Wates Group and Oasis Community Learning held a groundbreaking ceremony for new state of the art Oasis Academy Daventry Road
MULTI-academy trust Oasis Community Learning (part of Oasis Charitable Trust) and Wates Group, a UK family-owned development, building, and property maintenance company, have just held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new secondary school in Knowle, Bristol. Following a campaign in the local community, the ceremony took place to highlight a significant milestone in the project to deliver a
much-needed new secondary school in Knowle and across South Bristol.
Oasis Community Learning is a multi-academy trust that operates 52 academies across England, serving over 30,000 students in both primary and secondary schools. Oasis opened its first two academies in Bristol in 2008. Across the city they now have five primary, and five secondary Continued on page 3 >
southbristolvoice
southbristolvoice
Contacts
Ruth Drury Publisher 07590 527664
sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk
Cathy Parnham Editor news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is noon on 6 December 2024.
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 southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure
Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584184577 Email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk
Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 0758 418 6535 Email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk
Ceremony held for new secondary school
academies dedicated to the progress of every student, serving their local communities.
Oasis Academy Daventry Road is a new inclusive 900 place co-educational secondary school, filling up year on year with additional year groups of students. The academy’s overarching mission is to provide ‘exceptional education at the heart of the community’. The project was led by Rebecca Stepek, project manager at OCL, working closely with Wates. Previously home to the former Merrywood School, Oasis Academy Daventry Road’s stateof-the-art facilities will include an activity studio, sports hall, sports pitches and multi-use games area.
At the moment, the academy is operating on a temporary site, accommodating students in Years 7-8, until the permanent site is completed.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the
Department for Education, Arcadis, Oasis, Park Community Centre and Wates. The event was also attended by Counsellor Cam Hayward and Counsellor Toby Wells. Parents and children who attend the school were also invited to the ceremony.
Speeches were given by Mark Craig, managing director for South at Wates Construction, Simon Shaw, Head of School and John Barneby, CEO of Oasis Community Learning.
Delivering social value for the local area is another key focus for the project. While carrying out work building this new school, Wates delivered an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshop for the local community, with its charity partner Papyrus.
The skills building workshop prepared caregivers to provide suicide first aid interventions, including learning the most widely used suicide prevention model in the world, and
understanding how to recognise, and act on, the signs that someone is having thoughts of suicide.
In addition, Wates planted 42 trees as part of a new landscaping scheme and 440 whips (seed-grown unpruned trees) at Arnos Vale Cemetery.
Mark Craig, regional managing director at Wates, said: “It was a delight to celebrate this groundbreaking ceremony today and we are proud to contribute to boosting education opportunities for students in Bristol.
At Wates, we take pride in the quality of our work and the positive impact it has not only on the communities we serve but the benefits it has on the environment. It has been a pleasure to celebrate the exciting opportunities this school will have to offer to future generations to come.”
John Barneby, CEO of Oasis Community Learning said: “We are thrilled to celebrate
a significant milestone today in delivering a much-needed new secondary school for families in South Bristol. Oasis is committed to ensuring this academy provides exceptional education in the heart of this local community, providing each young person with the best choice and opportunity to flourish both in school, and beyond.”
The new Oasis Academy Daventry Road is forecasted to open in 2026.
Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Thornbury and central Bristol
Our friendly legal experts are always on hand to provide practical, common sense advice at a fair price.
If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, we’re the people to talk to.
We’re specialists in:
+ Buying and Selling
+ Family Law
+ Divorce + Separation
+ Wills, Trusts and Probate
+ Powers of Attorney
+ Dispute Resolution
+ Employment
+ Corporate + Commercial
+ Commercial Property
+ Medical Negligence
+ Personal Injury
+ Court of Protection
You have our best – every time
Simon Shaw, head of school
n PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Welcome, lovely readers
With the November nights drawing in, there is a definite chill in the air as we head towards the festive season.
Find out about the Operation Community Hamper appeal on p6 to help support vulnerable families and people at Christmas time.
For the festive season, check out our guide to church services and other exciting events coming up locally.
Look out for details of bin and Christmas tree collections over the season also (turn to page
28 for details of the St Peter’s Hospice annual tree collection).
And from all of us at South Bristol Voice, have a very merry and safe Christmas and new year, however you might celebrate with those you love.
Ruth
Volunteers needed for Bemmy Lanterns n NEWS
VOLUNTEER stewards are needed for the Bemmy Winter Lantern Parade 2025. The events team needs volunteers to run the next event, which takes place on Saturday 18 January 2025.
Against all odds, the dedicated volunteer team that runs the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade managed to raise the funds needed just in time to be sure they can light up the streets of BS3 for the 12th year.
Artists have started work in schools and community centres to help create the spectacular lanterns we all expect to see and, for the first time, the parade will take a turn down East Street to welcome our new neighbours at Bedminster Green.
But, the parade can’t happen without 80 volunteer road safety stewards. So, if you can offer
your time between 3pm and 7pm on the day, you will make hundreds of local school-children very happy. Get in touch to find out more at www.lanternparade.org/ contact/
Emma Vincent and Lisa Pearson
southbristolvoice
n NEWS
15% council tax hike proposed
COUNCIL tax in Bristol could rise by an unprecedented 15% under City Hall proposals. That is three times the hike of the current 5% maximum allowed, which is the amount bills have gone up every year since 2021.
A 15% increase, including 5% ringfenced for social care, would be by far the biggest ever and see Band D household charges rising by £314.35 a year, or £6.05 a week, from the current £2,095.69.
Bills for Band B properties, which are £1,629.99 for 2024/25, would be an extra £244.50 a year from April, £4.70 a week.
These figures are what the council would charge and do not include the additional amounts levied by the police and fire authorities for their services, which are much smaller.
Bristol City Council says it faces a £51.6million deficit in its core budget from April 2025 even if
n ADVERTORIAL
the fees go up by 5%, including 2% for social care, for the fifth year running.
At the moment, local authorities are only permitted to increase bills by 3% for day-to-day services, such as bin collections, libraries and road repairs, plus a 2% adult social care precept, without holding a local referendum.
But in a public consultation launched by the city council on Friday, November 8, asking residents how much the charges should rise, it has proposed options from zero to 10% for council tax and zero to 5% for social care.
The government has not yet announced the maximum increases for both in 2025/26, so the local authority has included much bigger options to see what householders are willing or able to pay.
The council says every 1% above a 5% total hike would reduce the
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...to Run
CHRISTMAS -time runs are some of the most enjoyable of the year –there’s something truly special about running through streets lined with twinkling lights, decorated trees, carollers singing, and maybe even some fresh, crisp snow.
Running isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Christmas, but don’t let your running routine slip during the festive period. Here are our top tips:
1. Plan – family commitments, office parties and other events mean you have to be flexible and adapt. Perhaps consider increasing the intensity of your run if you are short on time.
2. Run to reduce stress – Christmas is stressful, so use running to get out and clear your head. Make sure to greet every runner with a cheery “Merry Christmas”!
