South Bristol Voice August 2022

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www.southbristolvoice.co.uk WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL - 12,000 COPIES OF THIS EDITION August 2022 — Issue 80 FREE EVERY MONTH IN BEDMINSTER, SOUTHVILLE, KNOWLE, TOTTERDOWN, ASHTON, ASHTON VALE & WINDMILL HILL

Marching for our meadows

Broadwalk Shopping Centre plans unveiled to a mixed response PAGE 5

Redcatch Park saved from the phone mast PAGE 6

Reuse and Recycling Centre opens PAGE 9

What’s On guide for the coming month

Campaigners of all ages marched to try and save the Meadows.

Photo: Oren Taylor

By Jane WiIlliams CAMPAIGNERS recently marched through Brislington Meadows in protest at the proposed destruction of a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). Save Brislington Meadows hope the event will have drawn more attention to

PAGE 25 the long-running battle for the Meadows.

The application to build 260 houses on South Bristol’s ancient meadow has already received hundreds of objections. The applicant is Homes England, central government’s housing enabler.

On the Save Brislington

Meadows Facebook group, locals have shared their frustration at the plan as well as their affection for the meadows: “I can honestly say that Brislington Meadows saved my sanity during the first lockdown,” reads one comment.

The march was well attended with approximately 60 residents Continued on page 3

Celebrity interview with Jason Donovan PAGE 29

Three pages of local history stories PAGES 34-36

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours Tel: 01179634373

Email: Southville@cjhole.co.uk

Web: cjhole.co.uk

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Contacts

Ruth Drury Sales Director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Jane Williams Editor news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising August is May 11,172022

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

Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 07590527664.

May 2022 2022 August

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: Call the above number for an appointment My councillor?

Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Tessa Fitzjohn Green, Bedminster By phone: 07584182801 By email: Cllr.Tessa.Fitzjohn@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 Tony Dyer Green, Southville By phone: 07584182862 By email:

Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 07584183843 By email: Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk Christopher Davies Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr.

Christopher.Davies@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07826917714 Gary Hopkins Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159 Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584184577 By email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584186535 By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk

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

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

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

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August 2022

n NEWS Marching for our meadows From page 1 meeting at Victory Park before walking up through the Meadows and into Broomhill. Even local police officers popped by to engage with the campaigners and wish them well. The group stopped at various key points along the way to allow people to fully appreciate the scale of the proposed development and the habitats that would be lost and where access to the Meadows would be gained.

Campaigner Heidi Taylor tells South Bristol Voice: “We had great support along the route with many cars beeping and waving and shouting ‘Save the Meadows’ from their windows. I briefly stopped traffic by standing on the zebra crossing on Broomhill Road by the demolished police station to highlight the busy road that is expected to cope with the vastly increased traffic from the development. We then continued

Photo: Oren Taylor along to St Peter’s Church where we stopped on the corner for photos and engaged with more passers by and then ended our walk by the allotments on School Road.”

Heidi adds: “I am very grateful to the people who supported us and took time out of their day to come along and bring children, dogs and banners and a great sense of community with them. I hope we can continue to encourage even more objections to this development to save the Meadows for future generations.”

Asda vs Neighbours

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter A long-running war between residents and Asda in Bedminster over unauthorised night-time deliveries has descended into abuse, threats, arrests and a criminal conviction.

Neighbours say the supermarket has breached a planning condition banning lorries from the East Street store’s yard between 10pm and 6am an estimated 2,500 times stretching back at least eight years, causing them sleepless nights, stress and misery.

But the retailer has issued an astonishing statement accusing locals of a “campaign of abuse” against staff, including “physical and verbal assault, trespassing, threats through social media and a constant bombardment of emails and calls”.

Avon & Somerset Police has confirmed a man was convicted at Bristol magistrates’ court in April last year for going into the delivery yard on three occasions in December 2020 and January 2021 and being abusive to

Photo: Google Images employees or delivery drivers.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to criminal damage, using threatening words/behaviour and trespass with intent to unlawful damage.

It comes as watchdogs have upheld a complaint by one householder who lives behind the supermarket, Tony Gwyther, against Bristol City Council for not enforcing the rules.

Mr Gwyther, of St Paul’s Road, welcomed the ruling by the Local Government Ombudsman which decided the authority had caused injustice by failing to make clear its plan to tackle the issue and delaying issuing an enforcement notice.

The council has apologised to

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Local councillor Tim Rippington told South Bristol Voice: “Local people have never supported building on Brislington Meadows, which is a well-loved and well used local green space. The council decided to put it into its Local Plan for housing in 2014 despite overwhelming objections from the local community, and when I became a councillor in 2020 I was told it was “a done deal”.

However, much has changed since 2014. The council has declared a climate and ecological emergency and the Mayor has publicly declared that the Meadows should not now be built upon. I fully support the growing campaign to save this amazing open space for future generations.

Meanwhile, campaigner Dougal Matthews is concerned for the future of wildlife in South Bristol: “It is a nature corridor from Eastwood Farm to Stockwood Open Space.

Habitats need to be close enough to support one another. Once you break the mosaic you have islands which means species can’t replenish each other.”

In a review of the Meadows’ suitability as an SNCI, it scored highly in many of the criteria, particularly for “irreplaceability”.

A home to hundreds of insect species, the ancient hedgerows of the Meadows’ can be thought of as a mini woodland.

Three years since Bristol City Council declared a climate emergency, Brislington’s meadow is still earmarked for bulldozing. In the application, Homes England stated: “Within the site, an 46% of the land will be delivered as greenspace which will be designed, managed and monitored with biodiversity benefit at the fore, and especially benefit for pollinators. This exceeds the current objective in the Bristol Ecology Emergency Strategy for 30% of land in Bristol to be managed for wildlife.”

However, Tim Rippington says: “This statement is grossly misleading, as most of Bristol is already heavily developed. In order to achieve 30% of land being managed for wildlife, we need to retain biodiverse, ecologically-rich green spaces like Brislington Meadows.”

the 52-year-old, who complained that it failed to take action and took too long to investigate, and says officers will be visiting the shop to assess alleged breaches.

An Asda spokesperson said: “There has been a campaign of abuse towards colleagues at this store from some residents, including physical and verbal assault, trespassing, threats through social media and a constant bombardment of emails and calls to colleagues both at the store and head office.

Unfortunately some of these incidents have led to arrests being made and one resident has pleaded guilty to multiple charges.”

The ombudsman report, which refers to Mr Gwyther as Mr B and uses the word “fault” to describe service failure or maladministration, said: “There was fault by the council causing injustice. It has not communicated a clear decisionmaking process or plan to Mr B so that he knows what action he might expect the council to take to resolve this. Also, it took too long to serve a breach of condition notice and to decide whether to take further action.

This caused Mr B injustice and the council has agreed to take

action to remedy this.”

Mr Gwyther told the ombudsman he had “suffered distress and been unable to sleep properly for a number of years because of noise caused by the late-night deliveries to the store and operations there”.

The report said: “The council registered an enforcement case in December 2020. It said it agreed there had been breaches of the condition over recent years and the supermarket accepted this.” The report said the council updated Mr Gwyther and told him the Government had instructed local authorities not to take planning enforcement on retail delivery times because of the demands of Covid-19.

“In July 2021, the Government issued a further statement that said that councils should not take enforcement action that would unnecessarily restrict delivery of food and essentials, but that it may be necessary to take action where neighbours are disturbed by out of hours deliveries,” the ombudsman said.

Mr Gwyther told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “This is the worst case of planning condition breaches in the history of Bristol.”

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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August 2022

n NEWS

5

Updated Broadwalk Shopping Centre plans unveiled

By Jane Williams AFTER six months of consultation, updated plans for the Redcatch Quarter have been announced… to a somewhat mixed response.

The proposals intend to transform the 1970s cardependent Broadwalk Shopping Centre into a vibrant and walkable destination suitable for the 21st century. The Redcatch Quarter, as it will be known, says it will provide sustainable new homes, flexible shops, a neighbourhood cinema, and a ‘community hub’ along with a café and restaurant overlooking Redcatch Park.

Developers say the proposals respond to the constructive feedback received from neighbours, stakeholders, ward councillors, technical consultees and the wider community. Following feedback, the proposals now include a neighbourhood cinema, a comprehensively designed layout and more engaging and attractive entrance into Redcatch Park.

Francis Hilton, project manager, said: “We are very grateful to local people for the feedback they have provided, which has been instrumental in informing the proposals.

“We look forward to continuing to work with local people, stakeholders, and Bristol City Council to help realise the potential to create a thriving and bustling heart for Knowle that improves the vitality of the town centre and celebrates the distinct identity of the local area.”

However, there has been strong opposition to the plans from a number of areas including the Knowle Neighbourhood Planning Group (KNPG), which formed in 2019 in response to the original Broadwalk proposal and saw more than 200 concerned residents pack out its first meeting.

KNPG’s Helen Evans tells South Bristol Voice that the group’s desired outcome would be for “a well-considered and sustainable development that adds to and enhances Knowle and benefits the entire community for generations to come. At present, the plan is too high (12 storeys), too dense (550% more dense than

the existing neighbourhood) and reduces the retail and community space by 57% despite an additional 2,000+ residents.

Not to mention replacing great community spaces such as Snooker City with ill-thought out services such as a cinema no one wants.”

She continues: “As it stands, the development goes against Bristol City Council’s own planning policy ‘The Urban Living SPD’ and yet BCC have deemed that no Environmental Impact Assessment is required for a development that will increase our total population by circa 20%. We’d like to see our elected councillors listening more to local residents, demonstrating that they fully understand our concerns and actively representing these concerns to the developers on our behalf. At a recent community meeting it was clear the majority of residents were frustrated by Gary Hopkins’ and Chris Davies’ response to date.”

South Bristol Voice readers can read the councillors’ views on the Broadwalk redevelopment plans in their regular column further on in this issue.

Laura Chapman is also part of KNPG and is concerned about the redevelopment as she lives on Ryde Road, very close to the site. She tells South Bristol Voice: “I remember being initially excited about the idea of a better shopping centre with some bars and restaurants, but as soon as I saw the fine print about 400 homes I was instantly terrified about the impact it’d have on my home. I was also really upset and insulted that they’d tried to gloss over the huge 12 storey buildings in all of their PR materials, it felt like they were treating us like idiots.

My neighbours all felt the same, and over the following weeks it got worse as we discovered we’d all been told different things by the developers.”

KNPG is certainly not opposed to change and agrees the area needs some attention, as Laura explains: “I think it’s time to rejuvenate Broadwalk and personally I much prefer the idea of removing the roof and creating a street rather than an indoor mall. But the size and number of residential units is absolutely

Indicative sketch of eye-level view of Redcatch Quarter as seen from Redcatch Park. Credit: Keep Architecture

Indicative Image of Redcatch Quarter from Redcatch Park.

Credit: Keep Architecture astronomical and out of keeping with the local area. It seems that capping the residential buildings at six storeys is the absolute maximum that should be allowed, and I think it’s a pretty generous compromise on our part. Any higher and the new development will stick out like a sore thumb, and will seriously overshadow the park, my street and the roads nearby, like Redcatch and Broad Walk.”

People who live in the area love it for a variety of reasons, as Helen explains: “I love living in Knowle and all it has to offer. It’s a warm, friendly and passionate community that welcomed me and my partner with open arms when we moved here and deserves a development that will see it thrive for years to come.

There is potential for this to be a really great moment for the community, if it’s done correctly,

and I just don’t want that opportunity to be wasted.”

While Laura says: “I fell in love with my house because it is so light and airy, and the road is generally so peaceful and friendly. I just can’t fathom how being surrounded by 10 and 12 storey blocks of flats won’t completely ruin that. They haven’t shown us any evidence to prove that it won’t block out the daylight in our homes and gardens, and I don’t think I’ll be able to see the sky anymore when I look out of the window. Plus our street is going to be used as a through-road for pedestrians to get to the shops, and they want to have delivery trucks running along the bottom of our road.

Sure it won’t kill me, but it’ll ruin everything that’s good about my home. They’re expecting us to sacrifice so much, just to line their own pockets.”

