South Bristol resident is giving people with disabilities their voices back
A company based in Bristol, Smartbox, has recently made global headlines after using AI to give Sarah Ezekiel, a woman with motor neurone disease, her voice back.
THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM responsible for this is led by local resident, Simon Poole. They create assistive technology for people who cannot rely on speech to communicate; this may be because of a condition they were born with, like cerebral palsy or autism, or something that may have happened in later life, like Motor Neurone Disease or a stroke.
Ms Ezekiel was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2000 while pregnant with her second child. Her condition progressed quickly, leaving her unable to use her hands and unable to speak, she was without access to communication tools until 2005.
The only clip sent to Smartbox to recreate her voice
was from an old VHS tape and just eight seconds long. The audio was also muffled with lots of background noise. To do this Mr Poole used two AI technologies from the company ElevenLabs. The first was a voice isolator, and the second was their voice cloning tool. These tools restored her voice, giving her the same cockney accent and slight lisp she had before she lost the
ability to speak.
"I love having my voice back, I almost cried when I first heard it. My kids couldn’t remember what my voice used to sound like, but now they can hear the real me again," Ms Ezekiel said.
Mr Poole said: “Every project we work on has a direct human impact. While Sarah’s story made global headlines, it’s
Continued on Page 3
Sarah Ezekiel with her son Eric and her Smartbox communication aid.
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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.
Ellie Freeman Green, Bedminster
Email: cllr.ellie.freeman@bristol.gov.uk
By phone: 0738 669 8680
Emily Clarke Labour, Bedminster
Email: cllr.emily.clarke@bristol.gov.uk
Phone: 0738 669 8678
Tony Dyer, Green, Southville Phone: 0758 418 2862
Email: Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS
Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 01179222000 Waste, roads 01179222100
Pests, dog wardens 01179222500 Council tax 01179222900
Follow us on social media:
Christine Townsend Green, Southville Phone: 0758 418 3843
Email: Cllr.Christine. Townsend@bristol.gov.uk
Cam Hayward Green, Knowle Email: cam.hayward@ bristolgreenparty.org.uk
Toby Wells Green, Knowle. Phone: 07386 698771
Email: toby.wells@bristolgreenparty.org. uk
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
Housing benefit 01179222300
Social services 01179222900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999
Continued from front page
�PUBLISHER’S NOTE
It’s getting to my favourite time of the year. Crunchy leaves, wooly hats, cold but dry weather (please) and beautiful colours in nature.
South Bristol is so lucky to not only have lots of green spaces, but many many trees lining our streets adding to the beauty around us.
This month we have a busy edition with school open days, an eating out guide for those evenings with the last glimpses of sunshine and updates on roadworks and planning around the area.
Enjoy and share your copy with a friend once you’re done!
typical of what we do day-today—finding creative ways to restore a voice or a means of communication or independence to people who otherwise wouldn’t have one.”
The technology that helps give people voices that are more human and expressive, rather than the robotic voices associated with assisted speech, was once experimental and limited to research labs is now becoming more accessible to people in their daily lives thanks to AI.
“All of our product development is done right here in Bristol - so every person here plays a part in developing technology that changes lives around the world. There’s a lot of pride in knowing that work happening in Bristol can have such far-reaching effects,” said Mr Poole.
The company ElevenLabs are
currently making their AI voices available for free to people with speech disabilities through their Impact Program, they are aiming to give away one million voices to people who need them. The Bristol based company Smartbox is a key partner to deliver them. Anyone can get in touch with them if they think they know someone who could benefit from this service.
Mr Poole said: “One of the best things about working at Smartbox is hearing first-hand stories of the impact our technology has on people. You really get to see the value of what you do. It's quite humbling working at a place where you can make that kind of a difference.”
He also added that Smartbox is always growing and that there are lots of opportunities for people to join them if they have relevant skills and experience.
Story by Joshua Churcher
South Bristol Voice is also now digital
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 QR code to the right.
Victoria Park Fun Day
The Vicky Park Fun Day looked like it might be a soggy affair, but the British weather had other ideas.
BETWEEN THE SHOWERS, sunshine broke through and brought with it plenty of smiles. Two very young visitors summed it up perfectly, arriving prepared for anything, the very picture of our Great British “keep calm and carry on” spirit.
The Park was buzzing with life. Stalls, rides, crafts and community groups all came together in one of South Bristol’s most loved green spaces, creating a very vibrant mix. The music
stage was a real highlight, showcasing a line-up of fantastic local talent, including Chickapella and the energetic Kaboozle Samba band, who got people bopping along.
The fun day wouldn’t have been complete without its everpopular dog show. Local pooches showed off their finest tricks, tails, and tantrums, much to the delight of a cheering crowd.
Over in the beer tent, Bristol Beer Factory once again proved
themselves to be great supporters of local life. Through their “Brewed to Give” initiative, they supplied the booze for the beer tent and helped raise funds that help nourish Bristol’s community events and organisations.
None of this would have been possible without Shaun Hennessey, head of the Victoria Park Action Group (VPAG), and his dedicated team of volunteers. Their hard work and determination pulled off another hugely successful event, showing what passion and community spirit can achieve, come rain or shine!
Events like the Victoria Park Fun Day are the heartbeat of our community. They bring people together, celebrate local talent and give us all the chance to enjoy the space we share. This much-loved event has become a local legend, and long may it continue. In these troubled times we need them more than ever.
If you’d like to support the work of VPAG, donations can be made here:
https://pay.sumup.com/ b2c/QWOGHQZV
Every penny raised helps them carry on the good work!
Bath Road shared path upgrade
‘Absolutely horrendous’ bike lane in Bristol to get upgraded with potential new bridge.
AN “ABSOLUTELY
HORRENDOUS” bike lane in Bristol will finally get upgraded with transport planners exploring the potential for a new bridge. The narrow pavement on the wide A4 Bath Road south of Temple Meads is shared between people walking and cycling and is a very busy route.
Pedestrians and cyclists squeeze past each other on the tiny pavement to get from South Bristol neighbourhoods like Totterdown, Knowle and Brislington to the city centre or Temple Meads. Cycling there can feel dangerous and precarious next to fast travelling cars and lorries.
Bristol City Council is now exploring options for how to improve this, spending £712,000 from a Department for Transport grant on developing a business
case. Councillors on the transport policy committee welcomed the potential upgrades on Thursday, September 11.
Labour Councillor Tim Rippington said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see the Bath Road scheme will be getting looked at. I actually proposed closing one of the lanes on the Bath Road during the pandemic to enable more people to walk up and down there, but unfortunately nobody agreed with me at the
time. It would have been a very good thing to do.
“That path up and down the Bath Road is absolutely horrendous for cyclists and pedestrians. If you want to encourage more people to come in from my area, Brislington, then doing something about that footpath and cycleway is absolutely imperative. The only way you’re going to be able to do this is to widen outwards.”
The scheme looks at the route
along the A4 Bath Road Bridges roundabout, up to the Three Lamps junction with the A37 Wells Road. This is already a very busy location and is expected to get busier, with a massive development planned for the nearby Arena Island as well as the new southern entrance to Temple Meads where the Kwik-Fit garage was.
One option could be to build a new bridge between the Three Lamps junction and Cattle Market Road. More than 4,000 people use the shared path every day, according to council figures. It’s unclear when the designs will be revealed, or when the final plans will actually get built out.
Green Cllr Cam Hayward added: “As a Knowle councillor, this links up to the Wells Road that goes through my ward. I would like us to consider cheaper options around reallocating road space on the existing bridges.”
Article by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
�LOCAL COMMUNITY FACILITY AND FUNDRAISER
Dive Into The Jubilee-athon: Bristol’s 24-Hour Swimathon Extravaganza
Swimmers of all ages and abilities are being urged to join a spectacular 24-hour swimathon at Jubilee Community Swimming Pool, in Knowle, to help raise much needed funds to keep the pool afloat.
SWIMMERS WILL COMPLETE as many lengths as possible in their chosen hourly slot, between1pm on11th October and 1pm on 12th October2025. Together, our hope is that swimmers will cover 13,000 lengths—the equivalent of swimming from Jubilee Pool in Knowle all the way to Jubilee Pool in Penzance, a distance of 191 miles.
Under starters orders from the Lord Mayor of Bristol, this ambitious challenge will see the pool buzzing with energy as swimmers take turns around the clock buoyed on by music and
just a little bit of mayhem.
Julie Laming, Chair of Trustees, Jubilee Pool, said: “Whether you're an experienced swimmer or just love to paddle, all swimming abilities and levels are invited to dive in and join us. We are looking for individuals, teams, sports and community groups or a whole family to come together to
support a fantastic cause.
“This year we have a fun ‘Swim Cap-walk’, our very own challenge to madly decorate your swim cap and swim your first length in costume. There will be spot prizes every hour for the best creations by under and over 12s.
“Jubilee Pool remains at the very heart of our community and we need your support to ensure it is affordable, inclusive and accessible to all for years to come. We offer a range of swimming lessons for children and adults, with sessions for those with disabilities, learning and sensory needs and for health and wellbeing, as well as aqua discos, inflatable sessions and parties.
“The Swimathon is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we desperately need funds to go towards ongoing roof repairs and our day-to-day
ADVERTORIAL
operating costs.”
Individuals, families, and businesses etc. can sign up atJubilee-athon Event Page. Entry costs £10 per adult, £6 per child. Each booking secures a 55-minute swim slot and participants are encouraged to fundraise through sponsorship.
To cheer on the swimmers there will be entertainment from local Shanty Groups and choirs as well as food and drink stalls full of sweet and savoury treats. Libby, our fabulous sports massage therapist, will be in action on Sunday ready to massage away all those niggly tight muscles.
For more information about Jubilee Pool, please visit jubileepoolbristol.co.uk
Finding the Right Running Shoes for You �
THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR provides the foundation for comfortable and efficient movement. Good quality running shoes are cushioned enough to absorb impact, structured enough to maintain stability and flexible enough to be responsive.
Shoes serve different purposes and accommodate individual foot types and running styles. Investing in the right pair will enhance efficiency, reduce fatigue and contribute to a safer, more enjoyable running experience.
There are several types and categories of running shoes designed to cater to different running styles, foot shapes and terrains. A gait analysis helps runners choose the most suitable footwear for their specific needs. Once you know what type of shoe you need, consider the following three phases:
1. Fit – ensure the length and width are right. You want space at the front of the shoe and your foot should not feel squashed. Remember it is completely normal
to size up and every brand fits differently.
2. Feel – ensure the shoe addresses your needs. Think about what you want to do in the shoe. Is it for easy road running? Would you like to run faster or race? Or are you planning on exploring the trails?
3. Ride – ensure the shoe performs how you want it to. Think about your individual movement style and unique foot profile. A gait analysis will identify movement deficiencies that a shoe can help address.
For the optimal running experience, these three phases seamlessly work together by transitioning smoothly from one to the next. Remember not every shoe works for everyone which is why it is so important to try shoes before purchase. It can be overwhelming trying to understand all the different types of running shoes. Kinisi Run Hub will help you navigate the varying categories and narrow down the options to find the right shoe for you!
Photo: Faye Hedges
Blame game over £450 parks fees as Greens claim Labour behind controversial plan
Greens have blamed Labour for a controversial plan to charge £450 for people to hold exercise classes in Bristol’s parks. Bristol City Council has now paused unpopular proposals to start charging businesses which use parks across the city after a huge public backlash.
Professional dog walkers and personal trainers were among some of the many people who would be affected by the new plans for park licences, initially due to be rolled out next month. These could still go ahead at some point, pending conversations about the potential impacts.
The sudden u-turn has thrown up a confusing example of how the new committee-run council works. The plans were signed off by Liberal Democrat Councillor Stephen Williams, the chair of the public health and
communities policy committee. But the u-turn was initially announced by the Greens, who said the fees of £450 a year were “inappropriate”.
Labour criticised the plans, calling the fees a “scandalous cash-grab”, which “hurts working people and should never have been approved in the first place”. Now however, the Greens have said the parks licences were actually first approved by the Labour cabinet a few years ago.
Green Councillor Patrick McAllister said: “I must call out the behaviour of the Labour Party on this issue. There is a repeating pattern of Labour criticising the current administration for decisions the previous Labour administration passed.
“This parks licensing decision was passed by Labour’s cabinet. If they felt it was a bad idea they
had until 2024 to reverse it instead of just leaving it in a cowardly limbo. And unlike the Green Party, Labour has an administration position on the committee that governs parks right now.
“Labour: don’t blame the Green Party for a decision you took and supported. Just like you can’t blame the Green Party because Labour decided to put the Bottle Yard Studios up for sale, or committed the council to the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood. The enormity of the cynicism and dishonesty of the Bristol Labour is matched only by their stubborn inevitability.”
Labour ran the council from 2016 to 2024 under the former mayor Marvin Rees. From the outset, his administration grappled with austerity as councils across the country were forced to shrink the services they offer due to a sharp reduction in government funding. This included spending less money on parks and exploring ways to generate income from them.
Fridays,9:30am-11:30am
Asachurch,weloveourcityandwelongtohelpthoseinneed Foodbankprovidespeoplewithemergencyfoodassistance Forfurtherenquiriespleaseemail:vpbcfoodbank@gmailcom
https://wwwvictoriaparkorguk
Seven years ago the cabinet approved plans to look at charging businesses fees to use the city’s parks. This followed a public consultation, but was never rolled out. The idea resurfaced in 2021, when one council boss told the communities scrutiny commission, a cross-party group of councillors, that new licences would affect personal trainers and professional dog walkers.