3. Balance out the festive treats – there will be plenty of good food and alcohol. Remember, though, Christmas food can be healthy: turkey/nut roast are high in protein; cranberries reduce inflammation; and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals.
4. Enter a festive themed race – enjoy a great day out with fancy dress competitions, seasonal medals and fun, festive atmospheres.
5. Run your local Christmas Day Parkrun – one of the biggest Parkrun events of the year. Start the day off right and fill yourself with feel-good endorphins.
There’s no better feeling than a Christmas Day run, so get out this festive period and make sure you enjoy an extra mince pie or two. It is Christmas after all!
budget gap by £2.9million, and every 1% cent below it would add to it by the same amount. So a 15% increase means the shortfall dropping to £22.9million, which would still require that amount of savings or cuts to services.
Council leader Cllr Tony Dyer said: “Setting a balanced budget is not only a legal duty but one of the most significant obligations we face. It is never an easy task, and it requires balancing competing needs with protecting critical services.
“We also need to invest in areas of growing demand while leaving space to seize opportunities that will deliver benefits for our city as they emerge.
“These decisions cannot be taken lightly, nor will they be taken in isolation from the views and feedback of the people, businesses and communities that make up Bristol.
“This consultation provides an opportunity for us to share our
financial forecasts and explain what is driving our financial circumstances.
“At this stage we want to gather views on two specific aspects of the budget alongside a picture of our overall financial situation.
“Potential changes to council tax and the adult social care precept won’t in themselves fix the challenges we face over the forthcoming years.
“We’re currently in the process of identifying the other necessary actions we need to take to balance the books.
“As these proposed actions emerge, we will consult the public further as required.
The consultation survey, which closes on December 19, is here: www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/ budget-2025-26
Following the feedback, the strategy and resources policy committee will recommend the annual budget, including council tax, in January to full council, which will make the final decision the following month.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter
n LOCAL CHARITY
Spreading seasonal cheer
THE festive hamper of luxury food that one family in need received was most welcome. But it was the green tinsel adorning the gift that caught the attention of the children of the house.
The youngsters removed it and fashioned it into a Christmas tree shape, alongside which they placed the presents they had also been given.
“Those little girls didn’t have a Christmas tree in their house, or any other presents,” explained the founder of Operation Community Hamper, Charlotte Churchill.
“It’s stories like this that really resonate in our hearts. It’s why I’m so passionate about what we are doing.”
South Bristol resident Charlotte started the initiative in 2020 during the pandemic, appealing via social media for gifts to support vulnerable families and individuals at Christmas. Through her job in child protection, she was aware of the growing numbers of people using food banks to meet their basic needs.
Her idea was to provide some cheer by offering families highquality food and some of the seasonal treats that better-off folk take for granted.
The hampers include items such as biscuits, pickles, chutney, mince pies, Christmas pudding, Christmas crackers, and chocolates as well as tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
The project increased rapidly during the cost-of-living crisis.
In its first year, Operation Community Hamper, as it was then called, delivered 19 hampers; this year, Charlotte and her huge team of volunteers are aiming for 1,000 to be distributed across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and beyond. The project has expanded to include bespoke Christmas gifts and, in 2024, the intention is also to provide blankets.
“We operate on referrals from professional establishments such as schools, social services and health professionals,” said Charlotte.
OCH is helping people across a wide area, and Charlotte admitted that she had never intended to start something on such a scale.
“I am humbled – and a little nervous – by the momentum that keeps building,” she said.
OCH now operates all year round, offering help where needed, such as providing Easter eggs and funding enrichment activities for vulnerable children; hence the name change in July 2024 when it became a registered charity, with five trustees and a committee of 20.
Fortunately, the network of volunteer support from individuals and volunteers has grown, too. Companies and organisations that have supported OCH over the years include Bristol Rovers Football Club, Gas Girls, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Robins Foundation, First Bus, BrisDoc and many others.
year but also rooms to use when it comes to sorting items as well as preparing and finally creating the Christmas food hampers.
“Our focus is on helping people in the community and without the community itself, we wouldn’t be able to do anything. After all, it is the community who donate items for the hampers, provide us with the information for referrals to make the hampers. They also give away their time to help throughout the year,” he said.
OCH is planning to run a Carol Bus in Bristol from December 7-14 and has a host of fundraising activities planned for next year. To find out more information about Operation Community Hamper visit: www.operation communityhamper.co.uk or join their Facebook group ‘Operation Community Hamper CIO’. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/ operationcommunityhamper
Will Writing
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
Family & Property Trusts
Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Probate Services
Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
Anyone can get involved with Operation Community Hamper. At this time of year, donations for the hampers are being collected at a host of drop-off points, some of which are listed here. Fundraising is also an important part of the charity’s work. Recent events have included a summer fair and a 24hour Danceathon, which brought in more than £5,000.
In October, OCH invited businesses to an event to learn more about the charity’s work. Guests were shown a film, which can also be viewed on YouTube, Our Story | Operation Community Hamper, in which volunteers and recipients talk about the benefits of the project.
Ken Major, from Kingswood, one of the charity’s volunteers, told the Voice that support from businesses and from the community was vital.
“We are able to safely store the items, thanks to the support we receive from businesses, who provide us not only with secure storage facilities throughout the
HOW YOU CAN HELP
OCH is collecting items including stuffing, crackers, crisps, biscuits, jams, chocolate spread, sweets, tea, coffee, squash, cordials, cat and dog food, as well as toothbrushes, deodorants, shower gel and washing tablets. For drop-off points, go to https://www. operationcommunityhamper. co.uk/donationitems
HOW THE CHARITY HAS GROWN
In 2020 – OCH delivered 19 Christmas food hampers
In 2021 – OCH provided 47 hampers
In 2022 – OCH provided over 340 hampers
In 2023 – OCH delivered 656 hampers
In 2024 – OCH is planning to deliver around 1,000 hampers
Community Church Panto
TOTTERDOWN Community Players proudly present a fully inclusive panto, suitable for all the family...
Mang the Merciless has stolen the lamps from the three lamps to power up his supercomputer to find the meaning of life, the universe and everything. The people of Totterdown call for help and Dentist Who arrives. But can he and the village children find the balls and defeat Mang?
Full of audience participation, including a dance contest, this is an ideal first panto for children, as well as for all ages.
In addition, there will be coffee and homemade cakes for sale during the interval.
All profits will be split between Filwood Hope Centre and Jubilee Swimming Pool. Tickets available from the QR code, or on the door of Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Road, Knowle.
South Bristol Voice goes digital n NEWS
WOULD you like South Bristol Voice delivered straight to your inbox – 4 days before it hits the streets?
We can now deliver your local paper electronically. Why not subscribe now? For the first 100 people to sign up, it costs just £5 for 12 issues, and £8 after. To sign up, just scan the barcode
Get ahead of the cold weather – keep your home warm and leak free this winter.
1. Look after your boiler. Get it serviced early, so it can keep your home warm.
2. Find your stop tap. You’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency.
3. Going away? Remember to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC).
4. Check your outdoor tap. Fix any drips, and wrap it up or fit a tap jacket.
5. Protect exposed pipes. Wrap up pipes that are exposed to cold air (e.g. loft or garage) to stop them freezing/bursting.