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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n NEWS

By Alex Seagrove, Local Democracy Reporter A park in South Bristol has been saved from a giant 24-metre phone mast after unpopular plans were scrapped.

The huge 5G phone mast was previously planned for Redcatch Park in Knowle, sparking opposition from thousands of locals and cross-party councillors.

A decision on approving the mast was due to be taken last month by the secretive lands tribunal, behind closed doors.

But now Walden Communications, the operator behind the phone mast plans, has scrapped its proposal for Redcatch Park and will instead search for an alternative location for the mast. Campaigners fighting the plans welcomed the decision, as well as the Bristol mayor.

Sian Ellis-Thomas of Residents Against the Mast said: “We did it. I think we can be confident that a viable alternative outside the park will now be agreed in good time.

August 2022

South Bristol park saved from giant 24-metre phone mast as unpopular plan scrapped

“It’s a real demonstration of what can be achieved when a community comes together to speak truth to power and demand to be listened to.”

Mayor Marvin Rees said: “I welcome this decision. We will work constructively with operators to find a suitable alternative site. Thank you to all

who campaigned.”

Walden Communications, working with EE Limited and Hutchinson 3G, initially said the new mast was needed temporarily, after a nearby mast on top of the Friendship Inn was removed when the old pub was converted into a Tesco.

But local campaigners feared the ‘temporary’ measure would eventually be made permanent, taking up a huge space in a wellused park.

Earlier last month, before the mast in the park plan was scrapped, councillors from each party voiced their concerns about how national rules give phone companies “sweeping emergency powers” to install phone masts.

During a Bristol City Council meeting on July 5, Green Cllr Ed Plowden claimed the legislation lets companies “sidestep local democracy”.

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

southbristolvoice

August 2022

n NEWS

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Polish Domestic Violence Service celebrates 10th anniversary with gala event OPOKA is a specialist Domestic Violence Service for Polish women and children in the UK. The organisation works with prevalence in Bristol and Avon & Somerset.

Their helpline in Polish covers the whole of the UK. Since 2012 they have helped thousands of women to improve their lives, escape abusive relationships and build self-sustainable futures.

Domestic abuse has been called a shadow pandemic during 2020 and 2021 with domestic violence incident rates and referrals to specialist services rising drastically.

Last year, Opoka supported 509 women on a long-term basis and responded to 12,836 short-term enquiries. This wouldn’t be possible without a continuous support of their funders and the amazing local and national community.

It is a great achievement as explained by Aneta Mackell, Opoka’s founder: ”We are so proud to say that Opoka is celebrating its 10th birthday this year. This is such a significant milestone for us. We are organising a big

fundraising gala on 17 September 2022 to celebrate achievements of our clients, volunteers, employees, and anybody who supported us for the past decade.”

Funds raised on the night will go to opening a safe house for women and their children who experienced domestic violence and abuse.

Safe spaces for survivors fleeing domestic abuse are needed now more than ever. During the pandemic, domestic violence refuges have seen a drastic increase in referrals, and it is estimated that, in the years 2019 and 2020, 57% of referrals to safe houses were rejected due to lack of spaces.

“We really want to make a difference and create a home where women will find peace and will be able to start a new chapter in their lives, free of violence. The journey to recovery is a process and can take a long time but we believe that in the right, supportive environment anyone can heal from the effects of the past trauma,” says Aneta.

“We are very excited to announce our two

special guests: Kasia Madera, Opoka’s patron and BBC World News presenter, and Ryan Hart. Ryan and his brother Luke have lost their mother and sister at the hand of their father. Since that moment, they are speaking out against male violence towards women and children.

“We are so honoured to be able to welcome both of our guests during the event.”

During the gala there will be an awards ceremony, charity auction and lottery, as well as entertainment throughout, all happening in the beautiful Bristol Harbour Hotel.

“Tickets are on sale now and they are limited, so we encourage everybody who is interested in attending to purchase theirs,” says Aneta.

“We are also actively looking for event partners and sponsors. If you would like to support us by donating in-kind donations to our charity auction, please contact us on info@opoka.org.uk. To purchase tickets, please email us and we will send you all the information.”

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n NEWS

August 2022

Join the scarecrow competition AVON Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is raising money for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, from July until September and asking people to get involved by making a scarecrow.

‘The Big Scarecrow Show’ is the brainchild of Bobby Ball, Watch Manager at Radstock Fire Station, who has seen the exceptional work of the doctors, nurses and staff at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

Aged 11, Bobby’s daughter fell seriously ill, and was under the care of the hospital team for five years.

Watching his daughter go from severely ill to thriving left Bobby humbled and forever grateful to the amazing care teams at the hospital.

He said: “I wanted to do something to give back to those incredible people, and say thank you for all they did for my family.

I know that so many other people have been touched by their great work, and I felt compelled to try

and raise some money for the hospital’s dedicated charity, The Grand Appeal.”

The competition will remain open until September 1. During this time, entrants will need to create a scarecrow using recycled materials, photograph it, and send the image to AF&RS. Entrants are encouraged to donate a suggested amount of £5 to The Grand Appeal via JustGiving. Entries will be judged by an esteemed panel.

Among them will be Bobby Ball’s daughter, a representative from The Grand Appeal and staff from the hospital. The winner will

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be crowned ‘Best in Show’ and will receive a Gromit Unleashed figurine. The winning entry will also be displayed on the AF&RS website and across social media.

Bobby added: “Your scarecrow could be made of anything recycled, and can be as creative as you like.

You could make a tiny matchstick scarecrow, or go big and create a giant.

“If your creative juices aren’t flowing, feel free to just make a donation via our page instead.

Every little helps when you’re

trying to make a difference.

Any donations would be hugely appreciated by me, my family and the wider community of hospital staff, parents and patients.

“I’ll never be able to thank them enough for what they did, but this might go some way towards it.”

To submit your entry, email corporate.communication@ avonfire.gov.uk with an image of your scarecrow. To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/ SummerScarecrowShow

The results are in…

VICTORIA Park Action Group recently carried out an online survey to see how locals felt about their park, what they loved about it and what needed improving. With more than 140 responses, the results were largely very positive.

93% of respondents said they used the park at least once a week, and 77% of people who replied lived within a half a mile of the park, meaning it is well loved by those for whom it was designed to serve.

In terms of how people use the park, the vast majority (86%) said they largely enjoyed walking or sitting in the park, and this was followed closely by people walking their dog (28%) or cycling (35%), although there was also a high percentage of people (74%) who walked through the park on their way to get somewhere else.

People had a free text box where they could write what it was they loved about Victoria Park and the responses showed that people love its large open green spaces and mature trees.

They also really value the views over Bristol and the variety of different areas in the park: short and long grass, flowerbeds and wildflowers, woodlands and individual trees, playgrounds and sports pitches, wild areas and darkness at night. They like meeting friends in the park, especially by the coffee van, and the range of activities for children, including the water maze, playgrounds and willow tunnel.

They love hearing birdsong by day and owls hooting later, peace and quiet, watching wildlife and the seasons changing, the fresh air and friendly people. The park is valued as a community space that is generally well-maintained, dog-friendly and safe.

However, inevitably, in terms of improvements, there was a call for the toilets to be refurbished as they are in a very run-down state.

There was also a need for more waste bins, better drainage to prevent some paths from flooding, an improved skatepark, and clear signage to ensure cyclists understand that pedestrians have priority on the paths.

If you would like to support the work of the Victoria Park Action Group, you can visit the website here: vpag.org.uk

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

southbristolvoice

August 2022

n NEWS THE first visitors have started arriving at the brand-new Reuse and Recycling Centre on Hartcliffe Way. Mayor Marvin Rees, Bristolian actor Joe Simms and residents were the first people to use the site.

The centre brings additional recycling capacity to Bristol, helping to meet growing demand and providing residents with a modern, accessible, facility that will help reduce congestion at the existing sites. A covered unloading area and one-way traffic system will enable residents to safely sort their items into easily accessible, dedicated bins, making it easier and more convenient for everyone to recycle their household waste.

The centre is also home to one of the largest Reuse Shops and workshops in the region; selling and repairing good quality, preloved items that might otherwise have gone to waste. Redirecting reusable items from disposal, saves valuable resources, reduces costs and helps Bristol reach its ambitious recycling targets.

9

Hartcliffe Way Reuse and Recycling Centre is now open

Picture credit: Bristol Waste Profits from the sale of reusable items are reinvested in waste reduction schemes, as well as supporting local charities.

Popular items for sale include televisions, paint, furniture and other electrical items.

Mayor Marvin Rees said: “This is a fantastic moment for the city. The opening of the brand-new household recycling centre on Hartcliffe Way is going to make recycling easier and more convenient for people living in the area, which we

hope will encourage residents to recycle more. A local site will also minimise the amount people in the south of Bristol will have to travel which will also have huge benefits for the environment.

“Part of our commitment to making Bristol cleaner and greener is further reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfill, and this centre will help us to achieve this goal by supporting people to recycle, repair and reuse – giving preloved items a second life.”

A specially commissioned, large-scale bug hotel in the shape of a recycling logo has been installed on the site.

Made by Johnny Mann, the sculpture not only signifies the site’s commitment to the environment, but will also help encourage native wildlife and flowers to repopulate the banks surrounding the centre.

Tony Lawless, Managing Director, Bristol Waste Company said: “Delivering a project of this scale, and of such importance to the sustainability of our city has been incredibly rewarding and challenging.

“The pandemic made us value our precious resources more. It highlighted the need to waste less and recycle more in our own homes and beyond.

“This new site will provide a solid infrastructure for the south of our city to lead the way to a more sustainable future.”

The new site will be open seven days a week, 8am-6:45pm (summer hours). Residents can book up to two weeks in advance, or as little as one hour before their visit. To book online simply visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ bookrecycling. Those without access to the internet, can call 0117 922 2100.

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10

n NEWS

The kids racing against cancer

By Joe Coombs OASIS Academy New Oak, a primary school situated in Hengrove, has raised more than £4,000 for Cancer Research UK following its Race for Life event on 23 June.

Recently, cancer has unfortunately had a direct impact on some of New Oak’s staff, parents and pupils. The school has historically enjoyed holding Races for Life and it has raised thousands of pounds during previous events. Unfortunately, due to Covid, New Oak has been unable to hold any events over the past couple of years. This made it even more special to see the community coming together to raise money for such a wonderful cause.

All schoolchildren and parents were invited to run around the perimeter of the school grounds with teachers and staff, with a balloon archway and finish line in the middle of the playing field.

Although the weather was typically unpredictable that week, the rain thankfully held off and the sun shone down as everyone completed the race with a smile on their face – with some faces redder than others!

After such a great turnout and impressive figure raised, New Oak looks forward to holding many more events such as this in the future.

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August 2022

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August 2022

11

n NEWS

Children raise more than £5,000 for young people in Africa

By Steve Lamprey, Chair of Governors PUPILS at Knowle Park Primary School have raised an impressive £5,128 for Circus Zambia, an organisation that works with street children in Lusaka, Zambia.

The money was raised by children via various activities including cake sales, food tasting, book sales, a fair, sponsored runs, selling herbs and flowers grown by children. Year One children performed African call and response songs in front of parents, and the children also sold pieces of their African inspired art to parents.

One pupil in Year 5 said: “I am surprised by how much we raised as a class. We did lots of different fair type games and a book sale. I feel really proud and excited that it is going to a good charity.”

Circus Zambia leader Gift

Chansa says the group “engages young people through circus activities, and then enables them to access education and training. They learn about things that directly affect their communities like water, sanitation, the environment and gender equality.” Without Circus Zambia, these young people are rootless, often without family support, and can drift into homelessness and crime.

Gift was such a person and his story provides inspiration.

Gift and Circus Zambia visited Knowle Park School in 2018 where they performed some of their amazing acrobatic routines.

A link with the school started and teacher Nicola Chaplin has developed this so that Years 1 and 6 find out about Africa and Zambia by direct contact with Circus Zambia.

“Children are fascinated by the differences between the two countries, but also by the similarities. So, everyone was threatened by Covid, but the

resources available to fight it were very different. We all recognise the challenges that we face in caring for our environment and understanding diversity,” said Nicola.

