkpatrick, discretely wanders through the audience, tapping the shoulder of the next person to play. between rich and poor. Jonny and Paddy’s lives turn upside down when one betrays the other for financial gain. A preview of the 2017 tour from the acclaimed stars of Radio 4’s The Now Show.

Ages 14+, £11, 8pm.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com Monday March 6 n Monday Funday Acta community theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. Join elders from the Malcolm X Theatre Co for fun improvisation, games and laughter. All welcome. 1.30-3pm.

Also on April 3.

• acta-bristol.com Friday March 10 n Bristol Castle Knowle & Totterdown Local History Society hosts a talk by Professor Peter Fleming on the hidden history of the middle ages behind Bristol’s “invisible castle”. Redcatch community centre, 7.30pm.

Members £1.50, non-members £3.

• knowleandtotterdownhistory. org.uk Monday March 13 n Totterdown gardening club 11.45am-12.45pm. Meets in Totterdown Square outside Tesco on the second Monday of each month to tend to the raised flower beds.

• tresa.org.uk

Some of these people I’ve walked past on the street, with no idea how beautifully they sing, write lyrics, or how sweetly they strum – there’s something very special about watching people share their creativity this way!

After a break, to grab a hot drink and homemade cake from the coffee bar, or top yourself up if you’ve Brought Your Own, we have the main act. This month it’s Mike Silver, a professional musician who lived in Bristol

before he moved to Cornwall some decades ago. He has a grand fruity voice, plays fantastically and tells great stories in his songs – some mischievous or uplifting, some thought-provoking and powerful. Mike invites us to join in the choruses, which we do, and it sounds fantastic.

After several encores he looks moved at the warmth he’s created, tells some jokes, and reluctantly steps away. The fluorescent lighting comes on.

Suddenly we’re back in a church hall in Bristol, where before we were in an inn on a Cornish moor, sharing a dram.

Laurie Burn, minister at Totterdown Baptist Church, and his wife Karen, set up the club in 2011. Later this year he’s moving away. A committee has formed to keep the club going – gigs are the first Saturday of every month and are always listed in the Voice.

To find out more email stella-terry@hotmail.co.uk Beccy Golding • Facebook: Saltcellar Folk Club

Way Out West Public meeting for the group which works for the community around West Street.

7-9pm, United Reformed Church Hall, West Street, Bedminster.

• Facebook: Way Out West Tuesday March 14 n The Road to Huntsville Tobacco Factory theatre.

Acclaimed writer-performer Stephanie Ridings grapples with why British women fall in love with men on Death Row. An exploration into unconventional love, state homicide and cats;

winner of the Arts Award Voice at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe.

Until March 17; shows £10 at 7.15pm and 9.15pm but 7.15pm only on March 17.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday March 16 Little Cooks Hands-on cooking classes for pre-school children at Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. 10am12noon, £10. Enquiries: hollynredfern@gmail.com • windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Continued on page 30

Mike Silver: Mischief and more

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30

March 2017

n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 29 Friday March 17 n The Vibrators + The Wrong ’Uns + UK’s Lowest Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. The Vibrators are one of the original punk bands, formed in 1976 and still performing more than 100 gigs a year. Supported by Bristol punk outfits The Wrong ’Uns and UK’s Lowest. 7.30pm, £8.

• thethunderbolt.net Saturday March 18 n Introduction to hula hooping and circus skills Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster, 10am12noon. £25 per ticket.

Organised by the WEA: 0845 458 2758.

• windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk n Othello: lunchtime talk Join the director of this Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory production, Richard Twyman, and cast members. Not intended as an introduction to the show; best enjoyed if you have already seen the play.

11am-1pm, £15 includes lunch.

• tobaccofactorytheatres.com Sunday March 19 n Sara Pascoe: Animal Tobacco Factory theatre at 7.30pm and matinée at the Comedy Box, Hen & Chicken, at 3.30pm. Sara considers whether humans are naturally bad? How do we become better? Do we really have to die? And gulp, should she have a baby?