Missing defib
Are you missing a defib?
A defibrillator has been handed into one of Defibs4Bristol installation sites. It is understood that it has been stolen from somewhere in South Bristol, possibly Bedminster.
Defibs4Bristol’s owner Simon has been trying to find the rightful owner – is there one missing from where you live? If so, please drop Simon a line on 0779 669 0214.
Pupils become evacuees for a day n LOCAL SCHOOLS
LUCKWELL Primary School students had the surprise of their lives this morning [18 November] when during what they thought was a typical evacuee World War II dress up day, they were frogmarched to Parson Street station to become real evacuees and board a train, whilst being waved off by their parents!
Re-enacting the popular and moving event that Luckwell students experienced eight years ago as part of their History learning, these Year 5 and 6 students were sent to the countryside and given a flavour of what hundreds of thousands of children underwent in the 1940s.
Luckwell’s parents have worked together to keep this a beautifully kept secret from their children and, like a similar event from 2016, proved to be a hugely memorable and well attended occasion.
Southville
Primary Preschool
Pupils board a train to find out what it was like to be an evacuee
Lilly Byers, Principal of Luckwell Primary School, said before the event: “We’re really excited to be giving our children the opportunity to become real evacuees for the day. What better way to learn about history than to actually put children in the shoes of those up and down the country who, under such sad and turbulent times, were sent away from home for their own safety.
“Even more poignant is that
this replicates the send-off that Luckwell Primary School students in the 40s themselves had. I would like to say a big thank you to Miss Brown whose vision and energy has enabled this special day to happen.”
Some of the parents waving their child off on the platform also had children at Luckwell Primary School during the 2016 event, making this an even more nostalgic occasion.
Places available in September 2025 for 3 and 4 year olds
Open evenings on Monday 20th January and Tuesday 18th March 2025– 15:45-16:45pm
Please email merrywood.southvillep@bristol-schools.uk or call 0117 377 2671 to book.
Our wonderful preschool offers:
• A fully qualified and highly experienced class teacher.
• Staff who care for and develop each child as an individual.
• A stimulating and creative environment where children’s interests lead the learning and independence is built.
• A wonderful community of supportive parents.
• A childcare setting within a high -performing school.
• 15 and 30 hours free childcare as well as paid wraparound care. www.southville.bristol.sch.uk
Your usual collection day Revised collection day
Wed 25 Dec
Thur 26 Dec
Fri 27 Dec
Mon 30 Dec
Tue 31 Dec
Wed 1 Jan
Thur 2 Jan
Fri 3 Jan
Mon 6 Jan
Tue 7 Jan
Wed 8 Jan
Thur 9 Jan
Fri 10 Jan Fri 27 Dec Sat 28 Dec Mon 30 Dec
31 Dec Thur 2 Jan Fri 3 Jan Sat 4 Jan Mon 6 Jan Tue 7 Jan Wed 8 Jan Thur 9 Jan Fri 10 Jan Sat 11 Jan
Normal collections from Mon 13 Jan
Do you know when your big bin day is after the holidays?
We will work three Saturdays to get collections back to normal as quickly as possible. Scan me!
Christmas trees
Take your Christmas tree to your nearest recycling centre for free.
For those with a tree collection, put it out on your first big bin day starting from Tuesday 7 January.
2025 collection dates
Download your 2025 calendar now! bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive
Garden
and bulky waste
Don’t forget, paid bulky and garden waste services are paused over the festive period as well as all deliveries for replacement bins.
For more info and festive tips visit: bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive
Marmalade Trust Christmas Cheer 2024
ARE you spending Christmas alone or do you have time to help those who are? If eligible, you may be able to join the Marmalade Trust family and be able to join others for a festive lunch or a doorstep visit.
Marmalade Trust’s Christmas Cheer project for 2024 aims to reach those who are experiencing loneliness in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and N Somerset, and who will be alone on Christmas Day. Project members are matched with a volunteer who connects with them prior to Christmas Day and the trust arranges a house call visit with a gift box in the lead up to Christmas.
On the day, a carefully matched volunteer will either collect and return each project member to and from their lunch venue or, for those unable to join the lunch, a volunteer will make a doorstep visit, taking a hamper of gifts and stopping for a chat at
Find out if you are eligible for Marmalade Trust’s Christmas Cheer project
the door on Christmas Day.
For information on eligibility criteria and referral forms, go to: www.marmaladetrust.org/ referral-form
Plus, the trust is also looking for volunteers to make this happen, including drivers, doorstep visitors and drivers who can also stay and help host too. Find out more here: www.marmaladetrust.org/ volunteer
Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Road, BRISTOL,
n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS
RESIDENTS may have read that further investigative works regarding the New Cut boundary walls are to progress.
This involves removing some vegetation alongside the Cut in order to inspect the retaining walls and calculate the required remedial work. We are assured that no trees will be removed except around York Road where the need for reinforcement work on the New Cut walls has already been identified.
An ecologist is involved in this work and will aim to minimise impact in the first instance, and then identify the need for any repair or replacement of vegetation removed after the investigation and any necessary repair works have been completed. This piece of work is essential to understand and progress the maintenance of this long-neglected piece of
THE wet autumn we’ve had has led to a lot of flooding across key roads like Sheene Road and Ashton Gate Underpass and pavements such as on Winterstoke Road. Highway gullies get cleared and emptied annually but obviously this year that hasn’t stopped surface water causing problems. This affects pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike, so I have asked officers about prioritising work and how we can reduce flooding in the future.
In happier news, the Duckmoor Road crossing is scheduled for February half-term. This project has been in the pipeline for a very long time and is really important to make it safer for children, parents and carers, in particular, to cross the road to Luckwell School.
infrastructure central to the water flow management through the city.
We have met with residents concerned by the increase in anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and exploitation of vulnerable residents by others in and around the Aldi supermarket area.
We are working closely with the police, have been in contact with the management of Tollgate House and are involving the relevant council teams in order to coordinate the response.
We plan a further resident meeting in the New Year to update progress and will publicise this closer to the time.
Residents are asked to report incidents to the police either online or via Crimestoppers as this helps build a picture of how/who is operating in the area and creates the data evidence needed to support the response required.
Ellie
Freeman
Green councillor Bedminster
RECENTLY, you may have seen some happenings at the Boat Yard construction site on the Bath Road.
The project has now kicked off again after Salford-headquartered Recom Solutions picked up the job, worth about £50m.
The contractor has restarted enabling works and is progressing final designs, developer Clarion confirmed recently at a meeting where local residents were encouraged to attend.
Ed and I listened to Recom Solutions reassure the residents, mainly from the Totterdown area of Windmill Hill, about their concerns regarding the safety of the building and the quality of the final design.
This is very positive to hear and personally we are pleased to see this building being brought back to life by the owners, Clarion Housing, rather than being left empty. We
More good news: five new bus stops are going into South Liberty Lane. They will first appear as ‘temporary’ bus stops with a pole and flag fairly soon. That will be followed by installation of permanent stops with raised kerbs, road markings and so on. That could take a few months.