In a cabinet meeting in 2018, Asher Craig, former deputy mayor responsible for communities, said the plan to generate income included “introducing new and competitive fees and charges for any business operating from a park or green space”. She added: “This includes fitness instructors, dog walkers, balloon flights and any other businesses using public open space.”
Because the decision had already been made, council bosses were technically allowed to finally roll out the licences this autumn, after consulting with Cllr Williams, the chair of the public health committee. But
Greens, and now Labour, say this shouldn’t have happened given how much time has passed. Labour said licences were never rolled out because they were a “bad idea”.
Cllr Tom Renhard, leader of the Labour group, said: “Let’s be clear on the facts. The cabinet did vote to explore this in 2018. After looking at it, they concluded it was a bad idea. That’s why it was never implemented. While council officers brought back these proposals on multiple occasions, the former cabinet member stood her ground and showed leadership on this issue.
“The Greens and Lib Dems took a different view and signed these plans off. It’s not rocket science. [Cllr McAllister] has also conveniently forgotten that the Green Party leader of the council and Green Party policy chairs were consulted on this cash-grab on June 17, as part of their regular ‘cabinet’ meeting. They had the opportunity to scrap it; they didn’t take it.”
This refers to the regular meeting of all the eight policy committee chairs, six of whom are Greens and two are Liberal Democrats. These meetings aren’t open to the public to attend and no minutes are published.
Cllr Renhard added: “He can feign ignorance all he wants. The facts are: the Green-Lib Dem administration voted to implement fees for dog walkers, privatise the Bottleyard Studios and send in the heavies to implement the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood. If this decision was taken under Labour, why is it happening in September 2025?
“All they have to show for their time in office is bonkers plans to cut bin collections; a gutted council house-building programme; and a series of humiliating u-turns. The Greens have failed to deliver on any of their promises — why should the public believe a single word they say?”
Article by Alex Seabrook,
Local Democracy Reporter
ADVERTORIAL
Casa Latina: A Culinary Journey from Mexico to Patagonia �
At the heart of our community, Casa Latina stands as a bridge of flavours and cultures. From vibrant Mexican tacos to the succulent dishes of Patagonia, each recipe at Casa Latina tells a story of tradition and passion.
honouring British traditions with our Sunday roast—a gesture that beautifully blends the best of both worlds.
We invite you to experience this unique journey, where every bite is an adventure and every dish is a celebration of diversity. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms at Casa Latina!
Our commitment goes beyond just food; it’s about cultural integration. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, Casa Latina celebrates the richness of Latin American cuisine while also
Meet the Bristolian sisters who are paving the way for women in the water industry
The sisters, Harriet and Daisy Pearce-Lyons, both work for Bristol Water as leak inspectors and have “soared in confidence” since starting at the company.
Both women work in the leakage team and spend their days supporting Bristol Water’s efforts to reduce leaks with specialist equipment such as Enigma Pods and Ground Microphones.
Harriet said: “My confidence has massively improved since starting this role. I’m proud to be working in this profession as a woman as it’s still mostly men. It’s a good feeling to be challenging stereotypes and showing others what we can do. We’re treated equally and everyone has been so supportive.
“I love being outside, working with amazing people and learning so much from them. People are always shocked when we tell them about our job as
most people have never heard of such a thing! It feels nice to be helping customers and saving water for our community.”
Daisy was a postwoman but joined Bristol Water in 2022 and recommended the role to her younger sister, who followed suit in 2024.
They are part of a 40-strong team of leakage experts who work around the clock to ensure water isn’t wasted in the
7,000km network of pipes supplying over a million people with drinking water each day.
The siblings are hoping to forge a path for women in a traditionally male dominated sector.
Daisy said: “Harriet and I were close growing up, but this job has brought us even closer together. It’s such a unique job. We often get the public coming up to us and asking what we’re
doing. They’re always fascinated when we explain what we’re up to and how we find leaks.
“As soon as I started at Bristol Water my managers were so enthusiastic and encouraging. Their positivity was infectious; I could tell everyone cared about the job. I’d really recommend a role like this for anyone who loves being outside and doing hands on problem solving, or for anyone who struggles to sit behind a desk all day.”
Richard Stanbrook, General Manager of Water Services at Bristol Water, said: “Our leak inspectors do fantastic work over a large network area and we’re especially proud to have Harriet and Daisy on the team. Each day they go out into the field and help us save water by identifying leaks while at the same time setting a shining example that these roles are for everyone.”
Bristol Opera is relocating to Philip Street, Bedminster �ADVERTORIAL
Bristol Opera’s music season for 2025-2026 starts with a new venture, a new rehearsal venue and new stage production: a performance of Smetana’s Bartered Bride in April 2026.
As a non-professional, community singing group, we perform fully staged, colourful and entertaining popular operas with a professional orchestra and soloists whilst having fun along the way. Our show week maybe a tiring experience but it is always an exhilarating one especially when we reflect upon what has been achieved after a few months of rehearsals.
Our latest venture is a ‘Come and Sing’on September 20th , during which singers can join the company for the day to rehearse some of the most loved and well- known opera choruses. The day will finish with a free informal concert to which friends and family are invited, to listen to the pieces we’ve rehearsed during the day. We hope that our singing guests might then be tempted to join the company for
our April production.
We are a diverse group of singers of all ages and backgrounds. Some of our members have singing lessons but many do not as the society always provides learning tracks to support chorus members learn their parts; so being able to sight read is not a pre-requisite for joining the company.
If you are tempted to seek out your inner voice while having fun along the way, then join us for a ‘no obligation rehearsal’one eveningright on your doorstep - at our new venue, Philip Street Chapel, Bedminster.
We rehearse between 7:30 and 9:30pm on a Thursday and would welcome the readers of the South Bristol Voice or indeed anyone keen to give opera a go!
Whether it’s singing, set building, production design, lighting or stage craft of any sort we would love to hear from you!
Bartered Bride has a circus element in it too, so if anyone has those skills then that would be an added bonus!
If you would like to attend our ‘Come and Sing’concert on the 20th , to meet the company and its members then please pop along to Trinity-Henleaze URC at 4pm where you will be in for a real treat and a very warm welcome.
www.bristolopera.co.uk
From Pallets to Pride: Young Adults Find Confidence in Woodworking at Redcatch Community Garden
Every Thursday, a small group of young adults gather at Redcatch Community Garden in Knowle with tools in hand, ready to transform discarded wooden pallets into planters and window boxes.
NOTE: Names have been changed to protect privacy.
CATALYSED BY OUR YOUTH CLIMATE PROJECTS, the group are gaining confidence, finding joy in discovering hidden skills and interests, and creating a strong sense of community.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
The woodworking group brings together young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with learning differences and young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Under the patient guidance of Cher, an education practitioner, and Barrie, a carpenter, the group has flourished.
Max, one of the participants,
beams as he explains:“I’ve been working with Barrie! Hammering things, drilling. We’ve been sawing and sanding. We’ve done planters!”
For many, these are new experiences. Harry’s parents were astonished when he proudly
presented them with a planter he had built. His mum called it“the most wonderful present I have received”and said,“Harry absolutely lives for coming to Redcatch Community Garden every week.”
Discovering Hidden Passions
Harry’s father admitted they never imagined he would enjoy woodworking:“He’d shown no interest or aptitude for it before. What you’ve done, Barrie, is really special.”
Barrie has watched Harry’s progress with pride:“He couldn’t use a hammer at first. Now he can hammer, put nails in and he doesn’t even need help. He can do it himself.”
Asked how the group makes him feel, Harry’s answer was simple:“Happy!”
Building Skills for Life
The sessions also provide valuable experience for others, like Jake, who hopes to pursue a career in carpentry:“It’s almost work experience to me. This is my first step into dealing with wood structures.”
Another participant, Joe, has already started using his skills at home:“Me and my housemate made a birdhouse, and now
we’re building a stand for my bike!”
Peer Support and Mentorship
One of the most inspiring aspects of the group is the natural peer support that has emerged. Parents notice the mentoring role that young people like Jake play for others. Harry’s dad summed it up:“It’s like having an older brother for them, a role model.”
About Redcatch Community Garden
Redcatch Community Garden (RCG) was established in 2017 on the site of a former bowling green in Redcatch Park. Run as a Charitable Community Benefit Society, it has grown into a welcoming hub where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect with food, nature, and each other. Alongside projects like woodworking, RCG runs art therapy groups, children’s activities, dementia art therapy sessions, and community lunches - all aimed at improving wellbeing, tackling isolation, and addressing food insecurity.
How You Can Help
The woodworking group is thriving, but like many of RCG’s initiatives, once funding comes to an end, it depends on donations and cafe, shop and events revenue to continue. Every pound raised helps sustain opportunities like these for young people who need them most.
If you’d like to support the group, or even pre-order a handmade planter, please email cath@redcatchcg.com
The woodworking group working together to build a planter
Memorial planned to commemorate South Bristol’s mining history
The Bedminster Coalminers Heritage Group has launched a project to raise money for “A physical lasting memory” for the miners who lost their lives in the Bedminster coal mines.
Coal mining was a major industry in Bedminster since the first pit opened in 1748. There were four main pits in South Bristol: Malago Vale, Dean Lane, Ashton Vale, and South Liberty. The last of them to close was the South Liberty pit which shut in 1925. 100 years later there is still no dedicated memorial to the miners or the industry, apart from pub names, even though at least 150 men died in accidents across these mines.
However, the Bedminster Coalminers Heritage Group has set up a Crowdfunder to raise
money for one. The group has said that the memorial will be somewhere in the Dean Lane area and will come in two stages, firstly with statues of 6-foot-tall metal miners and then ceramic plaques.
On the fundraiser page a spokesperson for the group said: “Miners were the bedrock of Bedminster and Ashton, working in cramped, dark and damp conditions ... ones that we can only begin to imagine, and they helped shape Bedminster and its community at a time of rapid industrial growth.”
The two worst tragedies to occur in the mines of Bedminster were the Dean Lane pit disaster, September 10, 1886; and the Malago Vale pit disaster, August 31, 1891, where a total of 20 men died in the mines.
In the Dean Lane pit disaster 10 men died because of a buildup
of flammable gas, known as firedamp, was ignited by an open-flame light. The force of the explosion was so great that the cage was blown up the shaft into the pulley. This tragedy was the first to bring attention to the dangerous conditions of the Bedminster mines and how safety regulations were needed.
Just five years later another explosion occurred at the Malago Vale Colliery where 10 more men would die. In the early hours of Monday morning, 28 men were working the night shift in the mine. Before their shift began, a
section of roofing had collapsed, releasing gas that built up underground. It was ignited also by the naked flame of a miner’s lamp causing the tragic loss of life. During the day shift more than 200 men worked the mine, if this explosion had happened just a few hours later the disaster could have been far deadlier.
To contribute to the fundraiser visit:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ in-memory-of-thebedminster-coal-miners
Story by Joshua Churcher
Front Page of Malago Magazine Image from Bedminster Coalminers Heritage Facebook Group
Secrets, smelting and solder...
In 2022, our team excavated the remains of a Victorian smelting works in #Bristol, known as Bedminster Smelting Works.
BUILT IN 1840 by metal refiner Capper Pass II, very little was known about the venture as the machinations of the smelting works had been a closely guarded secret in their heyday.
For many years the company barely broke even, extracting a variety of metals from waste products, as well as gold and silver from gilded buttons. Our team found evidence that smelting furnaces were built and rebuilt in quick succession as
they honed their design, a clear sign that the company was constantly innovating. Luckily for Pass, his experiments were destined to pay off.
In 1866, they discovered a product that would prove highly profitable – solder – the multipurpose ‘glue’ of the Victorian era. Solder was an essential product used for sticking all manner of metal objects together, from candlesticks to apple-roasters and, most notably, food cans. The rise of canning meant perishable goods could be stored safely for long periods, lowering the cost of food for Britain’s growing urban population. Increased access to
piped water would also create a demand for solder, along with the burgeoning electrical and automotive industries. After WW1, when the market became oversaturated, the Pass family decided to turn to tin-smelting where they created several inventions that were closely guarded secrets.
�ADVERTORIAL
The astonishing success of the business led to a rags-to-riches style ascension for the Pass family: from Capper Pass I’s hand-to-mouth life marred by criminality, to Alfred Pass, who became a pillar of Bristol society and retired to a large country estate in Dorset.
Visit our Open Library for the full publication:
https://ow.ly/ufrZ50WTNPe
Article and Images by Bristol & Bath Heritage Consultancy Ltd / Wessex Archaeology
Want to save some money?
Start with a clear out
Have you ever bought batteries, even though you knew you already had some? Because it was easier to buy more than to try to find them.
YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED how much money a declutter can save you.Cluttered cupboards hide money saving opportunities; like that perfect gift you bought months ago but forgot about, or those weights you’ve been meaning to sell.
After decluttering, you won’t
need to spend money on things you already own because you’ll know exactly what you have and where you keep them.
Clearing the clutter makes it easier to grab the necessary items when you need them.
To start, pickan area like a cupboard, drawer or shelf. Set a timer for 15 minutes and challenge yourself to get through these tasks.
◆ Remove everything from the area.
◆ Decide whether to keep, donate or recycle each item.
◆ Clean the area and put the ‘keep’ items back neatly.
◆ Commit to a date to deliver your donations.
With festive shopping season fast approaching, a declutter is also a great way to discover what you actually need, helping your money to stretch further.
For more clutter-busting tips, subscribe at whitespacepod.co.uk and follow on socials
@WhiteSpaceDeclutterCoach
�ADVERTORIAL - NORTHLEAZE C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL
Come and Visit our Wonderful School!