She hopes that Circus Zambia will visit the school again, and Gift has said that he would like to visit Bristol. When asked how they would spend the money collected, Gift has plenty of ideas. “It will help to provide professional training for young people in circus skills. Others will be able to complete their education. Some will go towards repairing and improving the facilities in the theatre. Thank you so much and God bless the parents, teachers and children, and everyone that is involved with this project.”

The final word goes to a child at Knowle Park in Year 5.

“We had a lot of fun doing our fundraising so I would do it again because it was for a good cause.”

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD Fraud and cybercrime are the most common criminal offences in the UK. As the threat continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to remember one thing - most of it can be prevented.

By following just a few steps, you can make it harder for fraudsters to steal your money or personal information when online, on the phone or at your front door.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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12

n NEWS

August 2022

Forces veterans benefit from Contractors cause £15k damage new hub in Bedminster ARMED Forces charities in Bristol have worked together to launch the city’s first veterans’ hub, which opened on 28 July at Bedminster Cricket Club.

The move has been driven by the local team from Help for Heroes, in tandem with Op Courage, the veterans’ mental health service from the NHS, and Veterans UK, the Ministry of Defence’s dedicated support organisation for service personnel, veterans and their families.

Help for Heroes’ Case Manager Larry Holmes explained: “We have all come together to drive a better veterans’ community connection in the Bristol area.

“The plan is to have a one-stop shop with all the charities in one place, so veterans can come for a chat – and possibly a bacon butty and a cuppa – and for them to enquire about the available support in welfare, clinical, mental health, and sporting activities.”

The hub will be open from 10am to 3pm, at Bedminster Cricket Club, in Clanage Road, and a veteran volunteer will be on hand to meet and greet at the door, to help break the ice as a starter in offering the veteran a good experience.

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The charity helps them, and their families, to recover and get on with their lives. It has already supported more than 26,500 people and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.

For further details, please contact Larry Holmes on 01752 562179 or larry.holmes@helpforheroes.org.uk. To get support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk.

By Alex Seagrove, Local Democracy Reporter

CONTRACTORS replacing a lamppost head in south Bristol sprayed molten metal over cars parked below causing £15,000 damage.

After struggling to remove an old head of the lamppost, workmen contracted by Bristol City Council used an angle grinder with “disastrous results”. Three cars below were written off, belonging to residents on Wingfield Road who are still out of pocket.

Despite the incident occurring last October, the company has still not reimbursed residents for the damage done to their cars.

Councillor Gary Hopkins, of the Knowle Community Party, said: “Things started to go wrong when the workman up the cherry picker couldn’t get the old head off. He resorted to using an angle grinder with disastrous results. The grinder produced a spray of molten metal, approximately 2,000 degrees, which carried down over the front of neighbouring houses. Fortunately there were no pedestrians, who would have received serious injuries. What did happen though was serious damage to three parked vehicles under the spray.”

Residents phoned the council to complain, however they were made to wait three months until they were told the damage was not the council’s responsibility, rather the contractors’. Now nine months later, they have still not had their claim settled, according to Cllr Hopkins. The council’s highways team has promised to review its working practices and improve safety.

Asked to apologise and encourage the company to reimburse residents, the mayor said “things will happen” and the council has “applied pressure” on the contractors, during a meeting on July 5.

STOP. CHALLENGE. PROTECT.

WANT TO KNOW MORE

Go to www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk for more information on keeping yourself safe and to provide feedback.

YOUR MONEY

DON’T FEEL PRESSURED

Protect your money. Don’t feel rushed into handing over money or financial information, take time to think about it and talk to someone you trust.

Just because someone knows your basic details doesn’t mean they’re genuine.

SOCIAL

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over the phone, email or text, be aware of unexpected contact. If you are asked for personal information check that it’s genuine, call them directly using contact details on their official website or correspondence.

STAY SAFE

CREATE STRONG RANDOM PASSWORDS FOR YOUR DEVICES KEEP YOUR DEVICES UP TO DATE VERIFY WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO ONLINE, OVER THE PHONE OR EVEN AT YOUR DOOR

/aandspcc

If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or alternatively call 0300 123 2040.

If you receive a suspicious email report it to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you receive a suspicious text forward it to 7726 (free of charge)

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August 2022

WILL WILL & & PROBATE PROBATE ADVICE ADVICE

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Wills Wills Service Service -- Now Now open open in in Whitchurch Whitchurch

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Our award-winning insured firm, Simpsons gives Local award-winning lawtheir firm to a face-to-face service for Being alaw fully regulated and new branch in Whitchurch on 1st service will Our helpaward-winning you get the right you thatlaw extra piece of mindgives that Simpson Solicitors open their our clients. insured firm, Simpsons August.

Theyinspecialise in Wills legal protection place of Wills the work is being done, with that clear new branch Whitchurch on 1st service will help in you get the right you that extra piece of mind and Powers Attorney in and can and Powers of Attorney.

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DISCOUNT SUMMER 2022 Call Simpson's friendly team on 0117 202 2722 or email message@simpsonslawuk.com to book your FREE, no obligation review meeting.

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0117 202 2722

0117 202 2722 www.simpsonsolicitors.com www.simpsonsolicitors.com

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

8

May 2022

southbristolvoice

Get ready for Bristol’s Clean Air Zone

Summer 2022

Bristol is introducing a Clean Air Zone to reduce harmful pollution. Older and more polluting vehicles will be charged to enter the zone.

Check your vehicle online and find out how we can help you prepare for the zone.

bristol.gov.uk/cleanairzone

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southbristolvoice

August 2022

n NEWS

Grants for green community projects

By Laura Murgatroyd YOU may have visited some of the lovely gardens which opened in June as part of Bedminster’s Secret Gardens weekend.

More than 30 private gardens opened their gates and a fantastic £3,200 was raised over the two days, which is double last year’s total. This One of the community gardens money is available for community groups to apply for in the form of small grants.

Groups can apply for up to £300, they must be based in the Greater Bedminster area and the money must be spent on gardening or environmental related projects. The closing date for applications is 30 September. For more information and an application form, please email laura_murgatroyd@hotmail.com The organisers would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in and supported Secret Gardens.

15

Bee and Pollination Festival at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden 27th - 28th August 2022

Protect your family's inheritance Meet with one of our qualified estate planning consultants to discuss your needs.

Single & joint Wills from

£99.00 *Including VAT

Home visits or online appointments are available.

Call us today on 0117 952 0698

For details visit: botanic-garden. bristol.ac.uk

or email info@elm-online.co.uk

www.elm-online.co.uk

University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Stoke Park Rd, Bristol BS9 1JG. Tel: 0117 428 2041 Email: botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk Voice mag ad_bee_22.indd 1

10/07/2022 20:59

southbristolvoice

16

August 2022

n NEWS

Bristol garden cultivating wellbeing, thanks to grant DURING World Wellbeing Week, Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited a much-loved community garden that is making a real difference thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority.

On his visit to Redcatch Community Garden, Mr Norris saw how the £7,500 was being used to fund training while he met some of the 36 Bristolians on the courses. He also spoke with Redcatch co-founders Kate Swain and Michael Cardwell.

Everyone on the training courses can get creative with art, grow veggies in the garden or cook up a storm in the kitchen, all while learning strategies to manage their mental health.

The Knowle-based garden now employs 17 staff, has more than 30 volunteers and sees 200,000 visitors a year.

Dan Norris said: “Through making, cooking and growing, Redcatch Community Farm training will give more Bristolians the confidence and

gardeners to help attendees build emotional resilience and confidence as they develop new skills. We see a huge need in our

community to provide this type of support, and are grateful the Combined Authority has been able to facilitate us to provide it.”

Lifting your mood Metro Mayor Dan Norris participating in some of the new training courses at Redcatch Community Gardens

the skills they need to go on to learn, grow and thrive. Good mental health is so important to leading positive lives and that is why I’m so pleased a £7,500 cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority I lead is supporting local people to build resilience, manage their wellbeing and get on and build a brighter future for themselves.”

Redcatch Community Garden co-founder Kate Swain added: “These sessions are designed by our art therapists, chefs and

By Amber May THE Dame Emily Park Project gives locals the chance to get back to nature and improve mood through gardening.

Ursula Glasser leads the team of gardeners, who meet twice weekly in Dame Emily Park, Bedminster. Some of the harvest is donated to BS3 Family Food Action Club, the rest is shared between the gardeners.

Gardening is known to reduce stress and promote mental and physical wellbeing. There are a range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities at this inclusive, welcoming group.

Amber May said: “I take my son gardening. It’s important to be outside and have a break from video games. He gets some exercise and learns about where his food comes from. The team is friendly and knowledgeable and I can’t grow fruit and vegetables like this in my garden.”

The Dame Emily Park Project meets on Mondays at 5pm and on Saturdays at 2pm. All are welcome and gardening equipment is provided. For more information, visit dameemilypark.com

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

southbristolvoice

August 2022

17

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade Williams

Over 40? Come into Bedminster Pharmacy for an NHS blood pressure check to save your life BEDMINSTER Pharmacy is on a mission to prevent heart attacks and Strokes. We invite all residents, even if you are not our regular patients, to come into Bedminster Pharmacy as soon as possible for a free NHS blood pressure check.

This NHS blood pressure check is for those over the age of 40 who have not been previously diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) and have not had their blood pressure measured by health professionals within the previous six months.

It takes about 10-15 minutes in the pharmacy consultation room with a trained

pharmacy team member. Following this, you may be invited to take home a blood pressure monitor that measures your blood pressure as you go about your daily life. Depending on your readings, you may be referred to your GP. We also discuss healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices that help protect your heart.

Why is this new service so important?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood moving against the walls of your arteries. It is expressed as two numbers, one above the other. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition where your readings are raised; it

n HEALTH NEWS

Get your kids active with ball games

TRAVELLING ABROAD?

COVID-19 PCR SWAB TEST FIT TO FLY CERTIFICATE TRAVEL VACCINATIONS & ANTI-MALARIA TABLETS

By Heart Research UK Ball games are fun at any age, and a great way to get our hearts pumping. Here we explore some games you can enjoy with the little ones in your life, whether they are babies, toddlers or preschoolers. Don’t forget to praise their efforts and show them that you enjoy the Keep your kids moving to keep them healthy. games you play together, too. Credit: Heart Research UK Babies Even babies can enjoy playing with a ball. When a baby can hold up their head while lying on their tummy, encourage them to reach for the ball, by placing it just out of reach. This will encourage them to explore their surroundings, reach and grab.

Toddlers Encourage your child to throw, kick and roll the ball to you. Make this easier at first by sitting or standing close to each other. Practice makes perfect – don’t expect your little one to catch straight away. You could even use a cardboard box or washing basket as a goal.

Pre-schoolers Show your child how to use their hand as a bat. Bowl the ball to them and encourage them to hit it! As your little one improves; change the rules so that they must run from one base to another after a hit. The next step is rounders or cricket!

needs to be controlled to reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease.

In the UK, there are about five million adults (one in every nine) who have high blood pressure without even knowing it since high blood pressure itself rarely causes symptoms. You can have unknown genetic factors increasing your risk.

One in four premature deaths are caused in South Bristol by Heart disease, and 1.6 million disability-adjusted life-years can be attributed to it. Heart Disease affects seven million people and is the second most common cause of premature death in England, after cancer.

The British Heart Foundation estimates that high blood pressure causes over 50% of heart attacks and strokes.

Together we can save lives and prevent disability. Make sure your friends and family know about this service and come in to access it. It is free, and all blood pressure readings are sent to the general practice so records can be updated and appropriate action is taken.

We know life is busy, and we all face daily pressures, especially as we navigate the high cost of living. Please accept this free offer – call us on 0117 9853388 or come in to find out more.

ABLE AVAIL HERE!

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE. 0800 772 3575 bristoltravelclinic.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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18

n PILATES

August 2022

n INTERVIEW

Sona Pilates with Leanne Copley THE STORY OF HOW I got into Pilates involves several injuries, a broken dancer momentarily crying in the Costa at Southmead postdiagnosis, and some illusion I could do parkour... in front of my A Level students!

In thinking of my Pilates journey, I have to commend my body for putting up with me. Our amazing bodies are our first home, withstand so much and just keep going because we need them to.