There is also, finally, a plan for a project in Ashton Vale that will involve children and young people in the area helping to design sculptures and benches to be dotted around the area.
Again, this is a project that had funding granted some years ago, so it’s really good to see some progress. I’m excited to see what comes out of the discussions with residents.
I RECENTLY met with our neighbourhood police inspector to discuss crime in the area. I raised several concerns including car crime and antisocial behaviour. The police are aware of these issues and stressed the importance of residents reporting all incidents to help the police make informed decisions about where they should focus their time. You can report incidents online at: www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ report/
It’s great to hear that the Duckmoor Road zebra crossing (outside Luckwell Primary School) is scheduled to be installed during February half-term. We’ve been pushing for this for a very long time and so it will be great to see it finally installed!
I know public transport remains
are delighted that Clarion will finish the project to realise 152 new homes delivered in an affordable housing scheme.
The scheme has been adapted to the latest standards with two lifts in the tall building for safety and we want to make sure that the community use areas that are on the ground floor have a clear purpose and will be useful for the local residents, as well as those who will occupy the building.
There were a few questions and concerns about the open space for children’s play; we considered School Park was not appropriate for people to get to because Summer Hill is too steep.
The great news is that there is now a clear timeline, though we will probably not see people living in the building until 2027.
Emily Clarke Labour councillor Bedminster
a key concern for residents across the ward. In Ashton Vale, many residents have raised the lack of bus stops on the 24 bus route – with no bus stops between Langley Crescent and Winterstoke Road.
I have worked with other councillors and met with First Bus to find solutions and am really pleased that five new bus stops will be added to the route on South Liberty Lane. With the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter, I have been pushing to get these additional bus stops as soon as possible. I know there is much more to do and I’ll continue to push bus operators and the council to deliver further improvements.
Please get in touch with me if you have any issues and I will do my best to help.
n NEWS FROM BS3 COMMUNITY – THE CHARITY THAT RUNS THE
SOUTHVILLE CENTRE AND THE CHESSEL CENTRE
Festive Market
Join us on Saturday 30 November for our fabulous Festive Market! It’s on from 10am4pm at our Southville Centre. We have:
• 20 local makers’ stalls
• Santa’s Grotto
• A community stall featuring items handmade by our community groups
• Lucky dip stand
• Face painting & glitter tattoos
• Santa’s Grotto
• Creative workshops
Plus, our BS3 Community café will be open for tasty treats, coffee, and mulled drinks.
Book a space for Santa’s Grotto through our Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3UNEWiA
For more information about the Festive Market, contact us on 0117 923 1039 or info@bs3community.org.uk
Cosy Christmas Films
Join us for a cosy afternoon on Friday 6 December in our Southville Centre. We will be showing two festive films, there will be Christmas craft activities, and our BS3 Community Café will be open for mulled drinks and tasty food. We are showing Stick Man at 4.30pm & The Snowman and the Snowdog at 6pm. FREE entry. No need to book; just drop-in. Feel
free to bring a cushion for your chair and get cosy!
For more information, contact us on 0117 923 1039 or info@bs3community.org.uk
Digital Support Sessions
Do you know anyone who needs some help with digital support?
We have FREE sessions open to all, offering guidance on computers, smart phones and digital devices. Get help with emails, online forms, social media and more. Just drop in. Free tea and coffee available.
NEW Sessions start in Bedminster Library on Mondays 10am-12pm, from 11th November to 12th December, or at our Tuesday Club at Philip Street Chapel, Bedminster, as part our community club for people who live in the BS3 postcode area. Every Tuesday 9.30am – 4pm.
For more information on these groups, get in touch on 0117 923 1039 or via email at info@bs3community.org.uk
n NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS
CAM and I were pleased to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Daventry Road Secondary School in November. We know that this new school has been a long time coming, and for some won’t be ready soon enough, but when it does arrive it will be a real asset to our local community.
We’ll be monitoring the construction to make sure the impact on the surrounding area is minimised, particularly the Park Centre.
We’ve also seen planning applications go in for the floodlights on the newly refurbished tennis courts in Redcatch Park, and for the café building at Redcatch Community Garden. We’ve put in statements of support for both of these
Cam Hayward and Toby Wells Green councillors
Knowle
applications, as they will improve even further the quality of these already great community facilities.
Now that the planning department at the council is returning to better levels of service than in previous years, we hope it won’t take too long for these applications to be approved. Finally, we are sad to see the collapse of the local charity Re:work, and concerned about the impact it could have on the Springfield Community Allotment. However, it looks like another community organisation is ready and willing to step in straightaway, so the allotment will remain open and provide benefits to local people. We’ll monitor the situation and offer our help to ensure a smooth transition.
Budget 2024: What it means for older adults in the UK
ON Wednesday 30 October, Rachel Reeves, the Labour Chancellor, presented the Autumn Budget to Parliament. This was a historic moment in Britain as the first ever budget delivered by a female Chancellor with the promise to improve public services and “fix the NHS”. But what does the budget mean for the 12.7 million older adults across the country?
The government’s controversial policy to means test Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) was not changed in the budget.
Age UK has been campaigning for the government to reconsider this policy given the 2.5 million older adults living in poverty or near poverty that will lose this much needed payment. Older people are both more likely to be living in non-decent, cold homes, and to be more at risk in terms of
ill health as a result.
This also comes at a time when energy prices are again set to increase and whilst the government announced funding (£3.4bn over three years) for the Warm Homes Plan, this does not alleviate the impact of the changes to WFP.
Age UK Bristol are aware there will be many Bristolians struggling to keep warm this winter. If you are online, you can check if you are eligible for Pension Credit through the Government website www. gov.uk/pension-creditcalculator
You can also look at the Age UK benefits calculator to see what types of benefits you might be entitled to. Search “Age UK benefits calculator” on your search engine to find the right website. If you need support
Loft Boarding & Insulation
to claim your benefits, you can contact your local Citizens Advice Agency or call the Age UK Bristol helpline.
There was some good news as the Chancellor confirmed a 4.1% rise in the basic and new State Pension in 2025-26, rising in line with average earnings. Additionally, the decision to increase the earnings limit of the Carer’s Allowance is extremely welcome. The social care system currently depends heavily on unpaid carers in the form of family and friends. The increase will mean that 60,000 more carers will be eligible for government support.
There was also some good news for the NHS with the announcement that there will be an NHS 10 Year Plan that does refer to improvements in meeting older adults’ needs and calling for earlier support to people.
Older adults are the biggest users of healthcare services and therefore the investment of an extra £22.6bn into the NHS for 2025-2026 should be beneficial to older adults up and down the country.
The investment is intended to fund more NHS procedures, diagnostic tests and increase capacity in hospitals and help to tackle the backlog of critical NHS maintenance, repairs and upgrades.
However, given the deficits in NHS budgets across the country, some of this additional funding is already spoken for. Furthermore, social care received an uplift of £600 million yet again this funding will not go far given the scale of the need.