Are you looking for a vibrant, nurturing, andinspiring place for your child to begin their learning journey? We’d love to welcome you to our school!
AT NORTHLEAZE WE BELIEVE that every child deserves a joyful and enriching education. Our classrooms are full of curiosity, creativity, and laughter, and our dedicated staff work hard to make sure every child feels valued, supported, and challenged. We invite prospective parents tocome and see us in action—explore our learning spaces, meet our passionate team, and experience the warm, inclusive atmosphere that makes our school so special. Whether you're interested in
our engaging curriculum, our exciting clubs and enrichment opportunities, or simply want to see how we help children thrive both academically and personally, we’d be delighted to show you around. We can’t wait to meet you!
School Tours
We have a number ofupcoming dateswhere parents are warmly welcomed to join us for aguided school tour, meet some of ourkey staff, and get a real feel for our vibrant learning environment. Your children are very welcome to come along too! And for something extra special, we’re also offering adrop-in ‘Stay and Play’ sessiononSunday 19th October from 10am to 12pm. This is a relaxed and fun opportunity for
Bristol libraries‘saved
you to visit with your child and join in with activities, explore the environment, and get a taste of life at Northleaze.
If you would like to book a school tour, please either call the school office on 01275 540077 or email on office@northleazeschool.co.uk
You can also find some useful information about the school by browsing our website www.northleaze.n-somerset.sch.uk
Date Time
Thursday 25th Sept 10am
Thursday 9th Oct 10 am
Thursday 9th Oct 2 pm
Thursday 9th Oct 6 pm
Tuesday 14th Oct 9.15am
Sunday 19th OctStay & Play! 10-12pm
Thursday 11th Nov 9.15am
Friday 5th Dec 10 am
Wednesday 10th Dec 6 pm
Thursday 8th Jan 9.15 am
Thursday 8th Jan 2 pm
from cuts’but Labour warn some could still be closed �NEWS
Libraries in Bristol are saved from budget cuts next year according to leading councillors after concerns they were under threat. But the opposition Labour councillors warned some libraries could be still closed despite the promises.
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL operates 26 libraries, which have come under increasing pressure given dwindling budgets. In recent years many libraries were sporadically closed for a few hours due to a staff shortage, after the former Labour administration rolled out a recruitment freeze.
Next year, the new Green-Lib Dem administration has pledged £5 million for the library service, “protecting the services’ budget in full”. The Liberal Democrats said they have relieved the staffing issues, so people no longer have to guess whether their library will be open or closed.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities policy committee, said: “Libraries are an incredibly important community resource. So many people across Bristol rely on Bristol not just for access to a wealth of books and information, but also for their role as community hubs.
“We are constantly working to improve libraries for our communities. I am heading a root-and-branch review to examine how best we can run our library service, and ensure that future generations have access to them too. Making sure that libraries were open reliably for their advertised times was the first step, and developing a vision to get the best out of them is the next.
“The vital importance of libraries as an anchor point in diverse communities is exactly why we have protected their funding, even at a time when we are having to consider difficult savings in other areas. Liberal Democrats are committed to improving our libraries and making them fit for the next generation”.
The Greens also criticised Labour for “spreading misinformation about library closures” and lambasted them for the staffing shortage. They pledged to protect the budget despite “spiralling costs” for social care and special needs education, and a lack of cash from the government.
Green Cllr Tony Dyer, leader of the council, added: “Labour have been spreading misinformation about library closures, causing unnecessary distress to library staff and users. It is a desperate and despicable
attempt to sow fear while offering no apology or acknowledgement of the zombie library service their administration has left for us.
“Greens understand the value of libraries to communities — not just as places to learn, but also as important resources for those in digital poverty, or those who simply need a warm space to rest. The library budget was protected in the Green’s balanced budget for this year, and I am delighted that barring any unexpected cuts from the Labour government, it will be protected for the next financial year.
“Now we must create a library service that works for everyone. This includes looking at having libraries open at the times of day most useful for their communities, what other activities could take place in the buildings, and whether library outlets could be opened in other venues. I look forward to seeing the completed recommendations from the task and finish group in our library strategy.”
However Labour is still claiming libraries could be closed. If libraries open on more days and for longer hours, the only way this can happen with the same budget is closing some branches, they said. Labour also took credit for ending the staff shortage, signing off extra recruitment before the local elections in May last year.
Cllr Tom Renhard, leader of the Labour group, said: “The Greens and Lib Dems have repeatedly refused to rule out library closures and they still won’t. Why would they make a public statement about this while — yet again — refusing to rule out closures? The answer is clear: closures are still on the table.
“Their administration put forward plans to close up to 19 libraries. Fortunately, they buckled under pressure from Labour councillors and community groups, temporarily shelving those cuts. However, only this May, they voted against Labour’s proposal to rule out library closures as part of their ‘review’.
“Thanks to the Labour government, Bristol City Council is £27 million better off this year. While the service’s budget will apparently be protected, libraries still need protecting from the Green and Lib Dem councillors in charge of the service.
“Throughout the public meetings to discuss libraries, they have alluded to a plan to close some libraries in order to fund the extended opening hours of others — pitting neighbourhoods against each other. We hope they see sense and rule out closures for good — even if it means performing yet another U-turn.”
Article
by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
Prince St bridge closure causing congestion
Transport bosses warn banning cars from city centre bridge could ‘cause congestion’
TRANSPORT BOSSES have warned that a plan to ban cars from a city centre bridge could cause congestion. Bristol City Council is considering banning motor vehicles from driving over Prince Street Bridge, near the Arnolfini and the M Shed, as only few cars use the route.
According to council figures, the bridge is walked or cycled over more than 24,000 times every day, compared to 1,700 trips in a car or van. But the space reserved for cars is the
same as that for walking and cycling, despite motor vehicles forming only around seven per cent of total trips.
However, the closure could leave Spike Island marooned, particularly given other planned works at the nearby Bedminster Bridges roundabout. Councillors on the transport policy committee approved the closure on Thursday, September 11, but heard concerns about congestion.
Pete Woodhouse, transport strategy manager, said: “Elements have been identified to potentially cause congestion and disruption until such time as traffic flows have reduced through modal shift. There is some concern about impact, particularly around access to Spike Island and in the context of other roadworks in the area such as Redcliffe and Bedminster Bridges.
“The vast majority of the usage of Prince Street Bridge is pedestrian and the main issue is pedestrian safety. The vehicular traffic over the bridge is relatively
small but diversion of that traffic will have an impact.”
No modelling has taken place yet to estimate the effects of the closure, but some is planned to be carried out before final approval. The scheme needs to be delivered by March 2028, given the deadline to spend the £500,000 grant from the Department for Transport on the project.
Green Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport committee, said: “I’m concerned about the cumulative impact locally of a number of things we’re doing, particularly for Spike Island and Wapping Wharf. I’ve asked officers that any designs are not irreversible and don’t permanently stop motorised traffic using the bridge, in case of unplanned events on the network.”
The bridge however cannot carry the weight of buses or lorries, and so isn’t used as a full diversion route. The designs of the closure haven’t been made public yet. These won’t come
back to the transport committee for approval, but instead the “policy chairs committee briefing”, a regular meeting that takes place behind closed doors of various leading councillors.
After the meeting, Cllr Plowden added: “We’re working to make it easier, safer and more pleasant to walk, wheel and cycle in Bristol. With more people travelling sustainably, we can cut congestion, improve health and wellbeing, and support the city’s journey toward becoming carbon neutral.
“These are exciting projects, including the transformation of Prince Street Bridge, which already sees 24,000 daily walking and cycling trips compared to just 1,707 motor vehicle trips. Reallocating space to support active travel will create a safer and more welcoming route to destinations like M Shed, the SS Great Britain and Wapping Wharf from the north, and to the city centre from the south.”
Article by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
Allison Homes unveils latest plans for the future of Longmoor Village
Following the announcement of the acquisition of the landmark 26-acre Longmoor site in South Bristol, Allison Homes South West is inviting residents of Ashton Vale to share their views on their detailed proposals for a neighbourhood at their Longmoor site in Ashton Vale.
Residents are encouraged to attend a drop-in session to view the proposals, speak directly to the project team, and provide feedback ahead of submitting a Reserved Matters planning application to Bristol City Council later this year.
The plans include 510 new homes, in line with the outline planning permission granted by Bristol City Council in 2023. Of these, at least 30% will be affordable housing, supporting the city’s urgent housing needs.
The proposals also feature new public open spaces for both
new and existing residents, along with enhanced travel connections and landscaping improvements that respect the site’s unique character and setting. The plans are landscapeled and feature a network of walking routes that will connect people to both the wider area and the site’s rich natural habitats.
All the new homes onsite will be built in accordance with modern energy efficiency standards, with features like EV charging, high-quality insulation and low-carbon heating.
The redevelopment of Longmoor is also directly linked to the wider sporting proposals at Ashton Gate. Proceeds from the site will help unlock funding for the new Ashton Gate Sports and Convention Centre, while also supporting local priorities through the delivery of new homes, green spaces, and infrastructure.
Glyn
Mabey, Managing
Director of Allison Homes South West, said:
“Longmoor represents a oncein-a-generation opportunity to deliver new homes, green spaces and community benefits for South Bristol. Our proposals not only provide much-needed housing, including 30% affordable homes, but also help unlock funding for the new Ashton Gate Sports and Convention Centre. We want to work closely with local residents to shape these plans and ensure Longmoor becomes a neighbourhood the whole community can be proud of.”
The Longmoor site has a long history of potential development. First identified in 2009 as a proposed location for a new Bristol City FC stadium, the site’s suitability for development was established, even though that project did not proceed.
In 2021, a new planning application was submitted for up
to 510 homes on the northern part of the site and following a public consultation and detailed technical assessments, outline planning permission was granted. Allison Homes are now consulting on their plans for a Reserved Matters application and are looking to hear the community’s views on the detailed design, layout, and how these plans can meet the needs of local people.
Allison Homes is inviting local residents to attend an inperson drop-in event at on Friday 19 September 2025, 3pm–7:30pm at the Ashton Vale Community Centre on Risdale Road, BS3 2QY.
The proposals can be viewed from 17 September at longmoorneighbourhood. co.uk and the deadline for feedback on 8 October 2025.
Free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Sessions for Children at The Park
We’re excited to share that local non-profit Rise Community Jiu-Jitsu is bringing a brand-new opportunity to The Park Centre this October.
THANKS TO GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP from local construction business Jeff Way Group, young people in our community can take part in 10 free introductory Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sessions.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the UK’s fastest-growing martial art, and for good reason. It helps young people improve fitness, build confidence, and learn self-defence — all in a positive, inclusive environment. Rise’s friendly, professional coaches are DBS-checked, first aid and safeguarding trained, so families can be sure that children are supported every step of the way.
The sessions aren’t just about martial arts skills; Rise also aims to improve physical health, boost
mental wellbeing, and even support employability for young people in the longer term.
Who can take part?
Children aged 7 and up are welcome. Rise will look to group classes by age and size to make sure everyone gets the most from the sessions.
When and where?
Sessions will run after school, 3.45–4.45pm, at The Park Centre during October and up to Christmas (scan QR code for dates)
How to join
Parents should email tom@risecommunityjiujitsu.org in advance to register interest or call Tom on 07813 141035. Rise will also aim to keep some space available for drop-ins, so don’t worry if you can’t book ahead.
Cost
Thanks to Jeff Way Group’s kind sponsorship, the first 10 sessions are being provided completely free for local children to join.
If the sessions prove popular, then they will continue weekly in the new year.
This is a brilliant chance to give Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a try — building skills for life in a safe, supportive space. Don’t miss it!
Check The Park website for more details or scan the QR code www.theparkcentre.org.uk www.risecommunityjiujitsu.org/
ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST with Ade Williams
From 1stOctober, you can just come into Bedminster Pharmacy, roll up your sleeve and get your Free NHS Flu and COVID jabs.Job done in 5 minutes!
YES, BOTH FLU AND COVID vaccines are offered together in one visit; this is now standard clinical practice and much more convenient for people.WHY? Studies conducted on this ‘‘coadministration approach’’ indicate it is very safe to get a Flu and COVID vaccine at the same visit, enabling people to get up to date in just one visit without the need for arranging second appointments or forgetting to return for the delayed appointment!
NO -there are no side effects associated with this approach. You can, however, still choose to come back at separate times if that is your preference.Crucial toalways remember that the earlier you get your jabs, the better, as it can take up to two
weeks for your body to develop a good immune response after vaccination to protect you.
YES, this explains why some people still contract the Flu and COVID infections a few days after vaccination. You may have been infected before your vaccination or before the vaccine immune response could fully protect you.
NO,you cannot get the Flu or COVID infection from the vaccines;it is impossible.
1st Octoberis Time for FLU and COVID jabs @ Bedminster Pharmacy
YES, you still need this year’s winter vaccinationeven thoughyou had a Flu vaccination last year and have now lost count of your COVID boosters. As we all know, levels of protection from vaccines (immunity) will decline over time. Also, new virus variants will emerge, so new upto-date vaccinations are offered to those who need them, who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from Flu or COVID. This may be due to your age, a health condition or the work or role you have, looking after others who are more vulnerable.
YES, even though you never have any respiratory symptoms, not even a common cold, that only means you can still unknowingly be spreading the infection to the vulnerable(not every infected person has symptoms), hence why you must get vaccinated.
How to get your jab?
Bedminster Pharmacy offersWalk-In appointments, so just turn up. You can book on the NHS website or via the NHS App.