When we ask too much, they in turn ask us to stop, breathe, slow down and go inward in order to heal. And we do... but we usually try to get back to the norm all too soon.

Here is where Pilates comes in: a daily practice that constantly retunes my body so that I don’t have to press pause on life as often as I may have had to in the past (every six weeks!). Pilates will support your lifestyle. Because it is about balance, doing what your body needs and also sometimes doing what your body wants (whether cake, a cheeky G&T or a long nap).

Give Pilates a go and see how much more you can do every day with ease and joy. Classes are available online at Sona Pilates or in person at Wells Road Osteopaths. www.sonapilates.com

Hengrove

Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Road BS14 9NX

Tuesday 9.30am Sarah - 07879 443888

slimmingworld.co.uk slimmingworld.co.uk

Whitchurch

Bridge Farm Primary School East Dundry Road BS14 0LL

Wednesday 5.30pm or 7pm Sarah - 07979 443888

Treat yourself to the Essentials THINGS are going from strength to strength for Essential Maintenance on East Street, which is Bristol’s first vegan, sustainable beauty salon. Offering clean, green beauty treatments, they specialise in the ancient art of sugaring hair removal among other services.

Director Rebecca Porter started the business seven years ago from her dining room in Windmill Hill, having retrained after working as a secondary school teacher. After two years of working out of her home, she was getting so busy that she relocated to a bigger space at Windmill Hill City Farm. But even that wasn’t big enough, and shortly after they moved again to 13 East Street. And now, with a team of five therapists, Rebecca is working from 33 East Street.

“Now we have four treatment rooms, an office space, a waiting area and a brow bar, which means we can continue to expand,” says Rebecca. “But more importantly, I realised the community was lacking those spaces for people to stop and have a chat. So that’s what we’re hoping for, to be a community hub.

“Our clients have followed us, there’s not many that I don’t still have from when I worked at my dining room. And that’s really important for a small business. I don’t think people realise how much small businesses are part of the community. Our role is an important one, and any small business owner has an opportunity to not just make money but to give back. There’s a real gap between education and being employable and beauty therapists, so we’re working with South Bristol Skills Academy to try and plug that gap so those young people actually have a chance of being employed.

“Our community is everything, and the support we get from other small businesses locally, and the support people give to small businesses in Bristol is phenomenal. I don’t think I could have done this in a different town. People are definitely on our team.”

Rebecca started to wonder if the gentrification of North Street would ever reach East Street, but in recent years this has definitely started to happen. “I think it’s coming in waves from the top and the bottom to meet in the middle. There’s more and more building work going on, and I think it’s going to happen. We’re going to be part of it,” she says with confidence.

Friday September 2 will be the grand opening for the new premises, so check out the website for more details of the special event. essentialmaintenancebeauty.co.uk

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

southbristolvoice

August 2022

n SPINAL COLUMN

Are symptoms bad?

From the time when we were born, we were told that symptoms generally mean that we are unhealthy and that the absence of symptoms meant that we were healthy. I feel sick. I have a running nose or a cough. That means I’m ill. If I don’t feel pain or sickness, then I must be healthy.

The problem with that is that the top two killers in our society are heart disease and cancer.

For the most part, they have no warning signs before you’re diagnosed meaning that 24 hours before you have a major heart attack, you might not feel ill at all. That does not mean that you weren’t sick. It just means that you didn’t have any symptoms.

On the flipside to that, when you’ve got a cold or a flu and you’ve got a runny nose and cough, you might have a fever or feel sweaty, that doesn’t mean that you’re sick, although that’s often what we call it. Those symptoms are a sign your immune system is functioning normally.

When you’ve got a bacteria or a virus inside your body, you want to have mucus being produced. You want to have a cough so that you can expel that from your lungs.

You want to have a temperature or a fever so that you can raise the body temperature to the point where the bacteria or virus can no longer survive within your body.

We need to change our mindset around what symptoms are. They aren’t a good indicator for whether we are healthy or sick, and they’re not often a good indicator for where the problem may be.

Going back to heart attacks, for instance, if you have arm pain during a heart attack, the problem is not your arm, although that’s where the pain will be felt.

Moving forward, we need to stop basing our health on the presence or lack of symptoms. We need to constantly strive for better health - healthy diet, meditation, looking after our spine and nervous system, exercising, and getting enough rest.

Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro Telephone: 0117 370 2680 www.kasachiro.com

19

n HEALTH NEWS NHS urgently needs blood donors NHS Blood and Transplant is urgently appealing for people to make an appointment to donate at Bristol Donor Centres because stock levels have dropped due to staff and donor absence from illness, and due to the drop in donations over summer when people are busy with holidays and events.

The lowest blood stock is for O positive. Donors with this type are particularly needed, though donors of all types are welcome, especially O and B negative.

Demand for blood has also risen as hospitals catch up on the backlog of routine activity postponed due to the pandemic. Hospitals are continuing to receive all the blood they need but more donation appointments are now needed to ensure stocks do not fall further.

Each blood donation can save or improve up to three lives. Blood is used to treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We currently have blood to meet demand but stocks have dropped and we need to stop them falling further now. We urgently need more people to book appointments.

“If you are one of our amazing donors in Bristol, or you want to donate for the first time, please make and keep an appointment for the next few days or weeks. If you used to donate blood but haven’t done so in a while, please come back if you can. Our fantastic team at Bristol Donor Centre will be delighted to welcome you. Every appointment counts.”

Bristol has a permanent blood donor centre on Southmead Road. There are also mobile sessions available. Visit www.blood.co.uk, call 0300 123 2323 or download the NHS Give Blood app.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

20

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

southbristolvoice

Brunel’s SS Great Britain presents: Your Ticket to Taste the World READY to embark on a global voyage of taste without leaving Bristol?

Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells experienced by visitors every day, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer with a brand new activity, ‘Dishes of Discovery’.

They’re inviting visitors to taste the world, offering them the chance to sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship in the 18th Century.

From 23 July to 4 September, visitors who step aboard the SS Great Britain will taste historic recipes from Mumbai, Cape Town and Crimea discovering how the world’s first great ocean liner connected people and places around the world.

The dishes have been created by Bristol-based social enterprise, Travelling Kitchen, whose team worked with the ship’s archivists to explore historic recipes from around the globe. The dishes created include a zingy Melon and Ginger Jam from Cape Town, traditional Borsch from Crimea and a tropical green coriander and coconut chutney from Mumbai - and are typical of those that passengers would have encountered as they disembarked in the faraway destinations.

Your usual favourites at Brunel’s SS Great Britain are open all summer long, too. Don’t forget to visit the two hands-on museums, historic dockyard, dramatic dry dock and the ship herself. And remember - you can enjoy coming back time and time again with your ticket. It’s valid for a year!

Use your tastebuds to explore the world this summer at Brunel’s SS Great Britain as you discover flavours from the ship’s lesser-known destinations.

Plan your adventure at ssgreatbritain.org/summer2022

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

August 2022

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August 2022

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n NEWS

Walk right this way!

Sir Tony Robinson (right) leads an allstar cast this summer voicing a pawsome interactive trail around Bristol in aid of Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.

To celebrate its 135th anniversary of helping, healing and homing vulnerable animals, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has created an interactive trail around Bristol this summer. Follow their fluffy hero Parker the Dog on an adventure, meeting all the weird and wonderful animals that live at the centre.

Taking in some of Bristol’s best loved tourist destinations, including the SS Great Britain, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and Bristol Cathedral – the trail involves following a map and watching animated film clues at each stop. The videos are voiced by an all-star cast of Bristolian talent, led by Sir Tony Robinson, including artists, musicians, comedians, TV stars and key figures from the community, all of whom have kindly donated

Tropical weather for Midnight Walk Celebrating 13 years of bringing The Midnight Walk to Bristol, St Peter’s Hospice fundraisers gave this year’s event a tropical twist, in the middle of a totally tropical downpour.

The popular night time sponsored walk took place at the end of June. Despite the rain lashing down as the walkers arrived, a warm welcome and a Zumba session created an upbeat mood as the crowds set off in the rain. They were raising vital funds for people who have a lifelimiting illness and their families who are cared for by St Peter’s Hospice.

The Midnight Walk teams completed a five or ten mile route that went around the Harbourside, taking in views of some of the great sights of Bristol including the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The organisers estimate that the event will have raised £30,000.

Head of Fundraising, Wendy McDermott, says: “The weather

their time for this worthwhile cause.

“Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has been here for 135 years but to ensure that we can continue our vital work with Bristol’s vulnerable animals into the future, we need to engage the next generation of animal lovers. We hope that people of all ages will want to get involved with the trail and learn more about what we do,” said Coralie Farren, CEO at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.

On leading the cast of voices appearing in the animated films, actor and presenter Sir Tony Robinson said: “I’m thrilled to be playing the role of Parker the Dog. Our rescue dog has brought so much joy to our family and if I can help other animals get a happy home like ours has, then I’m all in! I hope everyone enjoys watching the films as much as we enjoyed making them”.

The trail runs until 31 August and visitors can download a map fromthe website at: ParkersAdventure.org.uk.

was certainly tropical, but despite that everyone set off in great spirits and enjoyed a warm reception as they crossed the finish line. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came and walked and volunteered at The Midnight Walk on Saturday to raise vital funds for St Peter’s Hospice.”

Throughout the years there’s been great support from groups stepping up for the hospice including the Wonder Widows, Julie’s Angels and Team Wudzi.

Lesley Horton walked with the Hort’s Hunnies this year. Her daughter Gemma says: “Over the years, me, Mum, Carly and our family and friends have taken part in several Midnight Walks to help raise vital funds for the hospice. It’s a great night out, seeing the lovely sights of our beautiful city.

“Our first Midnight Walk was in 2012, only a few months after my Dad, Tony Horton passed away at St Peter’s Hospice, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

“It was during this incredibly difficult time for Dad and us as a family that we realised how special the hospice was.

“As soon as Dad was admitted, he seemed calmer and most importantly, comfortable.

Nothing was ever too much for the staff or doctors, nurses, healthcare assistance and reception team. The hospice gave

The terrible weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of these keen fundraisers out for the Midnight Walk my Dad the dignified final days that he deserved, surrounded by his family.”

All care services are provided free of charge for patients and their families at the Hospice.

This care costs around £25,000 a day. Every step taken at The Midnight Walk makes a difference for the patients and families who need the care of St

Peter’s Hospice through the most difficult of times, day and night.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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22

n NEWS THE care team at Four Seasons Osborne Court Care Home in Bedminster are delighted to have received a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following their most recent inspection.

The home in West Street, which provides residential, nursing, respite, palliative, intermediate and residential dementia care, was praised for its person-centred approach to care and rated ‘Good’ overall and in the key categories inspected.

The CQC reported that: “The registered manager, deputy, unit manager and staff team maintained a clear focus on continually seeking to improve the care and support people received. They were a good, cohesive group who worked well as a team”, and that: “Staff were enthusiastic and happy in their work.”

The report also noted that: “The ethos of a person-centred approach to care and treating people as individuals was consistent among all staff.”

Residents told the CQC that they felt safe with one saying:

August 2022

Bedminster care home praised by national inspectors

Staff and residents at Osborne Court Care Home are delighted “Yes I do feel safe. I do not wait long if I need help. The staff check on me which makes me feel safe.”

Osborne Court Care Home’s Manager, Rowena Gillespie, said of the recent report: “We are very proud of our inspection

report and I’d like to thank the whole team for their dedication to providing our residents with such wonderful care.”

Help us improve the way we let our homes Accessing council and social housing We are currently reviewing the way we let council and social housing. We want to ensure people have homes that meet their needs, giving priority to those who need it most, and making the application process easier.

The review gives us the opportunity to look at who is housed, and why, and develop options for how to let social housing in the future. ●

Should we move to a system where the council takes more direct action to help someone find a home?

●

Should we make changes to priority groups, including giving top priority to care leavers and under-occupiers?

●

Should we extend the use of lettings policies that give priority to local people, and where should we introduce them?

We now need to hear from you, especially if you live in social housing or are currently on the waiting list.

We need your views: www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/housing-allocations The consultation is live until Friday 7 October. If you would like this information in another language or accessible format, please email lettings.review@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 352 1444.