Research by The King’s Fund has found that, overall, only around 42% of requests for social care support result in some form of service. This with population projections and increases in care needs from an ageing population suggest that much more investment is needed in social care. Age UK look forward to hearing about a similar 10 Year Plan for social care from the current government as this is long overdue.
The impact on the voluntary sector shouldn’t be overlooked, either. The increase in employer National Insurance contributions cannot be understated and will bring significant financial pressure at a time when we are coping with increased demand for our support.
Finally, to end on good news, the Budget announced additional funding for local transport, including buses. Overall, the Budget didn’t say a lot specifically about older people but went a little way towards addressing some of the key challenges facing them. However, time will tell how the funding increases are spent, and it is clear this Budget will still leave many in financial difficulty. Age UK Bristol is doing what we can to support the most vulnerable older people in Bristol to claim the benefits that they are entitled to. This service is not supported financially from local or national government, but from local trusts and foundations, and financial donations from individuals. www.ageuk.org.uk
Outstanding for Red Bus Nursery
Red Bus Nursery & PreSchool have announced that after an inspection in October, they have gained an Outstanding rating from Ofsted. This is the fifth consecutive Outstanding inspection for the small nursery group, which has settings across Bristol.
Kay Smith is the Early Years Manager for Red Bus Flax Bourton. A true local to the area, Kay was born and raised in Long Ashton and attending school in Pill. After gaining an Early Years qualification at college, she moved straight to work at a local nursery. She has always stayed close by, gaining additional qualifications whilst simultaneously raising a family in Nailsea.
In 2018 Kay’s role saw her working alongside the creation of Long Ashton’s Children Centre, spending time around social care workers, Speech and Language therapists and SEN support. It was at this time Kay developed a real passion for supporting local families.
“I’ve been working and living here for so long now, I feel I really understand the socio-economic dynamics of the area. I’ve met with families from all kinds of backgrounds, learning a lot about the struggles of some of the most vulnerable families. My experiences gave me what I call my “social care head”! I’m always advocating for the children in my care and their families, sign posting them to ways they can receive help.”
In 2022 Kay joined the Red Bus team as they opened their third setting in Flax Bourton, completely renovating the existing building on Old Weston Road.
“Being able to start a new nursery from scratch, having my knowledge valued and built in from the beginning, being granted autonomy and real influence - all on my doorstep! I couldn’t pass up that opportunity.”
“I have also loved how passionate Liz is in making this setting the best it could be, right from the start. This community needed an Outstanding childcare provider, Liz invested and believed in me and the team to achieve it. I’m so proud of them.”
Link to Ofsted Report - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50260255
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Santa’s Grotto
n WICKED WITCH
In witch we are attacked by an Alsatian
I WAS driving down to the caravan by the sea with Youngest in the back and our fierce little Scrappy Dog riding shotgun, queen of the front seat. All was calm on our drive – until we reached a crossroads.
I slowed, glanced right, then left, and was about to pull forward when Youngest suddenly shouted from the back, “Watch out for the Alsatian!” Startled, I slammed on the brakes just as a large, furry face appeared at the passenger window, inches away, eyeing us with an unsettling intensity
Scrappy, whose opinion of Alsatians has always been firmly negative, did not take kindly to this intrusion. Instantly, she went into a frenzy, snarling, barking, and bravely clawing at the window with her tiny little paws as though she were seconds from ripping that Alsatian to pieces.
Not to be outdone, the Alsatian retaliated
with much bigger woofs and insanely large teeth, pawed at the window determined to push his way inside.
I put my foot down and sped across the junction.
“You’re going to run it over!” Screamed Youngest from the back.
I braked as the Alsatian cut around the front of my car and came up to my window. Scrabbling at my door with his huge paws, drool swinging from its white lips. Scrappy was totally losing it, spitting with rage in her car seat.
As the Alsatian circled back to the passenger door, I noticed a queue of traffic had stopped on the opposite site. Faces watching with shocked expressions, front-row seats to the chaos. The Alsatian jumping up at my car doors, biting at the windows and barking. I finally managed to speed away and
watched in my wing mirror as the dog bounded after us before it gave up and trotted off into a driveway. My heart was racing, Scrappy was breathing heavily, still whimpering and Youngest was looking at her phone checking the footage she’d managed to video.
Goodness knows what it had looked like from the other cars! I’ve watched TikToks of people dumping their pets and the desperate dog chasing their owner’s cars woofing in distress, and I’ve been outraged. That’s exactly what I looked like. I tried to report it to the police who just told me to contact the dog warden, which was helpful.
So, now I’m left with a car door etched with scratch marks and windows splattered with Shepherd slobber, while Scrappy Little Dog’s deep-rooted distrust of Alsatians has been validated once again.
Birthday buses are back after over a million free journeys
Thanks to West of England Mayor Dan Norris, local residents across the South Bristol Voice area will once again be able to enjoy free bus rides throughout the whole month of their birthdays.
Birthday Buses are back and the Mayor says that he hopes the popular plan will go from strength to strength in its second year, after passengers took almost 1.2 million free journeys during its first year.
The Birthday Buses offer entitles every resident (young and old) in the West of England to take unlimited free bus journeys, at any time, across the 350 square miles of our region, throughout the entire month of their birthday. In addition, young people aged under 21 will receive a second month of free travel. The offer runs for 12 months from 1 December 2024.
Speaking at the Birthday Buses re-launch at a First Bus depot, Mayor Dan Norris said: “Birthday Buses has been a big hit with passengers so I’m delighted to
bring it back for a second year.
“Last year more than 72,000 passengers took, on average, around 19 free journeys each. That saved them almost £40 each in fares – not a bad birthday present!
“Even more importantly, people who tried out buses for free during their birthday month have started to make new habits. They are leaving the car at home and now using our region’s buses more often. That’s always been a vital end goal which is so important during the climate emergency.”
The more people that use the bus, the stronger the future for services in the West of England. A more sustainable and growing bus network has many benefits, including faster journey times for passengers and less congestion for everyone else on the road.
An independent report from auditors KPMG found that the first year of Birthday Buses helped cut an estimated 1,100 tonnes of carbon emissions. That’s equivalent to a petrol car driving more than 5 million miles. And for every £1 spent on Birthday Buses, the region saw £2.20 of benefits.
This year, Birthday Bus passes will also bring more birthday bonuses with discounts at local stores and tourism attractions.
In just the first week of registration, 26,500 people signed up. South Bristol Voice readers can apply for their free Birthday Bus month pass at BirthdayBus.
We used Birthday Busesyou can too:
Howard: “I made over 20 journeys. It opened my eyes to routes I hadn’t considered.”
Karon: “It was a lovely gesture to have the pass and if I wasn't given it, I would not have done the journey.”
Georgina: “We applied for a birthday bus pass for each family member. We went to Bath, into town shopping, to an appointment and I increased my use of the office. My son and daughters could catch the bus to school everyday and had the freedom to go out with friends on weekends too. I have been using buses much more since.”
co.uk. Anyone who had a Birthday Bus pass last year will receive an email, which will fast track their application, with no need for a new photo or another form.