Are you eligible?
Aged 65 or over, aged over 18 years and in a clinical risk groupDiabetes, Immunocompromised, Chronic respiratory ailment, heart disease, or a front-line worker in social care settling.
Questions / Unsure?
Just come in and chat with us or call us0117 9853388. Bedminster Pharmacy is all geared up to get you protected again this Winter. See youfrom 1stOctober, but please don’t leave it late!
WHERE’S THAT TO?? - Stuff to do in
“Bake It! Bristol”- Have fun baking
"Bake It! Bristol is founded by sisters Kalisha and Aleena. We asked them to describe their exciting new business for us…
“We both have hospitality backgrounds and I (Aleena) have also worked as a baker and pastry chef. But we both simply love food, baking and the joy it brings to people. That's what we wanted to bring to Bristol. Bake It! Bristol is a fun new activity, located in
Bedminster. You come along as a pair, grab a drink in our gardenthemed bar whilst you have a look over our easy-to-follow recipe and scheme ideas of how you want your cake to look. Then we take you to one of our 12 baking stations where all of your ingredients are weighed out and ready to go. You have all your equipment, and don't forget the Creation Station where you're free to go wild with flavours, sprinkles
and decorations! Everyone then has 90 minutes to bake and decorate their cake. At the end, we bring all the cakes to the judging table, take a look at everyone's beautiful creations and a winning team is crowned by the Head Baker. Finally everyone gets to take their delicious cakes home in one of our beautiful Bake It! Bristol boxes.
We opened in the beginning of July and we've had nothing short of a fantastic time - we've been completely blown away by the
support and positivity of Bristol. A resounding comment we get is that people are just excited to do something different from the usual pub weekends. And many people don't get the chance to be creative in their day-to-day life and that's what Bake It! Bristol is all about: having a laugh whilst getting stuck in doing some fun, new and creative with your teammate."
South Bristol Voice Team take on a baking challenge with Kalisha and Aleena at Bake It! Bristol
So the guys at South Bristol Voice sent us along to try out Bake It! and what a fun evening it was. We were greeted with a smile before treating ourselves to a wide choice of refreshments from the bar - I’d recommend the cocktail of the month - delicious!
After a short wait, we entered the baking arena where
everything was explained extremely clearly for us baking amateurs before we got to work on our teddy bears picnic themed Victoria sponge.
There’s a huge selection of flavours and decorations to be used and all the ingredients are already weighed out for you which saved on a lot of mistakes and cut down the time.
With me on cake and my teammate on the Italian meringue frosting we easily followed the recipes and produced a really great tasting sponge.
After some minor creative disagreements on our decorating theme we created our picnic
scene complete with colourful grass frosting and a fondant VW Camper.
We rounded the evening off with a relaxed judging which was lovely to see everybody else’s efforts and for them to explain their flavours - no one took it too seriously and it was great to see such a wide variety of imaginative cakes
Sadly it wasn’t our night but Jordan and Devon were crowned worthy winners with their lovely creation.
Not the cheapest of evenings out with the Experience only lasting two hours but it was great to do something different
together and as fun alternative date opportunities go - this was a good one
And of course we got to take home a whole cake- always a bonus
Thanks so much for having us X
Kalisha and Aleena - Founders of Bake it! Bristol
Where to eat in South Bristol and around East Street, Bedminster
South Bristol is full of so many great restaurants, there is almost too many to pick from.
The hardest part of any meal out is choosing where to go, because of this I have put together a list of some of the best spots to try. The main place you will find some of these amazing restaurants is along North Street in Southville and East Street in Bedminster.
OTHER, 32 Cannon Street, Bristol BS3 1BN
Featured in the Michelin Good Food Guide 2025 is Other. A restaurant with a small but constantly changing menu that uses locally sourced ingredients. Dishes here range from £4.50£25 from snacks to bigger plates, sides and desserts. There is an intimate atmosphere here because of the size of the restaurant, but the orange walls add a warm and cozy vibe making it the perfect spot for
lunch or dinner.
Yafo
, 238 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1JD
A great place for anyone who loves Middle Eastern food is Yafo, where the falafel is made fresh in house and spices in every bite. The decoration here is rustic and reminiscent of the authenticity lacking in some Middle Eastern restaurants, there is exposed brick walls and tin cans holding cutlery and napkins. As well as serving amazing food they also have a selection of alcohol from local craft beer to bottomless brunch.
Pizzarova, 237 North Street, Bristol BS3 1JJ
A staple of Bristol known and loved by many is Pizzarova. With four sites across Bristol only one is South of the river located in Southville. They serve handmade sourdough pizza with both meat and vegan toppings available. When I last visited, I had the spiced plant-based “lamb”,
PICKLE STREET
Designed to spark imagination and facilitate meaningful play interactions, we’re Bristol’s first immersive role play village for children. Based in Bedminster’s East Street, Pickle Street is a miniaturised version of our beloved city providing children a space that encourages creativity, playful learning, and supports building deeper connections with their caregivers.
Featuring ninerole-playareas packed with a range of props and resources to support children’s development throughout the EYFS, our High Street provokes curiosity and discovery for childrenfrom walking ageup to seven years old.Additionally, the venue is home to a small sensory space –The Half Moon dance club–to ensure engagement for even the littlest of visitors as well as providing a calmer space which promotes child wellbeing.
We’re open Wednesday to Monday, running three 90-minute sessions a day.
Child tickets are £12.95 and accompanying adults as well as non-walking babies go free.
More details can be found on our website www.picklestreet.co.uk
Find us at 92 East Street Bedminster BS3 4EY
pickled red onion, guindilla chillies, mint & garlic sauce which was a unique and great taste I have not had anywhere else on a pizza. While I was waiting to collect my friends and I received a complimentary drink because of the slight wait when picking up our order. This definitely isn’t something that happens every time, but it really shows the care they have for their customers here.
COR, 81 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1ES
A small plates restaurant where both food and drink are heavily influenced by the Mediterranean. Chef-owner, Mark Chapman, has previously worked in Michelin Star kitchens so you can certainly find some of the best food in Bristol here. The restaurant is family ran by partners Mark and Karen Chapman. The site sits on the corner of two streets with windows on both sides letting a perfect amount of natural light
in. To accompany the food there is also a perfect selection of wines and seasonal cocktails curated by restaurant manager Tallulah Small.
Bombil, 31 East Street, Bristol, BS3 4HH
Where the essence and flavour of Bombay can be found in Bedminster is Bombil. Inside the former bank the warm lighting and abundance of greenery is an ideal setting for a meal out. The menu has a selection of small plates, large plates and sharing platters all inspired by Bombay, with well known classics and specials throughout. Each dish has the perfect amount of spice and flavour with a great drink menu to accompany everyone’s taste. What stands out most on the drink menu is the variety of house crafted sodas which you’ll have to ask the staff to see what flavours are available.
Review by Joshua Churcher
�NEWS FROM BRISTOL SOUTH MP, KARIN SMYTH
Community Garden Visit Highlights UK’s Green Progress
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of visiting Lush Greens, a not-for-profit community market garden in Whitchurch in Bristol South.
I LEARNED FROM THE FOUNDERS about how they incorporate sustainability into their growing, whether that is by using alternative methods to ploughing, which can disturb the balance of nutrients in the soil, or by providing their produce to local food charities, decreasing food miles and carbon emissions.
Growing our economy while increasing sustainability are often seen as incompatible. Since the start of the industrial revolution, producing more has often meant increased use of fossil fuels and finite resources mined from the earth. Changes in technology and policy have changed this assumption and we have made a great deal of progress in recognising the need for
sustainability in our economy.
For example, in 2003 only 15% of municipal waste was composted or recycled. In 2025, that was up to 44%. I am glad that guidance issued by the Government last year will help simplify recycling for households and businesses, improve the quality of service, and drive the recycling rate up, all with the backing of £10 billion investment from the waste industry.
I am proud that the UK is the largest donor worldwide to the Global Plastic Action Partnership which brings together Governments, businesses and civil society to tackle plastic pollution, especially in developing countries.
The UK is also part of a coalition of countries calling for a Global Plastics Treaty which would contain legally binding obligations to phase out the most problematic plastic products as well as a commitment to end
plastic pollution. Though the most recent round of negotiations was inconclusive, I am glad that further talks are on the agenda.
Simple solutions can have a huge impact: since the introduction of a small fee for plastic carrier bags at supermarkets in 2015, sales have dropped by 98%. Earlier this year the Government banned single use vapes which were filling up landfills and damaging our environment and wildlife with dangerous chemicals.
Last year, the Government launched its Circular Economy Taskforce to design a strategy for government and business which will help reduce waste, increase the percentage of materials we reuse and recycle so that growing the economy doesn’t need to come at the cost of our environment.
Karin Smyth shares her views with the Voice
�LOCAL CHARITY
The Harbour: A specialist grief counseling service in Bristol
National research shows that when it comes to dying and bereavement we’re struggling to talk.
THE HARBOUR CHARITY has been providing specialist counselling to help thousands of people in the Bristol area to live well with grief since 1992.They provide a safe space to talk and be listened to for those facing their own death, or the death of a loved one, or when they have been bereaved.
For many people, support from loved ones will be enough to help them through their grief. But for others it is not. Through counselling, people can confront their most uncomfortable emotions about death, dying and bereavement…feelings that can
be difficult to share with family and friends.
The Harbour offers counselling to individuals, couples and groups. Last year 100% of clients rated their relationship with their therapist as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.
They support almost 200 people every year, with 90% accessing their service free of charge or heavily subsidised. More than 80% of clients reported reduced feelings of anxiety and depression and improved emotional well-being following a course of counselling with The Harbour.
The Harbour is working with Knowle West Health Park to ensure their service is more easily accessible to those living in the south of the city. Sessions are also available from their central location on Frogmore Street, in the city centre.
Further information can be found online:www.the-harbour. org.ukvia email:info@theharbour.org.ukor phone: 0117 925 9348.
�MESSAGE FROM THE POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER
Forum is a chance to listen to you
As part of my ongoing commitment to engage with communities across Avon and Somerset, I recently hosted a public forum for around 100 residents from across South Gloucestershire.
The event at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club on September 9 brought together local businesses, councillors, elected officials, voluntary organisations, the motorbiking community and families. It was an opportunity to listen, learn, and share updates on the work being done to keep our communities safe.
I was joined by Chief Inspector
Karen Corrigan and Inspector Barnaby Mabbett from the local neighbourhood policing team, and Inspector Matthew Boiles from roads policing.
They provided updates on local policing operations and responded to questions from residents about issues affecting areas such as Yate and Dodington, Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury, Staple Hill, New Cheltenham, Kingswood, and Woodstock.
Residents shared concerns and insights on a wide range of topics, including: anti-social behaviour; road safety and bike theft; business and rural crime; street
�GARDENING COLUMN
drinking and drug misuse; illegal scooter use; youth outreach; visibility of police patrols and male violence against women and girls.
These conversations are vital in helping us understand what’s working well and where improvements are needed.
I also shared progress on the five priorities outlined in my Police and Crime Plan, with a particular focus on strengthening neighbourhood policing. Through the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, 80 experienced officers are being deployed into local teams across Avon and Somerset.These officers bring valuable experience and strong community ties, helping to solve problems and investigate effectively.
We also discussed Your Streets, My Priority – an initiative that brings police and partners together to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime in our town centres and high streets.
Another key update was the launch of newly-commissioned support services for victims of
Autumn is better than summer in the garden. Honestly.
Autumn is officially here. Regardless of what the weather is doing, those dark evenings and damp mornings tell a story that cannot be denied.
But I’m here with some great news. Autumn is the best time of year for gardening. It’s the ideal time to plant, because the soil is still warm and the sun is mild. Anything you put in the ground now should root strongly, then will grow away with gusto in the spring. It’s the right time to repair your lawn, because grass loves the regular rain that (normally) comes with autumn. And of course, it’s the right time to plant bulbs.
Plants that look good in autumn tend to look good in spring and summer too. They’re still at their prime whilst working towards flowering, and many stand over winter, giving your garden structure and interest. Ornamental grasses, sedums and asters are your friends here. Hands-off gardeners will be glad to hear that it’s also the
right time to do nothing at all. Resist clearing away those faded flowers, dying stems and fallen leaves. They provide shelter, food and homes for birds, insects, hedgehogs, and everything in between. If you want a thriving garden for a nature, and a healthy soil full of life, then leave
With Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody
crime and anti-social behaviour.
These include: Safe Link Plus, the Young Victims Service, Avon and Somerset Victim Services and Unseen.
These services provide emotional support, advocacy, practical advice, and restorative justice – ensuring victims are at the centre of our response.
When I was elected, I made a promise to be visible and active in our communities. Forums like this are one of the ways I want to hear community voices. I’m grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.
Your feedback will directly inform future decisions, and I encourage you to stay connected through my website, www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk, and social media channels for updates and upcoming forum dates.
Do you want to help people who have had a stroke?
We are in need of volunteers to help at our stroke support group in Bedminster every Thursday morning 10 – 1pm @St Monica Wills House, Cromwell Road, Bedminster, BS3 3NH.
Image by Theo (Flickr, CC2.0)
it alone. If you want a home for nature and a neat garden, then tidy the front of your beds, and pile up any debris at the back, out of sight, where nature can make good use of it.
Article by Rose Orlik
Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track –though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and so much more. Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.
If you can help or for more info, please contact Lucy Stockall on 07485 302 868 or email Lucy: stockall@Bristolafterstroke.org.uk
Clare Moody speaks at the forum in September
�BS3 WILDLIFE COLUMN
Spot that Bird
From October we have our winter bird survey. What can you spot in your garden, local park etc? Contact us for details about joining in.