• thecomedybox.co.uk Tuesday March 21 n Nathan Grisdale Fiddlers Club, Willway Street, Bedminster. Singer Nathan Grisdale, 22, is on his first national tour after he got a record deal thanks to 800,000

Playful, vicous and utterly transfixing REVIEW Othello Tobacco Factory I HAVEN’T seen or read a fulllength Shakespeare play since school, and Othello, though the name is famous, was not a play I was familiar with.

So I was intrigued to find out whether I could go to a Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory production cold and be able to make any sense of what was happening. The first five minutes or so I struggled. I feared the next three hours would be exhausting and confusing. However, somehow, at some point, I became totally immersed.

The actors perform in followers on YouTube. £10 adv, 7.30pm.

• fiddlers.co.uk Wednesday March 22 n Paul Gilbert guitar masterclass The Tunnels, Temple Meads. Learn from one of the founders of rock group Mr Big. Paul and his band will play different techniques and styles, with Q&A. 7pm, seated £20, standing £15.

• thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Thursday March 23 n Caring for your organic garden Avon Organic Group talk by Maggi Brown, former head of education and senior advisor at Garden Organic and lecturer at Pershore College.

7-9pm, Dance Studio at the

Othello: Abraham Popoola leads modern dress – suits mostly. As with most productions here, you don’t get a lot of scenery, and it’s performed in the round – the supporting cast do an amazing job of creating the landscape for you, helped by a brutalist lighting scheme.

The play explores racism and power, set in a time of war, exploring relationships between Othello, a Muslim general, his right-hand man Iago, his wife Desdemona and others. The Station, Silver Street, Bristol BS1 2AG. All welcome. Visitors £3 members £1. For more details, email secretaryaog@gmail.com n Kaz Hawkins The Tunnels, Temple Meads. Multi-awardwinning Kaz Hawkins is Northern Ireland’s blues and soul darling, famous for her highenergy shows. 7.30pm, £10.

• thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Friday March 24 n Networking with Freelance Mum Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster. Monthly businessfocused networking in a family-friendly environment.

10am-12noon, £7.50.

• freelancemum.co.uk n Love4Salsa Party SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville, 7pm-midnight. Every month on the fourth Friday, SouthBank gets into salsa – £7 with class included. Contact Vava on 07779 850608 or bristolsalsa@gmail.com.

• darranvava.simpl.com Saturday March 25 n Jumble Sale Totterdown Methodist Church Hall, Bushy Park, 10am-12noon. Plenty of bargains. Please bring any contributions to the hall on Friday March 24 from 10am.

Friday March 31 n Beats at the Farm Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster, last Friday of the month, with street food, bar and music. 5-9pm, free entry, no

delivery of the language by this excellent cast make it clear and understandable, with tone, timing and physicality playing as much a part as voice.

The playfulness and passion between Othello and Desdemona (Abraham Popoola and Norah Lopez Holden) is fully engaging; Mark Lockyer, in the role of Iago, is a great watch – you observe and follow the thought processes that create his vicious, cynical manipulations; and Katy Stephens’ portrayal of Emilia, who slides in almost unnoticed in the first half, is transfixing and incredibly powerful by the end. This whole performance is raw, powerful and moving.

So much so that when it finished I had to sit and collect myself for five minutes.

Othello runs until April 1.

Beccy Golding booking required.

• windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk n Quiz and supper night Windmill Hill community centre, Vivian Street. Last Friday of every month, 8.30pm-late.

• whca.org.uk n Charlie Baker: The Hit Polisher Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street, Southville. With Sean Hargreaves on Hammond organ, Charlie Baker (Harry Hill’s hunchback assistant on Sky 1) sings terrible pop songs, polished up to become groovy. £12, 7.45pm.

• thecomedybox.co.uk

Mark Smith: Veteran of disdain n The Fall Fiddlers, Willway Street, Bedminster. Since 1976, The Fall have been a vehicle for Mark E Smith’s coruscating, funny, vicious lyrics. His disdain is unequalled but no one else has gone on from 70s Manchester to score a Sadler’s Wells ballet. Or appear on Later with Jools Holland on condition that Jools didn’t play piano with them.

8pm, £22.50 advance. Their 32nd studio album is allegedly imminent.

• fiddlers.co.uk

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March 2017

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