Dan Norris added: “I look forward to wishing even more passengers many happy returns and singles.”
n NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP KARIN SMYTH
Improving lives
AS WE near the end of November, our thoughts can turn to Christmas, but for many lower income families this is always a financial challenge.
Around 3000 of our friends and neighbours here in south Bristol are paid the national minimum wage, and that is why I was so pleased that Labour’s Budget last month increased it by 6.7% next April. This will mean a pay rise worth up to £1,400 a year for a full-time worker.
The Budget increased the basic and new state pension significantly, too, so that millions of pensioners will receive up to £475 extra, on top of the rise earlier this year.
In addition, £1 billion was set aside to extend the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments for those in most need.
Labour have made it a clear priority to improve lives and fix the foundations of our country, with vital investment in our public services.
The challenge is huge, and so are the sums of money needed. There will be a boost to public investment of over £100 billion in the next five years, with £22.6 billion to cut waiting times in the NHS and £2.3 billion to recruit 6000 new teachers across the country.
In these economic times,
choices about tax do have to be made. Those taking trips by private jet will pay a lot more, as will those who bought land to avoid inheritance tax, and second home buyers will also pay more, helping to level the playing field for first-time buyers.
I often receive correspondence from local people frustrated with our public services, and I know that too many of us in the last five years have felt a rising sense of hopelessness in the face of a government whose decisions failed to improve the lives of those here in Bristol South.
That is changing thanks to the way Bristol South and the rest of
Karin Smyth shares her views with the Voice
the country voted in July. Please do get in touch with me if you have any issues you would like to raise.
ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade Williams
Pharmacy Minister visits the multi-awardwinning Bedminster Pharmacy
STEPHEN Kinnock MP, the Minister of State Department of Health and Social Care responsible for Community Pharmacy, chose the first visit since taking office to visit the multi-awardwinning Bedminster Pharmacy Team in south Bristol.
He saw and heard firsthand the array of services and relationships that have placed the pharmacy at the centre of accessible neighbourhood population health and wellbeing while also engaging to understand better the challenges facing the sector and the opportunities to help drive forward the Government’s agenda of renewing the NHS, especially now the public consultation to shape this is ongoing. While at the pharmacy, he shared his journey into public service and the values driving his work to make a positive difference. He also chatted with members of the public who were accessing care in the pharmacy,
including local resident Jackie Smith. He also took the opportunity to have his annual winter flu vaccination administered in the pharmacy. A reminder, if you still haven’t had your jabs: Flu and COVID do not respect high office or status.
Stephen Kinnock MP, The Minister of State Department of Health and Social Care, said, “I was delighted to visit Bedminster Pharmacy today and see firsthand their fantastic work. I heard about the challenges that
pharmacies and pharmacists face and saw how integral they are to their community.
“We inherited a broken NHS, where pharmacies have been neglected for years. As we shift care out of the hospital and into the community, we will support community pharmacies and pharmacists who will be crucial to making a healthcare system fit for the future.”
said: “Receiving the Minister provided the opportunity to show firsthand how Community Pharmacies like ours, even in the face of ongoing challenges, continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients. It was good to discuss firsthand the expansive potential to help drive forward the Government’s ambitious plans for NHS renewal. I am especially grateful he took the time to talk with our pharmacy team and patients. Their respective dedication to our team and the trust patients invest in us continues to define the values and success of the NHS and our responsibility as its most accessible outpost.”
Bedminster Pharmacy has won the most UK awards (35), a collection that grew with another four awards in 2024, for championing excellent, innovative, accessible healthcare by working with our community. Thank you for trusting us and putting your care in our hands.
8:30am -
southbristolvoice
n ADVERTORIAL
‘Tis the season to be wary
Words by Lisa Walters RVN from Bristol Imperial Vets4Pets
CHRISTMAS is the time for eating, drinking and being merry, but lots of our favourite festive foods are toxic to our pets and should be kept well out of paws reach.
One of the most common problems we see in pets over the Christmas period is vomiting and diarrhoea from being fed rich food. Holiday food can be very rich and high in fat, so makes it difficult to digest and often causes a condition called pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Meat bones are also very dangerous and can cause intestinal blockages, so keep meat carcasses out of reach.
Chocolate contains a chemical called ‘THEOBROMINE’, which is poisonous to dogs and cats. The higher the cocoa content of the chocolate, the more toxic it is, so dark chocolate is the most toxic. The most common sign of chocolate ingestion is vomiting but a
large dose or ingestion of a high cocoa content chocolate can cause seizures and death.
Tinsel and sparkly lights and decorations can be very appealing to dogs and cats so do not leave them unattended near the tree to save them ingesting any tinsel or chewing any electrical wires. Decorations can also be ingested by dogs and can cause intestinal blockages.
Plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, chrysanthemums and holly can all be toxic to pets if swallowed so take care and keep them out of reach. Lillies are especially poisonous to cats – the whole plant can be toxic, not just the pollen.
At Bristol Imperial Vets4Pets, we are open throughout the festive period for further advice and healthcare, apart from being closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, but our out of hours provider MiNight Vet Bristol can be contacted during these periods on 01275 832410.
n WILDLIFE
Neighbourhood plans
By Ben Barker, Secretary, BS3 Wildlife Group
LAST month, I celebrated the Friends of Gores Marsh’s ideas about making their park more wildlife friendly. Other groups have also responded and we will be talking to Bristol Parks about next steps.
We are also launching our ‘Neighbourhood Plans’, starting with Ashton Vale. Its good wildlife features include the domestic and community gardens in the village itself. Gardens are key to wildlife in an urban setting.
Colliter’s Brook, although polluted, is also important. We are linking up with the Bristol Avon Rivers’ Trust to see how this asset can be improved.
The privately-owned Ashton Wetland is home to various water birds. Much of the rest of the area is factories, the park and ride and other features that are not particularly friendly towards wildlife, but, with a little care and imagination, could be less unfriendly.
We are linking up with people who live in Ashton Vale and to those who visit it. Please contact us, if you want to help.
We are looking at neighbourhoods because much of the local wildlife doesn’t stay in one garden or park, but moves around.
Our second neighbourhood will be ‘Central Bedminster’. This has a very different character from Ashton Vale with many more houses (and gardens!) and a sprinkling of small parks, eg South Street, Gores Marsh and North Street Green. Our approach will be the same: what are the current features supporting wildlife and how can they be made more effective?
By the end of 2025 we may have started looking at, say, a dozen neighbourhoods across BS3, but only if enough people join in and make it happen.
Contact: mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com
(Above) Image by Caroline Rigg at the Ashton Wetlan. (Below) The Ashton Vale Project area
Pickle Street is coming to Bedminster
Bristol’s first immersive role play venue to open on East Street
SET to open in early 2025, in the heart of Bedminster’s vibrant East Street, Pickle Street will be Bristol’s first immersive role play venue for children aged up to seven years. Designed to spark imagination and facilitate meaningful play interactions, this miniaturised version of our beloved city aims to offer children a truly magical experience that encourages creativity, and playful learning, and supports building deeper connections with their caregivers.