SOON WE’LL ALSO be completing our annual moth and bat surveys. We think that there are over 200 moth species in our urban nature reserve from a national list c2500 and possibly 10 bat species out of 17. Some of these bats will live in Greater
beetles and other small creatures. How many different
types of slugs and snails live in your garden?
A lot of this information is shared as photographs on the BS3 Wildlife Group’s facebook page where people also help with identification. Information is also sent to official bodies to be part of the national records, but we write some of our own reports and share them locally via our free newsletter Wildlife News.
Only by regular surveys can we know if we are slowing or
even reversing the decline in biodiversity, something described at the planetary level as the Sixth Great Extinction. Number 5 was the one that did for most dinosaurs 60plus million years ago. Fortunately, some dinosaur s (aka birds) and our ratlike ancestors survived!
Of course, our project and similar community projects elsewhere need to do more than just collect numbers. That’s where habitat improvement comes in. Many people across
Bristol, England and Earth are trying to improve environments whilst others are busy destroying them. Sometimes, these environments contain very few humans, but experience in cities suggests that for many creatures and plants it’s possible to cohabit to the benefit of both us and wild creatures. We have to think about how to do that in our neighbourhood.
Ben Barker, Secretary, BS3 Wildlife Group (mywildbedminster@ bs3community.org.uk)
�ADVERTORIAL - COMMUNITY FARM
Does your food make you feel good?
Food should do more than fill you up — it should make you feel good inside and out.
THAT’S WHY, at The Community Farm, we grow and deliver what we call Feel Good Food. Fresh, organic
produce that supports your health, tastes incredible, and leaves you feeling proud of where it came from.
Feel Good Food starts in local fields. All the produce we sell is grown organically, meaning it’s likely to contain higher levels of antioxidants and micronutrients. Organic farming also avoids chemical pesticides, some of which have been labelled as probable carcinogens by the World Health Organisation.
When we source produce from other farms, we keep it as local as possible. We work with over 25
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
organic growers across the South West, delivering straight to your door to preserve nutrients and peak flavour. Research shows that in just 6 days from harvesting, broccoli on the supermarket shelf may have lost 70% of its vitamin C and 50% of its antioxidants!
We also design our veg boxes to make sure each box is packed with seasonal variety, from vibrant greens to earthy roots, filling your fridge with everything you need for a healthy, veg-led diet.
With organic farming also boosting biodiversity and lowering your food’s carbon footprint, you
really can feel good inside and out.
This autumn, we’re offering 10% off veg boxes until 31st October with the code FEELSGOOD, no subscription required — just a chance to eat well and feel great. Want to get closer to your food? You can also visit us for volunteering, courses and events.
Find out more at thecommunityfarm.co.uk
How a South Bristol resident is commemorating a“colossus”of classical music �LOCAL
A new musical initiative, Copland 125, is being launched by local resident Kevin Lindegaard to celebrate the upcoming 125th birthday of composer Aaron Copland.
AN ANNIVERSARY CONCERT will take place on the 14th of November, Copland’s birthday, at All Saint's Church in Clifton. The concert will showcase exceptional local talent. Jonathan Price will open the evening with an organ transcription of Fanfare for the Common Man.
Pianist Allan Schiller, a South Bristol resident, will perform a selection of miniatures from Copland’s 70-year career. The University of Bristol Singers will
also join the celebration with a selection of Copland’s choral works.
Blogger Mr Lindegaard, who describes himself as a super-fan says: “Copland 125 will be a rallying cry celebrating young, aspiring composers of today and neglected works of the recent past. I want to hear music that reflects modern society and speaks about issues of our time. Copland 125 will make this possible taking forward Copland's lifelong efforts to get people to open up their ears to
new music”
A short tribute film was made Lindegaard with local filmmaker Robin Toyne showcasing Copland’s music with the backdrop of several Bristol landmarks, including South Bristol’s very own Arnos Vale, Perrett's Park and Victoria Park. Copland 125 will also launch a music fund enabling local musicians and venues to programme less well-known classical works by modern composers with less financial risk.
Often called the “Dean of American Composers”, Copland was born in 1900 in Brooklyn, New York, and his works have shaped the sound of American classical music for much of the 20th century. Watch the film at: aaron-copland.com/apersonal-fanfare-for-aaroncopland/ Concert tickets can be purchased at: https://Copland125. eventbrite.co.uk
Aaron Capland
Image by John Ardoin
�NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS
We’re delighted to share some exciting improvements in Windmill Hill!
The local park now boasts brand-new swings and a climbing frame, bringing more fun for families. An accessible picnic bench is also on its way—hopefully installed by the time you read this and trees in the winter.
We strongly encourage all residents to take part in the consultation for the second phase of the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project. Your views matter! Visit the Bristol City Council website and search for“South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood consultation”or go directly to: www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/ find-consultation-engagement /247
We’re thrilled that the zebra crossing on St Luke’s Road is now in place, improving safety for all. Some minor ponding will be rectified soon at the contractor’s expense.
This month, the second round of
Bedminster was targeted recently by a small group of people who have put up flags in some of our main streets.
While the Union Jack and St George’s flags are to be proud of, the sheer number of flags, combined with the blatant right-wing views of those putting them up, made a lot of people feel uncomfortable, unhappy, and even threatened. It was lovely to see the community response with signs of welcome. Currently the council policy is to only take down flags that cause a health and safety hazard or are seen as deliberately inflammatory. I have asked for this to be reviewed. I am also in touch with local organisations about how the community could respond.
Two key consultations this month: The South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood consultation,
Lisa Stone and Ed Plowden
Green councillors
Windmill Hill
Community Infrastructure Levy funding begins. We’re hopeful it will support new benches in Victoria Park, making it even more welcoming.
Great news for public transport users—the 512 bus service is returning! We also have a brand new 16 bus serving the area and making the link to Temple Meads and South Bristol hospital. We’re grateful to the transport team for backing our campaign using Clean Air Zone funding, and hope residents will make full use of it.
Finally, regarding flags in the area: Please read Cllr Ellie Freeman’s column (on this page) and the excellent blog by Tony Dyer on the Council website (Search = Flags Tony Dyer Bristol Blog), which explains how pride in our national flag may also be seen as divisive.
South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood Consultation www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/ find-consultationengagement/247
Ellie Freeman Green councillor Bedminster
online and in-person. Although no changes are proposed in Bedminster ward itself, the plans will change how you move around the neighbourhood. Please have a good look at the information on the website, go to the sessions and complete the survey.
www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/ find-consultation-engagement /247
Allison Homes are also consulting on their plans for the Longmoor Village site. This is a major development that will have a big impact on wildlife and local infrastructure as well as providing a contribution to the affordable housing needs of the city. They already have outline permission but residents can give feedback on the details. You can see their plans and comment via www.longmoorneighbourhood. co.uk.
Thank to those residents who have already engaged with the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood consultation which went live on 4th September and runs until 30th October.
We have received a number of emails from residents asking various questions and making their views known – there are themes emerging and we are relaying these back to officers as they are made clear to us. There are also face to face drop in events for Southville and the wider BS3 area in October as follows:
1 Oct 4-7pm Windmill Hill Community Centre
7 Oct 12-3pm The Southville Centre
8 Oct 4-7pm Ashton Vale Community Centre
9 Oct 4-7pm The Old Picture House
15 Oct 3.30-6.30 The Chessel Centre
16 Oct 4-7pm Library of Things, East St
The Amerind Nursing Home redevelopment continues at pace; we are in regular contact with the
Bristol City Council is currently consulting on the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood scheme.
I would encourage you to have a look at the plans and have your say. In Bedminster ward, the Council is proposing to introduce residents parking schemes for much of the ward, alongside a match-day parking scheme for the areas closest to Ashton Gate. A match-day parking scheme only (and not a residents parking scheme) is being proposed for Ashton Vale.
The plans for Southville ward (and Totterdown in Windmill Hill ward) are more extensive and involve shutting some roads off to cars, to encourage more cycling and walking. Please have your say on the proposals before the formal consultation closes on Thursday 30 October. Also, do let me know
Tony Dyer and Christine Townsend Green councillors
Southville
developers Hill Group and are feeding back any issues bought to our attention by residents/parents or that we ourselves witness – we are in the process of arranging an Autumn residents meeting where Hill Group representatives will attend and share further details. Meanwhile, pupils at Ashton Gate Primary are in the process of working with Hill Group to construct a time capsule that will be buried on the site - as ward councillors we are encouraged by the engagement being planned with school pupils and the wider community.
As we write this article, our part of the city is in the middle of the Women’s Rugby World Cup – two of the quarter finals were held at Ashton Gate with Canada defeating Australia, and then England beating Scotland. Both semi-finals were also held at Ashton Gate and many people have commented on the great atmosphere in the North Street and Ashton Gate area (despite the stormy weather) as thousands of visitors, many from overseas, visited our area to enjoy the games.
Emily Clarke Labour councillor Bedminster
what you think as I want to hear your views before I respond as your local councillor.
Full details can be found at: www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/ find-consultation-engagement? id=247
At the recent Full Council meeting, Bristol Labour brought forward a motion to improve access to play facilities across the city. I know how important play facilities are to areas like Bedminster, where lots of people live in flats and terraced houses with small or no gardens. The plans would require new housing developments to allocate space for play equipment, consider the removal of ‘no ball game’signs and create a task-force to look at ways to create more play facilities. I was pleased that this received cross-party support, and the Bristol Labour team will be pushing for the proposals to happen as a priority.
�NEWS FROM BS3 COMMUNITYTHE CHARITY THAT RUNS
THE SOUTHVILLE CENTRE AND THE CHESSEL CENTRE
BS3 Community Care Celebrates FirstYear of Local Support
BS3 Community Care, our unique initiative connecting care professionals with local people seeking help, is celebrating an outstanding first year.
Since launching in summer 2024, the team has delivered more than 3,000 hours of personalised support to residents. Alongside helping families and individuals, the initiative has also created selfemployed opportunities for over 30 local care professionals and service providers.
The service takes a unique approach, carefully matching vetted providers to each client’s needs to ensure consistent, reliable, and flexible support from familiar faces. One local resident shared:
“The team have been absolute angels. Carla’s supportive approach and the wonderful carers she matched us with have given Dad a new lease of life.”
Support requests haven’t only
been limited to traditional care, but have ranged from home-help, cleaning, and dementia support to gardening, shopping and trips out. Carer respite and companionship have been especially valued by families.
Providers also speak highly of the scheme. Syl, a local care
�NEWS FROM LOCAL COUNCILLORS
It was a pleasure to take part in The Park Centre’s 25th anniversary celebrations in September.
It was a sad day for South Bristol when Merrywood School closed its doors in 2000, but thanks to the determination of its deputy head, the building was secured for the community and reborn as a vibrant local hub.
All these years later, it now operates from a purpose-built facility that hosts over 30 organisations, delivering a wide range of educational, community, and sports services for people of all ages, needs, and abilities.
At the celebration event, we heard from the founders, trustees, and staff about its past, present and future. A key part of that future includes plans for a new, accessible sports hall, with fundraising efforts ongoing to make it a reality.
Cam Hayward and Toby Wells Green councillors Knowle
And now, things have come full circle, with the new Oasis Academy secondary school under construction on the site of the former school. It’s due to open to students next year.
We are lucky to have such a brilliant community hub here in Knowle. To find out what The Park Centre can offer you and your family, or how you can support their work, go to www.theparkcentre.org.uk
Find out about your local councillors and how they work.
www.bristol.gov.uk/council/ councillors-and-the-lord-mayor
provider, said:
“BS3 Community Care places the welfare of clients at the heart of everything, while ensuring those delivering services feel respected and valued.”
Partnerships have been key to success. The team has worked with Bristol Business & IP Centre (BIPC),
local health and social care teams, and other charities. A highlight was BS3 Carers Day, co-hosted with Sirona Care & Health, which brought together residents, care professionals, and 19 partner organisations.
The initiative grew in response to challenges facing adult care, worsened by COVID-19 and funding cuts. Carla Snell, Care & Wellbeing Manager, explained:
“As a local community charity, we knew we were in a unique position to try something different. By combining a social enterprise model with the rise in support needs, we’ve built a service based on ‘local care for local people’that also boosts the local economy. We’re proud to be building something that truly belongs to our community”.
BS3 Community Care’s first year shows what’s possible when communities come together – and this is just the beginning.
�LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
Bedminster plans drop-ins
Below are the details of the drop-in sessions that the Action for Greater Bedminster team will be running to raise awareness and canvas views on the plans for Greater Bedminster. There is more info on the AGB website: https://actiongreaterbedminster.org.uk
In witchI'm a little bit fake
THE WICKED WITCH OF KNOWLE �WICKED WITCH
There was something wrong with my smile - at least in photos.
Somehow, I managed to look like Nanny McPhee with a single tooth on display. In reality, I had the full set, but over the years my teeth had shuffled about, and one of the front ones had slipped backwards. Whenever I saw a picture of myself grinning, I recoiled in horror. I looked like… well, a witch.
After a rant to my dentist, he assured me it could be fixed. A couple of veneers, a small fortune, and voilà - a proper smile again. Brilliant. What I hadn’t anticipated was how brutal the process would be. My two front teeth were shaved down to pitiful little stumps, impressions taken, and temporary teeth glued on. I inspected them in the mirror— temporary though they were,
they looked rather good. I just had to wait three weeks for the permanent ones.