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

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August 2022

n NEWS

23

Toby’s Bearathon season is finally over Eleven-year-old schoolboy Toby Fletcher completed his Bearathon challenge in fine style in July and received a huge welcome from his family, St Peter’s Hospice staff and Bristol rugby.

Bristol Bears fan Toby – who plays for Frampton Cotterell RFC – has been running one kilometre for every point conceded by Bristol during the rugby season to raise funds for St Peter’s Hospice, who looked after his rugby-mad grandmother June after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Toby’s raised more than £20,000 on his Bearathon challenge which began last Autumn. It’s been a big ask for a young Bears supporter as Bristol

Bears haven’t had the best of seasons this year and Toby reckons he’s run 718km in total - the equivalent of running from Bristol to Germany - in rain, storms and hot weather.

Preparing for his final run, Toby arrived at the Hospice in Brentry where he was surprised to be met by Lenny the Hospice mascot, and the nurses and doctors who’d turned out to thank him for his endurance and effort, and wave him off on the last leg of his epic challenge.

Toby set off flanked by a Hospice nurse, travelling the 10km from Brentry across the Downs to the Bear’s Ashton Gate Stadium.

Arriving to loud cheers and

applause Toby was met by many of the St Peter’s Hospice and Ashton Gate team, Bristol Rugby supporters and his hugely proud family.

Pitch side, St Peter’s Hospice Chief Executive, Frank Noble presented Toby with a Bristol Blue glass rugby ball sculpture to mark his achievements and a giant tub of Haribo Tangfastics (his preferred choice of sweets).

Toby was then surprised by his favourite Bristol Bears player Fitz Harding with a special cake, where he sat under a goal post in this season’s shirt.

As well as the effort, Toby’s had fun along the way too. He ran with rugby legend Joe Joyce, was thanked for his efforts by

former Scottish International player Thom Evans on ‘The One Show’, he’s met all the Bears players in the changing room and run around the pitch at half-time with fans cheering for him.

Now with the challenge coming to an end, Toby says: “I’m excited about finishing my Bearathon but also looking forward to the rest and watching Bristol without worrying about the score.”

Toby’s mum Claire has been supporting him every step of the way. Claire said: “As a family we are incredibly proud of what Toby has achieved, not only has he raised an amazing amount of money but he’s inspired other young people to take on challenges and go that extra mile.

“There have been so many times he hasn’t wanted to run but the support he’s received from friends, family and most importantly, the rugby community have given him well needed boosts during the challenge. He has loved the support from the Bristol Bears players and staff and cannot wait to cheer them on next season.”

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Visit Bristol Zoo Gardens for the very last time this summer

MANY of you will remember visiting Bristol Zoo Gardens as a child, and may have brought your children… or even grandchildren.

From 21 July, Bristol Zoo Gardens is marking its last chapter, before closing on Saturday 3 September, with its BIG Summer Send-Off celebration event.

The centrepiece of the final summer programme is ‘Wilder’, a speciallycommissioned wooden clad gorilla sculpture, which is taller than the largest giraffe ever recorded, and as wide as three king size beds.

Sitting tall on the main lawn, ‘Wilder’ delights visitors with surprise movements throughout the day as she ‘eats’ lettuce, sprays unsuspecting families with water and reveals her baby ‘Monty-Alan’ – a name inspired by the national park in Equatorial Guinea where Bristol Zoological Society works to protect western lowland gorillas in the wild.

The Zoo is also running ‘Into The Wild' theatre shows where children get to wear animal-eared headphones and dance around to fun conservation-inspired music, stories and games.

BIG Summer Send-Off also features a ‘Past, Present, Future’ timeline exhibition on the Zoo's historic top terrace. It will include poems, pictures, and stories on ribbons, shared by visitors.

For a chance to feature on the timeline, Bristol Zoo Gardens is asking people to share their favourite memories using the hashtag #TheZooAndYou, and tag Bristol Zoo Gardens on Facebook @ BristolZooGardens and Instagram @bristolzoo.

As well as all of these exciting events, Bristol Zoo Gardens is home to incredible animal species, including the famous gorilla troop, red pandas, penguins and sloths.

Enjoy a final special day out to Bristol Zoo Gardens this summer! For information and tickets for Bristol Zoo Gardens and its BIG Summer SendOff, go to bristolzoo.org.uk.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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24

n NEWS THE ‘Vital Signs 2022’ report from Quartet Community Foundation explores the state of philanthropy and charitable giving now.

Through a range of vital statistics and case studies, the report considers the challenges and assesses the impact of philanthropy in action.

Suzanne Rolt, CEO of Quartet Community Foundation, says: “There’s a question at the heart of this report – how to give well? At Quartet, over the past 35 years we’ve seen the enormous impact that local giving has had across the West of England.

Deeply embedded in their communities, local organisations really understand how best to support local people and bring about positive change. But these organisations tend to be smaller and less well-known, yet are more reliant on funding from grants and donations.”

Quartet awards nearly 900 grants a year to community activities. One project in South Bristol that has received a range of support from Quartet Community Foundation is the Knowle West Alliance.

Checking for vital statistics

Members of the Knowle West Alliance in South Bristol Lucy Holburn, Director Knowle West Alliance, explains why this is so important: “The Knowle West Alliance owes so much to the insightful and

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August 2022

n WHAT’S ON

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Theatre, comedy and so much more for all the family 1 to 5 August, Tobacco Factory Theatre, Summer School for ages 14-19. Working with highly experienced theatre practitioners, young people will develop their drama skills through games, imaginative play, role play and storytelling. Each day, young people will be encouraged to expand their self-confidence, communication ability and team work skills.

The days will be fun and creative and will involve a range of physical and craft activities. The sessions are led by skilled theatre makers with strong backgrounds in creating work with and for young people. Working with a professional theatre maker and a creative team, you will rehearse at the theatre each day.

The sessions will be full of games, play and creativity, where you will work as an ensemble to create a new piece of theatre. Bring your ideas, enthusiasm and energy!

Visit the Tobacco Factory website for pricing.

4 August, Alma Theatre, ‘Alright?’.

Like a lot of 15-year-olds, Noah finds life difficult. Very difficult.

And he doesn’t know how to cope.

This is a story about coping, about getting by. As Noah’s dad says, “You’ve gotta laugh!”, but what if it’s not funny… How do you cope when you’re clearly not Alright?

Performed by Dillon Berry (Romeo and Juliet, Matthew Bourne) and written by Patrick Withey (Best Young Creative, Creative Bath Awards 2021), this original play is a brutally honest and quick-witted insight into living with mental health issues. The original production was directed

by Benjamin Hardy-Phillips and has now been adapted for 2022 by Cordelia Tarbrooke. Black Hound Productions are an award-winning

Bristol South Taekwando Tuesday and Thursday 6-7pm St Paul’s Church Coronation Road Bedminster BS3 1AS Tel: 07951 456407 Email: bristolsouthtkd@hotmail.com

Luisa Omielan theatre company, established in 2016, based in the South West.

9 to 20 August, Bristol Hippodrome, ‘Bat Out of Hell’. It’s electrified audiences in London, New York, Toronto and Germany, and won the audience-voted Evening Standard Award for Best New Musical. Now, Jim Steinman’s spectacular musical ‘Bat Out of Hell’ hits the highway on a UK tour. Join Strat, the forever young leader of rebellious gang ‘The Lost’ as he falls in love with Raven, the beautiful daughter of the tyrannical ruler of Obsidian. This award-winning wild child musical thunders through powerhouse hits including I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer For Love and Bat Out of Hell, in an exciting over the top theatrical spectacle unlike any other.

Totterdown Zumba Dance yourself fit and happy at Totterdown Zumba!

Mondays 6.30-7.30pm in the Salt Cellar at Totterdown Baptist Church (use the Cemetery Road entrance). £6 per class.

No dance ability required - all welcome. I guarantee you will leave with a smile on your face!

For more info please contact Emily on e_downes@hotmail.co.uk

27 August, Redgrave Theatre, Luisa Omielan. Luisa Omielan creates iconic one woman shows.

She was the first comedian to receive a Bafta Breakthrough for stand up. Not the first female comedian. The first comedian.

Now, 10 years after her smash hit show ‘What Would Beyonce Do?!’ propelled her into the spotlight, she brings together the best bits of every 5 show since.

Featuring jokes from ‘Am I Right, Ladies?’, ‘Politics for Bitches’ and ‘God is a Woman’. Expect cow impressions, thigh gaps, Mary Magdalene and relationship boat analogies. Authentic, raw, honest and timeless, it’s the only show that can make you laugh your head off and cry your eyes out simultaneously.

30 August to 10 September, Bristol Hippodrome, ‘Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat’. The sensational brand-new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ comes to the Bristol Hippodrome for two weeks only! With stars from The London Palladium - Linzi Hateley, Jason Donnovan and Jac Yarrow - the show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph.

1 September, Redgrave Theatre, Jenny Eclair. Having hit 60 (but

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Jenny Eclair still a year younger than Madonna), Jenny Eclair AKA ‘The Face of Vagisan’ confronts a new decade of decrepitude. Now that it takes 20 minutes of scrolling down to find her DOB when she’s filling in forms online, should she celebrate or crawl into a hole? What will her 60’s hold for this 1960’s babe and is it a legal requirement to buy Nordic walking poles?

South Bristol Yoga The Elephant House, 1 Dean Street, BS3 1BG. Tue 6-6.50pm Beginners yoga. 7-8pm Hatha flow. Wed 6.30-7.45pm Pregnancy. Friday 9.30-10.30am Hatha flow. My website is www.southbristolyoga.co.uk The price for all but pregnancy is £10 drop in, £50 for six consecutive classes, and you can book with MoveGB. Pregnancy is £13 drop in and £60 for six consecutive classes. I’m an advanced yoga teacher and I’ve been teaching since 2005 and have over 400hrs of teacher training.

Instagram: yogawithraggs Phone: 07977134607 My teaching style is flowing, warming up gently and keeping the balance between effort and rest, and always with a ten minute nourishing deep relaxation to end the class. I’m all about inclusion and adapting poses to suite all.

Everyone is welcome!

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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August 2022

n WHAT’S ON The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver

See the big picture For take your dog to work day, First Dog of the West of England - Angel - opened a brand new outdoor photography gallery at the Paintworks.

The new open-air space from Bristol’s Royal Photographic Society and Martin Parr Foundation has been funded by the West of England Combined Authority led by Angel’s owner Metro Mayor Dan Norris, and will bring photography about Bristol to Bristolians.

It’s free entry for dogs and people alike.

Shake-ing things up Summer for me will always be intrinsically linked with Shakespeare.

Working with the Bristol Shakespeare Festival each year, offering children’s Shakespeare workshops, and always volunteering and attending as many of the exciting visiting companies shows as I can. When summer’s here, it’s a time for sun and Shakespeare.

Because I LOVE Shakespeare, I genuinely do.

It is one of the few things, other than Ferris Bueller’s Day Off that I can watch again and again and not get bored.

Every time I watch the plays, there’s something new, each company and actor bringing their own interpretation, characterisation and ideas to the incredible stories.

And how can you fail to love a man who invented 1,700 words which we still use in English today?

Hoodwinked, bandit, lacklustre, lonely and mad cap

to name but a few and if you’ve ever been tonguetied or in a pickle, that’s Shakespeare’s fault, too!

His most famous plays are filled with strong themes which are timeless and universal. Even though they were written a long time ago, they are still relatable.

Romeo and Juliet is the classic and tragic love story that we see time and time again. Or Macbeth, a good man consumed by his own ambition, leading eventually to his downfall – a story of good conquering evil. It’s what every film, play, story and tv show is based on The characters are rich with emotions, human and flawed and help us to understand ourselves and others.

With Gnomeo and Juliet, West Side Story, The Lion King, 10 Things I Hate About You to name but a few, adaptions of his plays are everywhere.

So this summer, go out, get bedazzled (yes that’s one of his, too) and see some more Shakespeare.

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

Jacqui Ham

August 2022

n WHAT’S ON

southbristolvoice

Tobacco Factory gets the gift of space

IN an historic moment for Tobacco Factory Theatres, George Ferguson, who regenerated the iconic building, has granted a 999-year lease of the first floor to the Tobacco Factory Arts Trust.