Dreamt up by a couple who chose to build their family through adoption, after a traumatic experience of IVF and recurrent miscarriage that spanned more than eight years, Pickle Street embodies a vision for a bright, inclusive and traumainformed future for every kind of family. “Our path to parenthood
wasn’t straightforward,” the couple explained. “And the experiences of friends and family with biological children haven’t always been a picnic either. Whatever your circumstances, it can sometimes feel that support for your family is lacking.”
Thus, in addition to the street itself, which will feature nine joyful areas inspired by popular local hotspots, Pickle Street will be home to an event space that’s perfect for parties and workshops and a small café with an everexpanding line-up of social events to serve the families of the BS3 community and beyond.
It was during their training to become adopters the founders of this independent new business –who wish to remain anonymous to protect their family’s privacy – became aware of the tragic realities experienced by looked after children, and were committed to building secure attachment with their children through playful and therapeutic
parenting.
Described by the National Association of Therapeutic Parents as “a highly nurturing parenting approach, with empathy at its core”, this trauma-informed parenting style is favoured by the adoption community to help children gain trust in their adults and build secure attachments.
“We’re so enthusiastic about creative play and the longterm developmental benefits for children,” said the Pickles.
“And we feel passionately about the impact of play on building a strong family unit. Play was certainly key for us building trust with our children when we met them, and it’s a critical component to the post-adoption support offered by charities such as CCS Adoption via their weekly TOTS group.
“With PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy) forming the foundation of our approach to parenting and childcare, Pickle Street is a
natural progression to sharing these values with others.”
A role play village felt like the ideal space for the couple to achieve their goals because these play spaces are growing in popularity nationally and Bristol does not yet have one.
“Using the concept as a springboard, we want to deliver our customers a space that encourages and celebrates our children’s creativity and imagination, supports their development and props up caregivers too. It’s love that makes a family and we all have that in common. We’re building something we think is pretty magical that will have something to offer all families.”
Work began on bringing this vision to life on 11 November at 92 East Street, so follow Pickle Street at @picklestreetplay on Instagram, search Pickle Street on Facebook and keep an eye out for sneak peaks as well as updates on the all-important opening date.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AT ST GERARD MAJELLA CATHOLIC CHURCH
69 TALBOT ROAD – KNOWLE BS4 2NP
Christmas services:
22nd December 6.30pm – Christingle Service with Carols
24th December 6pm – Christmas Eve mass, Children’s nativity play
24th December 12am – Midnight mass
25th December 10am – Christmas Day mass
Everybody welcome to join the celebrations
23 & 24 November
n RCG CHRISTMAS MARKET, Redcatch Park, Knowle, BS4 2RD, from 11am to 3.30pm. A range of stalls offering gifts, jewellery, cosmetics, homewares, food and more! Plus, homemade goodies, Christmas trees; and more. Warm up with mulled cider, enjoy tasty food and get into the festive spirit with some Christmas tunes.
28 November to 19 January
n HANSEL AND GRETEL Evening performances 7pm. Matinee performances 2pm. Tickets from £16; concessions from £12; Give the gift tickets, from £20. Family Ticket Offer: (4 tickets inc at least one child ticket) 15% off. Tickets via tobaccofactorytheatres. com or 0117 902 0344. Enjoy this mythical and magical fairy-tale by the Brothers Grimm.
30 November
n FESTIVE MARKET, 10am-5pm, Southville Centre. There will be craft activities, music and the café will be open for people to buy festive drinks and treats.
ly/40GZddm or, for more information, email YoungC@carerssupportcentre.org. uk or call 0117 958 9980.
21 December
n REDCATCH COMMUNITY GARDEN TABLE GARLAND WORKSHOP, 10am12pm. £35 (limited spaces). Make your biodegradable festive table decoration, while enjoying festive treats and mulled cider. www.trybooking.com/uk/DXUV
7 December - 5 January
n GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS Bristol Hippodrome. Tickets from £13.00 subject to a transaction fee of £3.95. A festive extravaganza packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, and hair-raising stunts!
18 January
and subsidised visits to gardens throughout the year. To join, go to https://bit.ly/3w6xjKB
Thursdays
n FOREST SCHOOL, Dame Emily Park. 2-4.45pm, Developing a sense of awe and wonder about nature, so together we can save it.
Contact info@forestchild.co.uk
welcome and the cost is just £3.50. No need to book. Find out more about the Grateful Society here: www.gratefulsociety.org
30 November
Last Thursday in the Month n JAZZ@THEPARK The last Thursday of the month, 2.30-4.30pm. Everyone is
First Saturday of the Month n WINDMILL HILL MARKET, 10.00am til 3.00pm, now til December. Showcasing a variety of handmade items such as ceramics and pottery, clothing, accessories, homeware and décor, jewellery, prints and illustrations. Plus, street food, local food drink produce, slow fashion and more.
VICTORIA PARK BAPTIST CHURCH WINTER FAYRE 1-4pm.
3 December
n SOUTH BRISTOL YOUNG CARERS GROUP, ages 11-17. Every other Tuesday. The Gatehouse, Gatehouse Avenue, Bristol BS13 9JN. Take a break, make new friends, talk to a youth worker and take part in fun activities. There will also be food. Transport may be available. Register your interest via https://bit.
n SOUTH BRISTOL SKILLS ACADEMY OPEN EVENT, 10am – 1pm. The Boulevard, Bristol BS14 0DB. Find out about the college, courses and facilities. Meet staff and talk about your next steps. Courses include: Beauty Therapy; Bricklaying; Construction and the Built Environment (including T Level and HE); GCSE English and Maths; uniformed services, sports; & more!
Upcoming events:
n FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, REDROPE THEATRE PRODUCTION, Arnos Vale Cemetery. 12th November-6th December. Christmas Wreath Workshops, 14 December. ABC’s of Victorian Mourning, Online Talk, 4 December. Christmas Market, 8 December. Carol Concert, 15 December. Kids Activities: Stomping Story- Stick Man, 14 December, Natural Winter Craft workshops, 14 December, Den Building, 15 December, Dome Club Planetarium, Christmas Special 2022 December
First Wednesday of the month n SOUTH BRISTOL GARDENING CLUB, St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Southville. Annual membership £25. A friendly club and new members are very welcome. Club members enjoy free regular talks from expert speakers
PREGNANCY YOGA
Breathe, Stretch, Move, Relax
THURSDAYS @ 6.30PM
Redcatch Community Centre
BOOK YOUR SPACE: MOMOYOGA.COM/HEALING-PATH-YOGA
HEALING _ PATH _ YOGA
*Baby and Me Yoga starting from Jan 2024 email Hannah.vinyasayoga@gmail.com for more info
The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver It’s time for panto season
OH yes it is! For many of us, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the pantomime. Panto season is a time for laughter, fun and a large dose of good, oldfashioned silliness—a festive experience as beloved as decorating the tree, wrapping presents, or gathering around the Christmas table.
But what is it about pantomime that makes it such a special part of the Christmas period?