That lasted all of two days. The temps popped off almost immediately. Back I went to the dentist, who glued them on with stronger cement. They lasted… another two days. I gave up and embraced the stumps, making sure I didn’t smile, which was actually quite easy.
At last, the big day arrived. After some more toe-curling grinding, my forever teeth were fitted. Fabulous. I flashed the staff a huge toothy grin and floated home, feeling invincible.
The next day, I wheeled Mum to the park, stopping for a coffee and a KitKat. We sat by the playground, sharing the chocolate. I smiled at everyone who passed, enjoying my newfound confidence. Then I bit down on a finger of KitKat— sharp pain. Odd. Then a hard
crunch. Very odd. I looked down and, to my horror, saw a tooth embedded in the chocolate. My tooth.
Phone out, selfie modeconfirmed. One veneer gone. Nearly swallowed. Wonderful.
By the time I made it back to the dentist, the second one had fired off too. My dentist raised an eyebrow. “Both of them?”he asked, incredulous. I nodded. “Don’t suppose I could have my old teeth back?”I joked, and we all laughed. He fitted sturdier temporary teeth and promised the lab would redo theveneers at no extra cost. That was nice of him.
Now, finally, I do have my proper forever teeth. I adore them. Recently, I arranged to meet an old friend for dinner and walked into town against the tide of commuters. Determined to test-drive my new smile, I fixed it in place, made bold eye
contact, and beamed at everyone I passed. Not one person returned my smile. So either myveneers aretoodazzling or I just look unhinged.
�RECIPE COLUMN - PROVIDED BY MICHELLE VOWLES, REDCATCH COMMUNITY GARDENS
This recipe is part of Redcatch Community Garden Shaping Places project in partnership with Oasis Hub, South Bristol based at Connaught School.
IT AIMS TO BUILD on community strengths and existing work around food insecurity, to work collaboratively with cross-sector partners, to resource and test new approaches and share learning widely.
The project also aims to understand if there is a sustainable model where these meals can be sold to the public and made available at an affordable rate to provide inclusive meals for all.
All sales of meals at the Garden will go towards providing affordable meals for those who need them most. These following meals are available this week on sale at Roots for £4.50 or 3 for £12:
Pasta Bolognese
Sweet & Sour with Rice
(chicken or tofu)
Mac & Cheese
Chicken Curry with Rice
Vegan Chilli with Rice Enjoy!
Ingredients List
■ 500g of minced lamb or minced beef.
■ 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
■ 1 large onion chopped finely.
■ 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely.
■ 1 heaped teaspoon of garam masala.
Lamb Keema
■ 2 inches of root ginger, peeled and chopped finely.
■ 1 tin of chopped tomatoes.
■ 1 tin of new potatoes.
■ 1 tin of garden peas.
Method
1. Fry the onions on a medium heat for 5 mins and transfer to a separate dish.
2. Fry the mince on a heat heat to brown the meat. Stir to ensure it doesn't burn. Cook for 5 minutes or until its all browned.
3. Return the pan to a medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger and garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes before returning to meat. Cook on low for 15 minutes.
4. Add the potatoes and peas. Cook on low for 10 minutes.
5. This can be served as a stand along dish or with naan bread or rice.
Why brown the Meat?
We brown meat to seal in the flavour and to caramelise the juices that come from the meat this gives the dish a more intensive savoury flavour.
52% of Stray Dogs in Bristol Are Unclaimed, Bristol Rescue Centre Reveals
Every year, hundreds of stray animals make their way to Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (B.A.R.C.) reflecting the ongoing need for responsible pet ownership and community awareness.
So far in 2025, the Centre has taken in 164 stray dogs, dozens of cats and even 10 ferrets. More than half of these strays were not reclaimed by their original owners.
Recent figures show that 37 of the dogs found did not have microchips, making it impossible to trace them back to their homes.
Strays were often found in certain areas, including Lawrence Hill, Clifton Downs, and a cluster across Hartcliffe, Bishport Avenue, and Withywood. Some of the animals were found tied to trees, without any belongings or food and
sometimes in very dangerous situations.
“These figures aren’t unusual for us, this is the reality of animal rescue in a big city like Bristol,” said Casey Brown at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.
“But what they show is how vital microchipping, neutering, and responsible pet ownership are. Far too many animals come through our doors every year that could have been reunited with their families if they were
chipped and cared for properly. It’s heartbreaking to see them come in with nothing, alone and no idea what their future may be.”
Peaches (pictured) a 5 month old pug cross was found straying at Bristol Bus Station in February. After being brought to B.A.R.C by a kind member of the public she quickly learnt how to trust again and has found love in her forever home.
The Centre is reminding Bristolians that: Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs and cats, and is essential for reuniting all pets with their owners. Abandoning pets not only puts them at risk but can also lead to fines or prosecution.
Adopting or fostering from B.A.R.C. gives these strays a chance to find safe, loving homes. Members of the public who find a stray dog should contact their local dog warden service.
For more information, to make a donation, or to see animals currently up for adoption, visit www.bristolarc.org.uk
ADVERTORIAL
“Remember Remember the 5th of November” �
Fireworks can be very frightening for our pets. Their enhanced senses make the loud bangs, vibrations and flashes very scary.
LUCKILY, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent pets becoming scared while they are young, or to help keep older pets safe and calm.
Early preparation is key as the release of fireworks are unpredictable.
In dogs signs to look out for include ears back, excessive panting, drooling, shaking, hiding away, barking excessively and messing in the house.
Cats may freeze and refuse to move, have dilated pupils, pin their ears back, urinate or defecate outside of the litter tray, become less playful and spend more time hiding, over groom or may change their eating habits.
Also don’t forget about pets kept outside such as rabbits and guinea as some can get very scared and try to escape, they also may
change their eating habits or stop eating all together. Always bring hutches inside as you would during the winter months.
There are some steps you can take and remember it is never too early to start preparing for firework season:
◆ Build a den (make it cosy and add favourite toys etc)
◆ Play music – Classic FM has a dedicated pet show
◆ Turn on the TV or radio loud to mask any noises
◆ Shut the curtains and windows
◆ Take your dog for a walk before it gets dark
◆ Ensure your pet is microchipped in case they escape and become lost
◆ NEVER take your dog to a firework display to help them get used to the noise. There is a very great risk of triggering phobias
◆ During your preparation throughout the year, play desensitisation videos and CDs to gradually get them used to different noises when they are not at their most unpredictable and loud
◆ Use supplements and pheromone products such as Adaptil/ Feliway which are designed to reduce stress naturally.
Speak to us for more information on how we can help your pet!
by
Article
Lisa Walters RVN of Bristol Imperial Vets for Pets
�NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
We can back nature and economic growth
LAST month, I joined leaders from Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire councils to share a simple message about our region’s future: Together, we will back nature.
BECAUSE NATURE does not constrain our region’s growth - it’s among the many things driving it.
We made this commitment at the Wild Summit, the UK’s new flagship conference for nature, which was hosted here in the West of England, with the support of the CEOs of Triodos Bank UK and the national charity Wildlife and Countryside Link.
This came ahead of the launch of our regional Growth Strategy, which will happen just after your local Voice newspaper is published.
As we turn the page in the West, this is a smart investment in the prosperity, resilience, and well-being of communities across our area for years to come.
We can, and do, prioritise both nature and economic growth as the natural home of green jobs. We know that environmental investment brings an economic return and a social one: greener, healthier places for everyone to live and work, where we can all see and feel the benefits of nature.
The West’s iconic landscapes are rightly a real source of local pride for all of those who call our part of the world home. From the Severn Estuary to the Avon Gorge, from the Mendips to the Cotswolds, our natural world is also another unique selling point for us in a competitive national and global economy.
A shared commitment to nature recovery across the West recognises that re-connected and thriving natural systems underpin better quality of life, places to live and work, productivity, public health, and climate resilience. We will continue working with local communities to improve people’s neighbourhoods and livelihoods, with the opportunity to access
nature in a way that works for you.
Our regional Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the first of its kind in the country, brings people together under a coordinated plan to restore and re-connect nature, and helps integrate nature recovery into housing, transport, and infrastructure planning.
This approach can reduce costs, risks, and delays by designing with nature from the outset, including around flood risk prevention/reduction through investment involving naturebased solutions, like the new wetlands in north Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
The West already has a strong track record in nature recovery. We have good foundations from which to build.
Together, the regional authority, councils, and partners across Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire have restored over 850 hectares of habitat, planted more than 230,000 trees, and improved at
Metro Mayor Helen Godwin writes for the Voice
least 28 miles of rivers over recent years.
Our region has also emerged as a national hub for nature-based innovation, with leading expertise in green finance, alongside our world-class creative industries, including natural history broadcasting.
This announcement sets a clear course for a region where economic growth alongside care for our natural environment will deliver for people, places, and planet – not just now but long into the future.
GOOD NEWS!!! Bristol City Council exempts terminally ill people from paying council tax
Terminally ill people residing in Bristol will now be exempt from paying council tax, following a unanimous vote in favour of Councillor Tom Renhard’s amendment to the annual Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Anyone with a terminal illness will be added to Bristol City Council’s ‘Section 13A award’, which provides council tax exemptions to people in exceptional circumstances.
Research by end of life charity Marie Curie shows that in Bristol, 30% of working-age people are dying in poverty and 17% of pensioners are dying in poverty. The Bristol Labour Group were appalled by these statistics and believe the council
�PUZZLE PAGE
can do more to support the city’s most vulnerable, so have since been pushing for Bristol City Council to follow Manchester’s lead and exempt terminally ill people from paying council tax.
Marie Curie, who have been campaigning on the issue through their ‘Cost of Dying’ campaign,welcomed the news.
Jamie Thunder, Senior Policy Manager for Financial Security at Marie Curie, said:
“The end of life should be a time to focus on what really matters – but for too many people, it’s dominated by financial difficulty as their income drops and costs rise.
“We’re delighted that Bristol City Council has become one of the first in the country to provide specific support with council tax
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NOTEAfterfeedbackfromreaders,wehavemadeTheFiendSLIGHTLYeasier!
to people facing a terminal illness. We would like to thank all parties within the committee for voting unanimously for this change. We hope to expand our campaign further, with more councils across England following suit to ease the financial burden on people at the end of life.”
Councillor Tom Renhard, Leader of Bristol Labour said:
“I’m proud that councillors endorsed our proposal to exempt Bristolians with a terminal illness from paying council tax. Too many people are dying in poverty. Bristol can and should always protect its most vulnerable. This is an important step in the right direction and shows our city’s intent to do all
we can to support those who need it.
“The last thing anyone with a terminal diagnosis needs is the stress of invoices piling up. This council tax exemption means there is one less weight on their shoulders. Bristol is one of the only major cities to offer the worst-off up to a 100% discount on their council tax bills. I’m glad that, after Manchester, we’re one of the first to exempt terminally ill people from council tax too.
“Marie Curie have been instrumental in pushing for more support for people at the end of their life. My thanks goes to them for their vital work improving the quality of life for those facing a terminal illness.”
Celebrating 40Years of Belonging at acta Community Theatre
This summer, acta Community Theatre marked a milestone: forty years of nurturing creativity, building friendships, and standing alongside some of the most resilient and inspiring people in our community.
FOUNDED IN 1985 by Neil Beddow, acta was born from a simple but powerful belief - that creativity is for everyone, and every person has a story worth sharing. Over the decades, acta has become a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds, especially those facing isolation, disadvantage, or hardship. Whether through theatre, visual arts, writing, or simply gathering for a chat, acta has helped thousands find their voice, their confidence, and their community.
One participant shared:
“acta has been a lifeline for me. I used to avoid social situations, overwhelmed and anxious. But the warmth and kindness I found at acta changed everything. I felt safe, supported, and seen. I joined an acting group, made new friends — something I never thought possible as someone disabled, aging, and struggling with depression. acta has transformed my life and wellbeing in ways I can’t fully express.”
This is the heart of acta’s work: recognising the potential in every person, and gently but powerfully challenging inequality by opening doors to creativity, connection, and care.
To celebrate its 40th birthday, acta hosted a cosy, joyful gathering for the people who make acta what it is - its participants, volunteers, and staff. The afternoon was filled with laughter, storytelling, creative activities, and an exhibition of costumes and props from past performances. It was also a chance to unveil a fresh new look for acta, featuring a hand-painted sign by
local sign-writer Tozer and a stunning mural by celebrated street artist Acerone - both reflecting the vibrant spirit of the community.
Community members were asked to share their reflections throughout the day, with a few speeches introduced enthusiastically by two members of acta’s Young Carers theatre group. A regular theme that emerged was how important acta’s commitment to inclusivity had been to them. In a time of great division, the participants repeated what was important to them: “it’s community, friendship and comradery”, “belonging, feeling accepted and included”.
Oliver Jones, Director of acta, said“acta really is an incredible organisation. We are like a big family; we care about the work, and we care about each other. We laugh, we cry, we support each other, and above all, we are proof that theatre and the arts can change people’s lives. I am extremely proud to be the Director of acta, and I know that we have a very exciting future ahead of us. It
has been an eventful first 40 years, and I am sure it will be an eventful next 40 years. People will come and go, but acta will survive and thrive and continue to be a place for everyone to be able to be themselves, tell their stories and make compelling theatre”
But behind the celebration lies a serious challenge. Like many community organisations, acta is facing financial pressures due to rising costs and shrinking funding. The future is uncertain, but the need for acta’s work has never been greater.