George Ferguson bought the abandoned building in 1993 to save it from demolition and to experiment with a mix of uses with theatre at its heart, to demonstrate the power of culture-led regeneration. Since then, Tobacco Factory Theatres have brought theatre to new audiences in South Bristol and beyond, achieving national acclaim.

This generous gift is a very significant commitment to Bristol’s rich cultural offering. After a tough period of uncertainty for the whole theatre industry in the wake of the Covid pandemic, it helps secure the theatre’s plans as it reaches its 20th anniversary this September.

Sarah Smith, Chair of Tobacco Factory Theatres, says: “We want to say a huge thank you to George who continues to champion the value of community and theatre and has done so much for Bristol.

This very generous gift is an incredibly positive step for the theatre as it looks ahead to its next 20 years.”

George Ferguson added: “It has always been my intention that the Tobacco Factory should benefit the wider South Bristol community long after I have gone. I felt that the time has come to start that process. It has been a fascinating experiment in local regeneration and I hope the Tobacco Factory Arts Trust continues to do great things for the next 999 years!”

Tobacco Factory Theatres has also announced that Heidi Vaughan has been appointed as its new Artistic Director and Chief Executive, succeeding Mike

George Ferguson, Mike Tweddle, Sarah Smith and David Dewhurst at the Tobacco Factory.

Photo credit: Craig Fuller Tweddle after six years in the role.

Heidi has worked exclusively in theatre for over 20 years. She will begin her new role in January.

Speaking of her appointment, Heidi said:“I am so humbled and thrilled by this and really excited by the next stage of this venue and theatre company’s journey as a place of welcome and wonder. It’s a time to connect and listen, build trust and collaborate to ensure TFT is an authentic home for creative adventures and imagination. It’s a precious space, housing a hugely diverse range of work in a brilliant city, which I have had a relationship with for over 25 years. It’s really only just beginning to sink in.”

Heidi Vaughan at the Tobacco Factory. Photo: Craig Fuller

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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n WHAT’S ON: INTERVIEW

Jason Donovan returns to Bristol in ‘Joseph’ The hit show ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ returns to Bristol Hippodrome from August 30 to September 10. We caught up with Jason Donovan as he prepares to take to the stage as the Pharaoh.

Is Joseph as much fun to perform in as it is to watch?

Absolutely. It’s such an uplifting show and it feels relevant to the world we’re living in right now to a certain degree, since it’s about overcoming adversity and having self-belief. It’s part of this country’s DNA in a way and this tour is the West End production put into local theatres so it’s a version of the show many people won’t have seen before.

This is your third go-round as Pharaoh. What keeps pulling you back in?

There’s so much history with Joseph for me and I was originally asked about recreating the role of Joseph himself. That didn’t come to fruition for a number of reasons and trying to recreate what I’d done in 1991 all these years later with me in my 50s was a bit of a non-starter anyway. But I was keen to be part of it and when the opportunity to play Pharaoh came along I took it without thinking too much about it. It sort of works, you know? The song comes in Act Two and it’s a bit of a show-stealer.

Because of my association with the show I think it only increases the value of that moment and makes it more powerful.

It’s been going strong over here since the early ‘70s. Why do you think audiences still love it?

It’s a very simple show with a very clear message. It was Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first real outing as writers and it’s quite unique because that sort of greatness is often born out of raw talent. When I first heard ‘Any Dream Will Do’ I thought it was a cheesy lullaby but everyone told me if I recorded it it would be a massive hit. I didn’t believe them but to this day I can go out and sing it at one of those retro festivals like Rewind and Let’s Rock and the place goes nuts. And it’s not kids who are going nuts, it’s adults.

You’ve done lots of musical theatre since the ‘90s. What have

Jason Donovan reprises his role as the Pharaoh.

Credit: Tristram Kenton

been your favourites?

The musical that was a magical moment for me was Priscilla Queen of the Desert. It was such an incredible production and they spent so much money on the bus, the set and the costumes. There have been certain times in my career where I’ve looked around and gone ‘Wow! I’m in a different league here! This is as good as it’s gonna get’. The Rocky Horror Show was another good one. There have been some dodgy ones too but we won’t talk about those.

When were you last on tour and what are you most looking forward to about getting back out there with Joseph?

I did my own Even More Good Reasons tour before Christmas and I had a few more dates to finish in recent weeks. But Joseph is my first time touring in a theatrical sense in a long time and I think it’s great the show is getting out there because it’s such a fantastic production. I miss being at home but the good thing about this particular show is that I’m not going to be stressed out too much because I don’t have lots to do in it. I’ve spent years doing shows where you drag yourself in for the matinee and it’s like ‘Off we go again’. It’s sometimes a hard slog but I don’t feel anxious about this one. I’m enjoying it because I’m not exhausted by it.

It’s a win-win for me.

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August 2022

n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH

Tackling the cost of childcare

The cost of living crisis is impacting families around the country as food, energy and petrol prices continue to rise.

Unfortunately, childcare costs have also been affected, making school holidays a stressful time for some families.

With the summer holidays fast approaching, I’m aware that some families in Bristol South are worried about paying for childcare over the six-week break, particularly as costs rise rapidly and availability reduces. Parents just want to make the best decision for their children that enables them to balance their various commitments, and the cost of living crisis is only making this more challenging.

New Ofsted data shows 4,000 childcare providers closed between March 2021 and 2022, limiting availability and driving price rises. Government support for childcare is nowhere near enough, leaving families

struggling. Despite families in the UK facing some of the highest childcare costs in Europe, when I visit nursery providers they regularly tell me about the challenges they are facing following years of chronic underfunding by the Government.

The so-called ‘free’ 30 hours of childcare that children aged three and four receive is actually not what it seems. The Government only provides a fraction of the real cost it requires to provide this childcare, less than two-thirds of what nurseries themselves believe is needed to fully fund the scheme.

In response to criticism, the Government has proposed changes to staff ratios which would just put even more pressure on hard pressed staff, but experts have warned that this will fail to lower the cost of early years childcare. Parents are already struggling with

the cost of living crisis and are trying to do the best thing for their children. The Government should be doing more to help them by recognising how hard it can be, especially during these current difficult times, to balance childcare with work, and be more flexible in their approach to offering support. Currently, the Government are showing themselves to be out of touch and out of ideas.

Rather than waste time and money conducting a consultation into proposals that could just make the problem worse, the Government must focus more on the purpose of childcare, offering a fun and safe environment for children to learn and play, and invest substantially into the sector if we are to get the affordable, high-quality and sustainable childcare parents so desperately need.

A Labour Government would increase the early years pupil

premium more than fourfold to drive up the quality of early years education and keep costs down for families. Labour’s Children’s Recovery Plan would invest in childcare right now, increasing funding for both early years funding as well as before and after school clubs.

This is vital to ensure every child gets the opportunity to learn, play and develop after the huge disruption of the pandemic.

The Conservatives must get a grip on spiralling prices, otherwise children’s care and education will be at risk.

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southbristolvoice

August 2022

31

n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS

A LOT of developments are planned alongside the railway line opposite Victoria Park, and while some of them are providing pockets of green space within their proposals, the majority are looking at the park for their new residents to access green space.

So we are working with the Parks Department and Victoria Park Action Group to ensure that investment is made in the park.

Regular users will have noticed the outdoor gym finally being installed, hopefully in time for the summer holidays. The Crowdfunder for the skate park met its target, and we are wanting to ensure developer contributions to local infrastructure are invested wisely.

One of the proposals we will be pushing for is a masterplan so that we can fit in both the skate park and a new all abilities playground.

This will take a while to come together, and we are pushing hard for it to include the reinstatement of the swings that were removed last year. The upgraded swings could be in place next summer if we can get the agreement of other councillors in the autumn.

There are a lot of calls on the developer contributions, and we cannot fund everything, but there are funds for more trees and we are looking for help to find good places to plant trees. And when the council consults on the redevelopment of St Philips, we all need to send a clear message that another large and good quality green space needs to be at the heart of any proposals.

Lastly, we are aware that many people are suffering from the cost of living crisis, please see Tony and Christine’s column for more on this.

BY the time that people read this column, the outline planning application for the redevelopment of Broadwalk Shopping Centre will have been submitted.

Cost of Living Crisis This autumn/winter is going to be very challenging for many residents. We encourage all our residents to check what support is available. There are several national schemes alongside local funds to support those most in need.

Household Support Fund: continued distribution during school holidays of vouchers to children in receipt of free school meals and pensioners on low incomes.

Local Crisis and Prevention Fund: emergency payments if you can’t afford basics like food, gas, electricity or household goods.

School Uniform Support you may be able to claim support to purchase school uniform, shoes or stationery.

For any of the above, email lcpf@bristol.gov.uk, include your full name and address or phone: 0117 922 4500, Mon to Fri, 9am to 12noon.

Some residents may be unaware they are entitled to claim

support. Below are some contacts for agencies who can help you work out if you qualify: Age UK Bristol: 0117 929 7537 (Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm).

Citizens Advice Bristol: 0808 278 7957 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am t0 3pm) or Textphone: 0800 144 88 84 (for the hard of hearing).

Young people in need should speak to their welfare department at their college or university to enquire as to whether they are entitled to further support.

Energy rebate: this is the national scheme that provides a one-off payment of £150 to most households living in homes in council tax bands A to D – check your eligibility: https://news.bristol. gov.uk/council-tax/council-taxrebate Discretionary Housing Payment: may be provided if your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn’t provide enough money to pay your rent – check your eligibility: www. bristol.gov.uk/benefits-financialhelp/housing-benefit

have received some emails from residents complaining about things that have been, frankly, made up, but they believe they are true .

Then we had Covid and further challenges for retail so that plan did not get built.

The application will come in front of an all-party committee of councillors, after it has been vetted by planning officers, and the objectors will then have to make up their minds to object to the scheme or not. The line of “we want redevelopment” and “everybody knows it is needed” “but not like this“ does not stand up.

The new plans are no higher than, and fractionally less bulky, than the previous ones but we have the same objectors with the same objections. They have spiced up their local publicity with some interesting myths and we

The plan is coherent, provides the accommodation types that we lack, and will provide a sustainable new retail and entertainment centre for Knowle. This is nearly £200 million coming into Knowle, and we need it.

IT’S been a busy time over the last few weeks as the Council’s committees have resumed work on policy development and scrutinising the administration.

I have also been reviewing the various Bedminster bids for CIL and s106 funding to ensure these take account of the rise in inflationary and construction costs.

The Victory Home Zone was built to reduce the dominance of vehicles and provide a better environment, but the various parking restrictions need repair and updating. I have asked the highways maintenance team to assess what needs to be done.

I have also asked if there are measures to support residents when funds become available.

The local play area is still being maintained by BCC and some repairs have been carried out.

Another issue is the yellow box at the junction of Luckwell Road/Winterstoke Road and South Liberty Lane. This major junction is proving difficult for road users to navigate as the lining has entirely

faded and the road surface itself is in poor condition. I have been flagging this up with the team for over a year and have raised it with the local policing team who share my concerns. I will keep pressing for this work to be completed on safety grounds.

Under the previous neighbourhood partnerships, measures to make Duckmoor Road and Luckwell Road safer were agreed. Since then, various options have emerged but the costs have been steadily going up.

This is just frustrating for those of us just wanting this to get done.

After much chasing, I have been briefed on a revised, scaled back, scheme but it might help make this busy road safer. I will be meeting Luckwell School to discuss the proposals.

Lastly, the communications mast in Ashton Gate continues to annoy residents. This is now subject to a fresh planning application (22/02906F) and resident’s should comment using the planning portal.

Redevelopment plans were submitted three years ago and, despite some very noisy opposition, the plans were passed unanimously by the all-party planning committee.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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southbristolvoice

August 2022

n LOCAL HISTORY

33

From suffragette shero to trade unionist warrior Suffragist, trades unionist, politician, pacifist, lifelong women’s rights campaigner.

Even at the age of 85, Jessie Stephen was attending up to three feminist meetings a week.

Born in 1893 in Glasgow, Jessie was the eldest of 11.