Pantomime’s rich history dates back to the 1500s, when it grew out of the Italian tradition of Commedia dell’arte. This early form of theatre was known for its lively clowning, exaggerated characters, and spontaneous audience interaction. Commedia performances featured stock characters and slapstick routines, creating comedy that appealed to all ages and social classes and this unique artform would eventually make its way to England.
By the 18th century, pantomime had become a big hit in Britain. In 1806, a production of Mother Goose at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden introduced the first-
ever ‘pantomime dame’. The dame character has since become an iconic part of British pantomime, known for outrageous costumes, big personalities, and endless charm. Over the years, the dame has come to symbolise the spirit of panto itself: funny, larger than life, and a little bit mischievous.
Though today’s pantomimes tend to last around two hours, some early performances were famously long. A legendary 1900 production of Sleeping Beauty and the Beast at Drury Lane Theatre ran for over five hours! You’d definitely need a never-ending supply of sweets and plenty of “It’s behind you” to get through that!
But part of the magic of pantomime is how it brings people together. Panto has a way of breaking down the usual boundaries of theatre, encouraging audience members to become part of the show. It’s a shared experience that appeals to everyone, whether you’re a regular theatre-goer or someone who only attends seasonally. For many families, a visit to the panto has become an annual tradition, passed down
from generation to generation.
This year, South Bristol has a fantastic selection of pantos lined up, and there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to be a part of the action yourself with BS3Cinderella, following the breadcrumbs with Hansel and Gretel or keen to see the big stars in Bristol Hippodrome’s Goldilocks and The Three Bears.
So, as the nights grow longer and the air fills with the scent of mince pies and mulled wine, gather your loved ones, don your Christmas jumpers, and head out to your local theatre for some festive magic.
Happy Christmas:)
The Christmas Tree Collection returns n ADVERTORIAL
THE St Peter’s Hospice Christmas Tree Collection returns to your neighbourhood from 10-12 January 2025! Enjoy a hassle free Christmas clear up — simply sign up, make a donation, leave your tree outside and the Hospice will recycle it for charity.
A suggested donation of £20-25, or whatever you can afford, is advised per tree. Make a donation and support your local hospice in making a difference to patients and their families.
St Peter’s Hospice is collecting in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire with the
n LOCAL SPORT
Girls’ team offer coaching roles
FOOTBALL: Mendip Broadwalk are seeking young coaches to help with their Under-8s girls’ team.
It would be great way to build a CV or towards the Duke of Edinburgh award.
The girls train on Fridays at Merchant’s Academy Astro, 5.30-6.30pm. Contact the club for more details via their Facebook page – facebook.com/ mendip.broadwalkfc/
Knowle success
FOOTBALL: Brislington FC need more volunteers to join their community of dedicated helpers. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the Jewson Western League club, including match day stewards, clubhouse staff, stadium maintenance and more flexible opportunities without needing to commit to specific hours or days.
For details, contact the club via their Facebook page –tinyurl.com/BrisFace
Sixes of the best
FOOTBALL: There was a great turnout for the first session of Ashton Boys U6s at Greville Smyth Park.
Thanks were expressed to all the players and families for going along and all seemed to enjoy the session.
Anyone interested in joining the thriving club can email enquiries.ashtonfc@gmail. com for more information.
Olympic-level coaching
MARTIAL ARTS: A reigning British champion has joined the team at Sweatbox Gym.
The Princess Street training facility has appointed 2024 Paris Olympian and 2022 Commonwealth Games competitor Lele Nairne as a one-to-one judo coach.
Nairne, who finished seventh at the 2022 World Masters, has an amazing pedigree with a silver medal at the European
U23 Championships, four World Cup medals and nine British Championship medals to her name.
She is the current under57kg British champion and a Sweatbox Gym spokesman said: “Lele is a star. Don’t miss the chance to train with one of the best.”
For more details, email admin@sweatboxgym.com
Golden double victors
Lining up for the chance to grab a fella!
RUGBY UNION: Female supporters of Old Redcliffians RFC are being given the chance to grab a fella!
Ladies Day at the Old Reds is on November 23 when the National League Two West team take on Exeter University at Scotland Lane
For £15 per person, ladies can enjoy prosecco, a buffet, matchday bets and entertainment.
However, a special event promises to be the highlight of the day with a player auction taking place.
MARTIAL ARTS: Bedminster Judokwai are celebrating a haul of medals after successes at competitions in Kidderminster and Devizes.
The squad of five club members won four medals.
The teenagers/adults won a gold and a bronze in
Kidderminster, with the juniors matching that in Devizes.
Paul Taylor, of Bedminster Judokwai, said: “All fighters fought well and gave 100% against some good fighters from all over the South West, Wales and the Midlands.”
Harlequins seek family members
RUGBY UNION: Bristol Harlequins are seeking new members of their ‘family’. They are seeking anyone with a passion for the game who is ready to take their game to the next level.
Also welcome is anyone just starting out and wanting to give rugby a go.
Experienced players or those new to the sport are being sought
by the Harlequins who are offering competitive rugby for all abilities, top-notch coaching from former Bristol captain Iain Grieve, and excellent training facilities
The club has a welcoming, supportive team atmosphere with regular social events and community spirit.
Training is held on Tuesdays, 7pm, at Valhalla, BS4 5RG.
A club spokesman said: “Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a club with rich history and a bright future.
Whether you’re looking to push your limits or just stay fit and have fun, there’s a place for everyone.”
For more details, call 0117 972 1650, email info@ bristolharlequins.com or go along to one of the training sessions.
A club spokesman said: “The ladies are invited to bid for the chance to have a player of their own for the evening – whether that’s for a dance or a trip to the bar, the boys are ready to impress!”
All profits will go towards clubhouse and grounds improvements.
To get your team or club included, please send your reports and club news to: sbvsport@ outlook.com
The deadline for the next edition is Friday, December 6, but the earlier you can send, the better.
Bedminster Judokwai medal winners, back from left: Sam Barker, Lee Diggle and Archie Hawkins with youngsters Ethan and Annabelle at the front
Olympian Lele Nairne
Walking football – players needed!
NAILSEA Walking Football Club is recruiting new players for its mixed walking football team.
If you are an ex-footballer or would just like to keep fit and meet new friends and be a part of a great club, why not give it a go?
Players need to be over 50 for men and over 35 for women – the team currently has nine women in the squad – and it
● TV Aerials & Satellites
● Extra Points ● Repairs
● Sky Work Undertaken
● Telephone Extensions ● TV Wall Mounting
● CCTV ● Data Points & Wi-Fi Extensions
● TV/DAB/FM Multi Point Systems
Call Nick on 07970 529787 Email: theaerialco@yahoo.com
plays in mixed teams. If interested, why not go along and watch first and have a chat about the game?
At the moment, Nailsea Walking Football Club trains at Backwell School Old Gym on a Monday 6:45 to 8 o’clock and Bristol Grammar School 3g pitch on Thursdays, 6:45 to 8 o’clock.
For more information, please ring or text Dave on 0793 937 4147.