If you believe in the power of creativity to heal, connect, and uplift, please consider supporting acta’s Birthday Fundraiser: https://donorbox.org/acta-40#info
■ £25 helps provide materials for a Creative Wellbeing Café session
■ £500 enables a group of Young Carers to create a Play in a Day
To experience the magic of acta for yourself, come along to an upcoming performance.Here’s to forty years of community, creativity, and care - and to many more to come.
�WHAT’S ON
Judo
■ Come and learn the Olympic martial art in a fun and friendly environment.
Tuesdays @ Ashton Vale Community Centre BS3 2QY:
6.30pm-7.30pm - Juniors 5-13 years
7.30pm-8.30pm - Teens/adults 14+ years
Saturdays @ Hengrove Park Leisure Centre BS14 0DE: 10.00am-11.30am - Juniors 5-13 years
11.30am-1.00pm - Teens/adults 14+ years
�CHURCH NEWS
ST ALDHELM’S, Chessel Street, Bedminster
SUNDAY
■ 10am every week, followed by refreshments.
■ 1st Sunday of the Month - All Age Service.
WEDNESDAY
■ 1st Wednesday of the month – 10am BCP Communion, followed by refreshments.
ALL WELCOME
ST PAUL’S, Coronation Road, Southville
SUNDAY
■ 10:30am every week, followed by refreshments.
■ 1st Sunday of the Month - 9am Traditional Communion, 10am Breakfast, 10:45am All Age Service. ALL WELCOME
OVER 30s DANCE PARTY at the superb BAWA Club, Filton
... on the FIRST Friday of every MONTH (NO dance in August or January) It’s the ideal night out for the 30-60 age range. Come dance and socialise amongst a friendly, lively crowd. Dancing Thru’the Decades includes Motown, Soul, Club Classics… Music you can relate to. Club times are 9 ‘til 1. Last entry 11pm – very smart casual. No t-shirts or trainers and gents required to wear collared shirts. Entry: £8. www.mingles.co.uk. Facebook: @Luv2mingle
Tuesday Mornings, 10.15-11.45am
■ Zest Choir is an inclusive, joyful singing group for all adults who love to sing, —even if you can’t sing and think you are tone deaf! We meet at Headley Park Community Centre Contact Mary on 07954 170 532. www.zestchoirs.com.
Third Saturday Every Month, 7:00 to 9:00pm (Next event Sat 20th Sep)
■ Poetry Open Mic - Sign up from 6:30pm. Grounded Bedminster, Bedminster Parade. Hosted by Cal Wensley, New Grounds Poetry
Wednesday Eve, 7:30 to 9:30pm
■ Break Out Voices Community Choir, Do you love singing? Come along to Philip Street Chapel, Bedminster nights in term time to enjoy a FREE taster session for a brand-new branch of popular local community choir Break Out Voices. No experience or audition required – just an ability to hold a tune. Over 18s only. For more info, see www.breakoutvoices.com, or email katefletcher50@hotmail.com
Family Events at the Bristol Beacon
Our new Family Gigs are bursting with music, movement and joy! With singalongs, surprises and a brilliant house band, expect giggles, grooves and lots of jiggle-worthy tunes!
25 October, 20 December & 19 February 10.30am&12pm
Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon
Find out more and book at: https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/ category/family-events/
South Bristol Voice is also now digital
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17-20thDecember, 8pm
■ Bristol Improv Theatre Panto £12/15, Something to tickle your festive funny bone! A unique improvised panto every night.
Saturday 20thDecember, 2pm
■ Bristol Improv Theatre Panto £12/15, Family friendly matinee 2 To book, go to:
www.improvtheatre.co.uk
ANTIQUE, VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES FAIR,
Sunday 6th October 10am-3.30pm.
Ashton Court Mansion House, BS41 9JN.
Fine jewellery, gold and silver, china, militaria, books, prints, paintings, vinyl Vintage clothing and accessories, furniture, watches, toys and lots more. Over 40 stalls all inside mansion house, Café serving teas, coffees, cakes. £2.00 entry, under 16s free
�PLANNING APPLICATIONS (PENDING) - OCTOBER 2025
Bedminster
Units 3 To 4 Charnwood House Marsh Road BS3 2NA, Ref: 25/13955/F
Erection of two additional storeys to provide residential dwellings (Class C3) and ancillary development.
Bedminster Cricket Club Clanage Road BS3 2JX, Ref. No: 25/13863/VC
Willow - Reduce and/or remove branches to clear the sports netting by 2-2.5m.
Ashton Park Sports Centre, Ashton Park School Blackmoors Lane BS3 2JL, Ref: 25/13847/VC
T142 - T147b - Lime group - Raise canopies to give 5.2m highway clearance.
The Orchard Clanage Road BS3 2JX Ref: 25/13823/VC
Species Unknown - Fell
50 Jasper St BS3 3DR, Ref: 25/13699/CP
Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed hip-to-gable loft conversion with full-width rear dormer.
Brunel Ford Winterstoke Rd BS3 2LB Ref: 25/13461/F
Demolition of single storey pavilion building, non material facade treatments to existing showroom building and minor alterations to forecourt layout.
Bishopsworth Garages Oldmead Walk BS13 7BL Ref: 25/14051/COND
Approval of details reserved by condition 13 and 17 of permission 24/00984/X Application for variation of condition 20 (List of approved plans) of permission 21/01911/F Proposed 2 dwellings.
Unit 14A Imperial Park Wills Way BS13 7TJ, Ref: 25/13929/A
1 Internally illuminated fascia sign, 1 internally illuminated projecting sign, 1 non illuminated logo sign, 1 internal display screen, vinyl graphics.
16 Giffords Place BS13 7GP Ref: 25/13844/VC
Ash - Reduce height by 10m, remaining to stand at 6m above ground level.
Bishopsworth Dental Surgery 41-43 Whitchurch Rd BS13 7RU, Ref: 25/12897/F
Proposed single storey rear extension.
Brislington East
9 First Ave. BS4 4DU, Ref: 25/13952/X Removal or Variation of Condition No. 16 (List of approved plans) following a Grant of Planning permission 24/00205/F - Demolition of bungalow & construction of 2 new build semi-detached dwellings.
17 Arlington Rd BS4 4AF, Ref 25/13825/CP
Change of use from C3a to C4, erection of an l-shaped rear roof extension, and 2no. rooflights to front elevation.
75 Broomhill Rd BS4 4SB, Ref: 25/13841/X
Removal/Variation of Conditions 27, 8 & 10 of 24/03010/F. Demolition of the existing single storey side extension and the creation of a new dwelling with associated car and cycle parking, refuse and recycling provision and private garden.
84 Newbridge Rd BS4 4DL Ref: 25/13776/CP
Existing attic space will be converted into 2 bedrooms with a rear dormer.
Brislington West
86 Repton Rd BS4 3LX, Ref 25/13951/CP
Change of use from C3 Single Dwelling to C4 House in Multiple Occupation for 3-6 unrelated individuals.
48A Talbot Rd BS4 2NW Ref 25/13690/X Variation of Condition 4 (24/01175/H)
- Construction of single storey rear extension with externally accessible cellar space below, new gable roof overhangs above front and side doors. Rebuild and replace existing detached garage in the rear garden area.
Filwood
13 Wexford Rd BS4 1PU, Ref 25/13731/HX
Erection of a single storey rear extension that would exceed beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.5m have a maximum height of 2.9m, and have eaves that are 2.96m high.
Hengrove and Whitchurch
Former School Site New Fosseway Rd BS14 9LN, Ref: 25/14018/COND
(Related to 23/01990/M) Approval of Reserved Matters for Phase one of the development for 130 dwellings, following consent granted under application no. 22/01199/PB
Former School Site New Fosseway Rd BS14 9LN, Ref: 25/14019/COND
(Related to 22/01199/PB) Approval of provision of up to 200 residential dwellings
34 Eastnor Rd BS14 0JD, Ref: 25/13988/H
First Floor Side Extension
118 Fortfield Rd BS14 9NS
Ref: 25/13968/COND
(Related to 25/11038/F) Construction of five new two bedroom residential units in southern part of the site to be designated as housing for homeless families, in alignment with the existing use of the site.
38 Kilbirnie Rd BS14 0HS Ref: 25/13896/H
Single storey rear and side extension.
1 Appledore Close BS14 9AX Ref: 25/13846/H
Proposed first floor extension
Car Park East Of Parkview, Whitchurch Lane Whitchurch BS14 0TJ, Ref: 25/13818/NMA
Amendment to 24/01096/F - Phased development comprising a reconfiguration of the existing car park to provide 210 car parking spaces and a second phase of 49 dwellings with associated car parking and ancillary development. (Major). Amendment - Development needs to be changed so that the number of dwellings referred to is 46 not 49.
Former School Site New Fosseway Rd BS14 9LN, Ref: 25/13814/COND
(Related to 23/01990/M) Phase one of the development for 130 dwellings, following consent granted under application no. 22/01199/PB.
Land To East Of The Boulevard BS14 0DE, Ref: 25/13761/NMA
Amendment to 21/02982/FB -
Mixed use development comprising ground floor flexible floor space
(Use Class E/Use Class F.2/Sui
Generis drinking establishment/Sui Generis hot food takeaway) and 53 residential dwellings (Use Class C3) on upper floors. Provision of hard and soft landscaping, car parking, cycle parking, refuse / recycling storage, and public realm works (Major).
36 Hengrove Lane BS14 9DL Ref: 25/13674/H
Demolition of existing garage and erection of single-storey outbuilding to provide additional ancillary space.
Land At Hill Farm Off East Dundry Rd BS14 0BW, Ref: 25/12965/F
Use of land for access to solar farm, covering the construction and operation periods, and requiring trimming of hedge in visibility splay.
Knowle
35 Harrowdene Rd BS4 2JL Ref: 25/13909/CP
Creation of a rear dormer and associated works. Ground floor replacement rear extension.
286 292 Wells Road Knowle BS4 2PU Ref: 25/13864/PINS
Conversion of upper floors of existing buildings (bank and ancillary office space (Use Class E(c(i)) to provide 9 self-contained flats, including refuse, recycling and cycle storage at ground floor level, partial demolition to rear ground floor level, first floor rear extension, removal of hipped roof to rear extension, and erection of a mansard roof extension. Subdivision of existing commercial unit at ground floor level to create 2no. commercial units, and installation of replacement shopfronts.
Bowling Green Redcatch Park Broad Walk BS4 2RA, Ref: 25/13522/X Related to Condition 2 of 19/02616/X attached to planning permission 17/00244/F - to add a shipping container to the existing approved structures currently on site.)
374 Wells Road Knowle BS4 2QP Ref: 25/13439/F
Demolition of existing single storey residential garage, workshop and WC to create a new build singlestorey detached 1-bedroom dwelling.
Southville
9 Langton Pk BS3 1EG, Ref: 25/14013/VC T1-Cherry - Height & lateral reduction by 2.5-3m. T2-Cherry - Height and lateral reduction by 1.5-2m.
18 Stackpool Road BS3 1NQ Ref: 25/13934/VD 5 Day Notice: Bay (dangerous) - Fell.
Stafford Yard Stafford St BS3 4DE Ref: 25/13956/NMA
Amendment to 22/02556/X (condition 36) and 21/05297/X (condition 37) and 18/06722/F.
Demolition and redevelopment to provide 2 new buildings (3-16 storey's) comprising 295 no. build-torent residential apartments (Use Class C3) including flexible gym, flexible activity space, concierge and residents lounge and 21 residential apartments for affordable housing (Use Class C3) and landscaping, public realm, bin storage, plant areas and cycle parking. Amendments to position of apartments and changes to balcony details.
7 Pembroke Road BS3 1PP Ref: 25/13850/H
Demolition of existing rear extensions. Internal reconfiguration and new rear extension.
27 Clift Road BS3 1RZ Ref: 25/13757/H
Proposed dormer construction to facilitate loft conversion, terrace and associated internal alterations.
56 Mount Pleasant Terrace BS3 1LF Ref: 25/13693/H
Installation of new bi-fold doors and rear balcony. Insertion of roof lights, replacement railings to front light well. Internal alterations.
Asda Stores Ltd, East Street BS3 4JY Ref: 25/13635/VP
Sycamores - Cut back to historic pollard point. (TPO 1102)
12 Langton Pk BS3 1EG Ref 25/13642/H Rear roof dormer extension and raising of ridge height for loft conversion.
1 Beauley Rd BS3 1PX Ref: 25/12395/F
Retrospective change the use of the basement from ancillary/storage to a self-contained residential flat.
Windmill Hill
48 Weymouth Road BS3 5HJ Ref: 25/13986/H
Single storey extension to front of proposed to create larger store area.
Land At Temple Island Redcliff Ref: 25/13979/NMA
Amendment to 24/03996/X and 22/05730/F (Condition 2)
Construction of a gravity foul sewer to accommodate the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus development.
The Theatre and Entertainment Luvver
South Bristol Gets Spooky
October in Bristol means one thing - spooky season is here, and there’s plenty of ghoulish goings-on to get your teeth into (fangs optional).Whether you’re after proper frights or a night of eerie entertainment, South Bristol and beyond is brimming with treats and maybe the odd trick.
THINK BEDMINSTER’S all cafés, bars, pubs, indie shops and colourful street art?
Think again. Lurking in its past are grave robbers, body snatchers, concrete coffins and hanging judges.Show of Strength’s Blood and Butchery in Bedminsteris not your average evening stroll.This adult only walking theatre tour dives into the bloodier side of our local history with some crime, punishment and plenty of very gruesome stories!You’ll never look at Bedminster in quite the same way.