Although hoping to be a teacher, she was obliged to leave school at the age of 14 and go into domestic service. And it was as a maid in 1912 that she received her first taste of activism by organising maids in Glasgow into the Scottish Federation of Domestic Workers.

By 16, she was Vice Chair of the Independent Labour Party in Glasgow, as well as a militant member of the Women’s Social and Political Party (WSPU) in the city. While wearing her maid’s uniform, Jessie blended into the bustling street scene, putting her in an easy position to join the WSPU in their campaign to destroy the contents of letterboxes in protest at their voices not being heard. “I was able to drop acid into the postal pillar boxes without being suspected because I walked down from where I was employed in my cap and apron … nobody would ever suspect me of dropping acid through the box,” she recalled. "As the women passed a pillar box they dropped in a lighted match or a wee drop

of acid. Who would have suspected those timid downstairs maids of doing such a thing?”

When Jessie heard that one of the WSPU’s leaders Sylvia Pankhurst was heading to Glasgow to set up a branch of the Workers’ Suffrage Federation, she made it her business to be introduced to the famous suffragette – and was rewarded with an invitation to work with Sylvia in London.

Working in the frontline of the suffragette movement, Jessie managed to avoid imprisonment despite her involvement with schemes such as smuggling Emmeline Pankhurst past a police blockade. “Police, five deep, had surrounded St Andrew’s Hall. They were on the roof and posted at every door and window. The objective was to prevent Emily [sic] Pankhurst from addressing a packed meeting,” wrote the Bristol Evening Post, who interviewed Jessie in 1978. “The meeting began with the police confident that they had reached their objective. Then Jessie said, ‘Ladies! Our leader!’ And out of the wings stepped Emily [sic].

They had smuggled her past the police in the laundry basket where she remained on stage as the police searched for her.”

Although Emmeline attempted to call a halt to all

Illustration of Jessie Stephen by Jenny Howe from 'The Women Who Built Bristol' book

The plaque on Jessie's former home on Chessel Street

suffragette activities once war was declared in 1914, Jessie was reluctant to stop. She left the WSPU and went to work full-time with Sylvia’s East London Workers’ Suffrage Federation. One of Jessie’s first tasks was to organise an open-air meeting in Hackney. “After half an hour of throwing my voice into space, very slowly passers-by came closer to the platform, usually a chair or box borrowed from a shopkeeper,” remembered Jessie.

Jessie believed that mass canvassing via open-air meetings was a way to reach the working women who might feel intimidated by attending more formal political meetings in halls. She wanted to reach “women who are so poverty stricken that they have not the necessary clothes to go out in… This group is larger than many suppose”.

In 1927, Jessie had progressed to fighting the corner of office workers.

At a meeting at Bristol’s Grand Hotel, the Western Daily Press reported: “‘If the average citizen knew of the appalling conditions which exist in many offices in the city he would be disgusted,’ declared Miss Jessie Stephen.

People were apt to judge these by the high standards set in the more modern establishments, but in the centre of the city some of the offices were not much better than pig sties, complained Miss Stephen.”

By 1930, Jessie was still going strong for domestic workers. At the Spring Conference of London Labour Women, she asserted: “A maid has artistic perceptions and aspirations just the same as anyone else, and a mistress has no right to give her inferior sticks of furniture or a damp room in the basement, or a lumber room at the top of the house.” And at the National Conference of Labour Women a few days later, the following report confirms: “Miss Jessie Stephen said

that they heard a lot of nonsense about what was being done for domestic servants in regard to supplying them with wireless sets and so on, but nothing was said about their conditions of work.”

The report continued: “They were expected to be on duty 16 and 18 hours a day. People said the girls were not working all this time, yet they were on duty and were liable to be called upon. ‘I was a domestic servant for many years, and I became a councillor at the age of 22,’ said Miss Stephen. ‘I hope I shall be the first domestic servant to enter the House of Commons’.”

By 1944, she was appointed the first female Area Union Organiser of the National Clerical and Administrative Workers’ Union for South Wales and the West of England, and it was this role that brought her to Bristol where she would become the first-ever woman president of the Trades Union Council. Jessie was elected as a City Councillor of Bristol in 1952 and used this as an opportunity to speak widely and loudly about birth control.

In 1978, Jessie received the MBE for her trades union work.

However, she died of pneumonia on 12 June 1979, aged 86.

This is an extract from ‘The Women Who Built Bristol: Volume One’ by Jane Duffus. Books are available for £13 direct from the author (who is happy to sign copies) via her website: www.janeduffus.com

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

34

n LOCAL HISTORY

August 2022

Report sheds light on how a corner of St Philips became a centre of innovation for Bristol

Avon Street employees 1910. Credit: Bristol Archives

Artist’s impression of the research hub exterior

A NEW report by the University of Bristol shows how innovations at St Philips 200 years ago mirror transformations to the way we live and work today.

‘Avon Street Gasworks and Bristol Gas Industry’ marks the start of a move into Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus for Bristol Digital Futures Institute (BDFI)..

The site on Avon Street, St Philips is the former headquarters of the Bristol Gas Company, the company that introduced gas and gas lighting to the city. Historians have now highlighted both the positive and negative impacts of this new technology for the city.

BDFI is now appealing for people to come forward with memories, images, documents or artefacts associated with The Gas Shed or Retort House, the former headquarters of the Bristol Gas

stories and memories from the site. What I want to know about the site are these personal stories of someone’s grandfather who was a stoker or captained the gasworks’ football team.”

Co-author Lena Ferriday said: “We now also want to hear from anyone who has a memory, photographs or documents from working or living near the Bristol Gas Company. This will help us build on what we know about the area and inform artwork in the new home for Bristol Digital Futures Institute.”

Bristol Digital Futures Institute Operations Manager Hayley Shaw said: “We wanted to examine our role as custodians of these buildings through this report. I hope the histories of the Avon Street gasworks will inspire those who visit, work in and collaborate with our Institute to take forward the principles

Company or its later use as the Vauxhall Drive Garage.

Issues around working conditions, industrial action, the impact of war, the role of women in the workplace, the development of the night-time economy, crime, pollution, domestic life and the transformation of local businesses and industry all feature in the report.

Co-author of ‘Avon Street Gasworks and Bristol’s Gas Industry’ Dr James Watts said: “The gas works at Avon Street opened in 1821, sparking 200 years of innovation in this corner of St Philips and is intimately tied into the history of Bristol.

Gas changed the way everyone lived and worked. It affected the health and wellbeing of residents and drove new social and technological change. I hope we can find out more personal

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southbristolvoice

August 2022

n LOCAL HISTORY

35

Sporting glories for John during his time in camp

We continue our serialisation of Memories of a Bristol Boyhood

by Knowle resident John Fletcher as he talks us through some of his sporting achievements during his time with the RAF. Cricket

Football

Although my game was in good form in my civilian club at Knowle, I did not adapt with the same consistency at camp.

I think this was due to the fact that the wickets at Innworth consisted of a concrete base with a matting top and did not seem to suit my style of bowling. We did get one chance to play away from Innsworth when we were challenged to a match against No 1 S of C based at Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. In all, we were away for three days and were royally looked after by No 1 School, who were keen to show their superiority to No 2 School.

This was the one sport where trainees played a major part in our Unit’s sporting life. It was easier to judge the abilities of men in the short time trainees had to settle in because a large number of them were on the books of the junior sections of league clubs. I was lucky enough to be appointed captain of our Unit side, only because I was permanent staff and was able to give time to the arrangements etc to organise things.

In 1951, we reached the final of the internal cup competition. We had performed well in the early rounds against teams like ourselves made up of young National Service men, but we came unstuck in the final which was played on a very heavy, wet pitch using a new ball.

In those days balls were of fairly soft leather composition which absorbed the wet and became heavy.

Our opponents in this final were from the Transport/Motor Pool section. This unit was considered a plum job in the RAF as smartness and discipline were at a minimum because they spend most of their time in oily denims and seem to be a law of their own. The unit comprised 99% regular servicemen in their mid-late 20s.

Our lightweight team of 18-19 year olds started the game well and we took the lead before half time, but as the second half continued we tired in the wet, heavy conditions and the older, stronger players came into their own. In the end we lost by three goals to one.

John Fletcher in the 1950s John’s wonderful recollections are sure to jog the memories of some of our readers. We would love to hear similar tales and see photos from the period.

Please email these to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or post them to us South Bristol Voice, 111 Broadfield Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX. All items will be safely returned to the sender. We would really love to hear from you!

Hockey This was a sport that did not have a great following so there were no internal unit league or cup games.

However I was selected to play for the station 2nd XI and played inter-

camp games against the various RAF establishments in Gloucester, Wiltshire and South Wales areas.

As I had been a complete novice at the game at the start of my national service, this experience taught me a lot about the game which was to become my major

sport leading to several years in the Gloucestershire County team.

I was also introduced to five-aside indoor hockey, played in the large aircraft hangers. This is a fast and furious game of skill and very enjoyable.

We are hiring Night Train Cleaners in the Days Road area of Barton Hill Various nights available Hours: 22:30 - 04:30 Cleaners £10.30ph Full uniform provided If you are interested and would like further details, please contact: Jason Shardlow on 07874875188 jason.shardlow@churchillservices.com or Paul Calladine on 07572459548 Paul.Calladine@churchillservices.com

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

36

August 2022

JUBILEE POOL & GYM’S

FUTURE IS SECURE Thank you for supporTing our campaign, we couldn’T have done iT wiThouT you.

The FrIEndS OF JUBILEE POOL (FoJP) have been awarded the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of JUBILEE POOL by Bristol City Council and will take control from 30th September 2022.

This is an amazing achievement, that has taken a huge amount of work from a dedicated team of volunteers.

Our thanks go out to Bristol City Council, Jubilee’s amazing community, the staff at Parkwood Leisure, all those organisations and individuals who participated in our community consultation or provided pro bono support, and Locality, Sport England and City Funds for their advice and guidance. We would also like to show our appreciation for Quartet Community Foundation, The John James Bristol Foundation and The Society for Merchant Venturers for supporting our efforts through their grant funding.

We couldn’t have done this without you all.

We have a magnitude of work to do to make this a reality and finalise all of the new arrangements. However, the future of Jubilee Pool has never looked more exciting!

FamIly SWImmING SESSIoNS are available aT weekends and ThroughouT The school holidays SaVe on paY-aS-You-Go, Join noW! Go to leisurecentre.com/jubilee-swimming-pool to become a member.

Only £24.99 per month with NO Joining fee.

laNE SWImmING & Gym SESSIoNS aRE avaIlablE 7 dayS a WEEk JUBILEE POOL & GYM, Jubilee road, Knowle BS4 2LP Telephone: 0117 304 8180 & 0117 304 8181 Monday to Friday 07.00-22.00 Saturday & Sunday 08.00-14.00

Keep in touch & up to date

Monica Wills House Set in the heart of Bedminster, stylish one and two bedroom apartments offer all the advantages of independent living with a vibrant community scene.

From the panoramic roof garden vistas, to delicious dining, discover why the St Monica Trust offers the very best in retirement living.

To find out more please call 0117 919 4269

For available apartments please visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk Registered Charity 202151

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

southbristolvoice

August 2022

n NEWS

37

New landmark destination at Wapping Wharf PROPOSALS have been revealed for the development of the last piece of the jigsaw in the regeneration of Wapping Wharf, the once-derelict city centre site

by Bristol’s Floating Harbour.

The planned new development for the site at Wapping Wharf North, behind M Shed, is designed to build on the existing success and special character of the neighbourhood.

The designs aim to create a bold, innovative centrepiece for Wapping Wharf, with new homes, shops, restaurants, takeaways and workspaces to complete this community on Bristol’s harbourside.

The proposals, by developers and owners Umberslade, will also secure the future for the businesses housed in the temporary converted shipping containers at CARGO, providing a new and better permanent home where these independent businesses can flourish.

They are also designed to further enhance visitors’ experience of the harbourside destination, with innovative high quality new buildings and new public spaces that will contribute to the growth and reputation of the city docks area as a thriving leisure hub.