SS Great Britain will be setting sail into the shadows
this half term with Woeful Wounds’ making a gory return with special effects make-up artists from SGS College creating realistic cuts, rashes, and blisters for anyone brave enough to give it a go!And below deck, ghostly apparitions and strange encounters await …
More chills are available at Bristol Old Vic who will be serving up a double dose of theatrical fear. First is“Even More Ghost Stories by Candlelight”, four chilling new talestold by flickering candlelight, goosebumps are guaranteed.Then in the main house comesGurt Haunted, a
Bristol paranormal parody. Expect eerie pubs, disappearing bus stops and spirits lurking in Asda Bedminster - a hilarious mix of silliness and the supernatural.
At the Shakespeare Tavern on Prince Street, Bristol’s longest serving Ale house, Night of the Living Harbouris bringing music and a healthy splash of gore to one of the city’s most haunted pubs.
And for something truly unique,Clothemod’s Runway: Crystal Cave Dwelleris a fashion show in Redcliffe caves held on
Halloween. Models will strut through the caves in designs inspired by crystals, folklore and the underground world, blending high fashion with gothic atmosphere. So wrap up warm, keep your torch handy… and whatever you do, don’t look behind you.
Inspirations of local artist revealed after showcasing his work for the very first time
The Bristol Sea Shanty Shout returned to the Underfall Yard on the 20th and 21st of September. There were various musical performances and an arts and crafts fair that people enjoyed.
Local resident, Tony Taylor, showcased his art for the very first time at this fair. He lived in Knowle for over 35 years before recently retiring and moving down the road to the harbour. He is a full-time artist and potter who
works in clay, oils, pen, watercolour and pencil. A selection of small pots, pen & watercolour Bristol sketches as well as life drawing works were on sale at his stall.
The South Bristol Voice recently caught up with Tony to get an insight in to how he works and what inspires him.
Tony said: “I discovered the joy of working in oil during lockdown whilst taking part in South Bristol artist Cat Knight’s online workshops.
“When working with clay I generally don’t start with a
�ADVERTORIAL - BRISTOL BEER FACTORY
preconceived idea - currently I’m working mainly on the wheel, and I like the clay to lead me into a general form that I feel my way round to create a shape that I then hone in on. I use the harbour and water to help with my colour glazing choices; early morning sun on the harbour can reveal some amazing colours that inspire my choices. I have recently started clay hand building and I’m combining it with my life drawing skills to create life sculptures.
“I use my own photography and social media for my workedup oil paintings - landscapes start with a “en plein air” sketch and a photo that I take back into the studio. Life paintings I usually take from social media images that I find unusual and inspiring, I take the image and work it up into my own painting style.
“Life drawing, I think is the basis to all drawing art forms, it helps you get proportions and
perspectives that can be used in whatever works you create.”
Tony can regularly be seen sketching around central Bristol and the harbour but is also a regular attendee at the Royal West of England Academy art gallery, Folk House life drawing sessions and is a member of the Zed alley pottery studio and the Quinton’s art group.
Samples of his work and process can be seen on his Instagram account @tonytaylor1302 Story by Joshua Churcher
Half a Million Reasons to Raise a Glass: Bristol Beer Factory Raises over £500,000 for Bristol Communities
Bristol Beer Factory (BBF) has raised astaggering £585,000for community groups across the city through itsBrewed to Giveinitiative, proving that pints really can power change!
LAUNCHED IN MAY 2023, the initiative pledges2% from every brewery sale to Bristol charities and local causes,but it’s about more than just signing a cheque. BBF donates cost-price beer, bar equipment, event space and handson support, helping groups raise funds for themselves, from street festivals to school raffles. In doing so,Brewed to Giveflips beer into real cash, maximising the impact of its support. 100% of the funds raised are kept by the community, for the community.
“Every keg, cask or can leaving our yard gives something back to the city,”said Sam Burrows, Managing Director of Bristol Beer Factory.“This campaign is about connection, fairness and doing our bit for Bristol.“We’re not just brewing beer, we’re helping brew a fairer city, and every pint counts.”
The numbers behind the impact:
◆ £246,000given as cash donations, in cost-price stock, and event support
◆ 1,200+cases of beer supplied to raffles and auctions, turning £17k of beer into £61k of funds
◆ 126fundraising events supported, generating over £305,000 in takings
◆ 21sponsorship partners, with £160k donated unlocking £183k of unrestricted funds
◆ Free venue hire at Studio BBF, saving local groups £34,000+
◆ Among the 289 charities and organisations supported across the city are:
◆ Talk Clubreceived £125,000+ which is 5% of total Clear Head sales, their alcohol-free IPA, helping fund peer groups and mental fitness initiatives across the UK
◆ St Werburghs City Farmraised £70,000+ with BBF beer, bar builds and volunteers to support
year-round community wellbeing activities.
◆ The Coexist Community Kitchenraised £14,600 through events and donations to support marginalised communities through cooking programmes.
◆ Bristol Bisons Rugbyreceived £16,900 in sponsorship, beer, and kit to trail-blaze inclusive rugby.
◆ The MAZI Projectreceived support totalling£10,000 to expand access to food for young people
◆ Jam Nice CICraised £2,500+ at one event which will help remove barriers in creative industries.
“Brewed to Give gave us genuine freedom to fundraise in a way that works for us, and it multiplied the benefit,”said Hadie Abido, co-founder of the Jam Jar. “The support has gone beyond anything we imagined,”added Jamie White of Bristol Bisons Rugby. “We all love coming to BBF. It’s inclusive, iconic, and totally
community-first.”
“For us, it is clear that Bristol Beer Factory is driven by a desire for people to thrive, be that through providing a top-notch pint to have a chat over, supporting crucial mental health initiatives or backing grassroots community organisations doing vital work where it is most needed. Sometimes I wonder what Bristol would look like if all businesses followed BBF's example by putting people at the centre.”Hugh Rose, Director of Bristol Tree Craft Project.
Sam continues“Bringing people together over world-class beer is at the heart of what we do. It is where communities are built. This campaign is about using our currency, beer, to give back to our community, and support what Bristol does best - creativity, sport, inclusion and people-powered change.”
The initiative recently won the SIBA Community Engagement Award, and with the new BS3 brewery now open, Bristol Beer Factory highlights this is just the start!
Doomed South Bristol running track could be replaced on nearby school playing fields
A doomed running track in South Bristol could soon be replaced with a new track on nearby school playing fields. The Whitchurch Athletics Track is earmarked for a new housing development so councillors have been trying to find an alternative location for a replacement.
A MILE UP THE ROAD in Hengrove are two schools with large playing fields, the John Williams high school and the New Oak primary school. Both academies are run by Oasis Community Learning, which is planning to build 360 homes on its 28 acres of fields near the Wells Road.
The income from the housing development would pay for a replacement primary school with provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as improved sports facilities for the school and local community. This includes sports pitches and an “Active Track”.
Bristol City Council is coming under increasing pressure to save or find a replacement for the Whitchurch Athletics Track. The playing fields at Oasis John Williams could provide an answer, and were discussed by the strategy and resources policy committee on Monday, September 15.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Sarah Classick, representing Hengrove and Whitchurch Park, said: “With this comes extra amenities to the area, which we would be keen to see — the SEND provision and the athletics as well. That’s a really key issue in our ward at the moment.
“It has been suggested that there might be a running track as part of this, something that we’re potentially losing in Hengrove Park. So I think that would be a real thing for us to see those provisions still come back into Hengrove and be kept in Hengrove.”
Half a century ago an athletics track opened in Hengrove Park on the site of a
former airport. The council formally closed the track in 2010, with a replacement in Whitehall five miles away. Since then, the track has still been used by local running clubs informally, as well as the Bristol Family Cycling Centre. But this use will likely come to an end in the next few years.
Goram Homes, the councilowned developer, is planning to build 150 homes on the athletics track. So far council bosses have resisted calls to change the plans, but in July councillors pledged to help find a location for a new track. That was after more than 6,500 petitioners called for the track to be saved and forced a debate in a full council meeting.
Leading the campaign to save Whitchurch Athletics Track is John Pearce. Commenting on the option of an Active Track on the Oasis John Williams playing fields, he said this could be too small. A council report suggested the Active Track would be for “running, walking and scooting”.
Mr Pearce added: “As great as this sounds, it’s a world apart from a competitive eight-lane competitive circuit, of which Bristol doesn’t have one, that can host regional and national competitions. Plus we’re not
only campaigning to see the Whitchurch Athletics Track regenerated but also to see the Bristol Family Cycling Centre stay in South Bristol.
“Our vision for a regenerated Whitchurch Athletics Track is for it to be run by the community, for the community. Jubilee Pool is a shining example of what can happen when passionate community members can make something flourish. This is our vision for the track.”
Jubilee Swimming Pool in Knowle was threatened with closure several times over the past couple of decades. Three years ago the council transferred management of the pool to the Friends of Jubilee Pool group, in a community asset transfer, saving it from closure.
Oasis hasn’t applied for planning permission yet, so details of the playing fields development are unclear. Meanwhile the council is pressing ahead with plans for a major new cycling centre in Lawrence Weston, although this is very far from Whitchurch and staff previously admitted the journey would be too long for many people in South Bristol.
As well as saving the athletics track, Mr Pearce is now trying to keep the cycling centre in South
Bristol too. A new petition has already attracted more than 600 signatures, calling for Bristol to have a cycling centre in both the north and south of the city.
He said: “The £15-million WECA-funded Regional Cycling Hub, scheduled to be built in Lawrence Weston, will be an amazing facility. The unspoken tragedy of this new facility is that the Bristol Family Cycling Centre will close and move its services 10 miles from South Bristol. This is unnecessary and Bristol is big enough to have a north and a south cycling centre.
“What do you think the likelihood is of South Bristol people driving 10 miles to Lawrence Weston, potentially getting charged by Clean Air Zone cameras, then paying admission to the new cycling hub? Numbers will plummet and the health and well-being benefit that cycling provides to the area — with high levels of obesity, inactivity and poor health — will disappear.”
The development on the Oasis playing fields is a joint project between the council and the academy chain. The primary school currently has one class in each year group, but would be replaced with a larger school with two classes in each year, as well as a SEND resource base.
Councillors on the strategy and resources policy committee raised concerns about losing the playing fields and the lack of a comprehensive public consultation. They deferred a decision on approving the loss of the playing fields, and asked for council staff to bring back more details.
During the July debate Liberal Democrat Cllr Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities policy committee, said changing the plans for the Whitchurch Athletics Track would be “very difficult”. He added there are many sports facilities nearby, including a gymnastic centre in Whitchurch, a huge swimming pool at the Hengrove Leisure Centre, and football pitches too.
Article by Alex Seabrook Local Democracy Reporter
Whitchurch Athletics Track from the air - [Image by John Peace (Facebook)]
SOUTH BRISTOL DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS
Detailed below are the locations of the existing defibrillators accessible 24/7 (unless marked ‘restricted’) that Simon Brookes from Defibs4Bristol.com
compiled, together with ‘what3words’locations for each.
Trojan Fitness, Unit 204, South Liberty Lane, Ashton, BS3 2TY. jars.digs.sooner Bristol BS3 communities Chessels, BS3 3DN. herbs.gather.truck C.J.Hole 268 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1JA. still.frogs.string Bristol BS3 communities Southville Centre, Southville, BS3 1QG. goods.luxury.comic Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian St, Windmill Hill, BS3 4LW. wings.spike.remain
The Masonic, 110 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1HF. exit.poetic.poetic Monarch House, Smyth Road, Ashton, BS3 2BX. casino.milky.other The Garages, Islington Road, Southville, BS3 1QB. loving.shades.fonts The Luckwell Hotel, Luckwell Road, Southville, BS3 3HB. last.packet.garage 194, West Street, Bedminster BS3 3NB. shadow.elder.gather Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Road, Ashton, BS3 2EJ. hats.sank.complains County Gates, Ashton Road, Ashton, BS3 2JH. palm.award.polite
Imperial Tobacco, 121 Winterstoke Road, Ashton, BS3 2LL (restricted). deflection.person.tonic
Ashton Vale Church, Risdale Road, Ashton, BS3 2QY. empire.rises.secure Swimming Baths, Knowle, BS4 2LP. market.weep.taken Bristol Osteopaths, 253 Wells Road, Totterdown, BS4 2PH. marked.plan.broker Redcatch Park, Knowle, BS4 2RD. jazz.noted.tricks
Knowle Cricket Club BS4 2RD (restricted). Knowle, lowest.fees.match Broadwalk shopping centre, Wells Road, Knowle, BS4 2QU (restricted). link.along.soap Grove Park, Brislington, BS4 3LG. bring.glitz.tunes
PureGym, Unit 2C, Brislington Retail Park, Bath Road, Brislington, BS4 4NG. soap.kite.finest Brislington & St Anne’s Conservative Club, 109 Wick Road, Brislington, BS4 4HE. save.booth.battle PYTCH, 4 Skyline Park, Hartcliffe, BS4 5QH. appeal.bolts.shaped Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Road, Totterdown, BS4 2AX. loaf.charm.broker
Help us keep this list up to date! If you notice any errors or emissions, email us at news@southbristolvoice.co.uk
Simply take a photo of these pages on your phone and save it for emergency use, or cut the pages out and keep for reference.
The what3words location is given in red for each AED location. What3Words is a location finding app available on iPhone and Android phones and tablets which allows you to name, pinpoint and share locations anywhere in the world by way of a unique 3 word identifier. It is being used by emergency services to help locate people and incidents, and using it will enable you to find the exact location of any of these defibrillators in an emergency. Why not download the app to your phone now?