Stuart Hatton, managing director of Umberslade, explained:”We want Wapping Wharf to build on the success of what we’ve created here but

View across the bottom of Gaol Ferry Steps with the new CARGO building located where CARGO 1 currently sits make it even better. We believe that our ambitious proposals will enable Wapping Wharf to evolve into an established fullyfunctioning district of the city, where people who live and work here can find what they need on their doorstep.”

Matt Hampshire, head chef at Tare Restaurant in CARGO, said: “The plans look incredible.

Stuart and Esme have done great things here, they have created a real community and this is a continuation of that, so we are

super excited.

“It’s such a fantastic vision of the future for both Wapping

Wharf and Bristol, it’s an honour to be a part of it.”

Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 (industry recognised) courses at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden.

Places available commencing September 2022

Start your career change now botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk 0117 428 2041

View from Prince Street Bridge looking towards M Shed

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Relieve the school holiday boredom with three fantastic activities curated by

Friends of Knowle Library To book your FREE spaces either scan the event QR code or go to www.fokl.eventbrite.com Alternatively, pop into Knowle Library and leave your details with staff.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Nicola Skinner

Come along to meet award winning children’s author and former Knowle resident Nicola Skinner. We will learn about Nicola’s inspiration behind her hilarious and original books, before she leads an interactive session based on her first book Bloom, which was a Guardian Book of the Year, and answer your questions.

Whether already a fan or to encourage your children to read for pleasure, this is bound to be a great experience for children and parents alike.

Venue: Redcatch Community Garden On: Friday 12th August 2022, 10.30am-12pm Children must be accompanied by an adult Suitable for ages between 6-12

Bloom - The Story Sorrel Fallowfield is good at being good. Her only ambition is to win her school’s Most Obedient Child Competition, follow all the rules, and bring a smile to her unhappy mum’s face. Until, that is, she discovers a mysterious, faded packet of Surprising Seeds. Soon she’s hearing voices, dealing with twitchy fingers, and experiencing strange, wild urges to plant the Seeds in some very unusual places.

LOCAL HISTORY

WALK AND TALK

Grandparents, bring your grandchildren and your memories!

Join local historian expert, Peter Read on a short walk designed to give a brief history of Knowle, with many points of interest along the way and refreshments on your return.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Nicola Skinner

Hearing authors speak about their work and experiences can be a great way of leading young readers towards the world of stories and reading – and inspire them to write their own stories.

In our second interactive session with local author Nicola Skinner, she will share her passion for writing, and read sections from her book Starboard, before answering your questions.

Venue: Knowle Library On: Wednesday 24th August 2022, 10.30am-12pm Children must be accompanied by an adult Suitable for ages between 6-12

Author Nicola Skinner

starboard - The Story When 11-year old reality TV star Kirsten takes a school trip to Bristol’s ‘SS Great Britain’, the last thing she expects is for the ship to escape the dry dock and take to the high seas – with her as the new captain.

Illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino. Photography by Gareth Iwan Jones

Venue: Start and finish at Knowle Library On: Thursday 18th August 2022, 2-3.30pm Children must be accompanied by an adult Suitable for all ages

southbristolvoice

August 2022

n PUZZLES FOR ALL

The FIEND

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

5

39

For younger readers

2 7

9 3

5 1 8

1 4

1

4 6

5

5 2 7

P A

O

5

R A

Y

E

O

P

S

N

A

2

6

E

S

R N

7

G

E

A

T

E 3

B

A 4

D

Additional Doors available

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1

9

5 DOORS FITTED FOR £479 ANY 5 WHITE PRIMED 6-PANEL‘COLONIAL’ OR 5-PANEL‘SUFFOLK’DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF 6 STYLES OF HANDLE, HINGES, MORTICE CATCH, FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR £479* GLAZED DOORS EXTRA COST

8

A

P

I L

3

U

4

M

4 1

10

E

Down 1 769 (3)

1

P

10

2 7327 (4) 3 2326 (4) 4 3283 (4) 5 65483 (5) 6 27753 (5) 7 47273 (5) 8 6864 (4)

Txtpert L

9

7

Across 1 7627 (4) 5 672643 (6) 9 7327 (4) 10 62835 (5)

Easier sudoku Solution

Rules the same as the Fiend, but only six numbers in each box, row and column

E

6

8

4

E

5

3

E

2

V

1

A

Theme: Fruit and veg

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

G

Txtpert

8 1 6

N

8 4 2 9

southbristolvoice

40

n NEWS

Roll out the rats!

August 2022

COMPETITION WINNER

BRISLINGTON-based pest controller Adam Leonard was in for a surprise when he attended a job in St George recently where his customer had reported a rat infestation.

Adam, of Advance Pest Control, turned up ready to do business with a pack of rats and ended up having “a good laugh” when, on closer inspection, the offending rodent turned out to be nothing more than a plastic toy.

The tenants of the property in East Bristol contacted Advance Pest Control, worried they had spotted a rat or mouse in “stealth mode” lurking in one of their cupboards. So despite being armed with full PPE, mask and gloves, Adam realised he was somewhat overdressed to tackle the plastic beast.

Adam says it was the sort of rubber mouser you might put on the end of a pencil, and admits: “In essence, [there was] not too much I could do. I took the mouse away, had a good old laugh with the lady and was on my merry way.”

After 29 years in the pest control business, Adam says this was definitely the easiest job he has ever had come across. Although the story has since gone viral, appearing everywhere from the BBC website to ITV News and even on TV’s ‘Loose Women’!

However, Adam adds to South Bristol Voice: “As a side note, we carry out all pest control and, especially with wasp nests at this time of year, it’s best to call in the professionals rather than try to deal with them yourselves.”

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Here for you when you need us most

At Redfield Funeralcare, we believe the best goodbye is the most personal one. Whatever type of funeral you have in mind, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Whether it’s a simple service or a personalised ceremony, we’ll listen to you, and together we’ll plan something that feels just right

Redfield Funeralcare 65-73 Church Road, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9JR Pop in and say hello Call us on 0117 955 6455, or go to coop.co.uk/funeralcare

Co-op Funeralcare is a trading name for Funeral Services Limited (FSL) and Co-op Funeral Plans Limited (CFPL), both of which are part of the Co-operative Group Limited. FSL provides our Co-op funeral services and is a registered society, with its registered office at 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG (registration number 30808R). CFPL provides our Co-op funeral plans and is a registered society, with its registered office at 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG (registration number 4818).

southbristolvoice

42

August 2022

n WILDLIFE

Don’t know a blackbird from a blackcap?

Lime hawk moth

By Ben Barker Various organisations are getting together to measure the decline in Bristol’s fauna and to try to reverse it. We have some information already. For example, we think that across Britain, hedgehogs have declined from over 30 million to 1 million in the last 25 years.

Bristol’s swifts and starlings are down over 90% since the 1990s. Rats and wood pigeons seem to be bucking the trend. For most species we are not sure. We think that habitat loss and degradation is pushing most creatures downwards. This is where monitoring and you

Jersey tiger moth

come in, dear reader.

BS3 Wildlife Group and other organisations are trying to establish existing numbers of ‘key’ Bristol species. We also need to establish where they are, why they are declining and how to protect them.

You don’t need a degree in natural science and we already have over a hundred people in BS3 helping us, but we need much more.

We usually start people on something simple: the birds that visit your garden or the butterflies in the local park, but we’ve also got people looking for moths, otters, bats and dragonflies. We even have a spider group!

‘I don’t know a blackbird from a blackcap’ isn’t much of an excuse. You soon will.

Some of our monitors share photographs and videos on our Facebook site (facebook. com/groups/bs3wildlifegroup).

Great tit If you would like to be one of our monitors (perhaps one hour per month at times to suit you), please get in touch for more information via mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com

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August 2022

43

n WICKED WITCH

In witch nobody has a Cluedo DAD stayed in hospital for a couple of weeks. Going crazy. He was medically fit but needed to be assessed by the Mental Health team. While we waited, Dad got more mental. We made the decision to break him free.

Mum had been locked up in a care home for a week. She was not impressed. “It’s full of old people” she complained. The Manager told my brother “We’d just got rid of a wanderer. I’ve come back from holiday to find we’d acquired another” - Mum was thrown out

after a week.

As I bundled her towards my car an employee rushed after us. “There’s been a crime in the Conservatory. The keys have gone missing to the patio doors.” Our escape route was blocked, arms folded across an ample chest “I need to check your bags”. We stood and watched as she riffled through Mum’s stuff. “My money’s on Colonel Mustard, in the Billiard Room, with the Rope” I whispered

to Mum, who giggled loudly. The keys were not found and we were begrudgingly permitted to leave.

My parents had a tearful reunion in the carpark of their flat. They were home. Brilliant. Or was it?

While we sorted a care package they muddled along alone. The first night, Dad swore there were people in the flat having a party and those uninvited revellers had turned on the night storage heaters. My brother turned up in the morning to find the flat hotter than a cannabis factory. The joy of night storage heaters - once they start pumping, they just don’t stop. The day was spent sweating, watching Dad trying to turn off the heaters by turning them back on.

I have a friend who manages a dementia day care centre. Her advice has been invaluable as getting any information on this horrid disease is tough. She told me that hallucinations were common, we were not to dismiss what he was seeing but try to

reassure and tell him he is safe.

A care company was employed to provide visits three times a day.

Dad would send them away, or when they did manage to sneak in to dole out medication, Dad would administer these pills again.

Double dosing.It was carnage.

The care was cancelled. My brother stepped up to dish out the meds and check on them.

Then Dad started talking strangely, blowing his cheeks with involuntary jerky head and arm movements. It was alarming. We desperately didn’t want to send him back to hospital. The GP was rubbish, Adult Services were worse, we felt abandoned. Reluctantly Dad was shipped to hospital and there he remains, thrashing away, with nobody knowing what’s wrong with him.

And here I am. Back in their flat.

Looking after Mum who’s blissfully unaware, munching on breakfast of bran flakes with a large slice of lemon cake balanced on top. I think I’ll join her.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

44

southbristolvoice

August 2022

n NEWS

School governors needed COMPETITION WINNER

There is an exciting opportunity to improve outcomes for the children at both Luckwell and Ashton Vale Primary Schools by working in collaboration with others to secure great learning and teaching for all students, and staff.

The role involves attending school meetings, and visits to the schools are encouraged. Training is provided and we welcome candidates with no previous governor experience.

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and­­­an enhanced DBS check is required for the successful applicant.

We aim to provide an inclusive recruitment process and actively welcome applications from diverse talent pools: BAME candidates, candidates with disabilities and long-term conditions and candidates from underrepresented communities.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and want to ensure we have an accessible application process for all candidates. If you need any reasonable adjustments or would like us to do anything differently during the application process, please contact the Governance Manager or our HR team on HR@GGLT.co.uk to discuss your requirements further.

GGLT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to safeguarding therefore, the suitability of all prospective governors will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. If this sounds like an opportunity that interests you, please visit our website: luckwell.bristol.sch.uk/ our-school/governors/ or ashtonvale.bristol.sch.uk/Our-School/ Governance/ Applications by email to the Clerk to Governors: info@luckwellprimary.org or info@ashtonvale.org

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

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August 2022

n NEWS

45

A-maze-ing work on the Malago

By Barney Smith It is berry time at the Malago Greenway Berry Maze. This project began five years ago and has gradually matured. It is now a good time to visit it and pick a few berries.

It starts with strawberries in June, running through the various raspberries, currants and blackberries into October. Unfortunately, the pigeons ate most of the gooseberries!

You can also find more exotic boysenberries, wineberries and goji berries in season. Help yourself and leave some for others to pick.

It has been hard work keeping the site in good shape; endless weeding, repairs to posts and wires, pruning, path mowing and watering. We have had brilliant help from Good Gym right through the five years apart from during lockdowns. They run to the site, do some work and then run home. If you would like to help us, please contact us at barneysmith47@gmail.com. Apart from gardening we need help with fundraising, community events and publicity.

One unfulfilled project needs a new initiative. We have a rather grim concrete platform in the middle (from a former Scout hut) which needs something creative on it.

The maze is particularly popular with three-

to-five-year-olds so something static for them to play on would be good. So anyone needing a project should come along and take a look.

Find us on the Greenway between Parson Street and Marksbury Road.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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May 2022